Of Gargles.
Now that I may gather up into one View, what I have before scatter'd under several Heads: I'll lay down the following Rules, concerning the several sorts of Gargles, and their skilful choice, according to Curative Intentions.
1. If extreamly thick and tough Matter be to be brought out of the Glands; then acrious, penetrating and irritating things (such as Salt Armoniac) are to be used.
2. If it be not so very tough, and yet stagnates by reason of the fungous laxity of the Glands, austere Constringing things will perform that Office.
3. If slimy Filth coat over the Tongue and Mouth, Acids and Detergents are required.
4. If the Parts be excoriated, tender, smarting, dry and parch'd, Mucilages and Emollients are most commodiously prescrib'd.
5. If the Muscular parts be a little (and but a little) inflam'd, and there be no great fulness, or afflux of Blood, Refrigerants and Repellents may be allow'd at first.
6. But if the Muscular parts be inflam'd much, by reason of the Ebullition of the Blood and the Inflammation be fix'd, Emollients will do the Business.
Thomas Fuller
Pharmacopeia Extemporanea 1710