P. Mercurial Ointment:
Take hogs lard eight ounces, purified quicksilver one ounce, Venice turpentine two drachms; rub the mercury into the turpentine in a mortar, till the quicksilver disappears, then mix the whole together.
This is popularly called Unction, and peculiarly useful in venereal cases, as also to destroy a particular vermin called Crab-Lice, and other foulnesses. But I must here give a caution against the too free use of mercurial ointment, as it is not only apt to bring on salivation, but if the mercury is adulterated with lead, (as sometimes is the case) it is liable to occasion many incurable pains in the limbs; and by this the remedy may prove worse than the disease.
Q. Rhubarb. This is a necessary article in all kind of fluxes, and relaxations in the bowels; for, besides that it purges gently, it has withal such an astringency as to brace up the weakened vessels, and to restore their proper tone again.
The dose of rhubarb is one scruple; which should be mixed with some fine chalk, or Stomachic Powder. (M.) about equal quantity, particularly in the beginning of fluxes.
R. Jalap. This of all purging medicines is undoubtedly the best, when purging is required. The dose is from a scruple to half a drachm, mixed up into a draught, with a little syrup and water, or any other form. A grain or two of calomel is ever a proper addition, let the case be what it will, that requires purging.
S. Ipecacuanha. This is the best of vomiting medicines; to be given about a scruple, either in form of a little draught, or in a bolus.
Vomits are often of more benefit than purges; not so much on account of cleansing the stomach, as by the agitation it gives to the whole body; whence it is brought into perspiration, and thereby promotes the circulation of the fluids that was obstructed.
T. Liquid Laudanum:
Take purified opium one ounce; cinamon and cloves, of each one drachm; white wine one pint, steep them for a week without heat, and filter it for use.