This is a fine cooling application. The Camphor agrees very well with some people, but with others it will not, in which case the last is preferable; or the spirits of camphor may be rejected from the other receipts.
Of the Ear-Ach.
The causes of that complaint are many. I shall only here observe two kinds; namely that proceeding from cold, and that which is occasioned from hardened ear wax.
In the first case, be very cautious how you tamper with your ears—a few drops of the spirit of Camphor upon a bit of lint, and that gently put into the ear, will sometimes perform great benefit; but never drop any thing considerable into the ear itself; it is frequently dangerous; from more reasons than what I here have room to enter into.
In cases where the ear wax is hardened, put in a little slice of rusty bacon, or a bit of fat ham, which you will find very powerful in softening the ear wax; and then with gentleness you may pick them; take care however not to go too deep.——Ear-ach frequently follows a heavy fit of sickness; in which case you can’t do any thing better with safety, than keeping them warm.
Of Hoarseness and Sore Throat.
There are many degrees of this ailment. I shall first mention that of a common cold; which is either without a fever, or only a slight one.
Immediately on perceiving symptoms of a sore throat, a gargle should be applied. This, make of the following ingredients.
No. XIX
Take vinegar, and water, each four ounces. Alum powdered half an ounce. Honey about a good spoonful.