There is not a medicine so generally useful for all hands on board, as this very plaister, in case of cuts, bruises, or sores of any kind; it is not only the medicine box that should be well provided with it, but every man on board, I advise to have a roll, and some spread on cloth in his chest; for in every little accident, a cut, a broken nose, or broken shin, &c. to which a seaman is liable, nothing is handier, and nothing is more beneficial than this plaister, as it will prevent inflammation and festering, heal it up, and prevent small sores from becoming great ones.
21. Mercurial plaister:
Take of the diachylon one pound, purified mercury half a pound, triturate the mercury with a little hog’s lard or turpentine, then melt the diachylon, and incorporate the triturated mercury into it.
This is principally fit for venereal cases, for buboes, and other hard tumours; it may also be put to shankers and very bad ulcers; but it should never be used unless necessity requires it.
22. Blistering plaister:
Take Spanish flies eight ounces finely powdered, common drawing plaister one pound, melt the plaister and sprinkle the powdered Spanish flies till all is well incorporated, then make it into rolls according to art.
This is intended for rising blisters. In regard to the use of this, I have only to observe, that it should be made use of only, when the greatest necessity requires it; that is, in bringing on a crisis of a fever, which I shall point out in its proper place. At present I shall only speak of its application. Whatever place is intended to be blistered, either the neck, between the shoulders, or the calf of the leg, let the place first be cleaned with a little vinegar, and rubb’d till it becomes red, then let the blistering plaister, the bigness of the palm of the hand, pretty thickly spread, (best upon leather) be laid on the part, and remain there for about twelve hours, and be tied on, that it may not shift: at that time the blister will rise; let it be cut to let the water out, (but care should be taken not to pull off the skin, as is frequently practiced) dress it with Turner’s Cerate, spread upon a thin rag, (or what is still better, dry lint) and let that dressing be shifted once every twelve hours, till all is healed up.
I shall now proceed to the inner part of the chest.
A. Spirit of wine camphorated.
Take spirit of wine rectified one quart, camphor two ounces, mix it, and let the camphor be dissolved in it.