C H A P. II.
Of Ointments.
Unguentum Althææ.
Take of the Roots of Althæa or Marsh-Mallows, six Ounces, the Seeds of Line, and Fenugreek, and Squills, of each four Ounces; of yellow Wax one Pound; Colophony and Rosin, of each one Pound; Venice Turpentine, Galbanum, and Gum Hederæ pulveriz'd, two Ounces of each. The Marsh-Mallow-Roots being newly gather'd, are to be well wash'd and slic'd, as well as the Squills. After they have been put into a Copper-Pan or Skillet, tinn'd over on the inside, together with the Seeds of Line and Fenugreek, and a Gallon of fair Water pour'd upon 'em, the whole Mass is to be macerated during twenty four Hours, over a very gentle Fire, stirring the Ingredients from time to time with a Wooden Spatula: Thus they are to be boil'd slowly, often reiterating the stirring, till the Mucilages are sufficiently thicken'd; then, after having well squeez'd and strain'd 'em thro' a strong and very close Cloth, and mingl'd 'em with the prepar'd Oil, they are to be boil'd together again over a very gentle Fire, till the Superfluous Moisture of the Mucilages be wholly
consum'd: Afterward having strain'd the Oil again, the yellow Wax, Colophony, and Rosin cut into small pieces, are to be melted in it; and if any Dregs appear at the bottom of the Pan, when the whole Mass is dissolv'd, it is to be strain'd a-new, or at least the pure Liquor must be separated from the gross or impure by Inclination, whilst it is as yet very hot: The Ointment is to be stirr'd about with a Wooden Pestle; and when it begins to grow thick, you may add the Turpentine, the Galbanum purify'd and thicken'd, and the Gum Hederæ beaten to fine Powder, all which Ingredients were before incorporated together. Then the Ointment is to be continually stirr'd, till it be altogether grown cold.
This Ointment serves to moisten, mollifie, and heat gently; it also allayes the Pains of the Side, and softens Tumours, particularly the Parotides. It may be us'd either alone, or with other Ointments or Oils.
The mundificative Ointment of Smallage.
Take three handfuls of Smallage-Leaves; with Ground-Ivy, great Wormwood, great Centory, Germander, Sage, St. John's-Wort, Plantain, Milfoil or Yarrow, Perewinkle, the greater Comfrey, the lesser Comfrey, Betony, Honey-suckle, Fluellin, Vervein, Knot-Grass, Adders-Tongue, and Burnet, of every one of these Plants two handfuls; a Gallon of common Oil, white Pitch, Mutton-Suet, yellow Wax, and Turpentine, of each two Pounds.