the resinous part is not to be dissolved
thereby. Hence the prejudice which some, perhaps, may entertain against
tar water, the use of which might inflame the blood by its sulphur and
resin, as a medicine, appears not to be well grounded. It is observed by
chemists, that all sorts of balsamic wood afford an acid spirit, which
is the volatile oily salt of the vegetable. Herein is chiefly contained
their medicinal virtues; and it appears that the acid spirit in tar
water possesses the virtues, in an eminent degree, of that of guaiacum,
and other medicinal woods. It is certain tar water warms, and therefore
some may perhaps still think it cannot cool. The more effectually to
remove this prejudice, let it be farther considered, that, as on one
hand, opposite causes do sometimes produce the same effect; for
instance, heat by rarefaction, and cold by condensation, do both
increase the air's elasticity; so, on the other hand, the same cause
shall sometimes produce opposite effects. Heat, for instance, in one
degree thins, in another coagulates, the blood. It is not therefore
strange, that tar water should warm one habit and cool another; have one
good effect on a cold constitution, and another good effect on an
inflamed one; nor, if this be so, that it should cure opposite
disorders. A medicine of so great virtue in so many different disorders,
and especially in that grand enemy the fever, must needs be a benefit to
mankind in general. There are nevertheless three sorts of people to whom
it may be peculiarly recommended; seafaring persons, ladies, and men of
studious and sedentary lives. If it be asked, what precise quantity, or
degree of strength is required in tar water? It is answered, that the
palate, the stomach, the particular case and constitution of the
patient, the very season of the year, will dispose and require him to
drink more or less in quantity, stronger or weaker in degree. Precisely
to measure its strength by a scrupulous exactness, is by no means
necessary. It is to be observed, that tar water should not be made in
unglazed earthen vessels, these being apt to communicate a nauseous
sweetness to the water. Tar water is also recommended in the plague, and
for the distemper among horned cattle; with what success must be left to
experience.

TARRAGON VINEGAR. Fill a wide-mouthed bottle with tarragon leaves,
gathered on a dry day, just before the plant begins to flower. Dry the
leaves a little before the fire,