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382 METALS—THE NOBLER.
what
help, and remedy some that have used this drink have had thereby ;
although it hath been supposed by many learned physicians that the sick
persons were past all hope of remedy, yet, by God's providence, they
have recovered again." The New London Dispensatory (1695)
ordered Gold, or " Sol," in various forms ; such as Thundering Gold ;
Sweating Gold ; Potable Gold ; Flowers of Gold ; Salt of Gold ;
Transparent Glass of Gold ; Faber's Tincture of Gold ; and Dye of Gold.
Evidently, therefore, much curative value, and remedial importance were
attached to this leading metal at that time. Dr. Salmon, the compiler
of this Dispensatory (above-named) added further " that
superlative Gold, given in Canary Wine, will revive such as are
senseless, and stupid ; being excellent therefore for dull pupils ; it
takes away the malignity of cancers, causing their speedy healing." "
It exceeds," saith Horstius, " all other secrets in strengthening the
heart, and all other parts of the humane body which serve for the
conservation of life ; it keeps back old age, and renews the radical
moisture." " It may be taken at any time in cinnamon-water, or broth,
or milk." Shakespeare, after the same fashion, in modern times, has
made Prince Henry (Henry IV.) speak of Gold as " preserving life, in
medicine potable " ; this is because of its supposed incorruptibility,
which it will communicate to the body of him who takes it, or wears it
next the person.
Chaucer had written, at an earlier date, respecting it:
" For, Gold in physio is a cordiall,
Therefore he loved Gold in special."
A quaint Latin distich sums up the same matter with much force of epigram :—
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