Important: Safety Warning
This page recommends preparations containing opium, laudanum, morphine, or similar narcotics — in some cases for children. These substances are dangerously addictive, easily fatal in overdose, and strictly controlled by law today.
In addition, this page describes preparations historically taken to end pregnancy or "bring on the menses." These substances do not work as claimed and are seriously toxic; their use has caused poisoning and death.
In addition, this page presents medical treatment from an era before modern medicine. The remedies described are ineffective against the conditions named, and some of the ingredients or doses are harmful. Do not use them to treat any illness; consult a qualified medical professional.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
Home › Medical Receipts › Spackman's Copaiba Mixture
Spackman's Copaiba Mixture
Mix together 2 drachms syrup of gum-arabic; cubebs; 1 ounce syrup of balsam of tolu; 1/2 ounce each sweet spirits of nitre and compound tincture of opium; 20 drops tincture drachms compound spirits of lavender. Dose, Mix, and form into pills with solution of gum.
These pills remove female obstructions, and are good for headaches, lowness of spirits, nervousness, and sallowness of the skin. of opium; 3 drops oil of lavender, and 3