INTRODUCTION, xxxv 



An earthen Pipkin, with a clofe Cover, is the 

 teft Veflel for preparing thefe ; for many of thofe 

 Medicines, which are little fulpe(?led of it, will 

 take a Tin<51:ure 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.- 



Frefli Roots are ufed in Deco(^ion, as well as 

 thofe which are dried ; and the Barks, and other 

 Ingredients in like Manner. When the frelh are 

 ufed, the Roots are to be cut into thin Slices, and 

 the Barks and Woods fliould be Ihaved down ; 

 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 genera], they are befl added 

 toward the End of the DecoAion. 



It is always befl to let the Ingredients of a De- 



codion ftand in the Water cold for twelve Hours- 



befo 



d then it Ihould be 



-^ 



heated gradually, and afterwards kept boiling gently 

 as long as is neceffary : 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 neceffary. They are then to be 

 ftrained off while they are hot, prefling 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 

 as they cool ; and fweetened with a little Sugar. 

 Frequently alfo, it is proper to add to them a 

 little White- Wine, as to the Infufions. 



% i CHAP. 



