The compleat herbal of physical plants containing all such English and foreign herbs, shrubs and trees as are used in physick and surgery ... : the doses or quantities of such as are prescribed by the London-physicians and others are proportioned : also directions for making compound-waters, syrups simple and compound, electuaries ... : moreover the gums, balsams, oyls, juices, and the like, which are sold by apothecaries and druggists are added to this herbal, and their irtues and uses are fully described / by John Pechey ...

S.

SAge of Jerusalem, in La∣tin Pulmonaria Maculo∣sa.

'Tis commonly used with Pot-herbs. 'Tis cor∣dial, and good for the Lungs. 'Tis much of the healing Nature of Com∣frey. 'Tis chiefly used for Ulcers of the Lungs, and for other Diseases of them; as, a Consumption, Spit∣ting of Blood, and the like. 'Tis used outwardly for Wounds. 'Tis an Ingre∣dient in the Magisterial-Water of Snails of the Lon∣don-Dispensatory.

Sanders, in Latin San∣talum.

There are three sorts of it, White, Yellow and Red. These Woods are Epatick and Cordial. They are chiefly used for Fainting, Palpitation of the Heart, and Obstru∣ctions of the Liver. They are used outwardly in Epi∣thems, for Catarrhs, Head-ach, Vomiting, and for an hot Intemperies of the Li∣ver. The Arabians, and most of the Modern Physi∣cians, hold, that Sanders are cold: But John Bauhi∣nus, and others, judge they are hot, by their Effects and Taste. Great quanti∣ties of the White and Yel∣low Sanders are used in In∣dia; for almost all the In∣habitants wash their Bodies with Water wherein they have been infus'd, having been first pounded in a Stone-Mortar, and then they suffer it to dry on: And this they do to cool their Bodies, and to per∣fume them, for the Indians are much delighted with sweet Smells. Red Sanders cools and binds. White Sanders powder'd, and ta∣ken in an Egg, or infus'd all Night upon hot Ashes, in Red Wine, and taken inwardly, stops the Flux. The Species of the three Sanders of the London-Dis∣pensatory is made in the fol∣lowing manner: Take of all the Sorts of the Sanders, and Red Roses, each three Drams; Rubarb, Ivory, Juice of Liquorish, and Pur∣••lain-seeds, of each two Drams and fifteen Grains; of Gum-Arabick, Traga∣canth, of the Seeds of Me∣lons, Cucumbers, Citruls,

Goards, and Endive, of each one Dram and an half; of Camphyr one Scru∣ple; make a Powder ac∣cording to Art. 'Tis used for Obstructions of the Li∣ver, for the Jaundice, and for Weakness of the Sto∣mach and Bowels.

Sarsaparilla.

It con∣sists of fine Parts, and is Sudorifick. 'Tis a Specifick for the French-Pox, for Pains in the Limbs, and for curing Ulcers and Cro∣nical Diseases that proceed from gross and clammy Humours, and for such as depend on the Nerves. 'Tis also used for the King's-Evil, and the like. Take of Sarsaparilla ten Ounces, of the Roots of China four Ounces, of fresh Roots of Female Fern three Ounces, of White Sanders two Ounces, of Harts-horn and Ivory rasp'd, each one Ounce and an half; infuse them twelve Hours in ten Quarts of Barly-wa∣ter, then boyl it to the Consumption of a third part; adding towards the latter end, Raisins of the Sun ston'd half a Pound; then strain it, and add an Ounce of Fine Sugar to every Pint of the Deco∣ction, and a Dram of Co∣riander-seeds: Keep it in Stone-Bottles, well stop'd, in a Cellar. Take of Sar∣saparilla powder'd two Ounces, of the Inner Re∣sinous Wood of Guaiacum half an Ounce, of Hart's-horn burnt, and the Tro∣ches of Vipers, each one Ounce; of Yellow San∣ders, Tormentile and Am∣ber, each half an Ounce; of Diaphoretick Antimony the weight of all the rest; make an Electuary with equal Parts of Syrup of Rasberries, and the Alter∣ing Syrup of Apples: The Dose is one Dram, drink∣ing upon it a Draught of the Decoction of Sarsa to provoke Sweat. The two Medicines above-mention'd are used for the Cure of the French-Pox.

Sassafras.

It grows in Florida, and in other Re∣gions of America. The Decoction of the Wood of the Root and of the Bark is much used. 'Tis good for the Hip-Gout, and for

Obstructions; and is count∣ed excellent for pale Vir∣gins. 'Tis much used for the French-Pox. It expels Wind from the Womb, takes off Crudities, pro∣vokes the Courses wonder∣fully, and cures barrenness, and makes lean People fat. Many use the Water, or Decoction of it, to prevent the Plague, and other Con∣tagious Diseases. 'Tis good for Wind, and cold Diseases of the Stomach. It helps Concoction, stops Vomiting, and is very good for cold Diseases of the Breast. It cures the Head-ach, expels Gravel, takes off the Heat of Urine, cures a Stinking Breath, and stops Catarrhs. Take of Sassafras six Drams, of Sarsaparilla four Ounces, of the inner Resinous Wood of Guaiacum three Ounces, of the Bark of the same one Ounce; of the Roots of Bur-dock, Scorzonera, Con∣trayerva, Tormentil, and Butter-bur, of each one Ounce and an half; infuse them in two Quarts of Small White-wine, upon hot Ashes, for twenty four Hours; then add six Quarts of Fountain-water, and boyl it half away; put in also of Annise-seeds, Sweet-Fen∣nel-seeds, and Coriander-seeds, each three Drams; of Liquorish two Ounces; strain it for use. Electua∣ry of Sassafras of the Lon∣don-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the most fragrant Wood of Sassafras two Ounces, boyl it in three Pints of common Water till half is consum'd; to∣wards the End add half an Ounce of Cinnamon grosly powder'd; strain it, and with two Pounds of Fine Sugar boyl it to a thick Sy∣rup; then add of Cinna∣mon powder'd one Dram, of Nutmegs powder'd half a Scruple, of Amber-grease thirty two Grains, of Musk three Grains, ten Leaves of Gold, and four Drops of Spirit of Vitriol: Make an Electuary according to Art. It opens Obstructions, stops Defluxions, helps Conco∣ction, expels Wind and Gravel, and is generally good for Diseases that pro∣ceed from cold, crude and thin Humours. A Dram of it may be taken at a time.

Saw-wort, in Latin Se∣ratula.

'Tis called so be∣cause the Leaves are in∣dented like a Saw. Taken in Wine 'tis good for Rup∣tures and Bruises; and a Dram of the Powder of the Root taken in hot Wine, does the same. A Decoction of it in Wine cleanses Ul∣cers wonderfully, and in∣carns and cicatrises them. It eases the Pain of the Piles, they being fomented with it. The Leaves and the Root beat together, and applied, cures Wounds and Bursten Bellies.

Scammony, in Latin Scammonium.

The best comes from Antioch; 'tis clear, splendid, melts easily, and breaks easily, is not very weighty; being touch∣ed with the Tongue it grows milky, when it is broken 'tis yellowish; but that which we have com∣monly is of an Ash-colour, and looks ill, because it is not the Liquor or Tear flowing from the Plant, but the Juice press'd out. It purges strongly Choler∣ick, Watery and Sharp Hu∣mours from the remote Parts, and therefore is fre∣quently used for such Pur∣poses: The Dose is, from six Grains to a Scruple. But it is most commonly used mix'd with some other thing. The Preparation of Scammony is in the fol∣lowing manner: Put the Powder of Scammony into a Quince made hollow, co∣ver'd with Paste, and baked in an Oven, or roasted un∣der Ashes; take out the Scammony, and being so prepar'd, 'tis called Diagri∣dium. There is another Preparation of it with Sul∣phure: Take of Scammo∣ny powder'd as much as you please, put it upon a Paper, hold the Paper over Live Coals whereupon Brimstone is cast, till the Scammony melts, or grows white; and this is called Sulphurated Scammony. Diagridium is an Ingre∣dient in the Golden Pill, and of the Pill Cochia Major. Scammony is an Ingredient in the Pill Cochia Minor, of the Pill De Lapide Lazuli, of the Pill of Opopanax, of the Pill Rudii, and of the Pill Sine-quibus. Take of Calcin'd Hart's-horn three

Grains, of Mercurius Dul••is fifteen Grains, one Drop of Oyl of Sulphure being drop'd upon it, Diagri∣dium nine Grains, Cinna∣mon two Grains, Spirit of Hart's-horn three Drops; mingle them, make a Pow∣der to be taken in the Pap of a Roasted Apple once a Week. This is a proper Purge for Children that are troubled with Worms. Scammony is also an Ingre∣dient of the Electuary of the Juice of Roses of the London-Dispensatory.

Scottish Scurvy-grass, Sea-Coal-wort, or Sea-bind-Weed, in Latin Soldanalla Marina.

The Herb is A∣crid, and injurious to the Stomach; it purges vio∣lently; but because of its Acrimony, 'tis boyl'd in fat Broth. 'Tis peculiarly pro∣per to evacuate Water in a Dropsie: 'Tis also good in the Scurvy. 'Tis cor∣rected with Cinnamon, Mace, Ginger and Annise-seeds, and the like. 'Tis given sometimes in Sub∣stance, and then the Dose is, from half a Dram to a Dram. Take of the Leaves of Scottish Scurvy-grass half an Ounce, of Annise-seeds one Scruple; boyl them in Flesh-Broth for one Dose. Take of the Powder of Scottish Scurvy-grass one Dram; of Spike and Mace, each half a Scruple; min∣gle them. Either of these Medicines is used to purge Water.

Sebestens, or Assyrian Plums, in Latin Myxa, si∣ve Sebesten.

They grow in Egypt and Asia. They are much used in Diseases of the Lungs, for Coughs joyn∣ed with Heat and Drought, for Difficulty of Breathing, a Pleuresie, a Peripneumo∣nia, an Hoarsness, and for a Catarrh. They are an Ingredient in the Pectoral Decoction of the London-Dispensatory, and in the Sy∣rup of Hysop.

Sena.

It grows in Sy∣ria, Persia and Arabia; and from thence is carried into Egypt, to Alexandria; from whence it is brought to us. It purges Choler, Flegm, and Melancholy; but it is flatulent; and is apt to dis∣turb the Stomach and

Bowels. 'Tis corrected with Cinnamon, Galangal and Ginger. 'Tis given in Substance, from half a Dram to one Dram and an half; and in Infusion, from two Drams to five. Great Virtues are attributed to it by the Ancient and Modern Physicians. It cures the Head-ach, is good for Mad∣ness, the Falling-sickness, a Palsie, and the Itch, and the like. It chears the Heart, quickens the Sight, helps Hearing, and opens Obstructions of the Bowels. Take of the Leaves of Se∣na cleans'd a sufficient quan∣tity, put them into a Glass-Bottle, and pour upon them so much Aqua-vitae as will rise four or five Fingers a∣bove the Matter; stop the Bottle close, and let it stand for two Days: The Dose is two Spoonfuls in Broth. Sena is an Ingredient of Elixir Salutis, which is, in∣deed, an excellent Medi∣cine. 'Tis made in the fol∣lowing manner: Take of the Leaves of Sena four Ounces, of Guaiacum, and of the Roots of Elecam∣pane dried, of the Seeds of Annise, Carraways and Co∣riander, and of Liquorish, each two Ounces; of Rai∣sins of the Sun ston'd half a Pound; steep them in the Cold, in three Quarts of Aqua-vitae, for the space of four Days; strain it: The Dose is two, three or four Spoonfuls, more or less, according to the Age and Strength of the Patient. 'Tis excellent for the Cho∣lick, and for Gravel, and many other Diseases. 'Tis sold, I believe, in most Market-Towns in England, and is made by many: And there has been very hot Disputes amongst the Pub∣lishers, about the Primoge∣niture of it. The Greater Compound-Powder of Sena of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Seeds of Annise, Caraway, Fen∣nel, Cummin, Spike-Nard, Cinnamon and Galangal, each half an Ounce; of Liquorish and Gromel, each one Ounce; of Sena the weight of all: Make a Powder. The Lesser Com∣pound-Powder of Sena of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the best

Sena two Ounces, of the Cream of Tartar half an Ounce, of Mace two Scru∣ples and an half, of Gin∣ger and Cinnamon, of each one Dram and an half; Sal Gemmae one Dram; make a Powder according to Art. The Powder cal∣led Dia-Sena of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Leaves of Sena, and of Cream of Tartar, each two Ounces; of Cloves, Cinnamon, Galangal and Bishop's-weed, each two Drams; of Diagridium half an Ounce: Make a Powder according to Art. The Decoction called De∣coctum Senae Gerconis of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Leaves of Sena two Ounces, of the Roots of Polypody of the Oak half an Ounce, of Ginger one Dram, of Raisins of the Sun ston'd two Ounces, of Sebestens and Damask-Prunes, each in number Twelve, of the Flowers of Borrage, Violets, Red Ro∣ses, and Rosemary-flowers, each two Drams; boyl them in two Quarts of Fountain-water, to the Con∣sumption of half: But some Purging Syrup is usually added to this, to make it work.

Skirret, in Latin Sisa∣rum.

'Tis sown in Gar∣dens; but the usual Way of propagating it is, to set the lesser Roots in Februa∣ry or March, before they spring; the greater being to be eaten at that time, boyl'd, and dish'd with Butter, Pepper and Salt, the middle hard Nerve be∣ing first taken out. Cordus says, that it is the most wholesom Root that is eat∣en. 'Tis hot and moist, and concocts easily▪ and nourishes pretty well; but it is windy, and there∣fore a Provocative to Ve∣nery.

Smilax Aspera.

It grows in Sicily, Italy and France every where in the Hedges. 'Tis a Succeda∣num for Sarsaparilla. It cures the French-Pox, and Pains of the Joints and Nerves. It evacuates hurt∣ful Humours by Sweat and Transpiration, and cures

the Vices of the Skin. 'Tis given in Powder, or in a Decoction. Fallopius cured several of the French-Pox with it.

Virginian Snake-weed, in Latin Polyrhizos Virginia∣na.

'Tis a most certain and present Remedy a∣gainst the Venom of the Rattle-Snake. 'Tis also good for the Biting of a Mad Dog, and to cure a Quartan-Ague, half a Dram or a Dram of it being ta∣ken just before the Fit comes. 'Tis also used in Pestilential Fevers, and al∣so for the Worms in Chil∣dren. Take of Virginian Snake-weed powder'd one Dram, of Coral calcin'd till it is white half a Dram; mingle them: Make a Powder. The Dose is half a Scruple, or a Scruple, twice a Day, for three Days following: The Child must drink a Decoction of Grass-Roots upon it.

Spunge, in Latin Spon∣gia.

'Tis much of the na∣ture of a Mushroom. It grows upon Rocks, Shells, and the Sands. It has se∣veral Uses: 'Tis used in Fomentations, for it retains the Heat much longer than Clothes. Anatomists and Chirurgeons use it to suck up Blood, and to dilate Ulcers, and to keep them open as long as it is conve∣nient, and to dry them. The Ancient Physicians used the Ashes of it in Me∣dicines for the Eyes. Ma∣ny Modern Physicians pre∣scrib'd the Ashes to be ta∣ken in Wine, for the space of a Month, for the Cure of a Bronchocele.

Squills, or Sea-Onion, in Latin Scilla.

It grows in Spain, and elsewhere. It incides, opens and dis∣cusses. 'Tis used in Ob∣structions of the Liver, of the Spleen, and for Ob∣structions of the Courses and Urine; for Coughs, and the Mucilage of the Lungs. There are two Oxymels of Squills used in the Shops, Simple and Compound. They are chiefly used for Diseases of the Breast proceeding from gross Flegm. Hony of Squils of the London-Dispen∣satory

is made in the fol∣lowing manner: Take a large Sea-Onion, full of Juice, cut it into small pieces, and put it into a Glass-Vessel close stopp'd, and cover'd over with a Bladder; let it stand in the Sun forty Days, twenty Days before the Rising of the Dog-Star, and twenty Days after; then open the Glass, and take the Juice which lies at the bottom, and preserve it with the best Hony. Vinegar of Squills of the London-Dis∣pensatory is made in the fol∣lowing manner: Take that part of the Squills which is between the outward Bark and the bottom, cut it into thin Slices, place them thir∣ty or forty Days in the Sun, or in some gentle Heat; then cut a Pound of them small, with an Ivory-Knife, or a Knife made of some white Wood; put it into a Vessel with six Pints of Vinegar, set the Vessel, close stop'd, in the Sun thirty or forty Days; afterwards strain it, and keep it for use. Simple Oxymel of Squills of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner Take of Clarified Hony three Pounds, of Vinegar of Squills two Pints; boyl them according to Art. Compound Oxymel of Squills of the London-Dis∣pensatory is made in the fol∣lowing manner: Take of Origanum, Hysop, Thyme, Lovage, of the Lesser Car∣damoms, and of Staechas, each five Drams; boyl them in three Pints of Wa∣ter, to one; strain it, and mix with it two Pounds of Hony, of Raisins half a Pound, Juice of Briony five Ounces, Vinegar of Squills a Pint and an half; boyl it according to Art, and take off the Scum. This and the Simple Oxy∣mel are good for Obstru∣ctions of the Lungs, and to cleanse the Stomach. Wine of Squills of the Lon∣don-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Roots of White Mountain-Squils, gather'd about the Rising of the Dog-Star, cut them into Slices, and let them lie a-drying a Month; put a Pound of them into a Glass, and pour upon them

four Quarts of Old French White-wine; infuse them forty Days, and then take out the Squills. Take of Oxymel of Squills one Ounce and an half, of Vi∣negar of Squills two Oun∣ces; mingle them: Make a Vomit. This is a gentle Vomit. Take of the Infu∣sion of Crocus Metallorum six Drams, of Wine of Squills one Ounce and an half, of Simply Syrup of Sorrel half an Ounce. This is a stronger Vo∣mit. Oxymel of Squills, mix'd with Pectoral Sy∣rups, is excellent to help Expectoration.

Staechas.

It grows plentifully about Montpe∣liar. It heals and dries, is Diuretick and Vulnerary. 'Tis chiefly used for Ob∣structions of the Urine, Liver, Spleen and Courses. It resolves Coagulated Blood, it dries Catarrhs, and kills Worms being ta∣ken in Wine. 'Tis also commended for drying up sharp Defluxions of the Lungs. 'Tis used outward∣ly to mollifie hard Swel∣lings of the Womb, in Fo∣mentations. It dries and discusses Defluxions of the Head, the Herb being burnt and smelt to. Mat∣thiolus says, that the whole Herb cures all Diseases of the Brain proceeding from a cold Cause; namely, Flegmatick Fluxions, Pains of the Head, the Falling-Sickness, the Palsie, and the like. Syrup of Staechas of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following man∣ner: Take of the Flowers of Staechas four Ounces, of Rosemary half an Ounce, of the Herb Thyme, Cala∣mint and Origanum, each an Ounce and an half; of Sage and Betony, each half an Ounce; of the Seeds of Rue, Peony and Fennel, each three Drams, digest them a Day or two in B. M. in a sufficient quan∣tity of warm Fountain-wa∣ter; strain it out, and to five Pints of the strain'd Liquor add five Pounds and an half of Fine Sugar: Make a Syrup according to Art in B. M. add some Drops of Oyl of Cinna∣mon. This Syrup is fre∣quently made use of in Dis∣eases of the Head.

Staves-acre, or Louse-wort, in Latin Staphis A∣gria.

It grows in Dalma∣tia, Apulia and Calabria. 'Tis violently hot, Acrid and Caustick; therefore it is used for a Masticatory. It also purges; but be∣ing not a gentle Medicine, 'tis seldom used. Twelve Grains or a Scruple of the Seed purges upward and downward, and raises Sa∣livation; wherefore it is very good in the French-Pox, says Sylvius: but it inflames the Jaws, and oc∣casions a violent Heat in them, and brings the Pa∣tient in danger of Suffoca∣tion, and therefore surely ought not to be used in∣wardly. Take of Mastick three Drams, of Pellitory of Spain and Staves-Acre, each two Drams; of the Roots of Angelica half a Dram, of Cubebs and Nut∣megs, each one Dram; of Euphorbium one Scruple, of Wax a sufficient quanti∣ty to make a Mass for Ma∣sticatories.

Storax-tree, in Latin Styrax Arbor.

It grows in Italy. The Resin of Sto∣rax, which is sold in the Shops is two-fold, dry and liquid. The dry is called Storax-Calamite; so called because it is put up in Reeds. And when there is only mention made of Sto∣rax in prescribing, you must understand it to be the Calamite-Storax. It heats, dries, mollifies and concocts▪ is good for Di∣stillations and Hoarsness. 'Tis good also for an Hard∣ness and Obstruction of the Womb. 'Tis much used for Perfumes. That is best which is fat, and has whi∣tish Fragments. The Red Storax of the Shops, which the Jews frequently use for Perfumes, comes from In∣dia. Liquid Storax is a fat Liquor, like a Balsam; it has a strong Smell, and is of the Consistence of Ho∣ny. A Storax, with the Leaves of Maple, grows in the Lord Bishop of London's curious Garden: It was brought from Virginia. The Pill of Storax of the Lon∣don-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of Storax-Calamite, of Oli∣banum, Myrrh, and of the Juice of Liquorish thicken'd,

each half an Ounce; of Saffron one Dram; with Syrup of White Poppies make a Mass. This is much used for Tickling Coughs proceeding from Rheums, and Defluxions on the Lungs: The Dose is fifteen Grains, or one Scru∣ple, to be taken at Bed∣time.

Straw-berry-tree, in Latin Arbutus.

It grows in Sicily, Italy and France, and in the West Part of Ireland. The Fruit tastes pleasantly, but not so well as Straw-berries. 'Tis offensive to the Stomach, and causes the Head-ach. A Water drawn from the Leaves and Flowers in Glass is counted an excellent Anti-dote against the Plague, and for Poysons.

Sugar-Cane in Latin Arundo Saccharina.

It grows spontaneously in both the Indies. 'Tis also planted in many other Places; as, in the Canary-Islands, Spain, Sicily, Crete and Cyprus. It loves a fat and moist Ground, and is fit to make Sugar in the space of a Year. The Juice is press'd out in a Mill, which is ve∣ry sweet, but will not keep above twenty four Hours, afterwards it turns to Vine∣gar: They boyl it up in great Furnaces; but it is worth noting, that if any Oyl be mix'd with it, it will never come to Sugar. Sugar is much used, both in Food and Physick. It has been suppos'd, that the immoderate use of Sugar here in England has been the Reason of the Increase of the Scurvy and of Con∣sumptions amongst us: 'Tis certain that it increases the Scurvy, for by the frequent use of it the Teeth grow black and rotten, which are certain Signs of the Scurvy. Moreover, it con∣tains in it a very Corrosive Salt, which appears by Di∣stillation: And it is well known, that the Scurvy is occasion'd by a Fixed Salt, and cured by a Volatile Salt. But it is to be noted, that Sugar is better to be mix'd with Medicines pe∣culiar to Women's Diseases than Hony, for Hony is in∣jurious to the Womb. Su∣gar is dissolv'd in Water,

then filtrated, and so it is purified; afterwards the Liquor is evaporated, and it is made up into Loaves, or put up in Casks: 'Tis either Red, brown, or white, according to the Degrees of Purification. When the Sugar has been refin'd no more than above∣said, it is a little fat: Now to refine it farther, it is dis∣solv'd in Lime-water, and boyl'd, and the Scum is ta∣ken off; when it is suffi∣ciently boyl'd they cast it into Molds of a Pyramidal Form, which have Holes at the bottom to let the more glutinous part run through, and separate. 'Tis farther refin'd by boyling it with the Whites of Eggs in Water; for the glutinous quality of the Whites of Eggs does help to receive and take away the Impuri∣ties that remain in the Su∣gar, and the boyling drives them all to the Sides of the Vessel, in a Scum: The Li∣quor is pass'd through a Cloth, and then evapora∣ted to a due Consistence. Sugar-Candy is only Sugar Crystalliz'd: The Way to make it is, to boyl Refin'd Sugar in Water, to the Consistence of a thick Sy∣rup; 'tis then pour'd into Pots, wherein little Sticks have been laid in order, 'tis left in a still place some Days, without stirring, and you have the Sugar-Can∣dy sticking to the Sticks. Brown Sugar-Candy is made after the same man∣ner. Its Sweetness proceeds from an Essential Acid Salt, mix'd with some Oyly Parts, whereof it consists; for, if you separate these two Substances, one from another, neither of the two will prove at all sweet: The Oyl alone is insipid upon the Tongue, because it makes little or no Im∣pression upon the Nerve that serves for Tasting; but when the Acid is en∣tirely mix'd with it, the Edges of this Acid do serve for a Vehicle to the Oyl, to make it penetrate and tic∣kle superficially the Nerve, whereby the Sense of Tast∣ing is produced: The Acid therefore being alone, does become incisive, and pricks the Tongue by its Edges; but when they are dull'd and blunted by the Ramous

Parts of the Oyl, then they have another sort of Deter∣mination, and can no longer pierce the Nerve of Tast∣ing, but with a great deal of Tenderness and Gentle∣ness. Cask-Sugar is sweeter than finer Sugar, because it contains more viscous or fat Parts, which remain the longer upon the Nerve of the Tongue: And this makes us sometimes prefer the first, as to Use, before the other. Sugar-Candy is better for Coughs than common Sugar, because, being harder, it requires a longer time to melt in the Mouth; and besides, it keeps the Breast moister than the common Sugar. Spirit of Sugar is made in the following manner: Powder and mix eight Ounces of White Sugar-Candy with four Ounces of Sal-Armoniack, put this Mixture into a Glass, or Earthen Body, whose third part only is thereby fill'd; fit an Head to the Body, and place it in a Sand-Fur∣nace; joyn a Receiver to it, and lute well the Jun∣ctures with a wet Blad∣der; give it a small Fire for an Hour only, to heat the Vessel, then increase it to the second Degree; there will distil a Liquor, Drop by Drop, and towards the End there will rise white Vapours into the Head; increase your Fire still more, until nothing more comes forth; let the Vessels cool, and unlute them, you will find in the Receiver se∣ven Ounces of a brown Li∣quor that smells ill, and also a little black Oyl that sticks to the Sides; pour it all together into a Glass-Body, and having fitted to it an Head and Receiver, and luted the Joints, distil in Sand six Ounces of a ve∣ry Acid Spirit, that is clear, and agreeable to the Taste, and without any Smell. 'Tis good against Gravel, and the Dropsie, and for a Loosness, and the Bloody-Flux. The Dose is, eight or ten Drops in Tincture of Roses, or the like. That which remains in the Body, after Rectification, is a Fe∣tid Oyl, which may be outwardly used to cleanse old Ulcers. Melassoes, or the Hony of Sugar, are used to make Aqua-vitae; and

they yield a strong Spirit. It has been reported, that some Brewers make Ale, in a great measure, with Me∣lassoes; but if they do, it is an abominable Cheat; for they are not near so wholesom as Malt. Take of Brown or Red Sugar four Spoonfuls, of common Salt as much as will lie on a Three-pence, of Cow's-Milk one Pint; let the Milk just boyl up, dissolve the Sugar and the Salt in it; strain it. This is a Clyster, and, generally speaking, serves as well as the best, to empty the Bowels.

Swallow-wort, in La∣tin Asclepias.

It grows in Germany, Italy and France. The Root of it is very Ale∣xipharmick, and Sudorinick. 'Tis chiefly used for the Plague, and other Conta∣gious Diseases; for Ob∣structions of the Courses, for the Palpitation of the Heart, a Fainting, and a Dropsie. 'Tis also com∣mended for the Stone. 'Tis used outwardly. The Flow∣ers, the Roots, and the Seeds cleanse Sordid Ul∣cers. 'Tis good for the Bi∣ting of Venomous Crea∣tures, for Ulcers of the Paps, of the Breasts, and the like.