INTRODUCTION. xxy . 
An earthen Pipkin with a clofe Cover, is the 
beft Veifel for preparing thefe ; for many of thofe— 
Medicines, which -are little fufpected of it, will 
take a Tindture from the Metal ; and it would be 
as improper to boil them in a Copper Pan, as it 
is too common a Cuftom,: as to beat the Herbs 
and Roots in a metal Mortar. ee 
_ Freth Roots are ufed in Decoéion, as well as 
thofe which are dried; and the Barks, and other 
Ingredients in like Manner. When the frefh are 
ufed, the Roots are to be cut into thin Slices, and 
the Barks and Woods, fhould be fhaved down 5 
as to the Leaves, and intire Plants, they need be 
cut but flightly. When dry Ingredients are ufed, . 
the Roots and Barks are beft pounded to pieces, 
and as to the Herbs and Flowers, little is to be 
done to them, and in general, they are beft added 
toward the End of the Deco&ion. 
-It is always beft to let the Ingredients of a De- 
coction ftand in the Water cold for twelve Hours, 
before it is fet on the Fire, and then it fhould be’ — 
heated gradually, and afterwards kept boiling gently 
as long as is neceflary : And this is to be propor- 
tioned to the Nature of the Ingredients. Gene- 
rally a Quarter of an Hour is fufficient, fometimes 
much longer is neceflary. They are then'to be 
_ ftrained off while they are hot, preffing them hard, 
and the Liquor fet by to cool: When they are — 
thoroughly cold, they are to be poured off clear 
from the Settlement, for they always become clear : 
| they cool; and fweetened with a little mar, 
quently alfo, it is proper to add to them, ae 
White-Wine, as to the Infufions. 
