Oribasius is the ancient author who discusses this subject at the greatest length, and to him Paulus is principally indebted. He mentions that cupping instruments are made of glass, horn, or copper. Those of silver, he says, are to be rejected; those of copper are in most general use; those of glass answer best when we wish to see the quantity of blood that flows into the instrument; and those of horn are to be applied to the head because copper ones are difficult to remove; and besides, timid persons are afraid of the flame in such cases. Those which are made deep attract more strongly than such as are shallow; instruments of the latter description are to be applied to the head. Before using them he recommends us to warm the part with fomentations and cataplasms. Upon the authority of Herodotus he enumerates the beneficial effects which may be derived from cupping; such as evacuating the matters fixed in the part, diminishing inflammation, recalling the appetite, strengthening the stomach, determining to the surface, provoking menstruation, and so forth. (Med. Coll. vii.) Aëtius gives a similar but less copious account of this subject. (iii.) Actuarius forbids us to apply cupping instruments until after general evacuation, when, he says, they will be useful by producing revulsion of the noxious humours. He also approves of cupping for strengthening the stomach when it has lost its tone, and to discuss flatulence in the bowels. (Meth. Med. iii, 4.) Albucasis gives a most circumstantial and interesting account of the methods of cupping every part of the body. He particularly recommends cupping the nape of the neck in affections of the brain and eyes. He gives a full account of dry cupping. He recommends it to be applied when the disease is seated in places which do not bear cupping with scarifications, such as the region of the liver and spleen, the kidneys, the bowels, and the joints affected with gout. In applying the instrument he directs us either to create a flame in it, or to fill it with hot water. He gives drawings of various instruments for cupping. (Chirurg. ii, 98.) He also treats fully of leeching, which, however, he recommends only in cases in which the cupping instrument cannot be applied. When the bleeding continues longer than is desired, he directs a piece of cloth soaked in cold water to be applied to the place, or if that does not prove effectual, styptics, such as galls, beans without their skins, and the like. When the leeches will not take, the place is to be smeared with fresh blood. When it is desired to make them drop off, powdered aloes, salts, or ashes are to be sprinkled upon them. (ii. 99.) Haly Abbas gives an ample enumeration of the cases in which cupping is applicable. He recommends it particularly in such cases as do not admit of general bleeding, for ophthalmies, cynanche, and in an especial manner for amenorrhœa, when it is applied to the breasts.