Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 784.2

STEPHEN HALES (1677-1761) An account of some experiments and observations on tar-water: wherein is shown the quantity of tar that is therein. And also a method proposed, both to abate that quantity considerably, and to ascertain the strength of the tar-water. R. Manby and H. S. Cox 1745 1 p. l., 29 p. 21 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 784

In this paper, which was read before the Royal Society, Hales responds to the almost unbridled enthusiasm expressed for the salubrious qualities of tar water in recently published accounts by Bishop George Berkeley. While the concoction, prepared from the roots of fir trees and mixed with water, had traditionally proven effective as an expectorant in cases of bronchitis, Berkeley saw the preparation as a panacea, an attitude that reportedly jeopardized the health of his children, who were encouraged to take large quantities of the remedy. Hales insists that he takes a disinterested view of the substance’s virtues and limitations and wants to consider only the different ingredients and methods involved in its preparations. In his experiments, he examines Norwegian and Swedish resins, American “tar” (distilled from green fir trees), and Barbados tar which he called a minter or petroleum tar.

Cited references: Osler, 1088; Wellcome III, p. 194

Gift of John Martin, M.D.