SECT. LV.—ON ANCYLOSIS.
Contractions of joints arising from impacted humours, or some nervous tension, we are accustomed to call ancylæ and ancylosis, which cases require emollient and relaxing applications. Wherefore, in general, those things recommended for scirrhous parts, but still more particularly the applications to paralysed members will be proper, and more especially pouring upon the part water and oil, in which linseed, fenugreek, marshmallows, bay, the root of the wild cucumber, and the Sicyonian oil itself, have been boiled. After bathing we may apply first the more simple acopa, such as that from poplar, that from fir, the one called bromium, that ascribed to Basilius, and the pyxis; and after these the Aristophanian, and that ascribed to Azanites. But the strongest are those called lysoponium and varium. Of plasters, that ascribed to Amathaon, and the anicetum. This is a most excellent one: Of bdellium, of calves’ fat, of ammoniac perfume, of Illyrian iris, of each, dr. xvj; of opoponax, of galbanum, of the seeds of rosemary, of storax, of frankincense, of each, dr. viij; of pepper, clx grains; of wax, lb. ss.; of turpentine-rosin, lb. ss.; of the lees of the oil of iris, q. s.; of wine, q. s.; the medicine is pounded. It forms a good acopum when diluted with oil of iris, of privet, or of bay. Intermediate between the acopa and plasters is the preparation from bacon called polymigmaton. The acopa are to be used with soft and continued friction, along with gentle attempts to bend and stretch the affected joint.
Commentary. The principles of treatment here laid down are the same as those inculcated by all the other authorities. For a complete account of the formation of malagmata, we refer the reader to Galen (Med. sec. gen. vii), and to Aëtius (xii, 42.)
Actuarius recommends an acopum composed of old oil, the oils of bay, iris, and storax, with turpentine, spurge, castor, ammoniac, pepper, opoponax, galbanum, and stag’s marrow. He remarks that emollient and relaxing medicines are indicated. (iv, 16.)
Celsus recommends, “ad recenti vulnere contractos articulos, quas ἀγκυλας Græci nominant,” a malagma consisting of frankincense, rosin, galbanum, ammoniac, and bdellium, with wax. (v, 18.) Avicenna makes mention of a similar one. Scribonius Largus gives a prescription for ancylosis consisting of bdellium, opoponax, ammoniac, galbanum, calves’ fat, &c. (civ.)