Cache-Control: public, max-age=1024000 Pharmacopoeia Extemporanea: A Diaphoretic Draught

A Diaphoretic Draught.

Take of Carduus water 2 ounces and half; Epidemial, Treacle Water, Syrup of Meconium, each half an ounce; Diaphoretic Antimony 1 scruple; Venice Treacle 2 scruple; Spirit of Sal Armoniac 10 drops, mix.

It will not be perhaps an easy Matter for any one, to find out a more certain, pleasant and powerful Diaphoretic. For Opiates are most excellent Companions to Sudorifics, because they both increase the Evacuation, and also all the while prevent Fatigue and Turmoil. And then Cordials and Volatiles are very properly mixt with Opiated, because they opportunely hearten up the Spirits, and give them such a stoutness, that the Narcotics cannot knock them down.

If Diaphoretick Antimony (saith Fr. Hofman) be very well prepared, so as to partake plentifully of Nitrous Earth; it may be kept good many Years; and given without any harm at all. But if the Sulphur of the Antimony exceed, because 'twas not sufficiently calcined with Nitre, then in tract of time, being exposed to the Air, 'twill contract scurvy, malignant Qualities, that discover themselves by proving Emetick. To avoid which, it must be faithfully and carefully prepared: See further of this under the Warwick Potion.

Dr. Grew, saith, That Antimonium Diaphoreticum, with Spirit of Nitre, and Oil of Vitriol severally, makes a considerable Effervescence, wherefore, its not a useless Preparation, as (from the Calcination and Ablution used therein) some have though. I my self have tried the Experiment with Oil of Vitriol, and know not how I miscarried, for I could perceive no Effervescence at all.

Thomas Fuller
Pharmacopeia Extemporanea 1710