CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 311 



Mr. RAY to Dr. HANS SLOANE. 



B. N., Jan. 22, 97. 



SIR, I return you most hearty thanks for the medi- 

 cine you commended to me for the cure of my diarrhoea, 

 which doth indeed effectually stop it toties quoties : but I 

 perceive it doth not only stop that flux, but likewise the 

 running of my sores, which renders them very painful in 

 the nights, and causes them rather to spread. 



I have now another case to beg your advice in. My 

 daughter Mary, one of the twins, after a long trouble with 

 the cllterosis, is fallen into the jaundice, all the symptoms 

 whereof she hath in a high manner. We have made use 

 of our neighbouring physician Mr. Allen, who first gave 

 her some powders, which, taking no effect, he gave her, I 

 suppose, Riverius, his first medicine for the jaundice, which 

 she hath now taken five days, half a quarter of a pint 

 thrice a day ; which, notwithstanding, all the symptoms 

 continue, or rather increase, and she grows faint and 

 feeble. Now, sir, myself and wife (who tenders her very 

 humble service to you) earnestly entreat your counsel and 

 direction how we are to order her, and what remedies you 

 think most proper and effectual for her. I myself was 

 cured of that disease by an infusion of stone-horse dung 

 steeped in ale for a night with a little saffron added, and 

 in the morning strained, and the liquor sweetened with a 

 little sugar. I took about half a pint at a time, and was 

 cured perfectly with twice taking, as I remember. I pray 

 give us your judgment of this medicine. I had given it 

 her before now, but that I was loth to do anything of my 

 own head, physic not being my calling. Be pleased to 

 write a word or two in answer by the next post, for we 

 are very much concerned for the child. I am, 



Sir, 

 Your very affectionate and much obliged 



friend and servant, 



JOHN RAY. 



