For pernio, Aëtius gives a long list of applications, several of which are copied by our author. The ordinary ingredients of them are stimulants and astringents. The following may be pointed out as likely to be useful: Aluminis scissi, dr. x; lithargyri, dr. iv; myrrhæ, dr. j; ovorum albumina duo; vino et oleo myrteo; m. Aëtius also gives a variety of prescriptions for fissures and the other complaints of the feet.
The turnip is mentioned by Pliny as an application to chilblains. See also Galen (de Optima Secta, 16.)
Octavius Horatianus lays down very judicious rules for the treatment of these complaints. His applications, however, are much the same as our author’s. Thus, for chilblains, he recommends fomentations with salt water, or the decoction of beet, containing also alum; after which the part is to be anointed with melted wax. He also mentions, as proper applications, galls pounded with vinegar; a mixture of wax and melted pitch; a cataplasm of boiled lentils; the grease of geese, with wax and oil, applied in a tepid state; and the like. When ulcerated, he directs us to apply an ointment of litharge and axunge. For fissures he particularly recommends liquid pitch; or litharge mixed with ceruse, alum, and wine. When hairs are troublesome, they are to be cleared away with a fine piece of iron.
For fissures Rhases recommends the fat of a cock with galls. Alsaharavius lays down the rules for treating chilblains in all their stages with great precision. If the parts become red or black, he recommends us to make deep scarifications with a scalpel; after which the foot is to be put into hot water and allowed to bleed freely. His dressings are similar to those of the others. Haly’s treatment is like our author’s.
SECT. LXXX.—FOR CORNS AND CALLOUS FLESH.
Having first cleaned the corns, apply one of the septics, either verdigris, red arsenic, the powder for fistulæ, or the collyrium for fistulæ instead of gum mixed with ammoniac. A corn is a white circular body like the head of a nail, forming in all parts of the body, but more especially on the soles of the feet and toes. It may be removed in the course of some time by paring away the prominent part of the corn constantly with a scalpel, or rubbing it down with pumice. The same thing may be done with callus. The ashes of unripe lupines burnt, and mixed with honey, are of use; or misy added to liquid pitch; or gith, with the urine of a boy not come to puberty; or bean-meal boiled with vinegar. And this is an application of approved efficacy for the same purpose: Of cantharides, of copperas, of castor, equal parts; mix with turpentine until it become of the consistence of a plaster, and apply to the corn previously cleaned all around.—Another: Of burnt lees of wine, of quicklime, of mistletoe, equal parts, with strained lye, or the urine of a boy not come to puberty.
Commentary. Aëtius delivers the treatment of corns fully, but his remedies, although similar to those of our author, are not of such ready application.
Celsus says that, by simply paring corns, the part may often be softened. Afterwards rosin mixed with a small quantity of the lapis molaris may be applied.
Avicenna states that, when the disease is not cured, it may end in cancer. Marcellus directs us to pare corns, and apply to them a composition of arsenic and turpentine rosin.
For corns Rhases recommends a composition of red arsenic, quicklime, quicksilver killed, with the ashes of acorns (impure potash?) and oil. He also joins Galen in recommending a composition of cantharides and arsenic. For the callus he recommends the juice of figs and of spurge. (Contin. xxxvi.)