Foreign Vegetables. 357 
But a much more commendable Method of cor- 
recting Scammony is obferved in many pharma- 
ceutical Compofitions, wherein it is extended and 
foftened by the Juices of Plants, the Pulps of 
Fruits, and the oily Parts of odoriferous Seeds, and 
Aromaticks ; fuch are purging EleCtuaries, and Pills. 
In thefe Scammony is employed, either as the Bafis , 
or as a Stimulus to the other Ingredients. Never- 
thelefs we muft take Notice that in Pills it is not 
quite fo fafe, fince in them its refinous Parts cannot 
be fufficiently extended ; and on this Account it 
ought only to be ufed in that Form as a Stimulus. 
Laltly, I ihall here add the Judgment which the 
learned Hecquet has given of this Drug, in his Trea- 
tise on Purgatives , (viz.) That there is no Kind of 
Medicine which requires more Prudence in the Phy- 
fician, a more convenient Time with RefpeCt to the 
Patient, or more Obfer vance of Rule in both. 
It was ufed by the Ancients externally in Lini- 
ments and Unguents again!! the Scab, and cold Af- 
feCtions of the Head, to refolve hard, or fcirrhous 
Swellings, to remove fciatick Pains, &V. and was 
applied upon Wool to draw down the Menfes. At 
this Time it is fcarce ever ufed but as a Purge. 
Take of choice Scammony reduced to an im- 
palpable Powder gr. viij. of the Yolk of an 
Egg 3ij. rub them in a marble Mortar with a 
wooden Peftle, till the Scammony feems dif- 
folved *, then add of the Syrup of Maiden- 
Hair f). When thefe are perfectly mixed, 
make them into a Potion by gradually pour- 
ing upon them ^vj of Barley-Water, and a 
few Drops of the diitilled Water of Orange- 
Flowers. This Medicine is not unpleafant. 
Take of choice Scammony powdered gr. xv. 
Sweet Almonds blanched 51V. beat them into 
A a 3 a fine 
