[p. 347]liable to rot. When the fistula has sloughed through, a soft
sponge is to be cut into very slender pieces and applied, and then
the flowers of copper, roasted, are to be frequently applied with
a director; and the sponge smeared with honey is to be introduced
with the index finger of the left hand, and pushed forward; and another
bit of added, it is to be bound on in the same manner as in the operation
for hemorrhoids. Next day, having loosed the bandages, the fistula
is to be washed with hot water, and cleansed, as far as possible,
with the finger of the left hand by means of the sponge, and again
the flos aeris is to be applied. This is to be done for seven days,
for generally the coat of the fistula takes that time to fistula takes
that time to slouch through. The same mode of bandaging is to be persevered
in afterwards, until the cure be completed. For in this way, the fistula
being forcibly expanded by the sponge will not fill up and heal unequally,
but it will all become whole together. During the treatment, the part
should be bathed with plenty of warm water, and the patient kept on
a spare diet.
Part 5
When the fistula does not get eaten through, having first examined
it with a sound, cut down as far as it passes, and sprinkle with the
flos aeris, and let it remain for five days. Then pour warm water
upon it, and above lay flour mixed with water, and bind on it the
leaves of beet. When the flos aeris comes away, and the fistulous
sore becomes clean, cure it as before described. But if the fistula
be in a part which does not admit of this treatment, and if it be
deep, syringe it with the flowers of copper, and myrrh, and natron,
diluted with urine, and introduce a piece of lead into the orifice
of the fistula so that it may not close. Syringe the fistula by means
of a quill attached to a bladder, so that the injection may distend
the fistula. But it does not heal unless it be cut open.
Part 6
If the anus gets inflamed, and there is pain, fever, a frequent desire
of going to stool without passing anything, and the anus appears to
protrude, owing to the inflammation, and if at times strangury come
on, this disease is formed, when phlegm, collected from the whole
body, is determined to the rectum. Warm things are beneficial in this
case; for these, when applied, can attenuate
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