SECT. LVII.—ON CIRCUMCISION.
We do not treat at present of those who are circumcised in conformity to a heathen rite, but of those in whom the prepuce has become black from some affection of the privy part. In such cases, it becomes necessary to cut off the blackened portion all around; and afterwards we must have recourse to the squama æris, with honey, or to pomegranate-rind and tare, in the form of those applications which are made upon a pledget. And if there be a hemorrhage, we must use lunated cauteries, which contribute to two good purposes: I mean the stoppage of the bleeding and of the spreading sore. But if the whole glans be consumed, having introduced a leaden tube into the urethra, we direct the patients to make water through it.
Commentary. See a similar description in Albucasis. (Chirurg. ii, 57.) Albucasis describes the mode of performing the operation on boys, as a rite of the Jewish religion. He directs the prepuce to be cut with a pair of scissors, and the part allowed to bleed freely. From the manner in which he expresses himself respecting the operation, there can be no doubt that he was a Jew, and it is equally clear that our author was a Pagan.
Fabricius ab Aquapendente describes a similar operation. (Œuv. Chirurg. ii, 64.) Guido de Cauliaco directs us to draw the prepuce forwards, and cut it off; after which the bleeding is to be stopped with powders, or the cautery. (vi, 2.)