C H A P. I.
Of Balsams.
The Balsam of Arcæus.
Take two Pounds of the Suet of a He-Goat, Venice Turpentine and Gum Elemi, a Pound and a half of each; and of Hogs-Lard one Pound. After the Gum Elemi, being cut into small Pieces, hath been melted over a very gentle Fire, add to it the Turpentine, Goats-Suet, and
Swines-Grease; and when all these Ingredients are well dissolv'd, strain the Liquor thro' a new Linnen-Cloth, to separate the Scum and Dregs from it; then let the whole Mass cool, and the Balsam is made.
This Balsam serves to incarnate and consolidate all sorts of Wounds and Ulcers: It is likewise us'd in Fractures and Dislocations of the Bones; as also to cure the Contusions and Wounds of the Nerves.
The Balsam of Spain.
Take pure Wheat, the Roots of Valerian and Carduus Benedictus, of each one Ounce, and beat 'em well in a Mortar with a Pint of White-Wine; strain the whole Composition into an Earthen Vessel Leaded, having a narrow Mouth; stop up the Vessel, and set it upon hot Embers during twenty four Hours: Then add six Ounces, of St. John's Wort; set the whole Mass in Balneo Mariæ, till the Wine be consum'd and let it be strain'd and squeez'd. Afterward add two Ounces of Frankincense well pulveriz'd, with eight Ounces of Venice Turpentine, mixing 'em together over a gentle Fire, and the Balsam will be made.
This is the Balsam which was always us'd by Hieronymus Fabritius ab Aguapendente, a noted Italian Surgeon, and is excellent for all kinds of Wounds, even for the Nervous, which (as it is avouch'd by some Persons) may be cur'd by it within the space of twenty four Hours. But the Wound must be at first wash'd with good White-Wine cold, and afterward anointed