Wax Plaster.
Take of yellow wax, one pound; white resin, half a pound; mutton suet, three quarters of a pound. Melt them together.
This is generally used instead of the Melilot Plaster. It is a proper application after blisters, and in other cases where a gentle digestive is necessary.
POWDERS.
This is one of the most simple forms in which medicine can be administered. Many medicinal substances, however, cannot be reduced into powder, and others are too disagreeable to be taken in this form.
The lighter powders may be mixed in any agreeable thin liquor, as tea or water-gruel. The more ponderous will require a more consistent vehicle, as syrup, conserve, jelly, or honey.
Gums, and other substances which are difficult to powder, should be pounded along with the drier ones; but those which are too dry, especially aromatics, ought to be sprinkled during their pulverization with a few drops of any proper water.
Aromatic powders are to be prepared only in small quantities at a time, and kept in glass vessels closely stopped. Indeed, no powders ought to be exposed to the air or kept too long, otherwise their virtues will be in great measure destroyed.
Astringent Powder.
Take of alum and Japan earth, each two drachms. Pound them together, and divide the whole into ten or twelve doses.