- 74 -

236. If, after using the aforementioned remedies, no signs of improvement appear, but on the contrary, weakness gradually comes over the whole body, at that time apply to the chest a hand-sized [piece of] sourdough sprinkled with mustard or crushed wild radish, and leave it until the place where it is applied turns red; after removing it, rub that place with olive oil, or unsalted butter, or raw milk cream (*arajhan*). If no benefit comes from these remedies, give the remedy under number 71. For this cough, the physician Mkhitʻar writes: take one piece of *shakʻar-tʻikhay* [sugar candy/loaf sugar]*, rub [it] fine into milk morning and evening, and have the coughing child drink it. If you see that the blood strikes the head [and] the forehead is very hot, mix vinegar and cold water together, wet a cloth in it and place [it] on the head, and as often as it grows warm, change [it]**.

CHAPTER XXXI. The Utility of Knitting [or Needlework], Both in Domestic Economy, and for the Curing of Diverse Diseases.

237. In domestic management, charcoal can be useful in many things: A. If vodka (*aragh*) or water has a bad odor or a bad taste, cast two or three handfuls of crushed charcoal into that vessel in which the tainted water or vodka is found; mix [it] well, then place a thin piece of felt or teased cotton in a funnel, and strain the vodka or water by pouring [it] through. In this manner, the bad odor and taste will be drawn out. B. If you wish to preserve meat for a long time, place [it] in crushed charcoal. Upon putrid meat...

* *Shakar-tikhay* [trehala manna] is white, about the size of a date, rough on the outside with small nodules; inside it is hollow and a black insect (worm) sits [within]; this insect makes it, and dies and remains inside. They bring this from Kotandnupolitsʻ [Constantinople]; it is found among the peddlers [of small wares]. * From nine peeled and pounded almonds, extract milk with three spoonfuls of cold water, and mix into it nine grains of *vordan karmir* [cochineal] and one piece of red rock candy; have [the patient] drink it three times, dividing it into three portions. You may increase the *vordan karmir*, looking to [i.e., considering] the age of the child. This medicine very often helps considerably.