OF THE SWELLED TESTICLE.
The swelled testicle may either proceed from infection lately contracted, or from the venereal poison lurking in the body; the latter indeed is not very common, but the former frequently happens both in the first and second stages of a gonorrhœa; particularly when the running is unseasonably checked, by cold, hard drinking, strong drastic purges, violent exercise, the too early use of astringent medicines, or the like.
In the inflammatory stage, bleeding is necessary, which must be repeated according to the urgency of the symptoms.[[5]] The food must be light, and the drink diluting. High-seasoned food, flesh, wines, and every thing of a heating nature, are to be avoided. Fomentations are of singular service. Poultices of bread and milk, softened with fresh butter or oil, are likewise very proper, and ought constantly to be applied when the patient is in bed; when he is up the testicles should be kept warm, and supported by a suspensory, which may easily be contrived in such a manner as to prevent the weight of the testicle from having any effect.
[5]. I have been accustomed for some time past to apply leeches to inflamed testicles, which practice has always been followed with the most happy effects.
If it should be found impracticable to clear the testicle by the cooling regimen now pointed out, and extended according to circumstances, it will be necessary to lead the patient through such a complete antivenereal course as shall ensure him against any future uneasiness. For this purpose, besides rubbing the mercurial ointment on the thighs as directed in the gonorrhœa, the patient must be confined to bed, if necessary, for five or six weeks, suspending the testicle, all the while, with a bag or truss, and plying him inwardly with strong decoctions of sarsaparilla.
When these means do not succeed, and there is reason to suspect a scrofulous or cancerous habit, either of which may support a schirrous induration, after a venereal poison is corrected, the parts should be fomented daily with a decoction of hemlock, the bruised leaves of which may likewise be added to the poultice, and the extract at the same time taken inwardly.[[6]] This practice is strongly recommended by Dr. Storck in schirrous and cancerous cases; and Mr. Fordyce assures us, that by this method he has cured diseased testicles of two or three years standing, even when ulcerated, and when the schirrous had begun to be affected with pricking and lancing pains.
[6]. The extract of hemlock may be made into pills, and taken in the manner directed under the article Cancer.