This is an external application, for bruises and other inflammations, where discussion, or dispersion of humours is necessary, its chief benefit is in sprains, dislocations, and fractures. I have this however to observe with the camphorated spirit, that though it is exceedingly useful in the forementioned, and in some rheumatic cases, yet it should be used with caution, and not too plentifully, as it is liable to dry up the vessels, and might incline the limb to wasting, if too freely made use of.
B. Liniment of soap.
Take spirit of wine rectified one quart, distilled oil of rosemary one drachm, camphor one ounce, castile soap half a pound; cut the soap small, and let the whole be mixed and dissolved.
This is an excellent external medicine for sprains, rheumatism, bruises, &c. This medicine is commonly called opideldock, and in all such cases is far superior to the spirit of camphor singly; unless where the constitution is sluggish, and requires a greater stimulus; in general, however, this excellent composition will supply the place of both.[[10]]
[10]. Since these compositions are so easily made, they might occasionally be prepared on board; Instead thereof, I would advise the seaman to furnish the box with camphor and soap; and instead of rectified spirit, good rum or brandy will answer equally as well.
C. Sweet oil: This ought to be pure and good; it is of many uses in medicine, which I shall treat of as occasion requires.
D. Sweet spirit of nitre.
This is a spirit distilled from spirit of wine one quart, and spirit of nitre half a pound, according to the art of chymistry.
In regard to its virtue, it is an excellent medicine in most acrimonious cases, and acts principally as a gentle diuretic; besides this, it is of an antispasmodic and antiputrescent quality, and therefore useful in all kinds of inflammatory disorders, particularly of the putrid kind of fevers; which I shall, in the course of this work, take notice of.
E. Honey: This is a useful article, which ought to be plenty, and of the best kind; it is particularly useful for making gargles, clysters, poultices, &c. &c. as shall be farther specified.