sorts,
yet when the open sea is reached, beyond the range of land breezes,
most frequently no bacteria whatever are to be discovered in the air ;
for which essential reason a prolonged ocean voyage is to be
emphatically commended for consumptive tuberculous patients ; their
strength being still equal to the undertaking.
In
Queen Elizabeth's time the small wild Foxglove grew plentifully in dry
ditches along Piccadilly (then known as a highroad to Reading). Dr. Wm.
Salmon, in his Family Dictionary, 1696, wrote concerning this
herb Foxglove : " For such as are in Hecktick Fevers, or Consumptions,
accompanied with great heat, and dryness, the specifick which
transcends all the medicines for a Consumption as here mentioned, and
many others besides,—is the Herb Foxglove. The Decoction of this Herb,
in water, or in Wine, or in half water and half wine, may be drunk as
ordinary drink ; and from the Juyce of the Herb, and Flowers, may be
made a Rob, or Syrup, with Honey ; which being taken, three spoonfuls
at a time ; first in the morning, fasting ; secondly at ten in the
morning ; thirdly at four in the afternoon ; and lastly on going to
bed; will restore (where the patient is not altogether past cure)
beyond all expectation. It cures a Phthisick, or Ulcer of the Lungs,
when all the Medicines have failed, and the Sick is esteem'd past cure.
It opens the Breast, and Lungs ; frees them from tough Phlegm, and
cleanses the Ulcer, and heals it, when all other Remedies are without
effect. I have known it do wonders ; and I speak from long experience.
Persons in deep Consumptions, and given over by all physicians, have by
the use of this Herb been strangely recovered, and so perfectly as to
grow fat
