'It is necessary to insert a leaden tube, similar in shape to the largest dilator but hollow so as to contain substances, and the width of the bore will be the same as that used for ulcers, in order that the mouth of the tent may be smooth and do no damage, and it will be prepared like the wooden dilators. When the tent has been prepared fill it with rubbed down mutton fat, and when ready extract the wooden dilator and insert the leaden one.' This leaden dilator is referred to over and over again by Hippocrates. There are in the Naples Museum three of these metal tubes. They are of bronze. One is 18 cm. long, 14 mm. wide at one end, narrowing gradually to 6 mm. at the point (Pl. XXXIX, fig. 1). _Calamus Scriptorius._ Greek, γραφικὸς κάλαμος; Latin, _calamus scriptorius_. The writing pen reed is frequently referred to as an implement of minor surgery. Alexander Trallianus (IV. viii) says that a calamus scriptorius whose joints have been removed may be used as an insufflator. Celsus (VII. v) says that when a weapon buried in the flesh has barbs too strong to be broken with forceps they may be shielded with split writing reeds, and the weapon thus withdrawn: Fissis scriptoriis calamis contegenda, ac, ne quid lacerent, sic evellenda sunt. Paul says 'Some apply a tube (καλαμίσκον) round about the barbs' (VI. lxxxviii). Celsus (III) mentions a narrow tube of this sort for drinking water through in cases of nocturnal thirst. Paul (VI. xxiv and III. xxiii) says that foreign bodies may be sucked from the ear with a reed. _Quill._ Greek, πτίλον. Galen (x. 1011) says that warts may be extracted by means of quills of feathers. Paul quotes this (VI. lxxxvii): 'Some, among whom are Galen, advise us to scarify round the wart with the quill of a hard feather, such as those of old geese or of eagles, and to push it down so as to remove the wart from its roots. Others do the same with a copper or iron tube.' Aretaeus says a quill may be used for blowing powder into the pharynx (408, vol. ii). CHAPTER VII CAUTERIES _Cautery._ Greek, καυτήριον, καυτήρ, καυτηρίδιον σιδήρεον; Latin, _Ferrum candens_.