[516]. Pectoral Balsam of Liquorice. The proprietor of this nostrum gravely affirms that f℥iss contains the virtues of a whole pound of Liquorice root; but upon investigation it will be found to consist principally of Paregoric Elixir, very strongly impregnated with the Oil of Aniseed.
[517]. The Chelsea Pensioner. An empirical remedy for the rheumatism is well known under this name; it is said to be the prescription of a Chelsea Pensioner, by which Lord Amherst was cured; the following is its composition—Gum Guaiac ʒj—Powdered Rhubarb ʒij—Cream of Tartar ℥j—Flowers of Sulphur ℥j.—One Nutmeg finely powdered; made into an Electuary with one pound of Clarified Honey. Two large spoonsful to be taken night and morning.
Walker & Wessel’s Jesuit Drops. This is nothing more than the Elixir Antivenereum of Quincey, consisting of Guaiacum, Balsam of Copaiba, and Oil of Sassafras, made into a Tincture by Spirit.
Hatfield’s Tincture. Guaiac and Soap, equal parts, ʒij—Rectified Spirit oiss.
Hill’s Essence or Bardana. Guaiac ℥j—Spirit f℥iij.
[518]. Matthew’s Pills,—Starkey’s Pills. Of the Roots of Black Hellebore, Liquorice, and Turmeric, equal parts, purified Opium, Castille Soap, and Syrup of Saffron, the same quantity, made into pills with Oil of Turpentine.
Bacher’s Tonic Pills. These are composed of equal parts of the Extract of Hellebore, and Myrrh ℥j, with ʒiij of powdered Carduus Benedictus: which are made into a mass, and divided into pills, each weighing one grain; from two to six of which may be given three times every day, according to the effects they produce.
[519]. Whence the decoctions of this substance have been termed Ptisans, from πτὶσσω decortico, to peel.
[520]. A Compound, consisting of Extract of Quassia and Liquorice, is used by fraudulent brewers to economise both malt and hops, and is technically called “Multum.” An Extract of Cocculus Indicus is sold under the name of “Black Extract,” for imparting an intoxicating quality to the Beer.
[521]. Ὑδραργυρος of the Greeks, from its fluidity and colour.