De Medicina |
Translator: Walter George Spencer
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| 121 |
Cutem purgat mel , sed magis si est cum galla uel eruo uel lenticula uel marrubio uel iride uel ruta uel nitro uel aerugine .
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16 The following cleanses the skin: honey, but better if mixed with galls or bitter vetch or lentil or horehound or iris or rue or soda or verdigris. |
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Expositis simplicibus facultatibus dicendum est , quemadmodum misceantur , quaeque ex his fiant . Miscentur autem uarie , neque huius ullus modus est , cum ex simplicibus alia demantur , alia adiciantur , isdemque servatis ponderum ratio mutetur . Itaque cum facultatium materia non ita multiplex sit , innumerabilia mixturarum genera sunt : quae conprehendi si possent , tamen esset superuacuum . Nam et idem effectus intra paucas compositiones sunt , et mutare eas cuilibet cognitis facultatibus facile est . Itaque contentus is ero , quas accepi uelut nobilissimas . In hoc autem uolumine eas explicabo , quae uel desiderari in prioribus potuerunt , uel ad eas curationes pertinent , quas protinus hic comprehendam , sic ut tamen quae magis communia sunt , simul iungam : si qua singulis uel etiam paruis adcommodata sunt , in ipsorum locum differam . Sed et ante sciri uolo , in uncia pondus denarium septem esse , unius deinde denarii pondus diuidi a me in sex partes , id est sex tantes, ut idem in sextante denarii habeam , quod Graeci habent in eo , quem obolon appellant . Id ad nostra pondera relatum paulo plus dimidio scripulo facit . Malagmata uero atque emplastra pastil lique , quos trochiscos Graeci uocant , cum plurima eadem habeant , differunt eo , quod malagmata maxime ex odoribus eorumque etiam surculis , emplastra pastillique magis ex quibusdam metallicis fiunt ; deinde malagmata contusa abunde mollescunt : nam super integram cutem iniciuntur : laboriose uero conteruntur ea , ex quibus emplastra pastillique fiunt , ne laedant uulnera , cum inposita sunt . Inter emplastrum autem et pastillum hoc interest , quod emplastrum utique liquati aliquid accipit , in pastillo tantum arida medicamenta aliquo umore iunguntur . Tum emplastrum hoc modo fit : arida medicamenta per se teruntur , deinde mixtis iis instillatur aut acetum aut si quis alius non pinguis umor accessurus est , et ea rursus ex eo teruntur . Ea uero , quae liquari possunt , ad ignem simul liquantur , et si quid olei misceri debet , tum infunditur . Interdum etiam aridum aliquod ex oleo prius coquitur : ubi facta sunt , quae separatim fieri debuerunt , in unum omnia miscentur . At pastilli haec ratio est : arida medicamenta contrita umore non pingui , ut uino uel aceto , co guntur, et rursus coacta inarescunt , atque ubi utendum est , eiusdem generis umore diluuntur . Tum emplastrum imponitur , pastillus inlinitur , aut alicui molliori , ut cerato , miscetur .
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17 The powers of medicaments when unmixed having been set out, we have to say how how they may be mixed together, and what are the compositions so made. Now they are mixed in various ways and there is no limit to this, since some simples may be omitted, others added, and when the same ingredients are used the proportion of their weights may be changed. Hence though there are not so very many substances having medicinal powers, there are innumerable kinds of mixtures; and, even if all of them could be included, yet this would be needless. For the same effects are produced by but a few compositions, and to vary these is easy to anyone who knows their powers. Therefore I shall content myself with those I have heard of as the best known. Now in this book I will set forth those compositions which may have been required in the previous treatments or which pertain to those treatment with which I am going shortly to mention here, so that I may bring together at the same time compositions which are more generally used: those that are applicable to a particular disease, or even to a few, I shall mention in their appropriate places. But I wish to make clear in advance that our uncia has the weight of seven denarii, next that I divide one denarius by weight into six parts, namely, sextantes; so that I have in the sextans of a denarius the same weight as the Greeks have in what they call an obolus. That being reduced to our weight, takes the obolus a little more than half a scripulus. Now emollients and plasters and pastils which the Greeks call trochiscoi, whilst they have much in common, differ in this, that emollients are made chiefly from essences of flowers and even from their shoots, plasters and pastils rather from certain metallic materials: again, the emollients if crushed become quite soft enough; for they are applied over intact skin; the materials out of which plasters and pastils are made are rubbed together laboriously in order that they may not irritate wounds when they are applied to them. But between a plaster and a pastil there is this difference: a plaster must contain some liquefied ingredient, in a pastil only dry materials are used, combined together by a little fluid. Then a plaster is made in this way: dry medicaments are rubbed down separately, then when they have been mixed, either vinegar is dropped in or any other liquid free from fat that is at hand, and these ingredients are rubbed together again. The materials capable of being liquefied are melted all together over the fire, and if there is to be any admixing of oil, it is then poured in. A dry ingredient is even sometimes boiled in oil beforehand: when what should be done separately has been accomplished, all are mixed together. But the making of pastils, on the other hand, is this: dry medicaments which have been rubbed together are mixed by the aid of a liquid free from fat, such as wine or vinegar and the mixture is dried again, and when required for use, dissolved in a liquid of the same kind. Further, a plaster is laid on, a pastil is smeared on, or is mixed with something softer such as a cerate. |
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His cognitis , primum MALAGMATA subiciam , quae fere non sunt refrigerandi sed calfaciendi causa reperta . Est tamen , quod refrigerare possit , ad calidas podagras aptum . Habet gallae et immaturae et alterius , coriandri seminis , cicutae , lacrimae aridae , cummis , singulorum plenum acetabulum ; cerati eloti , quod ΠΕΠΛΥΜΕΝΟΝ Graeci uocant , selibram . Reliqua fere calefaciunt . Sed quaedam digerunt materiam , quaedam extrahunt , quae ΕΠΙΣΠΑΣΤΙΚΑ uocantur ; pleraque certis magis partibus membrorum adcommodata sunt . Si materia extrahenda est , ut in hydropico , in lateris dolore , in incipiente abscessu , in suppuratione quoque mediocri , aptum est id , quod habet resinae aridae , nitri , Hammoniaci , galbani , singulorum pondo ; cerae pondo . Aut in quo haec sunt : aeruginis rasae , turis , singulorum P . #1108 II ; Hammoniaci salis P . #1108 VI ; squamae aeris , cerae , singulorum P . #1108 VIII ; resinae aridae P . #1108 XII ; aceti cyathus . Idem praestat cumini farina cum struthio et melle . Si iecur dolet , id in quo est balsami lacrimae P . #1108 XII ; costi , cinnamomi , casiae corticis , murrae , croci , iunci rotundi , balsami seminis , iridis Illyricae , cardamomi , amomi , nardi , singulorum P . #1108 XVI . Quibus adicitur nardum , donec cerati crassitudo sit . Et huius quidem recentis usus est : si uero seruandum est , resinae terebenthinae P . #1108 XVI , cerae P . #1108 X ex uino leni contunduntur , tum eo miscentur . At si lienis torquet , glandis , quam balanon ΜΥΡΕΨΙΚΗΝ Graeci uocant , cortex et nitrum paribus portionibus contunduntur , respergunturque aceto quam acerrimo . Vbi cerati crassitudinem habet , linteo ante in aqua frigida madefacto inlinitur et sic inponitur , supraque farina hordeacea inicitur : sed manere ibi non amplius sex horis debet , ne lienem consumat ; satiusque est id bis aut ter fieri . Commune autem et iocineri et lieni et abscessibus et strumae , parotidibus , articulis , calcibus quoque suppurantibus aut aliter dolentibus , etiam concoctioni uentris Lysias composuit ex his : opopanacis , styracis , galbani , resinae , singulorum P . #1108 II ; Hammoniaci , bdelli , cerae , sebi taurini , iridis aridae P . #1108 IIII ; cac hryos acetabulo , piperis granis XL ; quae contrita irino unguento temperantur . Ad laterum autem dolores compositio est Apollophanis , in qua sunt resinae terebenthinae , turis fuliginis , singulorum P . #1108 IIII ; bdelli , Hammoniaci , iridis , sebi uitulini aut caprini a renibus , uisci , singulorum P . #1108 IIII . Haec autem eadem omnem dolorem leuant , dura emolliunt , mediocriter calfaciunt . Ad idem Andreae quoque malagma est , quod etiam resoluit , educit umorem , pus maturat , ubi id maturum est , cutem rumpit , ad cicatricem perducit . Prodest impositum minutis maioribusque abscessibus , item articulis ideoque et coxis et pedibus dolentibus : item , si quid in corpore conlisum est , reficit ; praecordia quoque dura et inflata emollit , ossa extrahit , ad omnia denique ualet , quae adiuuare calor potest . Id habet cerae P . #1108 I ; uisci , sycamini , quam alias sycomorum uocant , lacrimae , singulorum P . #1108 I ; piperis et rotundi et longi , Hammoniaci thymiamatis , bdelli , iridis Illyricae , cardamomi , amomi , xylobalsami , turis masculi , murrae , resinae aridae , singulorum P . #1108 X ; pyrethri , cocci Cnidi , spumae nitri , salis Hammoniaci , aristolo ciae Creticae , radicis ex cucumere agresti , resinae terebenthinae liquidae , singulorum P . #1108 XX . Quibus adicitur unguenti irini , quantum satis est ad ea mollienda atque cogenda . Praecipuum uero est ad resoluenda , quae astricta sunt , mollienda , quae dura sunt , digerenda , quae coeunt , id , quod ad Polyarchum auctorem refertur . Habet iunci quadrati , cardamomi , turis fuliginis , amomi , cerae , resinae liquidae pares portiones . Aliud ad eadem Nilei : croci magmatis , quod quasi recrementum eius est , P . #1108 IIII ; Hammoniaci thymiamatis , cerae , singulorum P . #1108 XX . Ex quibus duo priora ex aceto teruntur , cera cum rosa liquatur , et tum omnia iunguntur . Proprie etiam dura emollit id , quod Moschi esse dicitur . Habet galbani unciam ; turis fuliginis P . #1109; cerae , Hammoniaci thymiamatis trientes ; picis aridae P . II ; aceti heminas tres . Fertur etiam ad digerenda , quae coeunt , sub auctore Medio , quod habet cerae P . #1109; panacis P . S.; squama e aeris , aluminis rotundi , item scissilis , singulorum P . I ; plumbi combusti P . I S. Ad eadem Pantaenus utebatur calcis P . S.; sinapis contriti , item faeni Graeci , aluminis , singulorum P . I ; sebi bubuli P . II S. Ad strumam multa malagmata inuenio . Credo autem , quo peius id malum est minusque facile discutitur , eo plura esse temptata , quae in personis uarie responderunt . —Andrias auctor est , ut haec misceantur : urticae seminis P . #1108 I ; piperis rotundi , bdelli , galbani , Hammoniaci thymiamatis , resinae aridae , singulorum P . #1108 IIII ; resinae liquidae , cerae , pyrethri , piperis longi , lactucae marinae seminis , sulpuris ignem non experti , quod apyron uocatur , pares portiones . Hoc autem quod Niconis est : faecis aridae aceti , spumae nitri , salis Hammoniaci , sinapis , cardamomi , radicis ex cucumere siluestri , resinae , singulorum P . #1108 VIII ; quae ex leni uino contunduntur . Expeditius ad idem fit , quod habet uisci , simini stercoris , resinae , sulpuris ignem non experti pares portiones ; et in quo est sulpuris P . #1108 I , lapidis quem pyriten uocant P . #1108 IIII , cumini acetabulum . Item in quo est lapidis eiusdem pars una , sulpuris duae partes , resinae terebenthinae partes tres . Arabis autem cuiusdam est ad strumam et orientia tubercula , quae phymata uocantur , quod haec digerit . Habet murrae , salis Hammoniaci , turis , resinae et liquidae et aridae , croci magmatis , cerae , singulorum P . #1108 I ; lapidis eius quem pyriten uocant P . #1108 IIII ; quibus quidam adiciunt sulpuris P . II . Est etiam proficiens in struma et in is tuberibus , quae difficiliter concocuntur , et in is , quae carcinode uocantur , quod ex his constat : sulpuris P . #1108 II ; nitri P . #1108 IIII , murrae P . #1108 VI , fuliginis turis P . #1113., salis Hammoniaci P . #1109, cerae P . I . Protarchus autem ad parotidas eaque tubercula , quae melicer ides uel phymata nominantur , item mala ulcera pumicis , resinae pineae liquidae , turis fuliginis , spumae nitri , iridis , singulorum P . #1108 VIII cum cerae P . #1108 VIIII miscebat , hisque olei cyathum et dimidium adiciebat . At aduersus panum , * * tum primum orientem , quod phygetron Graeci uocant , et omne tuberculum , quod phyma nominatur , miscetur ocra quae Attice nominatur cum duabus partibus similae , hisque cum tunduntur subinde mel instillatur , donec malagmatis crassitudo sit . Discutit etiam omne tuberculum , quod phyma uocatur , id quod habet calcis , nitri spumae , piperis rotundi , singulorum P . #1108 I ; galbani P . #1108 II ; salis P . #1108 IIII , quae excipiuntur cerato ex rosa facto . Supprimitque omne quod abscedit id , in quo est galbani , fabae fresae , singulorum P . #1108 I ; murrae , turis , ex radice capparis corticis , singulorum P . #1108 IIII . Satisque omnia abscedentia digerit murex combustus et bene contritus , aceto subinde adiecto . At si satis sanguis subit , recte imponitur quod aduersus phymata quoque potest . Constat ex his : bdelli , styracis , Hammoniaci , galbani , resinae aridae et liquidae pineae , item ex lentisco , turis , iridis , singulorum P . #1108 II . Carcinode uero phymata commode his leniuntur : galbani , uisci , Hammoniaci , resinae terebenthinae , †in , singulorum P . #1108 I ; sebi taurini P . S.; faecis combustae quam maxima portione , dum id siccius non faciat quam esse malagma oportet . Quod si facie contusa liuor subcruentus est , haec compositio nocte et die imposita tollit : aristolochiae , thapsiae , singulorum P . #1108 II ; bdelli , styracis , Hammoniaci thymiamatis , galbani , resinae aridae et ex lentisco liquidae , turis masculi , iridis Illuricae , cerae , singulorum P . #1108 IIII . Idem faba quoque imposita proficit . Sunt etiam quaedam malagmata , quae an astom otica Graeci uocant , quoniam aperiendi uim habent . Quale est , quod ex his constat : piperis longi , spumae nitri , singulorum P . #1108 II ; erysimi P . #1108 IIII , quae cum melle miscentur . Idoneaque etiam strumae aperiendae sunt . Eius generis est * * uehementiusque ex his est id , quod habet calcis P . #1108 IIII ; piperis grana VI ; nitri , cerae , singulorum P . #1108 XII ; mellis P . #1109; olei heminam . Niconis quoque est quod resoluit , aperit , purgat . Habet alcyoneum , sulpur , nitrum , pumicem paribus portionibus , quibus tantum picis et cerae adicitur , ut fiat cerati crassitudo . Ad spissa autem Aristogenis fit ex his : sulpuris P . #1108 I ; resinae terebenthinae , nitri spumae , et ex scilla partis interioris , plumbi eloti , singulorum P . #1108 II ; turis fuliginis P . #1108 VIII ; ficus aridae quam pinguissimae , sebi taurini , singulorum P . #1108 VIII ; cerae P . #1108 XII ; iridis Macedonicae P . #1108 VI ; sesami fricti acetabulum . Maximeque neruis et articulis malagma conuenit . Igitur Euthyclei est ad articulos , et ad omnem dolorem et ad uesicae , et ad recenti cicatrice contractos articulos , quas ancylas Graeci nominant , quod habet : fuliginis turis acetabulum ; resinae tantundem ; galbani sine surculis sescunciam ; Hammoniaci , bdelli * P . #1108 III . * * * singulorum P . #1109; cerae P . S. Ad eosdem digitos iridis , Hammoniaci , galbani , nitri , singulorum P . #1108 XIIII ; resinae liquidae P . #1108 VI ; cerae P . #1108 XVI . Ad dolores articulorum Sosagorae : plumbi combusti , papaueris lacrimae , corticis hyoscyami , styracis , peucedani , sebi , resinae , cerae pares portiones . Chrysippi : resinae liquidae , sandaracae , piperis , singulorum P . #1108 XII ; quibus cerae paululum adicitur . Clesip hontis: cerae Creticae , resinae terebenthinae , nitri quam ruberrumi , singulorum P . S., olei cyathi tres . Sed id nitrum ante per triduum instillata aqua teritur , et cum sextario eius incoquitur , donec omnis umor consumatur . Potest uero ea compositio etiam ad parotidas , phymata , strumam omnemque coitum umoris emolliendum . Ad articulos fici quoque aridi partem nepetae mixtam uel uuam t aminiam sine seminibus cum puleio recte aliquis imponit . Eadem podagrae praesidi o sunt . Sed ad eam fit Aristonis quoque , quod habet : nardi , cinnamomi , casiae , chamaeleontis , iunci rotundi , singulorum P . #1108 VIII ; sebi caprini ex irino liquati P . #1108 XX ; iridis P . #1108 I , quae in aceto quam acerrimo iacere per XX dies debet . Idem autem etiam recentia phymata doloresque omnes discutit . At Theoxenus ad pedum dolores sebi a renibus partem tertiam , salis partes duas miscebat , hisque membranulam inlitam imponebat , tum superiniciebat Hammoniacum thymiama in aceto liquatum . At Numenius podagram ceterosque articulos induratos hoc molliebat : habrotoni , rosae aridae , papaueris lacrimae , singulorum P . #1108 III ; resinae terebenthinae P . #1108 IIII ; turis , spumae nitri , singulorum P . #1108 VIII ; iridis , aristolochiae , singulorum P . #1108 XII ; cerae P . III ; quibus adicitur cedri cyathus I , olei laurei cyathi III , olei acerbi sextarius . Si quando autem in articulis callus increuit , Dexius docuit inponere calcis P . #1108 IIII ; cerussae P . #1108 VIII ; resinae pineae P . #1108 XX ; piperis grana XXX ; cerae P . #1109; quibus , dum contunduntur , hemina uini lenis instillatur .
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18 Premising the above, I will speak first of emollients, almost all of which were invented, not for the purpose of cooling but for heating. There is, however, one kind which can cool, being suitable for hot podagras. It is a cupful of oak-galls, unripe or otherwise, coriander seed, hemlock, dried poppy-tears, and gum, of each 63 cc.; of washed cerate called by the Greeks πεπλυμένον, 168 grams. Almost all the rest are heating. But some disperse the diseased matter, some extract it and are called epispastic; most are designed rather for particular parts of the body. If diseased matter has to be extracted, as in the case of a dropsy, pleurisy, incipient abscession, also in cases of moderate suppuration, the following emollient is suitable which contains: dried resin, soda, ammoniacum, galbanum, 336 grams, each, wax 336 grams. Or that one which contains: scrapings of verdigris and frankincense, each 8 grams, ammoniac salt 24 grams, copper scales, wax, each 32 grams, dried resin 48 grams, 42 cc of vinegar. Cumin meal with soap-wort and honey serves the same purpose. If there is pain in the liver apply the emollient which consists of balsam tears 48 grams, costmary, cinnamon, casia bark, myrrh, saffron, round rush, balsam seeds, Illyrian iris, cardamon, amomum, nard, each 64 grams. To these is added nard ointment until the consistency is that of a cerate. And this is for use whilst fresh; but if it is to be kept, turpentine resin 64 grams, and wax 40 grams, are pounded up together in mild wine, and then mixed with the above. But if there is acute pain of the spleen the rind of the nut, called by the Greeks βάλανοσ μυρεψικήν, and soda are pounded together in equal proportions and sprinkled with sharpest vinegar; when of the consistency of a cerate this is spread on lint previously moistened in cold water, and so applied, with barley-meal dusted over it; but it should not be kept on longer than six hours, lest it consume the spleen; it is better to apply it two or three times. Lysias compounded an emollient equally useful the liver and spleen and for abscesses and scrofulous tumours, for parotid swellings and joints, for heels suppurating or otherwise painful, even for promoting digestion, from the following: opopanax, storax, galbanum, resin, each 8 grams, ammoniacum, bdellium, wax, beef suet, dried iris, each 16 grams, cachry, 63 cc, and 40 peppercorns, all pounded with iris ointment to the right consistency. Again, for pains in the sides there is the composition of Apollophanes: turpentine-resin and frankincense root, each 16 grams, bdellium, ammoniacum, iris, calf's or goat's kidney-suet, mistletoe juice, each 16 grams. This composition relieves pain of all kinds, softens indurations, and is moderately heating. The emollient of Andreas is for like use; and it also relaxes, draws out humour, matures pus, and when it is matured ruptures the skin, and brings a scar over. It is applied with advantage to abscesses, both small and large, likewise to joints and so both to the hips and feet when painful; further, it repairs any part of the body that is contused; also softens the praecordia when hard and swollen; draws outwards splinters of bone — in short, is of service in all cases which heat can benefit. It is composed of wax 4 grams, mistletoe juice, and tears of sycaminus, also called sycomorus, 4 grams each, round and long pepper, ammoniacum for fumigation, bdellium, Illyrian iris, cardamon, amomum balsam wood, male frankincense, myrrh, dried resin, 0 grams each, pyrethrum, Cnidian berries, scum of soda, ammoniac salt, Cretan aristolochia, wild cucumber root, liquid turpentine and resin, 80 grams each, to which is added a sufficiency of iris ointment to give it proper consistency. A special emollient for relaxing parts constricted, for softening parts indurated, and for dispersing any collection is ascribed to Polyarchus. It contains square rush, cardamon, frankincense soot, amomum, wax and liquid resin in equal quantities. Another emollient for the same purpose is that of Nileus: crocomagma, which is as it were saffron-lees, 16 grams, ammoniacum for fumigating, and wax, 80 grams each. Of these the first two are rubbed up in vinegar, the wax is liquefied by melting in rose-oil, and then all are mixed together. Especially useful for softening induration is an emollient said to have been invented by Moschus. It contains galbanum 28 grams, frankincense soot 56 grams, wax and ammoniacum for fumigation, 112 grams each, dried pitch 672 grams, vinegar 750 cc. We have also one ascribed to medius for dispersing collections of matter. It contains wax 56 grams, panax 168 grams, copper scales, round alum, split alum, 336 grams each, calcined lead 504 grams. Pantaenus used for the same purpose, quicklime 168 grams, pounded mustard, also fenugreek and alum, 336 grams each, ox-suet 840 grams. For scrofulous tumour I find many emollients. Now I think that the worse this disease, and the less easy its dispersal, the most have been the remedies tried, with results varying according to the several patients. Andrias invented the following: nettle-seed 4 grams, round pepper, bdellium, galbanum, ammoniacum for fumigation, dried resin, 16 grams each, with equal parts of liquid resin, wax, pyrethrum, long pepper, seed of sea spurge, unheated sulphur, which is called apyron. Nicon's emollient contains dried vinegar lees, soda-scum, ammoniac salt, mustard, cardamon, wild cucumber root, resin, 32 grams each. These are pounded up together in mild wine. A more active emollient for the same purpose contains mistletoe juice, ape's dung, resin, untreated sulphur, equal parts; another emollient contains sulphur 4 grams, the stone called pyrites 16 grams, and 63 cc of cumin. In another are pyrites one part, sulphur two parts, turpentine resin three parts. An emollient, the invention of a certain Arab, serves to disperse scrofulous swelling, and the sprouting small tumours which are called phymata. It contains myrrh, ammoniac salt, incense, resin both liquid and dried, crocomagma, was, 4 grams each, the stone called pyrites 16 grams, to which some add sulphur 672 grams. There is also an emollient efficacious for scrofulous swellings, and for those boils which are slow to come to a head, also for those which are called carcinoid. It contains sulphur 8 grams, soda 16 grams, myrrh 24 grams, frankincense soot 3.3 grams, ammoniac salt 56 grams, wax 336 grams. Protarchus, for parotid swellings, and for those small tumours which are named melicerides favi or phymata, and bad ulcerations, mixed together: pumice, liquid pine-resin, frankincense soot, soda-scum, iris, each 32 grams, along with wax 36 grams, to which are added 63 cc. of oil. But against panus at any stage and when incipient, the condition called by the Greeks phygetron, and against any small tumour called phyma, the ochre named Attic is mixed with equal parts of wheat flour, and whilst these are being stirred together, honey is dropped in until the consistency is that of an emollient. Also all the small tumours called phymata are dispersed by an emollient containing quicklime, soda-scum, round pepper, each 4 grams, galbanum 8 grams, salt 16 grams, which are taken up in a cerate made of rose oil. Any abscession is suppressed by galbanum and crushed beans, each 4 grams, myrrh, frankincense, caper root bark, each 16 grams. And calcined murex well pounded, with vinegar gradually added, is sufficient to disperse an abscession when forming. But if sufficient blood comes up, it is right to apply a remedy which is also useful against phymata. It consists of the following ingredients: bdellium, storax, ammoniacum, galbanum, pine-resin liquid and dried, also lentiscus-resin, frankincense, iris, 8 grams each. But the phymata called carcinoid are relieved by the following: galbanum, mistletoe juice, ammoniacum, turpentine-resin, 4 grams each, beef suet 168 grams, of burnt wine-lees as large an amount as can be added without making the mass too dry for an emollient. But after a blow on the face there is discolouration and bruising, the following prescription applied night and takes it away: aristolochia and thapsia, each 8 grams, bdellium, storax, ammoniacum for fumigation, galbanum, dried resin, liquid from lentiscus-resin, male frankincense, Illyrian iris wax, each 16 grams. The application of bean-meal also has the same effect. There are certain emollients called by the Greeks anastomotica, because they have the property of opening the pores. Of these one contains long pepper and soda-scum, each 8 grams, hedge mustard 16 grams, these are mixed together with honey. They are also suitable for scrofulous tumours. Of this class is . . . a yet more powerful one of this kind is that which consists of lime 16 grams, 6 peppercorns; soda and wax, each 48 grams, honey 56 grams, and 250 cc. of oil. There is also a prescription of Nicon which relaxes, opens and cleans. It contains coral, sulphur, soda, and pumice, equal parts, to which pitch and wax are added to the consistency of a cerate. Again, for the hard parts there is the emollient of Aristogenes made from the following: sulphur 4 grams, turpentine-resin, soda-scum, the inner part of a quill-bulb, washed lead, 8 grams each, frankincense soot 32 grams, the ripest figs and beef-suet, 32 grams each, wax 48 grams, Macedonian iris 24 grams, parched sesame 63 cc. And most of all is an emollient suitable for sinews and joints. Thus still that of Euthycleus, suitable for joints and for any kind of pain, including that of the bladder, and for joints contracted by recent scarring which the Greeks call ancylae: it consists of frankincense soot 63 cc., of resin the same, galbanum without stalks 42 grams, ammoniacum and bdellium, of each 12 grams. . . . of each 56 grams, wax 168 grams. Another for similar pain in the fingers contains ammoniacum, galbanum, and soda, each 56 grams, liquid resin 24 grams, wax 64 grams. The emollient of Sosagoras for pain in joints contains calcined lead, poppy tears, hyoscyamus bark, storax, sulphurwort, suet, resin and wax, equal parts. That of Chrysippus contains liquid resin, sandarach, 48 grams each, to which a little wax is added. That of Clesiphon consists of Cretan wax, turpentine resin, the reddest soda, 168 grams each, and 126 cc. of oil. But this soda is pounded up beforehand over a period of three days, water being added drop by drop, and then boiled in half a litre of water until all fluid has gone. This composition too can be applied to parotid swellings, phymata, scrofulous tumours, and to soften any collection of humour. Some apply to joints with good effect part of a dried fig mixed with catmint; or black bryony berries without the seeds, with pennyroyal. The same are good for podagra. But for this there is also Ariston's emollient which consists of nard, cinnamon, casia, chameleon, angular rush, 32 grams each, goat's suet in liquid iris oil 80 grams, iris which should have been steeped in the sharpest vinegar for 20 days, 4 grams: this emollient also disperses recent phymata and pain of all sorts. But Theoxenus for pain in the feet mixed one part of kidney-suet with two parts of salt and applied a thin membrane smeared with these, then poured over it ammoniacum for fumigation dissolved in vinegar. But Numenius used to soften podagra and all cases of indurated joints with an emollient consisting of southernwood, dried rose-leaves and poppy-tears, 12 grams each, turpentine-resin 16 grams, frankincense and soda-scum, 32 grams each, iris and aristolochia, 48 grams each, wax 1 kilogram, to which is added of cedar-oil 42 cc., of laurel-oil 126 cc., of bitter olive-oil 500 cc. If at any time callus has formed in joints, Dexius advised an application of lime 16 grams, white lead 32 grams, pine-resin 80 grams, 30 peppercorns, wax 56 grams. While these are being pounded together 250 cc. of mild wine is dropped in. |
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Ex EMPLASTRIS autem nulla maiorem usum praestant , quam quae cruentis protinus uulneribus iniciuntur : enhaema Graeci uocant . Haec enim reprimunt inflammationem , nisi magna uis eam con cit at , atque illius quoque impetum minuunt ; tum glutinant uulnera , quae id patiuntur , cicatricem isdem inducunt . Constant autem ex medicamentis non pinguibus , ideoque alipe nominantur . Optimum ex his est quod barbarum uocatur . Habet aeruginis rasae P . #1108 XII ; spumae argenti P . #1108 XX ; aluminis , picis aridae , resinae pineae aridae , singulorum P . #1108 I ; quibus adiciuntur olei et aceti singulae heminae . Alterum ad idem , quod Coacon uocant , habet spumae argenti P . #1108 C ; resinae aridae tantundem : sed spuma prius ex tribus olei heminis coquitur . His duobus emplastris color niger est , qui fere talis fit ex pice atque resina : at ex bitumine nigerrimus , ex aerugine aut aeris squama uiridis , ex minio ruber , ex cerussa albus . Paucae admodum compositiones sunt , in quibus aliquid mixturae uarietas nouat . Ergo id quoque nigrum est , quod basilicon nominatur . Habet panacis P . #1108 I ; galbani P . #1108 II ; picis et resinae , singulorum P . #1108 X ; olei dimidium cyathum . At , quia peruiride est , zmaragdinum appellatur in quo sunt : resinae pineae P . #1108 III ; cerae P . #1108 I ; aeruginis P . s .; turis fuliginis P . #1109; olei tantundem ; aceti , quo fuligo et aerugo in unum cogantur . Est etiam coloris fere rufi , quod celeriter ad cicatricem uulnera perducere uidetur . Habet turis P . #1108 I ; resinae P . #1108 II ; squamae aeris P . #1108 IIII ; spumae argenti P . #1108 XX ; cerae P . #1108 C , olei heminam . Praeterea est quam ΡΑΠΤΟΥΣΑΝ a glutinando uocant . Constat ex his : bituminis , aluminis scissilis P . #1108 IIII ; spumae argenti P . #1108 XL ; olei ueteris hemin a . Praeterea sunt quaedam generis eiusdem , quae , quia capitibus fractis maxime conueniunt , cephalica a Graecis nominantur . Philotae compositio habet : terrae Eretriae , chalcitidis , singulorum P . #1108 IIII ; murrae , aeris combusti , singulorum P . #1108 X ; icthyocollae P . #1108 VI ; aeruginis rasae , aluminis rotundi , misy crudi , aristolochiae , singulorum P . #1108 VIII ; squamae aeris P . #1108 X ; turis masculi P . #1108 II ; cerae P . I ; rosae et olei acerbi ternos cyathos ; aceti quantum satis est , dum arida ex eo conteruntur . Aliud ad idem uiride : aeris combusti , squamae aeris , murrae , icthyocollae , singulorum P . #1108 VI ; misy crudi , aeruginis rasae , aristolochiae , aluminis rotundi , singulorum P . #1108 VIII ; cerae P . #1108 I , olei hemina , aceti quod satis sit . Puri autem mouendo non aliud melius quam quod expeditissimum est : tetrapharmacon a Graecis nominatur . Habet pares portiones cerae , picis , resinae , sebi taurini , si id non est , uitulini . Alterum ad idem enneapharmacum nominatur , quod magis purgat . Constat ex nouem rebus : cera , melle , sebo , resina , murra , rosa , medulla uel ceruina uel uitulina uel bubula , oes ypo, buturo . Quorum ipsorum quoque pondera paria miscentur . Sunt autem quaedam emplastra , quibus utriusque rei facultas est , quae si * * * singula habenda sunt , meliora sunt : sed in copia reicienda sunt , is potius adhibitis , quae proprie id , quod eo tempore opus est , consecuntur . Exempli causa duo proponam . Est igitur ad uulnera Attal ium, quod habet : squamae aeris P . #1108 XVI ; turis fuliginis P . #1108 XV ; Hammoniaci tantundem ; resinae terebenthinae liquidae P . #1108 XXV ; sebi taurini tantundem ; aceti heminas tres , olei sextarium . At inter ea , quae fracto capiti accommodantur , habent quidam id , quod ad auctorem Iudaeum refertur . Constat ex his : salis P . #1108 IIII ; squamae aeris rubri , aeris combusti , singulorum P . #1108 XII ; Hammoniaci thymiamatis , turis fuliginis , resinae aridae , singulorum P . #1108 XVI ; resinae Colophoniacae , cerae , sebi uitulini curati , singulorum P . #1108 XX ; aceti sesquicyath o , olei minus cyath o . ΤΕ ΘΕΡΑΠΕ Υ ΜΕΝΑ Graeci appellant , quae curata uocant , cum ex sebo puta omnes membranulae diligenter exemptae sunt . Sunt etiam quaedam emplastra nobilia ad extrahendum . Quae ipsa quoque ΕΠΙΣΠΑΣΤΙΚΑ nominantur ; quale est quod , quia lauri bacas habet , dia daphnidon appellatur . In eo est resinae terebenthinae P . #1108 X ; nitri , cerae , picis aridae , bacarum lauri , singulorum P . #1108 XX ; olei paulum . Quotiens aut em bacam aut nucem aut simile aliquid posuero , scire oportebit , antequam expendatur , ei summam pelliculam esse demendam . Aliud eodem nomine , quod puri quoque mouendo est : sebi uitulini , Hammoniaci thymiamatis , picis , cerae , nitri , bacarum lauri , resinae aridae , aristolochiae , pyrethri pares portiones . Praeter has est Philocratis , quod habet : salis Hammoniaci P . #1108 VII ; aristolochiae P . #1108 VIII ; cerae , resinae terebenthinae , fuliginis turis , singulorum P . #1108 XV ; spumae argenti P . #1108 XXXII , quibus , ut pus quoque moueant , iridis P . #1108 IIII et galbani P . #1108 VI adiciuntur . Optimum tamen ad extrahendum est id , quod a similitudine sordium rhypodes Graeci appellant . Habet murrae , croci , iridis , propolis , bdelli , capitulorum Punici mali , aluminis et scissilis et rotundi , misy , chalcitis , atramenti sutorii cocti , panacis , salis Hammoniaci , uisci , singulorum P . #1108 IIII ; aristolochiae P . #1108 VIII ; squamae aeris P . #1108 XVI ; resinae terebenthinae P . #1108 LXXV ; cerae et sebi uel taurini uel hircini , singulorum P . #1108 C . Hecatae o quoque auctore emplastrum generis eiusdem fit ex his : galbani P . #1108 II ; fuliginis turis P . #1108 IIII ; picis P . #1108 VI ; cerae et resinae terebenthinae singulorum P . #1108 VIII ; quibus paululum irini unguenti miscetur . Valensque ad idem emplastrum uiride Alexandrinum est . Habet aluminis scissilis P . #1108 VIII ; salis Hammoniaci P . #1108 VIII #1109; squamae aeris P . #1108 XVI ; murrae , turis , singulorum P . #1108 XVIII ; cerae P . #1108 CL ; resinae Colophoniacae aut pineae P . #1108 CC ; olei heminam , aceti sextarium . Quaedam autem sunt emplastra exedentia , quae septa Graeci uocant ; quale est id , quod habet resinae terebenthinae , fuliginis turis , singulorum P . #1109; squamae aeris P . #1108 I ; ladani P . #1108 II ; aluminis tantundem ; spumae argenti P . #1108 IIII . Exest etiam uehementer corpus atque ossa quoque resoluit et supercrescentem carnem coercet id , quod habet spumae argenti , squamae aeris uncias singulas ; nitri ignem non experti , lapidis As sii , aristolochiae P . sextantes ; cerae , resinae terebenthinae , turis , olei ueteris , atramenti sutorii , salis Hammoniaci P . S.; aeruginis rasae P . bessem ; aceti scilliti heminam ; uini Aminaei tantundem . Sunt etiam aduersus morsus quaedam adcommodata , quale est Dioge ni nigrum , quod habet : bituminis , cerae , resinae pineae aridae , singulorum P . #1108 XX ; spuma e argenti P . #1108 C ; olei sextarium . Aut in quo sunt squamae aeris P . #1108 IIII ; cerussae et aeruginis rassae , singulorum P . #1108 VIII ; Hammoniaci P . #1108 XII ; cerae , resinae pineae , singulorum P . #1108 XXV ; spumae argenti P . #1108 C ; olei sextarium . Aut in quo sunt squamae aeris P . #1108 XIIII ; galbani P . #1108 VI ; cerussae et aeruginis rasae , singulorum P . #1108 VIII ; Hammoniaci P . #1108 XII ; cerae , resinae pineae , singulorum P . #1108 XXXV * * * spuma argenti concoquitur . Rubrum quoque emplastrum , quod E phesium uocatur , huc aptum est . Habet resinae terebenthinae P . #1108 II ; galbani P . #1108 IIII ; minii Sinopici P . #1108 VI ; turis fuliginis P . #1108 VI ; cerae P . #1108 VIII ; spumae argenti P . #1108 XXXVI ; olei ueteris heminam . Item id , quod ex his constat ; squamae aeris , turis fuliginis , singulorum P . #1108 IIII ; galbani P . #1108 VI ; salis Hammoniaci P . #1108 XII #1109; cerae P . #1108 XXV ; olei tribus heminis . Haec autem aliis quoque recentioribus uulneribus recte imponuntur . Sunt etiam alba lenia ( leuca Graeci uocant ) fere non grauibus uulneribus accommodata , praecipueque senilibus . Quale est quod habet : cerussae P . #1108 XXXII ; sebi uitulini curati et cerae , singulorum P . #1108 XLVIII ; olei heminas tres ; ex quibus ea cerussa coquitur . Aliud quod habet cerussa e P . #1108 XX ; cerae P . #1108 XXXV , olei heminam , aquae sextarium . Quae quotiens adiciuntur cerussae uel spumae argenti , scire licet illa ex his coquenda esse . Est autem ea percandida compositio quae supra posita est , ideoque elephantine nominatur . Lenia quoque quaedam emplastra sunt , quas liparas fere Graeci nominant ; ut id , quod habet mini P . #1108 IIII ; spumae argenti P . #1108 XXV ; cerae et adipis suillae , singulorum P . #1108 XXXVII ; uitellos quattuor . Alia compositio generis eiusdem : cerae , resinae terebenthinae , singulorum P . #1108 VI ; cerussae P . #1108 VIII ; spumae argenti , plumbi recrementi ( ΣΚΩΡΙΑΝ ΜΟΛΥΒΔΟΥ Graeci uocant ) , singulorum P . #1108 XX ; cicini olei et murt ei singulorum heminae . Tertia , quae ad auctorem Arcagathum refertur : misy cocti , aeris combusti , singulorum P . #1108 IIII ; cerussae coctae P . #1108 VIII ; resinae terebenthinae P . #1108 X ; spumae argenti P . #1108 VI . Etiamnum generis eiusdem : spumae argenti , cerae , adipis suillae , singulorum P . #1108 XXVII ; uitelli cocti IIII ; rosae hemina . Aut : cerati ex oleo myrteo facti partes tres ; adipis suillae pars quarta ; paulum ex plumbi recremento . Aut : spumae argenti selibra , ex olei hemina et aquae marinae altera cocta , donec bullire desierit , cui paulum cerae sit adiectum . Aut : pares portiones cerae , sebi , stibis , spumae argenti , cerussae .
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19 Among the plasters none render greater service than those for immediate application to bleeding wounds, which the Greeks call enhaema. For these repress inflammation, unless a severe cause excites it, and even then they lessen its attack; further, they agglutinate wounds which allow of it, and induce a scar in them. But as the plasters consist of medicaments which are not greasy, they are named alipe. The best of these is the plaster called barbarum. It contains scraped verdigris 48 grams, litharge 80 grams, alum, dried pitch, dried pine-resin, 4 grams each, to which is added oil and vinegar 250 cc. each. Another one called Coacon, used for the same purpose, consists of litharge 400 grams, dried resin the same, but the litharge should be first boiled in three-quarters of a litre of oil. In these two plasters the colour is black, which is the colour generally produced by the pitch-resin, but the blackest is from bitumen, green from verdigris or copper scales, red from minium, white from white-lead. There are very few compositions in which diversity of ingredients makes any change. Hence that plaster which is called basilicon is also black. It consists of all-heal 4 grams, galbanum 8 grams, pitch and resin, 40 grams each, oil 20 cc. But, because it is bright green, a plaster is called emerald-like which contains pine-resin 12 grams, wax 4 grams, verdigris 168 grams, frankincense soot 56 grams, oil the same, and vinegar enough to combine into one the soot and the verdigris. There is also one, almost red in colour, which is found to bring wounds rapidly to a scar. It contains incense 4 grams, resin 8 grams, copper scales 16 grams, litharge 80 grams, wax 400 grams, oil 250 cc. As well, there is one called rhaptousa, because it agglutinates, consisting of bitumen and split alum 16 grams, litharge 160 grams, and 250 cc. of old oil. There are also some plasters of the same class, called by the Greeks cephalica, because they are especially suitable for broken heads. That of Philotas has the following composition: Eretrian earth and chalcitis, 16 grams each, myrrh and calcined copper 40 grams each, isinglass 24 gram each, scraped verdigris, round alum, crude antimony sulphide and aristolochia, 32 grams each, copper scales 40 grams, male frankincense 8 grams, wax 336 grams, rose-oil and bitter olive-oil, 125 cc. each, and sufficient vinegar to rub up the ingredients while keeping them dry. A green plaster for the same purpose consists of calcined copper, copper scales, myrrh and isinglass 24 grams each, crude antimony sulphide, scraped verdigris, aristolochia and alum, 32 grams each, wax 4 grams, oil 250 cc., and as much vinegar as is required. But for promoting suppuration there is nothing better than the plaster called by the Greeks tetrapharmacon, which acts very quickly. It contains wax, pitch, resin and bull's suet, or, if that is not at hand, veal-suet, in equal proportions. Another for the same purpose is named enneapharmacum, which is more for cleaning wounds. It has nine ingredients: wax, honey, suet, resin, myrrh, rose-oil, deer or calf or ox marrow, oesypum, butter; equal weights of which are mixed together. Now there are certain plasters which produce both effects which if . . . they are to be applied for both purposes are better; but if there is a choice these are to be rejected, and those plasters rather are to be selected which especially effect what is needed at the time. I will mention two as examples. There is the plaster of Attalus for wounds, which contains copper scales 64 grams, frankincense soot 60 grams, ammoniacum the same; liquid turpentine 100 grams, bull-suet this amount; vinegar three-quarters of a litre, oil half a litre. But among those suitable for broken heads, some include the one which is ascribed to Iudaeus. It is composed of salt 16 grams, red copper scales and calcined copper, 48 grams each, ammoniacum for fumigation, frankincense soot and dried resin, 64 grams each, Colophon resin, wax and prepared calf's suet, 80 grams each, vinegar 65 cc., less than 40 cc. of oil. The Greeks call tetherapeumena, what we call prepared, when, for instance, from suet all membranous particles are carefully removed, and so in the case of other medicaments. There are besides certain plasters noteworthy for extracting, and these too are named epispastic; for instance, that called dia daphnidon, because it contains laurel berries. In it there are terebinth-resin 40 grams, soda, wax, dried pitch, laurel-berries, 80 grams each, with a little oil. But whenever I mention a berry or nut or the like, it should be understood that the outer husk is seem to be removed before weighing. Another of the same name which also promotes suppuration, contains calf-suet, ammoniacum for fumigation, pitch, wax, soda, laurel-berries, dried resin, aristolochia and pellitory, equal parts. There is also that of Philocrates, which consists of ammoniac salt 28 grams, aristolochia 32 grams, wax, turpentine resin, frankincense soot, 60 grams each, litharge 128 grams, to which is added, in order to promote suppuration, iris 16 grams, and galbanum 24 grams. The best as an extractive, however, is that called by the Greeks rhypodes, from its resemblance to dirt. It contains myrrh, crocus, iris, propolis, bdellium, pomegranate heads, alum both split and round, antimony sulphide, copper ore, boiled blacking, all-heal, ammoniacum salt, mistletoe juice, 16 grams each, aristolochia 32 grams, copper scales 56 grams, turpentine resin 300 gams, wax and ox or he-goat's suet, 400 grams each. The plaster invented by Hecataeus is of the same class, and is composed of galbanum 8 grams, frankincense soot 16 grams, pitch 24 grams, wax and turpentine-resin, 32 grams each, with which is mixed a little iris ointment. Efficacious for the same purpose is the green Alexandrian plaster. It consists of split alum 32 grams, ammoniac salt 32·66 grams, copper scales 64 grams, myrrh and frankincense 72 grams, wax 600 grams, Colophon or pine resin 800 grams, oil 250 cc., vinegar half a litre. Some plasters, called by the Greeks septa, eat away flesh; one such contains turpentine-resin and frankincense soot, each 56 grams, copper scales 4 grams, ladanum 8 grams, alum the same amount, litharge 16 grams. The following prescription is even violent in its action on soft tissue, and also causes exfoliation of bone and keeps down fungating flesh: litharge and copper scales 28 grams each, unheated soda, Assos stone, aristolochia, 56 grams each, wax, turpentine resin, incense and old oil, blacking and ammoniac salt, 168 grams each, scraped verdigris 224 grams, vinegar of squills 250 cc., Aminaean wine the same amount. There are also some suitable for bites; one of these is the black paste of Diogenes, which contains bitumen, wax, dried pine-resin, each 80 grams, litharge 400 grams, oil half a litre. Another consists of copper scales 16 grams, white-lead and scraped verdigris, each 32 grams, ammoniacum 48 grams, wax and pine resin, each 100 gams, litharge 400 grams, oil half a litre. Or there is that in which there are copper scales 56 grams, galbanum 24 grams, white-lead and scraped verdigris, a 32 grams, ammoniacum 48 grams, wax and pine-resin, each 140 grams cooked with litharge. The red plaster called Ephesian is likewise suited for this purpose. It contains turpentine-resin 8 grams, galbanum 16 grams, minium for Sinope 24 grams, frankincense soot 24 grams, wax 32 grams, litharge 144 grams, old olive-oil 250 cc. There is another similar one which consists of copper scales and frankincense soot, each 16 grams, galbanum 24 grams, ammoniac salt 48·66 grams, wax 100 grams, olive-oil 750 cc. These plasters, however, may be also usefully applied to more erect wounds. There are also soothing white plasters, called by the Greeks leuca, fitted in general for wounds which are not severe, especially in old people. Such is that containing white-lead 128 grams, prepared calf's suet, and wax, each 192 grams, olive-oil 750 cc., with which the white-lead is boiled. Another consists of white-lead 80 grams, wax 140 grams, olive-oil 250 cc., water half a litre. Whatever these liquids are added to white lead or litharge, it is understood that those drugs are to be boiled up in the liquids. But the above composition being of a glistening white appearance is called ivory plaster. There are also some soothing plasters, commonly called liparae by the Greeks, such as that containing minium 16 grams, litharge 100 grams, wax and lard, each 148 grams, with the yolk of 4 eggs. Another composition of the same sort contains wax and turpentine-resin, each 24 grams, white-lead 32 grams, litharge and lead-slag, called by the Greeks σκωρία μολύβδου, each 80 grams, castor-oil and myrtle-oil, a 250 cc. A third, said to have been invented by Archagathus, contains boiled antimony sulphide and calcined copper, each 16 grams, boiled white-lead 32 grams, turpentine-resin 40 grams, litharge 24 grams. Yet another of the same class consists of litharge, wax and lard, each 108 grams, yolk of 4 eggs boiled, rose-oil 250 cc. Another consists of a cerate made with myrtle-oil three parts, lard a fourth part, and a small quantity of lead-slag. Alternatively: litharge 168 grams, olive-oil 250 cc., and an equal quantity of sea water, boiled, to which, when off the boil, a little wax may be added. Or: wax, suet, antimony sulphide, litharge and white-lead, equal parts. |