Our author’s description of the operation for keeping the prepuce separated from the glans, by means of a leaden tube, is mostly taken from Galen. (Meth. Med. xiv, 16.) SECT. LVI.—ON ADHESION OF THE PREPUCE TO THE GLANS. When there has been a previous ulceration about the glans, or prepuce, an adhesion of the one part to the other takes place. We must, therefore, dissect around, as far as may be, endeavouring to separate the adhesion with the point of a scalpel, or of a polypus knife, and more especially to free the glans completely from the prepuce, to which it adheres; but, if this be found difficult, we must rather add of the glans to the prepuce with which it is united, than contrariwise; for the prepuce, being thin, is readily perforated. After the disengagement of the adhesion, a thin cloth, dipped in cold water, is to be placed between the glans and the prepuce, that no adhesion may again take place, and the parts are to be healed with some astringent wine. * * * * * COMMENTARY. Albucasis describes the operation in exactly the same terms. (Chirurg. ii, 56.) SECT. LVII.—ON CIRCUMCISION. We do not treat at present of those who are circumcised in conformity to a heathen rite, but of those in whom the prepuce has become black from some affection of the privy part. In such cases, it becomes necessary to cut off the blackened portion all around; and afterwards we must have recourse to the squama æris, with honey, or to pomegranate-rind and tare, in the form of those applications which are made upon a pledget. And if there be a hemorrhage, we must use lunated cauteries, which contribute to two good purposes: I mean the stoppage of the bleeding and of the spreading sore. But if the whole glans be consumed, having introduced a leaden tube into the urethra, we direct the patients to make water through it. * * * * * COMMENTARY. See a similar description in Albucasis. (Chirurg. ii, 57.) Albucasis describes the mode of performing the operation on boys, as a rite of the Jewish religion. He directs the prepuce to be cut with a pair of scissors, and the part allowed to bleed freely. From the manner in which he expresses himself respecting the operation, there can be no doubt that he was a Jew, and it is equally clear that our author was a Pagan. Fabricius ab Aquapendente describes a similar operation. (Œuv. Chirurg. ii, 64.) Guido de Cauliaco directs us to draw the prepuce forwards, and cut it off; after which the bleeding is to be stopped with powders, or the cautery. (vi, 2.) SECT. LVIII.—OF THYMI ON THE PENIS.