2, By the Use of Glysters.
3, By drinking plentifully of the Ptisan [Nº. 1]; to each Pot of which, a Drachm of Nitre is to be added; and,
4, By the Vapour of hot Vinegar, continually received by Respiration or Breathing. See [§ 55].
§ 520. There is Reason to think that one of these Fits is owing to a Quantity of tough viscid Humours in the Lungs, when it attacks Persons, whose Temperament, and whose Manner of living are opposite to those I have just described; such as valetudinary, weakly, phlegmatic, pituitous, inactive, and squeamish Persons, who feed badly, or on fat, viscid, and insipid Diet, and who drink much hot Water, either alone, or in Tea-like Infusions. And these Signs of Suffocation, resulting from such Causes, are still more probable, if the Fit came on in rainy Weather, and during a southerly Wind; and when the Pulse is soft and small, the Visage pale and hollow.
The most efficacious Treatment we can advise, is, 1, To give every half Hour half a Cup of the Potion, [Nº. 8], if it can be readily had. 2, To make the Patient drink very plentifully of the Drink [Nº. 12]; and, 3, to apply two strong Blisters to the fleshy Parts of his Legs.
If he was strong and hearty before the Fit, and the Pulse still continues vigorous, and feels somewhat full withall, the Loss of seven or eight Ounces of Blood is sometimes indispensably necessary. A Glyster has also frequently been attended with extraordinary good Effects.
Those afflicted with this oppressing Malady are commonly relieved, as soon as they expectorate, and sometimes even by vomiting a little.
The Medicine [Nº. 25], a Dose of which may be taken every two Hours, with a Cup of the Ptisan [Nº. 12], often succeeds very well.
But if neither this Medicine, nor the Prescription of [Nº. 8] are at Hand, which may be the Case in Country Places; an Onion of a moderate Size should be pounded in an Iron or Marble Mortar; upon this, a Glass of Vinegar is to be poured, and then strongly squeezed out again through a Piece of Linen. An equal Quantity of Honey is then to be added to it. A Spoonful of this Mixture, whose remarkable Efficacy I have been a Witness of, is to be given every half Hour.