What is an Erysipelas?
An Erysipelas, commonly call'd St. Anthony's Fire, is a small Elevation produc'd by a Flux of Choler dispers'd and running between the Skin and the Flesh. It is known by its yellowish Colour, great Heat and Prickings.
R E M E D I E S.
What are the Remedies proper for an Erysipelas?
An Erysipelas that ariseth in the Head and Breast is not without danger, and the Cure of
it ought to be undertaken with great Care in the Application as well of internal as external Remedies: For it is requisite to take inwardly a Dose of the Diaphoretick Mineral, Crabs-Eyes, Egg-shels, Powder of Vipers, and other Medicines; as also Potions that have the like Virtues, such as the following. Take four Ounces of Elder-Flower-Water, adding thereto a Scruple of the volatile Salt of Vipers or Hart's-Horn with an Ounce of Syrrup of red Poppies.
Phlebotomy or Blood-letting hath no place here, unless there be a great Plethory, but frequent Clysters are not to be rejected, viz. such as are made of Whay, Chervil, Succory, and Violet-Plants, adding a Dram of Mineral Crystal dissolv'd with two Ounce of Honey of Violets.
As for outward Applications, Linnen-Rags dipt in the Spirit of Wine impregnated with Camphire and Saffron, are to be laid upon the Tumour, and renew'd as fast as they are dry'd. An equal quantity of Chalk and Myrrh beaten to Powder, may also be strew'd upon a Sheet of Cap-Paper over-spread with Honey, and apply'd to the Part.
If the Heat and Pain grow excessive, take half a Dram of Saccharum Saturni, twenty Grains of Camphire, as much Opium, with two Drams of red Myrrh, to be infus'd in a Gallon of White-Wine: Let this Liquor be kept to soak the Cloaths that are laid upon the Erysipelas, and often renew'd. But to dress the Face, a Canvass Cloth may be us'd, which hath been dipt in a Medicine prepar'd with a