When a strong astringent is judged proper, a double or triple quantity of the vitriol may be used. I have seen a solution of four times the strength of the above used with manifest advantage.
Collyrium of Lead.
Take sugar of lead, and crude sal ammoniac, of each four grains. Dissolve them in eight ounces of common water.
Forty or fifty drops of laudanum may be occasionally added to this collyrium.
Those who chuse may substitute instead of this the collyrium of lead recommended by Goulard; which is made by putting twenty-five drops of his Extract of Lead to eight ounces of water, and adding a tea-spoonful of brandy.
Indeed, common water and brandy, without any other addition, will in many cases answer very well as a collyrium. An ounce of the latter may be added to five or six ounces of the former; and the eyes, if weak, bathed with it night and morning.
CONFECTIONS.
Confections containing above sixty ingredients are still to be found in some of the most reformed dispensatories. As most of their intentions, however, may be more certainly, and as effectually answered by a few glasses of wine or grains of opium, we shall pass over this class of medicines very slightly.
Japonic Confection.
Take of Japan earth, three ounces; tormentil root, nutmeg, olibanum, of each two ounces; opium dissolved in a sufficient quantity of Lisbon wine, a drachm and a half; simple syrup and conserve of roles, of each fourteen ounces. Mix and make them into an electuary.