The last days of Charles II / by Raymond Crawfurd.

  • Raymond Crawfurd
Date:
1909
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The last days of Charles II / by Raymond Crawfurd. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the soles of his feet. A preparation of cowslip flowers and spirit of Sal Ammoniac was designed to stimulate and to strengthen the brain by the combined action of the remedies. Soothing draughts were prescribed to allay thirst and to stave off the scalding of the urine, which they were aware must inevitably result from the freedom with which they had made use of the blistering properties of Cantharides. Nourishment was ordered in the form of light broth and of ale made without hops; and with this, therapeutic creativeness rested from its labours on the first day. Early on Tuesday morning another consultation was held, at which no less than twelve physicians were present. The success of their remedies seemed to warrant them in pursuing treatment on the same lines as they had already adopted. The King complained of pain in the throat, and on examination a superficial excoriation—probably a result of the efforts made to chaillot separate his teeth forcibly during the convulsions—was MS. discerned, which was treated with an astringent and soothing gargle. MS. The symptoms still seemed to indicate the likelihood Evelyn, of a recurrence of convulsions, and to guard against Scar- this the physicians prescribed an anti-spasmodic julep Msgh of Black Cherry Water, and other ingredients, which at that time were highly esteemed in the treatment of Allen’s convulsive disorders. At the same time his jugular ^noPsls' veins were mulcted in a further ten ounces of blood. The King’s condition was by this time so far re- Ailes- assuring that messengers were sent on Tuesday into bury‘ every county to carry the happy news. To the Duke it seemed imperative to allay at once all turbulent aspirations that might else arise: for in spite of the hopeful tidings, we find the Bishop of Ely staying ^ at the King’s side throughout Tuesday night. So Roper.