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  • Name: Description:
    Absinthe The dried leaves and flowering tops of a bitter plant.
    Absorbent Medicines which have the ability to dry up internally and externally.
    Aconite Aconitum, commonly known as Wolf's Bane and Monkshood is a plant which grows in rocky areas in Northern Europe. Though containing poisonous properties, the extract of this plant was used in medical treatments.
    Acrimony Also known as Acrimonia. Any substance that causes bitter pungency to the organs of taste or smell, or to the skin, throat.
    Acrostichum A fern genus in the Parkerioideae subfamily of the Pteridaceae.
    Adjuvantia Supplementary methods of medical treatment.
    Aerugine Aeris The corrosion of copper by fermented vegetable acid producing a bluish green substance. See also entry for copper.
    Aether A mixture of alcohol with an acid such as vitriolic. See also entry for vitriolic acid.
    Alkali A saline substance extracted from calcined ashes of saltwort, glasswort and other plants.
    Allium Common garlic. The roots of the plant were used in medicine to relieve asthma and coughs and applied as a pill or a syrup. See also entry for garlic.
    Aloe A drug made from the concentrated or dried juice of plants of the genus Aloe, having a bitter taste and unpleasant odour. Used mainly as a purgative or laxative.
    Alum An astringent mineral white/colourless salt.
    Amarum Bitters used as an astringent and tonic principally for stomach complaints.
    Anderson's Pills Mildly aperient pills containing aloes, colocynth and gamboge, used as a remedy for cleansing the system after over-indulgence.
    Angelica An aromatic umbelliferous plant found in northern and eastern Europe.
    Angostura Cusparia or Angostura bark is obtained from Galipea officinalis, a tree growing on the mountains of Venezuela.
    Aniseed Sugar of Anise. Seeds of the umbelliferous plant Pimpinella Anisum, a native of the Levant. Cultivated in Britain for their aromatic and carminative properties.
    Anodyne Medicinal treatment to reduce or relieve pain. Taken as a draught, a balsam and a liniment.
    Antacid A substance or remedy that reduces or neutralises acidity, especially that of the contents of the stomach.
    Anthelmintic Types of medicine used to expel or kill parasitic worms.
    Antiepileptic Commonly used treatment for epilepsy.
    Antimony Medicine derived from a semi-metal of a whitish or silver colour.
    Antiphlogistic Medicine or remedy used to counteract, reduce or cure inflammation.
    Antipsoric Remedy to prevent or cure itchiness.
    Antiseptic Medicine designed to resist or prevent decay.
    Antispasmodic A general term for a medicine used to prevent or relieve spasms.
    Armenian Bole A red earth clay originating from Armenia used as an astringent against diarrhoea.
    Arnica Montana Also known as German Leopards Bane; a plant used as an antispasmodic.
    Aromatic General term for various highly perfumed botanical substances.
    Arsenic A poisonous and highly toxic mineral which was used medicinally in some cases for treatment of cancer.
    Arsenici In the case notes identified as a medicine recently invented by Mr Milner, a chemist at Cambridge.
    Asafoetida Medicine used as an antispasmodic consisting of dried latex (gum oleoresin) exuded from the rhizome or tap root of several species of perennial plants in the species Ferula. Also known as Foetid Gum Camphor.
    Astringent Medicine suited to increase the cohesion of and produce some contraction in the simple solids and moving fibres of the human body.
    Axunge Kidney fat of geese and pigs used to make ointments.
    Balsam An aromatic oily or resinous medicinal preparation, sometimes to be externally applied, sometimes to be ingested, often in the form of a syrup, for healing wounds or soothing pain.
    Bathing Curative or therapeutic swimming and washing.
    Belladonna Atropa belladonna or Deadly Nightshade.
    Bistort The powdered roots of a plant native to Britain called Persicaria Bistorta, used as astringent. Also known as Snakeroot or Snakeweed.
    Bitters A term to describe all bitter medicines, including Peruvian bark.
    Blister Form of external, localised treatment designed to draw bad or poisonous 'humours' to the surface of the body.
    Bloodletting Taking or drawing blood, most frequently from the arm.
    Blue Vitriol Vitriolum Caerulum. Type of metal sulphate. Copper.
    Bolus A medicine in a round shape for swallowing for example a large pill or a single dose of a drug.
    Bread When used medicinally, most often to give form to pills.
    Burgundy pitch A treatment consisting of resin from the Norway spruce tree with a solid but soft consistency and reddish-brown in colour. Used in plasters and to relieve chest disorders such as a prolonged cough or rheumatic disorders. It was applied externally as melted pitch with gauze near the affected area.
    Caeruleae Pill, active ingredient of which is cuprum ammoniala. See also entries for copper and cuprum ammoniala.
    Calamine An ore of zinc.
    Calomel A preparation of mercury much used in medicine in the form of a white powder with a yellow tinge. Was often used in the treatment of worms. Also known as Mercury Dulcis, Sweet Mercury and Mercurius Choloride.
    Calumba See entry for Columbo root.
    Camomile Anthemis nobilis, an aromatic creeping herb with white flowers.
    Camphor Camphor is a waxy extract of the wood of the Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), a large evergreen tree native to Asia.
    Canella Alba See entry for cinnamon.
    Cantharides The medicinal name of the dried beetle Cantharis vesicatoria or Spanish Fly. Used as a diuretic, as a blistering agent and as stimulant to kidneys and other genitourinary organs.
    Cardamom A spice consisting of the seed-capsules of various species of Amomum and Elettaria (family Zingiberaceæ). Used as a stimulant and stomach tonic as well as a carminative and antispasmodic.
    Carduus Benedictus Known by the common names St. Benedict's thistle, blessed thistle, holy thistle and spotted thistle; a thistle-like plant in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region.
    Carminative Medicines that work to expel wind from the body.
    Cassia A gentle laxative, emetic and cathartic from the pulp of the fruit cassia. Also known as cassia senna.
    Castile Soap An ingredient for pills used to relieve costiveness, flatulence and other stomach problems; named for Castile, a region in Spain where the soap originated. Also known as Spanish Soap.
    Castor Known as Russian castor it was a reddish-brown unctuous substance which had a strong smell and nauseous bitter taste, obtained from two sacs in the inguinal region of the beaver. Used medicinally as an antispasmodic.
    Cataplasm A poultice.
    Cathartic Medicine suited to increase the evacuation by stool; purgation.
    Catheter A long tubular instrument used for passing along the urethra into the bladder in order to draw off urine or to find a stone.
    Caustic Alkali Hydrates of potassium and sodium. Also called Caustic Potash, Caustic Soda and Caustic Ammonia. Ammonia as a gas or in solution.
    Caustic Alkaline Lixivium Also known as Wood Ash, Ley or Lye. Liquid with alkaline salts leached from wood ashes or lye.
    Cellular membrane Substance which is found everywhere under the skin surrounding the muscles, blood vessels etc.
    Cerate A kind of stiff ointment composed of wax together with lard or oil and other ingredients.
    Chalybeate Spa or mineral water, usually containing high concentration of iron salts.
    Cicatrize To heal (a wound, sore, ulcer, etc.) by inducing a cicatrice or scar; to skin over.
    Cicuta Hemlock. Highly poisonous plant administered as powder or extract of leaves, used as a narcotic and to relieve coughing.
    Cinchona A bark of various species of the Cinchona tree, found in the Caribbean from which quinine was later isolated. Commonly used as a febrifuge to relieve fevers. Also known as Peruvian Bark; Jesuits' Bark, Quinquina.
    Cinnamon A fragrant and sweet tasting aromatic used as an astringent.
    Citrine Made with lard and mercuric nitrate and used against skin parasites.
    Clyster Clyster, glyster. The introduction of a medicine, through injection into the rectum, designed to empty or cleanse the bowels.
    Cobalt A metallic and earthly mineral which gives off a sapphire blue colour when melted. Was often used to obtain arsenic from.
    Coccia See entry for Colocynth pill.
    Cochineal A dyestuff made from the body of the insect Coccus cacti. Used in medicine as an antispasmodic.
    Colchicum English crocus. The medicine derived from this plant was often prescribed for gout and rheumatism.
    Collyrium A topical medicine applied for the treatment of eye disorders; an eye-salve or eyewash.
    Colocynth Pill A pill containing aloes and colcynth (crocus, usually Colchicum autumnale) used as a purgative. Also known colocynthide cum aloe and coccia pills.
    Columbo Root Plant used to make a bitter, demulcent tonic with sedative, corroborant and antiseptic properties. Also known as Calumba and Coccolus Palmatus.
    Confection of Cynosbati A concoction composed of the fruit of rosehip plants such as Rosa Sylvestris, Hips or Dogrose, prescribed for consumption and effective against coughs. Also known as the confection of the dog rose or hip.
    Confection The making or preparation of ingredients by mixing. Generally, it was a preparation made with sugar and other ingredients.
    Copper See entry for Caeruleae.
    Cordial Aromatic and sweetened spirit, serving as a soothing beverage to administer medicine.
    Coriander Seeds Bitter, aromatic.
    Corrigent A corrective ingredient in a medicine.
    Corrosive Sublimate A topical application to kill ringworm. It could also refer to corrosive sublimated mercury and mercuric chloride, used as a poison and disinfectant.
    Cortex Aurantia Orange peel.
    Cortex The bark of various trees which was used medicinally such as Peruvian bark.
    Couhage Also known as cowage or cowhage. It is the stinging hairs of the pod of a tropical plant, Mucuna pruriens, family Leguminosæ, which was used as an anthelmintic.
    Crab eyes A hard calcareous mass found in the stomach of certain crustaceans (as the European crayfish).
    Cream of Tartar Purified and crystallized bitartrate of potassium used as a purgative, cathartic and diuretic.
    Creta Chalk which could be applied in powdered form, pulveris. Used for heartburn and other disorders caused by the build-up of acidity in the alimentary and stomach canals.
    Crude Antimony A medical treatment applied externally to relieve skin problems, derived from the metal antimony.
    Cupping A glass specially designed to adhere to the skin through the creation of a temporary vacuum which draws the blood to the surface of the skin.
    Cuprum Ammoniala Copper reduced to a saline state. Also known as cuprum ammoniatum, ammoniacum and ammoniacal copper.
    Dea Ulmi A liquid mixture extracted from the Elm Tree. See also the entry for Elm.
    Decoction Boiled in water (or other liquid) as means of extracting the soluble parts or principles of the medicinal substance.
    Demulcent A medicine with a soothing effect, allaying irritation.
    Deobstruent A medicine suited to remove obstructions by opening the natural passages or pores of the body. Also known as deoppilant(s).
    Depurate Derived from the Latin word 'depuratio' meaning to free from any purities. It is used to refer to making or preparing a substance as purely as possible.
    Diacodium One of many names for opium. A narcotic, addictive resin derived from the sappy seed-heads of the opium poppy.
    Diaphoretic Sudorific; medicine used to promote perspiration.
    Diascordium Refers to a treatment derived from the plant called Water Germander (Teurium Scordium). The pulverised bitter leaves of the plant were used to expel worms and a decoction of the plant used to treat gangrene.
    Digitalis Foxglove. Powdered leaves of Digitalis purpurea used in the treatment of heart disease.
    Diluent Something added to a substance to dilute it and make it weaker in strength.
    Discutient A medicine that is capable of dissipating diseased matter.
    Diuretic A medicine which promotes the secretion and discharge of urine.
    Dolich pruriens A variety of Stizolobium or Cowhage which was a velvet bean used in the West Indies to treat diseases caused by worms.
    Dover's powder Remedy against colds and fever by inducing sweating first promoted in 1732 by Dr Thomas Dover (bap. 1662, d. 1742), in his book The Ancient Physician's Legacy to his Country, whose main ingredients were Ipecacuanha and Opium.
    Dr Kennedy's Decoction A liquor used to treat ulcers and swelling of the joints. Named after Dr Kennedy of London.
    Draught A medicine in the form of a liquid which is drunk.
    Dulcified Derived from the Latin word 'dulcificare' meaning to sweeten.
    Eau de Luce A medicinal preparation of alcohol, ammonia, and oil of amber, used in India as an antidote to snake-bites, and in England sometimes as smelling salts.
    Egg shells Powdered egg shells, usually chicken eggs, used as a treatment for conditions such as Fluor Albus and Profluvium.
    Elaterium Fruit of Ecballium elaterium, used as a purgative.
    Electric shocks In context of electricity. Electrical stimulation treatment use in medicine as an electrical current travelling through the body, with the purpose to stimulate muscles to treat paralysis, amenorrhea and unvoluntary spasms.
    Electrical spark In context of electricity, a light produced by a sudden disrupted electrical discharge through the air.
    Electricity Refers to the medical application of electricity, a type of energy resulting from charged particles either in a static state or as a current. In the 18th century electrical treatments consisted of sparks generated by glass instruments. The instruments were attached to patients on parts of their bodies such as the hands or head and the sparks were used to shock patients. Electrical treatments were used to treat a range of conditions including palsies or strokes, blindness, hysterical seizures and melancholia.
    Electuary A medicinal conserve or paste, consisting of a powder or other ingredient mixed with honey, preserve, or syrup of some kind.
    Elixir A strong extract or tincture (in proprietary remedies it carried connotations of being a 'sovereign remedy' or 'cure all').
    Elm Bark Elm bark from the Elm Tree or 'Ulmus' in Latin used to treat skin wounds. Also used to treat digestive ailments, diarrhoea, female infertility and as a diuretic to aid increased urine flow.
    Emetic A medicine which causes vomiting.
    Emmenagogue A medicine with the power to increase or renew menstruation.
    Emollient A moisturising treatment applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it.
    Ens Veneris Old name for a mixture of ammonia and copper.
    Epispastic ointment An ointment for drawing out humours; blistering.
    Epsom salts Crystals of materials such as Magnesia Vitriolata, Sal Catharticus Amara and Magnesium Sulphate used to purge the body.
    Errhine Term used for medicines which are used to increase mucal discharge from the nose.
    Escharotic A substance that kills unwanted or diseased tissue, usually skin or superficial growths like warts, leaving them to slough off.
    Essential oil Oils obtained from various aromatic or pungent vegetative plants and herbs through a distillation process.
    Evacuant Purgative, cathartic, emetic and/or diaphoretic medicines used to promote evacuation.
    Excipients A substance which is mixed with a medicinal drug to make it possible to ingest it.
    Expectorant Medicine used to promote the excretion or rejection of mucus or pus from the lungs. Also known as pectoral(s).
    Extirpation The complete removal of part of the body such as tissue or organ by surgical means. Extirpation is derived from the Latin word 'extirpo' which means to uproot or eradicate.
    Extract A treatment obtained by the evaporation of a vegetable solution or a native vegetable juice.
    Fern powder Powdered roots of male fern (filix mas), used to expel worms from the intestines. See also entry for filix.
    Fern root Roots of male fern (filix mas). See also entries for fern powder and filix.
    Ferri See entries for Rubigo ferri and for steel.
    Ferrum Ammoniala A combination of Ferrum or Iron filings and Sal Ammoniala or Ammoniac- hard white salt- sometimes used to treat epilepsy or hysteria. See also entry for sal ammoniac.
    Filicis maris Roots of a male fern plant used as an anthelmintic and a purgative to expel tape worms.
    Fixed Air A term for carbonic acid gas referring to air extracted from lime, magnesium and alkalies.
    Flavio Probably a derivative of the Latin words 'flavor', 'flavoris' or 'flavus' meaning yellowness or gold. Mercury flavio or flavus is a form of yellow mercury which was used to treat worms.
    Flesh brush A flesh brush refers to a hard brush used to exfoliate and promote circulation.
    Flower In medicinal use 'flower' or 'flowers', derived from the Latin word 'flora' and the plural 'flores', refer to a mineral substance reduced to a powdery consistency through the process of sublimation or crystallisation.
    Flowers of Sulphur A powdered or sublimed form of sulphur also referred to as brimstone. See entry for sulphur.
    Foetida See entry for asafoetida.
    Fomes Fomes' or the plural form 'fomites' means tinder in Latin and can refer to fuel. It is a term used in medicine to refer to substances imbued with a contagion.
    Forbeses Lozenges Lozenges or sweets used as a cough suppressant.
    Frictio Rubbing; friction of the body upon its whole surface, promoting perspiration and quickening the circulation. Friction was believed to contribute to the conveyance of medicines into the body and to their action and usefulness there when introduced.
    Fuliginis Tincture comprised of wood soot, asafoetida and spirits, used as an antispasmodic for hysteria and rheumatism. Also known as tincture of soot or soot drops.
    Galbanum Gum resin from Ferula family. Used as a carminative.
    Gallarum pulveris Powdered 'galls'; an excrescence produced on trees, especially the oak, by the action of insects, most commonly wasps.
    Gamboge A gum resin obtained from various trees of the genus Garcinia. Acts as a purgative.
    gargle Use of a gargle (i.e. rinsing the throat with a fluid supposedly having soothing or antiseptic properties).
    Garlic Topical application of garlic was believed to help with a variety of disorders including earache.
    Gentian Bitter tonic extracted from the roots of the Gentian plant.
    Gin Infusion of Juniper united with spirit by distillation and diluted with water. Taken as a diuretic.
    Ginger A flowering plant (Zingiber officinale) whose roots were taken medicinally. In the case notes primarily taken as a stimulant and aromatic.
    Glauber's Salts First artificially made by alchemist/chemist Johann Rudolph Glauber in 1656.
    Godbold's Vegetable Balsam An English patent medicine concocted by Nathaniel Godbold in 1785, and produced by Godbold and later his sons.
    Nathaniel Godbold (1730-1799) was originally a baker in Suffolk. Godbold’s Vegetable Balsam was a popular patent medicine that was used mostly to treat respiratory illnesses. It was produced into the 19th century - carried on by Godbold’s sons. Godbold published ‘A treatise on the nature and cure of consumptions. To which are added, certificates and accounts of many extraordinary cures performed by Godbold's vegetable balsam’ in 1785.
    Goulard’s Extract of Saturn Subacetate of lead, first devised by Thomas Goulard.
    Guiaicum Resinous gum from trees of the species Lignum Vitae. Used to treat rheumatism and arthritis.
    Gum Ammoniacum A gum-resin of an umbelliferous plant (Dorema ammoniacum), of peculiar smell, and bitterish taste, found wild from North Africa to India. Named lac ammoniacum when it partially dissolves in water to produces a milky fluid.
    Gum Arabic Hardened sap of two species of the acacia tree; Senegalia (Acacia) senegal and Vachellia (Acacia) seyal.
    Gum Kino Gum extracted from coccoloba uvifera, a species of flowering plant in the buckwheat family polygonaceae, native to the coastal fringes of tropical America and the Caribbean. Also known as Jamaica extract.
    Gum Pill General term for pills largely composed of one or more medicinal gum.
    Gummosae Composite medicine, typically containing gum ammoniacum, asafoetida, galbanum and myrrh, sometimes alongside other ingredients.
    Haematites See entry for stomaccace.
    Hartshorn Ammonia obtained by destructive distillation of horns and hooves of animals. Also known as volatile alkali.
    Hellebore See entry for black hellebore.
    Hemlock dropwort See entry for Oenanthe crocata.
    Henbane Common name for Hyoscyamus Niger, an extremely poisonous narcotic and sedative. Also known as hyoscyamine.
    Hepar Sulphuris Compound of sulphur with calcium, now known as calcium sulphide.
    Hepatica Hepatica was named because, like the liver, the leaves of this plant have three lobes. Due to its apparent similarity with the liver, hepatica was used to treat liver and stomach diseases.
    Hog's Lard Fat of a pig/hog often used in making ointments.
    Honey In the case notes rubbed on gums to treat bleeding there and used to disguise unpalatable ingredients in recipes.
    Horse radish Cruciferous plant (Cochlearia Armoracia), with white flowers and broad rough leaves. A native of middle Europe and western Asia, commonly cultivated for its hot flavoured root.
    Horse warts A medicine which contains the warts of horses and was thought to be effective against cancer and hysteria.
    Hydragogue Any purgative that causes evacuation of water from the bowels.
    Hyoscyamine Extracted from the seeds of Hyoscyamus niger and solanaceae, used as a narcotic and sedative. Extremely poisonous.
    Hysop water A small bushy aromatic herb of the genus Hyssopus. Hysop water was primarily used as a diluent when creating medicines.
    Infusion A dilute liquid extract obtained from a substance by soaking it with, or steeping it in, water.
    Ingesta Any medicine taken with food or drink and which work on curing stomach aliments such as cramps.
    Inspissiated juice The preparation of expressed juice of medicinal plants such as Hemlock or from the extract of Lemons, Blackcurrants and Elderberries
    Insulation In context of electricity, the use of insulating materials (such as glass or silk) alongside conducting materials (for example brass or iron) when electrifying patients.
    Ipecacuanha Root of the Central and South American flowering plant carapichea ipecacuanha, commonly used as an emetic.
    Iris florentina Aromatic species of iris, anciently known as Orris root.
    Iron Absorbent, astringent and emetic.
    Issue A surgically created small cut which is kept open through the insertion of an obstructive object such as a dried pea in order to encourage suppuration.
    Ivy In the case notes taken ground in an infusion as a treatment for a pectoral complaint.
    Jalap A powdered root of exogonium purga, used as a purgative and cathartic. Used to expel watery humours and used to treat dropsies and gonorrhoea.
    Jamaica pepper Pimento, pimenta, allspice. From the tropical tree Pimenta dioica. Added to a medicine to modify its action or counteract a disagreeable effect. In the case notes most commonly mixed with opium.
    James's Powder Fever remedy patented about 1746 by Dr Robert James and popularly used.
    Japonica An astringent used to treat looseness, diarrhoea and vomiting. An imported soluble gum derived from the wood of the tree Senegalia catechu. Originally called Terra Japonica, then later Succus Japonica.
    Julap Sweet vehicle for various active ingredients to make palatable, usually using sugar syrup.
    Julep salts A sweet drink with sugar; a medicated sweet drink prescribed as a demulcent.
    Juniper A native shrub; the berries of which when distilled into a liquor, can be used as a remedy for intestinal ailments and urinary diseases in the elderly; a small infusion of the juice of the berry combined with a small quantity of gin is a medicine for dropsy.
    Juniperus Sabina Juniperus sabina 'tamariscifolia' (Tamarisk-leaved savin). Used as a analgesic, antipyretic and diuretic.
    Landanum Preparation of opium with alcohol.
    Laxative Medicines which promote evacuation by stool.
    Lead A metal which is absorbent, antacid, astringent, anodyne, narcotic or virulent.
    Leeches External application of aquatic blood-sucking worms belonging to the order Hirudinea (normally of the genus Hirudo or Sanguisuga), which are applied to specific parts of the body to draw-off blood.
    Lemon Juice Used to treat nausea, vomiting and fevers, as well as heart palpitations.
    Lenitive A laxative.
    Lignum Campechense A wood used medicinally as an astringent and corroborant, seen as an effective treatment for diarrhoea and the late stages of dysentery. Also known as Campeachy Wood, Brasilis Lignum and Jamaica Wood.
    Lime water A solution of lime in water. Also known as aqua calcis.
    Liniment Embrocation for external application by smearing or rubbing, usually made with oil.
    Linseed Flax, Linei, Lintseed. Seeds of the plant Linum usitatissimum.
    Lint Seed Used to mitigate symptoms of gonorrhoea, such as burning sensation when passing urine.
    Liquorice The rhizome (also called liquorice-root) of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra.
    Lisbon Diet Drink A medicine used in Portugal for the cure of scurvy and venereal disease.
    Lithontriptic Medicines used to break up stones in the bladder.
    Lithotomy Surgical removal of stones from the bladder, kidney or urinary tract.
    Lotion A thick, smooth liquid preparation designed to be applied to the skin for medicinal purposes.
    Luna Fixata Luddemanni Zinc oxide. Dr Hieronymus David Gaubius discovered a 'quack' Dutch shoemaker selling a mysteriously effective drug, luna fixata. Discovering that it was nothing more than zinc oxide, Gaubius proposed it as Luna Fixata Luddemanni in his text ‘Adversaria’. Commonly used to treat epilepsy and other convulsive and spasmodic diseases.
    Madder A genus of herbaceous perennial plants, consisting of nine species. The roots of the Common or Wild Madder is a detergent or aperient used to treat visceral obstructions, especially of the uterus, coagulations of the blood caused by falls or bruises, dropsy and rickets.
    Magnesia Various compounds of Magnesia, often magnesia alba - calcined magnesia.
    Melampodium A genus of flowering plants which includes the black hellebore. Used primarily as an anthelmintic medicine.
    Mentha A genus of perennial herbs. Is a stomachic. Used to cure impaired appetite, flatulence, colics, nausea and vomiting.
    Mephitic water A noxious vapour or fume produced when water is mixed with sulphur.
    Mercury Also known as argentium vivum, quicksilver, including corrosive sublimate, hydragyrom; hyrdrargyrum; mercuric precipitate, red precipitate, white precipitate; 'common blue pill'. Widely employed (liquid) metal.
    Mesembryanthemum A genus of flowering plants.
    Mezereon The toxic bush daphne mezereum. Mezereon bark is the dried bark of the plant, used chiefly in ointments to treat chronic ulcers.
    Milk ADD DESCRIPTION
    Mimosoideae A family of trees, herbs and shrubs that mostly grow in tropical and subtropical climates.
    Mineral water See entry for chalybeate.
    Mistura Oleosa A demulcent, often used to relieve coughing.
    Monogynia The Linnaean order of plants which only have a pistil, the female reproductive organ.
    Muriated Barytes A tonic used to treat scrofula and cutaneous diseases and to increase stool, urine and perspiration.
    Musk A reddish brown substance with a strong, persistent odour secreted by a gland of the male musk deer.
    Mustard The seed of the common mustard plant. Mixed with water and used as an emetic. Complaints treated with this item included asthma, chronic rheumatism and palsy.
    Myrrh Resin extracted from commiphora abyssinica. Myrrh was used as an astringent and expectorant, most often prescribed to rid the lungs of mucus or pus.
    Narcotic Medicines which can be administered orally, injected or inhaled to create a drowsy effect. Usually opium or an opiate.
    Neutral salts Neutral salts are those that are neither acid nor basic salts.
    Nicotiana The prepared leaves of nicotiana tabacum. Known as vinum nicotiana when steeped in white wine.
    Nitre Nitrous, nitric. Potassium nitrate.
    Nitric acid A highly corrosive mineral acid. In the case notes is used to reduce mercury to saline form.
    Nitrous acid A neutral salt, formed by the coalition of the common vegetable fixed alkaline salt. In the case notes is used to reduce mercury to saline form.
    Nitrous powder Powdered nitre. Uses included to increase quantity of urine. See entry for nitre.
    Nutmeg Spicy seed of trees in the genus Myristica.
    Oenanthe crocata Hemlock water-dropwort, a flowering plant. Extremely poisonous and so rarely used in medicine. When was used, was primarily to combat skin eruptions.
    Ointment See entries for unguent, epispastic ointment and issue ointment.
    Oleaginous Medicines with the properties of oil for example oleaginous demulcents used to relieve sore throats.
    Oleum ricini A pale yellow oil obtained from the seeds of castor beans (ricinus communis) used as a purgative and lubricant. Also known as castor oil.
    Oleum succini Oil of amber.
    Oleum Latin, meaning oil.
    Olive oil Derived by pressing from the fruit of the cultivated evergreen tree, Olea europaea.
    Opium A narcotic, addictive resin derived from the seed-heads of the opium poppy (papaver somniferum).
    Orange peel Also known as cortex aurantii. Peel of oranges.
    Orrice A general term for various types of Irises. See entry for Florentina Iris.
    Os Sepiae Cuttlefish bone. Used for a range of medicinal purposes, including to treat stomach aches, prevent bleeding and, externally, to cure sores, ulcers and eczema.
    Osmunda A genus of primarily temperate-zone ferns of family Osmundaceae.
    Oxymel A mixture of honey and vinegar. Used for a wide range of complaints, including gout, insomnia, coughs, congestion and joint pain. It was both ingested and rubbed on the skin.
    Oyster shell In the case notes applied to the eyes as a treatment for cataracts.
    Paregoric elixir Medicine composed of camphorated tincture of opium (tincture of opium containing camphor, benzoic acid, anise oil). Used as an analgesic and antispasmodic.
    Pencil A form of applying electrical current, see entry for electricity.
    Penny Royal Derived from the flowering plant Mentha pulegium. It was used for a range of medicinal purposes, but particularly to produce vaginal bleeding and to bring about abortion.
    Pentandra A term used by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in his classification of plants. It is used for a wide range of species, and denotes that the plant has five stamens, or five parts.
    Peppermint Had a range of medicinal uses, including as a remedy for nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, respiratory infections and menstrual disorders.
    Peruvian bark See entry for cinchona.
    Picea Medicine derived from a type of spruce tree. Various types of spruce trees were used for medicinal purposes, including Norway spruce (picea abies) and White spruce (picea glauca).
    Pilulae A small ball, globule; pellet. A pill.
    Pitch plaster Dressing containing pitch, a dark, sticky residue from tar or turpentine.
    Pix Alternative term for pitch, a substance made from tar or turpentine residue.
    Placebo A medicine prescribed that is expected to have little or no therapeutic effect, often to encourage the patient to continue visiting the dispensary in order that their condition can be regularly observed. As the term is used in the case notes there appears to be no implication that there will be a psychological effect on the patient.
    Plumbi acetas Acetate of lead or sugar of lead. Taken as a sedative and an astringent, often used to treat haemorrhages, chronic diarrhoea and in cases of phthisis to reduce expectoration. Also used externally on skin complaints.
    Plumbi Sugar of lead. An alternative name for Saccharum Saturn. See entry for Saccharum Saturn.
    Polypodium Fillix Mas A term used by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in his classification of plants. Also known as Dryopteris filix-mas or the male fern. A common fern of the temperate Northern Hemisphere, native to much of Europe, Asia, and North America. Used as an anthelmintic, i.e. treatment for parasitic worms.
    Potassa Arsenicata Acid of arsenic combined with vegetable alkaline. Used as a treatment for epilepsy.
    Potio Cretacea A preparation of carbonate of lime, bound in a gum.
    Pottage In the case notes is described as a medicinal item applied to the skin.
    Poultice A damp paste, usually heated, applied to irritation with bandage or cloth in order to reduce swelling, soothe pain and promote healing.
    Precipitate of zinc A method of precipitating a zinc containing solid from an acidic solution containing dissolved zinc and magnesium.
    Prunes A dried plum, most commonly from the European plum (Prunus domestica). In this context is referred to as an ingredient of the medicine Lenitive electuary. See entry for Lenitive electuary.
    Prunus Padus Known as bird cherry, hackberry, hagberry, or Mayday tree, this is a flowering plant in the rose family. Used as a substitute for Peruvian bark.
    Pulveris Pulverised medicine, i.e. medicine formed into a powder.
    Puncture In the case notes used in the context of bloodletting. See entry for bloodletting.
    Purgative Internal medication aimed at cleansing the body of impurities, usually the bowels.
    Quicklime Alkali of lime or calcium oxide. If ingested can prove dangerous, even fatal.
    Radix Indica See entry for Colombo root.
    Refrigerant A medicine that reduces the temperature of, chills or freezes the body or a body part, for example as anaesthesia.
    Resin smoke In the case notes inhaled as a treatment for phthisis.
    Resin A viscous substance of plant or synthetic origin.
    Rhododendron Extracts of Siberian plant rhododendron (rhododendron chrysanthemum), distributed as a weak tincture or infusion of the leaves in water or wine, prescribed to help with rheumatic illnesses and gout. Could cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
    Rhubarb Stalks and root of plant of the genus Rheum, often used as a laxative/purgative.
    Rosarum An infusion containing rose extracts, taken as an astringent.
    Rubefacient A substance for topical application that produces redness of the skin, e.g. by causing dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation.
    Rubia Plant in the Rubiaceae or coffee family, used as an anti-inflammatory, mild sedative, purgative, and to help with menstrual and urinary disorders.
    Rubigo Ferri Rust of iron. Used to treat ammenorrhea, vertigo, deliquium animi, vomiting and hysteria.
    Rubus A bramble. Ingested as an infusion. Medicinal usage as treatment againts diarrhoea and menstruation relief.
    Saccharum Album Sugarcane. A species of perennial grass (genus Saccharum) used for sugar production. Medicinal treatment for haemorrhage, urinary problems, inflammation and jaundice.
    Saccharum Saturnine Ointment with lead. Also known as sugar of lead, saccharum saturni or unguentum saturninum. Used as an astringent.
    Sacred elixir Elixir of aloes and rhubarb, commonly called Sacred Elixir, a traditional 'cure all' based on various recipes.
    Sal Ammoniac Hard white salt. Ingested on its own, mixed or applied externally, Sal Ammoniac used to stimulate excretion, treat boils, prevent alkalosis and as urinary acidifier.
    Salix Alba Commonly known as white willow, is a plant used in folk medicine for the treatment of chronic and acute inflammation, infection, pain, and fever.
    Salt of Crocus Martis A naturally occurring red iron oxide containing impurities (i.e. clay minerals) or an ultra-high iron clay. Also known as Crocus of Iron. See also entry for steel.
    Salt Polychrest A double salt of potassium sulphate and potassium nitrate; potassium sulphate; a double salt of sodium and potassium tartrate.
    Salt soda A fixed mineral alkali obtained from calcined marine plants.
    Sanguis Draconis Also known as Dragon's Blood. Resin from the fruit of Daemonorops propinquus. Medical usage as astringent agent to treat internal bleeding.
    Sarsaparilla Made from the plant belonging to any of the species of the order Smilaceæ, indigenous to tropical America from Mexico to Peru. Medicinal usage to treat psora, inflammation and other cutaneous affections.
    Sassafras Species of deciduous trees, in the Lauraceae family. Medicinal purpose as infusion or oil extracted from the root, bark or wood; to treat inflammation and improve circulation.
    Saturninum solution Acetated lead or mineral solution. In some cases, it is mixed to be applied as an ointment to address cutaneous affections.
    Scammonium Resinous gum derived from the tuberus roots of Convolvulus Scammonia, used as a strong purgative.
    Scarification Surgical scarification of the skin to promote suppuration.
    Scordium Teucrium Scordium, herbaceous perennials, deciduous or evergreen shrubs. Used as an anthelmintic, antifungal, antiseptic and diaphoretic.
    Sea water Applied to skin, drunk, bathed in.
    Sedative Soothing, relieving medicine.
    Semen santonica Dried, expanded flowerhead of various types of artemisia, often imported from Turkestan. An infusion of semen santonica is injected into the rectum to expel worms. Also known as wormseed; sea wormwood; artemisia cina; levant, santonica.
    Senna Senna glycoside, also known as sennoside or senna, is a medication used to treat constipation and empty the large intestine before surgery. Senna, the sennas, is a large genus of flowering plants in the legume family.
    Serpentine Medicinal usage of snakeroot for treating infectious fevers and rabies.
    Serum Aluminosum Alum whey. Produced by curdling milk by means of powdered Alum. Medicinal use as an astringent, specially in cases with renal haemorrhages.
    Seton Surgically created small cut, usually kept open (i.e. prevented from healing) with a thread or piece of tape and employed to encourage discharge or suppuration, being a supposedly efficacious flow of lymph or pus.
    Simaruba Bark or root from Simaruba Amara used as an astringent.
    Simple Elixir The simple base which is used for making elixirs, the same as diluted alcohol is used for making tinctures. Also known as aromatic elixir, cordial elixir or adjuvans.
    Sinapism The mixture of mustard and vinegar, applied as stimulant, to treat fevers and other diseases.
    Sinapsis Semen The dried ripe seed of Sinapis alba or Brassica juncea. Used to treat paralytic and pulmonary complaints.
    Soap Medicinal usage as a digestive vomit reaction. Usually used in small quantities as an inactive ingredient to give form to pills.
    Soda depurata Soda which has evacuated impurities and dregs. Pure, not contaminated Soda.
    Soda Tartarizata Tartarised soda, formerly known as sal rupellensis, sal polychrestum Seignetti and natron tartarizatum. A triple salt, used as a cathartic, diuretic and deobstruent.
    Solanaceae Family of flowering plants that ranges from annual and perennial herbs to vines, lianas, epiphytes, shrubs and trees, and includes a number of agricultural crops, medicinal plants, spices, weeds and ornamentals.
    Soluble tartar A mild purgative and diuretic.
    Solution Saturnina Water solution in which an acetated component (lead) has been dissolved for treatment.
    Soporific A drug or other substance that induces drowsiness or sleep.
    Spermaceti A fatty substance, which in a purified state has the form of a soft white scaly mass, found in the head (and to some extent in other parts) of the sperm-whale Physeter macrocephalus) and some other whales and dolphins. Spermaceti is used as a base for certain cold-creams and ointments.
    Spirit of lavender A mixture of oil of lavender flowers and alcohol, used a stimulant and also as a flavouring agent.
    Spirit of wine Strong distilled liquid from wine.
    Sponge Multicellular organisms that have bodies full of pores and channels allowing water to circulate through them. Medical usage as 'Burnt Sponge' for their high concentration of Iodine, which helps regulate overacting glands.
    Squill Bulb or root of the sea-onion (and related species). Also known as scillitica and scillae. Used as a laxative and an expectorant.
    Stanni Powdered Tin. Filings of the common malleable metal.
    Starch In the case notes referenced as an ingredient combined with Gum Tragacanth and used as a treatment for haemoptysis and other forms of haemorrhaging.
    Steel Preparations of steel, usually prepared by dissolving iron filings in water. See also entry for Salt of Crocus Martis.
    Sternutate A medicine or powder that will cause sneezing; snuff, tobacco, sneezing powder. To sneeze often.
    Stimulant Medicines which are capable of stimulating the body and system; able to excite an organ to increase activity.
    Stomach elixir Digestive elixir.
    Stomachicus That which excites, strengthens or settles the action of the stomach.
    Stramonium Dulcamara Datura stramonium, thorn apple. Narcotic drug used as an anti-spasmodic.
    Styptic Substance capable of causing bleeding to stop when applied to a wound.
    sudorific A type of medicine designed to make the person sweat as a method of treatment.
    Sugar Sweet crystalline substance obtained especially from sugar cane and sugar beet. Various medicinal usages, including as a binding agent, sweetener, grinding material etc.
    Sulfuric Containing sulphur or sulphuric acid. A strong acid made by oxidising solutions of sulphur dioxide.
    Sulphur Brimstone, used as a purgative and for conditions including relief of scabs and broken skin, for example Psora or scabies.
    Suture Stitch or row of stiches holding together the edges of a wound or surgical incision.
    Swing Therapy devised by the Edinburgh trained, London physician James Carmichael Smyth (1742-1821), as explained in his An account of the effects of swinging, employed as a remedy in the pulmonary consumption and hectic fever (London:1787).
    Syrup A concentrated sugar solution.
    Tamarind Pulp of the fruit of the tree Tamarindus indica used as a laxative, purgative and refrigerant.
    Tasteless Ague Drops A proprietary medicine which was advertised as an alternative to quinine for use the treatment of ague. Contained arsenic.
    Thebaic Tincture Preparation of opium with alcohol. More commonly known as laudanum.
    Tin Powdered Tin, Stanni (Stannic). Filings of the common malleable metal.
    Tincture Highly concentrated herbal extracts distilled in alcohol. Contains less ingredients and are less potent than elixirs.
    Tobacco See entry for nicotiana.
    Tonic General term for a medical substance prescribed to produce a feeling of vigour and well-being.
    Tormentil Medicine from the native herb, Potentilla tormentilla. Roots used as astringent.
    Tragacanth A gum derived from the dried sap of several species of shrub of the genus Astragalus.
    Trepanation Surgical procedure in which a circular piece of bone is drilled and excised from the human skull.
    Triture To crush, pound, grind, etc.
    Trochisci Bechici Nigri A medicated lozenge (troche) of liquorice, sugar, tragacanth gum, mucilage of quince and rose water. Prescribed to alleviate coughing, colds, hoarseness or loss of voice.
    Turpentine Also known as Terebinth. Fluid obtained by distillation of sap from trees, mainly pine. Applied to the skin to treat joint, muscle, nerve and tooth pain.
    Tussilago The common native flowering plant Coltsfoot, used for relieving and curing coughs.
    Unction Treatment with a medicinal oil or ointment.
    Unguent Similar to an ointment or salve. Typically used to describe a substance that is oilier and less viscous than an ointment.
    Uva Ursi Bearberry, a native plant related to the bilberry found in the Scottish Highlands. A trailing plant used to make an astringent tonic.
    Valerian A species of plant belonging to the Valeriana genus. Prescribed as stimulants or antispasmodics.
    Vegetable Acid Acid derived from various forms of vegetable matter.
    Verdigris The common name for a green pigment obtained by applying dilute acetic acid to think plates of copper. Used in medicine for a variety of ailments, such as eye and throat irritation, as well as being used as an antiseptic. See also entry for aerugine aeris.
    Vinum Nicotiana Tobacco leaves that have been dissolved in white wine, then administered.
    Vinum A solution of a medicinal substance in wine.
    Virginian Snakeroot Also known as serpentine root and Rhizome. The derivative of a North American plant Serpentiana Virginiana. Used to treat skin, circulatory and kidney disorders, though in large doses can be damaging to the kidneys.
    Vitriol Aether A mixture of alcohol and vitriolic acid.
    Vitriolic Acid Sulphuric acid with various ingredients added.
    Volatile Aromatic Spirit Volatile oily spirit; A compound of sal ammoniac, rosemary and lemon.
    Volatile Liniment Liniment containing volatile oils, such as rosemary and olive oil, meant to be rubbed on skin to relieve pain. Called volatile due to the quick evaporation of the oils.
    Ward's Essence Camphor medication sold as a headache cure by 'Mr Ward of Whitehall', and as first described in John Page, 'Receipts for preparing and compounding the principal medicines made use of by the late Mr Ward' (London: 1763), p. 26.
    White Vitriol Type of metal sulphate; zinc. Also known as vitriolum album.
    Worm seed Alternative name for semen santonica. See entry for semen santonica.
    Zinc Oxide Mineral metal with anti-inflammatory properties. Also called Calcined Zinc, though became known as Oxide during this time period due to the work of chemist Antoine Laurent Lavoisier, who proposed oxygen as a fuel source for combustion.
    Zingiber See entry for ginger.
    • Absinthe

      The dried leaves and flowering tops of a bitter plant.

    • Absorbent

      Medicines which have the ability to dry up internally and externally.

    • Aconite

      Aconitum, commonly known as Wolf's Bane and Monkshood is a plant which grows in rocky areas in Northern Europe. Though containing poisonous properties, the extract of this plant was used in medical treatments.

    • Acrimony

      Also known as Acrimonia. Any substance that causes bitter pungency to the organs of taste or smell, or to the skin, throat.

    • Acrostichum

      A fern genus in the Parkerioideae subfamily of the Pteridaceae.

    • Adjuvantia

      Supplementary methods of medical treatment.

    • Aerugine Aeris

      The corrosion of copper by fermented vegetable acid producing a bluish green substance. See also entry for copper.

    • Aether

      A mixture of alcohol with an acid such as vitriolic. See also entry for vitriolic acid.

    • Alkali

      A saline substance extracted from calcined ashes of saltwort, glasswort and other plants.

    • Allium

      Common garlic. The roots of the plant were used in medicine to relieve asthma and coughs and applied as a pill or a syrup. See also entry for garlic.

    • Aloe

      A drug made from the concentrated or dried juice of plants of the genus Aloe, having a bitter taste and unpleasant odour. Used mainly as a purgative or laxative.

    • Alum

      An astringent mineral white/colourless salt.

    • Amarum

      Bitters used as an astringent and tonic principally for stomach complaints.

    • Anderson's Pills

      Mildly aperient pills containing aloes, colocynth and gamboge, used as a remedy for cleansing the system after over-indulgence.

    • Angelica

      An aromatic umbelliferous plant found in northern and eastern Europe.

    • Angostura

      Cusparia or Angostura bark is obtained from Galipea officinalis, a tree growing on the mountains of Venezuela.

    • Aniseed

      Sugar of Anise. Seeds of the umbelliferous plant Pimpinella Anisum, a native of the Levant. Cultivated in Britain for their aromatic and carminative properties.

    • Anodyne

      Medicinal treatment to reduce or relieve pain. Taken as a draught, a balsam and a liniment.

    • Antacid

      A substance or remedy that reduces or neutralises acidity, especially that of the contents of the stomach.

    • Anthelmintic

      Types of medicine used to expel or kill parasitic worms.

    • Antimony

      Medicine derived from a semi-metal of a whitish or silver colour.

    • Antiphlogistic

      Medicine or remedy used to counteract, reduce or cure inflammation.

    • Antiseptic

      Medicine designed to resist or prevent decay.

    • Antispasmodic

      A general term for a medicine used to prevent or relieve spasms.

    • Armenian Bole

      A red earth clay originating from Armenia used as an astringent against diarrhoea.

    • Arnica Montana

      Also known as German Leopards Bane; a plant used as an antispasmodic.

    • Aromatic

      General term for various highly perfumed botanical substances.

    • Arsenic

      A poisonous and highly toxic mineral which was used medicinally in some cases for treatment of cancer.

    • Arsenici

      In the case notes identified as a medicine recently invented by Mr Milner, a chemist at Cambridge.

    • Asafoetida

      Medicine used as an antispasmodic consisting of dried latex (gum oleoresin) exuded from the rhizome or tap root of several species of perennial plants in the species Ferula. Also known as Foetid Gum Camphor.

    • Astringent

      Medicine suited to increase the cohesion of and produce some contraction in the simple solids and moving fibres of the human body.

    • Axunge

      Kidney fat of geese and pigs used to make ointments.

    • Balsam

      An aromatic oily or resinous medicinal preparation, sometimes to be externally applied, sometimes to be ingested, often in the form of a syrup, for healing wounds or soothing pain.

    • Bathing

      Curative or therapeutic swimming and washing.

    • Bistort

      The powdered roots of a plant native to Britain called Persicaria Bistorta, used as astringent. Also known as Snakeroot or Snakeweed.

    • Bitters

      A term to describe all bitter medicines, including Peruvian bark.

    • Blister

      Form of external, localised treatment designed to draw bad or poisonous 'humours' to the surface of the body.

    • Bloodletting

      Taking or drawing blood, most frequently from the arm.

    • Blue Vitriol

      Vitriolum Caerulum. Type of metal sulphate. Copper.

    • Bolus

      A medicine in a round shape for swallowing for example a large pill or a single dose of a drug.

    • Bread

      When used medicinally, most often to give form to pills.

    • Burgundy pitch

      A treatment consisting of resin from the Norway spruce tree with a solid but soft consistency and reddish-brown in colour. Used in plasters and to relieve chest disorders such as a prolonged cough or rheumatic disorders. It was applied externally as melted pitch with gauze near the affected area.

    • Caeruleae

      Pill, active ingredient of which is cuprum ammoniala. See also entries for copper and cuprum ammoniala.

    • Calomel

      A preparation of mercury much used in medicine in the form of a white powder with a yellow tinge. Was often used in the treatment of worms. Also known as Mercury Dulcis, Sweet Mercury and Mercurius Choloride.

    • Camomile

      Anthemis nobilis, an aromatic creeping herb with white flowers.

    • Camphor

      Camphor is a waxy extract of the wood of the Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), a large evergreen tree native to Asia.

    • Cantharides

      The medicinal name of the dried beetle Cantharis vesicatoria or Spanish Fly. Used as a diuretic, as a blistering agent and as stimulant to kidneys and other genitourinary organs.

    • Cardamom

      A spice consisting of the seed-capsules of various species of Amomum and Elettaria (family Zingiberaceæ). Used as a stimulant and stomach tonic as well as a carminative and antispasmodic.

    • Carduus Benedictus

      Known by the common names St. Benedict's thistle, blessed thistle, holy thistle and spotted thistle; a thistle-like plant in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region.

    • Carminative

      Medicines that work to expel wind from the body.

    • Cassia

      A gentle laxative, emetic and cathartic from the pulp of the fruit cassia. Also known as cassia senna.

    • Castile Soap

      An ingredient for pills used to relieve costiveness, flatulence and other stomach problems; named for Castile, a region in Spain where the soap originated. Also known as Spanish Soap.

    • Castor

      Known as Russian castor it was a reddish-brown unctuous substance which had a strong smell and nauseous bitter taste, obtained from two sacs in the inguinal region of the beaver. Used medicinally as an antispasmodic.

    • Cathartic

      Medicine suited to increase the evacuation by stool; purgation.

    • Catheter

      A long tubular instrument used for passing along the urethra into the bladder in order to draw off urine or to find a stone.

    • Caustic Alkali

      Hydrates of potassium and sodium. Also called Caustic Potash, Caustic Soda and Caustic Ammonia. Ammonia as a gas or in solution.

    • Cellular membrane

      Substance which is found everywhere under the skin surrounding the muscles, blood vessels etc.

    • Cerate

      A kind of stiff ointment composed of wax together with lard or oil and other ingredients.

    • Chalybeate

      Spa or mineral water, usually containing high concentration of iron salts.

    • Cicatrize

      To heal (a wound, sore, ulcer, etc.) by inducing a cicatrice or scar; to skin over.

    • Cicuta

      Hemlock. Highly poisonous plant administered as powder or extract of leaves, used as a narcotic and to relieve coughing.

    • Cinchona

      A bark of various species of the Cinchona tree, found in the Caribbean from which quinine was later isolated. Commonly used as a febrifuge to relieve fevers. Also known as Peruvian Bark; Jesuits' Bark, Quinquina.

    • Cinnamon

      A fragrant and sweet tasting aromatic used as an astringent.

    • Citrine

      Made with lard and mercuric nitrate and used against skin parasites.

    • Clyster

      Clyster, glyster. The introduction of a medicine, through injection into the rectum, designed to empty or cleanse the bowels.

    • Cobalt

      A metallic and earthly mineral which gives off a sapphire blue colour when melted. Was often used to obtain arsenic from.

    • Coccia

      See entry for Colocynth pill.

    • Cochineal

      A dyestuff made from the body of the insect Coccus cacti. Used in medicine as an antispasmodic.

    • Colchicum

      English crocus. The medicine derived from this plant was often prescribed for gout and rheumatism.

    • Collyrium

      A topical medicine applied for the treatment of eye disorders; an eye-salve or eyewash.

    • Colocynth Pill

      A pill containing aloes and colcynth (crocus, usually Colchicum autumnale) used as a purgative. Also known colocynthide cum aloe and coccia pills.

    • Columbo Root

      Plant used to make a bitter, demulcent tonic with sedative, corroborant and antiseptic properties. Also known as Calumba and Coccolus Palmatus.

    • Confection of Cynosbati

      A concoction composed of the fruit of rosehip plants such as Rosa Sylvestris, Hips or Dogrose, prescribed for consumption and effective against coughs. Also known as the confection of the dog rose or hip.

    • Confection

      The making or preparation of ingredients by mixing. Generally, it was a preparation made with sugar and other ingredients.

    • Copper

      See entry for Caeruleae.

    • Cordial

      Aromatic and sweetened spirit, serving as a soothing beverage to administer medicine.

    • Corrigent

      A corrective ingredient in a medicine.

    • Corrosive Sublimate

      A topical application to kill ringworm. It could also refer to corrosive sublimated mercury and mercuric chloride, used as a poison and disinfectant.

    • Cortex

      The bark of various trees which was used medicinally such as Peruvian bark.

    • Couhage

      Also known as cowage or cowhage. It is the stinging hairs of the pod of a tropical plant, Mucuna pruriens, family Leguminosæ, which was used as an anthelmintic.

    • Crab eyes

      A hard calcareous mass found in the stomach of certain crustaceans (as the European crayfish).

    • Cream of Tartar

      Purified and crystallized bitartrate of potassium used as a purgative, cathartic and diuretic.

    • Creta

      Chalk which could be applied in powdered form, pulveris. Used for heartburn and other disorders caused by the build-up of acidity in the alimentary and stomach canals.

    • Crude Antimony

      A medical treatment applied externally to relieve skin problems, derived from the metal antimony.

    • Cupping

      A glass specially designed to adhere to the skin through the creation of a temporary vacuum which draws the blood to the surface of the skin.

    • Cuprum Ammoniala

      Copper reduced to a saline state. Also known as cuprum ammoniatum, ammoniacum and ammoniacal copper.

    • Dea Ulmi

      A liquid mixture extracted from the Elm Tree. See also the entry for Elm.

    • Decoction

      Boiled in water (or other liquid) as means of extracting the soluble parts or principles of the medicinal substance.

    • Demulcent

      A medicine with a soothing effect, allaying irritation.

    • Deobstruent

      A medicine suited to remove obstructions by opening the natural passages or pores of the body. Also known as deoppilant(s).

    • Depurate

      Derived from the Latin word 'depuratio' meaning to free from any purities. It is used to refer to making or preparing a substance as purely as possible.

    • Diacodium

      One of many names for opium. A narcotic, addictive resin derived from the sappy seed-heads of the opium poppy.

    • Diaphoretic

      Sudorific; medicine used to promote perspiration.

    • Diascordium

      Refers to a treatment derived from the plant called Water Germander (Teurium Scordium). The pulverised bitter leaves of the plant were used to expel worms and a decoction of the plant used to treat gangrene.

    • Digitalis

      Foxglove. Powdered leaves of Digitalis purpurea used in the treatment of heart disease.

    • Diluent

      Something added to a substance to dilute it and make it weaker in strength.

    • Discutient

      A medicine that is capable of dissipating diseased matter.

    • Diuretic

      A medicine which promotes the secretion and discharge of urine.

    • Dolich pruriens

      A variety of Stizolobium or Cowhage which was a velvet bean used in the West Indies to treat diseases caused by worms.

    • Dover's powder

      Remedy against colds and fever by inducing sweating first promoted in 1732 by Dr Thomas Dover (bap. 1662, d. 1742), in his book The Ancient Physician's Legacy to his Country, whose main ingredients were Ipecacuanha and Opium.

    • Dr Kennedy's Decoction

      A liquor used to treat ulcers and swelling of the joints. Named after Dr Kennedy of London.

    • Draught

      A medicine in the form of a liquid which is drunk.

    • Dulcified

      Derived from the Latin word 'dulcificare' meaning to sweeten.

    • Eau de Luce

      A medicinal preparation of alcohol, ammonia, and oil of amber, used in India as an antidote to snake-bites, and in England sometimes as smelling salts.

    • Egg shells

      Powdered egg shells, usually chicken eggs, used as a treatment for conditions such as Fluor Albus and Profluvium.

    • Elaterium

      Fruit of Ecballium elaterium, used as a purgative.

    • Electric shocks

      In context of electricity. Electrical stimulation treatment use in medicine as an electrical current travelling through the body, with the purpose to stimulate muscles to treat paralysis, amenorrhea and unvoluntary spasms.

    • Electrical spark

      In context of electricity, a light produced by a sudden disrupted electrical discharge through the air.

    • Electricity

      Refers to the medical application of electricity, a type of energy resulting from charged particles either in a static state or as a current. In the 18th century electrical treatments consisted of sparks generated by glass instruments. The instruments were attached to patients on parts of their bodies such as the hands or head and the sparks were used to shock patients. Electrical treatments were used to treat a range of conditions including palsies or strokes, blindness, hysterical seizures and melancholia.

    • Electuary

      A medicinal conserve or paste, consisting of a powder or other ingredient mixed with honey, preserve, or syrup of some kind.

    • Elixir

      A strong extract or tincture (in proprietary remedies it carried connotations of being a 'sovereign remedy' or 'cure all').

    • Elm Bark

      Elm bark from the Elm Tree or 'Ulmus' in Latin used to treat skin wounds. Also used to treat digestive ailments, diarrhoea, female infertility and as a diuretic to aid increased urine flow.

    • Emetic

      A medicine which causes vomiting.

    • Emmenagogue

      A medicine with the power to increase or renew menstruation.

    • Emollient

      A moisturising treatment applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it.

    • Ens Veneris

      Old name for a mixture of ammonia and copper.

    • Epsom salts

      Crystals of materials such as Magnesia Vitriolata, Sal Catharticus Amara and Magnesium Sulphate used to purge the body.

    • Errhine

      Term used for medicines which are used to increase mucal discharge from the nose.

    • Escharotic

      A substance that kills unwanted or diseased tissue, usually skin or superficial growths like warts, leaving them to slough off.

    • Essential oil

      Oils obtained from various aromatic or pungent vegetative plants and herbs through a distillation process.

    • Evacuant

      Purgative, cathartic, emetic and/or diaphoretic medicines used to promote evacuation.

    • Excipients

      A substance which is mixed with a medicinal drug to make it possible to ingest it.

    • Expectorant

      Medicine used to promote the excretion or rejection of mucus or pus from the lungs. Also known as pectoral(s).

    • Extirpation

      The complete removal of part of the body such as tissue or organ by surgical means. Extirpation is derived from the Latin word 'extirpo' which means to uproot or eradicate.

    • Extract

      A treatment obtained by the evaporation of a vegetable solution or a native vegetable juice.

    • Fern powder

      Powdered roots of male fern (filix mas), used to expel worms from the intestines. See also entry for filix.

    • Fern root

      Roots of male fern (filix mas). See also entries for fern powder and filix.

    • Ferri

      See entries for Rubigo ferri and for steel.

    • Ferrum Ammoniala

      A combination of Ferrum or Iron filings and Sal Ammoniala or Ammoniac- hard white salt- sometimes used to treat epilepsy or hysteria. See also entry for sal ammoniac.

    • Filicis maris

      Roots of a male fern plant used as an anthelmintic and a purgative to expel tape worms.

    • Fixed Air

      A term for carbonic acid gas referring to air extracted from lime, magnesium and alkalies.

    • Flavio

      Probably a derivative of the Latin words 'flavor', 'flavoris' or 'flavus' meaning yellowness or gold. Mercury flavio or flavus is a form of yellow mercury which was used to treat worms.

    • Flesh brush

      A flesh brush refers to a hard brush used to exfoliate and promote circulation.

    • Flower

      In medicinal use 'flower' or 'flowers', derived from the Latin word 'flora' and the plural 'flores', refer to a mineral substance reduced to a powdery consistency through the process of sublimation or crystallisation.

    • Flowers of Sulphur

      A powdered or sublimed form of sulphur also referred to as brimstone. See entry for sulphur.

    • Fomes

      Fomes' or the plural form 'fomites' means tinder in Latin and can refer to fuel. It is a term used in medicine to refer to substances imbued with a contagion.

    • Frictio

      Rubbing; friction of the body upon its whole surface, promoting perspiration and quickening the circulation. Friction was believed to contribute to the conveyance of medicines into the body and to their action and usefulness there when introduced.

    • Fuliginis

      Tincture comprised of wood soot, asafoetida and spirits, used as an antispasmodic for hysteria and rheumatism. Also known as tincture of soot or soot drops.

    • Galbanum

      Gum resin from Ferula family. Used as a carminative.

    • Gallarum pulveris

      Powdered 'galls'; an excrescence produced on trees, especially the oak, by the action of insects, most commonly wasps.

    • Gamboge

      A gum resin obtained from various trees of the genus Garcinia. Acts as a purgative.

    • gargle

      Use of a gargle (i.e. rinsing the throat with a fluid supposedly having soothing or antiseptic properties).

    • Garlic

      Topical application of garlic was believed to help with a variety of disorders including earache.

    • Gentian

      Bitter tonic extracted from the roots of the Gentian plant.

    • Gin

      Infusion of Juniper united with spirit by distillation and diluted with water. Taken as a diuretic.

    • Ginger

      A flowering plant (Zingiber officinale) whose roots were taken medicinally. In the case notes primarily taken as a stimulant and aromatic.

    • Glauber's Salts

      First artificially made by alchemist/chemist Johann Rudolph Glauber in 1656.

    • Godbold's Vegetable Balsam

      An English patent medicine concocted by Nathaniel Godbold in 1785, and produced by Godbold and later his sons.
      Nathaniel Godbold (1730-1799) was originally a baker in Suffolk. Godbold’s Vegetable Balsam was a popular patent medicine that was used mostly to treat respiratory illnesses. It was produced into the 19th century - carried on by Godbold’s sons. Godbold published ‘A treatise on the nature and cure of consumptions. To which are added, certificates and accounts of many extraordinary cures performed by Godbold's vegetable balsam’ in 1785.

    • Guiaicum

      Resinous gum from trees of the species Lignum Vitae. Used to treat rheumatism and arthritis.

    • Gum Ammoniacum

      A gum-resin of an umbelliferous plant (Dorema ammoniacum), of peculiar smell, and bitterish taste, found wild from North Africa to India. Named lac ammoniacum when it partially dissolves in water to produces a milky fluid.

    • Gum Arabic

      Hardened sap of two species of the acacia tree; Senegalia (Acacia) senegal and Vachellia (Acacia) seyal.

    • Gum Kino

      Gum extracted from coccoloba uvifera, a species of flowering plant in the buckwheat family polygonaceae, native to the coastal fringes of tropical America and the Caribbean. Also known as Jamaica extract.

    • Gum Pill

      General term for pills largely composed of one or more medicinal gum.

    • Gummosae

      Composite medicine, typically containing gum ammoniacum, asafoetida, galbanum and myrrh, sometimes alongside other ingredients.

    • Hartshorn

      Ammonia obtained by destructive distillation of horns and hooves of animals. Also known as volatile alkali.

    • Henbane

      Common name for Hyoscyamus Niger, an extremely poisonous narcotic and sedative. Also known as hyoscyamine.

    • Hepar Sulphuris

      Compound of sulphur with calcium, now known as calcium sulphide.

    • Hepatica

      Hepatica was named because, like the liver, the leaves of this plant have three lobes. Due to its apparent similarity with the liver, hepatica was used to treat liver and stomach diseases.

    • Hog's Lard

      Fat of a pig/hog often used in making ointments.

    • Honey

      In the case notes rubbed on gums to treat bleeding there and used to disguise unpalatable ingredients in recipes.

    • Horse radish

      Cruciferous plant (Cochlearia Armoracia), with white flowers and broad rough leaves. A native of middle Europe and western Asia, commonly cultivated for its hot flavoured root.

    • Horse warts

      A medicine which contains the warts of horses and was thought to be effective against cancer and hysteria.

    • Hydragogue

      Any purgative that causes evacuation of water from the bowels.

    • Hyoscyamine

      Extracted from the seeds of Hyoscyamus niger and solanaceae, used as a narcotic and sedative. Extremely poisonous.

    • Hysop water

      A small bushy aromatic herb of the genus Hyssopus. Hysop water was primarily used as a diluent when creating medicines.

    • Infusion

      A dilute liquid extract obtained from a substance by soaking it with, or steeping it in, water.

    • Ingesta

      Any medicine taken with food or drink and which work on curing stomach aliments such as cramps.

    • Inspissiated juice

      The preparation of expressed juice of medicinal plants such as Hemlock or from the extract of Lemons, Blackcurrants and Elderberries

    • Insulation

      In context of electricity, the use of insulating materials (such as glass or silk) alongside conducting materials (for example brass or iron) when electrifying patients.

    • Ipecacuanha

      Root of the Central and South American flowering plant carapichea ipecacuanha, commonly used as an emetic.

    • Iron

      Absorbent, astringent and emetic.

    • Issue

      A surgically created small cut which is kept open through the insertion of an obstructive object such as a dried pea in order to encourage suppuration.

    • Ivy

      In the case notes taken ground in an infusion as a treatment for a pectoral complaint.

    • Jalap

      A powdered root of exogonium purga, used as a purgative and cathartic. Used to expel watery humours and used to treat dropsies and gonorrhoea.

    • Jamaica pepper

      Pimento, pimenta, allspice. From the tropical tree Pimenta dioica. Added to a medicine to modify its action or counteract a disagreeable effect. In the case notes most commonly mixed with opium.

    • James's Powder

      Fever remedy patented about 1746 by Dr Robert James and popularly used.

    • Japonica

      An astringent used to treat looseness, diarrhoea and vomiting. An imported soluble gum derived from the wood of the tree Senegalia catechu. Originally called Terra Japonica, then later Succus Japonica.

    • Julap

      Sweet vehicle for various active ingredients to make palatable, usually using sugar syrup.

    • Julep salts

      A sweet drink with sugar; a medicated sweet drink prescribed as a demulcent.

    • Juniper

      A native shrub; the berries of which when distilled into a liquor, can be used as a remedy for intestinal ailments and urinary diseases in the elderly; a small infusion of the juice of the berry combined with a small quantity of gin is a medicine for dropsy.

    • Juniperus Sabina

      Juniperus sabina 'tamariscifolia' (Tamarisk-leaved savin). Used as a analgesic, antipyretic and diuretic.

    • Landanum

      Preparation of opium with alcohol.

    • Laxative

      Medicines which promote evacuation by stool.

    • Lead

      A metal which is absorbent, antacid, astringent, anodyne, narcotic or virulent.

    • Leeches

      External application of aquatic blood-sucking worms belonging to the order Hirudinea (normally of the genus Hirudo or Sanguisuga), which are applied to specific parts of the body to draw-off blood.

    • Lemon Juice

      Used to treat nausea, vomiting and fevers, as well as heart palpitations.

    • Lignum Campechense

      A wood used medicinally as an astringent and corroborant, seen as an effective treatment for diarrhoea and the late stages of dysentery. Also known as Campeachy Wood, Brasilis Lignum and Jamaica Wood.

    • Lime water

      A solution of lime in water. Also known as aqua calcis.

    • Liniment

      Embrocation for external application by smearing or rubbing, usually made with oil.

    • Linseed

      Flax, Linei, Lintseed. Seeds of the plant Linum usitatissimum.

    • Lint Seed

      Used to mitigate symptoms of gonorrhoea, such as burning sensation when passing urine.

    • Liquorice

      The rhizome (also called liquorice-root) of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra.

    • Lisbon Diet Drink

      A medicine used in Portugal for the cure of scurvy and venereal disease.

    • Lithotomy

      Surgical removal of stones from the bladder, kidney or urinary tract.

    • Lotion

      A thick, smooth liquid preparation designed to be applied to the skin for medicinal purposes.

    • Luna Fixata Luddemanni

      Zinc oxide. Dr Hieronymus David Gaubius discovered a 'quack' Dutch shoemaker selling a mysteriously effective drug, luna fixata. Discovering that it was nothing more than zinc oxide, Gaubius proposed it as Luna Fixata Luddemanni in his text ‘Adversaria’. Commonly used to treat epilepsy and other convulsive and spasmodic diseases.

    • Madder

      A genus of herbaceous perennial plants, consisting of nine species. The roots of the Common or Wild Madder is a detergent or aperient used to treat visceral obstructions, especially of the uterus, coagulations of the blood caused by falls or bruises, dropsy and rickets.

    • Magnesia

      Various compounds of Magnesia, often magnesia alba - calcined magnesia.

    • Melampodium

      A genus of flowering plants which includes the black hellebore. Used primarily as an anthelmintic medicine.

    • Mentha

      A genus of perennial herbs. Is a stomachic. Used to cure impaired appetite, flatulence, colics, nausea and vomiting.

    • Mephitic water

      A noxious vapour or fume produced when water is mixed with sulphur.

    • Mercury

      Also known as argentium vivum, quicksilver, including corrosive sublimate, hydragyrom; hyrdrargyrum; mercuric precipitate, red precipitate, white precipitate; 'common blue pill'. Widely employed (liquid) metal.

    • Mezereon

      The toxic bush daphne mezereum. Mezereon bark is the dried bark of the plant, used chiefly in ointments to treat chronic ulcers.

    • Mimosoideae

      A family of trees, herbs and shrubs that mostly grow in tropical and subtropical climates.

    • Monogynia

      The Linnaean order of plants which only have a pistil, the female reproductive organ.

    • Muriated Barytes

      A tonic used to treat scrofula and cutaneous diseases and to increase stool, urine and perspiration.

    • Musk

      A reddish brown substance with a strong, persistent odour secreted by a gland of the male musk deer.

    • Mustard

      The seed of the common mustard plant. Mixed with water and used as an emetic. Complaints treated with this item included asthma, chronic rheumatism and palsy.

    • Myrrh

      Resin extracted from commiphora abyssinica. Myrrh was used as an astringent and expectorant, most often prescribed to rid the lungs of mucus or pus.

    • Narcotic

      Medicines which can be administered orally, injected or inhaled to create a drowsy effect. Usually opium or an opiate.

    • Neutral salts

      Neutral salts are those that are neither acid nor basic salts.

    • Nicotiana

      The prepared leaves of nicotiana tabacum. Known as vinum nicotiana when steeped in white wine.

    • Nitre

      Nitrous, nitric. Potassium nitrate.

    • Nitric acid

      A highly corrosive mineral acid. In the case notes is used to reduce mercury to saline form.

    • Nitrous acid

      A neutral salt, formed by the coalition of the common vegetable fixed alkaline salt. In the case notes is used to reduce mercury to saline form.

    • Nitrous powder

      Powdered nitre. Uses included to increase quantity of urine. See entry for nitre.

    • Nutmeg

      Spicy seed of trees in the genus Myristica.

    • Oenanthe crocata

      Hemlock water-dropwort, a flowering plant. Extremely poisonous and so rarely used in medicine. When was used, was primarily to combat skin eruptions.

    • Ointment

      See entries for unguent, epispastic ointment and issue ointment.

    • Oleaginous

      Medicines with the properties of oil for example oleaginous demulcents used to relieve sore throats.

    • Oleum ricini

      A pale yellow oil obtained from the seeds of castor beans (ricinus communis) used as a purgative and lubricant. Also known as castor oil.

    • Olive oil

      Derived by pressing from the fruit of the cultivated evergreen tree, Olea europaea.

    • Opium

      A narcotic, addictive resin derived from the seed-heads of the opium poppy (papaver somniferum).

    • Orange peel

      Also known as cortex aurantii. Peel of oranges.

    • Orrice

      A general term for various types of Irises. See entry for Florentina Iris.

    • Os Sepiae

      Cuttlefish bone. Used for a range of medicinal purposes, including to treat stomach aches, prevent bleeding and, externally, to cure sores, ulcers and eczema.

    • Osmunda

      A genus of primarily temperate-zone ferns of family Osmundaceae.

    • Oxymel

      A mixture of honey and vinegar. Used for a wide range of complaints, including gout, insomnia, coughs, congestion and joint pain. It was both ingested and rubbed on the skin.

    • Oyster shell

      In the case notes applied to the eyes as a treatment for cataracts.

    • Paregoric elixir

      Medicine composed of camphorated tincture of opium (tincture of opium containing camphor, benzoic acid, anise oil). Used as an analgesic and antispasmodic.

    • Pencil

      A form of applying electrical current, see entry for electricity.

    • Penny Royal

      Derived from the flowering plant Mentha pulegium. It was used for a range of medicinal purposes, but particularly to produce vaginal bleeding and to bring about abortion.

    • Pentandra

      A term used by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in his classification of plants. It is used for a wide range of species, and denotes that the plant has five stamens, or five parts.

    • Peppermint

      Had a range of medicinal uses, including as a remedy for nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, respiratory infections and menstrual disorders.

    • Picea

      Medicine derived from a type of spruce tree. Various types of spruce trees were used for medicinal purposes, including Norway spruce (picea abies) and White spruce (picea glauca).

    • Pilulae

      A small ball, globule; pellet. A pill.

    • Pitch plaster

      Dressing containing pitch, a dark, sticky residue from tar or turpentine.

    • Pix

      Alternative term for pitch, a substance made from tar or turpentine residue.

    • Placebo

      A medicine prescribed that is expected to have little or no therapeutic effect, often to encourage the patient to continue visiting the dispensary in order that their condition can be regularly observed. As the term is used in the case notes there appears to be no implication that there will be a psychological effect on the patient.

    • Plumbi acetas

      Acetate of lead or sugar of lead. Taken as a sedative and an astringent, often used to treat haemorrhages, chronic diarrhoea and in cases of phthisis to reduce expectoration. Also used externally on skin complaints.

    • Plumbi

      Sugar of lead. An alternative name for Saccharum Saturn. See entry for Saccharum Saturn.

    • Polypodium Fillix Mas

      A term used by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in his classification of plants. Also known as Dryopteris filix-mas or the male fern. A common fern of the temperate Northern Hemisphere, native to much of Europe, Asia, and North America. Used as an anthelmintic, i.e. treatment for parasitic worms.

    • Potassa Arsenicata

      Acid of arsenic combined with vegetable alkaline. Used as a treatment for epilepsy.

    • Pottage

      In the case notes is described as a medicinal item applied to the skin.

    • Poultice

      A damp paste, usually heated, applied to irritation with bandage or cloth in order to reduce swelling, soothe pain and promote healing.

    • Precipitate of zinc

      A method of precipitating a zinc containing solid from an acidic solution containing dissolved zinc and magnesium.

    • Prunes

      A dried plum, most commonly from the European plum (Prunus domestica). In this context is referred to as an ingredient of the medicine Lenitive electuary. See entry for Lenitive electuary.

    • Prunus Padus

      Known as bird cherry, hackberry, hagberry, or Mayday tree, this is a flowering plant in the rose family. Used as a substitute for Peruvian bark.

    • Pulveris

      Pulverised medicine, i.e. medicine formed into a powder.

    • Puncture

      In the case notes used in the context of bloodletting. See entry for bloodletting.

    • Purgative

      Internal medication aimed at cleansing the body of impurities, usually the bowels.

    • Quicklime

      Alkali of lime or calcium oxide. If ingested can prove dangerous, even fatal.

    • Refrigerant

      A medicine that reduces the temperature of, chills or freezes the body or a body part, for example as anaesthesia.

    • Resin smoke

      In the case notes inhaled as a treatment for phthisis.

    • Resin

      A viscous substance of plant or synthetic origin.

    • Rhododendron

      Extracts of Siberian plant rhododendron (rhododendron chrysanthemum), distributed as a weak tincture or infusion of the leaves in water or wine, prescribed to help with rheumatic illnesses and gout. Could cause vomiting and diarrhoea.

    • Rhubarb

      Stalks and root of plant of the genus Rheum, often used as a laxative/purgative.

    • Rosarum

      An infusion containing rose extracts, taken as an astringent.

    • Rubefacient

      A substance for topical application that produces redness of the skin, e.g. by causing dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation.

    • Rubia

      Plant in the Rubiaceae or coffee family, used as an anti-inflammatory, mild sedative, purgative, and to help with menstrual and urinary disorders.

    • Rubigo Ferri

      Rust of iron. Used to treat ammenorrhea, vertigo, deliquium animi, vomiting and hysteria.

    • Rubus

      A bramble. Ingested as an infusion. Medicinal usage as treatment againts diarrhoea and menstruation relief.

    • Saccharum Album

      Sugarcane. A species of perennial grass (genus Saccharum) used for sugar production. Medicinal treatment for haemorrhage, urinary problems, inflammation and jaundice.

    • Saccharum Saturnine

      Ointment with lead. Also known as sugar of lead, saccharum saturni or unguentum saturninum. Used as an astringent.

    • Sacred elixir

      Elixir of aloes and rhubarb, commonly called Sacred Elixir, a traditional 'cure all' based on various recipes.

    • Sal Ammoniac

      Hard white salt. Ingested on its own, mixed or applied externally, Sal Ammoniac used to stimulate excretion, treat boils, prevent alkalosis and as urinary acidifier.

    • Salix Alba

      Commonly known as white willow, is a plant used in folk medicine for the treatment of chronic and acute inflammation, infection, pain, and fever.

    • Salt of Crocus Martis

      A naturally occurring red iron oxide containing impurities (i.e. clay minerals) or an ultra-high iron clay. Also known as Crocus of Iron. See also entry for steel.

    • Salt Polychrest

      A double salt of potassium sulphate and potassium nitrate; potassium sulphate; a double salt of sodium and potassium tartrate.

    • Salt soda

      A fixed mineral alkali obtained from calcined marine plants.

    • Sanguis Draconis

      Also known as Dragon's Blood. Resin from the fruit of Daemonorops propinquus. Medical usage as astringent agent to treat internal bleeding.

    • Sarsaparilla

      Made from the plant belonging to any of the species of the order Smilaceæ, indigenous to tropical America from Mexico to Peru. Medicinal usage to treat psora, inflammation and other cutaneous affections.

    • Sassafras

      Species of deciduous trees, in the Lauraceae family. Medicinal purpose as infusion or oil extracted from the root, bark or wood; to treat inflammation and improve circulation.

    • Saturninum solution

      Acetated lead or mineral solution. In some cases, it is mixed to be applied as an ointment to address cutaneous affections.

    • Scammonium

      Resinous gum derived from the tuberus roots of Convolvulus Scammonia, used as a strong purgative.

    • Scarification

      Surgical scarification of the skin to promote suppuration.

    • Scordium

      Teucrium Scordium, herbaceous perennials, deciduous or evergreen shrubs. Used as an anthelmintic, antifungal, antiseptic and diaphoretic.

    • Semen santonica

      Dried, expanded flowerhead of various types of artemisia, often imported from Turkestan. An infusion of semen santonica is injected into the rectum to expel worms. Also known as wormseed; sea wormwood; artemisia cina; levant, santonica.

    • Senna

      Senna glycoside, also known as sennoside or senna, is a medication used to treat constipation and empty the large intestine before surgery. Senna, the sennas, is a large genus of flowering plants in the legume family.

    • Serpentine

      Medicinal usage of snakeroot for treating infectious fevers and rabies.

    • Serum Aluminosum

      Alum whey. Produced by curdling milk by means of powdered Alum. Medicinal use as an astringent, specially in cases with renal haemorrhages.

    • Seton

      Surgically created small cut, usually kept open (i.e. prevented from healing) with a thread or piece of tape and employed to encourage discharge or suppuration, being a supposedly efficacious flow of lymph or pus.

    • Simaruba

      Bark or root from Simaruba Amara used as an astringent.

    • Simple Elixir

      The simple base which is used for making elixirs, the same as diluted alcohol is used for making tinctures. Also known as aromatic elixir, cordial elixir or adjuvans.

    • Sinapism

      The mixture of mustard and vinegar, applied as stimulant, to treat fevers and other diseases.

    • Sinapsis Semen

      The dried ripe seed of Sinapis alba or Brassica juncea. Used to treat paralytic and pulmonary complaints.

    • Soap

      Medicinal usage as a digestive vomit reaction. Usually used in small quantities as an inactive ingredient to give form to pills.

    • Soda depurata

      Soda which has evacuated impurities and dregs. Pure, not contaminated Soda.

    • Soda Tartarizata

      Tartarised soda, formerly known as sal rupellensis, sal polychrestum Seignetti and natron tartarizatum. A triple salt, used as a cathartic, diuretic and deobstruent.

    • Solanaceae

      Family of flowering plants that ranges from annual and perennial herbs to vines, lianas, epiphytes, shrubs and trees, and includes a number of agricultural crops, medicinal plants, spices, weeds and ornamentals.

    • Solution Saturnina

      Water solution in which an acetated component (lead) has been dissolved for treatment.

    • Soporific

      A drug or other substance that induces drowsiness or sleep.

    • Spermaceti

      A fatty substance, which in a purified state has the form of a soft white scaly mass, found in the head (and to some extent in other parts) of the sperm-whale Physeter macrocephalus) and some other whales and dolphins. Spermaceti is used as a base for certain cold-creams and ointments.

    • Spirit of lavender

      A mixture of oil of lavender flowers and alcohol, used a stimulant and also as a flavouring agent.

    • Sponge

      Multicellular organisms that have bodies full of pores and channels allowing water to circulate through them. Medical usage as 'Burnt Sponge' for their high concentration of Iodine, which helps regulate overacting glands.

    • Squill

      Bulb or root of the sea-onion (and related species). Also known as scillitica and scillae. Used as a laxative and an expectorant.

    • Stanni

      Powdered Tin. Filings of the common malleable metal.

    • Starch

      In the case notes referenced as an ingredient combined with Gum Tragacanth and used as a treatment for haemoptysis and other forms of haemorrhaging.

    • Steel

      Preparations of steel, usually prepared by dissolving iron filings in water. See also entry for Salt of Crocus Martis.

    • Sternutate

      A medicine or powder that will cause sneezing; snuff, tobacco, sneezing powder. To sneeze often.

    • Stimulant

      Medicines which are capable of stimulating the body and system; able to excite an organ to increase activity.

    • Stomachicus

      That which excites, strengthens or settles the action of the stomach.

    • Styptic

      Substance capable of causing bleeding to stop when applied to a wound.

    • sudorific

      A type of medicine designed to make the person sweat as a method of treatment.

    • Sugar

      Sweet crystalline substance obtained especially from sugar cane and sugar beet. Various medicinal usages, including as a binding agent, sweetener, grinding material etc.

    • Sulfuric

      Containing sulphur or sulphuric acid. A strong acid made by oxidising solutions of sulphur dioxide.

    • Sulphur

      Brimstone, used as a purgative and for conditions including relief of scabs and broken skin, for example Psora or scabies.

    • Suture

      Stitch or row of stiches holding together the edges of a wound or surgical incision.

    • Swing

      Therapy devised by the Edinburgh trained, London physician James Carmichael Smyth (1742-1821), as explained in his An account of the effects of swinging, employed as a remedy in the pulmonary consumption and hectic fever (London:1787).

    • Syrup

      A concentrated sugar solution.

    • Tamarind

      Pulp of the fruit of the tree Tamarindus indica used as a laxative, purgative and refrigerant.

    • Tasteless Ague Drops

      A proprietary medicine which was advertised as an alternative to quinine for use the treatment of ague. Contained arsenic.

    • Thebaic Tincture

      Preparation of opium with alcohol. More commonly known as laudanum.

    • Tin

      Powdered Tin, Stanni (Stannic). Filings of the common malleable metal.

    • Tincture

      Highly concentrated herbal extracts distilled in alcohol. Contains less ingredients and are less potent than elixirs.

    • Tonic

      General term for a medical substance prescribed to produce a feeling of vigour and well-being.

    • Tormentil

      Medicine from the native herb, Potentilla tormentilla. Roots used as astringent.

    • Tragacanth

      A gum derived from the dried sap of several species of shrub of the genus Astragalus.

    • Trepanation

      Surgical procedure in which a circular piece of bone is drilled and excised from the human skull.

    • Triture

      To crush, pound, grind, etc.

    • Trochisci Bechici Nigri

      A medicated lozenge (troche) of liquorice, sugar, tragacanth gum, mucilage of quince and rose water. Prescribed to alleviate coughing, colds, hoarseness or loss of voice.

    • Turpentine

      Also known as Terebinth. Fluid obtained by distillation of sap from trees, mainly pine. Applied to the skin to treat joint, muscle, nerve and tooth pain.

    • Tussilago

      The common native flowering plant Coltsfoot, used for relieving and curing coughs.

    • Unction

      Treatment with a medicinal oil or ointment.

    • Unguent

      Similar to an ointment or salve. Typically used to describe a substance that is oilier and less viscous than an ointment.

    • Uva Ursi

      Bearberry, a native plant related to the bilberry found in the Scottish Highlands. A trailing plant used to make an astringent tonic.

    • Valerian

      A species of plant belonging to the Valeriana genus. Prescribed as stimulants or antispasmodics.

    • Verdigris

      The common name for a green pigment obtained by applying dilute acetic acid to think plates of copper. Used in medicine for a variety of ailments, such as eye and throat irritation, as well as being used as an antiseptic. See also entry for aerugine aeris.

    • Vinum Nicotiana

      Tobacco leaves that have been dissolved in white wine, then administered.

    • Vinum

      A solution of a medicinal substance in wine.

    • Virginian Snakeroot

      Also known as serpentine root and Rhizome. The derivative of a North American plant Serpentiana Virginiana. Used to treat skin, circulatory and kidney disorders, though in large doses can be damaging to the kidneys.

    • Volatile Liniment

      Liniment containing volatile oils, such as rosemary and olive oil, meant to be rubbed on skin to relieve pain. Called volatile due to the quick evaporation of the oils.

    • Ward's Essence

      Camphor medication sold as a headache cure by 'Mr Ward of Whitehall', and as first described in John Page, 'Receipts for preparing and compounding the principal medicines made use of by the late Mr Ward' (London: 1763), p. 26.

    • White Vitriol

      Type of metal sulphate; zinc. Also known as vitriolum album.

    • Worm seed

      Alternative name for semen santonica. See entry for semen santonica.

    • Zinc Oxide

      Mineral metal with anti-inflammatory properties. Also called Calcined Zinc, though became known as Oxide during this time period due to the work of chemist Antoine Laurent Lavoisier, who proposed oxygen as a fuel source for combustion.

Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh,
11 Queen Street,
Edinburgh
EH2 1JQ

Tel: +44 (0)131 225 7324


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