Book 1
8
But in the species of synanche attended with collapse, we are to make a general determination from within outwardly, of the fluids, of the warmth, and of all the flesh, so that the whole may swell out. Let the liquid applications then be of a hot nature, with rue and dill, natron being sprinkled upon them; and along with them the cataplasms formerly mentioned. It is a good thing also to apply a cerate with natron and mustard for inducing heat; for heat determined outwardly is the cure of such complaints; and thus swelling takes place in the neck, and an external swelling rescues from peripneumonia; but in cases of synanche, the evil when inwardly is of a fatal nature. But those who, in order to guard against suffocation in quinsey, make an incision in the trachea for the breathing, do not appear to me to have proved the practicability of the thing by actual experiment; for the heat of the inflammation is increased by the wound, and thus contributes to the suffocation and cough. And, moreover, if by any means they should escape the danger, the lips of the wound do not coalesce; for they are both cartilaginous, and not of a nature to unite.On the Ancient History of Laryngotomy, see Paulus Ægineta, t. ii., pp. 301—303, Syd. Soc. Edit. I would avail myself of the present opportunity of bringing into the notice of my learned readers the very accurate and elegant edition of the Sixth Book of Paulus Ægineta, lately published in Paris by Dr. RＯ・Brian. As regards the text, it is everything that could be desired; and the translation which accompanies it is generally correct. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CHAPTER VIII. CURE OF THE AFFECTIONS ABOUT THE COLUMELLA (OR UVULA).
