From abscesses, agues and aphrodisiacs to wormwood, wounds and zambuk (a one-time popular skin ointment), this handy guide steers the general reader through old wives' tales, superstitions, as well as more substantiated traditional cures, from the pre-NHS era. The description of each 'medical memory' is concise, to-the-point and often revolting. Some sections might help you tackle your own ailments.