-------------------------------------------
Under this head, I mean principally to treat of diseases of the wind-pipe, the lungs, and the pleura, or membrane that lines the cavity of the breast, and encompasses the lungs.
A Cough is generally occasioned by a cold; unless it is symptomatic with other inflammatory diseases, or the relict of a heavy sickness; in which case, it is either near a-kin to, or else the consumption itself.
If from a cold, it seldom is deep founded, and generally has its seat in the larynx, or in the wind-pipe; though indeed sometimes in the lungs.
It generally begins first with a tickling in the throat, and occasions a short dry cough; which gradually becomes strong, and is attended with a discharge.
It is surprizing what absurd remedies are sometimes given for the cough; as if they supposed that every thing taken should immediately march at the word of command into the wind-pipe, and there set to work accordingly. Amongst the many celebrated nostrums, spermaceti, or whales fat is remarkably celebrated; it softens the phlegm say they; but in fact, a little fat pork, or hog’s lard will do equally as much good.——The truth of the matter is, the cough proceeds from an obstructed perspiration. When a person gets cold, he generally first feels a snuffling, and obstruction in the nose, then a sore throat or hoarseness, and lastly a cough; all which is a gradual defluxion from the pituitous membrane, which reaches from the cavity of the nose, all down the lungs. Whatever medicines therefore, are capable of yielding benefit, must be calculated to open and remove the obstruction, and promote universal perspiration; whence therefore we find it is impossible to cure one, without the other.—Medicines neither do, nor is it fit they should come immediately farther, than the top of the larynx; for if they happen to come into the wind-pipe, the most innocent medicine would certainly act the part of a poison.
The first indication therefore in a cough, is to promote perspiration; for then nature will repair the respirative organs with the rest.
Let the patient take a draught or two of good sage punch, No. V. and thereby promote perspiration; and in order to continue this principal intention, and to assuage the slight inflammation in the throat, which the heavy cough occasions; make the following electuary.