Historical Topical Lotion for Whooping Cough (Antimony and Cantharidin) - DO NOT USE

Ingredients

• 1 drachm (approximately 3.9 grams) Emetic tartar (antimony potassium tartrate) - TOXIC (Highly toxic antimony compound - causes severe poisoning, skin damage, and can be fatal. Never use.)
• 2 ounces (approximately 60 ml) Common water (Used as solvent)
• 0.5 ounce (approximately 15 ml) Tincture of Spanish fly (cantharidin) - TOXIC (Extremely toxic blistering agent derived from blister beetles. Causes severe burns, kidney damage, and can be fatal through skin absorption. Never use.)
• 1 ounce (as needed) Simple white ointment (Historical remedy used to treat pustules caused by the toxic lotion)

Instructions

1. 1Historical method: Dissolve one drachm of emetic tartar in two ounces of common water. NEVER ACTUALLY DO THIS - emetic tartar is highly toxic and can cause severe poisoning through skin contact.
2. 2Historical method: Add half an ounce of tincture of Spanish fly to the dissolved emetic tartar solution. NEVER ACTUALLY DO THIS - cantharidin is extremely toxic and causes severe chemical burns and systemic poisoning.
3. 3Historical method: Rub the lotion into the chest night and morning for about a week. This would create redness and pustules (blisters). NEVER ACTUALLY DO THIS - this preparation causes severe chemical burns, tissue damage, and can lead to fatal systemic poisoning through skin absorption.
4. 4Historical method: After pustules appear, apply only once daily. If the area becomes very sore, discontinue use and anoint pustules twice daily with simple white ointment. NEVER ACTUALLY DO THIS - seek modern medical care instead.
5. 5Historical method: In severe cases, continue using the lotion until a large number of pustules appear and keep them discharging with occasional applications. NEVER ACTUALLY DO THIS - this would cause extensive tissue damage, scarring, and potentially fatal poisoning. Modern whooping cough requires antibiotics and supportive care from medical professionals.