CHAP. XXIX. Of Elixation.
ELixation is the boyling of a Medicament in some Liquor different from it, accord∣ing to the diversity of the Medicament, and the various intentions of the Artist. It is to endure a longer or lesser time, as the Medicaments are more or less solid. Generally Fountain or River-water is more us'd in Elixation: but sometimes Mineral∣waters. Lyes▪ Rain-water, Dew, Snow and Sea-water may be us'd as well. Milk, Whey, Hydromel, Wine, Vinegar, Beer, divers Juices of Plants, Distill'd-waters, Oyls, Fats, as also the Urines of several Animals, are many times more properly ser∣viceable.
The most usual intent of Elixation is to impart the vertue of the Medicaments to the Liquors: As many times it happ'ns in several Decoctions made for Apozemes, Potions, Clysters, Fomentations, Baths, &c. as also for Syrups, Electuaries, Oyls, Oyntments, &c. Sometimes it serves to take away the Crudity of the parts of Animals or Plants; to soft'n them; and not only to make the things boyl'd, but the Broth it self useful: as in the Elixation of Flesh, Roots, Herbs, and Fruits which we eat. It is useful also to take away from any Medicament or Aliment any ill taste, or ill quality, as from Colli-flowers and Champignons which are boyl'd in two Waters, the first of which is thrown away, and with it the hurtful Juice of the Colli-flowers and Mush∣room▪ It also separates the earthy and gross parts of Medicaments: as in the Elixa∣tion of Salts, Sugar, and Honey, to take off the scum. It serves also for the preser∣vation