Greek, πολυποξύστης.
Galen (Med. Sec. Loc. xii. 685) alludes to the method of extraction of polypus from the nose by means of a forceps (ἔπειτα λαβιδίῳ ἐξαίρει), and from what Paul says it would seem that there was a special polypus instrument, consisting of a forceps at one end and a rugine at the other. After describing extraction by means of a knife and scoop he says:
‘If, however, any part of the tumour be left behind, we take another polypus eradicator (ἕτερον πολυποξύστην), and with the end of it (ἐπάκμου αὐτοῦ ξυστηρίου) bring away what remains, by stretching, twisting, and scraping it strongly.’
Ξυστήριον means a small rugine, but stretching and twisting can only be done with a forceps. Rare as the combination of an antique forceps with another instrument is, we have one example of the combination of a rugine and a forceps, and, as it is admirably adapted for the extraction of nasal polypus, I think we are quite justified in considering it to be the instrument indicated by Paul. This instrument was found in the grave of the Paris surgeon. It is elegantly formed and is of one piece of bronze sawn down the middle. The upper part is surmounted by a rugine strongly curved, pointed at the tip and cutting on one edge. The rugine measures 3 cm. in length, and 5 mm. in breadth (Deneffe, Tr. d’un Chir., pl. v, fig. 1) ([Pl. XXVII, fig. 1]).
Tumour Vulsellum (Myzon).
Greek, μύδιον, μύγδιον, σαρκολαβίς, σαρκολάβος; Latin, myzon, sarcolabon, vulsella.
The form vulsellum has got so well established by usage in modern medical writings that it would seem pedantic to write ‘vulsella forceps’, but so far as I am aware it is not a form which has any classical authority. The classical usage is vulsella, -ae, feminine. I shall follow custom and use the modern term when using it as an English word.
The myzon, or tumour forceps, was a toothed instrument of the dissecting forceps type. Ducange says it takes its name from the shells which are called μυτίλοι, vulgo μύδια (mussels). It was used whenever it was desired to make traction on any object—such as a tumour—to excise it, or to raise and fix a piece of skin. Aetius (xvi. 106) says:
Μυδίῳ πλατυστόμῳ συλλαβὼν τὴν νύμφην διὰ τῆς εὐωνύμου χειρὸς ἀποτεινέτω τῇ δὲ δεξιᾷ ἀποτεμνέτω παρὰ τοὺς ὀδόντας τοῦ μυδίου.
‘Seizing the clitoris with a broad jawed vulsellum in the left hand, put it on the stretch, and with the right cut it off close to the teeth of the instrument.’