Weasel’s dung, ashes of, cautery.—(Idem.)
Pigeon’s-dung, ashes of, cautery.—(Idem.)
Poultry-dung and pigeon’s dung, externally, old cicatrices.—(Idem, c. 40.)
Sheep’s dung, externally, female complaints.—(Idem, c. 43.)
Mouse-dung, externally, swelled breasts.—(Idem.)
EXTRACTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF DIOSCORIDES.
Dioscorides devotes a chapter to the medicinal values of different ordures; a condensation only of the translation need be given, since the original is inserted.
The fresh dung of domestic cattle was considered good for inflamed wounds; for pains at extremity of spine; and, when made into a plaster with oil, it dissolved glandular and scrofulous swellings and tumors. The dung of bulls was a remedy for falling of the womb; when drunk with wine, was frequently given as a remedy in epilepsy; used also in the cure of suppressed menstruation and to expel the fœtus in retarded delivery; administered in menstrual hemorrhages; for the alleviation of gout in the feet, serpent bites, erysipelas, etc. Goat and sheep dung was used for the same purposes.
Dried goat-dung, drunk in wine, checked hemorrhages, as did that of asses and horses. The dung of grass-fed kine taken in wine for scorpion bites.
Dove and poultry dung given to break up the old sores and scrofulous swellings.