CHAP. LIII.
Of Gold Cordial.
This Cordial has its Name from Leaf Gold being formerly used in its Composition; but as later Experiments have abundantly demonstrated that Gold can add nothing to its Virtues, it is now generally omitted.
Recipe for making ten Gallons of Gold Cordial.
Take of the Roots of Angelica, four Pounds; Raisins stoned, two Pounds; Coriander-seeds, Half a Pound; Caraway-seeds and Cinnamon, of each Half a Pound; Cloves two Ounces; Figs and Liquorice-root, of each one Pound; Proof Spirit eleven Gallons; Water two Gallons: The Angelica, Liquorice, and Figs must be sliced, before they are added. Digest two Days, and draw off by gentle Heat, till the Faints begin to rise, hanging in a Piece of Linen fastened to the Mouth of the Worm an Ounce of English Saffron. Then dissolve eight Pounds of Sugar in three Quarts of Rose Water, and add it to the distilled Liquor. Some Distillers instead of Saffron colour their Goods with burnt Sugar, but by this means the Cordial is greatly impaired in its Virtues.
Or,
Take of the Juice of Alchermes five Ounces; Cloves two Ounces and a Half; Musk and Ambergrise, of each Half a Dram; Loaf Sugar ten Pounds; Proof Spirit eleven Gallons; digest the whole a Fortnight in a close Vessel, and filter thro’ a Flannel Bag for use. Some add thirty Leaves of Gold; but the Medicine is not at all the better for it.
Either of the above Recipes will produce an excellent Cordial; good in Tremblings, Faintings, and Lowness of Spirits, &c. Also in Nauseas and Griping Pains of the Stomach and Bowels.