19. 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.
19. 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⟨c⟩it⟨at⟩, atque illius quoque impetum minuunt; tum glutinant uulnera, quae id patiuntur, cicatricem isdem inducunt. Constant autem ex medicamentis non pinguibus, ideoque alipe[ne] nominantur. Optimum ex his est quod barbarum uocatur.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
#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.
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.
#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.
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.
#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.
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.
Philotae compositio habet: terrae Eretriae, chalcitidis, singulorum P. #1108 IIII; murrae, aeris combusti, ⟨singulorum⟩ P. #1108 X; icthyocollae [singulorum] 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.
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.
#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.
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.
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, ⟨oe⟩s⟨y⟩po, buturo.
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.
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.
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.
Exempli causa duo proponam. Est igitur ad uulnera Attal⟨i⟩um, quod habet: squamae aeris P. #1108 XVI; ⟨turis⟩ fuliginis P. #1108 XV; Hammoniaci tantundem; resinae terebenthinae liquidae P. #1108 XXV; sebi taurini tantundem;
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.
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;
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.
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 [ex alio medicamento]. 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.
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.
#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.
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.
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.
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.
#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.
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.
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;
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.
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;
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.
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;
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.
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 [singulorum] P. #1108 IIII.
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.
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⟨s⟩ii, 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.
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.
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 ⟨r⟩assae, 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.
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.
Rubrum quoque emplastrum, quod E⟨p⟩hesium 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.
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.
#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.
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.
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;
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
cicini olei et murt⟨e⟩i singulorum heminae. Tertia, quae ad auctorem Arcagathum refertur: misy cocti, aeris combusti, singulorum P. #1108 IIII; cerussae coctae P. #1108 VIII; resinae terebenthinae P.
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.
#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.
20. 20 Pastils have also dives faculties. For some are suitable for agglutinating and making the scar upon recent wounds: such as that containing copper ore, antimony sulphide, soda-scum, flowers of copper, oak-galls, split alum moderately boiled, each 4 grams, calcined copper and pomegranate-heads, each 12 grams. It should be dissolved with vinegar, and so smeared on for agglutinating a would. But if the part wounded involves sinews or muscles, it is better to mix the pastil with a cerate, eight parts of the former to nine of the latter. Another for the same purpose is composed of bitumen and split alum, each 4 grams, calcined copper 16 grams, litharge 44 grams, oil half a litre. But the pastil of Polyides called the "seal" is by far the most celebrated. It contains split alum 4·66 grams, blacking 8 grams, myrrh 20 grams, ling aloes the same, pomegranate heads and ox-bile, 24 grams each; these are rubbed together and taken up in dry wine. For foul ulcerations and gangrene in the ears, nostrils and genitals, and their inflammatory complications, take chrysocolla 4 grams, blacking and split alum 8 grams each, winter cherry bark 16 grams, minium 24 grams, litharge 48 grams, white lead 64 grams; these are both compounded with vinegar and dissolved for use with the same. The pastil of Andron is for inflammation of the uvula, and for the genitals when foul, and even when affected by canker. It contains oak-galls, blacking, and myrrh, 4 grams each, aristolochia and split alum, 8 grams each, pomegranate-heads 100 grams, compounded with raisin wine, and when required for use dissolved in vinegar or wine, according as the disease to be treated is more severe or milder. But the following is appropriate for anal fissures, for bleeding piles, or for canker, verdigris 8 grams, myrrh 16 grams, gum 32 grams, frankincense 48 grams, antimony sulphide, poppy tears and acacia, 64 grams each. These are both pounded up in wine and for actual use are dissolved in the same. The following present is efficacious to expel stones from the bladder along with the urine; casia, crocus, myrrh, costmary, nard, cinnamon, liquorice root, balsamum and hypericum juice, equal parts; these are rubbed together, then mild wine is poured on, and pastils are made, each weighing 0·66 gram; one of them is given every morning on an empty stomach.
20. Pastilli quoque facultates diuersas habent. Sunt enim ad recentia uulnera glutinanda sanandaque apti; qualis est qui habet chalcitis, misy, spumae nitri, floris aeris, gallae, aluminis scissilis modice cocti, singulorum P. #1108 I; aeris combusti, capitulorum mali Punici, singulorum P. #1108 III. Hunc oportet diluere aceto, ⟨ac⟩ sic, ubi uulnus glutinandum est, inlin⟨e⟩re. At si neruosus aut muscolosus is locus est, commodius est cerato miscere, sic ut illius VIII partes, nona huius sit. Alius ad idem constat ex his: bituminis, aluminis scissilis, singulorum P. #1108 I; aeris combusti P. #1108 IIII; spumae argenti P. #1108 XI; olei sextari⟨o⟩. Sed longe Poly⟨i⟩di celeberrimus est, sphragis autem nominatur; qui habet aluminis scissilis P. #1108 I #1109; atramenti sutorii P. #1108 II; murrae P. #1108 V; aloes tantundem; capitulorum Punici mali, fellis taurini, singulorum P. #1108 VI; quae contrita uino austero excipiuntur. Ad ulcera sordida et nigritiem in auribus, naribus, obscenis partibus, inflammationesque eorum: chrysocollae P. #1108 I; atramenti sutori, aluminis scissilis, singulorum P. #1108 II; halicaccabi corticis P. #1108 IIII; mini P. #1108 VI; spumae argenti P. #1108 XII; cerussae P. #1108 XVI; quae ex aceto et coguntur et, ubi utendum est, diluuntur. Andronis uero est ad uuam inflammatam, ad naturalia sordida, etiam cancro laborantia: gallae, atramenti sutorii, murrae, singulorum P. #1108 I; aristolochiae, aluminis scissilis, singulorum P. #1108 II; capitul⟨orum⟩ Punici mali P. #1108 XXV; ex passo coacta, et cum usus exigit, aceto uel uino diluta, prout ualentius aut lenius uitium est, cui medendum est. Proprie autem ad ani fissa, uel ora uenarum fundentia sanguinem, uel cancrum: aeruginis P. #1108 II; murrae P. #1108 IIII; cummis P. #1108 VIII; turis P. #1108 XII; stibis, lacrimae papaveris, acaciae, singulorum P. #1108 XVI. Quae ex uino et teruntur et in ipso usu deliquantur. Expellere autem ex uesica cum urina calculum uidetur haec compositio: ca⟨s⟩iae, croci, murrae, costi, nardi, cinnamomi, dulcis radicis, balsami, hyperici pares portiones conteruntur, deinde uinum lene instillatur, et pastilli fiunt, qui singuli habeant P. #1108 #1109, hique singuli cotidie mane ieiuno dantur.
21. 21 These three classes of compositions —emollients, pastils and plasters — have very wide and varied uses. But there are other useful compositions, such as those which are introduced into women from below: the Greeks call them pessoi. Their characteristic is that the component medicaments are taken up in soft wool, and this wool is inserted into the genitals. A pessary for inducing menstruation contains soda 2·65 grams, added to two Caunean figs; or garlic seeds are pounded, a little myrrh added, and these are mixed with Susine lily ointment; or the pulp of a wild cucumber is diluted in woman's milk. To mollify the womb a yolk of egg, fenugreek, rose-oil and saffron are mixed together. Or elaterium 0·66 gram, the same quantity of salt, and black bryony berries 24 grams are taken up with honey. The pessary invented by Boethus consists of saffron and turpentine resin, 16 grams each, myrrh 1·33 grams, rose-oil 4 grams, calf's suet 4·66 grams, wax 8 grams, mixed together. But against inflammations of the womb, the composition of Numenius is the best; it consists of saffron 1 gram, wax 4 grams, butter 32 grams, goose-fat 48 grams, 2 yolks of egg boiled, and of rose-oil less than 40 cc. If the foetus is dead, to render its expulsion more easy, pomegranate rind should be rubbed up in water and so used. If a woman is liable to fits owing to genital disease, snails are to be burnt with their shells, and pounded up together; then honey added to them. If a woman does not conceive, lion's fat is to be softened by rose-oil.
21. Haec tria compositionum genera [id est, quae in malagmatibus, pastillis emplastrisque sunt] maximum praecipueque uarium usum praestant. Sed alia quoque utilia sunt, ut ea, quae feminis subiciuntur: PESSOS Graeci uocant. Eorum haec proprietas est: medicamenta composita molli lana excipiuntur, eaque lana naturalibus conditur. Ad sanguinem autem euocandum Cauneis duabus adicitur nitri P. #1108 S #1109; aut alii semen conteritur, adicitur murrae paululum, et unguento susino miscetur; aut cucumeris siluestris pars interior ex lacte muliebri diluitur. Ad uuluam molliendam oui uitellus et foenum Graecum et rosa et crocum temperantur. Aut elateri P. #1108 #1109; salis tantundem; uuae t⟨a⟩miniae P. #1108 VI melle excipiuntur. Aut Boetho auctore croci, resinae terebenthinae, singulorum P. #1108 IIII; murrae P. #1108 #1109 #1109; rosae P. #1108 I; sebi uitulini P. #1108 I #1109; cerae P. #1108 II miscentur. Optuma autem aduersus inflammationes uuluae Numenii compositio est, quae habet: croci P. #1108 #1109 #1110; cerae P. #1108 I; buturi P. #1108 VIII; adipis anserini P. #1108 XII; uitellos coctos duos, rosae minus cyatho. Si uero infans intus decessit, quo facilius eiciatur, mal⟨i⟩corium ex aqua terendum eoque utendum est. Si concidere uitio locorum mulier solet, cocleae cum testis suis comburendae conterendaeque, deinde his mel adiciendum est. Si non comprehendit, adeps leonina ex rosa mollienda est.
22. 22 Now, some mixtures of medicaments are used dry, without being combined, so that they are dusted or smeared on after some liquid has been mixed with them. Such is the present to eat away fungous flesh, which contains copper scales and frankincense soot, 4 grams each, verdigris 8 grams. But when combined with honey this compound cleans ulcers, when with wax it fills them up. Also antimony sulphide and oak-galls, if they are mixed in equal proportions, corrode flesh. We may either sprinkle this mixture on dry or take it up in cadmian ointment and smear it on. Honey mixed with lentils or with horehound or with olive leaves previously boiled in wine holds in check putrid flesh, prevents its further spread, and is a mild corrosive. The same is the action of melilot, boiled in honey wine, then pounded up; or lime with cerate; or bitter almonds with garlic in the proportion of three to one, with the addition of a little saffron. Or the composition containing litharge 24 grams, burnt ox-horn 48 grams, myrtle-oil and wine, 125 cc. of each. Or that mixture which consists of pomegranate flowers, blacking and lign-aloes, 8 grams each, split alum and frankincense 16 grams, oak-galls 32 grams, aristolochia 40 grams. Stronger as a corrosive is that compounded by calcining orpiment with copper ore, and with either soda or lime or burnt papyrus; salt with vinegar is similar. Or that composition which contains copper ore, pomegranate heads, lign-aloes, 8 grams each, split alum and frankincense, 16 grams each, oak-galls 32 grams, aristolochia 40 grams, with sufficient honey to combine them. An alternative is the composition containing cantharides 4 grams, sulphur 4 grams, darnel 12 grams, to which is added enough liquid pitch to combine them. Or also that composed of copper ore mixed with resin and rue; or slag similarly with resin; or black bryony berries with liquid pitch. The same property too belongs both to burnt wine-lees and lime and soda, equal parts, or to split alum, 1·33 grams, frankincense, sandarach and soda, 4 grams each, oak-galls 32 grams, aristolochia 40 grams, and as much honey as is required. There is also the compound of Heras which contains myrrh and copper ore, 8 grams each, lign-aloes, frankincense, split alum, 16 grams, aristolochia and immature oak-galls, 32 grams each, pomegranate rind pounded 40 grams. The compound of Iudaeus contains lime two parts; the reddest soda one part, mixed with the urine of a young boy to the consistency of strigil scrapings. But the place on which it is smeared should from time to time be moistened. Then the compound of Iollas consists of burnt papyrus and of sandarach, 4 grams each, lime 8 grams, mixed with the same quantity of orpiment. But if there is haemorrhage from the membrane covering the brain, a yolk of egg which has been charred and then pounded should be scattered on; for haemorrhage elsewhere orpiment and copper scales, 4 grams each, sandarach 8 grams, calcined marble 16 grams, should be dusted on. The same also checks canker. To induce scarifying, copper scales and frankincense soot, 8 grams each, lime 16 grams. The same also counters fungous flesh. Also Timaeus used the following for ignis sacer and for canker: myrrh 8 grams, frankincense and blacking, 12 grams each, sandarach, orpiment, copper scales, 16 grams each, oak-galls 24 grams, burnt white-lead 32 grams. This is either scattered on dry or has the same effect when taken up in honey. Sneezing too is excited by putting up the nose either white veratrum or soapwort; or the following mixture: pepper and white veratrum, 0·66 gram each, castoreum 1 gram, soda-scum 4 grams, soapwort 16 grams. Now gargles are used as emollients or as repres-sives or to draw out humour. As emollients, milk, pearl-barley or bran gruel; as repressants, a decoction of lentils or rose-leaves or blackberries or quinces or of dates. Mustard and pepper draw out humour.
22. Quaedam autem mixturae medicamentorum sunt, quibus ARIDIS neque coactis utimur, sic ut inspergamus, aut cum aliquo liquido mixta inlinamus. Quale est ad carnem supercrescentem exedendam, quod habet: squamae aeris, fuliginis turis, singulorum P. #1108 I; aeruginis P. #1108 II. Haec autem eadem cum melle purgant ulcera, cum cera inplent. Misy quoque et galla, si paribus portionibus misceantur, corpus consumunt; eaque uel arida inspergere licet uel excepta cadmia inlin⟨e⟩re. Putrem uero carnem continet neque ultra serpere patitur et leniter exest mel uel cum lenticula uel cum marrubio uel cum oleae foliis ante ex uino decoctis. Item sertula Campana in mulso cocta, deinde contrita; aut calx cum cerato; aut amarae nuces cum alio, sic ut huius pars tertia sit, paulumque his croci adiciatur. Aut quod habet spumae argenti P. #1108 VI; cornu bubuli combusti P. #1108 XII; olei murtei et uini cyathos ternos. Aut quod ex his constat: floris Punici mali, atramenti sutorii, aloes, singulorum P. #1108 II; aluminis scissilis, turis, singulorum P. #1108 IIII; gallae P. #1108 VIII; aristolochiae P. #1108 X. Vehementius idem facit etiam adurendo auripigmentum cum chalcitide et aut nitro aut calce aut charta combusta: item sal cum aceto. Vel ea compositio, quae habet: chalcitidis, capitulorum Punici mali, aloes, singulorum P. #1108 II; aluminis scissilis, turis, singulorum P. #1108 IIII; gallae P. #1108 VIII; aristolochiae P. #1108 X; mellis quantum satis sit ad ea cogenda. Vel cantharid⟨um P.⟩ #1108 I; sulpuris P. #1108 I; lolii P. #1108 III; quibus adicitur picis liquidae quantum satis est ad iungendum. Vel chalcitis quoque cum resina et ruta mixta; aut cum eadem resina diphryges; aut uua t⟨a⟩minia cum pice liquida. Idem uero possunt et faec⟨i⟩s uini combustae et calcis et nitri pares portiones; uel aluminis scissilis P. #1108 #1109 #1109; turis, sandaracae, nitri, singulorum P. #1108 I; gallae P. #1108 VIII; aristolochiae P. #1108 X; mellis quantum satis sit. Est etiam H⟨e⟩rae compositio, quae habet murrae, chalcitidis, singulorum P. #1108 II; aloe⟨s⟩, turis, aluminis scissilis, singulorum P. #1108 IIII; aristolochiae, gallae inmaturae, singulorum P. #1108 VIII; malicori contriti P. #1108 X. Est Iudaei, in qua sunt calcis partes duae; nitri quam ruberrumi pars tertia, quae urina inpuberis pueri coguntur, donec strigmenti crassitudo sit. Sed subinde is locus, cui id inlinitur, madefaciendus est. At Iollas chartae combustae, sandaracae, singulorum P. #1108 I; calcis P. #1108 II; auripigmenti tantundem miscebat. Si uero ex membrana, quae super cerebrum est, profluit sanguis, uitellus combustus et contritus inspergi debet: si alio loco sanguinis profluuium est, auripigmenti, squamae aeris, singulorum P. #1108 I; sandaracae P. ⟨#1108⟩ II; marmoris cocti P. #1108 IIII inspergi debet. Eadem cancro quoque obsistunt. Ad inducendam cicatricem: squamae aeris, turis fuliginis, singulorum P. #1108 II; calcis P. ⟨#1108⟩ IIII. Eadem increscentem quoque carnem coercent. Timaeus autem ad ignem sacrum, ad cancrum his utebatur: murrae P. #1108 II; turis, atramenti sutori, singulorum P. #1108 III; sandaracae, auripigmenti, squamae aeris, singulorum P. #1108 IIII; gallae P. #1108 VI; cerussae combustae P. #1108 VIII. Ea uel arida inspersa uel melle excepta idem praestant. Sternumenta uero uel albo ueratro uel struthio coiecto in nares excitantur, uel his mixtis: piperis, ueratri albi, singulorum P. #1108 #1109; castorei P. #1108 #1112; spumae nitri P. #1108 I; struthi P. ⟨#1108⟩ IIII. Gargarizationes autem aut leuandi causa fiunt aut reprimendi aut euocandi. Leuant lac, cremor uel tisanae uel furfurum: reprimit aqua, in qua uel lenticula uel rosa uel rubus uel Cotoneum malum uel palmulae decoctae sunt. Euocant sinapi, piper.
23. 23 Antidotes are seldom needed, but are at times important because they bring aid to the gravest cases. They are appropriately administered for bodily contusions, either from blows or in cases of a fall from a height, or for pain in the viscera, sides, fauces, or internal parts. But they are chiefly necessary against poisons introduced into our bodies through bites or food or drink. One consists of poppy-tears 0·66 gram, sweet flag and malabathrum, 20 grams each, Illyrian iris and gum, 8 grams each, anise 12 grams, Gallic nard, dried rose-leaves and cardamons, 16 grams each, parsley 16·66 grams (or trifolium 20 grams), black casia, seseli, bdellium, balsam seed, white pepper, 20·66 grams each, storax 20·66 grams, myrrh, opopanax, Syrian nard, male frankincense and hypocistis juice, 24 grams each, castoreum 24 grams, costmary, white pepper, galbanum, turpentine resin, crocus, flowers of round rush 25 grams, liquorice root 33 grams, which are taken up in honey or in raisin wine. Alternatively there is that which Zopyrus is said to have compose for a King Ptolemy, and to have called it ambrosia, consisting of the following: costmary and male frankincense, 1·33 grams each, white pepper 1 gram, flowers of round rush 8 grams, cinnamon 12 grams, black casia 16 grams, Cilician saffron 17 grams, myrrh called stacte 20 grams, Indian nard 21 grams. Each ingredient is ground up separately, and they are taken up in boiled honey; then at the time of using, a quantity the size of an Egyptian bean is dissolved in a draught of wine. But the most famous antidote is that of Mithridates, which that king is said to have taken daily and by it to have rendered his body safe against danger from poison. It contains costmary 1·66 grams, sweet flag 20 grams, hypericum, gum, sagapenum, acacia juice, Illyrian iris, cardamon, 8 grams each, anise 12 grams, Gallic nard, gentian root and dried rose-leaves, 16 grams each, poppy-tears and parsley, 17 grams each, casia, saxifrage, darnel, long pepper, 20·66 grams each, storax 21 grams, castoreum, frankincense, hypocistis juice, myrrh and opopanax, 24 grams each, malabathrum leaves 24 grams, flower of round rush, turpentine-resin, galbanum, Cretan carrot seeds, 24·66 grams each, nard and opobalsam, 25 grams each, shepherd's purse 25 grams, rhubarb root 28 grams, saffron, ginger, cinnamon, 29 grams each. These are pounded and taken up in honey. Against poisoning, a piece the size of an almond is given in wine. In other affections an amount corresponding in size to an Egyptian bean is sufficient.
23. ANTIDOTA raro sed praecipue interdum necessaria sunt, quia grauissimis casibus opitulantur. Ea recte quidem dantur conlisis corporibus, uel per ictus, uel ubi ex alto deciderunt, uel in uiscerum, laterum, faucium, interiorumque partium doloribus. Maxime autem desideranda sunt aduersus uenena, uel per morsus uel per cibos aut potiones nostris corporibus inserta. Unum est, quod habet lacrimae papaueris P. #1108 #1109; acori, malobathri P. #1108 V; iridis Illyricae, cummi, singulorum P. #1108 II; anesi P. #1108 III; nardi Gallici, foliorum rosae aridorum, cardamomi, singulorum P. #1108 IIII; petroselini P. ⟨#1108⟩ IIII #1109 (uel folii P. ⟨#1108⟩ V); casiae nigrae, silis, bdelli, balsami seminis, piperis albi, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ V #1109; styracis P. ⟨#1108⟩ V #1109; murrae, opopanacis, nardi Syri, turis masculi, hypocistidis suci, singulorum P. #1108 VI; castorei ⟨P.⟩ #1108 VI; costi, piperis albi, galbani, resinae terebenthinae, croci, floris iunci rotundi, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ VI #1109 #1110; dulcis radicis P. ⟨#1108⟩ VIII #1109 #1110; quae uel melle uel passo excipiuntur. Alterum, quod Zopyrus regi Ptolemaeo dicitur composuisse atque ambrosian nominasse, ex his constat: costi, turis masculi, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ #1109 #1109; piperis albi P. ⟨#1108⟩ #1109 #1110; floris iunci rotundi P. ⟨#1108⟩ II; cinnamomi P. ⟨#1108⟩ III; casiae nigrae P. ⟨#1108⟩ IIII; croci Cilici P. ⟨#1108⟩ IIII #1109 #1110; murrae, quam stacten nomina⟨n⟩t, P. ⟨#1108⟩ V; nardi Indici P. ⟨#1108⟩ V #1109 #1110. Quae singula contrita melle cocto excipiuntur; deinde ubi utendum est, id quod Aegyptiae fabae magnitudinem impleat, in potione uini diluitur. Nobilissimum autem est Mithridatis, quod cottidie sumendo rex ille dicitur aduersus uenenorum pericula tutum corpus suum reddidisse. In quo haec sunt: costi P. ⟨#1108⟩ #1109 #1109 #1110; acori P. ⟨#1108⟩ V; hyperici, cummi, sagapeni, acaciae suci, iridis Illyricae, cardamomi, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ II; anesi P. ⟨#1108⟩ III; nardi Gallici, gentianae radicis, aridorum rosae foliorum, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ IIII; papaueris lacrimae, petroselini, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ IIII #1109 #1110; casiae, silis, lolii, piperis longi, singulorum P. #1108 V #1109; styracis P. ⟨#1108⟩ V #1109 #1110; castorei, turis, hypocistidis suci, murrae, opopanacis, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ VI; malobathri folii ⟨P.⟩ #1108 VI; floris iunci rotundi, resinae terebenthinae, galbani, dauci Cretici seminis, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ VI #1109; nardi, opobalsami, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ VI #1109 #1110; th⟨l⟩aspis P. #1108 VI #1109 #1110; radicis Ponticae P. ⟨#1108⟩ VII; croci, zingiberis, cinnamomi, singulorum P. #1108 VII #1109 #1110. Haec contrita melle excipiuntur, et aduersus uenenum, quod magnitudinem nucis Graecae impleat, ex uino datur. In ceteris autem adfectibus corporis pro modo eorum uel quod Aegyptiae fabae uel quod erui magnitudinem impleat, satis est.
24. 24 Acopa again are useful for neuralgia. Of these there is one which consists of the flower of the round rush, 9·33 grams each, costmary, square rush, laurel berries, ammoniacum, cardamons, 17 grams each, myrrh and calcined copper 28 grams, Illyrian iris and wax 56 grams, Alexandrian flag, round rush, aspalathus and balsam wood, 112 grams each, suet 4 grams, iris ointment 42 cc. Another called euodes is prepared as follows: wax 84 grams, oil this quantity, and turpentine-resin, the size of a walnut, are boiled together, then pounded in a mortar, and into this is gradually dropped 63 cc. of the best honey, and then iris ointment and rose-oil, 125 cc. of each. Now enchrista is the Greek name for liquid applications. Of these one is used for cleaning and filling up ulcers, especially about sinews. It is composed of a mixture of each parts of butter, calf's marrow, calf's suet, goose-fat, wax, honey, turpentine-resin, rose-oil and castor-oil. This are all liquefied separately, then the liquids are mixed and stirred up together. And the above is more for cleaning up wounds; it is more of an emollient if instead of the rose-oil, cyprus-oil is poured in. And for ignis sacer litharge 24 grams, burnt ox-horn 48 grams, are rubbed together, adding by turns wine, especially that which is called sil, and myrtle-oil until 125 cc. of each is mixed in.
24. Acopa quoque utilia neruis sunt. Quale est, quod habet floris iunci rotundi P. ⟨#1108⟩ II #1109 #1109; costi, iunci quadrati, lauri bacarum, Hammoniaci, cardamomi, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ IIII #1109 #1110; murrae, aeris combusti, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ VII; iridis Illyricae, cerae, singulorum P. ⟨#1108⟩ XIIII; Alexandrini calami, iunci rotundi, aspal⟨a⟩thi, xylobalsami, singulorum P. #1108 XXVIII; sebi P. ⟨#1108⟩ I; unguenti irini cyathum. Alterum, quod euodes uocant, hoc modo fit: cerae P. #1109 #1110; olei tantundem; resinae terebenthinae ad nucis iuglandis magnitudinem simul incocuntur; deinde ⟨infusa⟩ in mortario teruntur, instillaturque subinde quam optumi mellis acetabulum, tum irini unguenti et rosae terni cyathi. Enchrista autem Graeci uocant liquida, quae inlinuntur. Quale est, quod fit ad ulcera purganda et inplenda, maxime inter neruos, paribus portionibus inter se mixtis: buturi, medullae ⟨uitulinae,⟩ sebi uitulini, adipis anserinae, cerae, mellis, resinae terebenthinae, rosae, olei cicini. Quae separatim omnia liquantur, deinde liquida miscentur, et tum simul teruntur. Et hoc quidem magis purgat: magis uero emollit, si pro rosa cyprus infunditur. ⟨Et⟩ ad sacrum ignem: spumae argenti P. #1108 VI; corn⟨u⟩ bubuli combusti P. #1108 XII conteruntur, adiciturque inuicem uinum et id quod specialiter sil uocatur, et murteum, donec utriusque terni cyathi coiciantur.