The Complete Distiller / Containing, I. The method of performing the various processes of distillation, with descriptions of the several instruments: the whole doctrine of fermentation: the manner of drawing spirits from malt, raisins, molasses, sugar, &c. and of rectifying them: with instructions for imitating, to the greatest perfection, both the colour and flavour of French brandies. II. The manner of distilling all kinds of simple waters from plants, flowers, &c. III. The method of making all the compound waters and rich cordials so largely imported from France and Italy; as likewise all those now made in Great Britain. To which are added, accurate descriptions of the several drugs, plants, flowers, fruits, &c. used by distillers, and instructions for chusing the best of each kind...

This Water is made in a very different Manner, by different Persons; but the following Recipes are the best for this Purpose.

Recipe for making ten Gallons of Treacle Water.

Take of the fresh and green Husks of Walnuts four Pounds and a Half; of the Roots of Butter-burr, three Pounds; of Angelica and Masterwort, of each one Pound and a Half; of Zedoary twelve Ounces; of the Leaves of Rue and Scordium of each eighteen Ounces; of Venice Treacle three Pounds; digest them together four Days in twelve Gallons of Proof Spirit, and two Gallons of Water; after which draw off ten Gallons; to which add a Gallon and a Half of distilled Vinegar.

Or,

Take of the Rind of green Walnuts five Pounds; of Rue four Pounds; of Carduus, Marigold, and Balm, of each three Pounds; of fresh gathered Butter-burr-roots two Pounds and a Half; of Burdock-root one Pound and a Half; of green Scordium twelve Handfuls; of Venice Treacle and Mithridate of each two Pounds and a Half; Proof Spirit twelve Gallons; and Water two Gallons. Digest, and draw off ten Gallons, as before; to which add a Gallon and a Half of distilled Vinegar.

Some instead of distilled Vinegar unadvisedly add a proportional Quantity of Spirit of Vitriol, or other Mineral Acid, to their Treacle Water; but this Practice is very pernicious; and intirely alters the Nature of the Medicine. Vinegar is an Acid made by a double Fermentation, and therefore of a different Nature from the acid Juices of Vegetables, whether Oranges, Lemons, Citrons, Limes, Crabs, Barberies, &c. as also from those of Minerals, whether Vitriol, Sulphur, &c. It is indeed, like them, acid on the Tongue; but then it liquifies the Blood, is antipestilential, suddenly cures Drunkenness, Surfeits, the Plague, and does a thousand Things both as a Menstruum and Medicine, which they will not. This is an admirable and sprightly Alexipharmic and Sudorific, to which the Vinegar added, greatly contributes, and therefore good in Fevers, the Small-pox, Measles, and other pestilential Disorders.