[75] Cup Moss. This with some other Mosses of like kind, have been mightily in vogue amongst the good Women for their Children's Coughs; but they have not obtained in official nor extemporaneous Prescriptions. They are said to be infallible in that which is commonly called the Chin-Cough.—English Dispensatory (Quincy), London, 1742.
[76] Burning "Spunck," an excrescence growing out of black birch, in two or three places on the thigh of a patient, helps sciatica.—New England's Rarities (Josselyn), London, 1672.
[77] Falling-Sickness. In Children. Ashes of the dung of black Cow [dram]i. given to a new born Infant, doth not only preserve from the Epilepsia, but also cure it. In those of ripe Age. The livers of 40 water-Frogs brought into a powder, and given at five times (in Spirit of Rosemary or Lavender) morning and evening, will cure, the sick not eating nor drinking two hours before nor after it.—Compendium of Physick (Salmon), London, 1671.
Peacock's Dung is reckoned a specific in Epilepsias, and its use is commended in Vertigo.—English Dispensatory (Quincy), London, 1742.
[78] Salt of Mans Skull. The skull of a dead man, calcine it, and extract the Salts as that of Tartar. It is a real cure for the Falling-Sickness, Vertigo, Lethargy, Numbness, and all capital diseases, in which it is a wonderful prevalent.—Compendium of Physick (Salmon), London, 1671.
It is to be feared that this has obtained a place in medicine, more from a whimsical Philosophy, than any other account.... A dead Man's Hand. This is supposed, from some superstitious Conceits amongst Common People, to be of great Efficacy in dispersing scrophulous Tumours. The part, forsooth, is to be rubbed with the dead Hand for some time. And Report furnishes us with many Instances of Cures done hereby; some of which may not improbably be true, both as the Imagination in the Patient contributes much to such Efficacies, and because the Sensation which stroaking in that manner gives, is somewhat surprizing, and occasions a shuddering Chilness upon the Part touched; which may in many cases put the Fibres in such Contractions, as to loosen, shake off, and dislodge the obstructed matter; in which consists the Cure.—English Dispensatory (Quincy), London, 1742.
Mummy. This is the Flesh of Carcases which have been embalm'd. But altho it yet retains a place in medicinal catalogues, it is quite out of vse in Prescription.—English Dispensatory (Quincy), London, 1742.
[79] Goose-Dung. The Excrements of most Birds are accounted hot, nitrous, and penetrating; for this reason they pass for inciders and Detergents, and are particularly reckon'd good in Distempers of the Head; but they are now almost quite laid aside in Practice. Elk's Hoof is also esteemed of mighty Efficacy in Distempers of the Head. Naturalists tell us that the Creature itself first gave to Mankind a Hint of its Medicinal Virtues; for they say, whenever it ails anything in the Head, it lies in such a Posture as to keep one of the tips of a Hoof in its Ear; which after some time effects a Cure. But this I leave to be credited by those of more faith than myself.—English Dispensatory (Quincy), London, 1742.
An Hysteric Emulsion. Take Assafoetida 2 drams, dissolve cold in a mortar with a pound and half of Black-Cherry-water, and strain for Vse. This is tolerable, for its stinking Scent, but to few; yet where it can be got down, it is very prevalent in checking the inordinate Orgasm of the Spirits, and preventing those Convulsions and Frenzies of Mind which arise therefrom; it may be drank in the quantity of 2 ounces, according to the Urgency of the Symptoms.—English Dispensatory (Quincy), London, 1742.
[80] Hog-Lice Wine. Take Hog-Lice (i.e. Wood lice or Sow bugs), half a pound, put them alive into two pound of White Port Wine, and after some Days Infusion strain and press out very hard, then put in Saffron, 2 drams, Salt of Steel, a dram, and Salt of Amber, 2 scruples, and ater 3 or 4 Days strain and filter for Use. This is an admirable Medecine against the Jaundice, Dropsy, or any cachectic Habit.—English Dispensatory (Quincy), London, 1742.