An Epispastic Plaister.
Take white Pitch 8 ounces; Venice Turpentine, Cantharides finely powdered and searced, each 2 ounces and half, mix.
Among the many Receipts, every where about, for blistering Plaisters, I account this far the best: For it doth its business in 10 or 12 hours, and never fails: And then (for which I think it valuable) 'tis of so right a Consistence, and so adhesive a Nature, that (if an Artist have the managing of it) it brings off all the Skin with it clear at once.
Epispastics are proper for much as are pituitose, of a cold Constitution, and abounding with Serum. They may be applied at the very first attack of Fevers, by way of Prevention, to secure the Head form ill Symptoms. As also in its Augmentation, State, or Declension, by way of Cure, when the Spirits being struck with Sleepiness, Vertigo, grievous Head-ach, Convulsions, and the like dolorous and dangerous Affections, require a particular regard.
But in very hot Constitutions, where there is not much Serum, and the Blood is adust. Also in such Fevers as are accompanied with intolerable parching dry Heat, Restlesness, and Phrensy, Epispastics seem not so agreeable. Neither are they allowable for Women great with Child, for such as have the Stone, or are apt to Sharpness of Urine.
Thomas Fuller
Pharmacopeia Extemporanea 1710