This is the Balsam that hath been so much talkt of at _Paris_, and which many Quack-Salvers, pretending to the Art of Physick and Surgery, keep as a great Secret. Indeed it is very good for all sorts of Wounds, whether they {318} be made by the Sword, or other Iron Weapons, or by Gun-shot. But it wou'd be requisite at first to wash the Wound with warm Wine, then to anoint it with this Balsam very hot, and to apply Bolsters that have been steept in it, as also a large Bolster over the other, dipt in some Styptick Liquor. This Balsam mundifies, incarnates, and cicatrizes Wounds; being likewise good against the Bitings of venomous Beasts, and fistulous and malignant Ulcers. __Samaritan_ Balsam._ Take an equal quantity of common Oil and good Wine; boil 'em together in a glaz'd Earthen Vessel, till the Wine be wholly consum'd, and the Balsam will be made. I have produc'd this Balsam in particular, by reason of its simplicity, and in regard that it may be readily prepar'd at all times. It serves to mundifie and consolidate simple Wounds more especially those that are recent. * * * * * {319} CHAP. II. _Of Ointments._ * * * * * __Unguentum Althææ_._ Take of the Roots of _Althæa_ or Marsh-Mallows, six Ounces, the Seeds of Line, and Fenugreek, and Squills, of each four Ounces; of yellow Wax one Pound; Colophony and Rosin, of each one Pound; _Venice_ Turpentine, _Galbanum_, and Gum _Hederæ_ pulveriz'd, two Ounces of each. The Marsh-Mallow-Roots being newly gather'd, are to be well wash'd and slic'd, as well as the Squills. After they have been put into a Copper-Pan or Skillet, tinn'd over on the inside, together with the Seeds of Line and Fenugreek, and a Gallon of fair Water pour'd upon 'em, the whole Mass is to be macerated during twenty four Hours, over a very gentle Fire, stirring the Ingredients from time to time with a Wooden _Spatula_: Thus they are to be boil'd slowly, often reiterating the stirring, till the Mucilages are sufficiently thicken'd; then, after having well squeez'd and strain'd 'em thro' a strong and very close Cloth, and mingl'd 'em with the prepar'd Oil, they are to be boil'd together again over a very gentle Fire, till the Superfluous Moisture of the Mucilages be wholly {320} consum'd: Afterward having strain'd the Oil again, the yellow Wax, Colophony, and Rosin cut into small pieces, are to be melted in it; and if any Dregs appear at the bottom of the Pan, when the whole Mass is dissolv'd, it is to be strain'd a-new, or at least the pure Liquor must be separated from the gross or impure by Inclination, whilst it is as yet very hot: The Ointment is to be stirr'd about with a Wooden Pestle; and when it begins to grow thick, you may add the Turpentine, the _Galbanum_ purify'd and thicken'd, and the Gum _Hederæ_ beaten to fine Powder, all which Ingredients were before incorporated together. Then the Ointment is to be continually stirr'd, till