Book 2
2
We are also to assist by means of ligatures to the extremities. Above the feet to the ankles and knees, and above the hands to the wrists and arms, a broad band is to be used, so that the constriction may be strong, and yet not produce pain. To the regions, also, from which the blood flows, we are to apply unwashed wool from the sheep; but moisten it with a liquid, such as austere wine, and the oils of roses and of myrtles. But if the hemorrhage be of an urgent nature, instead of the wool we are to use sponges, and vinegar instead of the wine, and let the part be anointed with myrtle oil; and we are to dust upon the sponges some of the dry inspissated juices, such as that of acacia, or of hypocistis, or else of aloes. The juice of the unripe grape, dissolved in vinegar, is also a very excellent thing. But if the liquid application be troublesome or disagreeable, we are to use plasters; for these stretch the skin around, and press it, as it were, with the hand, and they are possessed of very strong powers as astringents and desiccants. In addition to these, there are very many others of tried efficacy; but the best are those which contain vinegar, and the expressed juice of ivy leaves, and asphaltos, and verdigris, alum, frankincense, myrrh, calcined copper, the squama æris, and such of the plasters as resemble these; or unscoured wool, or sponges damped in a small quantity of vinegar. But if the patients cannot bear the distension of the plasters, we are to make these things into an epitheme: fat dates, damped in dark austere wine, are pounded into a cake; then we are to sprinkle on it acacia in a soft state, and the rinds of pomegranate; these things having been all rubbed upon a rag, are applied to the chest. Barley-meal, moistened in wine or vinegar, or the fine flour of the dried lentil, sifted in a sieve, and made up with cerate or rose ointment, is to be applied; we are also to mix some of the root of the comfrey sifted. Another: Boil the roots of the wild prunes in vinegar, and having pounded into a cake, mix a little of sumach, and of gum, and of myrtle. These are to be mixed with one another differently, according as the strength of the medicines, mildness, or smell thereof is wanted. For we must also gratify the sick. These are the external remedies.
