ELDER. 27S 



good effects in dropsy and in various chronic affections. The 

 former directs three handfuls of it to be boiled in a quart of 

 milk and water till only a pint remains, of which one half is to 

 be taken night and morning, and repeated for several days. 

 Boerhaave gave its expressed juice in doses from a drachm to 

 half an ounce. Others have recommended an infusion of half 

 an ounce of the fresh bark in wine, to be taken at one dose and 

 repeated. 



A singular fungus is sometimes found growing on the 

 trunk of the common Elder, called Judas' ear, [Exidia Au- 

 ricula Judce *, ) from its resemblance to the human ear. It was 

 once used medicinally as an astringent, and employed in infusion 

 or decoction ; also in the form of a lotion in ophthalmia, and 

 as a gargle in sore throats accompanied with relaxation. 



Several preparations beside the decoction and infusion of 

 Elder have been recommended; the most useful of which 

 are ; 



ELDER ROB-f. 



Take of ripe Elder-berries five parts ; 



Sugar one part. 



Boil with a gentle heat to the consistence of a thick honey. 



This is prescribed as a diaphoretic, in the dose of an ounce 

 and a half to tw'o ounces, in febrile disease, and in acute 

 rheumatic affections ; likewise made into a gargle for sore 

 throats. 



ELDER VINEGAR. 



Take of dried flowers of Elder one part ; 



Vinegar twelve parts. 



Blacerate for four days, clarify with milk and filter. 



Given in sugared water to promote perspiration; or mixed 

 with honey and water as a gargle. 



ELDER-FLOWER WATER. 



Take of Elder-flowers three parts ; 



Water a sufficient quantity. 



Distil six parts. 



This is esteemed slightly diaphoretic and anodyne, and forms 

 a pleasant vehicle for other medicines. 



* Pezlza Auricula. — Linn. 



t Succus spissatus sambuci nigri. — Pharm. Edin. ct Duhl. 



