But besides keeping the Spirits in a good height, and more especially when that cannot be done, as in Persons that are naturally fearful, and of a tender Constitution, the Spirits should constantly, as it were, be kept arm'd with such Remedies as resist the Poyson; that is, the use of proper Antidotes against the Plague.
I shall set down some Preservatives to be taken of every Morning, and again at Night, by those that live in infected places.
Take of Conserve of Wood-Sorrel four Ounces; Confectio Liberans, and Mithridate, of each half an Ounce; Salt of Wormwood two Drams; Confection of Hyacinth one Dram; Tormentil Roots, and fine Bole, of each half a Dram; Pestilential Vinegar half an Ounce; mix all with Syrup of Citron; Take as much as a Nutmeg, Night and Morning.
For the Poorer Sort, that Medicine of the Ancients, may be proper, viz.
Take of Rue two handfuls, Figs and Walnut-Kernels, of each twenty four, common Salt half an Ounce; Which beat all together in a Mortar, till it be well mix'd; Take of it as much as a Nutmeg every Morning and Night.
This Medicine may be several ways advanc'd, by adding some Alexipharmacal Remedies to it, as by putting Salt of Wormwood, instead of common Salt, and by adding an Ounce of Venice Treacle, to the whole Composition.
For those that cannot take an Electuary, these Tablets may be proper to eat, about one Dram at a time, two or three times a day.
Take of the Roots of Virginian-Snakeweed, Zedoary, Contrayerva, Species Liberans, of each two Drams; Camphire two Drams; mix all finely pouder'd, then dissolve eight Ounces of fine Sugar in Pestilential Vinegar; Boyl it Candy high, and adding the Pouder to it, make all into Lozenges.