If dispersion does not follow and the matter has collected in greater quantities, then the most elevated spot, the same where the skin is the thinnest, should be opened. Should a part of the skin be discoloured, it must be cut away. Some advise always cutting out a piece in the shape of a myrtle-leaf, others make very long incisions; but this not only causes a disfiguring scar, but often also interferes with the movement of the part. As a general rule a single incision is sufficient, which should be made diagonally across the inguinal region, not parallel with the direct diameter of the thigh, as then the edges are brought actually into contact when the limb bends.[413] After the opening of the abscess, it should be treated by preference with finely sifted frankincense, as should all forms of ulcer. We may mention further that according to Sextus Placitus Papyriensis[414] the wearing of a stag’s genitals was considered a _prophylactic_ against buboes. 6. Exanthemata on the Genitals. Long ago _Hensler_ endeavoured in the Graduation Theme of his mentioned in the list of Historical Authorities to prove that certain eruptions occurring on the genitals were communicated and acquired as the result of coition. In particular did this apply above all to _herpes_ (creeping eruption), under which name must be understood, as is distinctly implied in a passage of _Galen_,[415] a form of eruption accompanied by ulceration. It is true the passages of _Hippocrates_[416] cited by Hensler in regard to the _herpes esthiomenos_ (eating herpes) would appear to be open to some doubt and obscurity, while the interpretations given by _Pollux_ (Onomast. IV. 25. 191.) _φλυκτίς_, φλύκταινα ἐπιμήκες, μάλιστα περὶ βουβῶνας καὶ μασχάλας. _φύγεθλον_, φῦμα περὶ βουβῶνα μετὰ πυρετοῦ, (φλυκτίς, a long-shaped blister, particularly in the groin and armpits. φύγεθλον, a tumour in the groin accompanied by fever) refer probably only to bubonic swellings; still these objections hardly apply to the φύματα (swellings) described in § 32,—the less so as _Celsus_ himself (VI. 18.) explains: “Tubercula etiam, quae φύματα Graeci vocant, _circa glandem_ oriuntur, quae vel medicamentis vel ferro aduruntur; et cum crustae exciderunt, squama aeris inspergitur, ne quid ibi rursus increscat;” (Tuberculous swellings also, which the Greeks call φύματα, arise _about the glans penis_, and are burned away either by caustic drugs or by the actual cautery. Afterwards when the scabs have fallen off, the sore is dusted with slag of bronze, to prevent any second growth later on). Moreover it is possible the passage of _Galen_,[417] πρὸς δὲ τὰ ἐν αἰδοίοις φυόμενα ἀπίου σπέρμα ἐπίπασσε καὶ τραγείᾳ χολῇ περιχρῖε. (But for growths on the privates sprinkle pear-juice and rub in goat’s gall) may refer to these cases, though no doubt it may also be held to apply to the tubercles occurring in the female vagina (§ 41,—3. B.).