ILLU′TATION. See Bath (Mud).
IMAGINA′TION. The influence of the imagination, both in the production and cure of disease, has been long admitted by medical practitioners. It is probably the most powerful therapeutic agent known. “Extraordinary cures have been ascribed to inert and useless means, when, in fact, they were referable to the influence of the imagination.” (Dr Pereira.)
IMPE′RIAL. Syn. Potus imperialis, Ptisana i., L. Prep. 1. Cream of tartar, 1⁄4 oz.; 1 lemon, sliced; lump sugar, 2 oz.; boiling water, 1 quart; infuse, with occasional stirring until cold, then pour off the clear portion for use.
2. A lemon, sliced; sugar, 1 oz.; boiling water, 1 pint.
3. Yellow rind and juice of lemon; citric acid, 1 dr.; sugar, 21⁄2 oz.; hot water (which has been boiled), 1 quart; as No. 1. Refrigerant and slightly diuretic. Used as a common drink in fevers, dropsy, &c., and as a summer beverage.
IM′PLEMENTS (Agricultural). “Almost all the operations of agriculture may be performed by the plough, the harrow, the scythe, and the flail; and these are the sole implements in the primitive agriculture of all countries. With the progress of improvement, many other implements (and machines) have been introduced, the more remarkable of which are the Drill plough, the HORSE HOE, the WINNOWING MACHINE, the THRESHING MACHINE, the HAY-MAKING MACHINE, and the REAPING MACHINE. The object of all these implements and machines is to abridge human labour, and to perform the different operations to which they are applied with a greater degree of rapidity, and in a more perfect manner than before.” (Loudon.) On the perfection of agricultural implements and machines depends much of the improvement of which this art is susceptible. See Agriculture, &c.
IMPROV′ING. The trade name for ‘doctoring,’ ‘adulterating,’ or ‘lowering,’ the quality of any substance, with the view of cheapening it or increasing its bulk. See Wine, &c.
IN′CENSE. Prep. 1. Olibanum, 2 or 3 parts; gum benzoin, 1 part.
2. Olibanum, 7 parts; gum benzoin, 2 parts; cascarilla, 1 part. Placed on a hot plate or burned, it exhales an agreeable perfume. Used in some of the rituals of the Roman Catholic church.
3. Benzoin and storax, of each 4 oz.; labdanum and myrrh, of each 6 oz.; cascarilla 3 oz.; oil cinnamon, 8 minims; oils bergamot and lavender, of each 20 minims; oil cloves, 10 minims; mix, and pass through a coarse sieve.