An Electuary of Mars.
Take conserve of Roman (or Sea) Wormwood, and of Scurvy grass, each 3 ounces; green Ginger 1 ounce and half; Rust of Iron (made into fine Dust) 6 drams; Oil of Cloves and Sassaphras, each 6 drops; Syrup of the 5 opening roots 1 ounce, mix.
It exalts depressed Blood, and gives it a lively florid Colour, opens Obstructions, makes the Fibres strong and springy. Is convenient in a Chlorosis, suppression of the Menses, Scurvy, Jaundise, Dropsy, and (to sum up all) in Cachexies of what kind soever.
The Dose is 3 drams every Morning and Afternoon at 5, for an whole Month or 6 Weeks together.
Custom indeed hath obtain'd to give Chalybeates Mornings and Afternoons, and strictly to enjoin Exercise to promote their Efficacy; but all things are not equally expedient for all. For some have I known, in whom Steel Medicines thus taken, would always stir up great turmoil at Stomach, nidorous Belching and sick Qualms, and the way to prevent and escape these, was to take them at Night, presently go to Bed and sleep, and so would they bear them well enough. This is not only mine, and a novel Observation, for Claudinus (de Ingressu ad Infirmos p. 401.) saith, many have been cured, that took Steel in Bed, and therefore its not always necessary (as the common Opinion runs) to use Exercise after it.
Thomas Fuller
Pharmacopeia Extemporanea 1710