Rub one drachm of magnesia alba in a mortar with ten or twelve grains of the best Turkey rhubarb, and add to them three ounces of common water; simple cinnamon-water, and syrup of sugar, of each one ounce.
As most diseases of infants are accompanied with acidities, this mixture may either be given with a view to correct these, or to open the body. A table-spoonful may be taken for a dose, and repeated three times a-day. To a very young child half a spoonful will be sufficient.
When the mixture is intended to purge, the dose may either be increased, or the quantity of rhubarb doubled.
This is one of the most generally useful medicines for children with which I am acquainted.
Saline Mixture.
Dissolve a drachm of the salt of tartar in four ounces of boiling water; and, when cold, drop into it spirit of vitriol till the effervescence ceases; then add, of peppermint-water, two ounces, simple syrup, one ounce.
Where fresh lemons cannot be had, this mixture may occasionally supply the place of the saline julep.
Squill Mixture.
Take of simple cinnamon-water, five ounces; vinegar of squills, one ounce; syrup of marsh-mallows, an ounce and a half. Mix them.
This mixture, by promoting expectoration, and the secretion of urine, proves serviceable in asthmatic and dropsical habits. A table-spoonful of it may be taken frequently.