DIY History | Transcribe | Szathmary Culinary Manuscripts and Cookbooks | Willis Family recipe book, 1833-1861

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Page 20

To make Aromatic Thieves Vinegar or the Vinegar of the four thieves   Take of Rue, wormwood, Sage, Mint, Lavender, and Rosemary a handful each.  put these altogether into a stone pan with the best Vinegar - cover it over with a paste and set it within the warmth of the fire for 8 days to infuse - strain it & after putting to every quart bottle three quarters of an ounce of solid Camphor cork it close - This has been tried with success in all kinds of infectious disorders such as Small Pox & plague  The knowledge of its efficacy originated with 4 Galley Slaves who during the scenes of desolation caused by the plague in 1720 having used the above, stalked boldly & fearlessly among the dying & the dead and survived the fearful devastation. Rub the temples & Loins with the mixture, wash the mouth & snuff some up the nostrils every morn/before going out, carry a bit of Sponge which has been dipped into it & smell it often --  K.W.

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To make Aromatic Thieves Vinegar or the Vinegar of the four thieves Take of Rue, wormwood, Sage, Mint, Lavender, and Rosemary a handful each. put these altogether into a stone pan with the best Vinegar - cover it over with a paste and set it within the warmth of the fire for 8 days to infuse - strain it & after putting to every quart bottle three quarters of an ounce of solid Camphor cork it close - This has been tried with success in all kinds of infectious disorders such as Small Pox & plague The knowledge of its efficacy originated with 4 Galley Slaves who during the scenes of desolation caused by the plague in 1720 having used the above, stalked boldly & fearlessly among the dying & the dead and survived the fearful devastation. Rub the temples & Loins with the mixture, wash the mouth & snuff some up the nostrils every morn/before going out, carry a bit of Sponge which has been dipped into it & smell it often -- K.W.