CHAP. XXX.
Of Heavenly Water; or, Aqua Cœlestis.
This Water has its Name from the great opinion its Inventors had of it; but at present it is not so much called for as formerly.
Recipe for ten Gallons of Heavenly Water.
Take of Cinnamon, Mace, and Cubebs, of each three Ounces; Ginger one Ounce and a Half; Cloves, Galangal, Nutmegs, and Cardamoms, of each one Ounce; Zedoary one Ounce and a Half; Fennel-seeds one Ounce; of the Seeds of Anise, wild Carrot and Basil, of each Half an Ounce; Roots of Angelica, Valerian, Calamus Aromaticus, Leaves of Thyme, Calamint, Penniroyal, Mint, Mother of Thyme, and Marjoram, of each an Ounce; Flowers of red Roses, Sage, Rosemary, and Stæchus, of each six Drams; Citron-peel an Ounce: bruise all these Ingredients and digest them three Days in eleven Gallons of Proof Spirit, and four Gallons of Water; after which draw off ten Gallons, with a pretty brisk Fire; and dulcify the Goods with fine Sugar, adding Ambergrise and Musk of each three Scruples.
The Perfumes ordered to be added with the Sugar, rendering the Medicine offensive to some People, they may be omitted at pleasure. It is esteemed very efficacious in all nervous Complaints, particularly Palsies, Loss of Memory, and the like. In all Decays of Age, and languishing Constitutions, it is exceeded by nothing in suddenly raising the Spirits, and warming the Blood.