candy and white vitriol, of each one ounce and an half;—beat them together with a pestle, that they may be properly incorporated; then strew over them one ounce of pure salt; cover the mortar; place it in a cellar; and, after it has stood there five or six hours, pour the whole into a clean bag of white serge, placing a vessel underneath to receive the liquor; which must be afterwards preserved in a glass bottle. A little of this preparation is to be poured, every morning and evening, into the horse's eye.
EYE-BRIGHT, or Euphrasia officinalis, L. an annual indigenous plant, growing on heaths, dry barren meadows, and in pastures: it flowers from July to September.
This vegetable is remarkable for not thriving in any situation, unless it be surrounded by plants that are taller than itself. It is eaten by cows, goats, horses, and sheep, but is refused by hogs.
Eye-bright is somewhat astringent and better; it imparts a black colour to a solution of vitriolated iron. Its reputed efficacy in curing various disorders of the eyes, appears to us doubtful: several authors, however, strongly praise its virtues, and maintain that it is particularly useful to eyes impaired by long-continued application, and also to those which are dim and watery, in consequence of old age. For this purpose, Mr. Bradley advises the powder of the dried leaves to be frequently taken internally, after mixing it with the yolk of an egg, and likewise to make daily use of this herb among culinary vegetables, or to apply a decoction of it in simple water externally.—In common with many other plants, the eye-bright has also been recommended in the jaundice. We confess our inexperience of its salutary effects.
F.
FACE, generally signifies the visage of any animal: it is more particularly applied to the human countenance; being the only conspicuous part of the body.
The human face is called the image of the soul, because it is the seat of the principal organs of sense, and the place where the ideas and emotions of the mind are most obviously displayed. It has always been considered the most comely and expressive part of the frame, so that various lotions, powders, &c. have been invented for beautifying and restoring ugly or decayed countenances. Such practice, however, though sanctioned by the folly and caprice of fashion, cannot be too severely censured. Having already pointed out this absurdity, and mentioned such preparations as may be safely used by those who are determined to employ them, we refer the reader to the head Cosmetics.—See also Ring-worm and Skin.
FAGGOT, a bundle of pieces of wood, tied together for fuel, or other purposes.
In making up faggots, the workmen trim or cut off the superfluous
