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For Mrs Monro of Culcairne

A very obstinate ailment. What I have in such cases found most
effectual is the Decoction of Mezereon made as below. I expect that
this medicine will not be found in the Apothecaries shops of the North but
may in gardens. The part to be used is the bark of the root. It is at
fist to be taken only in the proportion ordered but to be increased every 2d day
by Ʒſs till Ʒij be employed for a bottle of Decoction unless she find that a
lesser quantity is uneasy by the heat raises in the Stomach. For the 2 or
3 first days, Mrs M. may take only a muchkin in the 24 hours but
should increase it by degrees till a full bottle &c. Should be taken in
different draughts & in the quantity most agreeable to her. The times of taking
them may be at pleasure, but better before than after meals, & particularly
proper when going to bed. Use to be continued long, as often it is
only after some weeks, that the effects are observed, but if the good effects
be not evident after a month, I should doubt if the remedy be adapted
to her constitution. The effects I expect are the eruptions to be
with less inflammation, less sharpness of humour & itching, to sooner dry
& fall off in scales & fresh eruptions not to succeed as hitherto. The
Decoction should give no sickness or nausea, to the stomach [&?] is to be felt then
only by a little heat. Should not affect the bowels with purging. It frequently
increase urine & this is a good effect. The use of this medicine
does not require confinement, but avoid very cold weather & it operates
best when the weather is mild or a little warm & I would rather have it
laid aside in severe & continued [frost?]. This medicine requires no
change of diet but the disease does. She should avoid eggs, cheese
fish & salted or high seasoned foods. Should not take much animal food.
& the lighter kinds at least, only at dinner. At breakfast, she may take tea

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& bread & a little fresh butter as usual & at supper, only milk meats.
For ordinary drink, small beer, or wine & water, rather than water alone.
May take a glass or two of plain wine every day at dinner but hardly [mix.?]
Punch or Spirits in any shape should be avoided.

While the belly is regular no occasion for purging but in case of costiveness
she should use a medicine which may keep her regular without purging.

When a monthly period comes on or is coming on, may
abstain from the Decoction , but it will be enough for the 2 or 3 first days.

When any eruption is coming out & is very itchy, should not rub or scratch
but should allay it by Scrubbing the part with spirits & water as weak as will do.