Page:A practical method as used for the cure of the plague in London in 1665.pdf/28

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of Health then he gave them half a Spoonful of his Tinctura Pestilentialis, in a Glass of Sack or White Port, persuading them to lie still; which, if they did, Sweats presently followed. And for their Supports therein, they were allowed an Hour or Two after the said Dose was given, thin Mutton, or Chicken Broth to drink; Mace-Ale, Posset-Drink, or a thin Caudle, with a little White Port-Wine in it: And to refresh the declining Spirits, they sometimes took Five or Six Times a Day, from Forty to Fifty Drops of his Tincture of Coral, impregnated with Saffron, in a Glass of White-Port, or other generous Wine.

Where great Thirst was concomitant with the Distemper, he used Oil of Sulphur, Oil of Vitriol, or Golden Oil of Salt; and often all the Three Oils, equally mixed together, to a pleasing Acidity in all they drunk.

This Alexipharmick Dose, is to be repeated Night and Morning, 'till you find the Malignity of the Distemper abated: After which, Sweat still every Third or Fourth Day, as you see Occasion; and this must be done for some Time, left the morbifick Matter should revive, and the Disease return again.

And because that changing Linnen is dangerous, and has been fatal to many, it is safer to let the Shift dry leisurely upon their Bodies,

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