with oils of amber and cloves. Dutch Drops are asked for all over the world and are known to old-fashioned people as "Medicamentum." In remote places they are kept in the house and a few drops taken occasionally as a preventive of disease.
Godfrey's Cordial
The following advertisement which is taken from Reed's Weekly Journal, February 22, 1722, throws light on the origin of the still popular "Godfrey."
To all retailers and others. The general cordial formerly sold by
Mr. Thomas Godfrey, of Hunsdon, in Hertfordshire, deceas'd, is
now prepar'd according to a receipt written by his own hand, and
by him given to my wife, his relation, is now sold by me Tho.
Humphreys of Ware, in the said county, Surgeon, or at John
Humphreys, at the Head and Sheers in Jewin Street, near Cripplegate,
London. Also may be furnished with Arcanums and Vomits,
and will be allowed the same for selling as formerly.
Godfrey's Cordial was named in the Medicine Stamp
Act of 1812, and was no doubt a proprietary medicine
at that time. It now appears to be made by anyone
who chooses to make it. In Paris's "Pharmacologia,"
(8th edition, 1833) the following receipt which he says
was obtained from a "wholesale druggist who makes
and sells many hundred dozens a year," was printed:—
"Infuse 9 oz. of sassafras; 1 oz. each of carraway, coriander, and anise seeds, in 6 pints of water. Simmer down to 4 pints. When cold add 3 oz. of tincture of opium."
In 1833 the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy adopted the subjoined formula for Godfrey's Cordial in order to ensure uniformity:—
"Tinct. Opii, 1-1/2 pint; molasses, from the sugar refiners, 16 pints; alcohol, 2 pints; water, 26 pints;