But if there be a blackness, which does not yet spread, such applications must be used, as will gently eat away the putrid flesh; and the ulcer being thus cleansed, must be dressed in the same manner as others. If it be more putrid, and already begins to advance and spread, there is a necessity for stronger corrosives. If even these do not overcome it, the part must be cauterized, till no moisture flow from it; for whatever is sound, is dry when it is burnt. After the burning of a putrid ulcer, such applications must be used, as may separate the sloughs from the quick part; the Greeks call them apescharotica[EV]. When they have fallen off, the ulcer must be cleansed, particularly with honey and resin; but it may be cleansed also by those things with which purulent ulcers are dressed, and healed up by the like methods. [EV] ἀπεσχαρωτικὰ. [Sidenote: _Of a gangrene._] It is not very difficult to cure a gangrene, if it has not got full possession, but is only beginning, especially in a young person: and easier still, if the muscles are sound; or if the nerves are either untouched, or but slightly affected; and no large joint laid bare; or there be but little flesh in that part, and consequently not much to putrify, and if the disorder is confined to one place, which chiefly happens in a finger. In such a case the first thing to be done, if the strength will allow, is to let blood: after that, to cut through to the sound flesh, whatever is dry, which by a kind of tension is uneasy to the contiguous parts. While the disorder is spreading, no suppurating medicines are to be applied; and for that reason not so much as warm water. Ponderous medicines also, although they be repellent, are hurtful; but the lightest of that nature are required; and over the parts, which are inflamed, coolers must be applied. If the disease is not stopped by these, so much as is betwixt the sound and corrupted parts, ought to be cauterized.