Fernando Mendes’ prescriptions for English Water

Abstract

“English Water” was one of the most popular treatments for malaria in several European countries from the mid-seventeenth century to the early 1800s. It was introduced to Portugal via Dom Pedro II and the Portuguese doctor Fernando Mendes, who wrote the first text published in Portuguese to mention this preparation. This text, together with a recipe for English Water and some instructions for its use, appeared in “Correção dos Abusos [Correction of Abuses]” (Azevedo, 1690), under the title “Instructions for those who must use the water of Fernão Mendes, Chamber Physician to their British Majesties”. This article presents an updated edition of this set of documents in order to facilitate access and expand knowledge of this resource, along with a small introductory study of these three writings in Portuguese on English Water.

Keywords
English Water; Fernando Mendes; Portugal; Seventeenth century