Nine books of physick and chirurgery written by that great and learned physitian, Dr Sennertus. The first five being his Institutions of the whole body of physick: the other four of fevers and agues: with their differences, signs, and cures.

Purging Decoctions.

PUrging decoctions differ not from other decoctions, * 1.1 un∣lesse in respect of materialls; namely that simple pur∣ging medicines are mingled in purging decoctions, the manner of preparing is the same: for purging medicines convenient for the evacuation of the humours are taken, and that for one and more doses, yet because in seething their strength will decay, or waste they ought to be taken in a greater dose, then in the substance, the strongest for the most part double, but of the milder purgers, four-fold. Of which before in the doses of medicines.

Other things are added to these, which may either re∣sist and correct the malignant, and noxious qualities of the purge, or may prevent the mischeives which may befall nature by theuse of strong purgers or which may increase and stir up the dull faculty of a medicine, or extimulate them to worke more speedily, or may bridle them if they worke too strong and quick, or such as have regard to some private part, and may leade and direct the purging medi∣cine

thither; Aromatick powders or species are added to the decoction strained, for to please the palate, halse an ounce or an ounce of Syrup is appointed and prepared.

2. Oftentimes something that purges is added to the decoction as Syrup and Honey of Roses and Violets solu∣tive, also Cassia, Manna, which are dissolved in the decoc∣tion, which is againe strained.

3. Sometimes purging electuaries are mixt and dissolved in the concoction, in such quantity that they make one dose when they are mingled with many things that are boyled together.

4. But because decoction, by the mixture of electuaries become thicker; tis not inconvenient if they are strained againe, and also clarifyed, but then the Electuaries may be used in a larger quantity.

5. Sometimes, some of the purging powders are added to the Liquor or decoction.

6. Or some quantity of a purging extract is dissolved in it:

7. Lastly, decoctions are oftentimes made of purging and altering medicines together.

Hereunto belongs decoctions to cause vomits, * 1.2 sweates Urine, examples whereof are extant every where.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The man∣ner of pre∣puring pur∣ging of de∣coctions.
• * 1.2

  Vomiting things &c.