A compendious body of chymistry, which will serve as a guide and introduction both for understanding the authors which have treated of the theory of this science in general: and for making the way plain and easie to perform, according to art and method, all operations, which teach the practise of this art, upon animals, vegetables, and minerals, without losing any of the essential vertues contained in them. By N. le Fèbure apothecary in ordinary, and chymical distiller to the King of France, and at present to his Majesty of Great-Britain.

The manner of preparing the Ophthalmick water.

℞ One part of the first water of quick-lime, two of the second, and iij. p. of the third, mix them together and dissolve therein ʒ j, of salt Armoniack to each pound of water; put this dissolution in a brass copper or Bason, and let it stand therein the space of xij. or xv. hours, or until it be tinged with an o∣riental saphirine colour, then filtrate exactly and keep it for use in a Bottle. This water is unparalleld for all diseases and blemishes of the eyes whatsoever without reference to their original: for the salt of the Lime joined with the volatile salt of Urine, consti∣tuting the vertue of salt Armoniack, draws a subtil Vitriol from the Brass or Copper, which are found inseparably joined and uni∣ted together in the water, and do communicate unto it a refrige∣rating, cooling, cleansing and desiccative quality. I will say more yet, that these three Salts so united, are capable to blunt, kill and destroy all the malignancy of those harsh, corroding and biting Salts which are mixed in the serosity of the blood, and are the true occasional cause not only of the grief, inflammation and sores in the eyes; but moreover of all itching, eruptions and Ulcers growing outwardly, and generated in the body of man: where∣fore this water ought and may not only be used against the se∣veral griefs incident to the eyes, but against Itchings, Scabs, and Ulcers also. And in case it had drawn too much of the salts in respect of delicate and tender persons, or for the quick and nice sense of some parts of the body, it may be allayed and sweetened by adding Eyebright, Euphrase, Fennel, Rose or Plantain water.