A Decoction of Walnut rinds.
Take the Rind of Walnut tree root 1 ounce and half; bruise, and let it lie infusing warm (in an Earthen or Glass Vessel) 8 hours in Elder Vinegar, then dry it. To these Rinds thus prepar'd, add Caper bark half an ounce; tops of Tamarisk, Agrimony, each 2 handfuls; boil in Water and white Wine (added at last) each 1 pint and half, 'till the whole come to 1 quart; which strain out for use.
Its wholly Splanchnic, and ennobled with the same Virtues that the Splanchnic Decoction is, (which see) unless perhaps it have a more Specific respect to affections of the Spleen: For Specificks which are found by Experience to have respect to one part more than to another, consist of such Particles as being near of a kin, and consequently easily associated to the Recrements to be strain'd out by that Viscus, are carried thither (as 'twere electively) together with them, and there perform there Operation. And besides this Similitude in Liquids, there seems to be an organical kindred in the Solids also, whereby a Medicine may strike an Impression, particularly upon one part, and not touch another. Thus, Dr. Grew tells us, white Hellebore affects the Lips most, Coloquintida the middle of the Tongue, with Cucumber the basis of the Tongue, deadly Nightshade the roof of the Mouth, and Jalap, root the Throat.
Thomas Fuller
Pharmacopeia Extemporanea 1710