_Take Turner’s Cerate_ (K) _two ounces; Precipitate_ (O) _two drachms; mix them._
Let this be sparingly rubb’d on the itchy part; if it should be too hard, mix with it a little sweet oil. When the pills are all used, another purge like the former may be given; after which if requisite, a few of the same pills, one every night, will not be amiss. Should it be very obstinate, a little _mercurial ointment_ (P) about one drachm to the above quantity may be added; particularly if the ship is in a warm climate. Should these medicines seem to affect the mouth, as people vary much in this respect, a purge will set all to rights again. This is a safe and expeditious method of curing the rankest itch, even of the worst kind. If however there is a fever attending, a few _fever powders_ (L) should be given when going to rest, in order to promote perspiration; at the same time using the before mentioned medicines. In regard to the scorbutic itch, that I shall take notice of, under the title of that disorder. During the cure of the itch, a decoction of the _sassafras_ (14) should be drank, as that is a great purifier of the blood.
Boils are sometimes very troublesome, and at times exquisitely painful; especially when they are on tendinous parts: they are always a sign of foul blood, and nature very often that way frees the body from diseases. They may frequently be dispersed in the beginning of their coming, by pressing, and gently pinching them: but unless they are very numerous, such a method is unsafe; because it forces into the blood again what nature endeavours to discharge. The best method is to bring them to a head as soon as possible, to which purpose I shall here recommend a paste that is very powerful.
_Take oatmeal and make it into a paste with honey_ (E); _this will speedily ripen them, and facilitate the collection of matter._
Should the boil not open of its own accord, and matter should be observed to fluctuate in it, open it with the incision lancet; and continue with your honey paste, till the core is discharged; when the _diachylon plaister_ will heal it up.
These are very troublesome, and though at first they seem but insignificant, very often they lay the foundation to stubborn evils. In fact they are but a peculiar kind of itch; and the very same remedy that is recommended above for the itch, is equally powerful to remove this: what necessity is there then, of increasing words with a tedious description of their various appearances; since they will all yield to one substantial remedy?