A medicinal dispensatory, containing the vvhole body of physick discovering the natures, properties, and vertues of vegetables, minerals, & animals: the manner of compounding medicaments, and the way to administer them. Methodically digested in five books of philosophical and pharmaceutical institutions; three books of physical materials galenical and chymical. Together with a most perfect and absolute pharmacopoea or apothecaries shop. Accommodated with three useful tables. Composed by the illustrious Renodæus, chief physician to the monarch of France; and now Englished and revised, by Richard Tomlinson of London, apothecary.

CHAP. 35. Of Compound Medicaments, to be kept in Pharmacopolies.

VVHen the Pharmaceutrical Art was not yet reducted to an Art, nor any Medicaments, save a few, described or digested into order; then, what compounds should be retained, and what rejected, was not determinable.

Nicolaus Praepositus indeed described many Medicaments; some whereof he himself disapproves of, others he transcribed not faith∣fully, and others he depraved, by changing something in them: so that from his writings, we cannot conjecture what to keep, or what not.

Nic. Alexandrinus heaps up such a mole of Medicaments, that they would rather puzzle, then help an Apothecary.

Actuarius also, Aetius, and Oribasius, describe many; which con∣sisting of unknown, and rare Simples, are found either inept, or neglected, as indued with no eximious qualities.

Amongst the latter Writers, Ferneleus, Sylvius, and Rondeletius, have diligently examined the Medicaments invented by the Anci∣ents, and have rejected some as inconcinnate, others they have proved, illustrated, and commended, as invented by riper Judge∣ments, and indued with Nobler faculties.

I have diligently selected the most excellent from learned men, and the most approved from old and expert men; and of them extracted my Pharmaceutrical shop, or Antidotary, orderly composed into six books; wherein all the approved troop of Alterative, Purgative, and Roborative Medicaments, are described; which being used either by intrinsecal assumption, or extrinsecal adhibition, I have exhibited those to be introsumed, if Alteratives, in form either of syrupes, or sapes, or conserves, or eclegms; if Purgatives, either in the form of a liquid Electuary, or a solid one, or Trochisks, or Pills; if Roboratives, either in form of a powder, or an opiate confection, or of Pastils: those to be extraneously adhibited, either in form of an Oyl, or an Unguent, or a salve.

All which receipts and forms of Medicaments we have exhibited in distinct Books and Chapters, described in a good method; where∣in all the Medicaments are contained, wherewith Pharmacopolies should be furnished and guarded. He shall require no more, nei∣ther can he be well furnished with fewer, who desires well to cure the several affections of mans body.