Dr. Willis's practice of physick being the whole works of that renowned and famous physician wherein most of the diseases belonging to the body of man are treated of, with excellent methods and receipts for the cure of the same : fitted to the meanest capacity by an index for the explaining of all the hard and unusual words and terms of art derived from the Greek, Latine, or other languages for the benefit of the English reader : with forty copper plates.

The Orange Tablets sold in the Apothecaries Shops in Oxford.

TAke of the Rinds of Oranges, Limons, and Citrons preserved, of each ℥j, of pre∣served Eringo Root ℥ss, of Pine Nuts and Pistaches each 20, of sweet Almonds blanched number 10, of the powder of Anniseeds ℥ss, candied Ginger ℥ij, Species of Aromatic. Rosat. and of Nutmeg each ʒj, of the Roots of Galanga ʒj, ten Cloves, of Amber griese gr. iiij, of Musk and Civet of each ij grains, of the whitest Sugar lbiss dissolved in Rose-water, and boyled up to a Tablet: Of which make Troches or Lo∣zenges as before.

So much for Medicines in a solid form or more thick substance, that are wont to be given to scorbutical persons: That the virtue of which might be the better and * 1.1 with the greater benefit, carried into the mass of Blood, for the most part liquids are prescribed to be drunk after them: Although great variety of them and divers ways of compounding them are extant, yet the chiefest and most usual are those we men∣tioned above, and shall now subjoyn the forms of each of them.

1. Decoctions.

Although Decoctions are the most familiar kind of liquid Medicines, yet more rare∣ly made use of in the Scurvy, because the simples which are chiefly beneficial to this Disease, as Scurvygrass, Brooklime, &c. lose their virtues received from the volatile Salt by boyling; yet because Remedies by this means are easily and suddenly prepa∣red, they ought to be admitted sometimes, for that it has been found by experience, that they have some efficacy. For Country and poor People, an easie Medicine by this preparation is commended by many Authors. Take of the leaves of Nasturtium Aquaticum or water Cresses iij handfuls, of the lesser Sorrel m ij, being bruised let

them be macerated or steeped in six pints of Milk, and then boyled till the third part be consumed: Take of it from 6 to 8 ounces twice aday. A Decoction of Worm∣wood is praised by Eugalenus and others, the following Remedy I have often tryed with good success. Take of the tops of Broom m iij, cut small and boyled in 3 pints of strong Ale till half be consumed; let it be taken from ij to iij ounces twice in a day.

2. Infusions.

An Infusion being added to the Decoction, makes a most profitable Medicine. Take of the Roots of Scorzonere, of Chervil, each ℥j, of the leaves of Eupatorium and Chamepitys, each m ss, of burnt Hartshorn ʒij, of Raisins m ss, boyl them in 3 pints of Spring water till the third part be consumed, add then of Rhenish Wine half a pint, and presently strain it into a glass vessel, to which put of the leaves of Scurvy∣grass and Brooklime each half a handful, of the rinds of Oranges steeped and cut small ℥ss, make an Infusion warm and close stopped for six hours, strain it and let it be kept in a close Vessel: The dose ℥vj twice in a day after a solid Medicine.

Take of Whey made with Whitewine or Cider lb ss, boyl in this of the Roots of Burr docks and Eringoes steeped, of each ʒvj, of preserved Juniper, Berries ℥ss, the liquor being boyled away to the third part, let it be strained into a Jugg, to which let there be put of the leaves of Scurvygrass and of Brooklime each m j, make an Infusion warm and close stopped for 6 hours: The dose half a pint twice in a day, after a solid Medicine.

Sometimes Infusions made by themselves are of notable use. Take of the leaves of Scurvygrass m j, the slices of Horse-radish Roots mss, Winteran Bark bruised ʒij, let them be put in a glass Vessel with Whitewine or Cider, and Scurvygrass water, each lbj, let an Infusion be made in a Cellar for 2 or 3 dayes. The dose ℥vj to viij twice in a day as before.

3. Juices and expressions.

'Tis also a very commendable use to take twice or thrice in a day, of the Juice of an∣tiscorbutick herbs or fruits or their expressions, by themselves or with their appro∣priate Liquors, for so it is presumed, the virtue of the Remedy is exhibited whole and undiminished.

Take of the leaves of Scurvygrass, of water Cresses and of Brooklime each m iij, being bruised let the Juice be wrung out hard, and kept in a close Vessel: The dose ℥iss to ℥iij twice in a day, in a draught of Ale, Wine, or distilled Water.

Take of the leaves of Scurvygrass m iiij, of Wood-sorrel m ij, being bruised let the Juice be pressed forth, which being put into a Glass close stopped will quickly grow clear; for the sharpness of the Wood-sorrel precipitates the thicker parts of the Scurvygrass: The same also happens if the Juice of Oranges is mingled with the Juice of Scurvygrass, the dose ℥ij, or ℥iij twice in a day.

Take of the leaves of Scurvygrass m iiij, of Brooklime and of water Cresses each m ij, of long pepper ʒiij, of the shavings of Horse-radish ℥ij, all being bruised to∣gether let them be put into a glazed Vessel, with Rhenish or Spanish Wine which is best liked lbij, the mouth being very close shut, let it stand in a cold Cellar for two dayes, then let it be pressed forth strongly: The dose is ℥iij twice in a day, after a solid Medicine.

Take of the leaves of Scurvygrass m iij, of Brooklime and of water Cresses and of Wood-sorrel, of each m j, being bruised pour on them of the water of Snails and of Earthworms each ℥vj, make an Expression strongly, which keep in a Glass close stopped. The dose ℥ij twice aday.

4. Syrups.

For the same reason as Decoctions so also Syrups are but little used in the Scurvy, for as mu•…•…h as the virtue of the simples chiefly efficacious, evaporates in the boyling; yet because there is need sometimes for sweetning of appropriate Liquors with such a Medicine for some; we will propose here our preparation, the strength of the in∣gredients being preserved as much as may be.

Therefore take of the leaves of Garden Scurvygrass m vj, of the rinds of 4 Oran∣ges and two Limons cut very thin, of the stices of Horse-radish mss, of long pepper

powdered ℥iij, all being bruised together let the Juice be pressed forth, which being presently put into a close stopped Glass, place in a cold Cellar till it settles and grows clear, then the Liquor being clear pour it off foftly into another glass, and being fast shut let it be kept warm in Balneo Mariae: In the mean time for every ounce, take of Sugar ℥iss, and let all the quantity be dissolved in as much of the water of Earthworms, and boyled up to a thickness, to which let the aforesaid Liquor be poured by degrees, warm and stirred together with a Spatula: As soon as it is in∣corporated let it be taken from the fire, and being cold let it be put into a glass, and in this hang tyed up in a little Rag; of Cinnamon bruised ʒiss, of the seeds of wa∣ter Cresses, and of Rocket powdered and mingled together, of each ℥j.

5. Distilled Waters.

Distilled Waters because they are a neat and pleasant Remedy, fill almost every Page among the anti-scorbutick prescripts: Some dispensations of these esteemed very profitable and fit, are in our Pharmacopoea; as the compound water of Radish∣es, and the mngisterial of Earthworms and of Snails. Besides, there are extant ve∣ry famous prescriptions of these sorts of Waters, delivered by Quercetan, Dorncrel∣lius, Sennertus, Doringius, and other Authors. Moreover every Physician is ready to prescribe as occasion serves, such like appropriate to the condition of every sick Body; for the anti-scorbutick Ingredients and others added, which may respect particular Distempers being received, and being cut, sliced, and bruised, are put into some convenient Liquor, to wit, Whitewine, Cyder, or the Whey of Milk made by either of them; then let the whole mixture be distilled in a Cucurbit or in a Rose Still: We will here subjoyn one or two forms used by us.

Take of the leaves of both the Scurvygrasses, of Brooklime, of water Cresses, and the tops of Broom of each m iiij, of the leaves of Germander and Chamepitys or ground Pine each m ij, of the Roots of Horse-radish lb ss, of Aron Angelica, Imperatoria or Master-wort each ℥iiij, the outer peels of 4 Oranges and of as many Limons, of the Roots of Calamus aromaticus ℥j, of Cinnamon, Cloves, each ℥ss, being bruised and cut pour to them of the best Cyder, lbviij, let them digest for two days in a glazed pot close shut, then let them be distilled in a common Still, the first and last water being drawn off let them be mixed together.

In Winter time when green herbs are not to be had, we prescribe after this man∣ner: Take of the leaves of Scurvygrass m iiij, the tops of Broom, Pinetree, and Juniper, of each m iij, the middle bark of the Elder Tree and of the Ash Tree each ℥iij, of the Roots of Horse-radish and of Polypody of the Oak, each ℥iij, the rinds of 4 Oranges and of as many Limons, of Winteran Bark ℥iiij, being cut and bruised put them into 8 pints of Whitewine or Cyder, or the Whey made of either of them, and let them be distilled.

The simple water of the leaves of Aron being distilled in the Spring time, is an efficacious Remedy against the Scurvy, if it be taken to the quantity of 3 or 4 ounces twice aday with some other Medicine.

The simple water of Scurvygrass being poured upon fresh leaves bruised and di∣stilled and so often reitterated with new cohobations, becomes an effectual Reme∣dy: Moreover, the strong Spirit of Scurvygrass is prepared after this manner. Take of the leaves of Scurvygrass as much as will suffice, being bruised let them be made up into Balls such as those of Woad which the Dyers use, then pour upon those Balls being put into a well glazed Pot, either as much of the water of Scurvygrass or of Wine of the same herb, as will cover them at least 4 fingers, and let them be kept exactly shut for 3 or 4 dayes in some cool place, then let the whole matter, being put into an Alembeck be distilled: Let the distilled water, being put into a Cucur∣bit, be rectified, at first there goes forth the strong Spirit, of which may be taken in a fit Vehicle from 15 to 20 drops.

6. Anti-scorbutick Wine and Ale.

I was wont to prepare simple anti-scorbutick Wine of excellent use, after this manner in the Spring or Summer time. Take of the leaves of Scurvygrass gathered in a clear day as much as you please, being bruised and the Juice pressed forth, fill a Vessel of 3 or 4 Gallons with it, and putting thereto 1 or 2 spoonfuls of Yeast, let it stand to ferment for two days; then the Vessel being close shut let it be put into a Wine Cellar for 6 months, then the Liquor being clear and of colour like Spanish

Wine, draw it forth into Bottles and keep it for use: It may be kept good and incor∣rupt for many years, the dose ℥iij or iiij twice in a day.

Medicated Wines, of which may be taken 4, 3, or 2 ounces at medical hours daily, as also at Meals, are prepared after this manner: Take of Scurvygrass leaves m iiij, shavings of wild Radishes ℥iiij, of Winteran Bark ℥ss, of the outer rind of 4 Oranges and of as many Limons, and let them be put into a glass with 12 pints of White-wine, Rhenish, or thinner Spanish Wine: The Vessel being close shut up let it be kept in a cold place, and as often as you need, draw the Wine off clear.

It is a usual thing to prescribe for scorbutical persons, medicated Ale or Beer to be drunk constantly for their ordinary drink: Let Ale or Beer be prepared as much as will fill a 4 Gallon Vessel, and instead of Hops boyl therein of the tops of the Pine or the Firr-tree m iij, and after it hath fermented-in the Vessel, let there be put to it of the leaves of Scurvygrass m iij, of the roots of sharp pointed Docks prepared ℥iiij, the rinds of 4 Oranges, and after it hath stood 7 days drink of it.

These sort of medicated Ales may be prepared with other ingredients, according to the affection or temperament of the Patient, by which kind of Remedy the medici∣nal Particles altering the dyscrasie of the Blood, being continually carried into its Mass together with the Aliments many have found much benefit in taking away the cause of the Scurvy. But for as much as we have shewn the cause of this, even as the species of the Disease to be two fold, and that hitherto the Medicines proposed, respect only the saline sulphureous intemperature of the Blood: In the next place it behoves us to add scorbutick Medicines, which are convenient in the other, viz. in the sulphureous∣saline dyscrasie of the Blood.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Liquid Medi∣cines.