Ars chirurgica a compendium of the theory and practice of chirurgery in seven books ... shewing the names, causes, signs, differences, prognosticks, and various intentions of curing all kinds of chirurgick diseases ... : to which is added Pharmacopoeia chirurgica, or, The medical store, Latin and English ... / by William Salmon ...

12. Spirit of Sulphur, by Di∣stillation; vulgarly called, Ens primum.

℞ A tubulated Retort, or one at least perforated, put into it by degrees, or spoonfuls, a pouder made of equal parts of Sulphur and Ni∣tre, which being inflamed, the Va∣pours will be driven with violence into a glass Receiver, which ought to be very large, containing some fair Water, and stopped in the jun∣cture to the neck of the Retort: one spoonful being consumed, another is to be put in, and this to be continued so long as you please. So have you (together with some Flowers) an acid penetrating Spi∣rit, not much unlike to that made per Campanam; but without doubt containing in its self somewhat of the acid of the Nitre, which the reddish Vapours demonstrate. If Sulphur only were used or put in, the Operation would not succeed so happily; because the Sulphur is not easily kindled, or made to flame; and therefore little or no acid Spi∣rit, but many Flowers will come forth: the juncture also is only gently to be stopt.

It powerfully provokes Sweat and the Terms, moves the Belly, and is a famous Nephritick; it is good in all Diseases of the Brest and Lungs, as the Cough and Phthisick, more especially if it be dulcified with Honey: it is profitable in Asthma's, Catarrhs, inveterate Obstructions, and other Diseases of the Bowels. It makes thin, cuts, opens, and drys, and is of good use in Diseases of the Womb, in Colicks, the Plague, as also in vehement burning and contagious Fevers. It quiets the effervescency of the Blood, resists Putrifaction, kills Worms, and has the same virtues with Oil of Sulphur. Dose, à ʒ j, ad ij. or to make the Vehicle have a pleasant acidity.