CORDIALS AND RESTORATIVES. 217 
Hog, Chiselbob, and Cudworm; the Latin name is Porcellus 
scaber. 
After all considering of Cordials, “there can be no doubt,” 
as Dr. Hutchison puts it, “that in any case presenting signs 
of profound prostration of nerves and heart, some alcoholic 
spirit which is old, and well matured, should be given as the 
restorative cordial; and it is only when in such condition that 
spirits become really rich in ethereal bodies. Of Whisky, Rum, 
and genuine Brandy, the last is by far the best; the finest 
liqueur Brandy should then be alone employed, no matter how 
much one has to pay for it. There can be no doubt that its 
free and timely administration has saved many a life.” 
In the middle ages of England, and until a hundred years ago, 
the aforesaid wholesome custom obtained among great ladies, 
and prudent housewives, of personally distilling cordial waters, 
essences, and other salutary preparations, to be kept in store 
for domestic requirements. Thus we read in Armorel (Besant), 
concerning herself, and Roland Lee: “‘ And then she took him 
into a room of the eighteenth century, which no longer exists 
there, or elsewhere save in name. It was the Still-room, and 
on its shelves stood the elixirs, and cordials of ancient time: 
the Currant-gin to fortify the stomach on a raw morning before 
crossing the Roads; the Cherry Brandy for a cold and stormy 
night; the Elderberry wine, good, mulled, and spiced at 
Christmas-time ; the Blackberry wine ; the home-made Distilled 
waters, Lavender water, Hungary water, Cyprus water, and 
the Divine Cordial itself, which takes three seasons to complete, 
and requires all the flowers of Spring, Summer, and Autumn.” 
Sir Edwin Arnold recently discoursed at length concerning 
a marvellous cordial root which the Chinese get from the Korea, 
Ginseng, this being thought to transcend all other cordials, tonics, 
and restoratives. ‘It will renovate, and reinvigorate failing 
bodily powers beyond all other stimulants, stomachics, and 
energizers of vitality. The Korean people believe the said root 
to be an absolute panacea for all mortal ills, mental, or physical ; 
it is packed and transmitted with the most scrupulous care 
and pains, in small parcels of white silk, the mouth and nose 
of the recipient having to be covered when unfolding these 
sacred envelopes of embroidered silk, or of crimson, and goldfish 
skin. The habitat of this wonderful root (in form like a man) 
is in the glens and slopes of the Kang-ge Mountains, and it can 
