A Plain and Easie Method for Preserving (by God's Blessing) Those That Are Well from the Infection of the Plague, or Any Contagious Distemper, in City, Camp, Fleet, Etc., and for Curing Such as Are Infected with It.

by Thomas Willis

Whereas we give Emulsions made with such a Decoction and Almonds, and cold Seeds in Fevers, Diemerbroek affirms, upon his frequent Observation, Emulsions never do well in the Plague.

Take of the Conserve of Woodsorrel four ounces, of the Rob of Goosberries or Rasberries two Ounces, Species Diarrhodon Abbatis two Drams, Confectionis Liberantis one Dram and a half, of Prepar'd Pearl half a Dram, Red Coral prepar'd one Dram, with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Juice of Citron: Let it be made an Opiate: The Dose is one or two Drams often in a day.

Sometimes the Plague is accompanied with dangerous Symptoms, to which if Remedies are not suddenly applied, all we do besides is to little purpose. Such Accidents, which call for respective ways of Cure, are chiefly Fluxes of Blood, and Loosness of the Belly, and Vomiting.

The first use to happen several ways, viz. at the Nose and Mouth, by Stool or Urine, by the Hæmorrhoids, and in Women by Menstrual Purgations: Some of which, as by Urine always, and ofttimes by Stool, are mortal; none of them ever tend to good. Therefore in all such cases, Remedies must be administred which may stop Bleeding: And though Sweating and Refection of the Spirits be still the principal intention of Cure; yet the other must come in as collateral with both of them; and Medicines that restrain Fluxes of Blood be mixed both with Sudorificks and other Cordials, and also be administred with Diet too.

In all Hæmorrhages Sudorificks must be compounded of Medicines that are temperate, and not astringent.

For Potions they be made thus.

Take Pimpernel Water, or Tormentil Water two Ounces, of Scordium Water six Drams, of Vinegar that has Tormentil Roots infus'd in it, two Drams, Confection of Hyacinth one Dram, of prepar'd Bole half a Dram, Extract of Tormentil one Scruple, of Syrup of Coral three Drams.

Or make Posset Drink with Tormentil Vinegar, boyl in it a Root of Tormentil and Bistort; in one draught of it dissolve of Venice Treacle two Scruples, Confection of Hyacinth, prepar'd Bole, of each one Scruple.