4B. Opthalmics
Opthalmics are medicines appropriated to the Eyes.
Aphorisms on Opthalmics, collected by Culpeper, (Composita, 1656):
- Medicines appropriated to the Eyes, are of two sorts, such as are appropriated to the visive Spirit, and such as are appropriated to the Eyes themselves.
- The best Medicines for the eyes perform their office (as Physicians say) by a hidden quality.
- As for the constitution of the Eyes, seeing they are most exact in sense, so they will not lightly bear the least inconvenience; therefore every thing is not proper for the eyes, which sharpens the sight by attenuating.
- But even in external things you must have a special care that they be not too hot, nor too sharp, nor hurt by hardness, biting nor viscosity.
Warming Opthalmics
Rue Elecampane Betony Mace Chebulic Myrobalan |
Fennel seed Marjoram Vervain Valerian |
Confectio Humain Triphala Eyebright Wine |
Electuary for the Eyes Electuary of Pope Innocent |
Eyebright Celandine |
Barberry juice Calamine (topical) |
Pills of Washed Aloes Pills to Clarify |
Triphala Ointment for the Eyes |
Medicine Which Preserve the Sight
Asparagus (eaten) Eyebright (chewed) Fennel seed Clove Partridge brain |
Turnip Betony Chebula preserved (chewed) Nutmeg |
Eyebright Wine Wormwood Wine Vinegar of Squill (gargled) |
Rosemary Wine Rue Wine Confectio Humain |
Western Classification