An authentick narrative of the success of Tar-water, in curing a great number and variety of distempers, with remarks, and occasional papers relative to the subject / To which are subjoined, two letters from the author of Siris [George Berkeley]. Shewing the medicinal properties of tar-water, and the best manner of making it.

  • Prior, Thomas, 1681-1751.
Date:
1746
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An authentick narrative of the success of Tar-water, in curing a great number and variety of distempers, with remarks, and occasional papers relative to the subject / To which are subjoined, two letters from the author of Siris [George Berkeley]. Shewing the medicinal properties of tar-water, and the best manner of making it. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    92. A Letter from William Ryves, Efq*9 from Caftel- jane near Tipperary, dated October 11, 1744. SIR, ' I fhall always takePleafure in any Thing for the publick Good, therefore with Pleafure fit down to anfwer your’s, and to give you the Account youde- fire, of the Benefit my Tenant, John Comtek, re¬ ceived from the Ufe of Tar-water. This Man has been, for many Years pafl, a Mower and a Plowman, in the Occupation of which, by Heats and Colds, he acquired a Cough, which continued on him for feveral Months, and which fometimes, efpecially in the Spring, difabled him from following the Plow; but about March laft, he was obliged to keep his Bed, notwithftanding he had the Advice and Directions of two Phyficians, at different times; and being worn away to perfeCt Skin and Bone, the Phyficians pronounced him ve¬ ry near his End. About July laft, I got, and read Siris, and immediately directed this poor Fellow to drink Tar-water, which he did conftantly, twice or three times a Day: For the firft Week, or ten Days, he coughed prodigioufiy, and brought up great Quantities of fetid Corruption; every Day after his Cough abated, and his Stomach increafed, and at the End of three Weeks drinking, he was able to walk half a Mile with Pleafure, which he did, every Morning, between his firft Draught and Rreakfaft; and, in five Week’s time, had gathered a good deal of Strength; his Tar being then out, and he thinking himfelf pretty well, he omitted drinking fince; but I have now ordered him a frefli Parcel of Tar, and do not doubt but he will be as well able to hold his Plow, next Spring, as ever, and mow the following Summer: In fhort, his Cough is gone, and he finds himfelf hearty ; I this Day examined him, 93. Edward