[p. 349]pushed up the anus, apply
to it a soft sponge, moistened with hot water in which the shavings
of lotus have been boiled; pour of this decoction upon the anus by
squeezing the sponge, then, bringing the shawl below between the legs,
fasten it at the navel. But if he wish to evacuate the bowels, let
him do so upon a very narrow night-stool. Or, if the patient be a
child, let him be placed on the feet of a woman, with his back reclined
to her knees, and when the bowels are evacuated, let the legs be extended.
In this way the anus will be the least disposed to fall out. When
a watery and ichorous discharge flows from the rectum, wash it out
with burnt lees of wine, and water from myrtle, and having dried maiden-hair,
pound and sift it, and apply as a cataplasm. But if there be a discharge
of blood, having washed with the same, and pounded chalcitis, and
the shavings of cypress, or of juniper, or of stone-pine, or of turpentine,
the in equal proportions the apply as a cataplasm. Anoint the external
parts with thick cerate.
Part 9
When the gut protrudes and will not remain in its place, scrape the
finest and most compact silphium (assafoetida?) into small pieces
and apply as a cataplasm, and apply a sternutatory medicine to the
nose and provoke sneezing, and having moistened pomegranate rind with
hot water, and having powdered alum in white wine, pour it on the
gut, then apply rags, bind the thighs together for three days, and
let the patient fast, only he may drink sweet wine. If even thus matters
do not proceed properly, having mixed vermillion with honey, anoint.
Part 10
If procidentia ani be attended with a discharge of blood, pare off
the rind of the root of wakerobin, then pound and mix flour with it,
and apply it warm as a cataplasm. Another: Having scraped off the
rind of the most tender roots of the wild vine, which some call psilothrion,
boil in a dark austere wine undiluted; then having pounded, apply
as a tepid cataplasm; but mix also flour and stir it up with white
wine and oil in a tepid state. Another:-Having pounded the seed of
hemlock, pour on it a fragrant white wine, and then apply in a tepid
state as a cataplasm.
Part 11
But if it be inflamed, having boiled in water the root of the
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