30 NAT. ORDER. LOMENTACEiE. 



drops, in any proper vehicle, and repeated at intervals, according 

 to circumstances. Tolu halsam possesses similar qualities to the 

 former, and is applicable to the same diseases. In paralytic affec- 

 tions, particularly those following the use of lead, the halsam of 

 Peru may be given with the best effects, in doses, as much as the 

 stomach will retain. This medicine seems in this disease to act 

 upon the system generally, improving the health and appearance 

 of the patient ; and, as his strength returns, the disease subsides. 



It was once employed as an external application in paralytic 

 and rheumatic affections, but there are other applications much 

 more valuable and efficacious. It was considered by former prac- 

 titioners a great medicine to check the morbid effects which com- 

 monly succeed punctures of nerves, tendons, &c. For this pur- 

 pose it was dropped into the wounded part. 



Myroxylon Healwg Salve. Under this title there was formerly 

 a very celebrated salve vended, which was said to cure all kinds 

 of sores, bruises, swellings, sprains, &c. How much credit can be 

 given to those reports, we leave for others to decide, but we will 

 proceed to give the formula for preparing the salve, according to 

 the manuscript recipe of a very celebrated ancient physician. 

 Take of the fresh green leaves of this tree, as many as can be 

 pressed into a large copper kettle ; add as much common lard as 

 will mix in with the leaves ; place the vessel so filled over a slow 

 fire, and let it stew or steep for several hours ; then strain off, and 

 press the leaves, that they may be thoroughly cleaned. Sometimes 

 a Uttle beeswax was added, in order to harden it. This was used 

 for all kinds of purposes. It was also said to be an infallible 

 remedy for the piles. Placed upon a lint, or soft piece of leather, 

 and applied over sores of a gangrenous nature, it is said to be 

 both healing and cleansing. 



