The Plague of Lust, Vol. 2 (of 2): Being a History of Venereal Disease in Classical AntiquityRosenbaum, Julius
History
The Plague of Lust, Vol. 2 (of 2): Being a History of Venereal Disease in Classical Antiquity
Rosenbaum, Julius
Sexually transmitted diseases -- History
In accordance with these varying factors did the _treatment of ulcers
of the genitals_ vary, though without any universally recognized
special distinction from that adopted for ulcers in general.
Speaking generally, purgings by the rectum are not indicated; but
preferably in affections of the genitals revulsory treatment by
emetics is employed.[352] If blood-letting is resorted to, it must
be either in the hollow of the knee or at the ankle.[353] As to local
measures, fatty matters according to _Antyllus_ are not good for the
genitals,[354] whereas astringents and desiccatives are beneficial,
if that is to say the phlegmonous condition is absent.[355] On the
contrary if the latter is found, this must in the first place be
combated, then a mixture applied consisting of sifted resin and
pounded cumin, or alternatively a poultice of barley-meal, hydromel
and vine-leaves reduced to a pulp, or else cumin with butter and
tree-resin.[356] Above all Galen[357] recommended in the early stages
before the appearance of an eating or phagedenic ulcer (κατὰ τῶν ἐν
αἰδοίοις φλεγμονῶν ἐν ἀρχῇ, πρὶν ὑποφαίνεσθαι τινα νομώδη σηπέδονα,—in
phlegmonous affections of the privates at the commencement, before any
eating ulceration appear) a _ceratum rosaceum_ (wax-salve of roses),
the preparation of which he gives _in extenso_, and Aëtius copying
from him; its activity is enhanced by the addition of a little _oleum
sabinum_ (Sabine oil). If the ulcers are complicated with _swelling_,
a compound of white-lead (ψιμύθιον) and triturated vine-leaves is
applied,[358] sea-water compresses,[359] or poultices of boiled lentils
and pomegranate rind.[360] For _painful_ ulcers pompholyx (flowers of
zinc)[361] was particularly recommended, or a decoction of linseed
with the addition of myrrh; also woman’s milk may be advantageously
used as well,[362] especially with the addition of _anodynes_, and
above all pompholyx or flowers of zinc. _Paulus Aegineta_ (loco citato)
prescribed the application of butter and resin melted together in
equal parts, or linseed ground up with myrrh and resin. In _raw_ and
_dry_ ulcers of the genitals the aloe was very generally prescribed;
it was powdered and sprinkled over the sore,[363] or if a phlegmonous
condition was already established, dissolved in water.[364] In the
second case _Oribasius_[365] prescribed likewise the use of lead,—and
indeed it was a usual recommendation with regard to most of the
recognized remedies that they should be pounded and triturated in
leaden mortars with leaden pestles.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account