The London dispensatory, reduced to the practice of the London physicians wherein are contain'd the medicines, both Galenical and chymical, that are now in use ... / by John Pechey ...

Chymical Medicines that are frequent∣ly used.

Bezoardicum Minerale.

Melt in hot ashes two ounces of the butter of atimony, and pour it into a viol or bolt head, drop ••o it good Spirit of Nitre, until the matter is per∣ctly dissolved; commonly so much spirit of Nitre requisite as there is Butter of Antimony; during the solution there will rise up vapours, that you must ave a care of, and therefore will do well to place e vessel in a Chimney; pour your solution into glass Body, or an earthen dish, and evaporate it a gentle Sand-fire, until it is dry, there will re∣••ain a white Mass, which you must let cool, then our upon it two ounces of Spirit of Nitre; set the essel again in the sand, and evaporate the liquor s before, once more pour two ounces of Spirit of Nitre unto the white Mass, and having evaporated he humidity, increase the fire a little, and Calcine he matter for half an hours time, then take it off he fire and you will have a white powder, which ou must keep in a viol well stopt.

Virtues. It is sudorifick and serves for the same ses as Diaphoretick Antimmy.

Dose. Is from six to twenty grains, in broth or ••me proper liquor.

Diaphoretick Antimony, in Latin, Antimoni∣um Diaphoreticum.

Powder and mix well together one part of An∣timony with three parts of purified Salt Petre, and having heated the Crucible red hot in the coals, cast into it a spoonful of your mixture, you'll hear •• noise or detonation, after that is over, cast in ano∣ther spoonful, and continue to do so, till all you•• powder is in the Crucible; leave a great fire a∣bout it two hours, then throw your matter, which will be white into an earthen pan, almost filled with Fountain water, and leave it a steeping warm ten or twelve hours, that the fixed Salt Petre may dissolve in it; separate the liquor by inclination▪ wash the white powder that remains at bottom five or six times with warm water, and dry it. This is called Diaphoretick Antimony.

Virtues. It is good to procure sweat, and to re∣sist poyson, for Malignant diseases and the Plague.

Dose. It may be given from six grains to thirty▪ in some proper liquor.

Liver of Antimony, in Latin, Crocus Me∣tallorum.

Take a pound of Antimony, and so much Salt Petre, powder them and mix them well together; put this mixture into an Iron Mortar, and cover it with a tyle, leave an open place nevertheless, through which you may convey a coal of fire, and take it out again▪ the matter will flame, and cause a great detonation, which being over and the Mortar grow∣ing cold, strike against the bottom, that the matter

••ay fall down, then separate the dross with a Ham∣••er from the shining part, which is called Liver of Antimony, to make the Emetick Wine, you must ••fuse an ounce of the Liver of Antimony, pow∣••red in a quart of white Wine four and twenty hours, ••nd so let it settle. The Dose of this Wine is ••rom half an ounce to two ounces; that which is ••alled Crocus Metallorum, is nothing but the Liver ••f Antimony washed several times with warm wa∣••r, and afterwards dryed.

Dose. Is from two to eight grains.

Glass of Antimony, in Latin, Vit••um An∣timonii.

Calcine in a small fire a pound of Antimony in ••owder, in an earthen pot unglazed, stir the mat∣•••• continually with an Iron Spatula, until vapours ••ise no longer; but if notwithstanding your stir∣••••g, the powder should chance to run to lumps, as •• often happens to do; put it into a Mortar and ••owder it, then calcine it again▪ and when it will ••••e no more, and is of a grey colour, put it into good Crucible covered with a tyle, and set it in wind furnace, wherein you must make a very vi∣••ent coal fire round about the Crucible, to the ••d the matter may melt, about an hour afterwards ••cover the Crucible, and put in the end of an I∣••n rod into it, see whether the matter that sticks to is become Diaphanous; if it be, pour it upon a ••arble well warmed, it will congeal, and you'll ••ve the glass of Antimony which you must let cool, ••d so keep it for use.

Virtues. It is of it self the most violent Vomit that made of Antimony.

Dose. It is given in substance from two grain•• to six.

The following Vomitive Pill was frequently used wit•• ex••ellent success, by a famous Mountebank in Eng∣land.

Take of Glass of Antimony powdred, and Crea•• of Tartar, each one ounce, with a sufficient quan∣tity of common Treacle, make Pills of the bigne•• of a large pease; sprinkle them with fine wheate•• Flower; one is a Dose.

Mercurius Vitae.

Melt in a hot sand Butter of Antimony, mad•• in the following manner, powder and mix six oun∣••ces of Regulus of Antimony, with a pound of Sub∣••limat Corosive, put this mixture into a glass Retor•• whose half remains empty, set your Retort in san•• and after having fitted to it a receiver, and lut•• the junctures; you must first make a small ••i•• under it, and there will distil a clear Oyl, after th•• augment the ••ite a little, and there will come for•• a white thick liquor like Butter, which will stop t•• neck of the Retort and break it, if you did not ta•• care to set the live coals near it, that it may me•• and run into the Receiver, continue the fire, un•• you see a red vapour come forth; then take aw•• the Receiver and put another in its place filled wi•• water: Increase the fire by degrees, to make t•• Retort red hot, and the Mercury will run into t•• water; dry it and keep it for use as other Me∣••curies.

Virtues. The Butter of Antimony is Caustick.

Melt, as I said before, the Butter of Antimony, ••our it into an earthen pan, wherein are two or three ••arts of warm water, a white powder will pre∣••pitate, which must be sweetned with many lotions, ••d then kept for use. It is improperly called Mer∣••ius Vitae.

Virtues. It purges strongly upwards and down∣••rds.

Dose. It may be taken from two grains to eight, •• broth or some proper liquor.

Common Regulus of Antimony, in Latin, Re-Regulus Antimonii.

Take sixteen ounces of Antimony, twelve oun∣•• of crude Tartar, and six ounces of Salt Petre ••ri••ied, powder them and mix them well together, ••n heat a large Crucible red hot, throw into it a ••onful of your mixture, and cover it with a tyle ••il the detonation is over, continue to throw into •• Crucible spoonfuls of this mixture, one after other, until all of it is spent, then light a great •• about it, and when the matter has been some ••e in fusion, pour it into a Mortar or an Iron ••uld greased with Suet and heated; then strike •• sides of the said Mould or Mortar with Tonges, make the Regulus precipitate to the bottom; ••en it is cold, separate it from the dross that re∣••ins at the top of it with a hammer, and after •• have powdred it, melt it in another Crucible, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 throw into it a little Salt-Petre, there will rise ••e little flame from it; then pour out the matter •• an Iron Mortar well cleansed and greased, let ••ool, and you have four ounces and an half of ••ulus; if you melt it over again, and form it

into balls of the bigness of a Pill, you have a per•• petual Pill; that is to say, such as being taken an•• voided fifty times, will purge every time, yet ther•• is hardly any sensible diminution. This Regulus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 melted in a Crucible, and then cast into Moulds t•• make Cups, but it is somewhat hard to do it, by rea∣son of a sharpness in the Regulus, that hinders i•• parts from uniting, so as to spread well; if ••o•• put white Wine in these Cups, it will Vomit lik•• the Emetick Wine.

Cinnabar of Antimony, in Latin, Cinna∣baris Antimonii.

Fill a Retort half full of Sublimate Corrosive an•• Antimony, powdr••d and mixed well together, s•• the Retort in Sand, in a small Furnace, and fittin•• a receiver to it, and luting the junctures, procee•• in the Distillation, in the same manner as I shewe•• in making Butter of Antimony. When the re•• vapours begin to appear, take away the Receiv•• and put another in its place, without luting the ju••∣ctures, increase the ••••re by little and little, till yo•• make the Retort red hot, continue it so three 〈◊〉〈◊〉 four hours, then let the Retort cool and break 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you'll find a Cinnabar Sublimed, and adhering 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the neck; separate it, and keep it.

Virtues. It is a good Remedy for the Pox, and f••∣ling sickness, it forces sweat.

Dose. It may be given from six to fifteen grai••

Note. The Butter of Antimony distilled in t•• first part of this Operation is Caustick, like the ••th•• before described.

Mercury C••rr••sive, in Latin, Mercurius sub∣limatus Corrosivus.

Put a pound of Mercury revived from Cinnabar 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Matrass; pour upon it eighteen ounces of ••e spirit of Nitre, ••et your Matrass in sand a lit∣••e warm, and leave it there till it be all dissolved; ••our your dissolution which will be clear as water, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a glass or ••arthen pan, and evaporate the li∣••or gently in sand, until there remains a white ••lass, which you must powder in a glass Mortar, ••••d mix with a pound of Vitriol calcined white, and •• much salt decrepitated, put this mixture into a ••atrass, two thirds whereof must at least remain ••pty: Place your Matrass in sand, and begin with ••v••ng a small fire, which you must continue so for ••ree hours, then increase it with Coals to a pretty ••od strength there will rise a sublimat to the top •• the Matrass, the operation must be ended in six •• seven hours, let the Matrass cool then break it, ••oiding a kind of light powder that flies in the air, ••••en the matter is stirred, you'll have a pound of ••ry good sublimat; keep it for use: the red Sco∣•••• that are found at the bottom, must be flung a∣••y as useless.

Virtues. This sublimat is a powerful Escharotick, ••eats proud flesh, and cleanses old ulcers very well: half a dram of it be dissolved in a pint of Lime ••er it turns yellow, and makes that which is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Phagedenick water, which is used for she same pur∣••••s, but is more gentle.

Mercury Water.

Take of the roots of white Lillies two dram•• boil them in a sufficient quantity of Fountain wate•• to a pint, strain it, and add to it two drams of bi••∣ter Almonds blanched, dissolve in it in a glass Mo••∣tar, two drams of Mercury sublimat, make a whi•• water.

Virtues. This is good to take off spots or pimpl•• from the face, and to beautisie it.

Sweet Sublimat, in Latin, Mercurius du∣cis.

Powder sixteen ounces of Sublimat Corrosive 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Marble or glass Mortar, mix with it by little an•• little, twelve ounces of Mercury revived from Ci••∣nabar; stir this mixture with a wooden pestle, u••∣til all the quicksilver becomes imperceptible; the•• put this gray powder into several Viols, or into Matrass, two thirds whereof remain empty; pla•• your vessel in sand, and give a little fire at firs•• then augment to the third degree, continue it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this condition until your Sublimat is made, whi•• usually happens in four or five hours; break your v••∣ols, and fling away a little light earth that is fou•• at bottom; separate also that which sticks to t•• neck of the Viols or Matrass, and keep it for Oyn•• ments against the itch, but gather up carefully a•• that is in the middle, which is very white, and ha••∣ing powdred it, resublime it in Viols or a Matra•• as before; separate once more the matter that is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the middle, and resublime it in other viols as befor•• Lastly, separate the earthy matter at the botto••

••nd the fuliginous that lies in the neck of the Viols, ••nd keep the sublimat that is in the middle; for it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sufficiently dulcified.

Virtues. It is used for all sorts of venerial diseas∣••s, it opens obstructions, and kills worms; it purges ••ently by stool.

Dose. It may be given from six to thirty grains, ••in Pills or the like.

White precipitat, in Latin, Mercurius prae∣cipitatus albus.

Dissolve in a glass Cucurbit sixteen ounces of Mercury revived from Cinnabar, with eighteen or twenty ounces of Spirit of Nitre; when the disso∣lution is made, pour upon it salt water filtrated, made of ten ounces of Sea salt, in two quarts of water, add to this about half an ounce of the vola∣tile Spirit of Sal Armoniack, there will precipitate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very white powder, that you must leave for a suffi∣cient time to settle, then having poured off the wa∣ter by inclination, wash i•• several times with Foun∣tain water, and dry it in the shade.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 It is used to raise a flux with, and to ••ure tettars and the itch.

Dose. It may be given inwardly from four to fif∣teen grains in Pills; when it is used outwardly, a dram or two drms of it may be mixed with an ounce of Pomatum.

Red Precipitat, in Latin, Mercurius praeci∣pitatus Ruber.

Take eight ounces of Mercury revived from Cinnabar, dissolve it in eight or nine ounces of Spi∣rit

of Nitre; pour the dissolution into a Viol o•• Matrass with a short neck, set it in sand and evapo∣rate all the moisture with a gentle heat, until there remains a white Mass, then quicken the fire by lit∣tle and little to the third degree, and keep it in this condition till all your matter is turned red; the•• take it off the fire, let the Viol cool, and break it to obtain your Precipitat, which weighs nine ounces.

Virtues. It is a good Escharotick▪ it eats proud fiesh, and is used for laying open of Chancres, mixed with burnt Alum, Aegyptiacum, and the common Sup∣puratives; some give four grains of ••it inwardly to raise a flux; but unless rectified spirit of wine be burnt upon it two or three times, it is dangerous to be given inwardly.

Turbith Mineral, in Latin, Turpethum Mi∣nerale.

Put four ounces of quicksilver revived from Cinna••ar into a glass Retor••▪ and pour upon it six∣teen ounces of oyl of Vitriol; set your Retort in sand, and when the Mercury is dissolve••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fire ••nderneath it, and distil the humidity; make the fire strong enough towards the end, to drive out some of the last Spirit of all; afterwards break the Retort, and powder in a glass Mortar, a white Mass you'll find within it, which weighs five ounces and an half, pour warm water upon it, and the matter will presently change into a yellow powder which you must dulcifie by a great many repeated lotions; then dry it in the shade: You'll have three ounces and two drams of it.

Virtues. It purges strongly both by vomit and stools it is given in Venerial diseases.

Dose. Six or nine grains of it may be given at a time in Pills.

Aethiops Mineralis.

Take of the flowers of Sulphur two parts, of crude Mercury one part, mingle them well together in a glass Mortar, then fire it, and so make a black Powder.

Virtues. It is used in the French Pox, for a drop∣sy and for old sores.

Dose. Half a dram of it may be taken night ••nd morning mixed with a little syrup of Gilly∣••owers, or made into a Bolus with Conserve of Ro∣••s, for the space of three weeks, or a month; but •• will be convenient to purge once a week, although ••here is no fear of its fluxing.

Arcanum Corallinum.

Put red Pr••cipirat into an earthen pot, and pour ••pon it Spirit of Wine well rectified, then fire it, ••••d when the Spirit is consumed add more; do so ••x times.

Virtues. It purg••s, and sometimes procures a vo∣••it, it opens obstructions, and dissolv••s a Schirrou••, ••nd cures the pox.

Dose. Three or six grains may be given at a ••••me.

Steel prepared, in Latin, Chalybs praeparatus▪

Take of the filings of Steel separated from the filth by a Loadstone, as much as you please, moi∣sten them twelve times with sharpe white Wine Vi∣negar, and dry them in the sun, or in a dry or warm air, then grind them upon a Porphyry stone, pour∣ing upon them a little Cinnamon water, and le•• them be reduced to a very fine powder, and kep•• for use. It may be also prepared by thrusting role•• of Brimstone upon red hot Steel, for then it wil•• melt by drops into a Bucket of water placed unde•• it; dry it, and powder it, and keep it for use.

Virtues. It is good to open obstructions, an•• sweeten the blood, and for Hysterick, and Hypochondri∣ack difeases.

Dose. Eight or ten grains of it may be taken i•• a morning, mixed with Conserve of Roman Worm∣wood, for the space of a month, drinking upon i•• a good draught of Wormwood Wine or Beer.

Opening Saffron of Mars, in Latin, Cro∣cus Martis Aperitivus.

Wash well several Iron Plates, and expose then to the dew for a good while, they will rust, and yo•• must gather up this rust, set the same Plates again t•• receive the dew, and gather the rust as before continue to do so till you have gotten enough, th•• rust is really better then all the preparations of Iron that is called Crocus.

Virtues. It is excellent for obstructions of th•• Liver, Pancreas, Spleen, and Mesentery; it is use very succesfully for the Green Sickness, stopping 〈◊〉〈◊〉

the Courses, Dropsies, and other diseases that proceed from obstructions.

Dose. The same with the former in Lozenges or Pills.

Astringent Saffron of Mars, in Latin, Cro∣cus Martis Astringens.

Take equal quantities of filings of Steel and Sul∣phur powdred, mix them together, and make them ••nto a Paste with water; put this past into an earthen ••pan, and leave it a fermenting four or five hours, ••fter which put the Pan over a good fire, and stir ••he matter with an Iron Spatula; it will flame, and when the Sulphur is burnt, it will appear black, but ••ontinuing a good strong fire, and stirring it about ••wo hours, it will be of a very red colour, then wash it five or six times in strong Vinegar, leaving 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to steep an hour at a time, then Calcine it in a ••ot, or upon a tyle in a great fire five or six hours, ••fter that let it cool, and keep it for use.

Virtues. It stops a loosness, the immoderate fluxes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Hemorrhoids and Courses

Dose. A scruple or a dram may be t••ken a time 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lozenges or Pills.

Salt or Vitriol of Mars, in Latin, Sal Mar∣tis.

Take a clean frying pa••, and pour into it an e∣••••al weight of Spirit of Wine and oyl of Vitriol; ••t it for some time in the Sun, and then in the Shade ••ithout stirring it; you will find all the liquor in∣••rporated with the Mars, and turned into a Salt

that you must dry, and then separate from the pan, keep it in a viol well stopt.

Virtues. It is an admirable remedy for all diseases that proceed from Obstructions.

Dose. Six or twelve grains may be taken at a time, in broath or some proper liquor.

Note. Syrup of Steel may be made presently of it in the following manner. Take of salt of Mars two drams, of compound Gentian water one ounce, of al∣tering syrup of Apples nine ounces; mingle them.

Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniac, in Latin, Spiritus Salis Armoniaci.

Take eight ounces of Sal Armoniack, and twen∣ty four ounces of Quicklime, powder them apart, and when you have mixed them in a Mortar, pour on them four ounces of water, and put it quickly into a Retort, half whereof must remain empty; set your Retort in a sand Furnace, and fitting to it a great Receiver, and luting the Junctures exactly, begin the distillation without fire for a quarter of an hour; afterwards increase it by little and little, unto the second degree, continue it till nothing more comes forth; take off your Receiver, and pour out the Spirit immediately into a Viol, turning away your head as much as may be, to avoid a very sub∣tle vapour that continually ri••es from it, stop the bottle close with Wax, to keep the Spirit in; you will have of it five ounces and six drams.

Virtues. It is an excellent remedy for all diseases that proceed from obstructions, and corruption of hu∣mors, as malignant Fevers, the falling Sickness, Palsy, Plague, and the like; it drives by perspira∣tion or by urine.

Dose. It may be taken from six drops to twenty, in a glass of Balm or Carduus water.

Spirit of Salt, in Latin, Spiritus Salis.

Dry Salt over a little fire, or else in the Sun; then powder finely two pounds of it, mix it well with six pounds of Potters earth powdred, make up a hard past of this mixture, with as much rain water as is necessary; form it into little pellets of the bigness of a nut, and set them in the Sun a good while a drying; when they are perfectly dry, put them in∣to a large earthen pot, or glass one luted, whereof a third part must remain empty; place this Retort in a reverberatory Furnace, and fit to it a large ca∣pacious Receiver, without luting the junctures; give a very moderate heat a•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Retort, and make an insipid water come forth drop by drop; when you perceive some white clouds succeed these drops, pour out that which is in the Receiver, and having refitted it, lute the junctures close, increase the fire by degrees to the last degree of all, and con∣tinue it in this condition twelve or fifteen hours, all this while the Receiver will be hot, and full of white clouds; but when it grows cold, and the clouds disappear, the operation is at an end; un∣lute the Junctures, and you will find the Spirit of Salt in the Receiver; pour it into an earthen of glass bottle, and stop it well with Wax.

Virtues. It is an aperitive, and is used in juleps to an agreeable acidity, for such as are subject to the gravel, it is also used to cleanse the teeth, being tempe∣red with a little water, and to consume the rottenness of the bones.

Sweet Spirit of Salt, in Latin, Spiritus Sa∣lis dulcis.

Mix equal parts of Spirit of Salt and Spirit of Wine; set them in digestion two or three days in a double vessel, in a gentle sand heat.

Virtues. It's esteemed better than the other to be taken inwardly, because it's less corrosive.

Dose. It may be given from four to twelve drops in some proper liquor.

Lapis Medicamentosus.

Powder and mix together Colcothar, or red Vi∣triol that remains in the Retort after the Spirit is drawn out▪ or for want of it, Vitriol calcined to a redness, two ounces of Litharge, Alom, and Bole Armonick, each four ounces; pu•• this mixture into a glazed pot, and pour upon it good Vinegar e∣nough to cover the matter two fingers high, cover the pot, and leave it two days in digestion; then add to it eight ounces of Nitre, two ounces of Sal Armonick, set the pot over the fire, and evaporate all the moisture, Calcine the Mass that remains a∣bout half an hour in a strong fire, and keep it for use.

Virtues. It is a good remedy to stop the running of the reins, a dram of it being dissolved in eight ounces of Plantain water, or Smiths water to make an injection into the yard: It is also good to cleanse the ••yes in the small Pox; seven or eight grains of it must be dissolved in four ounces of Plantain water, or Eye-bright water; it's also good to stop blood, being outwardly applied to wounds.

Styptic water, in Latin, Aqua Styptica.

Take Colcothar, or red Vitriol that remains in the Retort after the Spirit is drawn out, burnt Alum, and Sugar Candy, each half a dram, the urine of some young person, and rose water each half an ounce, Plantain water two ounces; stir them altogether a good while in a Mortar, then pour the mixture into a viol, and when you use it, separate it by inclination.

Virtues. If you apply a bolster dipt in this water to an opened artery, and hold your hand a while up∣on it; it stops the blood. In like manner, you may wet a pledget in it, and thrust it into the nose when an he∣morrhage continues too long; taken inwardly it cures spitting of blood, the bloody flux, and the immoderate flux of the Hemorrhoids and Courses.

Dose. When 'tis taken inwardly, half a dram or a dram may be given at a time in Knotgrass water.

Spirit of Vitriol, in Latin, Spiritus Vitri∣oli.

Fill two thirds of a large earthen Retort, or glass one luted, with Vitriol calcined to whiteness, place it in a close reverberatory Furnace, and fit∣ting to it a great Receiver, give a very small fire to warm the Retort, to make the water come for••, that may still remain in the Vitriol, and when there will distil no more, pour the water out of the Re∣ceiver into a bottle; this is called Flegm of Vi∣triol, it's used in inflamations of the eyes, to wash them with. Refit the Receiver to the neck of the

Retort, and luting the Junctures exactly, increase the fire by degrees, and when you perceive clouds to come forth into the Receiver, continue it in the same condition till the Receiver grows cold, then strengthen the fire with wood to an extream violence until the flame rises through the tunnel of the re∣verberatory, as big as ones arm, the Receiver will fill again with white clouds, continue the fire after this manner three days, and so many nights, then put it out, unlute the Junctures when the vessels are cold, and pour the Spirit into a glass body, set it in sand, and fit to it quickly a head with its Re∣ceiver, lute the junctures close with a wet bladder, and distil with a very gentle fire about four ounces of it; this is the Sulphureous Spirit of Vitriol, keep it in a viol well stopt.

Virtues. Its good for an Asthma, Palsy, and dis∣eases of the lungs.

D••se. Six or ten drops of it may be taken at a time in some convenient liquor.

Change the receiver, and augmenting the fire, di∣stil about half the liquor that remains in the body, this is called the acid spirit of Vitriol.

Virtues. It's mixed with juleps to give an agree∣able acidity.

That which remains in the body, is the most acid part of the Vitriol, and is improperly called oyl.

Virtues. It may be used like the acid Spirit for continual Fevers, and other difeases that are accom∣panied with violent heat.

Salt of Vitriol, in Latin, Sal Vitrioli.

Take two or three pounds of Colcothar that remains in the Retort after distillation of the Vitriol,

••et it infuse in eight or ten pints of warm water, ••or ten or twelve hours; boil it a little while, and ••hen let it settle, separate the water by inclination, ••nd pour new water upon the matter; proceed as ••efore, and mixing your impregnations, evaporate ••ll the moisture in a sand heat, in a glass or earthen ••essel, there will remain a Salt at bottom.

Virtues. It's used to vomit, it works gently, saf∣••y, and quickly.

Dose. Half a dram, or a dram of it may be ••iven at a time, dissolved in Posset drink.

Spirit of Nitre dulcified, in Latin, Spiritus Nitri dulcis.

Put into a large bolt head eight ounces of good Spi∣••it of Nitre▪ and so much Spirit of Wine, well de∣••egmated, set you bolt head in the Chimney, upon •• round of Straw; the liquor will grow hot with∣••ut coming near the fire, and half an hour after∣wards or an hour▪ it will boil very much; have a ••are of the red vapours that come out a pace at ••he neck of the bolt head, and when the ebulition s over▪ you'll find your liquor clear at the bottom, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to have lost half what it was; put it into a glass Retort and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 ••••••eiver, distil it off till it is dry, Cohobat it twice, put it into a viol, and keep it for use.

Virtues. It is good to expel wind, for the Cholick, and Nephritick pains, Hysterick diseases, and all ••structions, and being added to cordials, it gives ••em a fragrant smell, and revives the Spirits.

Dose. Eight, or ten drops of it may be taken at a ••e in some proper liquor.

Spirit of Wine rectified, in Latin, Spiritu•• Vini rectificatus.

Take four Gallons of Brandy, put it into a•• Alembick, with half a peck of ordinary Salt, or bay Salt well dryed, lute on the head, and make a gentle fire, draw off as long as you find it will burn all away, which you may know by try∣ing a little now and then in a spoon; if it be good Brandy half of it will burn away; this is rectified Spirit of Wine; that which distills af∣ter, and will not burn all away, must be kept for other uses.

Virtues. It is used in Chymistry, to draw Tin∣ctures and the like, outwardly applied it discusses tu∣mors, and cures burns, if it be presently used.

Cream of Tartar, in Latin, Cremor Tar∣tari.

Boil in a great deal of water what quantity of white Tartar you please, until it be all dissolved, pass the liquor hot through Hippocrates's sleeve in∣to an earthen ves•••••• and evaporate about half of it; set the vessel in a cool 〈…〉〈…〉 three days, and you'll 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 ••ri••tals on the sides, which you are to separate, evaporate again half the liquor that remains, and remit the vessel to the Cellar as be∣fore, there will shoot out new Cristals; continue doing thus till you have gotten all your Tartar.

Virtues. Crystal or Cream of Tartar is Aperitive•• good for dropsies and astmatical persons, it is also purgative, but it is most commonly used with other purg••s to quicken them.

Dose. It may be given from half a dram to three drams in some proper liquor.

Oyl of Tartar per deliquium is made by expo∣sing Salt of Tartar in a Cellar, in a wide glass vessel.

Virtues. It's used for tettars, and to discuss tu∣mors; Ladies mix it with Lilly water, to clear the complexions, and to cleanse their hands.

Tartar Vitriolated, in Latin, Tartarum Vitriolatum.

Put into a glass body what quantity you please of oyl of Tartar, made by deliquium; pour up∣on it by little and little rectified Spirit of Vitriol, there will be a great effervescency, continue to drop more in, till there is no further ebulition; then place your Cucurbit in Sand, and evaporate the spirit with a little fire, there will remain a very white Salt; keep it in a viol well stopt.

Virtues. It is a good aperitive, and is also a lit∣tle purgative, it is given in Hypocondriacal cases, the Kings-evil, to open Obstructions, and to force Ʋrine.

Dose. It may be given from ten to thirty grains in some proper liquor.

Spirit of Harts horn, in Latin, Spiritus Cornu Cervi.

Take six pound of Hartshorn, it must be brok∣en or sawn an inch long, and split in the middle, put the pieces into a pottle Retort, and place it in a Chappel Furnace, letting your sand be but an inch

high in the pot, when you put in the Retort, then cover it with sand up to the neck, and lute on a gallon Receiver, then make fire by degrees, viz. In the first degree about four hours you may perceive the flegm to drop into the Receiver, increase your fire to the second degree, continue it in that degree for four hours more, and by that time you will per∣ceive ••he white fumes to come into the Receiver, and the Volatile Salt beginning to shoot, then increase your fire to the third degree, let it continue there two hours, then your Receiver will be full of white fumes, and the Salt will shoot in the form of Stags horns, increase your fire to the fourth degree; con∣tinue it there till the fumes cease, and then the di∣stillation is ended.

Rectification of spirit of Harts-horn.

Take off the Receiver, separate the spirit from the oyl by a glass tunnel, which you may do by holding your finger at the bottom of the tunnel, the Spirit will come forth; put the spirit into a tall glass Cucurbit, with the volatile Salt, you may put to it a sheet of brown Paper, to keep the oyl from rising that came with the spirit; lute on an Alem∣bick, and to that a Receiver, set it on a digestive furnace in the second degree, and in an hour or two's time, you'll perceive the Spirit to drop, and the Salt begin to shoot in the head; let it continue there till all the Salt is gone out of the head, which is a true sign that the Spirit is all come over; then take off your Receiver, and if there be any oyl upon the Spirit, separate it as be∣fore with a glass tunnel, or with a filter of Cap∣paper:

If it be notclear from the oyl, it must be rectified again.

Virtues. The Spirit is chiefly used for vapours, and for diseases of the head, and is often used outwardly to the nostrils to suppress vapours.

Dose. Ten drops of it may be given at bed time in a glass of Canary.

The Volatile Salt of it is frequently given in Cordials to heighten the Pulse when they are languid; four or five grains of it may be given a•• a time.

Balsam of Sulphur, in Latin, Balsamum Sul∣phuris.

Put into a small Matrass an ounce and an half of flowers of Sulphur, and pour upon it eight ounces of oyl of Turpentine, place your Matrass in sand, and give it a digesting fire two hours; afterwards increase it a little for four hours, and the oyl will take a red colour, let the vessel cool, then separate the clear Balsam from the Sulphur that could not dissolve.

Virtues. It is excellent for ulcers of the lungs and breast, it is also used 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cleanse ulcers.

Dose. Five or six drops of it may be taken at a time in some proper liquor, or mixed with Su∣gar.

To make the Aniseed Balsam of Sulphur, you must use the oyl drawn from Aniseeds instead of oyl of Turpentine, and proceed as before.

Vertues. It is also good for the Lungs.

Flower of Sulphur, in Latin, Flos Sulphu∣ris.

Put about half a pound of Sulphur grosly pow∣dred into a glass body; place it in a small open fire, and cover it with a pot, or another Cucurbit turned upside down, one that is unglazed, so as that the neck of one may enter into the neck of the other; change the upper Cucurbit every half hour, adding another in its place; add likewise new Sulphur, gathering your flowers which you find stick in the Cucurbit, and con∣tinue to do thus until you have got as much as you desire; then put out the fire, and let the ves∣sels cool; there will remain at bottom only a little light insignificant earth.

Virtues. Flower of Sulphur is used in diseases of the Lungs and Breast; it is also used in Oyntments for the Iteh.

Dose. It may be taken from ten to thirty grains, in Lozenges or in an Electuary.

Magistery of Sulphur, in Latin, Lac Sul∣phuris.

Take four ounces of the flower of Sulphur, and twelve ounces of the Salt of Tartar, or Salt Petre fixed by the coals; put them into a large glazed pot, and pour upon them six or seven pints of water; cover the pot, and setting it on the fire, make the matter boil five or six hours, or until being become red, the Sulphur is all dis∣solved; then filtrate the dissolution, and pour

up it by little and little distilled Vinegar, or ••ome other acid, there will presently appear a Milk, let it settle, that a white powder may pre∣••ipitate to the bottom of the vessel; pour off by nclination that which is clear, and having wash∣ed the powder five or six times with water, dry it in he shade.

Virtues. It is thought good for all diseases of the Lungs and Breast.

Dose. It may be given from six to sixteen grains, •• some proper liquor.

Flower of Benjamin, in Latin, Flos Ben∣zoini.

Take an earthen pot high and narrow, with a ••ttle border round it, put into it three or four oun∣ces of clean Benjamin grosly powdred, cover the ••ot with a Coffin of Paper, and tye it round a∣bout under the border; set the pot into hot ashes, nd when the Benjamin is heated the flowers will ••blime; take off the Coffin every two hours, and ••x another in its place, stop up quickly in a glass he flowers you find in the Coffins, and when those ••hich afterwards sublime begin to appear oily, take he pot off the fire.

Virtues. They are good for asthmaticall people, ••d to fortifie the stomach.

Dose. They may be taken from two grains to ••e in an Egg or Lozenges.

Tincture of Benjamin, in Latin, Tincture Benzoini.

Take three ounces of Benjamin, and half a•• ounce of Storax, powder them grosly, and pu•• them into a Bottle or Matrass half empty, pou•• upon them a pint of Spirit of Wine; stop the vessel close, and set it in warm Horse dung, leav•• it in digestion for a fort-night, after which filtrat•• the liquor, and keep it in a viol well stopt; som•• add to it five or six drops of Peruvian Balsam, to give it a better smell.

Virtues. It is good to take away spots in th face.

Dose. A dram of it is put into four ounce of water, and it whitens it like Milk; th•• water serves for a wash, and is called Virgin Milk.

Ens Veneris.

Take of the best Hungarian, or of the be•• Dantzick Vitriol, calcine it in a strong fire, ti it be of a dark red, dul••••tie it, by such freque•• effusions of hot water, that at length the wa∣ter that has passed through it, appears full •• tastless as when it was poured on; dry it, an grind it with an equal weight of Sal Armoniack put this mixture into a glass Retort, either in •• strong a heat as can conveniently be given in San•• or else in a naked are, force up as much of as you can to the top or neck of the Retort; an this sublimation being ••nded, break the Retort

••ay aside all the Caput Mortuum, and take all the Sublimate and grind it well again, that if any part of the Sal Armoniack appears sublimed by it self, it may be reincorporated with the Colc••thar; resub∣••ime this mixture per se in a glass Retort as be∣fore, and if you please, you may once more ele∣••ate the second sublimate: but it is not always ne∣sessary that that which is reddest is best.

Virtues. It provokes swe••t, and gently urin; it ••s good for the Rickets, and disposes to sleep.

Dose. Little children may take two or three ••rains for many nights together: grown person•• ••ay take five or six grains at a time; it may be ••aken in two or three spoonfuls of Sack, or in some Cordial.

Lapis Prunellae.

Bruise two and thirty ounces of purified Salt Pe∣tre, and put it in a Crucible, which you must set 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a furnace among burning Coals; when the Salt Petre is melted, throw into it an ounce of flow∣•• of Sulphur, a spoonful at a time, the matter will ••resently flame, and the more volatile spirit of Salt Petre fly away; when the flame is over, the mat∣er will remain in a very clear fusion; take the Crucible out with a pair of tongs, and turn it up∣••e down into a very clean bason a little warm∣••.

Virtues. It is given to cool and work by u••ine▪ in ••rning fevers, Quinsies, and other diseases that pro∣••ed from heat and obstructions, and for the running •• the reins.

Dose. Half a dram, or a dram of it may b•• given at a time in some proper liquor.

Volatile Salt of Ambar, in Latin, Sal Vo∣latile Succini.

Put two pounds of Ambar powdred in a larg•• glass or earthen Cucurbit, three quarters of th•• Cucurbit must remain empty; set the Cucurbit in sand, and after you have fitted the head to •• and a small Receiver, lute well the Junctures, and light a little fire under it for about an hour; the•• when the Cucurbit is grown hot, increase the fire b•• little and little to the third degree, and there will dist•• first of all a flegm and spirit, then the Volatile Sa will rise, and stick to the head in little Crystals, a••∣terwards there distils an oyl, first white and the red, but clear. When you see the vapours rise •• longer you must put out the fire, and when t•• vessels are cold unlute them; gather the volatile Salt with a feather, and because it will be b•• impure as yet, by reason of a little oyl th is mixed with it; you must put it into a v••∣ol big enough, that the Salt may fill only a four•• part of it; place the viol in sand, after you ha•• stopt it only with paper, and by means of little fire you will sublime the pure Salt in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Crystals to the top of the viol; when you percei•• the oyl begin to rise, you must then take yo•• viol off the fire, and letting it cool, break it to •• parate the Salt, keep it in a viol well stopt, you have half an ounce.

Virtues. This Salt is a very good aperiti•••••• is ••sed for the jaundice, ulcers in the bladder, the scur••y, fits of the mother, and to force urine.

Dose. It may be taken from six to eight grains ••n some proper liquor.

Rosin of Jalap, in Latin, Resina Ja∣lapii.

Put a pound of good Jalap grosly powdred into a large Matrass, pour upon it rectified Spi∣rit of Wine four fingers above the matter; stop the Matrass with another, whose neck enters in∣to it, and luting the junctures with a wet bladder, digest it three days in a sand heat, the Spirit of Wine will receive a red Tincture; decar••t ••t, and then pour more upon the Jalap; proceed ••s before, and mixing your dissolutions, filtrate them through brown paper, put that which you have filtrated into a glass Cucurbit, and distil in •• vaporous Bath, two thirds of the spirit of Wine, which may serve you another time for the same ••peration. Pour that which remains at the bot∣••om of the Cucurbit into a large earthen pan fil∣••ed with water, and it will turn into a Milk, which you must leave a day to settle, and then se∣parate the water by inclination, you'll find the Rosin at the bottom like unto Turpentine, wash •• several times with water and dry it in the Sun▪ •• will grow hard like common Rosine, powder •• fine, and it will become white; keep it in a ••iol.

Virtues. It purges watry humors, and is good fo•• dropsies; it is ordinarily given with other purging me∣dicines to quicken them.

Dose. It is given from four to twelve grains, with other purgatives.

Saccharum Saturni.

Take three or four pounds of Geruss, powde•• ir, and put it into a large glass or earthen ves∣sel; pour upon it distilled Vinegar fou•• finge•• high, an ebulition will follow without any sensi∣ble heat; put it in digestion in hot sand for two o•• three days; stir about the matter every now and then, then let it settle, and separate the liquor by inclination, pour new distilled Vinegar upon th•• Ceruss that remains in the vessel, and proceed a•• before, continuing to pour on distilled Vinegar and to separate it by inclination, until you hav•• dissolved about half the matter: mix all your im∣pregnations together in an earther glass vessel; e∣vaporate in a sand fire with a gentle heat, abou•• two thirds of the moisture, or till there rises a lit∣tle skin over it; then set your vessel in a Cella•• or some cool place, without jogging of it, ther•• will appear white Crystals which you must sepa∣rate; evaporate the liquor as before, and set i•• again in the Cellar; continue your Evaporation and Cristalizations, till you have gotten all you•• Salt; dry it in the Sun, and keep it in a glass.

Virtues. It is commonly used in Pomatums, fo••∣tettars and inflamations, and dissolved in water is goo•• for dis••ases of the skin, taken inwardly in is re••

koned good for Quinsies, for the fluxes of the Hemor∣r••oids, and Courses▪ and for the Bloody Flux.

Dose. It may be given from two grains to four, in Knotgrass or Plantain water, or mixed with Gargles.

The general way of making extracts.

They may be prepared of any thing almost that belongs to the Materia Medica, or of any Me∣dicine whether it be simple, as Herbs, Flowers, Seeds, and the like; or compound, as Species, Pills, and the like; which is wont to communi∣cate a Tincture to the Menstruum wherein it is infused; wherefore, take as much as you please of any thing of the Materia Medica, cut it, bruise it or otherwise prepare it as is necessary for the infusion; pour upon it a sufficient quantity of Spirit of Wine, or any distilled Water, that is agreeable to the Phy∣ficians intention; let them remain in infusion in a Bath, or some other gentle heat two days, more or less, as the density or the tenuity of the matter requires, until the liquor has a sufficient Tincture; then separate the Tincture by inclination, put in more liquor as before, and after infusion separate it as before; mix the Tinctures, and fi••ter them through paper, and then evaporate the moisture, till the matter at the bottom of the vessel, be re∣duced to the consistence of Honey. Keep it for use; whereunto may be added two scruples, or half a dram of some proper Salt to every ounce of the extract, to keep it from drying.