- Two ounces of figs, sliced;
- The same of raisins, stoned;
- Half an ounce of liquorice, sliced and bruised;
- And a pint of water.
Boil it till it is reduced to a quart, and strain.
Obs.—These drinks are intended to assuage thirst in ardent fevers and inflammatory disorders, for which plenty of mild diluting liquor is one of the principal remedies: and if not suggested by the medical attendant, is frequently demanded by honest instinct, in terms too plain to be misunderstood: the stomach sympathizes with every fibre of the human frame, and no part of it can be distressed without in some degree offending the stomach: therefore it is of the utmost importance to sooth this grand organ, by rendering every thing we offer to it as elegant and agreeable as the nature of the case will admit of: the barley drink prepared according to the second receipt, will be received with pleasure by the most delicate palate.
Whey.—(No. 566.)
Make a pint of milk boil; put to it a glass or two of white wine; put it on the fire till it just boils again; then set it on one side till the curd has settled; pour off the clear whey, and sweeten it as you like.
Cider is often substituted for wine, or half the quantity of vinegar that we have ordered wine.
Obs.—When there is no fire in the sick room, this may be put hot into a bottle, and laid between the bed and mattress; it will keep warm several hours.
Toothache and anti-rheumatic Embrocation.—(No. 567.)
In no branch of the practice of physic is there more dangerous quackery, than in the dental department.
To all people the toothache is an intolerable torment; not even a philosopher can endure it patiently; what an overcoming agony then must it be to a grand gourmand! besides the mortification of being deprived of the means of enjoying that consolation which he looks to as the grand solace for all sublunary cares.