To six or seven ounces of the pectoral decoction, when boiling, add half an ounce of contrayerva-root; let it boil for some time, and afterwards strain the liquor; to which add two ounces of white-wine vinegar, an ounce of fine honey, and an ounce of the tincture of myrrh. This ought not only to be used as a gargle, but a little of it should frequently be injected with a syringe to clean the throat, before the patient takes any meat or drink. This method is peculiarly necessary for children, who cannot use a gargle.
It will be of great benefit if the patient frequently receives into his mouth, through an inverted funnel, the steams of warm vinegar, myrrh, and honey.
But when the putrid symptoms run high, and the disease is attended with danger, the only medicine that can be depended upon is the Peruvian bark. It may be taken in substance, if the patient’s stomach will bear it. If not, an ounce of bark grossly powdered, with two drachms of Virginian snake-root, may be boiled in an English pint and a half of water to half a pint; to which a tea-spoonful of the elixir of vitriol may be added, and an ordinary tea-cupful of it taken every three or four hours. Blistering-plasters are very beneficial in this disease, especially when the patient’s pulse and spirits are low. They may be applied to the throat, behind the ears, or upon the back part of the neck.
Should the vomiting prove troublesome, it will be proper to give the patient two table-spoonfuls of the saline julep every hour. Tea made of mint and a little cinnamon will be very proper for his ordinary drink, especially if an equal quantity of red-wine be mixed with it.
In case of a violent looseness, the size of a nutmeg of diascordium, or the japonic confection, may be taken two or three times a-day, or oftener if necessary.
If a discharge of blood from the nose happens, the steams of warm vinegar may be received up the nostrils frequently; and the drink must be sharpened with spirits of vitriol, or tincture of roses.
In case of a strangury, the belly must be fomented with warm water, and emollient clysters given three or four times a-day.
After the violence of the disease is over, the body should still be kept open with mild purgatives; as manna, senna, rhubarb, or the like.
If great weakness and dejection of spirits, or night-sweats, with other symptoms of a consumption, should ensue, we would advise the patient to continue the use of the Peruvian bark, with the elixir of vitriol, and to take frequently a glass of generous wine. These, together with a milk diet, and riding on horseback, are the most likely means for recovering his strength.