The expert doctors dispensatory.: The whole art of physick restored to practice. The apothecaries shop, and chyrurgions closet open'd; wherein all safe and honest practices are maintained, and dangerous mistakes discovered; and what out of subtilty for their own profits they have indeavoured to reserve to themselves, now at last impartially divulged and made common. Together with a strict survey of the dispensatories of the most renowned colledges of the world ... Containing, ... the Latine names of all simples and compounds English'd. ... the vertues, qualities, properties, quantities, and uses of all simples and componnds [sic]. ...the way of prescribing remedies; ... the nature, qualities, and symptomes of all diseases ... cautions for the applying all both internal and external medicines. To which is added by Jacob a Brunn ... a compendium of the body of physick; wherein all the medicaments vniversal and particular, simple and compound, are fitted to the practice of physick; and these forms of remedies now before prescribed by the famous P. Morellus, ...

CHAP. III. Of Potions.

A POTION is a liquid form of Medicine, made of things conducing to the purpose, either Cathar∣ticks, Cordials, or others dissolved in a meet Liquor, to be prescribed for one dose only, and to be drunk down (from whence the name) prepared either to purge, strengthen or alter the body any manner of way.

Hence a Potion is usually 3 fold, Purgative, Cordial, or Strengthening, and altering.

A Purging Potion

Is often understood under the name of Potion spo∣ken simply, so that this name is generally received to signifie a purging Potion, and of late is called a

dose, because it is not to be drank otherwise then at one time, not at divers, unless some dayes after, or some short time be interposed.

But it is a liquid form of a Medicine composed of a purging Medicine, decocted or infused, or dissolved some other way in a Liquor and added, and a syrup; to be given at once, purging either some certain hu∣mor or divers, and specifically casting it out by stool.

Hence the differences of a purging Potion are ta∣ken from the difference of humours they cast forth; hence some are Cholagogues, some Phlegmagogues, others Hydragogues, others Melanagogues, and o∣thers composed of all these proprieties are called Pan∣chymagogues, or Holagogues.

In general three things are to be considered in them, Composition, Ʋse, and Profit or Ʋtility.

In COMPOSITION two things are to be regard∣ed, an apt Liquor of which it is made, and such things as are to be dissolved in it.

The LIQUOR that is fit to dissolve your Medi∣cines for a purging potion, is to be considered in quality and quantity.

In respect of the quality, there is prescribed ei∣ther, 1. Some Decoction, or

2. Some Infusion, or

3. Both Decoction and Infusion together, or

4. Some other Liquor serving to the scope and intention of the Physitian.

In special, 1. the decoction that is usually prepa∣red to make a Potion is either purging, altering, or both together.

A purging decoction is usually prescribed of only Senna, (for a Liquor to purge Melancholy, and Phlegme) to half an ounce, six drams, or one

ounce, (according as you intend to purge; or some other purgative of the shops, viz. electuary or sy∣rup, to be dissolved in the Liquor) adding it's pro∣per correctives, as Aniseed, Cloves, &c. to 1 dram: you may also add of the cordialflowers (as Borage, Bugloss, Violets) of each P. j. and at Mont Pellier they cal these sorts of decoctions simply purging decoctions, and take it absolutely so, when some purging Medicine, as for example, Diacarthamum, is prescribed to be given with it.

And this sort of decoction may be made of o∣ther Catharticks in such a quantity that may suf∣fice for one dose; according to the diversity of the humors, adding also their Correctors, as for your Phlegmagogue potion Turbith, Carthamus, and Hermodactils: for a Melenagogue, Polypody, Epithy∣mum, and Senna; but the first is least in use, because Senna can make the Liquor sufficiently purging to supply their place, and make it otherwise sa∣tisfie the divers intentions of the Physitian: but this sort of purging decoctions are very necessa∣rily and profitably to be prescribed when we want the proper purging Electuary, or would purge that only humor; which often happens in a phlegmagogue, and melanagogue potion; for see∣ing there is no Electuary that merely purgeth phlegme, if the in lication require such a purge, prescribe your decoction of Senna for the basis, adding Carthamus; or if you would have it work more strongly, or draw from remote parts, add Turbith, or Hermodactits, to the fourth part of that proportion that is prescribed for a purging Apo∣zem, correctives also being added; so because there is no Melanagog••e effectual, (for Diasenna is weak) or safe, (for confectio hamech the great∣er

composition being both dangerous, & of doubt∣ful operation is seldom used) and the lesser so cryed up against Melancholy, rather purgeth cho∣ler) for it neither hath Senna (a chief purger of Melancholy) and the whole composition hath but ten parts of Melanagogues, but of Cholagogues viz. of Sammony, forty eight parts or doses; so that the purgers of choler are more then the purgers of melancholy by above three parts; therefore for these causes when Melancholy only is to be pur∣ged, we rightly prescribe a decoction of Senna, Epithymum, Polypody, Fumitory, &c. thus much for a purging decoction.

An altering decoction such as is used at this day every where, may be presumed two fold, one usual of the shops such as the Apothecaryes make every where, without the prescription of a Physitian: Another which is never made but for the present occasion, and this may fitly be called a Magisterial decoction.

The shop decoction is three-fold, viz. the com∣mon docoction for a Medicine; the decoction of fruits and flowers, and the pectoral decoction.

The common decoction for a Medicine, so called because it is commonly used to make purging po∣tions with all as fit for every part and humour, is thus compounded.

Take of Barley P. j. sweet Prunes 4 or 6 pair, Raisins of the Sun, and Liquorice shaved and a little bruised, ana. half an ounce, Aniseed, Fennel seed, and the four greater cold seeds (in the summer,) ana. 2 drams, the 3 Cordial flowers, ana. p. j. Make a decoction.

But it is not wont to be thus usually prescribed in every particular by the Physitian, but uses to be noted singly in the receipt by its name, which is also to be understood of the decoction of flowers, and fruits, and the pectoral decoction.

The use of this decoction is three-fold, for it serves both to dissolve simple purgers in, but chiefly compound, as Electuaries and syrups for potions, which is most usual; or else to infuse sim∣ple purgers in: or lastly, to decoct them in, to the same scope or purpose.

2. The decoction of Fruits and flowers is made of Liquorice shaved, &c. and Tamarinds, ana, two drams, Raisins of the Sun stoned half an ounce, Ju∣jubes, Sebestens, sweet Prunes, ana. 4 pair, flowers of Borage and Bugloss, ana. pug. 1. &c. Make a deco∣ction.

In Italy where this is most frequent, they use to make it purgative, by adding Senna to half an ounce, or six drams; and there they use it to dis∣solve other Medicines in, that are proper for the Breast and Reins chiefly, and also for the Choler∣ick

The pectoral decoction of Mesues particularly intended for the affections of the Breast consists of whole Barley, P. 1. Liquorice and Raisins of the sun, ana: half an ounce, Maidenhair, M j. Hysop dry∣ed, M. ss. fat Figgs, Jujubes, and Sebestens, ana, three pair, or in number, six. Make a Decoction.

The principal use of this is in cold affections of the Breast, to dissolve Medicines in that purge flegme, or to infuse them, or boyl them in.

Sometimes this it self is made purgative by adding Senna, as is said in the cordial Decoction.

The Magisterial or altering Decoction that is prescribed by the Physitian for present use, and is never otherwise extant in the Apothecaries shops, is composed of divers parts of plants, which are to be prescribed to a quarter of the proportion of the altering Apozem aforesaid, (for as that is or∣dained for four doses, so is this for one only) al∣though to av••id trouble in the dispensation of it, you need not add all the parts of the several plants that are in an Apozem, to make a heap, but 'twil suffice if you prescribe the leaves, or two or three which you shal see most convenient, of each one pugil, &c.

This sort of decoctions is extream profitable and necessary, as often as it is convenient to be us sed, whereby the purging Medicine dissolved is made amicable to the part with which otherwise it would have no conveniency; or if of it self it have no peculiar inclination to the humor, it is by this means made correspondent; hence you must choose for these Decoctions, simples which have a propriety to the parts affected, and that may direct the force of the purging Medicine to the humour by a secrret disposition they obtain; then wil the commodity of the purging Medicine appear most plentiful in it's operation.

But the chief use of this decoction is to be a convenient Vehiculum for the decoction, insusion, or dissolution of your appropriate purgers.

Sometimes in the place of an altering deco∣ction is substituted (to the same end) the broth of a Chicken alter'd with the leaves of Endive, Sorrel, Maidenhair, Borage, &c. the use of this is best in hot distempers, in the summer time especial∣y, to dissolve Catharticks in.

A Decoction both altering and purging is oft••n prescribed, for reasons before mentioned, two se∣veral wayes.

1. Either it is prescribed with Senna alone boyled in one of the common decoctions of the shops, or in a magisterial decoction, for a potion to purge either Melancholy or Phlegm, which is now very frequent.

2. Or else with other purgers boyled with it in the decoction, as is before said in the purging decoction, which is also a received practice.

And the use of this is as those before, either to infuse, boyl, or dissolve purgers in.

I ••. INFUSION: as to infusion, you must under∣stand that here by that word is meant the macera∣tion or steeping of any thing in a fit Liquor, wher∣by it's virtue loosened from its earthy body is conveyed (after the manner of tinctures) into the liquor, which impregnated with those virtues is called an infusion or dilution.

In it two things are considerable, 1. The pur∣gers that are to be infused, and 2. The Liquor in which they are to be macerated.

In both the quality and quantity are to be re∣garded.

The things to be infused in respect of their qua∣lity may be al purgers, as Senna, Agarick, &c. (ex∣cept Manna: and also Aloes and Coloquintida, for their bitterness) for at this day in Paris they of∣ten infuse Cassia Fistula.

In relation to their Quantity: if the infusion only should be sufficiently purging without dis∣solving any other either simple or compound Ca∣thartick in the strained Liquor, they ought to be prescribed in a larger quantity, than if they were

given in substance, yea in a double proportion, if they are the stronger sort: or in a treble quantity if they are the gentler sort, adding also their pro∣per correctors, to a four-fold proportion, if strong: or to a six-fold quantity, if weaker.

The Liquor as to the quality is either simple, as common water which draws forth the virtues of things but slowly, or some certain distilled wa∣ter, especially in hot affections: Whey of Milk in Melancholy; the broth of flesh, and Aqua vitae, which is indued with a wonderful faculty of ex∣tracting the virtues, dissolving the spirits, and o∣perating substance of things, and attracting it to it self; in which it surpasseth all others; and there∣fore chiefly to be used for cold affections, and in∣fusions to correct Phlegme and Melancholy, a smal portion of it being mixt with the Liquor of the i••fusion White Wine is next in praise for ex∣tracting and inbibing the virtues of things, w'h is most fit in cold affections, if you make the infusion in it and water, of each a like quantity; or other∣wise you may find some other convenient Liquor.

Or else compound, as some of the aforesaid decoctions.

The Quantity is not determined, but left to the discretion of the Apothecary, & is prescribed by the Physitian with q-s. that is, a sufficient quantity.

But although in general the infusion of Cathart∣icks be so used as is said, that of all, or either, you may excusedly prepare an insusion for pur∣ges to better purpose than when they are boyled, as is said in the Apozem; yet more specially of late i•• is grown in use, only to have two kindes of infu∣••••ons for the Liquor of a purging potion, which as most usual are wont to be generally prescribed.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 An infusion of Rhoubarb alone, to one dram,

or a dram and a half, correctives as Cinamom or Spikenard being added to gr. 6 or helf a scruple in cold persons; or else in hot tempers, yellow Saun∣ders to half a scruple, for the liquor of a Chola∣gogue potion, as also for a Phlegmagogue. 2. Or the infusion of Rheubarb from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dram to a dram and half, 2 scruples of Agarick being newly made into trosches being added with his correctors, for a phlegmagogue potion, or where Phlegme and Choler are mixed together.

An infusion is usually made in the distill'd wa∣ters of Endive and Succory, as in Ch••l rick peo∣ple; or Plant ain water, if a flux of he belly be present: it may also be made either in an altering or purging decoction, or some of the afore-menti∣oned, or in some other appropr••••t Liqu••r.

III. A DECOCTION and INFUSION together are very usual; & when it shal be prescribed, let such purgers with their Correctors be infused in s q. of some of the above-mentioned decoctions; to which purpose are Rheubarb and Agarick only u∣sually admitted; so at this day it is most usual and frequent, to have the decoction o•• Senna rescrib∣ed to be mixed with the infusion of ••heubarb a∣lone, or Agarick; according as the indications require; a potion purging either Phlegme, Melan∣choly, or adust choler.

IV. Any other LIQUOR that can satisfie the intention of the Physitian, is sometimes taken to make a purging potion, and dissolve Cath••rticks in; as for example, any of these, as Diacarthamum, and may be prescribed to half an ounce, or six drams, to be dissolved in such a water or broth, and to be made into a potion; and this is chiefly useful, when sometimes, (as in a sudden case,

through the urgency of the affection, or the shortness of time, or want of leisure, or for other inconveniences) decoctions, or infusions cannot be prepared.

As to the quality of the Liquor, some distil∣led water respecting the part affected, and hu∣mor that is to be evacuated, is to be chosen; or broth (so we usually prescribe Manna to be taken in broth, either simple of flesh, or else of a chick alter'd with cooling herbs for the cholerick; so for phlegm a tablet of Diacarthamum is usually prescribed with them,) or else white Wine, with which the root Mechoacan and Jalop (which of late is come in use, for the same things that Me∣choacan is used) are usually taken, in substance to one dram, or one dram and a half, after they have slightly infused, for phlegmatick and serous hu∣mors; or else Whey of Milk, or Mead; but this mat∣ter is treated of thrice before.

As to the quantity, the dose of the liquor in which the things are to be dissolved, varies much according to the age of the Patient; for to Boyes two ounces wil suffice, to Youths three ounces, to elder people four or five ounces at most; because seeing they require a greater quantity of purging Medicines, to be moved with all, unless you dilute them with a considerable quantity of Liquor, your potions wil be too thick and un∣grateful.

Things to be DISSOLVED are considered ei∣ther in quantity, or quality.

In relation to the quality, there are dissolved,

1. Purgers, viz. when the Liquor of the potion is little or not enough purgative, which because it usually happens, there are for the most part al∣wayes purgers dissolved in it.

2. Alterers, viz. tweetners, which are alwayes to be dissolved in it, for the better relish sake;

Purgers that are to be dissolved in it are either simple or compound.

Simples are, Manna, Cassia, which are usual in purging choler gently; as also to lenifie the af∣fections of the Breast, and Reins: or hard & dry, viz. in the form of powder, as usually the powder of Rheubarb, in the spitting of blood, dysentery, or other flux of the belly, &c. Mechoacan for phlegmatick and waterish humors, and the root of Jalop•• which of late is used in the room of Mechoacan.

Compounds are either officinal or magiste∣rial.

Officinal, or the purgers of the shops, are either syrups, as syrup of Roses solutive, of Succory with Rheubarb, of Fumitory compound, De pomis Regis Sabor (if to be had) honey of Roses strained.

Or Electuaries, which are either soft as Opiates, or solid as Tabulets; Opiates either purge al humors, as Catholicon; or phlegm only, as Diaphoenicon, In∣dum minus, benedicta Laxativa, Hiera picra, though unpleasantly; or Choler, as Diaprunum simplex, Diacassia, Tryphera Persica, Diaprunum solutivum, Electuar. of Roses Mesues, Electuary de Psillio; or Phlegm and Choler together, as Diaphoenicum, In∣dum minus; or Melancholy, as Catholicon best of al, Diasenna solutive, Confectio hamech minor; or else watrish humors, as Benedicta laxative; solid Ele∣ctuaries either respect choler, as Eleci: de succo ro∣sar: or phlegme, as Diacarthamum, Electuary de ci∣tro solutives or Choler and Phlegme together, as the two last.

Or some powder extant in the shops, as Dia∣turbith

in Germany, for phlegm and waterish hu∣mors.

Magisterial purgers use to be prescribed by the Physitian, for present use, and as is the infusion of Rhuebarb alwayes prescribed, but chiefly for cho∣lerick humours, thus; let the infusion of 1 dram, or a dram and a half of Rheubarb made in En∣dive, or Succory water; or else the expression of one dram, or a dram and half of Rheubarb: or the in∣fused Liquor of one dram, or a dram and a half of Rheubarb; for these three wayes sound the same thing.

ALTERERS or Sweetners, besides those now mentioned, are usually syrups, (but Manna is of∣ten given alone with broth; Diacarthamum, Rheubarb, & Mechoacam are most commonly pre∣scribed to be taken in white Wine.

And these in respect of their quality are onely used as alterers (if the decoction or infusion be sufficiently purging it self; or if a sufficient quan∣tity of other purgers be dissolved in the strained Liquor,) and those respecting both the humour, and part affected, from whence succeeds a happy event.

Or purgers also, when things are otherwise; and the most usual, for al potions almost is syrup of Roses solutive.

But in relation to the quantity, in general, the dose of the purgers to be dissolved shal be more or less, according as the decoction or infusion, or both, shal be nothing at al, or more or less pur∣ging: for Catharticks are to be dissolved in such a quantity that they may make one whole and allowable dose with the simple purgers (if any be either decocted or infused;) which may easily be

known by the several doses both of simple and compound purgers: as for example, the dose of Senna in a decoction, that it may only moderate∣ly purge, is an ounce, or an ounce and a half, or rather from half an ounce to an ounce; of Rhubarb in the infusion, that it might moderately purge, frō a dram and half, to half an ounce; so that if you prescribe a decoction, of half an ounce of Senna, in which it should be infused, because half an ounce is onely one third of the dose in which it may be given, that is, of an ounce and a half, in which it purgeth moderately; and also prescribe one dram of Rhuebarb, which is but a fourth part of the whole dose of Rheubarb; it comes to pass that these joyned make only 7 twelfths of the whole dose, which make not up the whole dose by five twelfths, to supply wch you must dissolve so much of some fit Electuary as may make the dose com∣pleat, as Electuary Diacarthamum, whose dose since it is fix drams, you must borrow from thence 7 twelfths, viz. two drams & a half, so have you the proportion which may allowably be dissolved, that with the help of the others it may mo∣derately purge the body, where other contingen∣cies are indifferent. And thus the dose of those things that are to be dissolved is to be examined, that al things may be prescribed safely, not dan∣gerously or by chance.

But in special, when the Liquor of a potion is little or nothing purging, at Montpellier (for a bo∣dy where al things are moderate, we may dissolve

Manna to 2 ounces, or 3 ounces.

Cassia in a smal quantity, and not unless some powerful indication require it, (as in lenifying the affections of the breast and Reins,) because it makes potions gross and ungrateful if it should

be dissolved in his legitimate dose, therefore 'twil be best to dissolve not above three drams, or four drams; but that this smal quantity may be made up, you may add the stronger sort of purging ele∣ctuaries to three drams, or half an ounce; where∣fore usually that it may be more acceptable in potions, 'twere better to infuse it as they do at Paris.

Rheubarb if it be dissolved in substance against the dysentery or flux of the belly, &c. you may do it to one scruple, half a dram, or one dram; for a purging powder should not much exceed one dram, otherwise it may be too thick, and thereby ungrateful;

Mechoacan to one dram, and a dram and half.

Jalop to one dram.

Syrup of Roses solutive new to three ounces, and four ounces, for old syrup is not used.

Some things are seldom used or dissolved, to purge by themselves, as the syrup of Roses solutive, unless in delicate persons, as to them that are ea∣sily purged, or else (as it is sometimes) when the decoction of it self is very purgative.

Electuaries of the shops in the form of opiats, if gentle, as diaprunis simple, diacassia, Tryphera Persica, Diasebesten, Catholicon, (though seldom) to one ounce, or an ounce and half at most; for in a greater quantity they thicken the Liquor too much; diaprunis solutive, and Electuary de Psillio, to half an ounce, six drams, or one ounce at most for strong people, Indum minus, Diaphoenicum, from three drams to six drams: Benedicta laxativa, from two drams to five drams.

But those which are in the form of Tabulets, as diacarthamum, de citro solutive, de succo rosarum, from 3 drams to six drams at most in the strong∣est people.

The dose of the infusion of Rheubarb is above∣mentioned.

Sweetning syrups, when altering, (although purgers are only dissolved) from one ounce to an ounce and half; when purging, from one ounce to half an ounce, unless you would purge with them only, which is seldom seen.

The USE and FORM of prescribing is various, according to the variety of the Liquor.

I. If the Liquor be any of the above-mention∣ed decoctions, 'tis prescribed. ℞. &c. (viz. the said ingredients) make a decoction in q. s. (of a fit Liquor) to three ounces, or four ounces, strain in it, &c. (or without straining make a decoction, &c.) take of the strained Liquor three ounces, or four ounces (for either way is usual) in which dissolve, &c. make a potion to be taken in the morning with care and order, having eaten a light supper the night before.

But if you would not describe your decoction at length, 'twil be sufficient, if (having set down the purgers) you prescribe any, as for example, the decoction of Endive, Agrimony, Maidenbair, &c. Make a potion, &c.

II. If of any officinal decoction, ℞. &c. (viz. the things that are to be dissolved) with q. s. of such a decoction, make a potion, &c. or else turn∣ing the order say, ℞ &c. (viz. of such or such a decoction 3 ounces) in which dissolve, &c. Make a potion.

This same form is likewise commonly used, with the common purging decoction of the Shops.

II. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of an 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ℞. &c. (viz. those things that are to be infused) make an infusion in q: s. of some Liquor before mentioned (over hot emb∣ers twelve hours, or a whole night; or if you please without noting the time) then strain it, and dissolve in it, &c. so make a potion.

It may otherwise be more briefly prescribed thus. ℞. The expression of one dram, or a dram and half of Rheubarb made in a fit water, in which dissolve, &c. So make a Potion.

This is to be noted, that when Mechoacan, or the root of Jalop are infused, they should be pres∣cribed to be infused in white Wine; so let it be given in the morning with the usual ordering, without any expression to one dram, or a dram and half.

IV. If of a decoction, and an infusion together, ℞. &c. viz. those things that are necessary to be b••yled•• make a decoction in q. s. of some appro∣priat Liquor, in a sufficient quantity of the strain∣ed Liquor; infuse, &c. viz. those things mentioned before in the infusion; then having strained them dissolve &c. so make a potion; and this order is now most usual.

V. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 without these, the potion be prescribed of some other Liquor, then thus. ℞. &c. viz. the purger that is to be dissolved, as Diacarthamum, six 〈…〉〈…〉 to purge a phlegmatick person, make it into a potion with s: q: of such a Liquor.

The UTILITY: a potion in general is very com∣modious when we have an indication of purging, either with a minorative Medicine to lessen the humors before concoction, or an eradicating Me∣dicine to exclude the humour already prepared and concocted, or else of otherwise evacuating it

without this preparation, which seeing it may be done with Medicines under the three-fold form of pils, boles, and potions, (for powders and pur∣ging tablets, as also syrups never come in use, un∣less in the form of a potion, dissolved in some convenient Liquor) of these a potion is to be prefer∣red in these cases,

When humours in respect of their scituation are gathered in the first region of the body; and are to be expell'd without any perturbation of the body, not to be drawn from far, for in this li∣quid form the purging quality soon descends in∣to the belly with the Liquor, and is soon commu∣nicated to it, so that in so short a time the purg∣ing quality cannot be diffused to the more remote parts, (although some smal evacuation happen also to them by consecution of the humors) un∣less you boyl or dissolve stronger Medicines, and in a greater quantity, which cannot be done so safely; in which case pils are better, which staying long in the belly, the virtue of them at last insinu∣ates it self into the habit of the body; therefore a potion is most commodious, in affections of the stomack, and neighbouring parts, Pancreas, Mesen∣tery, Spleen, Liver, and other inferior parts.

But in respect of the several sorts of humors to be evacuated, the form of a potion (as also of a bole) doth more agree with tempers and affecti∣ons that are cholerick then the solid form of pils; because both to moisten, lenifie, and cool, (which three properties such a hot and dry constitution requires,) those things which are suppable and liquid do more aptly perform, and therefore ra∣ther to be used, unless a great weakness of the stomack, and a broken strength (which are more

dissolved by Liquid things) require the contrary: then 'tis better to use pils or boles.

'Tis also very profitable to purge Melancholy, because this humor as it were dusty with drought may be washed down by such actual moisture, and the wayes by which it is to pass made slippery, and al other hinderances relaxed and moistened; Tis also very useful in phlegmatick affections, unless the stomack be very weak, so that the plegm be found in the first or second region of the body: for if it be in the third Region, or re∣more parts, it wil be little advantagious, unless composed of the stronger and greater quantity of purgers from whence danger.

'Tis also useful in obstructions of gross, dry, condensated humors; and also in the summer, as pils in the winter.

A Corroborating Potion.

A Corroborating Potion, which also sometime is called a Julep, drink, or Cordial potion; is a liquid form of medicine composed of Confections, or Cordial powders, and a syrup dissolved in a fit liquor to strengthen and confirm the principal parts, restore strength, and help the peculiar affections of the heart.

In this three things are considerable, the Com∣position, Ʋse, and Ʋtility.

In COMPOSITION two things are to be re∣garded.

1. A fit Liquor of which 'tis made.

2. What things are to be dissolved in it.

The Liquor is to be regarded in relation to his quality, and quantity.

In relation to his quality there is prescribed.

1. Some distill'd Cordial water, as of Borage, &c.

2. Some distill'd water and a convenient juice together, which is most usual; for 'tis seldome made of a Juyce alone, and seldom also of deco∣ctions or infusions.

In respect to its quantity the dose is the same, as of the purging potion, three ounces, or sour oun∣ces, yet in summer, and in the great heat of Fevers, and other hot affections, you may prescribe a lar∣ger quantity.

Things to be dissolved, are also considered in respect to their quality and quantity.

In relation to the quality there is alwayes dis∣solved some fit Cordial syrup, and besides it al∣wayes,

1. Either some Cordial confection alone, as usually Confection Alchermes, de Hyacintho, &c. of which see in the Juleps.

2 Or some Cordial powder alone, and that ei∣ther simple, as Harts-horn, Coral, Bolearmoniack Ter∣ra sigillata, Pearls, Fragments of preticus stones, Ʋni∣corns horn, Bezar stone, these may be prescribed, and are to be chosen according to the urgency and variety of the affections: Or else compound, as the powder of some electuary of the shops, (as Di∣amargaritum frigidum, &c.) and this is most usual to be prescribed for this sort of Cordial Potions, as the simples are though much seldomer.

3 Or some Confection or powder together.

In relation to the quantity, syrups are usually prescribed to an ounce and an ounce and half.

Cordial confections from half an ounce, to an ounce, and an ounce and half at most.

Cordial powders from one scruple to two scru∣ples, or one ounce at most.

But if it be of the more scarce and pretious sort, let it not exceed one scruple; so for the most part 'tis prescribed to half a scruple, and one scru∣ple.

The fragment of pretious stones and Ʋnicornshorn from gr 5, to half a dram.

Bezoar stone to gr 4, or 6.

Confections and powders together are so to be prescribed that they may compleat the whole dose, taking the greater quantity of this or that, or equal parts as you see fit.

The USE is for 1 dose only, according to the present necessity, at any time of the day, or the dis∣ease.

And this is the usual FORM of RESCRIB∣ING. ℞ &c. viz. the Liquor, in which dissolve, &c. so make a potion to be taken at such or such an hour.

Mark this, that because some Cordials are dis∣solved in the potion, they may be prescribed in the said form: or else without the straining after dissolution 'tis usual to prescribe all the ingredi∣ents, adding only, Make a potion.

The UTILITY: 'Tis very effectual against di∣vers affections of the heart, as Swooning, panting, &c. malignant affections, poysons: and when it is to be strengthened, being made weak by the vio∣lence of diseases; as also when the virtues of it, and al other principal parts are dejected, they are through the continuance of the whole disease to be assisted and restored; being weakned, to be strengthened, and confirmed, being exhausted, to be recruited.

An altering Potion.

THat is to be called an altering Potion which is under a Liquid form not allotted either to purge hurtful humors, or comfort the strength of the body oppressed, so it be to alter any way, or e∣vacuate, so it do it not by purging, (as in expelling the stone of the Reines, &c.) prescribed for one onely dose to be taken by the mouth at one time

The COMPOSITION of it is the same, as of the corroborating potion, viz. of a Liquor fitted for your present intention, either a distill'd water on∣ly, or else some Juyce or decoction being added to it, and some convenient powder, to be altered according to the variety of your indications, and a proper syrup serving to the intention of the Phy∣sitian; al which are prescribed in the dose, & after the same manner as the strengthening potion, as you may perceive by one or two examples fol∣lowing.

A somniferous potion, restoring and corrobo∣rating the strength exhausted by over-watch∣ings.

℞. Water of red Poppyes, water Lilles, and Let∣tuce, of each two ounces, syrup of white Poppy, one ounce, syrup of Violets, half an ounce, Consectio Al∣kermes, half a dram. Make a potion to be taken at the time of going to sleep.

A Potion for the Worms, and also Cordial.

Take the water of Purslane, and grass, of each two ounces, Confection of Hyacinth, half a dram, powder of Earthworms dryed, one scruple, Coralin, and the sha∣vings

of Hartshorn, of each one scruple, syrup of Le∣mons one ounce. So make a potion.

A potion to hasten delivery of a Child.

Take Hypocras (made by the infusion of Cinnamon, and Dittany in white Wine) four ounces, or five ounces, Cinnamon water half an ounce, Corfectio Alchermes one dram, Saffron half a scruple, syrup of Mugwort one cunce. So make a potion.