THE LOEB CLASSICAL LIBRARY
FOirNDED BY JAMES LOEB, LL.D.
EDITED BY
fT. E, PAGE, C.H., LITT.D.
tE. CAPPS, PH.D., LL.D. tW. H. D. ROUSE, litt.d.
L. A. POST, L.H.D. E. H. WARMINGTON, m.a., f.b.hist.soc.
CELSUS
CELSUS
DE MEDICINA
WITH AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY
W. G. SPENCER
M3. LOND., F.R.C.S. ENQ.
IN THREE VOLUMES
U
LONDON
WILLIAM HEINEMANN LTD
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS
HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESS
MOMLXI
First pritUed 1938
Reprinted 1953, 1961
Printed in Great Britain
CONTENTS
PAGE
rNTRODUCTION Vli
LISTS OF MEDICAMENTA XV
WEIGHTS, MEASURES, SYMBOLS iXV
BOOK V 1
BOOK VI 177
•^
INTRODUCTION
Book V, Chapters 1-25, contains a list of drugs and
prescriptions." Celsus does not classify the in-
gredients as organic or inorganic, but he first gives a
list of substances classified according to their effect on
the body (styptics, agglutinants for wounds, sub-
stances to repress or mature suppuration, to cleanse
wounds, induce healing, relieve irritation and en-
courage the growth of new flesh, caustics of varying
strengths, and emollients), and then passes on to give
the prescriptions for poultices, plasters, pastils,
pessaries, dusting powders, ointments, gargles,
antidotes, anodynes, liniments, draughts and pills.
In his prescriptions Celsus gives quantities, which
have been reduced to modern measures,* but as we
have no means of ascertaining the standard strength
of the preparations which he used, it is impossible to
dispense his prescriptions or compare them with those
in use to-day.
The internal remedies prescribed by Celsus were
chiefly foods or drink (alimenta), and he gives details
of their use and effect on the body in Book II,
" A few additional prescriptions occur in the description of
treatment in Books VI and VII; in Books I-IV, although
many foodstuffs or drugs are recommended for use in various
diseases, no instructions for compounding are given.
* See below, pp. Ixv-lxvii.
vii
INTRODUCTION
chapter 18 fF.," but when the medicamenta proper are
described in Book V it is noteworthy that very few
are for internal use, and that nearly all are for external
application. In the same way in the treatments
described in Books I and II, much more attention is
given to massage, rocking and remedial exercise *
than to internal treatment by the purge and vomit,
as to the value of which Celsus was very doubtful/
The preference for external remedies was perhaps
due to the limited use of dissection, which resulted in
a very imperfect knowledge of anatomy and internal
conditions, so that Celsus and his contemporaries
inclined to prescribe remedies, the results of which
could be seen. While in Egypt the practice of
embalming had early made men familiar with internal
anatomy and the Alexandrian surgeons used dis-
section of dead bodies and vivisection for purposes of
study and investigation,'^ both methods were strongly
condemned by the Empiric school, to whose views
Celsus attaches great weight,^ and evidently became
gradually discredited, for when Galen studied at
Alexandria in a.d. 152-157, he had no opportunity of
studying human anatomy or morbid conditions by
means of dissection. The prejudice against this con-
" See also vol. I, p. 483 ff. for a list of alimenta. Alimenta
and medicamenta overlapped to some extent and several of the
former {e.g. honey, mustard) were ingredients or prescriptions
for external use.
* These formed a very important part of medicine from the
earhest times ; the use of remedial exercises as a treatment is
said to have been introduced by Herodicus, the teacher of
Hippocrates.
' Vol. I, Pro. 28 ff.
* Celsus relates that the Ptolemies gave Herophilus and
Erasistratus the bodies of criminals to vivisect (Pro. 23, 24).
* Pro. 27 ff. The school was founded by Philinus.
viii
INTRODUCTION
tinued during the succeeding centuries and contributed
to keep these methods of study in abeyance, and it was
not until the renaissance, when they were revived by
painters and sculptors eager to regain the standard
of Art which had been reached in ancient Greece, that
they again became the basis of medical training.
The conclusion reached by Celsus himself is that
dissection is necessary for the instruction of students "
and in his treatise he directs attention to what, in his
opinion, the Art of medicine could then accomplish.
He writes without any real knowledge of internal
conditions, he treats the symptoms and not the
disease.
In the introduction to his whole work, Celsus had
already noted with approval the views of the Empirics
that physicians should not be bound by hard and fast
rules, and that treatment must vary according to
climate and other conditions ; though treatment
must be based on experience, difference of conditions
caused the experience of individual practitioners to
vary * ; he had also noted the division of remedies
into secunda and contraria " ; when the ordinary
remedies fail, contrary ones may be employed. An
instance was the treatment given to Augustus by the
physician Antonius Musa.** When the regular treat-
ment with hot poultices failed to relieve a pain in the
liver, he applied cold ones. It has been suggested
that Augustus was suffering, not from a liver abscess,
such as Celsus has described (vol. I, p. 415), for which
such hot applications were given, but from typhoid
« Pro. 74.
" Pro. 30 fif.
« Pro. 71 ; see also VI. 6. 8 E and noted.
"* Suetonius, Augustus, 81.
A2 ^"^
INTRODUCTION
fever, and that Antonius Musa applied a cold pack,"
a treatment still used, a well known instance is that
of King Edward VII, who, when Prince of Wales, was
in danger from typhoid fever in 1871. The bold
originality of the remedies applied by Petron ** were
still remembered by Galen writing a century later/
A similar type of" shock " remedy was the treatment
of epilepsy by a draught of gladiator's blood '^ and of
hydrophobia by throwing the patient into a pond,*
though the latter may have been more of a homeo-
pathic nature, and would certainly cause the death of
a genuine case, though it might be effective in the
cases of hysterical symptoms simulating hydrophobia
which, as Pasteur observed in his native district, often
accompany an outbreak of the disease. But such
methods were not always safe, and though they
sometimes resulted in spectacular cures, they some-
times killed the patient. /
Turning to the actual ingredients of the prescrip-
tions, the greater part were derived from herbs and
vegetables, which, as Celsus himself points out 3
have been used medicinally from the earliest times
and by the rudest tribes, but, in addition, many
animal organic and inorganic substances were
employed. If the herbs used by Celsus are compared
with those in a modern materia medica, it will be
seen that though many are the same, he often men-
tions plants which are no longer used, as the drug
which they contain can be obtained in a stronger form,
or one more satisfactory for use, from some other
" Cf. Buchan, Augustus, pp. 161, 162.
* III. 9. 2-4. « Galen, I. 144, XV. 436.
"111.23.7. 'V. 27. 2C.
f III. 9. 4. » I. Pro. I.
INTRODUCTION
source ; " in other cases the preparation which he used
was evidently much weaker or appHed for some other
purpose than to-day,'' and some of the most important
drugs are missing from his list."
In the same way among the inorganic substances,
arseniq iron and mercury ** are only used externally.
Internal Remedies
Purgatives are comparatively few and treatment
by clystering the bowel was preferred by Asclepiades,
whom Celsus is inclined to follow, but he mentions
several substances as useful for the purpose, aloes,
hellebore, sea-spurge, and others.* Castor oil is not
included. For inducing a vomit he recommends only
° The squill provided a substance akin to digitalis (which
Celsus does not know) but less satisfactory in use.
* Opium and castor oil (see list below), papaver and
cicinum (sc. oleum).
" For instance strychnine (prepared from strychnos, nux
vomica, a plant from the E. Indies) which was first used in
comparatively modem times and aconite (aconitum napellus),
EtUl a frequent ingredient of hniments, though seldom pre-
scribed now for internal use. Aconite had been known as a
poison from the time of Hippocrates and the staphis agria,
identified by Celsus with uva taminia (1.316 and list below) is
said by Phny [N.H. XXIII, 17) to be a kind of larkspur
(delphinium staphisagria). He used it as a vermicide and
under the name " stavesacre " it is still so used in the United
States.
'' There is no mention of calomel, bismuth, iron or magnesia
as internal medicines. The only trace of iron used internally
is in the popular remedy for enlarged spleen — water in which
a smith's red hot tools have been dipped (I. 416) ; mercury
Celsus only mentions in the form of cinnabar, used externally,
see Ust s.v. minium.
' I. 3. 25; II. 12; copper chips were also used, see list
ats.
xi
INTRODUCTION
the simplest means, tepid water with salt, mustard,
honey or hyssop, or a radish ; " pills, pastils and
draughts were prescribed for the relief of pain,
cough and bladder trouble, and to induce sleep.*
The " antidotes " were a class of remedy held in high
esteem ; Celsus said they were not often used, but
were important because of the help they gave in the
gravest cases. He gave the prescriptions for three ;
they are mildly stimulant mixtures chiefly charac-
terised by the very large number of their ingredients ;
it is difficult to see what value they can have had
beyond a shghtly tonic effect."
External Remedies
It is noteworthy what great importance Celsus
attached to tannin in local applications. This sub-
stance, now generally recognised as a useful imme-
diate application for burns and scalds, was the chief
effective constituent in many of the substances
included in his prescriptions.
In addition to the plasters, poultices and other
applications whose use is sufficiently explained in the
text itself, one large class of remedies may be grouped
under the modern term antiseptics, though no
general name is applied to them by Celsus.'' These
substances have the general characteristics of opjjos-
ing the growth of micro-organisms in wounds and of
promoting a free discharge, they include the essential
oils, especially rose oil (obtained by steeping the
petals in cold water, and keeping them in the cold
air till the oil rose to the top and was skimmed off).
« 1, 3. 22. " V. 24, 25. ' V. 23.
"* There were many others, see Galen on Antidotes, a work
devoted to such medicines (vol. XIV, of Kiihn's edition).
INTRODUCTION
thyme oil, pitch and turpentine. The phenol or
carbolic acid derived from gas tar and used by Lister
as an antiseptic was akin to the thymol derived from
thyme flowers, though the latter was weaker in its
action. The antiseptic which largely replaced phenol
in surgical practice was mercuric chloride. Celsus
frequently recommends orpiment and sandarach, the
arsenic sulphides, for cleaning wounds and ulcerations,
but as antiseptics these are much weaker than the
mercury chloride. Salt solution, so largely used in
the great war in the treatment of wounds, was used
in ancient medicine for the same purpose, that of
prompting a thin discharge, and is often mentioned
by Celsus."
Homoeopathic and Rustic or Popular Remedies
Throughout history a knowledge of herbs and
drugs and their medicinal uses has been connected
with the early systems of philosophy and occult
lore. The " doctrine of signatures " expressed the
popular belief that certain plants and minerals bore
symboUcal marks which indicated the diseases which
nature intended them to cure, or that their outward
appearance corresponded with the bodily condition
of the patient.'' Traces of this theory and of a belief
in sympathetic magic are to be found in many of the
remedies, especially the rustic or popular remedies,
mentioned by Celsus. A sympathy or " homoeopathy "
" See list s.v. eoL. A split fig, which he mentions as a
common application on wounds (vol. II., pp. 159, 161, 289)
was used for the same reason, as the sugar in the pulp would
promote a thin discharge.
* For an account of the " doctrine of signatures " cf. T. J.
Pettigrew, Superstitions connected with Medicine <yr Surgery,
INTRODUCTION
was believed to exist between the remedy and the
disease, and they are "homoeopathic " in a much more
fundamental sense than that in which the term is
used by those who claim to practise homoeopathy
to-day. Instances of such remedies are the black
hellebore (a powerful aperient) supposed to be
especially effective in the black bile disease (melan-
cholia),** or the white hellebore given to reduce
swollen glands in the neck because it tended to pro-
duce expectoration of white phlegm.'' Ox spleen was
given as a remedy for enlarged spleen," a poultice of
pole reed was applied to a gathering on the hand
caused by a splinter, because the commonest source
of such splinters was the pole reed ; ^ a decoction
of worms boiled in oil was poured into suppurating
ears where there were maggots.* Other well known
examples, not mentioned by Celsus, are the applica-
tion of the roots of the lesser celandine (pilewort)
as a remedy for piles, because small excrescences
which grew on them resembled the disease, and the
use of red light and red cloth in treating smallpox
with the idea of bringing out the rash and so
evacuating the disease, though here again the treat-
ment has been thought to have a real value as
excluding harmful rays from the skin.-'^
« II. 12. 1 B.
» V. 28. 7 B (vol. II., p. 140 note).
* IV. 16. 3. This no doubt originated in the idea that the
remedy should resemble the disease; on the other hand the
modem treatment of thyroid disease by thyroid extract or liver
disease by hver, is at once brought to mind.
" V. 26. 35 C.
« VI. 7. 1 D.
f For many other instances see Sir J. G. Frazer, The
Oolden Bough, The Magic Art, vol. I, p. 78.
xiv
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
(References are to volumes and pages of text)
I. LIST OF REMEDIES USED AND THE
DRUGS, HERBS AND OTHER IN-
GREDIENTS OF PRESCRIPTIONS
Abrotonum (Habrotonum) ; Artemisia abrotonum ;
southernwood.
This yields a bitter oil resembling that of
hops and was used internally as a carminative,
I. 316, 386, and topically to clean wounds, II.
6, 10, and to relieve gout, II. 30.
Absinthium ; Artemisia absinthium.
The twigs supply wormwood ; the dried flowers
wormseed, from which the bitter oil, absinth,
was distilled ; this was taken with honey as a
carminative and diuretic, I. 204, 210, 316, 340,
382, 398, 400, 414, 416, 422, II. 64. It was a
remedy against worms, I. 438 ; santonin, made
from certain species of artemisia is still used for
this purpose. It was also used topically, I. 412.
Wines were flavoured with it to make them keep,
I. 498. The harmfulness of the modern absinth
liqueurs is due to the deleterious alcohol used
in their manufacture.
Acacia ; Acacia Arabica.
The gum mucilage from this, which included
astringent tannin, was used to arrest bleeding
and agglutinate wounds, II. 4, as an exedent,
XV
LIST OF MEDIC AMENTA
II. 8, and generally as an astringent gum in
eye salves and lozenges. The juice was also
used, II. 190 note, 196.
Acetum ; vinegar.
As a drink, I. 196 fF. ; used constantly both
externally and internally, I. 212, 258, 270, 286,
292, 308, 310, 338, 346, 366, 388, 390, 394, 398,
406, 416, 438, 458; mentioned, II. 4, 8, as a
styptic and exedent.
Achariston ; name of a salve, II. 194 and note b.
Acopa; Anodynes, substances to deaden pain, II.
56 note 6. See Anodyna.
Acorus ; Acorus calamus ; sweet flag.
The rhizome was dried and eaten, or the oil
pressed out of it ; it is included among diuretics,
III. 316, as an ingredient in an antidote, II. 56,
and perhaps (under the name of calamus Alexan-
drinus) in an anodyne salve, II. 56.
Adurentia (medicameJita quae adurunt, caustics); a
list of these is given, II. 8, see also 130 ff.
Aes Cyprium or Cuprum ; copper.
Many forms of this were used in prescriptions ;
(1) Aerugo ; basic subacetate and carbonate
of copper or verdigris. This was scraped off
sheets of copper which had been steeped in
vinegar and used as an astringent, repressive or
caustic, II. 4, 6. 8.
(2) Chalcitis ; basic carbonate and sulphate oi
copper, copperas or green vitriol. This was
mixed with oak bark or galls to make atra-
mentum sutorium, blacking, and used as a caustic
and exedent, to arrest haemorrhage, to clean
wounds and form a scar, II. 4, 6, 8, 10.
(3) Aes combustum ; calcined copper ore.
xvi
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
This was used as an erodent, II. 8 ; or was
fused with salt, sulphur or alum into a sulphate
chloride and oxide of copper and used to make
emollients and eye salves, II. 10, 194, 204,
210-14.
(4) Flos aeris or Chalcanthus ; red oxide of
copper.
This substance was like millet seeds and was
produced by pouring cold water on molten copper
and used as an exedent, II. 8, or as an aggluti-
nant for wounds, II. 8, 10, 44.
(5) Squama aeris ; black oxide of copper,
copper scales.
These were chipped off molten copper, and
when washed, pounded and dried acted as a
mechanical aperient, I. 168.
(6) Chrysocolla ; borate, carbonate and silicate
of copper, gold solder.
This was used as an erodent and caustic,
II. 8.
(7) Diphryges ; sulphide and oxide of copper,
mixed with iron and zinc ores.
This was used as an exedent and caustic and
for cleaning ulcerations, II. 8, 50.
(8) Stomoma ; red oxide of copper, copper
scales hardened in the fire.
These were used to arrest haemorrhage and
in making an eye salve, II. 4, 194.
(9) Psoricum ; itch salve, consisted of chal-
citis and cadmia (see below Cadmia) boiled to-
gether in vinegar to form hydrated oxides of
copper and zinc, and then buried underground
till used, II. 218, 220 ; the preparation was also
applied to the eyelids, II. 220.
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Alcyonium; II. 8, 28, 174; probably a species of
coral, perhaps leather coral. It was incinerated
to produce quick lime and used as an exedent and
for skin diseases.
Alipe ; plasters without grease, II. 32.
Allium ; Allium nigrum, garlic.
As a food, I. 192 fF., 490; a febrifuge, I. 276;
see also I. 208, 330, 370, 390, 424, 436, 438, 448;
used topically as an erodent, II. 8.
Aloe;
(1) Aquilaria agallocha, lign-aloe.
The perfumed wood of this yields an oil and
decays into a resin used in making incense and
also (as it was rich in tannin) applied as a topical
astringent; to suppress haemorrhage, II. 6, to
agglutinate wounds, II. 44, and as an ingredient
in eye salves, II. 194, 196, 212, and ear lotion,
II. 232.
(2) Aloe Socotrina ; aloen.
This was (and still is) used as an aperient,
I. 62.
Alumen; Aluminium sulphate and silicate; alum.
The following varieties were used :
(1) Alumen Uquidum; alum brine, a styptic,
II. 4.
(2) Alumen scissile (schiston) ; split or feathery
alum, a repressive, II. 4, 44.
(3) Alumen rotundum; round alum; an
epispastic and erodent, II. 6 and 10.
(4) Pumex; silicate and carbonate of alu-
minium (and other alkalies), pumice. This had
been formed by volcanic action and was used
for cleaning wounds or as an epispastic, II. 6,
24, 28.
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
(5) Lapis Phrygius ; rock alum from Phrygia
and Cappadocia coloured by iron and copper
sulphates ; an exedent, IL 8 ; in an eye salve,
218.
(6) Alum earths; terra Eretria, II. 10, 180;
terra Cimolia, glutinous hydrated silicate of
aluminium coloured by iron and copper, I, 212,
304; IL 4, 102, 124, 184, 534; terra MeHa,
silicate of aluminium (alumen Melinum), II. 2,
288; cf. PKny, N.H., xxxv. 188. 87, also Hippo-
crates, Ulcers, 11, 12 (Littre VI. 412, 414) ; terra
Lemnia, silicates and sulphates of aluminium,
magnesia and iron; the well known rubrica
Lemnica, red ochre, was exported in packets
stamped with the figure of a goat, as the colour
due to oxide of iron was ascribed to an admixture
of goat's blood; similarly terra Samia, alum
earth from Samos, was exported with a star
stamped on it, IL 204 note.
Alvum ducunt, medicamenta quae ; purgatives and
enemas, I. 62, 168, 172, 208 ; II. 10 ; see below
Purgatio and General Index Clyster, Enema.
Amaracus ; Origanum majorana, sweet marjoram.
Used as a discutient, II. 10.
Ambrosia ; name of an antidote (so called from its
success in preserving life), IL 54.
Ammoniacum (Hammoniacum) thymiatum ; Dorema
ammoniacum or Ferula Tingitana, silphium.
The milky juice of this plant (specially culti-
vated around the temple of Jupiter Ammon) was
used for incense; it formed a resin containing
salicylic acid and a volatile oil which was much
used by Celsus, as a cleanser of wounds, II. 6, and
a discutient and emollient, IL 16-30, and in
xix
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
poultices and plasters, 11. 36, 38, and eye salves,
II. 210, 214, 216.
Ammoniacum sal ; see Sal.
Amomum ; see Cardamomum.
Anastomotica ; openers of pores, II. 6 note, 26.
Anesum ; Pimpinella anisum, anise.
Aniseed (still a common flavouring) is indiges-
tible as a food, I. 200 fF., 490; used against
flatulence and as a diuretic, I. 206, 210, 340, 418.
Anethum ; Anethum graveolens, dill.
Among foods, I. 200 fF., 208, 448, 490, 491 ; as
a diuretic, I. 210, 488 ; as a snufF, I. 272.
Anodyna; Anodynes (see Acopa, also Hyoscyamus.
Mandragora, Papaver, Solanum).
(1) Prescriptions given as pills, II. 58 ; see also
I. 211.
(2) Used topically, I. 458, also II. 56 note, 191.
Antherae; preparations from flower blossoms, II.
254 note, 258, 260, 264, 272.
Antidota; antidotes, II. 54, note, 56.
The word is not used when remedies against
individual poisons are described, II. 122.
Antiseptics ; essential oils from aromatic plants and
trees ; especially cedar, cinnamon, juniper,
pine, thyme, used for their antiseptic qualities,
II, xii.
Apium; Apium graveolens, celery or Petroselinum
sativum, parsley.
As a diuretic, I. 210; see also I. 416, 418, 450,
491.
Apyron ; see Sulphur.
Argemonia ; Papaver argemone, prickly poppy.
The soothing mucilage of this contains a small
Argenti spuma ; see Plumbum.
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
amount t>f opium and was applied to poisonous
stings, II. 120.
Arida Medicamenta ; dry drugs pounded, used as
dusting powders, II. 48; and blown through a
quill, II. 156, III. 448 ; or formed into pastiles
by means of a little fluid, II. 14.
Aristolochia ; A. longa and A. rotunda, birthwort.
The root yields an irritant glucoside, which was
used in poultices and plasters, II. 20, 30, 34,
38, 46, 50, 52, 62.
Aromata; Dried aromatic flowers imported from
abroad, I. 316 ; II. 14, 212.
Armoracia ; Cochlearia armoracia, horse radish.
This was prescribed as a remedy for spleen
affections, I. 416 ; II. 106.
Arsenicon ; see Auripigmentum.
Arteriace ; a medicine for the windpipe, II. 64, note b.
Arundo (Harundo) ; Arundo donax, polereed.
The juice of the root was used for earache, II.
228; its sphnters were dangerous, II. 106-8.
Asafoetida ; see Laser.
Asclepion ; name of a salve, II. 214.
Aspalathus ; Calcycotoma villosa.
A decoction from the rose scented wood of this
(lignum rhodium) was applied to painful sinews,
II. 58.
Atramentum ; blacking ;
(1) A. scriptorium, ink made from the soot of
torches, used as an application for baldness.
II. 182.
(2) A. sepiarum, cuttle-fish ink, used as an
aperient, I. 208.
(3) A. sutorium, see Aes, 2.
Auripigmentum; AS2S3, the j'ellow trisulphide of
xxi
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
arsenic, orpiment ; sandaraca, AsgSg, the golden
disulphide of arsenic, sandarach (modern realgar),
which becomes orpiment when heated.
The two forms were used alternatively in pre-
scriptions (in some both were included) for
cleaning wounds, and as erodents, caustics and
counter irritants, II. 6, 10, 28, 50, 52 ; they were
used in the treatment of all sorts of ulcerations.
II. 154, 162, 208, 246, 264, 286, 290.
Celsus does not mention them in his chapter on
poisons, II. 110 ff. ; nor does he refer to the
poisonous arsenious oxide, white arsenic, pro-
duced by the oxidation of orpiment and sanda-
rach which was known to Geber in a.d. 750, but
was perhaps not in use earlier.
Balanos myrepsica (JSdXavo^ /xvpeif/iKi^), or M)to-
balanos ; Hyperanthera decandra, bennut.
The rind was used for spleen disease, 1. 416 ; II.
18, an ointment was also made from it, II. 110 note.
Balsamum; Balsamodendron opobalsamum, balsam
of Mecca ; B. myrrha, myrrh.
The resin of these trees was known as opo-
balsam and an almost equally valuable essence
was obtained by boiling the wood, leaves and
seeds (xylobalsam).
It was used internally as a diuretic, I. 316, and
the seeds in an antidote, II. 54, 56 ; externally
as an erodent, suppurative, wound cleaner and
emollient, II. 6, 8, 12, also in poultices, II. 16,
20, and as a remedy for neuralgia, II. 58, and in
an eye salve, II. 220.
Basihcon ; a name given to a plaster, II. 32, and to an
eye salve, II. 218, 220.
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Bdella or Bdellium; Borassus flabelliformis, the
Palmyra palm.
This tree yields a resin like ammoniacum
which was used for incense. Celsus used it
externally as a pore-opener, epispastic and
emollient, II. 6, 10, 18.
Bitumen ; found in the Dead Sea and Euphrates
valley.
This was used on plasters as a mild counter
irritant, I. 348 ; II. 6, 10, 32, 34, 40, 44, 250.
Cachry ; perhaps the fruit of the herb Libanotis,
(Lecokia Cretica), the medicinal uses of which are
given by Theophrastus, Enq. into Plants, IX.
II. 10.
Used by Celsus in a prescription for abscesses,
II. 18.
Cadmia (terra) ;
Zinc ores from Cyprus, which when heated in
water produced carbonates and hydrosilicates of
zinc ; these stuck to the reed {calamus) with which
the mixture was stirred, and so the name
" calamine " is still applied to zinc lotions.
Cadmia, when heated, gave off zinc oxide vapour
which was sublimated and adhered to the wall of
the furnace in clusters ; these consisted of oxide
of zinc and were scraped off and known as
spodium (ash).
Cadmia was used as an exedent, desiccant and
extractive, II. 6, 50, 344, and in the treatment
of malignant ulceration, II. 154 ; the clusters
(botruites Cadmiae, spodium) to relieve irritation,
II. 10, 166, and also for eye salves, II. 194, 204;
III. 344, and for earache, II. 234.
xxiii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Calamus ;
(1) C. Alexandrinus, see Acorus.
(2) C. scriptorius, a reed or quill pen, see
list II.
Calefacientia ; heating foods, medicines or applica-
tions ; I. 62, 206, 214 ; II. 16.
Calx; limestone;
(1) Calx viva ; calcium oxide, quick lime ; an
exedent and caustic, II. 8.
(2) Cinis, ash, produced by burning various
substances containing lime ; e.g., stag's horn
(cornu cervinum), used as an exedent, erodent and
caustic, II. 6, 8, see also Alcyonium, Corallium,
Salamandra.
(3) Limestone from Assus, used as a preserva-
tive, see index of proper names, Assus.
(4) Saxum calcis ; silicates of lime, and
magnesia, asbestos ; used as an application for a
hardened fistula, II. 154.
(5) Lapis molaris ; millstone, used as a dis-
cutient, II. 10.
(6) Lapis pyrites ; limestone mixed with
sulphides, used as a discutient, emollient, and to
relieve irritation, II. 10, 22, 166.
(7) Gypsum ; the sulphate mixed with the
carbonate of lime, plaster of Paris, used as
an external refrigerant and repressive, II. 212;
III. 304.
Campana sertula ; see Sertula.
Canina lingua; Cynoglossum officinale, hounds-
tongue.
The leaves yield a bitter astringent juice, which
was applied to burns, II. 124.
Canopus ; name of a salve, II. 214.
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Cantabrica herba ; see Scammonea.
Cantharides ; Cantharis or Lytta vesicatoria, Spanish
fly.
Used externally as a caustic and cleanser for
wounds and papules, II. 8, 50, 172. If taken
internally it was poisonous, and remedies are
prescribed for it, II, 122.
Carbo hirundinis ; see Hirundo.
Cardamomum ;
(1) Amomum cardamomum subulatum ; Ne-
paul pepper, I, 296 ; II. 20, 22.
(2) Elateria cardamomum, cardamon.
The seeds (brought from Malabar and Ceylon)
produce an aromatic oil, used internally as a
diuretic, I. 316, and externally as a counter-
irritant, agglutinant, erodent and emollient, II.
4, 8, 12.
Casia, Cassia ; see cinnamon.
Castoreum ;
A material derived from the genitals of the
Castor fiber, beaver. It had a pungent taste,
suggesting musk, was used internally as a stimu-
lant, I. 286, 310, 338, 376, 448, externally in eye
and ear salves, II. 196, 240.
Cataplasma ; poultice, I. 214. See also Malagma.
Catapotium ; pill, I. 316 ; II. 58-64. Eight of the
prescriptions are to procure sleep or relieve
pain, four for cough.
Cedrus ; Juniper communis.
The oil from the berries was used externally
as a discutient, II. 10, and in poultices for gout,
II. 30.
Centauries ; Centaurea salonitana, centaury.
The bitter juice from the roots was used in-
XXV
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
ternally against snake bite, II. 120, and exter-
nally for ear discharge, II. 230.
Cera ; wax, used as a discutient, emollient and to
form flesh, II. 10. See also I. 272, 368, 378, 384,
410, 442, 446, 448, 458, 460; ceratum, cerate,
an ointment made -with wax.
Cerussa ; see Plumbum.
Chamaeleon ; Atractylis gummifera, a thistle, whose
gum (similar to mastic and birdlime) was used
in a poultice for gout, II. 30.
Chamaepitys ; Ajuga chamaepitys.
This yields a bitter astringent juice, like pine
resin, used as a pore opener, II. 6.
Charta combusta ; see Papyrus.
Chelidonium maius or Herba hirundinis ; the greater
celandine, see II. 226 note.
The juice was applied to an inflamed uvula,
II. 262.
Cicinum oleum; an oil produced from the seeds of
the Ricinus communis, castor oil.
It was used as an emollient, II. 42, 58 ; Celsus
does not mention its use as an aperient, but this
is referred to by Dioscorides and Galen.
Cicuta ; Conium maculatum, hemlock.
Used internally as an anodyne, 11. 62;
externally as an emollient, 11. 12, and in a
poultice for gout, II. 16, and in an eye salve,
II. 190. Remedies for those poisoned by it,
II. 122.
Cinis ; wood-ash (especially from vine twigs).
Used as a refrigerant and repressive, II. 212 ;
III. 298 ; cinis Cjrprius (from Lawsonia inermis
used as an erodent, II. 8.
Cinnamomum ; Cinnamomum cassia from China
xxvi
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
C. zeylanicum from Ceylon, cinnamon or casia.
In two prescriptions (I. 450 ; 11. 30), both names
occur. They were perhaps preparations from
different parts of the plant.
The unripe fruit or the rolled bark were used
internally as a diuretic and remedy for cystalgia
or snake bite, I. 316, 414, 450 or externally as a
pore opener, erodent and discutient, II. 6, 8, 10,
and for podagras, II. 30.
Coccum (or granum) Cnidium (Gnidium) ; Daphne
Gnidium, spurge laurel (from Cnidus).
Used by Celsus externally as a wound cleanser
and caustic, and in a poultice to ease pain in
side, II. 6, 8, 20 ; he does not mention the use
of the berries as a drastic purge (Galen, Nat. Fac,
p. 67, L.C.L. trans.).
Colicos ; a medicine against colic, invented by Cassius,
I. 430 ; II. 64 note.
Collyria ; salves, II. 154 note, and list II.
Comprimentia ; astringents, I. 36, 64, 208, 432, 444,
452; 11.280.
Concoctio ; assimilation of food stuffs, digestion, I. 74,
326, see General Index, Digestion. Medicamenta
quae concoquunt, drugs to mature abscesses, II. 6.
Corallium ; coral. C. rubrum, red coral ; see also
Alcyonium cortonium, leather coral. Both sub-
stances were incinerated for the quick lime in the
ash and they are included among erodents,
exedents and caustics, II. 6, 8.
Coriander ; Coriandrum sativum, coriander.
As a diuretic, I. 210 ; see also I. 206, 212, 316,
491 ; used externally, II. 16, 166 note.
Cornu cervinum ; stag's horn.
When incinerated used as a wound cleanser,
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
II. 6, as the ash contained quick-lime (calcium
oxide) with some phosphate and carbonate, see
Calx ; the vapour of it while burning was a
stimulus in cases of lethargy, as it included a
little ammonium carbonate, and when cooled in
vinegar it was a remedy for toothache, I, 308 ;
II. 248 ; it was boiled to a glutinous mucus for
use in an eye salve named after it, see 11. 208,
note a.
Costus ; costmary.
The roots of Saussurea Lappa, a plant of
Kashmir, the oil from which was used internally
in an antidote and as a stimulant in cases of
snake bite, II. 54, 120, and externally as a
suppurative and wound cleanser, II. 6.
Creta ; Calcium carbonate, chalk.
(1) Creta Cimolia, chalk from Cimolus mixed
with alxma, see Alum (6) ; used externally as a
repressant, I. 212, 304 ; II. 102, 124, 184 ; III.
534 ; also as a styptic, II. 4.
(2) Creta figularis, potter's clay, a styptic,
II. 4; cf. Pliny, N.H., xxxi. 3, 28.
Crocus ; Crocus sativus, the autiman flowering crocus.
From the styles and stigmas saffron, a condi-
ment with a slightly bitter taste, was obtained,
and from this an orange-coloured oil was expressed
which left a residue known as crocomagma,
saffron dregs. The best variety came from
Cilicia. Saffron was used internally as a diuretic,
I. 316, and in an antidote, II. 54, externally in
an ointment for headache, I. 296, as a wound
cleanser and discutient, II. 6, 10, as a remedy
against scabies, II. 168, and especially as an
ingredient of eye salves, II. 194-220, one of
xxviii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
which was named the dia crocu, II. 220.
Crocomagma was also used in an eye salve,
11. 214, and in the poultice of Nileus, II.
20, 22.
Cuminum ; Cuminum cyminum, cummin.
Among foods, I. 200 fF., 416, 491 ; see Git.
Cummis ; a gum niucilage, source not specified ; often
used with acacia gum and juice, I. 448 ; II. 4,
10, 190, note a, 196.
Cupressus ; C. sempervirens, the pyramidal ever-
green Cyprus.
Wood, leaves and seed yield oleum cupressum
containing an aromatic and astringent tannin;
the crushed leaves were used internally as a
repressive and refrigerant, I. 312, and the seeds
as a diuretic, I. 316 ; externally the leaves were
used in a poultice for spleen disease and the oil
as a discutient and for erysipelas, eye salves,
and gum boils, I. 416; II. 10, 102, 208, 258,
and a decoction of the leaves was put in a bath
for use after lithotomy. III. 448.
Cycnon ; name of an eye salve, II. 196 note a.
Cyperus quadratus and C. rotundus ; see luncus.
Cyperus papyrus ; see Papyrus.
Cyprus ; Lawsonia alba.
From the leaves with their lilac-like perfume
oleum cyprinum, Cyprus oil, was distilled and
used as a calefacient, I. 214, and for tetanus,
dyspnoea, enlarged spleen, hysteria, and podagra,
I. 378, 384, 446, 460 ; the oil was an emollient
and an ingredient in eye and ear salves, II.
58, 220, 228 ; cyprus ash (Cyprius oinis) contained
caustic soda and is included among exedents,
II. 8.
xxix
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Cytisus ; C. scoparius, broom.
The broom tops contain the alkaloid spartein,
and a decoction was used for splenitis, III. 416,
and for toothache, II. 248, 250.
Daphne ; Dia-daphnidon.
A plaster containing laurel leaves, II. 10, 36 ;
see Laurus.
Daucus Creticus; Athaminta Gretensis, Cretan or
Candy carrot.
An ingredient of an antidote, II. 56.
Diaceratos, Diacodion, Diadaphnidon, Diacrocu, Dia-
libanu ; see Cornu cervinum, Papaver, Daphne,
Crocus and Libanotos.
Diachylon; Emplastrum plumbi, lead plaster, see
Plumbum.
Diaphoretics ; see Sudorem evocare.
Dictamnus Creticus ; Origanum dictamnum, Cretan
dittany (called after Mount Dicte, in Crete,
where it grew in abundance) was a famous
remedy for, wounds, cf. Virgil Aeneid, XII. 411.
The volatile oil from this is prescribed for
expelling a dead foetus, II. 64.
Diphryges ; see Aes (7).
Discutientia {Medicamenta quae discutiunt) ; disper-
sives of diseased material, I. 36, 178, 276, 394 ;
II. 10.
Ebenus or Hebenus ; Diospyrus ebenum or melan-
oxylon, ebony.
The sawdust from this containing humic acid
and black pigment (a remedy used in ancient
Egypt) was prescribed by Celsus internally as
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
a diuretic, I. 316 ; externally as an exedent,
epispastic and relief for irritation, II. 8, 10.
Ebur, ivory; the raspings were used as a wound
cleanser, II. 6.
Elaterium; Ecbalium or Mormodica elaterium, juice
of the wild cucumber, Cucumis agrestis.
Used as an epispastic, II. 10 ; the root in a
poultice for pain in the side, II. 20 ; the root
and juice for pain in the uterus, II. 48 ; the root
to heal wounds, II. 108; the juice for sycosis
and toothache, II. 180, 250.
Elephantinum ; name of a plaster containing white
lead, so called from its likeness to ivory, II. 42.
Emollientia ; emollients, I. 212, 214 ; II. 10 ; see also
Malagma.
Emplastra ; plasters, List of, II. 32-44, also 14, 24,
46 ; distinguished from pastils, II. 44, by the
method used in compounding, and from emol-
lients by the materials ; they were divided into
classes, alipe, without grease, lenia, soothing,
lipara, greasy, septa, exedent, II. 32, 42 ; many
had names, barbarum, Coacon, Alexandrinum,
smaragdinum, rhypodes, raptousa, diadaphnidon,
enhaema, which referred to the place whence
they came, their colour, material or effect, II.
32, 36, 38, 42. Others were called after their
inventors, Philotas, Attains, etc., II. 32 ff. ; two
in common use were the tetrapharmacum and
enneapharmacum with 4 and 9 ingredients, II.
34. There were also emplastra reprimentia or
epispastica, II. 32, 36 ff. Pitch plasters, I. 326,
346, 366, and mustard plasters, I. 346, 434,
were among those commonly used.
Enchrista; liniments and liquid ointments, II. 58,
xxxi
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
note ; only two prescriptions are given under
this heading (for ulcers and erysipelas).
Epispastica ; Epispastics, substances that extract
diseased matter, II. 10, 16, 36, 38.
Eruca ; Brassica eruca, rocket.
The plant yields an oil like mustard with an
acrid flavour and was indigestible when eaten,
I. 200, 202 ; it increased the secretion of urine,
I. 210, 452, and reduced an enlarged spleen,
I. 416; applied externally the oil acted as an
erodent, I. 212, and caustic, 11. 8.
Ervum ; Ervum ervilia, bitter vetch.
In a poultice, I. 214 ; II. 156.
Erysimum; Sisymbrium polyceratium, hedge-
mustard.
The oil was used in a poultice to open pores,
II. 26, and was administered internally in cases
of difficult labour, II. 64.
Exedentia ; substances that eat away diseased flesh,
II. 6 note b, 8.
Feniculum ; F. vulgare, Anethvun foeniculum, fennel.
This was indigestible when eaten, I. 200, but
relieved flatulence, 206 ; was used as a diuretic,
1. 210, and the seeds (externally), as a repressant
and refrigerant, I. 212.
Ferrum ; oxides, silicates and sulphates of iron :
(1) Lapis haematites, haematite, ferric oxide
(FcgOg) mixed with silicates and sulphates oi
aluminium ; the name came from the colour
which resembles dried blood.
(2) Bolus rubra or rubrica, ruddle or red ochre ;
sulphates and sulphides of iron, especially from
Sinope, see Index of Proper Names, s.v.
xxxii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
(3) Sil or yellow ochre, oxide and sulphate of
iron.
(4) Sory or inkstone, sulphates of iron with
copper and lead.
(5) Scoria ferri, iron slag composed of oxides
and silicates of iron.
(6) Ferrugo or Robigo, iron rust.
(7) Squama ferri, scales chipped of from red
hot iron bars, ferrous oxide (FeO).
These substances are only used externally, to
arrest haemorrhage, clean wounds, as exedents
and erodents, II. 4, 6, 8 ; the yellow ochre from
Attica and Scyros made flesh grow (see Index
of Proper Names, s.v.) ; sory was used in a
prescription for loosening a carious tooth, II.
248. Celsus only mentioned the internal use of
iron once as a " rustic remedy " for enlarged
spleen — " water in which a blacksmith has dipped
his red-hot irons," I. 416, but treatment by
ferrugo, iron rust, was mentioned by Pliny, N.H.
xxxiv. 43, and fully described by Dioscorides v. 93.
Ficus ; (1) F. Carica contains the digestive ferment
papain and externally was used on wounds, II.
xiii ; see General Index, s.v. Fig.
(2) F. Aegyptiaca ; see Sycaminus.
Filicula ; Polj^odium vulgare, the polypody fern.
This contains a saccharine material resembling
liquorice and was used as an aperient, I. 168.
This fern was also a frequent source of splinters
in the hand, II. 108.
Foenum Graecum ; Trigonella foenum-graecum,
fenugreek.
The plant itself was eaten as a vegetable, I.
491 ; its oil was used in enemas, I. 172, and
xxxiii
VOL. u. B
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
heating poultices, I. 214; also in a bath to
relieve spasm, I. 378.
Furfur ; bran (for poultices), I. 214, 218 ; in a gargle,
I. 382 ; for snake bite, II. 17, 118.
Galbanum; Ferulago galbanifera, galbanum, see
Panaces.
This yields an aromatic resin (used for incense,
Exodus XXX. 34) and was prescribed internally
as a diuretic, I. 316, and for dyspnoea, I. 386,
and externally as a suppurative, pore-opener,
erodent and emollient, II. 6, 8, 12, as an in-
gredient in a poultice for contracted joints, II.
28, and as an antidote for cantharides poisoning,
II. 122 ; the fumes were inhaled as a stimulant,
1.308.
Galla ; Oak gall (chief constituent gallic acid).
Used externally as an astringent, erodent and
exedent and to relieve inflammation, II. 6, 8, 46 ;
especially for inflamed gums, II. 370.
Gargarizationes ; gargles, II. 52-54.
Gentiana ; Erythraea centaurium, gentian, fever-wort.
The bitter juice of the roots has been in use
from the earliest times as a stomachic remedy and
febrifuge, but Celsus only once mentions it, in
the prescription for an antidote, II. 56.
Git ; Nigella sativa. melanthium, melanospernum or
black cumin.
The seeds, like carraway, but hotter, and more
like nutmeg, were used as a spice, I. 200, also
internally as a diuretic, I. 416 ; for worms, 438 ;
and uterine trouble, 448 ; externally in heating
poultices, I. 214 ; II. 16, and as an apphcation
for papules, II. 172.
xxxiv
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Gluten ;
Glue made from hides and horns was used as
an agglutinant and cleanser of wounds, II. 4, 6,
or to keep eyelashes in position, III. 338. Joiners'
glue is referred to, III. 518.
Glutinantia {Medicamenta quae glutinant) ; aggluti-
nants (of wounds), II. 4, 44, 82.
Habrotonum ; see Abrotonum.
Halicacabus ; see Solanum.
Hammoniacum ; see Ammoniacum.
Hedera ; Hedera Helix, ivy.
Decoctions of the leaves and berries yield
helicin and tannin and were used externally as
repressants and refrigerants, I. 212, for the
relief of lethargy, I. 310, and erysipelas, II. 138;
berries were used in dental treatment, U. 250,
and to promote the healing of wounds, III. 554.
Helenium; Inula helenium, elecampayne {see
Panaces).
The root yields a bitter (helenin) and a gluco-
side (inulin). It was used externally for the
relief of coxalgia, I. 452, and as a dispersive,
II. 10.
Heliotropion ; Herba Solaris, sunflower or turnsole.
The seeds and leaves, which yield an oil with a
nutty flavour, are prescribed once by Celsus in a
decoction against scorpion bite, II. 118.
Hellebore ; see Veratrum.
Herba Cantabrica, hirundinis, muralis, salivaris,
sanguinalis, Solaris, Vettonica, see Scammonea,
Chelidonium, Parthenium, Pyrethrum, Poly-
gonum, HeHotropium, Vettonica, respectively.
Hibiscus ; see Ibiscus.
XXXV
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Hirundinis carbo ; swallow's ash, a popular remedy
for angina, III. 382.
Hirundinis herba ; see Chelidonium.
Hyoscyamus ; H. niger, swinebean or henbane.
This yields the alkaloids hyoscyamine and
hyoscine, isomeric, but not identical with
atropine ; they are hypnotics and anodynes.
Used by Celsus as a h3rpnotic, I. 296, and the
seeds as a local anodyne, I. 348 ; the bark was
used in a poultice for the joints, II. 28, and the
seeds to promote sleep {see above) ; the leaves
in an eye salve, II. 202, the juice for earache,
II. 234, and the root for toothache, II. 246.
Remedies against poisoning by it are prescribed,
II. 122.
Hypericum ; H. perforatum crispum, St. Johns' wort.
The juice was used to make a pastil to expel
stone from the bladder ; and in an antidote,
II. 46, 56.
Hypocistis ; Cytinus hypocistis.
A scarlet parasite found on the hips of the
dog-rose and the roots of the rock-rose.
The astringent juice (chief content gallic acid)
was used in an antidote, II. 54, and externally
as an exedent, II. 8.
Hysopum; hyssop.
This has not been identified, I. 491 ; Celsus
employed it as a food, I. 200 if. ; as an emetic,
stimulant, carminative, expectorant and diuretic,
I. 60, 210, 370, 382, 384, 388, 410, 416, 428, 436.
Ibiscus (Hibiscus) ; Althaea officinalis, marsh mallow.
The root yields a mucilage like linseed, which
was cooked in wine to make a heating plaster for
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
inflamed joints, I. 456 ; Pliny, N.H. XX. 4 (14),
copies the prescription from Celsus.
Iris ; Iris pallida, Florentina or Illyrica, iris.
The root yields orris camphor (commonly
known as essence of violets) which was used by
Celsus, in the form of hot iris ointment and oil,
externally as a calefacient and cleanser, discu-
tient, repressive and anodyne, II. 6, 10, 12 ;
as a calefacient it was particularly general, I.
214, 270, 296, 378, 384, 412, 448. He also used
it in poultices for gland enlargements, II. 18,
abscesses, II. 20, 56, painful joints and feet,
II. 28, and for neuralgia, II. 124. It was
commonly used for burns, II. 198, 220, 224, and
the hot ointment for eyes, headache, deafness,
II. 228, 236, 240, and for dressing wounds of the
cerebral membrane, III. 514. Internally it was
used as a diuretic and in an antidote, I. 316 ;
II. 54.
luncus quadratus ; Cyperus longus, schoenon. luncus
rotundus ; Cyperus rotundus, sweet flag, rush,
sedge, galingale.
The rhizomes, flowers and seeds of these marsh
plants have a scent resembling bay and orris.
The seeds of both varieties were used as a diuretic,
I. 316, and the flowers of C. rotundus in anti-
dotes, II. 54, 56. Externally the rhizomes of
luncus quadratus were used as a pore opener
and discutient, II. 6, 10, and in a preparation to
cure uterine ulceration, I. 448.
Lactuca marina; Euphorbia paralias, sea-spurge,
wolf's milk (also referred to by its Greek name
Tithymalus).
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
This was used internally as a drastic purge,
I. 168, 320 note, externally as an exedent and
caustic, II. 8.
Ladanum; Cistus villosus Creticus, rock-rose.
The resin of this (combed off sheep's fleeces
with a ladanisterium), with its musk-like perfume,
is still used in pastilles for fumigation. Celsus
prescribed it internally as a diuretic, I. 316, and
externally as an epispastic, II. 10, and an
ingredient of the eroding plasters called septa,
II. 40. It was also used to encourage the
growth of hair, 11. 178, 180.
Lana; wool.
(1) L. succida or oesypum; unscoured (and
therefore greasy) wool. The grease, when
purified is now called lanolin ; it consists largely
of cholesterin. It was often used, II. 36 note,
280, 282, etc., in topical applications. See also
I. 308, 366, 402, 406 ; II. 192 ; III. 312, 442.
(2) L. mollis, soft scoiu-ed wool, II. 250 ; III.
446 ; lanula, a flake of wool, II. 250 ; III. 446.
(3) L. sulphurata, wool impregnated with
sulphur, I. 398, 406. The word absus for a sheet
of sulphurated wool is only found in Celsus, I.
406 ; III. 442, and later in a passage of Scribonius
Largus copied from Celsus (Comp. XLIII). For
lemniscus, a strip of wool, see III. 454 note.
Lapatium ; Rumex acetosella, sorrel.
As a food, I. 200 ff. ; also as an aperient, 208,
and febrifuge, 260.
Lapsanum ; Raphanus raphanistrum, white charlock.
As a food, I. 204 fF. ; as a diuretic, I. 210.
Laser, Laserpitium ; Ferula silphium, a mild form of
asafoetida.
xxxviii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
This was used with grated cheese as a condi-
ment and as a mild stimulant, I. 286, 370, 376,
390, 426.
Laurus ; Laurus nobilis, the cultivated bay tree.
The crushed berry (lauri bacca or daphnis)
yielded laurel oil, used as an epispastic and in a
plaster called after it diadaphnidon, I. 310, 366 ;
II. 10, 36 and note ; and internally it was used
for liver disease, I. 414.
Lavandula Stoechas ; Lavender from the isles of
Hy feres (Stoechades) used to relieve cough,
III. 532.
Lentiscus ; Pistacia lentiscus, mastich.
This came from Scio (Chios) and yields a
turpentine-like gum now used as a chewing gum,
for flavouring wine and for fumigation.
Celsus used it internally as a repressive, I. 212,
450, externally as an erodent, II. 6, and for aural
ulceration, II. 232. Mastich leaves formed part
of an application for ulceration of the genitals,
II. 272.
Libanotis ; see Cachry.
Libanotos or Tus ; Boswellia Carteri, and other species
of frankincense trees ; the gum was used for in-
cense ; and in an application to a paralysed limb,
I. 346 ; dialibanu, II. 204 note, 206, was a plaster
made from it ; the soot (Juligo) was used as a
styptic and caustic, II. 2, 4, 6, 8, 24. The gum
was sipped in a draught to stop haemorrhage from
the mouth and throat, I. 394.
Ligustrum ; L. sempivirens, privet.
This yields ligustrin and tannin; it was used
externally as a repressive and refrigerant, I. 212
and chewed for ulceration of the gums, II. 260.
xxxix
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Lilium ; L. candidum, the white lily.
The roots yield an oil and glucoside used as a
discutient, II. 10; unguent made from lilies
grown at Susa formed an ingredient in a pessary,
II. 48.
Linum ; L. usitatissimum, flax.
(1) Dressed flax, lint, II. 84, 88, 102, 148, 208 ;
III. 304, 336, 378, 406 fF., 464, 536 ; penicillus, a
pad of lint, I. 164, 272 ; II. 196, 200 ; III. 334.
(2) Lini semen, linseed, yields mucilage, gluco-
side and an ethereal oil, which includes a little
hydrocyanic acid. It was used externally as a
discutient and epispastic, to agglutinate wounds,
and in a heating poultice, I. 214, 388, 432 ; II.
4,10.
Lipara ; plasters with grease, II. 42 note.
Litharge ; see Plumbum.
Lolium ; L. temulentum, Italian ryegrass.
The seeds of this when ergotized yielded
farina lolii, darnel meal, which when eaten
produced headache and symptoms of intoxica-
tion. Lolium was used internally in an antidote,
II. 56, and topically as a calefacient, anodyne
and epispastic, and as an application to ulcera-
tions, poisonous stings and papules, I. 214, 452;
II. 10, 50, 120, 172.
Lupinum ; Lupinus alba, lupin.
A decoction of the seeds was given as a remedy
for worms in the intestine, I. 436, 438, and
externally in a heating poultice, I. 214.
Lycium; Rhamnus infectorius, boxthorn or lycium.
This was exported from Lycia and largely
used in dyeing ; medically, owing to the tannin
it contains, it was an astringent and Celsus
zl
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
prescribed it as an application to relieve haemor-
rhage and ulceration of the throat, I. 388, also
generally to arrest bleeding and induce wounds to
heal, 11. 2, 98. It relieved ulcerations of the
genitals, fingers and nostrils, also those due to
scabies, II. 168, 270, 288; III. 366, as well as
ear ulceration following an injury, III. 522 ; it
was a frequent ingredient in eye salves, II. 196-
212, and checked discharge from the ears and
nose, II. 230, 232, 244.
Magma ; dregs, see Crocus (crocomagma).
Malabathrum ; Folia Malabathri Indica, leaves of
Malabar or Indian cinnamon.
The oil of this was used in two of the antidotes
(II. 54, 56).
Malagma ; poultice ; list of, II. 14-30 ; distinguished
from emplastra and pastilli, II. 14. Generally
heating, I. 214, but cooling poultices applied to
podagra, I. 458; II. 16.
They were usually applied to disperse diseased
matter, or draw it out (digerere, extrahere) the
latter were known as epispastica, II. 16, but
were used also to relieve pain, II. 18. They were
often called after their inventor (Lysias, Andreas,
etc., II. 18 fF.),
Malva ; Malva rotundifolia, mallow.
Mallows were included in a frugal diet, and
were a bland and aperient food, I. 208, 260, 390 ;
the mucilage formed a soothing enema, I. 172,
and was used externally as an emollient, I. 456.
Mandragora ; Mandragora officinarum, mandrake.
Both the root and the fruit yield the allied
alkaloids scopolamine, hyoscine and atropine.
xii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
The plant was used internally as a soporific and
anodyne, I. 296 ; II. 60 ; externally it was used
in an eye salve, 190, and for the relief of tooth-
ache, 246.
Probably Celsus refers to the plant mandrake,
but he may have meant Atropa belladonna, the
deadly nightshade which was perhaps known as
mandragora, though the identification is not
certain. Cf. Theophrastus, Plants, 6. 2. 9.
Marrubium ; M. vulgare, horehound.
The ethereal and bitter oil from this, cooked
in honey, was, till recent times, in use as a
remedy for coughs, as it was employed by Celsus,
I. 332, 350, 388, 390 ; externally he used it as
an exedent and cleanser, II. 8, 10, and for foul
ulcerations, II. 50, 124, 134, maggots in the ear,
II. 236, and nasal and genital ulcerations, II.
244, 268 ; III. 448.
Mastich ; see Lentiscus.
Memigmenon ; name of a salve, II. 210.
Mentastrum ; see Mentha.
Mentha ; Mint and catmint, I. 492 ; see also Nepeta.
(1) Mentha piperita, peppermint.
(2) Mentha viridis, green mint ; as a food, I.
200, 204 ; a diuretic, 210, 414 ; in a draught for
cough, I. 390, 404 ; as a stimulant snuff, I. 422 ;
in a decoction for worms, I. 438.
(3) Mentha pulegium, pennyroyal ; as a stimu-
lant, I, 210, 212, 422; externally as a pore
opener, II. 6.
(4) Mentastrum, used against snake bite, II.
120, 250. The calamint of Dioscorides, which is
similarly used, is probably the same plant ;
others think mentastrum = wild mint.
xlii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Minium ; HgS, red sulphide of mercury, cinnabar.
This was largely obtained from Sinope, it was
mixed with red oxides of copper, iron and lead.
It was used as an antiseptic, I. 434 ; II. 6, 8, 40,
210, 216 ; also applied to nasal polypus and foul
genital ulcerations, II. 272.
Misy ; see Stibium.
Morum ; mulberry ; see Sycaminus.
Muralis herba ; see Parthenium.
Muscus ; moss.
Used as a repressive and refrigerant, I. 212.
Myrrh ; Balsamodendron myrrha, myrrh ; but the
name was probably applied generally to various
species of shrubs in Arabia and Africa with a
sweet scented gum.
The gum resin, with its volatile oil, exuded
from the trees in drops {stacte, II. 56) and had a
powerful and lasting odour. It was used inter-
nally as a stimulant and diuretic, I. 286, 316, and
in an antidote, II. 56, and externally for otorrhea,
II. 230.
Myrtus ; Myrtus communis, myrtle.
Included among vervains, I. 493; The berries
were added to wine, I. 444, though the taste is
now esteemed very disagreeable ; myrtle oil
(olive oil infused with myrtle berries) was used as
a repressive and refrigerant, I. 210 fF., 260, 304,
496 ; II. 42, and in soothing plasters for eczema
of the scalp, II. 180.
Narcissus ; N. serotinus, narcissus.
The juice of the root was an emollient which
reduced the pain of erodents and discutients and
was therefore mixed with them, II. 8, 10.
xliii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Nardum; Nardostachys Jatamansi, spikenard or
nard. The name was also applied to the resin
of Valeriana Celtica, nardum Gallicum.
The resin was used internally as a diuretic,
I, 316, 450, and in an antidote, II. 54, 56, and
externally in a plaster for the liver, II. 62.
Nasturtium ; Lepidium sativum, cress.
As a food, I. 200fF. ; as a diuretic, I. 210;
see also I. 208, 212, 338, 386, 416, 438, 492;
II. 6.
Nepeta ; N. cataria, catnip or catmint, mint.
As a food, I. 200, 204; as a diuretic, I. 210;
against snake bite, II. 120 ; see also I. 370, 382,
416, 458.
Nitrum ; see Sal.
Nuces ; Nuts ; for almonds, hazel nuts, walnuts, and
nuts of all kinds as food stuff see index s.v. and
vol. I. appendix, p. 495.
Bitter almonds (nuces amarae) were used
medicinally as a diuretic, I. 316, for jaundice,
340, cough, 388; externally in an emulsion
and aperient for headache and podagra, I. 270,
458, for thrush, II. 256. The sweet almonds
(nuces Graecae) were also used, I. 418, in a
draught given for renal pain ; see also II. 8, 10,
12, 50, 166, 184, 228, 232, 240.
Ocimum ; Ocimum basilicum, basil.
Among foods, I. 200 ff., 330, 492 ; as a diuretic,
I. 208, 210, 212.
Oenanthe ; see Vitis alba.
Oesypum ; see Lana.
Olibanum ; see Libanotos.
xliv
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Omphacium.
Juice of unripe olives and grapes. Cleans
ulcers and wounds, II. 6 ; erodent 8, epispastic,
12, for tonsilitis, 252, 262, 272.
Opopanax ; see Panaces, all-heal.
Origanum; There were several varieties of this
shrub :
(1) O. Dictamnus ; see Dictamnus.
(2) O. majorana, Amaracus, sweet marjoram,
used as a discutient, II. 10.
(3) O. vulgare, Tragoriganum, goats' marjoram,
used as a diuretic and discutient, I. 316 ; II. 10.
Panaces, Panax (•n-avaKcta) ; " All-heal " ; an
emollient mucilage, without further activity,
from several distinct plants, so called because
of its healing properties.
(1) Ferulago galbanifera, galbanum, q.v.
(2) Panaces Cheironium = Inula helenium,
elecampayne ; see Helenium.
(3) Panaces Asclepieium = Ferula nodosa.
(4) Opopanax hispidus or Panaces Hera-
cleium.
Celsus refers several times to " all-heal "
(panaces), as a remedy against snake bite, II.
120, as a pore-opener, II. 6, and to opopanax as
a diuretic, I. 316, and in a poultice for sup-
puration, II. 18, in an eye and ear salve, II.
214, 230.
Papaver ; Papaver rhoeas, the wild poppy. (For the
Papaver argemone, prickly poppy, see Arge-
mone.)
The juice contained a small quantity of
opium and was recognised as a mild narcotic
xlv
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
and anodyne. It was probably the source
of the pills made from " poppy tears," II. 60;
the juice (lacrimae) expressed from slits below
the capsules of the poppy was the strongest. The
dried capsules were also used, II. 60, for the
pills known as diacodion (Sio. kojSciwv). Cf. Pliny,
N.H. 18. 76 ; 19. 79.
Celsus never alludes to the cultivated poppy
(papaver somniferum) from which opium is
obtained and this name was first used by
Dioscorides, IV. 647. As Celsus does not include
poppy juice in his list of poisons, II. 122, he
probably only knew a mild variety of the juice.
He used it internally to produce sleep and
relieve pain, I. 210 ; II. 54, 60 ; and externally
in decoctions to any painful part, I. 272, 296,
418, 448, 458.
Papyrus ;
(1) Rolled papyrus {papyrus intortus) was used
to apply remedies for fistula, II. 156.
(2) Charta combusta, papyrus ash.
This yielded caustic potash and soda and was
used as a caustic and application to ulcers and
putrid wounds and also to bald patches on the
scalp, 11. 8, 50, 182, 264, 288.
Parthenium or Herba muralis ; Parietaria officinalis,
pellitory.
This was used externally as a repressive and
refrigerant, I. 212, or the juice was applied to the
head in fever, or to painful joints or papules, I.
294,458; 11.170.
Pastillum ; pastil, Greek rpoxia-Kos-
Pastils were in tabloid form and could be used
internally or externally ; a list is given, II. 44-46,
xlvi
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
and they are distinguished from piasters, II. 14.
A celebrated pastil of Polyides was called " the
seal," II. 44.
Personina planta ; Arctium lappa, burdock.
Used as an application for snake bite, II. 120.
Pessoi ; pessaries for diseases of women, II. 46, 48.
Peucedanum ; P. officinale, sulphurwort.
The root yields a bitter foetid resin peuce-
danine, which was used as an application to
painful joints, II. 28.
Pinus ; Pinus pinea, the stone pine.
The pine kernels (nuclei pinet) were eaten,
I. 200, 202, 210, and were given in honey for
cough, and to relieve inflammation of the kidney,
1. 410, 418,452 ; as was the Jlospini in liver disease,
I. 414 ; externally the resin was given as a
suppurative, pore-opener, erodent and epispastic,
II. 8, 10, 12, and pitch was also used in the same
way and as an emollient, II. 8, 12, 38 ; pitch
plasters were also commonly used, I. 326 note,
346, 366.
Pitch resin was closely akin to turpentine (see
Terebinthus).
For other refs. to pine products, see I. 308, 410,
414, 418, 452, 458.
Piper; Piper nigrum, pepper. Two varieties are
referred to, long and round, I. 210, 492 ; among
foods, I, 206, 210 ; as a diuretic, I. 210 ; in fever,
I. 286 ; to promote sneezing, 308 ; see also I.
376, 378, 382, 418, 436, 452; used in local
appUcations, 1. 214 ; II. 6, 8, 18-30, 56, 58-64,250.
Plantago ; P. major, plantain.
Plantain and especially the seeds yield a very
glutinous mucilage; it was used as a food, I.
xlvii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
208 fF., and in a draught for phthisis, haemor-
rhage, and dysentery, I. 332, 394, 436 ; it was
also applied externally for elephantiasis, I. 344.
Psy Ileum; Plantago psyllium, fleawort.
An agglutinant for wounds, II. 4.
Plumbum ; lead.
(1) Galena (jioXvftSaLva) sulphide of lead;
when fused this was known as plumbum com-
hustum, and after washing as plumbum elotum ; it
was used to arrest haemorrhage, II. 4.
(2) Plumbi stercus or recrementum plumbi
((TKiapia fxoXv^Sov), lead slag. This was applied
externally as an emollient, for burns and ulcera-
tions, II. 12, 42, 124, 242.
(3) Spuma argenti (\i6dpyvpos;), litharge ; oxide
of lead separated after heating lead and silver
ores ; litharge was heated with oil to make lead
plaster (emplastrum plumbi), diachylon. It was
used to check bleeding, II. 32 ; and sweating in
cardiac disease, I. 304; to clean wounds, II. 6,
8 ; and was applied to putrid flesh, 50 ; to
pustules, 166 ; and to nasal ulcerations, 242.
(4) Cerussa (j^LfxvOLov), white lead (basic lead
acetate) formed by pouring vinegar over lead
shavings ; when heated cerussa produced the
yellow and red oxides of lead, I. 272, 458. It
was used as an application for recent wounds and
ulcerations, II. 42, 166, also for headache and
joint pain, I. 272, 458. Remedies against
poisoning by it are given, II. 122.
(5) Plumbum album, perhaps tinstone, see II.
108 note.
Pohum ; Teucrium polium, polygermander, the grey
evergreen germander, hulwort.
xlviii
I
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
The popular name for this was trixago, be-
cause its leaves resembled the castor oil plant,
trixis.
A decoction of the leaves was used for the
relief of pain in the side and cough, I. 406 ; III.
532, and also for snake bite, II. 120.
Polygonum ; P. aviculare, knotgrass.
The juice of this was very rich in tannin and
gallic acid, and so was a powerful astringent,
much used to arrest haemorrhage ; hence it was
known as herha sanguinalis, I. 212, 332, 414 ; II. 4,
166, 236.
Populus ; P. alba, the white poplar.
An application was made from the bark of the
roots for toothache, II. 246.
Portulaca ; Portulaca oleracea, purslane.
As a food, I. 200 ff., 212, 492 ; also used as an
aperient, I. 208 ; to promote urination, I. 416 ;
and chewed to check bleeding from the gums, I.
394.
Potio ; a draught, I. 64, 496-499.
Psoricum ; see Aes (9).
Psylleum, fleawort ; see Plantago.
Puleium, pennyroyal ; see Mentha.
Pulvis (ex via) ; road dust.
In an application for inflammation of the
stomach, I. 398.
Punicum malum ; Pomum or Malum granatum, pome-
granate.
The fruit was regarded as specially digestible,
I. 204. All parts of the plant contained tannin,
and so were used as astringents, I. 212 ; the
flowers (which yielded the scarlet dye balaustrium)
were used as a mild corrosive, II. 50 ; the fruit
xlix
LIST OF MENTAMEDICA
and its juice were used in several prescriptions,
II. 230, 232, 234, 252, 256 ; as were the capituli, the
red fleshy cahxes, 11. 38, 44, 46 ; and the bark,
cortex malt punici or malicorium, which was dried,
I. 442 ; 11. 232, 248. See also I. 210, 404, 432,
444, 492.
Purgantia ; drugs to cleanse wounds, II. 6, 12.
Purgatio, purging ; value of, I. 58 ; purgatives, I. 168,
208.
Pyrethrum or Herba salivaris ; Anthemis pyrethrum,
chamomile.
The plant yields a brown acrid resin with a
volatile oil and much tannin ; it served as a pore-
opener, caustic and epispastic, II. 6, 8, 40 ; and
in applications for pain in the side, scrofulous
tumour, and toothache, II. 20, 22, 50.
Pyrron ; name of a salve, II. 210 note c.
Pyxinum ; name of a salve, II. 214.
Quinquefolium ; Potentilla reptans, cinquefoil.
The juice contains a great deal of tannic acid
and was used internally for dysentery, I. 432, and
externally, with hyoscyamus, for toothache, II.
246, and in heating poultices, I. 214.
Radix, Radicula ; Raphanus sativus, radish.
Mentioned as a bland food stuff, I. 192, 202,
286 and a diuretic, I. 210, but of bad juice,
I. 200. It was commonly used for morning
emesis, I. 60, and was probably coarser than the
modern variety.
Radix dulcis ; Glycorrhiza glabra, liquorice.
This root yields a pecuhar sugar, valuable as
an adjunct to honey before the introduction of
1
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
cane sugar, I. 492; medicinally it was used
internally in an antidote and to expel stone from
the bladder, II. 46, 54, and externally in a gargle
for the throat, II. 252.
Radix Pontica ; probably Rheum Ponticum, rhubarb.
Used in an antidote, II. 56.
Refrigerantia ; cooling foods, drugs or application,
refrigerants, I. 206, 212, 214 ; II. 10.
Reprimentia (Medicamenta quae reprimunt) ; repres-
sives (to check inflammation), I. 154, 212 ; II. 4.
Resina ; see Pinus and Terebinthus.
Rhus Syriacum; R. coriacius Syriacus, the currier's or
tanner's tree.
The astringent sumach obtained from this was
applied to ulceration of the mouth following
thrush, II. 256.
Ricinus ; castor oil plant ; see Cicinum.
Rodentia (medicamenta quae rodunt) ; substances that
bite or blister the flesh, II. 6 note b.
Rosa ; Rosa Gallica, rose.
Rose oil (oleum ex rosa) was made from the
fresh petals, and the dried petals were used
especially as discutients and emollients, I. 212,
260, 270, 272, 292, 304, 306, 316, 366, 398, 400.
432, 448 ; II. 10, 12.
Ruta; R. graveolens, garden rue or Peganium
harmala, wild rue. This plant with its foetid
odour and acrid taste was used for food, I.
200 ff. and also medicinally as a local irritant
1,210,310,446,452; II. 6.
Sagapenum ; Ferula Persica, sagapenum.
This yields a gum resin akin to asafoetida;
used in an antidote, 11. 56.
li
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Sal ; sodium chloride, salt.
It was constantly included in prescriptions,
without any qualification, I. 168, 172, 188, 212,
260, 318, 366, 368.
Rock salt (sal fossile) is specified as an ingre-
dient in an eye salve, II. 214 ; salted water is
constantly used, I. 212, 172, 270, and strong
brine, salsuga muria dura, I. 416.
Salt (sodium chloride) has no aperient action,
II. 6, but was used in an enema, I. 172; the
aperient compounds, sulphates of sodium and
magnesium were not distinguished.
Several compounds of sodium chloride were
used by Celsus.
(1) Nitrum, soda. Hydrated carbonate of
sodium mixed with chlorides and calcium
carbonate. This was especially obtained from
pools north west of Cairo and received its name
from the Arabic natrum, I. 172, 214, 260, 338,
346; 11.238.
(2) Spuma nitri, soda-scum, aphronitrum.
Carbonates and nitrates of soda and potash
coloured by copper and iron oxides. This was
used as an erodent and on a poultice for abscesses
and inflamed joints, II. 8, 20; see also II. 30.
(3) Sal ammoniacum (ammoniac salt) ; sodium
chloride rendered hygroscopic by the inclusion
of calcium and magnesium chloride ; this sub-
stance, which was also mixed with gypsum
(calcium sulphate) was so called because it was
found in the sand near the temple of Jupiter
Ammon in Libya.
It was used in preparations to draw out
inflammation and mature abscesses, II. 16, 20,
lii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
22, 24, 38 ; for a black eye, II. 226, and in a
draught to expel a dead foetus, II. 64.
Salamandra ; Lacertus Salamandra, the salamander.
The ash (cinis) produced by burning this was
rich in lime and used as an erodent, exedent and
caustic, II. 6, 8.
Salivaris herba ; see Pyrethrum.
Salix ; Salix alba, white willow.
The leaves boiled in vinegar yielded salicin
and astringent tannin ; applied to ulcerations of
the anus, II. 286.
Sampsychus Cyprius ; see Origanum.
Sandaraca ; see Auripigmentum. (Celsus does not
mention the bee bread and gum resin, also
known as sandaraca, Aristotle, H.A. IX. 40;
Pliny, N.H. XXXIV. 18. 55, 56.)
Sanguinalis herba ; see Polygonum.
Sanguinem supprimentia ; styptics, haemostatics,
II. 6.
Satureia ; Satureia thymbra, savoury.
Used with other herbs as a food stuff and
diuretic, I. 200, 210 ; see also I. 416, 493.
Saxum Calcis ; see Calx.
Scammonea ; Convolvulus scammonia, scammony
(Herba Cantabrica).
This was a drastic purge, I. 310 note, 340;
used as a vermifuge, I. 436, and for snake-bite,
II. 120 ; topically it was used as an exedent, II. 8.
Schiston ; see Alumen.
Schoinon ; see luncus.
Scilla ; Scilla urginea maritima, squill.
The bulbs yield scillin, which resembles
digitalin, but is much less certain in its action as
a cardiac stimulant and often produces vomiting ;
Uii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
the bulb, its bitter taste disguised by vinegar or
honey was sucked or taken internally for dropsy
as a diuretic, I. 318, 320, 390, 416 ; externally it
was applied as a counter irritant in paralysis,
I. 346, as an emollient or exedent or mouth
wash, II. 46, 156, 244, 264.
Serpyllum ; Thymum serpyllum, creeping thyme.
The serpollet from this resembled oil of thyme,
and acted as an antiseptic and discutient,
I. 212, 272, 282, 292, 416 ; II. 10.
Sertula Campana ; several plants were included under
this name, especially Melilotus officinalis, a
species of lotus (meUlot).
The plants had a sweet smell like new hay and
were applied to foul ulcerations, II. 10, 12, 50,
184, 282.
Sesamum ; Sesamum Indicum, sesame.
The oil from this, which was an inferior sub-
stitute for olive oil is included among emolHents,
I. 196 ; II. 10.
Sinapis alba, nigra ; Brassica alba, nigra mustard.
As a food, I. 493 ; indigestible, 200 ; acrid,
202 ; heating, 286, 416 ; in local applications and
plasters, erodent and extractive, I. 212, 318,
346, 368, 370, 434, 446 ; inhaled as a stimulant,
310.
Siser ; Slum sisarum, skirret.
One of the medicinal herbs mentioned as a
repressive, I. 212; also as a food, I. 200 ff.,
493.
Solanum or Strychnos ; bitter-sweet or night shade.
There were several species, one specially
mentioned by Celsus was the winter cherry or
Halicaccabus (PhysaUs Alkengi).
Uv
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
All the varieties yielded scopolamine, which is
allied to atropine and hyoscine, and so acted as
local anodynes while the tannin which they
contained made them astringents as well ; they
were used t» soothe the insane (in a local
application to the scalp) and the hysterical, I.
212, 294, 448 ; the bark of halicaccabus was used
as an application to foul ulcers, solanum leaves
for erysipelas, and solanum juice for prominent
navels, II, 46, 102, 266.
Solaris herba ; see Heliotropion.
Sordes ; used as a local suppurative, II. 10 note a,
12, 60 note a ; see also II. 38, 52, 86.
Spartes ; see Cytisus.
Sphaerion ; name of a salve, II. 212.
Spodium ; see Cadmia.
Spongia; sponge, mentioned as a repressive. I. 212;
in fomenting, I. 382 ; II. 154, 156.
Staphis agria ; I. 316, see Tamus (Uva Taminia) ; for
another identification, see p. xi, note c.
Stibium ; Antimonium sulphide, antimony sulphide
or misy, Arabic kohl.
This was much adulterated with oxide of lead
and charcoal and was used as a slight irritant and
caustic in plasters and pastils for ulcers, II.
19-56 and 268-286, and especially in eye salves,
II. 194 ff., of which it has been an ingredient
from very early times.
Stoechas ; see Lavandula.
Stomoma ; see Aes.
Storax ; see Styrax.
Strychnos ; see Solanum.
Sudorem evocare ; methods of eliciting a sweat,
diaphoretics, I. 184, 314, 316.
hr
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Styrax ; Storax officinalis, storax.
The resin of this shrub (Liquidambar orien-
talis) includes styrax and benzoin resins, and
the perfume of the balsam resembles jasmin.
It was used internally as a diuretic and in
antidotes, I. 316 ; II. 54, 56, and externally for
maturing abscessions and promoting suppuration
and for cleansing wounds, and as a discutient,
emollient and epispastic, II. 6, 10, 12, 18; also
for contusions and painful joints, II. 26, 28.
Sulphur; sulphur.
This was chiefly used in external applications ;
apyron, unheated sulphur, was used in its natural
state, II. 22 ; s. praeparatum, sublimed sulphur,
was used to impregnate wool {lana sulphurata,
q.v.).
It was used as a suppurative, pore opener and
cleanser, II. 6, an exedent, II. 8, and a discutient,
II. 10 ; and in a fomentation to relieve pain in
the limbs, I. 348 ; internally it is once prescribed
to relieve cough, I. 390.
Sycaminus ; this name was applied to two distinct
species.
(1) Morus nigra, mulberry tree, I. 296.
The mulberry (morum) is used as a food, I.
204 if. ; as a soporific, I. 210 ; for thrush, I.
256 ; as a purgative, I. 208. See also p. 495.
There was a medicine of mulberries, I. 382;
II. 256 ; a decoction of the leaves was used,
I. 436.
(2) Sycamorus Aegyptiaca, Egyptian fig ; this
was called Sycamorus or Sycaminus, the former
name being derived from the likeness of its
leaves to those of the white mulberry, see 1. 296 ;
Ivi
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
II. 20. Lacrima sycamini (the gum) was used in
an application for headache, I. 296, and for pain
in the side, II. 20; the figs grow on the stem
(not like ficus carica on the twigs). See S*. Luke,
xvii. 6.
Tamarix ; T. tetrandra, tamarisk.
This tree exudes a manna containing various
sugars and much tannin. It was used as a
repressive and refrigerant, I. 212.
Tamus ; Tamus communis, black bryony, lady's seal.
The berries (uvae taminiae) hang in bunches,
like grapes ; hence their name. They were
much used by Celsus as diuretics, I. 316, and
in local applications, II. 6-12, 30, 48, 50, 208.
250, 280.
Terebinthus ; Pistacia terebinthus, turpentine tree.
The resin (terebinihina resina) was constantly
used, with pitch resin, as an erodent, II. 6, and
internally to relieve dyspnoea, I. 386.
Thapsia ; Thapsia garganica, scorching fennel.
The very powerful juice of this was used as a
counter irritant, especially for contusions of the
face, II. 26 (Pliny, N.H. XIII. 22. (43), also
mentions this use), and for baldness, II. 182.
Thlaspis ; Capsella bursa pastoris, shepherds' purse.
The seeds had a flavour like mustard ; used in
an antidote, II. 56.
Thymum ; Thymbra capitata, Cretan thjrme.
The flowers yield the antiseptic thymol;
they were an indigestible food, I. 200, 204 ; a
decoction served as a diuretic, I. 210, 416 ; also
in a gargle for paralysis of the tongue, 370 ; and
for angina, 382.
Ivii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Tithymalus, II. 8 ; see Lactuca marina.
Tragacantha ; Astragalus Creticus, tragacanth.
The pith is a mass of mucilage from which gum
exudes, it was used especially as an excipient,
I. 388, also as an agglutinant, to relieve irritation
and in eye salves, II. 4, 10, 196, 204.
Tragoriganum ; see Origanum.
Trixago ; see Polium.
Trixis (castor oil plant) ; see Cicinum.
Trifolium ; Trifolium fra^iferum, trefoil.
This herb, which yields a mucilage with a
fragrance like honey, was used in a poultice for
enlarged spleen, I. 416, and also against snake
bite, II. 118.
Trygodes ; a salve invented by Euelpides, II. 196.
Tus (Thus) or OUbanum (Greek, Xi^avwrds), frankin-
cense, see Libanotos.
Unguenta ; ointments, II. 10, 48, 58 note.
Urinam moventia ; diuretics, I. 52, 210, 316, 340, 418 ;
II. 10.
Urtica ; Urtica urens, nettle.
Used internally as a food-purgative, I. 208,
390, and part of a light diet for fever, I. 260 ; for
intestinal worms, I. 438; externally in paralysis
to irritate the skin, I. 346.
Uva; Grape. See General Index, grapes; also see
helow, Vitis ; for uva taminia, see above Tamus.
Veratrimi nigrum or album; Veratrum album,
Hellebore (the two varieties are not now distin-
guished).
Celsus, like Hippocrates, used the rhizomes and
rootlets as a drastic purge, and as an emetic ; it
Iviii
LIST OF MEDICA^IENTA
was especially employed for cases of mental
excitement and as a treatment for the insane, I.
110, 152, 168, 174, 298, 300, 308, 334, 336, 342,
368, 412. 436. Externally it was used as an
erodent and caustic, II. 8, 10, to excite sneezing,
II. 52. It was also used as an emetic for cases
of struma, II. 140.
Vervains ; aromatic shrubs, I. 212, 292, 434, 452, 458 ;
see further, vol. I. Appendix, p. 493.
Vettonica herba ; Betonica officinalis, betony.
This herb was introduced at Rome by Antonius
Musa, physician to Augustus. He found it used
medicinally by the Vettones, a tribe of North
west Spain. The dried leaves were used as snufF,
the juice of the root as a purge. Celsus mentions
it only once as a cure for snake bite, II. 120.
Viola ; Viola odorata, violet.
The flowers and seeds yield an expectorant and
emetic, violin, which resembles ipecacuanha.
It was used by Celsus externally as a pore opener
and discutient, II. 6, 10.
Viscum ; Viscum album, the berry of Loranthus
Europaeum, mistletoe.
The unripe berries resemble gutta percha, and
were used in the poultices of Apollophanes and
Andreas, II. 18, 20.
Vitis ; Vitis alba silvestris, wild vine.
The juice of the flowers (oenanthe) was a
diuretic, I. 316, and used locally as a caustic,
II. 8.
The cultivated vine (V. vinifera), besides
producing grapes, had tendrils, caprioli, which
yielded tannin and were included under repres-
sives and refrigerants, I. 212.
Uz
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Vomitum inducere ; methods of inducing a vomit,
I. 58, see General Index, Emetics.
Zingiber ; ginger.
This is only once mentioned as an ingredient in
an antidote, II. 56.
Zmaragdinum (emerald-like) ; name of a plaster,
II. 32.
Zmilion (razor-like) ; name of a salve, II. 214,
II. LIST OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND
APPLIANCES USED IN TREATMENT
Absus, a woollen bandage, I. 406 ; III. 442 note.
Acia, a suture of twisted wool, see suture (Genera
index).
Acus, needle (surgical). III. 344, 364, 378, 386:
for cataract, 350; cautery needle, III. 336,338,
344, 360.
Ancter, see Fibula.
Calamus, a reed or quill pen, used to blow powders
into a fistula or gangrene, II. 156, III. 448;
in the treatment of ear or nose tronble, to
keep the passage open. III. 360, 366 ; in
extracting missiles from a wound, III. 318.
Canalis, gutter splint. III. 528, note c, 550, 584 ;
fitted with straps {lora), III. 546, 568.
Clyster ; (1) Clyster oricularis, ear syringe, II. 268 ;
III. 444, 450, 468.
(2) For clystering the bowels, see General
index, Clyster.
Ix
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Collyrium, II. 154 note
(1) A salve, especially an eye salve, II. 192-
196, 200, 216.
(2) A medicated bougie, tent, used to probe a
fistula, II. 154 note, III. 306.
Corvus, a surgical knife. III. 404.
Cyathiscus (of Diodes), a surgical instrument used for
extracting missiles. III. 318.
Fascea, bandage, I. 164 ; II. 88, 192, III. 320, 408 ;
for fractures and dislocations. III. 524 fF.
Ferrum, Ferramentum, a surgeon's knife, I. 2; a
lithotomy knife. III. 426; that invented by
Meges, 436 ; a knife used to cut away a polypus,
364, and in a case of dropsy, 382 ; an instrument
to extract missiles, III. 316 ; Ferrum candens,
cautery, I. 330, 356; II. 134; III. 300, 374;
Ferrum was also used of a smith's tools, I. 416 ;
II. 130.
Ferula, a cane splint, made from the stem of the
Narthex communis, was used in fractures of the
clavicle, humerus, etc.. III. 528 and note, 540 fF.
Fibula, Greek ayKTrjp, originally a brooch, safety pin,
was used by Celsus of pins passed through the
margin of wounds and fixed by a thread twisted
round them in a figure of 8, similar to the " hare-
lip pin " still in use, though now largely super-
seded by clips, II. 82 ; III. 308, 324, 416 ; in-
Jibulare adulescentulos, III. 422, 424.
Fistula, a straw, or pipe of reed, used to drink
through, I. 74 ; a pipe of brass or lead, used as
a catheter, III. 424 ; for drainage, 382, 454.
For an anatomical or pathological fistula, see
General index, Fistula, Urethra.
Forfex, a forceps, III. 318, 320 ; a dental forceps,
Ixi
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
11. 368, 370 ; shears used in an abdominal opera-
tion, II. 386 ; an instrument specially made for
use in cases of fractured skull, III. 514.
Habenae, straps, used in treating dislocations and
fractures, III. 320, 538, 542, 546, 570, 578, 580.
Hamus, hook. III. 316, 372, 386; used in scalping
operations, III. 356, and in an operation on the
tongue, 374 {hamulus).
Laramina, see Meningophylax.
Lemniscus, a woollen bandage, III. 455 note.
Lenticula, a gouge, II. 266 note.
Lorum, a strap, to secure a splint. III. 546, 568.
Meningophylax (Lammina), a plate for protecting the
brain during operations on the head, III. 500,514.
Mitella, a sling, III. 546.
Modiolus, III. 496, note, a crown trephine.
Novacula, a razor used to shave the scalp, II. 182.
Paxillus, a wedge, used in treating fractures, III. 554.
Rhizagra, a dental forceps. III. 370 and note.
Scala Gallinaria, a poultry ladder to the roost for hens,
used in reducing dislocations, III. 570.
Scalpellus, a surgical knife, I. 162-166, 182 ; II. 276,
290 ; III. 298, 302, 316, 372, 420, 432, 436.
Scalper, a cutting chisel, III. 496, 498, 500, 506, 512.
Serrula, an amputation saw, III. 470.
Spata or Spatula lignea ; a wooden board fitted with
straps {lord) used in reducing a dislocated
humerus. III. 568.
Specillum, a probe, II. 134 ; III. 310, 360, 368, 498,
506, 518 ; an ear scoop, II. 236 ; a rasp {Sp.
asperatum), II. 216.
Strigil, II. 228 note.
Sutura, suture of wounds, see General Index, Suture.
Terebra, a trepan, III. 320, 496 ff., 508, 512.
Ixii
LIST OF MEDICAMENTA
Uncus, a hook, used in embryotomy. III. 456, 458, for
lithotomy. III. 426, 434.
Volsella, a small forceps or tweezers, II. 274, 372 ;
also a smith's instrument, small tongs or pinchers,
III. 552.
Ixiii
WEIGHTS, MEASURES, SYMBOLS
{Weights and measures are converted to the metric
system)
Dry measures.
LIBRA or PONDUS, pound, about 336 grammes.
Bes librae, two thirds, 224 grammes.
Selibra, one half, 168 grammes.
Triens librae, one third, 112 grammes.
Quadrans librae, one quarter, 84 grammes.
Sextans librae, one sixth, 56 grammes.
Sesquiuncia (sescuncia) librae, one eighth, 42
grammes.
Uncia librae, one twelfth, 28 grammes.
DENARIUS, DRACHMA, one seventh" of an
uncia librae, about 4 grammes.
Bes denarii, two thirds, 2*66 grammes.
Semi denarius, one half, 2 grammes.
Quicunx denarii, five twelfths, 1*66 gramme.
Triens denarii, one third, 1*33 gramme.
Quadrans denarii, one quarter, 1 gramme.
Sextans denarii, one sixth, 0*66 gramme.
Uncia denarii, one twelfth, 0*33 gramme.
SCRIPULUM, one twenty-fourth of an uncia
librae, 1*16 gramme.
OBOLUS, one sixth of a denarius, 0"66 gramme.
Hemiobolium, half an obolus, 0*33 gramme.
" This measure was not universal ; in V. 17. 1 C Celsus
explains the system that he follows.
Ixv
VOL. II. C
WEIGHTS, MEASURES, SYMBOLS
Liquid measures.
AMPHORA, about 30 litres.
SEXTARIUS, about ^ litre, 500 e.cm.
Hemina sextarii, about ^ litre, 250 e.cm.
Quadrans sextarii, about | litre, 125 e.cm.
ACETABULUM, ^ sextarius, 63 e.cm.
CYATHUS, J^ sextarius, 42 e.cm.
Fractions.
1
5
T2"*
St/mbols.
P followed by a numeral, one pondus (libra) or
more.
P with no numeral following, pondo, by weight.
PS, selibra, |.
P — , uncia librae, ^ of a pondus (libra).
P bes, bes librae, |.
P = = or P ZZ, triens librae, J.
P = — , quadrans librae, J.
P = or P Z, sextans librae, ^.
Ixvi
WEIGHTS, MEASURES, SYMBOLS
•5f followed by a numeral, one denarius or more
(also represented by H or X followed by a numeral).
P ^ — or P -Jf ~ , uncia denarii, ^-^ of a denarius.
P -Jf S, semi-denarius, |.
P ^ = = or P -Jf ZZ, triens denarii, \.
P[-K- = — or P. "Jf ^, quadrans denarii, \.
P ^ — or P ^ Z, sextans denarii, \ (one obolus),
P^ = = — , quicunx denarii, ^.
P ^ ~ ZI> t>^^ denarii, |.
Pg, dextans denarii, \^ (this sign only occurs V.
18. 17).
^, followed by a numeral, one scripulum or more.
S, followed by a numeral, one sextarius or more.
S, with no numeral following, semi, one half.
Ixvii
CELSUS
DE MEDICINA
A. CORNELII CELSI
DE MEDICINA
LIBER V
Dixi de iis malis corporis, quibus victus ratio
maxime subvenit : nunc transeundum est ad earn
medicinae partem, quae magis medicamentis pug-
nat. His multum antiqui auctores tribuerunt. et
Erasistratus et ii, qui se empiricos nominarunt,
praecipue tamen Herophilus deductique ab illo viro,
adeo ut nullum morbi genus sine his curarent.
Multaque etiam de facultatibus medicamentorum
memoriae prodiderunt, qualia sunt vel Zenonis
vel Andriae vel Apolloni, qui Mys cognominatus est.
2 Horum autem usum ex magna parte Asclepiades
non sine causa sustulit ; et cum omnia fere medica-
menta stomachum laedant malique suci sint, ad
ipsius victus rationem potius omnem curam suam
transtulit. Verum ut illud in plerisque morbis
utilius est, sic multa admodum corporibus nostris
incidere consuerunt, quae sine medicamentis ad
sanitatem pervenire non possunt. Illud ante omnia
scire convenit, quod omnes medicinae partes ita
innexae sunt, ut ex toto separari non possint sed ab
" The word victus like the Statro (regimen) of Hippocrates
includes not only dieting, but rubbing, rocking, rules for
exercise, etc.
2
CELSUS
ON MEDICINE
BOOK V
I HAVE spoken of those maladies of the body in
which the regulation of the diet" is most helpful:
now I pass on to that part of medicine which
combats them rather by medicaments. These were
held of high value by ancient writers, both by Erasis-
tratus and those who styled themselves Empirics,
especially however by Herophilus and his school,
insomuch that they treated no kind of disease without
tliem. A great deal has also been recorded con-
cerning the powers of medicaments, as in the works
of Zeno or of Andreas or of Apollonius, surnamed
Mys. On the other hand, Asclepiades dispensed
with the use of these for the most part, not without
reason; and since nearly all medicaments harm the
stomach and contain bad juices, he transferred all
his treatment rather to the management of the
actual diet. But while in most diseases that is the
more useful method, yet very many illnesses attack
our bodies which cannot be cured without medica-
ments. This before all things it is well to recognize,
that all branches of medicine are so connected
together, that it is impossible to separate off any
CELSUS
3 eo nomen trahant, a quo plurimum petunt. Ergo
et ilia, quae victu curat, aliquando medicamentum
adhibet, et ilia, quae praecipue xnedicamentis
pugnat, adhibere etiam rationem victus debet,
quae multum admodum in omnibus corporis malis
proficit.
Sed cum omnia medicamenta proprias facultates
habeant, ac simplicia saepe opitulentur, saepe mixta,
non alienum videtur ante proponere et nomina et
vires et mixturas eorum (capp. i-xxv), qui minor
ipsas nobis curationes exsequentibus mora sit.
1. Sanguinem supprimunt atramentum sutorium,
quod Graeci chalcanthon appellant, chalcitis, acacia,
et ex aqua Lycium, tus, aloe, ciunmi, plumbum
combustum, porrum, herba sanguinalis ; creta vel
Cimolia vel figularis, misy; frigida aqua, vinum,
acetum; alumen Melinum, squama et ferri et aeris
[atque huius quoque duae species sunt, alia tantum
aeris, alia rubri aeris].
2. Glutinant vulnus murra, tus, cummi, praeci
pueque acanthinum ; psylleum, tragacantha, carda-
momon, bulbi, lini semen, nasturcium ; ovi album,
gluten, icthyocolla; vitis alba, contusae cum testis
suis cocleae, mel coctum; spongia vel ex aqua
frigida vel ex vino vel ex aceto expressa ; ex iisdem
lana sucida ; si levis plaga est, etiam aranea.
Reprimunt alumen et scissile, quod (txio-tov
vocatur, et liquidum ; Melinum, auripigmentum,
aerugo, chalcitis, atramentum sutorium.
BOOK V. I. 2-2. I
one part completely, but each gets its name from
the treatment which it uses most. Therefore, both
that which treats by dieting has recourse at times to
medicaments, and that which combats disease mainly
by medicaments ought also to regulate diet, which
produces a good deal of effect in all maladies of the
body.
But since all medicaments have special powers,
and afford relief, often when simple, often when
mixed, it does not seera amiss beforehand to state
both their names and their virtues and how to
compound them, that there may be less delay
when we are describing the treatment itself."
1. The following suppress bleeding: Blacking
which the Greeks call chalcanthon, copper ore,
acacia, and lycium with water, frankincense, lign-aloe,
gums, lead sulphide, leek, polygonum ; Cimolian chalk
or potter's clay, antimony sulphide ; cold water,
wine, vinegar; alum from Melos, iron and copper
scales [and of this last there are two kinds, one from
ordinary copper, the other from red copper].
2. The following agglutinate a wound: myrrh,
frankincense, gums, especially gum arabic ; flea-
wort, tragacanth, cardamon, bulbs, linseed, nastur-
tium ; white of egg, glue, isinglass ; white vine,
snails pounded with their shells, cooked honey, a
sponge squeezed out of cold water or out of wine or
out of vinegar ; unscoured wool squeezed out of the
same ; if the wound is slight, even cobwebs.
The following subdue inflammation : alum, both
split alum called schiston, and alum brine ; quince
oil, orpiment, verdigris, copper ore, blacking.
" For a list of the drugs given and the probable identification
of those which are doubtful see Introduction to vol. II.
CELSUS
3. Concoqunt et movent pus nardum, murra,
costus, balsamum, galbanum, propolis, sturax, turis et
fuligo et cortex, bitumen, pix, sulpur, resina, sebum,
adeps, oleum.
4. Aperiunt tamquam ora in corporibus, quod
stomun Graece dicitur, cinnamomum, balsamum,
panaces ; iuncus quadratus, puleium et flos albae
violae, bdella, galbanum, resina terebenthina et
pinea, propolis, oleum vetus; piper, pyrethrum,
chamaepitys, uva taminia ; sulpur, alumen, rutae
semen.
5. Purgant aerugo, auripigmentum, quod arseni-
con a Graecis nominatur [huie autem et sandaracae
in omnia eadem vis, sed validior est squama aeris],
pumex ; iris, balsamum, sturax, tus, turis cortex,
resina et pinea et terebenthina liquida, oenanthe ;
lacerti stercus, sanguis columbae et palumbi et
2 hirundinis ; Hammoniacum, bdellium [quod in omnia
idem quod Hammoniacum potest, sed valentius est
habrotonum], ficus arida, coccum Cnidium, scobis
eboris, omphacium, radicula ; coagulum, sed maxime
leporinum [cui eadem quae ceteris coagulis facultas,
sed ubique validior est], fel, vitellus crudus, comu
cervinum, gluten taurinum, mel crudum; misy,
chalcitis ; crocum, uva taminia ; habrotonum, spuma
argenti, galla, squama aeris, lapis haematites, minium,
costum, sulpur, pix cruda; sebum, adeps, oleum;
ruta, porrum, lenticula, ervum.
6. Rodunt alumen liquidum, sed magis rotundum.
" These drugs were intended to open the pores (stomata of
Erasistratus) at the ends of veins, and so to relieve congestion ;
for stomata, see vol. I. pp. 10, 392.
BOOK V. 3. 1-6. I
3. The following mature abscessions and promote
suppuration : nard, myrrh, costmary, balsam, gal-
banum, propolis, storax, frankincense, both the soot
and the bark, bitumen, pitch, sulphur, resin, suet,
fat, oil.
4. The following open, as it were, mouths in
our bodies, called in Greek ctto/xow : " cinnamon,
balsam, all-heal ; rush-root, pennyroyal, white violet
flowers, bdellium, galbanum, turpentine and pine-
resin, propolis, old olive-oil; pepper, pyrethrum,
ground pine thistle, black bryony berries, sulphur,
alum, rue seed.
5. The following have a cleansing effect : verdigris,
orpiment, called by the Greeks arsenicon [now this
has the same property as sandarach, but copper scales
are stronger], pumice ; orris root, balsam, storax,
frankincense, frankincense bark, pine-resin and
liquid turpentine, vine-flowers ; lizard dung, blood
of pigeon and wood pigeon and swallow : ammonia-
cum, bdellium [which has the same virtue as am-
moniacum, but southernwood is more powerful], dry
fig, Cnidian berry, powdered ivory, omphacium,
radish ; rennet, especially of the hare [which has the
same faculty as other rennet but is far more active],
ox-bile, uncooked yolk of egg, burnt stagshorn,
ox-glue, raw honey, antimony sulphide, copper ore ;
saffron, black bryony berries, southernwood, litharge,
oak-gall, haematite, minium, costmary, sulphur, crude
pitch, suet, fat, oil, rue, leek, lentil, bitter vetch.
6. The following are erodents : ^ alum brine, especi-
ally when made from round alum, verdigris, copper
* Bodere — exedere — adurere — The substances given in
sections 6-8 are divided into these three classes according to
the severity of their action upon the tissues.
7
CELSUS
aerugo, chalcitis, misy, squama aeris, sed magis rubri,
aes combustum, sandaraca, minium Sinopicum;
galla, balsamum, murra, tus, turis cortex, galbanum,
resina terebenthina umida, piper utrumque, sed
rotundum magis, cardamomum; auripigmentum,
2 calx, nitrum et spuma eius ; [apii semen], narcissi
radix, [omphacixim], alcyonium, [oleum ex amaris
nucibus], alium, mel crudum, vinum, lentiscus.
squama ferri, fel taurinum, scamonia, uva taminia,
cinnamomum, styrax, cicutae semen, omphacium,
apii semen, resina, narcissi semen, fel, nuces amarae
oleumque earum, atramentum sutorium, chrysocolla,
veratrum, cinis.
7. Exedunt corpus acaciae sucus, hebenus, aerugo,
squama aeris, chrysocolla, cinis, cinis Cyprius,
nitrum, cadmia, spuma argenti, hypocistis, diphryges,
sal, auripigmentum, sulpur, cicuta, sandaraca, sa-
lamandra, [alcyoneum], aeris flos, chalcitis, atra-
mentum sutorium, ochra, calx, [acetum], galla,
alumen, lac caprifici vel lactucae marinae, quae
tithymallos a Graecis appellatur, alcyoneum, fel,
turis fuligo, spodium, lenticula, mel, oleae folia,
marrubium, lapis haematites et Phrygius et Assius et
scissilis, misy, vinum, acetum.
8. Adurunt auripigmentum, atramentum sutor-
ium, chalcitis, misy, aerugo, calx, charta combusta.
sal, squama aeris, faex combusta, murra, stercus et
lacerti et columbae et palumbi et hirundinis, piper,
coccum Cnidium, alium, diphryges, lac utrumque,
quod proxime [capite supra] comprehensum est,
veratrum et album et nigrum, cantharides, corallium,
pyrethrum, tus, salamandra, eruca, sandaraca, uva
taminia, chrysocolla, ochra, alumen scissile, ovillum
stercus, oenanthe.
8
BOOK V. 6. 1-8. I
ore, antimony sulphide, copper scales, especially from
red copper, calcined copper, sandarach, minium from
Sinope ; oak-galls, balsam, myrrh, frankincense,
frankincense bark, galbanum, liquid turpentine,
pepper of both kinds but especially the round,
cardamon ; orpiment, lime, soda and its scum ;
[parsley seed], narcissus root, [omphacium], coral, [oil
of bitter almonds], garlic, uncooked honey, wine,
mastich, iron scales, ox-bile, scammony, black bryony
berries, cinnamon, storax, hemlock seed, omphacium,
parsley seed, resin, narcissus seed, bile, bitter almonds
and their oil, blacking, chrysocolla, hellebore, ash.
7. The following are exedents : acacia juice, ebony,
verdigris, copper scales, chrysocolla, ash, cyprus ash,
soda, cadmia, litharge, hypocistis, slag, salt, orpi-
ment, sulphur, hemlock, sandarach, salamander-ash,
[coral], flowers of copper, copper ore, blacking, ochre,
lime, [vinegar], oak-gall, alum, milk of the wild fig,
or of sea spurge which the Greeks call tithymallos,
coral, bile, frankincense, spode, lentil, honey, olive
leaves, horehound, haematite stone, Phrygian,
Assian and ironschist, antimony sulphide, wine,
vinegar.
8. The following are caustics : orpiment, blacking,
copper ore, antimony sulphide, verdigris, lime, burnt
papyrus-ash, salt, copper scales, burnt wine-lees,
myrrh, dung of lizard and pigeon and wood pigeon
and swallow, pepper, Cnidian berry, garlic, slag,
both the milks mentioned in the previous chapter,
hellebore both white and black, cantharides, coral,
pyrethrum, frankincense, salamander-ash, rocket,
sandarach, black bryony berries, chrysocolla, ochre,
split alum, sheep's dung, vine-flower buds.
CELSUS
9. Eadem fere crustas ulceribus tamquam igne
adustis inducunt, sed praecipue chalcitis, utique si
cocta est, flos aeris, aerugo, auripigmentum, niisy, et
id quoque magis coctum.
10. Crustas vero has resolvit farina triticea cum
ruta vel porro, aut lenticula, cui mellis aliquid
adiectum est.
11. Ad discutienda vero ea, quae in corporis parte
aliqua coierunt, maxime possunt habrotonum,
helenium, amaracus, alba viola, mel, lirium, samp-
sychus Cyprius, lac, sertula Carapana, serpullum,
cupressus, cedrus, iris, viola purpurea, narcissus, rosa,
crocum, passum, iuncus quadratus, nardum, cinna-
momum, casia, Hammoniacum, cera, resina, uva
taminia, spuma argenti, styrax, ficus arida, tragori-
ganus, lini et narcissi semen, bitumen, sordes ex
gymnasio, pyrites lapis aut molaris, crudus vitellus,
amarae nuces, sulpur.
12. Evocat et educit ladanum, alumen rotundura,
hebenus, lini semen, omphacium, fel, chalcitis, bdel-
lium, resina terebenthina et pinea, propolis, ficus
arida decocta, stercus columbae, pumex, farina lolii,
gross! in aqua cocti, elaterium, lauri bacae, nitrum,
sal.
13. Levat id, quod exasperatum est, spodium,
hebenus, cummi, ovi album, lac, tragacanthum.
14. Carnem alit et ulcus implet resina pinea,
ochra Attice vel Scyrice, cera, buturum.
15. Molliunt aes combustum, terra Eretria,
nitrum, papaveris lacrima, Hammoniacum, bdellion,
cera, sebum, adeps, oleum, ficus arida, sesamum,
» What is scraped o£E the skin by the atrigil after exercise.
* i.e. they draw out collections of matter and bring them to
the surface; emaTraffTtKci ^ap/xaica, p. 17.
10
BOOK V. 9. 1-15. I
9. The foregoing generally induce scabs on ul-
cerations almost as when burnt by a cautery, but
most of all copper ore — especially after being heated
— copper flowers, verdigris, orpiment, antimony
sulphide, and that also more after being heated.
10. But such scabs are loosened by wheat flour
with rue or leek or lentils, to which some honey has
been added.
11. The following, again, are most powerful to
disperse whatever has collected in any part of the
body : southernwood, elecampane, marjoram, white
violet, honey, lily, Cyprian marjoram, milk, melilot,
thyme, oil of cypress, cedar-oil, iris, purple violet,
narcissus, rose, saffron, raisin wine, angular rush,
nard, cinnamon, casia, ammoniacum, wax, resin,
black bryony berries, litharge, storax, dry fig, goat's
marjoram, linseed, narcissus seed, bitumen, sordes*
from the gymnasium, pyrites or millstone, raw yolk
of egg, bitter almonds, sulphur.
12. The following are epispastics * : ladanum,
round alum, ebony, linseed, omphacium, ox-bile,
copper ore, bdellium, turpentine and pineresin,
propolis, dried fig cooked, pigeons' dung, pumice,
darnel meal, unripe figs cooked in water, elaterium,
laurel berries, soda, salt.
13. The following relieve any irritated part : oxide
of zinc, ebony, gum, white of egg, milk, traga-
canth.
14. The following make the flesh grow, and fill in
ulcerations : pine-resin, ochre from Attica or Scyros,
wax, butter.
15. The following are emollients : calcined copper,
Eretrian earth, soda, poppy-tears, ammoniacum, bdel-
lium, wax, suet, soft fat, oil, dried fig, sesamum.
CELSUS
sertula Campana, narcissi et radix et semen, rosae
folia, coagulum, vitellus crudus, amarae nuces,
medullae omnes, stibi, pix, coclea cocta, cicutae
semen, plumbi recrementum (o-Kwptav fio\v/3Bov
Graeci vocant), panaces, cardamomum, galbanum,
resina, uva taminia, styrax, iris, balsamum, sordes
ex gymnasio, sulpur, buturum, ruta.
16. Cutem purgat mel, sed magis si est cum
galla vel ervo vel lenticula vel marrubio vel iride vel
ruta vel nitro vel aerugine.
17. Expositis simplicibus facultatibus dicendum
est, quemadmodum misceantur, quaeque ex his fiant.
Miscentur autem varie, neque huius uUus modus est,
cum ex simplicibus alia demantur, alia adiciantur,
iisdemque servatis ponderum ratio mutetur. Itaque
cum facultatium materia non ita multiplex sit,
iniiumerabilia mixturarum genera sunt: quae
conprehendi si possent, tamen esset supervacuum.
B Nam et idem efFectus intra paucas compositiones sunt,
et mutare eas cuilibet cognitis facultatibus facile est.
Itaque contentus iis ero, quas accepi velut nobilissi-
mas. In hoc autem volumine eas explicabo, quae
vel desiderari in prioribus potuerunt, vel ad eas
curationes pertinent, quas protinus hie compre-
hendam, sic ut tamen quae magis communia sunt,
C simul iungam : si qua singulis vel etiam parvis
adcommodata sunt, in ipsorum locum difFeram. Sed
et ante sciri volo, in uncia pondus denarium septem
12
BOOK V. 15. 1-17. I. c
melilot, narcissus root and seed, rose-leaves, curd,
raw yolk of egg, bitter almonds, marrow of any kind,
antimony sulphide, pitch, snails boiled, hemlock
seed, lead-slag which the Greeks call a-Kwpta fioXv/BBov,
all-heal, cardamon, galbanum, resin, black bryony
berries, storax, iris, balsam, gymnasium sordes,
sulphur, butter, rue.
16. The following cleanses the skin: honey, but
better if mixed with galls or bitter vetch or lentil or
horehound or iris or rue or soda or verdigris.
17. The powers of medicaments when unmixed
having been set out, we have to say how they may
be mixed together, and what are the compositions so
made. Now they are mixed in various ways and
there is no limit to this, since some simples may
be omitted, others added, and when the same
ingredients are used the proportion of their weights
may be changed. Hence though there are not so
very many substances having medicinal powers, there
are innumerable kinds of mixtures ; and, even if all of
them could be included, yet this would be needless.
For the same effects are produced by but a few
compositions, and to vary these is easy to anyone who
knows their powers. Therefore I shall content myself
with those I have heard of as the best known. Now
in this book I will set forth those compositions which
may have been required in the previous treatments or
which pertain to those treatments which I am going
shortly to mention here, so that I may bring to-
gether at the same time compositions which are
more generally used: those that are applicable to
a particular disease, or even to a few, I shall
mention in their appropriate places. But I wish to
make clear in advance that our uncia has the weight
13
CELSUS
esse, unius deinde denarii pondus dividi a me in sex
partes, id est sextantes, ut idem in sextante denarii
nabeam, quod Graeci habent in eo, quem obolon
appellant. Id ad nostra pondera relatum paulo plus
dimidio scripulo facit,
2 Malagmata vero atque emplastra pastillique, quos
trochiscos Graeci vocant, cum plurima eadem habeant,
differunt eo, quod malagmata maxime ex odoribus ^
eorumque etiam surculis, emplastra pastillique
magis ex quibusdam metallicis flunt ; deinde malag-
mata contusa abunde mollescunt : nam super
integram cutem iniciuntur : laboriose vero conter-
untur ea, ex quibus emplastra pastillique fiunt, ne
B laedant vulnera, cum inposita sunt. Inter empla-
strum autem et pastillum hoc interest, quod empla-
strum utique liquati aliquid accipit, in pastille
tantum arida medicamenta aliquo umore iunguntur.
Tum emplastrum hoc modo fit : arida medicamenta
per se teruntur, deinde mixtis iis instillatur aut
acetum aut si quis alius non pinguis umor acces-
surus est, et ea rursus ex eo teruntur. Ea vero, quae
liquari possunt, ad ignem simul liquantur, et si quid
C olei misceri debet, tum infunditur. Interdum etiam
aridum aliquod ex oleo prius coquitur: ubi facta
sunt, quae separatim fieri debuerunt, in unum omnia
miscentur. At pastilli haec ratio est : arida medica-
^ There is a variant reading floribus.
" For the approximate conversion of the weights and measures
to the metric system and for a list of symbols and fractions,
see Introduction to vol. II.
* Malagma [iiaXaaaeiv to soften), a poultice; emplastrum
{ejiitXafrrov sc. ^dpfiaKov), a plaster; pastillum {rpoxioKos), a
14
BOOK V. 17. I. c-2. c
of seven denarii, next that I divide one denarius by
weight into six parts, namely, sextantes ; so that I
have in the sextans of a denarius the same weight as
the Greeks have in what they call an obolus. That
being reduced to our weight, makes the obolus a
little more than half a scripulus."
Now emollients and plasters and pastils * which
the Greeks call trochiscoi, whilst they have much in
common, differ in this, that emollients are made
chiefly from essences of flowers and even from their
shoots, plasters and pastils rather from certain
metalHc materials : again, the emollients if crushed
become quite soft enough ; for they are applied over
intact skin ; the materials out of which plasters and
pastils are made are rubbed together laboriously
in order that they may not irritate wounds when they
are applied to them. But between a plaster and
a pastil there is this difference: a plaster must
contain some liquefied ingredient, in a pastil only
dry materials are used, combined together by a
little fluid. Then a plaster is made in this way:
dry medicaments are rubbed down separately, then
when they have been mixed, either vinegar is
dropped in or any other liquid free from fat that is
at hand, and these ingredients are rubbed together
again. The materials capable of being liquefied are
melted all together over the fire, and if there is to be
any admixing of oil, it is then poured in. A dry
ingredient is even sometimes boiled in oil beforehand :
when what should be done separately has been ac-
complished, all are mixed together. But the making
of pastils, on the other hand, is this : dry medicaments
ball or disc-shaped pill or tabloid which could be swallowed
or applied externally.
15
CELSUS
menta contrita umore non pingui, ut vino vel aceto,
coguntur, et rursus coacta inarescunt, atque ubi
utendum est, eiusdem generis umore diluuntur.
Turn emplastrum imponitur, pastillus inlinitur, aut
alicui molliori, ut cerato, miscetur.
18. His cognitis, primum malagmata subiciam,
quae fere non sunt refrigerandi sed calfaciendi causa
reperta. Est tamen, quod refrigerare possit, ad
calidas podagras aptum. Habet gallae et im-
maturae et alterius, coriandri seminis, cicutae,
lacrimae aridae, cummis, singulorum plenum aceta-
buliun ; cerati eloti, quod Tr(.ir\vjxivov Graeci vocant,
selibram.
Reliqua fere calefaciunt. Sed quaedam digerunt
materiam, quaedam extrahunt, quae cVto-Trao-Ti/ca
vocantur; pleraque certis magis partibus membro-
rum adcommodata sunt.
2 Si materia extrahenda est, ut in hydropico, in
lateris dolore, in incipiente abscessu, in suppura-
tione quoque medioeri, aptum est id, quod habet
resinae aridae, nitri, Hammoniaci, galbani, singu-
lorum pondo ; cerae pondo. Aut in quo haec sunt :
aeruginis rasae, turis, singulorum P. -Jf II ; Ham-
moniaci salis P, ^ VI ; squamae aeris, cerae, singu-
lorum P. ^ VIII ; resinae aridae P. ^ XII ; aceti
cyathus. Idem praestat cumini farina cum struthio
et melle.
3 Si iecur dolet, id in quo est balsami lacrimae
P. •}(• XII ; costi, cinnamomi, casiae corticis, murrae,
croci, iunci rotundi, balsami seminis, iridis Illyricae,
cardamomi, amomi, nardi, singulorum P. ^ XVI.
<• For podagra cf . vol. I. Appendix (p. 463).
* TrenXvfiivov ec. K-qpcurov,
i6
BOOK V. 17. 2. C-18. 3
which have been rubbed together are mixed by the
aid of a liquid free from fat, such as wine or vinegar
and the mixture is dried again, and when required
for use, dissolved in a liquid of the same kind.
Further, a plaster is laid on, a pastil is smeared on,
or is mixed with something softer such as a cerate.
18. Premising the above, I will speak first of emol-
lients, almost all of which were invented, not for the
purpose of cooling but for heating. There is, how-
ever, one kind which can cool, being suitable for
hot podagras." It is a cupful of oak-galls, unripe
or otherwise, coriander seed, hemlock, dried poppy-
tears, and gum, of each 63 com. ; of washed cerate
called by the Greeks TmrXvfx.ivov,'' 168 grms.
Almost all the rest are heating. But some disperse
the diseased matter, some extract it and are called
epispastic;'' most are designed rather for particular
parts of the body.
If diseased matter has to be extracted, as in the
case of a dropsy, pleurisy, incipient abscession, also
in cases of moderate suppuration, the following
emollient is suitable which contains : dried resin,
soda, ammoniacum, galbanum, 336 grms. each, wax
336 grms. Or that one which contains : scrapings
of verdigris and frankincense, each 8 grms., ammoniac
salt 24grms., copper scales, wax, each 32 grms., dried
resin 48 grms., 42 c.cm. of vinegar. Cumin meal
with soap-wort and honey serves the same purpose.
If there is pain in the liver ^ apply the emollient
which consists of balsam tears 48 grms., costmary,
cinnamon, casia bark, myrrh, saffron, round rush,
balsam seeds, Illyrian iris, cardamon, amomum, nard,
* iinaiTaaTiKd (JxipfiaKa, p. 10 note 6. ** IV. 15. 1.
17
CELSUS
Quibus adicitur nardum [unguentum], donee eerati
crassitude sit. Et huius quidem recentis usus est:
si vero servandum est, resinae terebenthinae P. ■?(•
XVI, cerae P. -Jf X ex vino leni contunduntur, turn
eo miscentur.
4 At si lienis torquet, glandis, quam balanon
fxyptij/iK-^v Graeci vocant, cortex et nitrum paribus
portionibus contunduntur, respergunturque aceto
quam acerrimo. Ubi eerati crassitudinem habet,
linteo ante in aqua frigida madefacto inlinitur
et sic inponitur, supraque farina hordeacea inicitur:
sed manere ibi non amplius sex horis debet, ne
lienem consumat ; satiusque est id bis aut ter fieri.
5 Commune autem et iocineri et lieni et abscessibus
et strumae, parotidibus, articulis, calcibus quoque
suppurantibus aut aliter dolentibus, etiam concoctioni
ventris Lysias composuit ex his : opopanacis, styracis,
galbani, resinae, singulorum P. -Jf II ; Hammoniaci,
bdelli, cerae, sebi taurini, iridis aridae P. -Jf IIII ;
cachryos acetabulo, piperis granis XL ; quae contrita
irino unguento temperantur.
6 Ad laterum autem dolores compositio est Apollo-
phanis, in qua sunt resinae terebenthinae, turis
fuliginis, singulorum P. -X- IIII ; bdelh, Hammoniaci,
iridis, sebi vitulini aut caprini a renibus, visci, singu-
lorum P. -}f IIII. Haec autem eadem omnem
dolorem levant, dura emolliunt, mediocriter
calfaciunt.
7 Ad idem [latus] Andreae quoque malagma est,
quod etiam resolvit, educit umorem, pus maturat,
IV. 16. 1.
i.e. by burning the skin over it.
i8
BOOK V. i8. 3-7
each 64 grms. To these is added nard ointment until
the consistency is that of a cerate. And this is
for use whilst fresh ; but if it is to be kept, turpen-
tine resin 64 grms., and wax 40 grms., are pounded
up together in mild wine, and then mixed with the
above.
But if there is acute pain of the spleen " the rind
of the nut, called by the Greeks ftd\avo<s /xvpeij/iK'^,
and soda are pounded together in equal proportions
and sprinkled with sharpest vinegar; when of the
consistency of a cerate this is spread on lint
previously moistened in cold water, and so applied,
with barley-meal dusted over it ; but it should not
be kept on longer than six hours, lest it consume the
spleen ; ^ it is better to apply it two or three times.
Lysias compounded an emollient equally useful
for the liver and spleen and for abscesses and
scrofulous tumours, for parotid swellings and joints,
for heels suppurating or otherwise painful, even
for promoting digestion, from the following : opopanax,
storax, galbanum, resin, each 8 grms., ammoniacum,
bdellium, wax, beef suet, dried iris, each 16 grms.,
cachry, 63 c.cm., and 40 peppercorns, all pounded
with iris ointment to the right consistency."^
Again, for pains in the sides there is the composi-
tion of Apollophanes : turpentine-resin and frankin-
cense soot, each 16 grms., bdelHum, ammoniacum, iris,
calf's or goat's kidney-suet, mistletoe juice, each 16
grms. This composition relieves pain of all kinds,
softens indurations, and is moderately heating.
The emollient of Andreas is for like use ; and it
also relaxes, draws out humour, matures pus, and
' Galen, De Compositione Medicamentorum, XIII. 343, quot-
ing from Asclepiades, gives the same prescription.
19
CELSUS
ubi id maturum est, cutem rumpit, ad cicatricem
perducit. Prodest impositum minutis maioribusque
abscessibuSj item articulis ideoque et coxis et pedibus
dolentibus : item, si quid in corpore conlisum est,
reficit ; praeeordia quoque dura et inflata emollit,
ossa extrahit, ad omnia denique valet, quae adiuvare
B calor potest. Id habet cerae P. ^ I ; visci, sycamini,
quam alias sycomorum vocant, lacrimae, singulorum
P, -Jf I ; piperis et rotundi et longi, Hammoniaci
thymiamatis, bdelli, iridis Illyricae, cardamoraii,
amomi, xylobalsami, turis masculi, murrae, resinae
aridae, singulorum P. -Jf X ; pyrethri, cocci Cnidi,
spumae nitri, salis Hammoniaci, aristolociae Creticae,
radicis ex cucumere agresti, resinae terebenthinae
liquidae, singulorum P. ■}{• XX. Quibus adicitur
unguenti irini, quantum satis est ad ea mollienda
atque cogenda.
8 Praecipuum vero est ad resolvenda, quae astricta
sunt, mollienda, quae dura sunt, digerenda, quae
coeunt, id, quod ad Polyarchum auctorem refertur.
Habet iunci quadrati, cardamomi, turis fuliginis,
amomi, cerae, resinae liquidae pares portiones.
9 Aliud ad eadem Nilei : croci magmatis, quod quasi
recrementum eius est, P. •}(• HH ; Hammoniaci
thymiamatis, cerae, singulorum P. -Jf XX. Ex qui-,
bus duo priora ex aceto teruntur, cera cum rosa
liquatur, et tum omnia iunguntur.
10 Proprie etiam dura emollit id, quod Moschi esse
dicitur. Habet galbani unciam ; turis fuliginis
P. = ; cerae, Hammoniaci thymiamatis trientes ; picis
aridae P. H ; aceti heminas tres.
" The residuum of saffron, after extracting the oil.
* Galen, De Comp. Med., XIII. 182.
20
BOOK V. i8. 7-IO
when it is matured ruptures the skin, and brings a
scar over. It is applied with advantage to abscesses,
both small and large, likevdse to joints and so both
to the hips and feet when painful ; further, it repairs
any part of the body that is contused ; also softens
the praecordia when hard and swollen; draws out-
wards splinters of bone — in short, is of service in
all cases which heat can benefit. It is composed of
wax 4 grms., mistletoe juice, and tears of sycaminus,
also called sycomorus, 4 grms. each, round and long
pepper, ammoniacum for fumigation, bdellium,
Illyrian iris, cardamon, amomum balsam wood, male
frankincense, myrrh, dried resin, 40 grms. each,
pyre thrum, Cnidian berries, scum of soda, ammoniac
salt, Cretan aristolochia, wild cucumber root, liquid
turpentine and resin, 80 grms. each, to which is
added a sufficiency of iris ointment to give it proper
consistency.
A special emollient for relaxing parts constricted,
for softening parts indurated, and for dispersing any
collection is ascribed to Polyarchus. It contains
square rush, cardamon, frankincense soot, amomum,
wax and liquid resin in equal quantities.
Another emollient for the same purpose is that of
Nileus : crocomagma," which is as it were safFron-lees,
16 grms., ammoniacum for fumigating, and wax, 80
grms. each. Of these the first two are rubbed up
in vinegar, the wax is liquefied by melting in rose-
oil, and then all are mixed together.*
Especially useful for softening induration is an
emollient said to have been invented by Moschus.
It contains galbanum 28 grms., frankincense soot 5S
grms., wax and ammoniacum for fumigation, 112
grms. each, dried pitch 672 grms., vinegar 750 c.cm.
CELSUS
11 Fertur etiam ad digerenda, quae coeunt, sub
auctore Medio, quod habet cerae P. = ; panacis
P. S. ; squamae aeris, aluminis rotundi, item scissilis,
singulorum P. I ; plumbi combusti P. I S.
12 Ad eadem Pantaenus utebatur calcis P. S. ; sinapis
contriti, item faeni Graeci, aluminis, singulorum
P. I ; sebi bubuli P. II S.
13 Ad strumam multa malagmata invenio. Credo
autem, quo peius id malimi est minusque facile
discutitur, eo plura esse temptata, quae in personis
14 varie responderunt. — Andrias auctor est, ut haec
misceantur : urticae seminis P. ^ I ; piperis rotundi,
bdelli, galbani, Hanmioniaci thymiamatis, resinae
aridae, singulorum P. ^ IIII ; resinae liquidae,
cerae, pyrethri, piperis longi, lactucae marinae
seminis, sulpuris ignem non experti, quod apyron
B vocatur, pares portiones. Hoc autem quod Niconis
est: faecis aridae aceti, spumae nitri, salis Ham-
moniaci, sinapis, cardamomi, radicis ex cucumere
silvestri, resinae, singulorum P. -Jf VIII ; quae ex
leni vino contunduntur.
15 Expeditius ad idem fit, quod habet visci, simini
stercoris, resinae, sulpuris ignem non experti pares
portiones ; et in quo est sulpuris P. ^ I, lapidis quem
pyriten vocant P. -Jf IIII, cumini acetabulum. Item
in quo est lapidis eiusdem pars una, sulpuris duae
partes, resinae terebenthinae partes tres.
16 Arabis autem cuiusdam est ad strumam et orientia
tubercula, quae phymata vocantur, quod haec
digerit. Habet murrae, salis Hammoniaci, turis,
resinae et liquidae et aridae, croci magmatis, cerae,
22
BOOK V. i8. 11-16
We have also one ascribed to Medius for dispers-
ing collections of matter. It contains wax 56 grms.,
panax 168 grms., copper scales, round alum, split
alum, 336 grms. each, calcined lead 504 grms.
Pantaenus used for the same purpose, quicklime
168 grms., pounded mustard, also fenugreek and
alum, 336 grms. each, ox-suet 840 grms.
For scrofulous tumour I find many emollients.
Now I think that the worse this disease, and
the less easy its dispersal, the more have been the
remedies tried, with results varying according to the
several patients. Andrias invented the following:
nettle-seed 4 grms., round pepper, bdellium, gal-
banum, ammoniacum for fumigation, dried resin,
16 grms. each, with equal parts of liquid resin,
wax, pyrethrum, long pepper, seed of sea spurge,
unheated sulphur, which is called apyron. Nicon's
emollient contains dried vinegar lees, soda-scum,
ammoniac salt, mustard, cardamon, wild cucumber
root, resin, 32 grms. each. These are pounded up
together in mild wine."
A more active emollient for the same purpose
contains mistletoe juice, ape's dung, resin, untreated
sulphur, equal parts ; another emollient contains
sulphur 4 grms., the stone called pyrites 16 grms.,
and 63 c.cm. of cumin. In another are pyrites one
part, sulphur two parts, turpentine resin three parts.
An emollient, the invention of a certain Arab,
serves to disperse scrofulous swelling, and the
sprouting small tumours which are called phymata.
It contains myrrh, ammoniac salt, incense, resin both
liquid and dried, crocomagma, wax, 4 grms. each,
" For ajiother prescription see V. 18. 26.
23
CELSUS
singulorum P. -X- 1 ; lapidis eius quem pyriten vocant
P. •}(• nil ; quibus quidam adiciunt sulpuris P. 11.^
17 Est etiam proficiens in struma et in iis tuberibus,
quae difficiliter concocuntur, et in iis, quae carcinode
vocantur, quod ex his constat : sulpuris P. •?(• H ;
nitri P. ^ IIII, murrae P. ^ VI, fuliginis turis P. g.,"
salis Hammoniaci P. = , cerae P. I.
18 Protarchus autem ad parotidas eaque tubercula,
quae melicerides [favi] vel phymata nominantur,
item mala ulcera pumicis, resinae pineae liquidae,
turis fuliginis, spumae nitri, iridis, singulorum
P. ^ VIII cum cerae P. ^ Villi miscebat, hisque
olei cyathum et dimidium adiciebat.
19 At adversus panum, . . .' turn primum orientem,
quod phygetron Graeci vocant, et omne tuberculum,
quod phyma nominatur, miscetur ocra quae Attice
nominatur cum duabus partibus similae, hisque cum
tunduntur subinde mel instillatur, donee malagmatis
crassitudo sit.
20 Discutit etiam omne tuberculum, quod phyma
vocatur, id quod habet calcis, nitri spumae, piperis
rotundi, singulorum P. -X- I ; galbani P. ^ II ; salis
P. ^ IIII, quae excipiuntur cerato ex rosa facto.
21 Supprimitque omne quod abscedit id, in quo est
galbani, fabae fresae, singulorimi P. -X- I ; murrae,
turis, ex radice capparis corticis, singulorum P. -X-
IIII. Satisque omnia abscedentia digerit murex
combustus et bene contritus, aceto subinde adiecto.
^ Marx keeps to the MSS. P. II = 672 grms. Caesarius,
followed by Daremberg, emends to P.^ II = 9> grms. This is
the usual quantity prescribed and is the amount given in § 17.
* Sign of dextans denarii — i.e. {% of a denarius : this only
occurs here.
' Marx conjectures that the words cum omnem have fallen out,
and this text is translated.
24
BOOK V. i8. 16-21
the stone called pyrites 16 grms.,to which some add
sulphur 672 grms.
There is also an emollient efficacious for scrofu-
lous swellings, and for those boils which are slow
to come to a head, also for those which are called
carcinode. It contains sulphur 8 grms., soda 16
grms., myrrh 24 grms., frankincense soot 3*3 grms.,
ammoniac salt 56 grms., wax 336 grms.
Protarchus, for parotid swellings, and for those
small tumours which are named melicerides [favi] or
phymata, and for bad ulcerations, mixed together:
pumice, liquid pine-resin, frankincense soot, soda-
scum, iris, each 32 grms., along with wax 36 grms.,
to which are added 63 c.cm. of oil.
But against panus " at any stage and when
incipient, the condition called by the Greeks
phygetron, and against any small tumour called
phyma, the ochre named Attic is mixed with equal
parts of wheat flour, and whilst these are being
stirred together, honey is dropped in until the
consistency is that of an emollient.
Also all the small tumours called phymata are
dispersed by an emollient containing quicklime, soda-
scum, round pepper, each 4 grmis., galbanum 8 grms.,
salt 16 grms., which are taken up in a cerate made
of rose oil.
Any abscession* is suppressed by galbanum and
crushed beans, each 4 grms., myrrh, frankincense,
caper root bark, each 16 grms. And calcined
murex '' well pounded, with vinegar gradually added,
is sufficient to disperse an abscession when forming.
" ndvos, iTTJvos, a superficial abscess in a hair follicle.
* I. 88, note.
' I. 204, note.
25
CELSUS
22 At si satis sanguis subit, recte imponitur quod
adversus phymata quoque potest. Constat ex his :
bdelli, styracis, Hammoniaci, galbani, resinae aridae
et liquidae pineae, item ex lentisco, turis, iridis,
singulorum P. ^ II.
23 Carcinode vero phymata commode his leniuntur:
galbani, visci, Hammoniaci, resinae terebenthinae,
I ^ in, singulorum P. ^ I ; sebi taurini P. S. ; faecis
combustae quam maxima portione, dum id siccius
non faciat quam esse malagma oportet.
24 Quod si facie contusa livor subcruentus est, haec
compositio nocte et die imposita tollit : aristolochiae,
thapsiae, singulorum P. -Jf II ; bdelli, styracis,
Hammoniaci thymiamatis, galbani, resinae aridae
et ex lentisco liquidae, turis masculi, iridis Illuricae,
cerae, singulorum P. -X- IIII. Idem faba quoque
imposita proficit.
25 Sunt etiam quaedam malagmata, quae anastomo-
tica Graeci vocant, quoniam aperiendi vim habent.
Quale est, quod ex his constat : piperis longi, spumae
nitri, singulorum P. -Jf II ; erysimi P. •}{• IIII, quae
cum melle miscentur. Idoneaque etiam strumae
aperiendae sunt. Eius generis est . . .^ vehementi-
usque ex his est id, quod habet calcis P. ^ IIII ;
piperis grana VI ; nitri, cerae, singulorum P. ^ XII ;
mellis P. = ; olei heminam.
^ Marx conjectures thai the corrupt in [omitted by some MSS,)
may represent anesi = anise.
* Marx notes that some ivorda have fallen out here.
» Celsus probably means that when enough blood has been
lost either naturally or by venesection the treatment described
should follow ; but some translators think he is describing an
extravasation of blood and Constantino adds pliis before satis
26
BOOK V. i8. 22-25
But if sufficient blood comes up," it is right to
apply a remedy \vhich is also useful against phymata.
It consists of the following ingredients : bdellium,
storax, ammoniacum, galbanum, pine-resin liquid and
dried, also lentiscus-resin, frankincense, iris, 8 grms.
each.
But the phymata called carcinoid are relieved by
the following : galbanum, mistletoe juice, ammonia-
cum, turpentine-resin, 4 grms. each, beef-suet 168
grms., of burnt wine-lees as large an amount as can
be added without making the mass too dry for an
emollient.
But if after a blow on the face there is dis-
colouration and bruising, the following prescrip-
tion applied night and day takes it away : aristo-
lochia and thapsia, each 8 grms., bdellium, storax,
ammoniacum for fumigation galbanum, dried resin,
liquid from lentiscus-resin, male frankincense, Illyrian
iris wax, each 16 grms. The application of bean-
meal also has the same effect.
There are certain emollients called by the Greeks
anastomotica, because they have the property of
opening the pores.* Of these one contains long
pepper and soda-scum, each 8 grms., hedge mustard
16 grms., these are mixed together with honey.
They are also suitable for scrofulous tumours. Of
this class is ... a yet more powerful one of this
kind is that which consists of limel6 grms., 6 pepper-
corns ; soda and wax, each 48 grms., honey 56 grms.,
and 250 c.cm. of oil.
and believes that excessive loss of blood (through venesection)
is referred to, comparing II. 10. 18. Of. vol. I. p. 164, on
blood-letting.
* p. 6, note a.
27
CELSUS
26 Niconis quoque est quod resolvit, aperit, purgat.
Habet alcyoneum, sulpur, nitrum, pumicem paribus
portionibus, quibus tantum picis et cerae adicitur,
ut fiat cerati crassitude.
27 Ad spissa ^ autem Aristogenis fit ex his : sulpuris
P. -H- 1 ; resinae terebenthinae, nitri spumae, et ex
scilla partis interioris, plumbi eloti, singulorum
P. -H- II ; turis fuliginis P. ^ VIII ; ficus aridae quam
pinguissimae, sebi taurini, singulorum P. ^ VIII ;
cerae P. -X- XII ; iridis Macedonicae P. -Jf VI ; sesami
fricti acetabulum.
28 Maximeque nervis et articulis malagma convenit.
Igitur Euthyclei est ad articulos, et ad omnem
dolorem et ad vesicae, et ad recenti cicatrice con-
tractos articulos, quas ancylas Graeci nominant, quod
habet : fuliginis turis acetabulum ; resinae tantun-
dem ; galbani sine surculis sescunciam ; Hammoniaci,
bdelli . . .2 P. ^ III . . . singulorum P. = ; cerae P. S.
Ad eosdem digitos iridis, Hammoniaci, galbani, nitri,
singulorum P. ^ XIIII ; resinae liquidae P. ^ VI ;
cerae P. -H- XVI.
29 Ad dolores articulorum Sosagorae : plumbi com-
busti, papaveris lacrimae, corticis hyoscyami, styracis,
peucedani, sebi, resinae, cerae, pares portiones.
30 Chrysippi : resinae liquidae, sandaracae, piperis,
singulorum P. ^ XII ; quibus cerae paululum adicitur.
31 Clesiphontis : cerae Creticae, resinae terebenthinae,
nitri quam ruberrumi, singulorum P. S., olei cyathi
^ Some M8S. read ossa.
* Marx notes that singulorum ha^ fallen out after bdelli;
and that there is a further loss of words after P. ^ ///. Daremberg
omitted P. J^ II J. The prescription then read amonniacum and
bdellium of each 56 grms. as in the following sentence. (Cf. list
of apothecaries^ signs. Introduction to vol. II.)
28
BOOK V. i8. 26-31
There is also a prescription of Nicon which
relaxes, opens and cleans. It contains coral, sulphur,
soda, and pumice, equal parts, to which pitch and
wax are added to the consistency of a cerate.
Again, for the hard parts there is the emollient
of Aristogenes made from the following : sulphur
4 grms., turpentine-resin, soda-scum, the inner part
of a squill-bulb, washed lead, 8 grms. each, frankin-
cense soot 32 grms., the ripest figs and beef-suet,
32 grms. each, wax 48 grms., Macedonian iris 24
grms., parched sesame 63 c.cm.
And most of all is an emollient suitable for
sinews and joints. Thus there is that of Euthycleus,
suitable for joints and for any kind of pain, including
that of the bladder, and for joints contracted by recent
scarring which the Greeks call ancylae " : it consists
of frankincense soot 63 c.cm., of resin the same,
galbanum without stalks 42 grms.,ammoniacum and
bdellium, of each 12 grms. ... of each 56 grms., wax
168 grms. Another for similar pain in the fingers
contains ammoniacum, galbanum, and soda, each 56
grms., liquid resin 24 grms., wax 64 grms.
The emollient of Sosagoras for pain in joints
contains calcined lead, poppy tears, hyoscyamus-
bark, storax, sulphurwort, suet, resin and wax, equal
parts.
That of Chrysippus contains liquid resin, sanda-
rach, pepper, 48 grms. each, to which a little wax is
added.
That of Clesiphon * consists of Cretan wax, turpen-
tine resin, the reddest soda, 168 grms. each, and
" dyKvXai, stiffened joints.
» Galen, De Comp. Med., XIII. 936.
29
CELSUS
tres. Sed id nitrum ante per triduum instillata aqua
teritur, et cum sextario eius incoquitur, donee omnis
umor consumatur. Potest vero ea compositio etiam
ad parotidas, phymata, strumam omnemque coitum
umoris emolliendum,
32 Ad articulos fici quoque aridi partem nepetae
mixtam vel uvam taminiam sine seminibus cum
puleio recte aliquis imponit.
33 Eadem podagrae praesidio sunt. Sed ad eam fit
Aristonis quoque, quod habet: nardi, cinnamomi,
casiae, chamaeleontis, iunci rotundi, singulorum
P. -H- VIII ; sebi caprini ex irino liquati P. ^ XX ;
iridis P. ^ I, quae in aceto quam acerrimo iacere per
XX dies debet. Idem autem etiam recentia phymata
doloresque omnes discutit.
34 At Theoxenus ad pedum dolores sebi a renibus
partem tertiam, salis partes duas miscebat, bisque
membranulam inlitam imponebat, tum superiniciebat
Hammoniacum thymiama in aceto liquatum.
35 At Numenius podagram ceterosque articulos
indurates hoc molliebat : habrotoni, rosae aridae,
papaveris lacrimae, singulorum P. -Jf III ; resinae
terebenthinae P. -Jf III I; turis, spumae nitri, singu-
lorum P. ^ VIII ; iridis, aristolochiae, singulorum
P. •}(• XII ; cerae ^ P, III ; quibus adicitur cedri
cyathus I, olei laurei cyathi III, olei acerbi sextarius.
36 Si quando autem in articulis callus increvit, Dexius
docuit inponere calcis P. <}fIIII; cerussae P. VIII;
resinae pineae P. «H- XX ; piperis grana XXX ; cerae
P. = ; quibus, dum contunduntur, hemina vini lenis
instillatur.
* Daremberg emends to P ^ 111 = 12 grms. as the amount
given, 1 kilogram, seems much too large.
30
BOOK V. i8. 31-36
126 c.cm. of oil. But this soda is pounded up before-
hand over a period of three days, water being added
drop by drop, and then boiled in half a litre of water
until all fluid has gone. This composition too can
be applied to parotid swellings, phymata, scrofulous
tumours, and to soften any collection of humour.
Some apply to joints with good effect part of a
dried fig mixed with catmint; or black bryony
berries without the seeds, with pennyroyal.
The same are good for podagra. But for this
there is also Ariston's emolUent which consists of nard,
cinnamon, casia, chameleon, angular rush, 32 grms.
each, goat's suet in liquid iris oil 80 grms., iris which
should have been steeped in the sharpest vinegar
for 20 days, 4 grms. : this emollient also disperses
recent phymata and pain of all sorts.
But Theoxenus for pain in the feet mixed one part
of kidney-suet with two parts of salt and applied a
thin membrane smeared with these, then poured
over it ammoniacum for fumigation dissolved in
vinegar.
But Numenius used to soften podagra and all cases
of indurated joints with an emollient consisting
of southernwood, dried rose-leaves and poppy-tears,
12 grms. each, turpentine-resin 16 grms., frankincense
and soda-scum, 32 grms. each, iris and aristolochia,
48 grms. each, wax 1 kilogram, to which is added of
cedar-oil 42 c.cm., of laurel-oil 126 c.cm., of bitter
olive-oil 500 c.cm.
If at any time callus has formed in joints, Dexius
advised an application of lime 16 grms., white lead
32 grms., pine-resin 80 grms., 30 peppercorns, wax
56 grms. While these are being pounded together
250 c.cm. of mild wine is dropped in.
31
CELSUS
19. Ex emplastris autem nulla maiorem usum
praestant, quam quae cruentis protinus vulneri-
bus iniciuntur : enhaema Graeci vocant. Haec
enim reprimunt inflammationem, nisi magna vis
earn concitat, atque illius quoque impetum minuunt ;
turn glutinant vulnera, quae id patiuntur, cicatricem
isdem inducunt. Constant autem ex medicamentis
non pinguibus, ideoque alipe[ne] nominantur.
B Optimum ex his est quod barbarum vocatur.
Habet aeruginis rasae P. ^ XII ; spimiae argenti
P. ^ XX ; aluminis, picis aridae, resinae pineae
aridae, singulorum P. ^ I ; quibus adiciuntur olei
et aceti singulae heminae.
2 Alterum ad idem, quod Coacon vocant, habet
spumae argenti P. ^ C ; resinae aridae tantundem :
sed spuma prius ex tribus olei heminis coquitur.
His duobus emplastris color niger est, qui fere talis
fit ex pice atque resina : at ex bitumine nigerrimus,
ex aerugine aut aeris squama viridis, ex minio ruber,
ex cerussa albus.
3 Paucae admodum compositiones sunt, in quibus
aliquid mixturae varietas novat. Ergo id quoque
nigrum est, quod basilicon nominatur. Habet
panacis P. •}{• I ; galbani P. -Jf II ; picis et resinae.
singuloriun P. ^ X ; olei dimidium cyathum.
4 At, quia perviride est, zmaragdinum appellatur in
quo sunt : resinae pineae P. ^ III ; cerae P. •}(• I ;
aeruginis P. S. ; turis fuliginis P. = ; olei tantundem ;
aceti, quo fuligo et aerugo in unum cogantur.
" (vaifiov <f>dpiiaKov Hippocrates III. 352 {On Joints, LXIII.
33j.
* dXiTT'qs without grease.
* See V. 26. 23 f . Foreign remedies are to be generally
avoided, but this was an exception.
32
BOOK V. 19. 1-4
19. Among the plasters none render greater
service than those for immediate application to
bleeding wounds, which the Greeks call enhaema."
For these repress inflammation, unless a severe cause
excites it, and even then they lessen its attack ;
further, they agglutinate wounds which allow of it,
and induce a scar in them. But as the plasters
consist of medicaments which are not greasy, they
are named alipe.''
The best of these is the plaster called barbarum/
It contains scraped verdigris 48 grms., litharge 80
grms., alum, dried pitch, dried pine-resin, 4 grms.
each, to which is added oil and vinegar 250 c.cm. each.
Another one called Coacon,'' used for the same
purpose, consists of litharge 400 grms., dried resin the
same, but the litharge should be first boiled in three-
quarters of a litre of oil. In these two plasters the
colour is black, which is the colour generally pro-
duced by the pitch-resin, but the blackest is from
bitumen, green from verdigris or copper scales, red
from minium, white from white-lead.
There are very few compositions in which diversity
of ingredients makes any change.* Hence that
plaster which is called basilicon is also black. It
consists of all-heal 4 grms., galbanum 8 grms., pitch
and resin, 40 grms. each, oil 20 c.cm.
But, because it is bright green, a plaster is called
emerald-like which contains pine-resin 12 grms., wax
4 grms., verdigris 168 grms., frankincense soot 56
grnns., oil the same, and vinegar enough to combine
into one the soot and verdigris.
* KwoKos, "belonging to Cos" (the home of Hippocrates).
• i.e. in the black colour due to the pitch-resin : zmarag-
dinum is an exception.
33
CELSUS
6 Est etiam coloris fere rufi, quod celeriter ad cica-
tricem vulnera perducere videtur. Habet turis
P. ^ I ; resinae P. -X- H ; squamae aeris P. ■¥: IIH ;
spuniae argenti P. -Jf XX ; cerae P. -Jf C, olei henii-
nam.
6 Praeterea est quam paTTTovo-av a glutinando vocant.
Constat ex his : bituminis, aluminis scissilis P. -Jf
nil ; spvunae argenti P. -K- XL ; olei veteris hemina.
7 Praeterea sunt quaedam generis eiusdem, quae,
quia capitibus fractis maxime conveniunt, cephalica
a Graecis nominantur. Philotae compositio habet:
terrae Eretriae, chalcitidis, singulorum P. -Jf IIII ;
murrae, aeris combusti, singulorum P. -Jf X ; icthyo-
collae [singulorum] P. •?(• VI ; aeruginis rasae, alu
minis rotundi, raisy crudi, aristolochiae, singulorum
P. ^ VIII ; squamae aeris P. •}(• X ; turis masculi
P. ^ II ; cerae P. I ; rosae et olei acerbi ternos
cyathos ; aceti quantum satis est, dum arida ex eo
conteruntur.
8 Aliud ad idem viride: aeris combusti, squamae
aeris, murrae, icthyocollae, singulorum P. ^ VI ;
misy crudi, aeruginis rasae, aristolochiae, aluminis
rotundi, singulorum P. ^ VIII; cerae P. ^ I, olei
hemina, aceti quod satis sit.
9 Puri autem movendo non aliud melius quam quod
expeditissimum est: tetrapharmacon a Graecis
nominatur. Habet pares portiones cerae. picis.
resinae, sebi taurini, si id non est, vitulini.
10 Alterum ad idem enneapharmacum nominatur.
quod magis purgat. Constat ex novem rebus : cera
melle, sebo, resina, murra, rosa, medulla vel cervina
» pdnrovaa (awdecns) a composition which " sews up " the
wound.
» Galen, De Comp. Med., XIII. 746.
34
BOOK V. 19. 5-10
There is also one, almost red in colour, which
is found to bring wounds rapidly to a scar. It
contains incense 4 grms., resin 8 grms., copper scales
16 grms., litharge 80 grms., wax 400 grms, oil 250
c.cm.
As well, there is one called rhaptousa," because
it agglutinates, consisting of bitumen and split alum
16 grms., litharge 160 grms., and 250 c.cm. of old
oil.
There are also some plasters of the same class, called
by the Greeks cephalica, because they are especially
suitable for broken heads. That of Philotas * has the
following composition : Eretrian earth and chalcitis,
16 grms. each, myrrh and calcined copper 40 grms.
each, isinglass 24 grms. [each], scraped verdigris, round
alum, crude antimony sulphide and aristolochia, 32
grms. each, copper scales 40 grms., male frankincense
8 grms., wax 336 grms., rose-oil and bitter olive-oil,
125 c.cm. each, and sufficient vinegar to rub up the
ingredients while keeping them dry.
A green plaster for the same purpose consists of
calcined copper, copper scales, myrrh and isinglass,
24 grms. each, crude antimony sulphide, scraped
verdigris, aristolochia and round alum, 32 grms. each,
wax 4 grms., oil 250 c.cm., and as much vinegar as is
required.
But for promoting suppuration there is nothing
better than the plaster called by the Greeks tetra-
pharmacon, which acts very quickly. It contains
wax, pitch, resin and bull's suet, or, if that is not at
hand, veal-suet, in equal proportions.
Another for the same purpose is named enneaphar-
macum, which is more for cleaning wounds. It has
nine ingredients: wax, honey, suet, resin, myrrh.
35
CELSUS
vel vitulina vel bubula, oesypo, buturo. Quorum
ipsorum quoque pondera paria miscentur.
11 Sunt autem quaedam emplastra, quibus utriusque
rei facultas est, quae si ^ . . . singula habenda sunt,
meliora sunt : sed in copia reicienda sunt, iis potius
adhibitis, quae proprie id, quod eo tempore opus est,
consecuntur. Exempli causa duo proponam.
Est igitur ad vulnera Attalium, quod habet :
squamae aeris P. ^ XVI ; turis fuliginis P. -H- XV ;
Hammoniaci tantundem; resinae terebenthinae
liquidae P. -Sf XXV ; sebi taurini tantundem ; aceti
heminas tres, olei sextarium.
B At inter ea, quae fracto capiti aceommodantur,
habent quidam id, quod ad auctorem ludaeum
refertur. Constat ex his : salis P. ^ IIII ; squamae
aeris rubri, aeris combusti, singulorum P. ^ XII ;
Hammoniaci thymiamatis, turis fuliginis, resinae
aridae. singulorum P. ^ XVI ; resinae Colophoniacae,
cerae, sebi vitulini curati, singulorum P, -JfXX;
aceti sesquicyatho, olei minus cyatho. TeOfpairevfxei'a
Graeci appellant, quae curata vocant, cum ex sebo
puta omnes membranulae diligenter exemptae sunt
[ex alio medicamento].
12 Sunt etiam quaedam emplastra nobilia ad extra-
hendum. Quae ipsa quoque iinairaaTiKd nomi-
nantur; quale est quod, quia lauri bacas habet,
dia daphnidon appellatur. In eo est resinae tere-
^ Marx thinks the text is corrupt and that there is a consider-
able lacuna after si ; he suggests the following : . . . quae ai-
<mul et pus movent et glutinant. Neque taraen eis quae
imposita ad> 'which are both suppurative and agglutinant.
And these are not better than those which are to be applied for the
given purpose.'
" The grease from unwashed wool, cf. Galen, X. 965.
36
BOOK V. 19. 10-12
rose-oil, deer or calf or ox marrow, oesypum," butter ;
equal weights of which are mixed together.^
Now there are certain plasters which produce both
effects "^ which if . , . they are to be applied for both
purposes are better ; but if there is a choice these
are to be rejected, and those plasters rather are to
be selected which especially effect what is needed
at the time. I will mention two as examples.
There is the plaster of Attalus for wounds, which
contains copper scales 64 grms., frankincense soot 60
grms., ammoniacum the same; liquid turpentine
100 grms., bull-suet the same amount; vinegar
three-quarters of a litre, oil half a litre.
But among those suitable for broken heads, some
include the one which is ascribed to ludaeus. It is
composed of salt 16 grms., red copper scales and
calcined copper, 48 grms. each, ammoniacum for fumi-
gation, frankincense soot and dried resin, 64 grms.
each. Colophon resin, wax and prepared calf's suet,
80 grms. each, vinegar 65 c.cm., less than 40 c.cm.
of oil. The Greeks call tetherapeumena, what we
call prepared, when, for instance, from suet all
membranous particles are carefully removed, and so
in the case of other medicaments.
There are besides certain plasters noteworthy for
extracting, and these too are named epispastic ; <^ for
instance, that called dia daphnidon,* because it con-
tains laurel berries. In it there are terebinth-resin
* Both the 4-ingredient and the 9-ingredient plasters are
often mentioned later, e,g. by Galen, De Comp. Med., XII.
328.
" i.e. suppuration and cleaning.
'' See p. 10, note b.
' Sid ha^vihojv, containing laurel (Sa<^vij) berries, Galen, De
Comp. Med., XIII. 979.
37
GELSUS
benthinae P. •}(• X ; nitri, cerae, picis aridae, bacarum
lauri, singulorum P. ^ XX ; olei paulum. Quotiens
autem bacam aut nucem aut simile aliquid posuero,
scire oportebit, antequam expendatur, ei summam
pelliculam esse demendam.
13 Aliud eodem nomine, quod puri quoque movendo
est : sebi vitulini, Hammoniaci thymiamatis, picis,
cerae, nitri, bacarum lauri, resinae aridae, aristolo-
chiae, pyrethri pares portiones.
14 Praeter has est Philocratis, quod habet : salis
Hammoniaci P. ^ VII ; aristolochiae P. -Jf VIII ;
cerae, resinae terebenthinae, fuliginis turis, singu-
lonun P. ^ XV ; spiunae argenti P. ^ XXXII,
quibus, ut pus quoque moveant, iridis P. •}(• IIII et
galbani P. -Jf VI adiciuntur.
15 Optimum tamen ad extrahendum est id, quod a
similitudine sordium rhypodes Graeci appellant.
Habet murrae, croci, iridis, propolis, bdelli, capitu-
lorum Punici mali, aluminis et scissilis et rotundi,
misy, chalcitis, atramenti sutorii cocti, panacis, salis
Hammoniaci, visci, singulorum P. ^ IIII ; aristolo-
chiae P. •}(• VIII ; squamae aeris P. -Jf XVI ; resinae
terebenthinae P. ^ LXXV ; cerae et sebi vel
taurini vel hircini, singulorum P. ^ C.
16 Hecataeo quoque auctore emplastrum generis
eiusdem fit ex his : galbani P. ^ II ; fuliginis turis
P. ^ IIII ; picis P. •}(• VI ; cerae et resinae tere-
benthinae singulorum P. -Jf VIII ; quibus paululum
irini unguenti miscetur.
17 Valensque ad idem emplastrum viride Alexandri-
num est. Habet aluminis scissilis P. -Jf VIII ; salis
Hammoniaci P. -Jf VIII = ; squamae aeris P. ^ XVI ;
murrae, turis, singulorum P. -Jf XVIII ; cerae P. ■^
CL ; resinae Colophoniacae aut pineae P. -Jf CC ; olei
heminam, aceti sextarium.
38
BOOK V. 19. 12-17
40 grms., soda, wax, dried pitch, laurel-berries, 80
grms. each, with a little oil. But whenever I mention
a berry or nut or the like, it should be understood that
the outer husk is to be removed before weighing.
Another of the same name which also promotes
suppuration, contains calf-suet, ammoniacum for
fumigation, pitch, wax, soda, laurel-berries, dried
resin, aristolochia and pellitory, equal parts.
There is also that of Philocrates, which consists
of ammoniac salt 28 grms., aristolochia 32 grms.,
wax, turpentine resin, frankincense soot, 60 grms.
each, litharge 128 grms., to which is added, in order
to promote suppuration, iris 16 grms., and galbanum
24 grms.
The best as an extractive, however, is that called
by the Greeks rhypodes, from its resemblance to
dirt. It contains myrrh, crocus, iris, propolis,
bdellium, pomegranate heads, alum both spht and
round, antimony sulphide, copper ore, boiled blacking,
all-heal, ammoniacum salt, mistletoe juice, 16 grms.
each, aristolochia 32 grms., copper scales 56 grms.,
turpentine resin 300 grms., wax and ox or he-goat's
suet, 400 grms. each.
The plaster invented by Hecataeus is of the same
class, and is composed of galbanum 8 grms., frankin-
cense soot 16 grms., pitch 24 grms., wax and tur-
pentine-resin, 32 grms. each, with which is mixed a
little iris ointment.
Efficacious for the same purpose is the green
Alexandrian plaster. It consists of split alum 32
grms., ammoniac salt 32*66 grms., copper scales 64
grms., myrrh and frankincense 72 grms., wax 600
grms., Colophon or pine resin 800 grms., oil 250
c.cm., vinegar half a litre.
39
CELSUS
18 Quaedam autem sunt emplastra exedentia, quae
septa Graeci vocant ; quale est id, quod habet resinae
terebenthinae, fuliginis turis, singulorum P. = ;
squamae aeris P. -H- 1 ; ladani P. ^ II ; aluminis
tantundem ; spumae argenti [singulorum] P. •)(- IIII.
19 Exest etiam vehementer corpus atque ossa quoque
resolvit et supercrescentem carnem coercet id, quod
habet spumae argenti, squamae aeris uncias singulas ;
nitri ignem non experti, lapidis Assii, aristoloehiae P.
sextantes ; cerae, resinae terebenthinae, turis, olei
veteris, atramenti sutorii, salis Hammoniaci P. S. ;
aeruginis rasae P. bessem ; aceti scilliti heminam ;
vini Aminaei tantundem.
20 Sunt etiam adversus morsus quaedam adeom-
modata, quale est Diogeni nigrum, quod habet:
bituminis, cerae, resinae pineae aridae, singulorum
P. -H- XX ; spumae argenti P. ^ C ; olei sextarium.
Aut in quo sunt squamae aeris P. -Jf HH ; cerussae
et aeruginis rassae, singulorum P. -X- VIII ; Ham-
moniaci P. -Jf XII ; cerae, resinae pineae, singulorum
P, -X- XXV ; spumae argenti P. •}(• C ; olei sextarium.
Aut in quo sunt squamae aeris P. -X- XIIII ; galbani
P. •}(• VI ; cerussae et aeruginis rasae, singulorum
P. ^ VIII ; Hammoniaci P. -K- XII ; cerae, resinae
pineae, singulorum P. ^ XXXV . . .^ spuma argenti
concoquitur.
21 Rubrum quoque emplastrum, quod Ephesium
vocatur, hue aptum est. Habet resinae terebenthinae
P. •}(• II ; galbani P. ^ IIII ; minii Sinopici P. -Jf VI ;
turis fuliginis P. ^ VI ; cerae P. ^ VIII ; spumae
argenti P. •}(■ XXXVI ; olei veteris heminam.
^ Marx suggests that ex quo has fallen out before spuma ;
Targa would emend to spumae argenti P -Jf C : olei sextarium
in quo concoquitur.
40
BOOK V. 19. 18-21
Some plasters, called by the Greeks septa," eat away
flesh ; one such contains turpentine-resin and frank-
incense soot, each 56 grms., copper scales 4 grms,
ladanum 8 grms., alum the same amount, litharge
16 grms.
The following prescription is even violent in its
action on soft tissue, and also causes exfoliation of
bone and keeps down fungating flesh : litharge and
copper scales 28 grms. each, unheated soda, Assos
stone, aristolochia, 56 grms. each, wax, turpentine
resin, incense and old oil, blacking and ammoniac salt,
168 grms. each, scraped verdigris 224 grms., vinegar
of squills 250 c.cm., Aminaean wine the same amount.
There are also some suitable for bites ; one of
these is the black plaster of Diogenes, which con-
tains bitumen, wax, dried pine-resin, each 80 grms.,
litharge 400 grms., oil half a litre. Another consists
of copper scales 16 grms., white-lead and scraped
verdigris, each 32 grms., ammoniacum 48 grms., wax
and pine resin, each 100 grms., litharge 400 grms., oil
half a litre. Or there is that in which there are
copper scales 56 grms., galbanum 24 grms., white-
lead and scraped verdigris, each 32 grms., ammonia-
cum 48 grms., wax and pine-resin, each 140 grms.
cooked with litharge.
The red plaster called Ephesian is likewise suited
for this purpose. It contains turpentine-resin 8 grms.,
galbanum 16 grms., minium from Sinope 24 grms.,
frankincense soot 24 grms., wax 32 grms., litharge
144 grms., old olive-oil 250 c.cm.
« This word is used by Aristotle (H.A. VIII. 29. 607o. 3)
of a drug that erodes flesh, crq-rrriKov <f>dpnaKov, though its
usual meaning was rotten, decomposed (of food) ; cf. Hippo-
crates, Diseases (L) VI. 451.
41
CELSUS
22 Item id, quod ex his constat ; squamae aeris, tuns
fuliginisj singulorum P. -^ IIII ; galbani P. -Jf VI ;
salis Hammoniaci P. -Jf XII = ; cerae P. -X- XXV ;
olei tribus heminls. Haec autem aliis quoque
recentioribus vulneribus recte imponuntur.
23 Sunt etiam alba lenia (leuca Graeci vocant) fere
non gravibus vulneribus accommodata, praecipueque
senilibus. Quale est quod habet : cerussae P. ^
XXXII ; sebi vitulini curati et cerae, singulorum
P. ^ XLVIII ; olei heminas tres ; ex quibus ea
cerussa coquitur.
24 Aliud quod habet cerussae P. -Jf XX ; cerae P. -H-
XXXV, olei heminam, aquae sextarium. Quae
quotiens adiciuntur cerussae vel spumae argenti,
scire licet ilia ex his coquenda esse. Est autem ea
percandida compositio quae supra posita est, ideoque
elephantine nominatur.
25 Lenia quoque quaedam emplastra sunt, quas
liparas fere Graeci nominant; ut id, quod habet
mini P. ^ IIII ; spimiae argenti P. ^ XXV ; cerae
et adipis suillae, singulorum P. ^ XXXVII ; vitellos
quattuor.
26 Alia compositio generis eiusdem : cerae, resinae
terebenthinae, singulorum P.-}f VI ; cerussae P. -Jf
VIII ; spumae argenti, plumbi recrementi (a-Kwpiav
fjioXv/3Sov Graeci vocant), singulorum P. ^ XX; cicini
olei et murtei singulorum heminae.
27 Tertia, quae ad auctorem Archagathum refertur:
misy cocti, aeris combusti, singulorum P. -Jf IIII ;
cerussae coctae P. ^ VIII ; resinae terebenthinae
P. ^ X ; spumae argenti P. -Jf VI.
42
BOOK V. 19. 22-27
There is another similar one which consists of
copper scales and frankincense soot, each 16 grms.,
galbanum 24 grms., ammoniac salt 4:8'66 grms.,
wax 100 grms., olive-oil 750 c.cm. These plasters,
however, may be also usefully applied to more
recent wounds.
There are also soothing white plasters, called by the
Greeks leuca, fitted in general for wounds which are
not severe, especially in old people. Such is that
containing white-lead 128 grms., prepared calf's
suet, and wax, each 192 grms., olive-oil 750 c.cm.,
with which the white-lead is boiled.
Another consists of white-lead 80 grms., wax 140
grms., olive-oil 250 c.cm., water half a litre. When-
ever these liquids are added to white lead or
litharge, it is understood that those drugs are to be
boiled up in the liquids. But the above composition
being of a glistening white appearance is called ivory
plaster.
There are also some soothing plasters, commonly
called liparae " by the Greeks, such as that containing
minium 16 grms., litharge 100 grms., wax and lard,
each 148 grms., with the yolk of 4 eggs.
Another composition of the same sort contains
wax and turpentine-resin, each 24 grms., white-lead
32 grms., litharge and lead-slag, called by the Greeks
(TKOipia fJioXv^Sov, each 80 grms., castor-oil and myrtle-
oil, each 250 c.cm.
A third, said to have been invented by Archagathus,
contains boiled antimony sulphide and calcined
copper, each 16 grms., boiled white-lead 32 grms.,
turpentine-resin 40 grms., litharge 24 grms.
" Greasy plasters; the opposite of aXmij eiinXaaTpa, p. 32,
note b.
43
CELSUS
28 Etiamnum generis eiusdem : spumae argenti,
cerae, adipis suillae, singulorum P. -K- XXVII ; vitelli
cocti IIII ; rosae hemina. Aut : cerati ex oleo
myrteo facti partes tres ; adipis suillae pars quarta ;
paulum ex plumbi recremento. Aut : spumae
argenti selibra, ex olei hemina et aquae marinae
altera cocta, donee bullire desierit, cui paulum cerae
sit adiectum. Aut: pares portiones cerae, sebi,
stibis, spumae argenti, cerussae.
20. Pastilli quoque facultates diversas habent.
Sunt enim ad recentia vulnera glutinanda sananda-
que apti ; quails est qui habet chalcitis, misy, spumae
nitri, floris aeris, gallae, aluminis scissilis modice
cocti, singulorum P. ^ I ; aeris combusti, capitu-
lorum raali Punici, singulorum P. -Jf III. Hunc
oportet diluere aceto, ac sic, ubi vulnus glutinandum
est, inlinere. At si nervosus aut musculosus is locus
est, commodius est cerato miscere, sic ut illius VIII
partes, nona huius sit.
B Alius ad idem constat ex his : bituminis, aluminis
scissilis, singulorum P. -Jf I '» aeris combusti P. -Jf IIII ;
spumae argenti P. -Jf XI ; olei sextario.
2 Sed longe Polyidi celeberrimus est, sphragis autem
nominatur ; qui habet aluminis scissilis P. ^ I = ;
atramenti sutorii P. -H- II ; murrae P. -X- V ; aloes
tantundem ; capitulorum Punici mali, fellis taurini,
singulorum P. ^ VI ; quae contrita vino austero
excipiuntur.
3 Ad ulcera sordida et nigritiem in auribus, naribus,
obscenis partibus, inflammationesque eorum : chryso-
collae P. -H- 1 ; atramenti sutori, aluminis scissilis.,
44
BOOK V. 19. 28-20. 3
Yet another of the same class consists of litharge,
wax and lard, each 108 grms., yolk of 4 eggs boiled,
rose-oil 250 c.cm. Another consists of a cerate
made with myrtle-oil three parts, lard a fourth part,
and a small quantity of lead-slag. Alternatively :
litharge 168 grms., olive-oil 250 c.cm., and an equal
quantity of sea water, boiled, to which, when off
the boil, a little wax may be added. Or : wax, suet,
antimony sulphide, litharge and white-lead, equal
parts.
20. Pastils have also divers faculties. For some
are suitable for agglutinating and making the scar
upon recent wounds : such as that containing copper
ore, antimony sulphide, soda-scum, flowers of copper,
oak-galls, split alum moderately boiled, each 4 grms.,
calcined copper and pomegranate-heads, each 12
grms. It should be dissolved with vinegar, and so
smeared on for agglutinating a wound. But if the
part wounded involves sinews or muscles, it is better
to mix the pastil with a cerate, eight parts of the
former to nine of the latter.
Another for the same purpose is composed of
bitumen and split alum, each 4 grms., calcined copper
16 grms., litharge 44 grms., oil half a litre.
But the pastil of Poly ides " called the " seal " is by
far the most celebrated. It contains split alum 4-66
grms., blacking 8 grms., myrrh 20 grms., lign aloes the
same, pomegranate heads and ox-bile, 24 grms. each ;
these are rubbed together and taken up in dry wine.
For foul ulcerations and gangrene in the ears,
nostrils and genitals, and their inflammatory compli-
cations, take chrysocolla 4 grms., blacking and split
" Also referred to by Galen, De Compositione Medicamen-
torum, Bk. V. 12 XIII. 834.
45
CELSUS
singulorum P. -Jf II ; halicaccabi corticis P. ■^ IIII ;
mini P. -Jf VI ; spumae argenti P. ^ XII ; cerussae
P. ^ XVI ; quae ex aceto et coguntur et, ubi utendum
est, diluuntur.
Andronis vero est ad uvam inflammatam, ad
naturalia sordida, etiam cancro laborantia : gallae,
atramenti sutorii, murrae, singulorum P. ^ I ; aristo-
lochiae, aluminis scissilis, singulorum P. -Jf II ; capitu-
lorum Punici mali P. -Jf XXV ; ex passo coacta, et
cum usus exigit)> aceto vel vino diluta, prout valentius
aut lenius vitium est, cui medendum est.
Proprie autem ad ani fissa, vel ora venarum
fundentia sanguinem, vel cancrum : aeruginis P. -X-
II ; murrae P. ^ IIII ; cummis P. -Jf VIII ; turis
P. "X- XII ; stibis, lacrimae papaveris, acaciae, sin-
guloriun P. -Jf XVI. Quae ex vino et teruntur et in
ipso usu deliquantur.
Expellere autem ex vesica cum urina calculum
videtur haec compositio : casiae, croci, murrae, costi,
nardi, cinnamomi, dulcis radicis, balsami, hyperici
pares portiones conteruntur, deinde vinum lene
instillatur, et pastilli fiunt, qui singuli habeant
P. -X- =, hique singuli cotidie mane ieiuno dantur.
21. Haec tria compositionum genera [id est,
quae in malagmatibus, pastillis emplastrisque sunt]
maximum praecipueque varium usum praestant.
Sed alia quoque utilia sunt, ut ea, quae feminis
subiciuntur: pessos Graeci vocant. Eorum haec
proprietas est : medicamenta composita molli lana
excipiuntur, eaque lana naturalibus conditur.
" Canker means septic and gangrenous forms of inflamma-
tion, rather than what is now called cancer. Cf. vol. I.
p. 88 n. ; and vol. III. Appendix, p. 589 ff.
* pessaries ; for prescriptions see p. 49.
46
BOOK V. 20. 3-21. I
alum 8 grms. each, winter cherry bark 16 grms.,
minium 24 grms., litharge 48 grms., cerussa 64 grms,;
these are both compounded with vinegar and dissolved
for use with the same.
The pastil of Andron is for inflammation ot the
uvula, and for the genitals when foul, and even
when affected by canker." It contains oak-galls,
blacking, and myrrh, 4 grms. each, aristolochia and
split alum, 8 grms. each, pomegranate-heads 100
grms., compounded with raisin wine, and when
required for usfe dissolved in vinegar or wine,
according as the disease to be treated is more severe
or milder.
But the following is appropriate for anal fissures,
for bleeding piles, or for canker, verdigris 8 grms.,
myrrh 16 grms., gum 32 grms., frankincense 48 gi-ms.,
antimony sulphide, poppy tears and acacia, 64 grms.
each. These are both pounded up in wine and for
actual use are dissolved in the same.
The following prescription is efficacious to expel
stones from the bladder along with the urine ; casia,
crocus, myrrh, costmary, nard, cinnamon, liquorice
root, balsamum and hypericum juice, equal parts ;
these are rubbed together, then mild wine is poured
on, and pastils are made, each weighing 0-66 grm. ;
one of them is given every morning on an empty
stomach.
21. These three classes ot compositions [emol-
lients, pastils and plasters] , have very wide and varied
uses. But there are other useful compositions, such as
those which are introduced into women from below,
the Greeks call them pessoi.'' Their characteristic
is that the component medicaments are taken up in
soft wool, and this wool is inserted into the genitals.
47
CELSUS
B Ad sanguinem autem evocandum Cauneis duabus
adicitur nitri P. -Jf S = ; aut alii semen conteritur,
adicitur murrae paululum, et unguento Susino
miscetur ; aut cucumeris silvestris pars interior ex
lacte muliebri diluitur.
2 Ad vulvam molliendam ovi vitellus et foenum
Graecum et rosa et crocum temperantur. Aut
elateri P. ^ = ; salis tantundem ; uvae taminiae
P. -Jf VI melle excipiuntur.
3 Aut Boetho auctore eroci, resinae terebenthinae.
singulorum P. ^ IIII ; murrae P. -jf = = ; rosae
P. ^ I ; sebi vitulini P. ^ I = ; cerae P. -K- II
miscentur.
4 Optuma autem adversus inflammationes vulvae
Numenii compositio est, quae habet : eroci P. ^
= — ; cerae P. ^ I ; buturi P. ^ VIII ; adipis
anserini P. ^ XII ; vitellos coctos duos, rosae minus
cyatho.
5 Si vero infans intus decessit, quo facilius eiciatur,
malicorium ex aqua terendum eoque utendum est.
6 Si concidere vitio locorum mulier solet, cocleae cum
testis suis comburendae conterendaeque, deinde his
mel adiciendum est.
7 Si non comprehendit, adeps leonina ex rosa
mollienda est.
22. Quaedam autem mixturae medicamentorum
sunt, quibus aridis neque coactis utimur, sic ut
inspergamus, aut cum aliquo liquido mixta inlinamus.
Quale est ad carnem supercrescentem exedendam,
quod habet: squamae aeris, fuliginis turis, singu-
lorum P. ^ I ; aeruginis P. ^ II. Haec autem
eadem cum melle purgant ulcera, cum cera inplent.
" hysterical fits, cf. IV. 27. 1 (vol. 1. p. 446).
48
BOOK V. 21. I B-22. I
A pessary for inducing menstruation contains soda
2*65 grms., added to two Caunean figs ; or garlic
seeds are pounded, a little myrrh added, and these
are mixed with Susine lily ointment ; or the pulp of
a wild cucumber is diluted in woman's milk.
To mollify the womb a yolk of egg, fenugreek,
rose-oil and saffron are mixed together. Or elaterium
0-66 grm., the same quantity of salt, and black bryony
berries 24 grms. are taken up with honey.
The pessary invented by Boethus consists of saffron
and turpentine resin, 16 grms. each, myrrh 1*33 grms.,
rose-oil 4 grms., calf's suet 4'66 grms., wax 8 grms.,
mixed together.
But against inflammations of the womb, the com-
position of Nomenius is the best ; it consists of
saffron 1 grm., wax 4 grms., butter 32 grms., goose-fat
48 grms., 2 yolks of egg boiled, and of rose-oil less
than 40 c.cm.
If the foetus is dead, to render its expulsion more
easy, pomegranate rind should be rubbed up in water
and so used.
If a woman is liable to fits" owing to genital
disease, snails are to be burnt with their shells, and
pounded up together ; then honey added to them.
If a woman does not conceive, lion's fat is to be
softened by rose-oil.
22. Now, some mixtures of medicaments are used
dry, without being combined, so that they are dusted
or smeared on after some liquid has been mixed with
them. Such is the prescription to eat away fungous
flesh, which contains copper scales and frankincense
soot, 4 grms. each, verdigris 8 grms. But when
combined with honey this compound cleans ulcers,
when with wax it fills them up. Also antimony
49
CELSUS
Misy quoque et galla, si paribus portionibus misce-
antur, corpus consumunt ; eaque vel arida inspergere
licet vel excepta cadmia inlinere.
2 Putrem vero carnem continet neque ultra serpere
patitur et leniter exest mel vel cum lenticula vel cum
marrubio vel cum oleae foliis ante ex vino decoctis.
Item sertula Campana in mulso cocta, deinde con-
trita ; aut calx cum cerato ; aut amarae nuces cum
alio, sic ut huius pars tertia sit, paulumque his croci
adiciatur. Aut quod habet spumae argenti P. ^ VI ;
cornu bubuli combusti P. -Jf XII ; olei murtei et vini
B cyathos ternos. Aut quod ex his constat : floris
Punici mali, atramenti sutorii, aloes, singulorum
P. ^ II ; aluminis scissilis, turis, singuloriun P. -H-
nil ; gallae P. -X- VIII ; aristolochiae P. ^ X. Vehe-
mentius idem facit etiam adurendo auripigmentimi
cum chalcitide et aut nitro aut calce aut charta com-
busta : item sal cum aceto. Vel ea compositio, quae
habet: chalcitidis, capitulorima Punici mali, aloes,
singulorum P. -X- II ; aluminis scissilis, turis, singu-
lorum P. ^ nil ; gallae P. -Jf VIII ; aristolochiae
P. ^ X ; mellis quantum satis sit ad ea cogenda.
C Vel cantharidum P. -X- 1 ; sulpuris P. •5«- I ; lolii
P. ^ III ; quibus adicitur picis liquidae quantum
satis est ad iungendum. Vel chalcitis quoque cum
resina et ruta mixta; aut cum eadem resina di-
phryges ; aut uva taminia cum pice liquida. Idem
vero possunt et faecis vini combustae et calcis et nitri
pares portiones ; vel aluminis scissilis P. -X- = — ;
turis, sandaracae, nitri, singulorum P. ^ I ; gallae
P. ^ VIII ; aristolochiae P. -H- X ; mellis quantum
satis sit.
" Made of terra cadmia from Cyprus, which contained oxide
of zinc.
50
BOOK V. 22. 1-2 c
sulphide and oak-galls, if they are mixed in equal pro-
portions, corrode flesh. We may either sprinkle this
mixture on dry or take it up in cadmian " ointment
and smear it on.
Honey mixed with lentils or with horehound or
with olive leaves previously boiled in wine holds in
cheek putrid flesh, prevents its further spread, and
is a mild corrosive. The same is the action of
melilot, boiled in honey wine, then pounded up;
or lime with cerate ; or bitter almonds with garlic
in the proportion of three to one, with the addition
of a little saffron. Or the composition containing
litharge 24 grms., burnt ox-horn 48 grms., myrtle-
oil and wine, 125 c.cm. of each. Or that mixture
which consists of pomegranate flowers, blacking and
lign-aloes, 8 grms. each, split alum and frankincense
16 grms., oak-galls 32 grms., aristolochia 40 grms.
Stronger as a corrosive is that compounded by cal-
cining orpiment with copper ore, and with either
soda or lime or burnt papyrus ; salt with vinegar is
similar. Or that composition which contains copper
ore, pomegranate heads, lign-aloes, 8 grms. each, split
alum and frankincense, 16 grms. each, oak-galls 32
grms., aristolochia 40 grms., with sufficient honey to
combine them. An alternative is the composition
containing cantharides 4 grms., sulphur 4 grms.,
darnel 12 grms., to which is added enough liquid
pitch to combine them. Or also that composed of
copper ore mixed with resin and rue ; or slag similarly
with resin ; or black bryony berries with liquid pitch.
The same property too belongs both to burnt wine-
lees and lime and soda, equal parts, or to split alum,
1*33 grms., frankincense, sandarach and soda, 4 grms.
each, oak-galls 32 grms., aristolochia 40 grms., and
as much honey as is required.
51
CELSUS
Est etiam Herae compositio, quae habet murrae,
chalcitidis, singulorum P. -X- II ; aloes, turis, alu-
minis scissilis, singulorum P. -X- IIII ; aristolochiae,
gallae inmaturae, singulorum P. -Jf VIII ; malicori
contriti P. ^ X.
Est ludaei, in qua sunt calcis partes duae ; nitri
quam ruberrumi pars tertia, quae urina inpuberis
pueri coguntur, donee strigmenti crassitudo sit. Sed
subinde is locus, cui id inlinitur, madefaciendus est.
At lollas chartae combustae, sandaracae, singu-
lorum P. ^ I ; calcis P. ^ II ; auripigmenti tantun-
dem miscebat.
Si vero ex membrana, quae super cerebrum est,
profluit sanguis, vitellus combustus et contritus
inspergi debet : si alio loco sanguinis profluvium est,
auripigmenti, squamae aeris, singulorum P. •}(■ I ;
sandaracae P. -Jf- II ; marmoris cocti P. -Jf IIII
inspergi debet. Eadem cancro quoque obsistunt.
Ad inducendam cicatricem : squamae aeris, turis
fuliginis, singulorum P. •}(• II ; calcis P. ^ IIII.
Eadem increscentem quoque carnem coercent.
Timaeus autem ad ignem sacrum, ad cancrum his
utebatur: murrae P. -Jf II : turis, atramenti sutori,
singulorum P. -Sf III ; sandaracae, auripigmenti,
squamae aeris, singulorum P. -X- IIII ; gallae P. ^
VI ; cerussae combustae P. -Jf VIII. Ea vel arida
inspersa vel melle excepta idem praestant.
Sternumenta vero vel albo veratro vel struthio
coiecto in nares excitantur, vel his mixtis : piperis,
veratri albi, singulorum P. -jf = ; castorei P. ■}{• ^ ;
spumae nitri P. >}(• I ; struthi P. -K- IIII.
Gargarizationes autem aut levandi causa fiunt aut
* p. 10, note a.
52
BOOK V. 22. 3-9
There is also the compound of Heras which contains
myrrh and copper ore, 8 grms. each, Hgn-aloes,
frankincense, spht alum, 16 grms., aristolochia and
immature oak-galls, 32 grms. each, pomegranate rind
pounded 40 grms.
The compound of ludaeus contains lime two parts ;
the reddest soda one part, mixed with the urine of a
young boy to the consistency of strigil scrapings."
But the place on which it is smeared should from time
to time be moistened.
Then the compound of lollas consists of burnt
papyrus and of sandarach, 4 grms. each, lime 8 grms.,
mixed with the same quantity of orpiment.
But if there is haemorrhage from the membrane
covering the brain, a yolk of egg which has been
charred and then pounded should be scattered on ;
for haemorrhage elsewhere orpiment and copper
scales, 4 grms. each, sandarach 8 grms., calcined
marble 16 grms., should be dusted on. The same
also checks canker. To induce scarifying, copper
scales and frankincense soot, 8 grms. each, lime 16
grms. The same also counters fungous flesh.
Also Timaeus used the following for ignis sacer and
for canker : myrrh 8 grms., frankincense and blacking,
12 grms. each, sandarach, orpiment, copper scales,
16 grms. each, oak-galls 24 grms., burnt white-lead
32 grms. This is either scattered on dry or has
the same effect when taken up in honey.
Sneezing too is excited by putting up the nose
either white veratrum or soapwort ; or the following
mixture : pepper and white veratrum, 0*66 grm.
each, castoreum 1 grm., soda-scum 4 grms., soapwort
16 grms.
Now gargles are used as emollients or as repres-
53
CELSUS
reprimendi aut evocandi. Levant lac, cremor vel
tisanae vel furfurum : reprimit aqua, in qua vel
lenticula vel rosa vel rubus vel Cotoneuin malum vel
palmulae decoctae sunt. Evocant sinapi, piper.
23. Antidota raro sed praecipue interdum neces-
saria sunt, quia gravissimis casibus opitulantur.
Ea recte quidem dantur conlisis corporibus, vel per
ictus, vel ubi ex alto deciderunt, vel in viscerum,
laterum, faucium, interiorumque partium doloribus.
Maxime autem desideranda sunt adversus venena,
vel per morsus vel per cibos aut potiones nostris
corporibus inserta.
B Unum est, quod habet lacrimae papaveris ?..}(•=;
acori, malabathri P. ^V; iridis Illyricae, cummi,
singulorum P. -Jf II ; anesi P. ^ III ; nardi Gallici,
foliorum rosae aridorum, cardamomi, singulorum P. -Jf
IIII ; petroselini P. -Jf IIII = (vel folii P. -Jf \0 5
casiae nigrae, silis, bdelli, balsami seminis, piperis
albi, singulorum P. 4f V = ; styracis P. -X- V = ;
murrae, opopanacis, nardi Syri, turis masculi, hypo-
cistidis suci, singulorum P. -Jf VI ; castorei P. -H- VI ;
costi, piperis albi, galbani, resinae terebenthinae,
eroci, floris iunci rotundi, singulorum P. •}(• VI= — ;
dulcis radicis P. ^ VIII = — ; quae vel melle vel
passo excipiuntur.
2 Alterum, quod Zopyrus regi Ptolemaeo dicitur
composuisse atque ambrosian nominasse, ex his
constat : costi, turis masculi, singulorum P, ^ = = ;
piperis albi P. ^ = — ; floris iunci rotundi P. •}(■ II ;
" Stimulant and aromatic substances mixed with honey
and wine. Celsus mentions three only, with 30, 10, and 37
ingredients respectively. These ingredients would comfort
patients suffering from the conditions described, and the
54
BOOK V. 22. 9-23. 2
sives or to draw out humour. As emollients, milk,
pearl-barley or bran gruel; as repressants, a decoc-
tion of lentils or rose-leaves or blackberries or quinces
or of dates. Mustard and pepper draw out humour.
23. Antidotes " are seldom needed, but are at times
important because they bring aid to the gravest cases.
They are appropriately administered for bodily con-
tusions, either from blows or in cases of a fall from
a height, or for pain in the viscera, sides, fauces, or
internal parts. '' But they are chiefly necessary against
poisons introduced into our bodies through bites or
food or drink.
One consists of poppy-tears 0-66 grm., sweet flag
and malabathrum, 20 grms. each, Illyrian iris and
gum, 8 grms. each, anise 12 grms., Gallic nard, dried
rose-leaves and cardamons, 16 grms. each, parsley
16-66 grms. (or trifohum 20 grms.), black casia,
seseli, bdellium, balsam seed, white pepper, 20-66 grms.
each, storax 20-66 grms., myrrh, opopanax, Syrian
nard, male frankincense and hypocistis juice, 24 grms.
each, castoreum 24 grms., costmary, white pepper,
galbanum, turpentine, resin, crocus, flowers of round
rush 25 grms., liquorice root 33 grms., which are
taken up in honey or in raisin wine.
Alternatively there is that which Zopyrus <^ is said
to have composed for a King Ptolemy, and to have
called it ambrosia, consisting of the following:
costmary and male frankincense, 1-33 grms. each,
white pepper 1 grm., flowers of round rush 8 grms.,
remedy could be administered repeatedly in small doses.
The first and third include a small quantity of poppy juice.
There is no other narcotic or poisonous ingredient.
» V. 26. 24 C.
' Galen, Antidotes, II. 17. XIV. 205.
55
CELSUS
cinnamomi P. -Jf III ; casiae nigrae P. -Jf HII ; croci
Cilici P.-}fIIII = — ; murrae, quam stacten
nominant, P. -Jf V; nardi Indici P. ■}(• V= — .
Quae singula contrita melle cocto excipiuntur ;
deinde ubi utendum est, id quod Aegyptiae fabae
magnitudinem impleat, in potione vini diluitur.
3 Nobilissimum autem est Mithridatis, quod cottidie
sumendo rex ille dicitur adversus venenorum pericula
tutum corpus suum reddidisse. In quo haec sunt :
costi P. ^ = = — ; acori P. -X- V ; hyperici, cummi,
sagapeni, acaciae suci, iridis Illyricae, cardamomi,
singulorum P. ^ II ; anesi P. ^ III ; nardi Gallici,
gentianae radicis, aridorum rosae foliorum, singu-
lorum P. -Jf IIII ; papaveris lacrimae, petroselini,
singulorum P. -Jf IIII = — ; casiae, silis, lolii, piperis
longi, singulorum P. ^ V = ; styracis P. ^ V = — ;
B castorei, turis, hypocistidis suci, murrae, opopanacis,
singulorum P. ^ VI ; malabathri folii P. ^ VI ;
floris iunci rotundi, resinae terebenthinae, galbani,
dauci Cretici seminis, singulorum P. ^ VI = ; nardi,
opobalsami, singulorum P. -Jf VI = — ; thlaspis
P. ^ VI = — ; radicis Ponticae P. 4f VII ; croci,
zingiberis, cinnamomi, singulorum P. ^ VII = — .
Haec contrita melle excipiuntur, et adversus vene-
num, quod magnitudinem nucis Graecae impleat, ex
vino datur. In ceteris autem adfectibus corporis pro
modo eorum vel quod Aegyptiae fabae vel quod ervi
magnitudinem impleat, satis est.
24. Acopa quoque utilia nervis sunt. Quale est,
quod habet floris iunci rotundi P. -Jf II = = ; costi,
iunci quadrati, lauri bacarum, Hammoniaci, carda-
momi, singulorum P.^IIII = — ; murrae, aeris
combusti, singulorum P. ^ VII ; iridis Illyricae,
cerae, singulorum P. -X- XIIII ; Alexandrini calami,
56
BOOK V. 23. 2-24. I
cinnamon 12 grms., black casia 16 grms., Cilician
saffron 17 grms., myrrh called stacte 20 grms., Indian
nard 21 grms. Each ingredient is ground up
separately, and they are taken up in boiled honey ;
then at the time of using, a quantity the size of an
Egyptian bean is dissolved in a draught of wine.
But the most famous antidote is that of Mithri-
dates,** which that king is said to have taken daily and
by it to have rendered his body safe against danger
from poison. It contains costmary 1-66 grms., sweet
flag 20 grms., hypericum, gum, sagapenum, acacia
juice, Illyrian iris, cardamon, 8 grms. each, anise 12
grms., Gallic nard, gentian root and dried rose-
leaves, 16 grms. each, poppy-tears and parsley, 17
grms. each, casia, saxifrage, darnel, long pepper, 20-66
grms. each, storax 21 grms., castoreum, frankincense,
hypocistis juice, myrrh and opopanax, 24 grms.
each, malabathrum leaves 24 grms., flower of round
rush, turpentine-resin, galbanum, Cretan carrot seeds,
24-66 grms. each, nard and opobalsam, 25 grms. each,
shepherd's purse 25 grms., rhubarb root 28 grms.,
saffron, ginger, cinnamon, 29 grms. each. These are
pounded and taken up in honey. Against poisoning,
a piece the size of an almond is given in wine. In
other affections an amount corresponding in size to
an Egyptian bean is sufficient.
24. Acopa* again are useful for neuralgia. Of
these there is one which consists of the flower of
the round rush, 9-33 grms. each, costmary, square
rush, laurel berries, ammoniacum, cardamons, 17
grms. each, myrrh and calcined copper 28 grms.,
Illyrian iris and wax 56 grms., Alexandrian flag,
• Galen, Antidotes, II. 1. XIV. 108.
* oKona <f>dpfiaKa. Anodyne salves, IV. 31. 8 (vol. I. p. 460).
57
CELSUS
iunci rotundi, aspalathi, xylobalsami, singulorum
P. ^ XXVIII ; sebi P. "Sf I ; unguenti irini cyathum.
2 Alterum, quod euodes vocant, hoc modo fit : cerae
P. = — ; olei tantundem ; resinae terebenthinae ad
nucis iuglandis magnitudinem simul incocuntur ;
deinde infusa in mortario teruntur, instillaturque
subinde quam optumi mellis acetabulum, turn irini
unguenti et rosae terni cyathi.
3 Enchrista autem Graeci vocant liquida, quae
inlinuntur. Quale est, quod fit ad ulcera purganda
et inplenda, maxime inter nervos, paribus portionibus
inter se mixtis : buturi, medullae vitulinae, sebi
vitulini, adipis anserinae, cerae, mellis, resinae tere-
benthinae, rosae, olei cicini. Quae separatim omnia
liquantur, deinde liquida miscentur, et turn simul
teruntur. Et hoc quidem magis purgat: magis
vero emollit, si pro rosa Cyprus infunditur.
4 Et ad sacrum ignem : spumae argenti P. -Jf VI ;
cornu bubuli combusti P. -Jf XII conteruntur, adici-
turque invicem vinum et id quod specialiter sil
vocatur, et murteum donee utriusque terni cyathi
coiciantur.
25. Catapotia quoque multa sunt, variisque
de causis fiunt. Anodyna vocant, quae somno
dolorem levant ; quibus uti, nisi nimia necessitas
urget, alienum est : sunt enim ex vehementibus
medicamentis et stomacho alienis. Potest tamen
etiam ad concoquendum, quod habet papaveris
lacrimae, galbani, singulorum P. ^ I ; murrae,
castorei, piperis, singulorum P. -X- II. Ex quibus,
quod ervi magnitudinem habet, satis est devorasse.
" ^YXP''*^'"' ^ttPA'*"'^'^' liniments.
* Cf. V. 28. 4.
58
BOOK V. 24. 1-25. I
round rush, aspalathus and balsam wood, 112 grms.
each, suet 4 grms., iris ointment 42 com.
Another called euodes is prepared as toilows :
wax 84 grms., oil the same quantity, and turpentine-
resin, the size of a walnut, are boiled together, then
pounded in a mortar, and into this is gradually
dropped 63 c.cm. of the best honey, and then iris
ointment and rose-oil, 125 c.cm. of each.
Now enchrista is the Greek name for liquid ap-
plications." Of these one is used for cleaning and
filling up ulcers, especially those about sinews. It
is composed of a mixture of equal parts of butter,
calf's marrow, calf's suet, goose-fat, wax, honey,
turpentine-resin, rose-oil and castor-oil. These are
all liquefied separately, then the liquids are mixed
and stirred up together. And the above is more for
cleaning up wounds ; it is more of an emollient if
instead of the rose-oil, cyprus-oil is poured in.
And for ignis sacer * take litharge 24 grms., burnt
ox-horn 48 grms., are rubbed up together, adding by
turns wine, especially that which is called sil,"^ and
myrtle-oil until 125 c.cm, of each is mixed in.
25. Pills are also numerous, and are made for
various purposes. Those which relieve pain through
sleep are called anodynes ; unless there is over-
whelming necessity, it is improper to use them ; for
they are composed of medicaments which are very
active and alien to the stomach. There is one,
however, which actually promotes digestion ; it is
composed of poppy-tears and galbanum, 4 grms. each,
myrrh, castory, and pepper, 8 grms. each. Of this it
is enough to swallow an amount the size of a vetch.
" Vinum siliatum (vol. I. p. 498) flavoured with seseli,
meadow saxifrage.
59
CELSUS
2 Alterum stomacho peius, ad somnum valentius, ex
his fit : mandragorae P. -Jf = — ; apii seminis,
item hyoscyami seminis, singulorum P. ^ IIII ; quae
ex vino teruntur. Unum autem eiusdem magni-
tudinis, quae supra (1) posita est, abunde est sumpsisse.
3 Sive autem capitis dolores sive ulcera sive lippitudo
sive dentes . . .^ sive spiritus difficultas sive intesti-
norum tormenta sive inflammatio vulvae est, sive
coxa sive iecur aut lienis aut latus torquet, sive vitio
locorum aliqua prolabitur et ommutescit, occurrit
B dolori per quietem eiusmodi catapotium : silis, acori,
rutae silvestris seminis, singulorum P. -Jf I ; castorei,
cinnamomi, singulorum P. ^ II ; papaveris lacri-
mae, panacis radicis, mandragorae malorum ari-
dorum,2 iunci rotundi floris, singulorum P. ^ II = — ;
piperis grana LVI. Haec per se contrita, rursus
instillato subinde passo, simul omnia teruntur, donee
crassitudo sordium fiat. Ex eo paululum aut
devoratur, aut aqua diluitur et potui datur.
4 Quin etiam silvestris papaveris, cum iam ad
excipiendam lacrimam maturum est, manipellus qui
manu conprehendi potest, in vas demittitur, et super-
infunditur aqua, quae id contegat, atque ita coquitur.
Ubi iam bene manipellus is coctus est ibidem^
expressus proicitur ; et cum eo umore passi par
mensura miscetur,infervescitque, donee crassitudinem
B sordium habeat. Cum infrixit, catapotia ex eo fiunt
ad nostrae fabae magnitudinem, habentque usimi
multiplicem. Nam et somnum faciunt vel per se
' Marx supplies male habent after dentes, and this is
translated.
* Marx punctuates mandragorae, malorum aridorum but
cf. vol. I. p. 296 (III. 18. 12) mandragorae mala.
' Marx thinks there is a lacuna here and (referring to
Scribonius Largv^, Comp. Med. 73) supplies exprimitur et
6o
BOOK V. 25. 2-4 B
Another, worse for the stomach, but more soporific,
consists of mandragora 1 grm,, celery-seed and
hyoscyamus seed, 16 grms. each, which are rubbed
up after soaking in wine. One of the same size
mentioned above is quite enough to take.
But whether there is headache or ulceration or
ophthalmia or toothache or difficulty in breathing or
intestinal gripings or inflammation of the womb or
pain in the hips or liver or spleen or ribs, or, whether
owing to genital trouble, a woman collapses speechless,
a pill of the following kind counteracts pain by pro-
ducing sleep ; saxifrage, sweet flag, wild rue seed,
4 grms. each, castory and cinnamon 8 grms., poppy-
tears, panax root, dried mandrake apples, flowers
of the round rush, 9 grms. each, and 56 peppercorns.
These are first pounded separately, then rubbed up
all together, whilst gradually adding raisin wine until
the mixture is of the consistency of sordes." A small
quantity is either swallowed or dissolved in water
and taken as a draught.
Or take a good handful of wild poppy-heads when
just ripe for collecting the juice and put into a vessel
and boil with water sufficient to cover it. When
this handful has been well boiled there, after being
squeezed out it is thrown away ; and with its juice
is mixed an equal quantity of raisin wine, and heated
until of the consistency of sordes. When the mixture
has cooled, pills are formed, the size of our beans ;
they are used in many ways. For they procure sleep
<• Cf. p. 10, note a.
in aliud vas umor after ibidem, it is squeezed out and its
juice poured into another vessel. Other editors (including
Dareniberg) leave the text as it stands.
6i
CELSUS
adsumpta vel ex aqua data, et aurium dolores levant,
adiectis exiguo modo rutae suco^ ac passo, et tormina
supprimunt ex vino liquata, et inflammationem
vulvae coercent mixta cerato ex rosa facto, cum
paulum his croci quoque accessit ; et ex aqua fronti
inducta pituitam in oculos decurrentem tenent.
5 Item si vulva dolens somnum prohibet, croci
P. -H" = = ; anesi, murrae, singulorum P. ^ I ; papa-
veris lacrimae P. -JJ- III ; cicutae seminis P. ^ VIII
miscentur excipiunturque vino vetere, et quod lupini
magnitudinem habet in tribus cyathis aquae di-
luitur. Id tamen in febre periculose datur.
8 Ad iecur sanandum nitri P. ^ = — ; croci, murrae,
nardi Gallici, singulorum P. -X- I melle excipiuntur,
daturque quod Aegyptiae fabae magnitudinem
habeat.
7 Ad lateris dolores finiendos piperis, aristolochiae,
nardi, murrae pares portiones.
8 Ad thoracis nardi P. -Jf I ; turis, casiae, singulorum
P. ^ III; murrae, cinnamomi, singulorum P. -Jf VJ;
croci P. ^ VIII ; resinae terebenthinae P. ^ = — ;
mellis heminae tres.
9 Ad tussim Athenionis : murrae, piperis, singulorum
P. "Jf = ; castorei, papaveris lacrimae, singulorum
P. ■}(• I. Quae separatim contusa postea iunguntur,
et ad magnitudinem fabae nostrae bina catapotia
mane, bina noctu dormituro dantur,
10 Si tussis somnum prohibet, ad utrumque Heraclidis
Tarentini : croci P. ^ = ; murrae, piperis longi, costi,
galbani, singulorum P. ^ = — ; cinnamomi, castorei,
papaveris lacrimae, singulorum P. ^ I.
^ So V. d. Ltnden. Marx ktepa Ihe MiH. suci au passi; ont
MS. has sucis.
6a
BOOK V. 25. 4 B-io
whether taken as they are or in water ; they reheve
earache when a httle rue-juice and raisin wine are
added ; when dissolved in wine they reheve gripings,
and when mixed with cerate of rose-oil with the
addition of a little saffron they relieve inflammation
of the womb ; also when smeared upon the forehead
mixed with water they check the flow of phlegm
into the eyes.
Again, if inflammation of the womb prevents sleep
take saffron 1'33 grms., anise and myrrh, 4 grms.
each, poppy-tears 12 grms., hemlock seed 32 grms.
These are mixed together, and taken up in old wine,
and a pill the size of a lupin is dissolved in 125 c.cm.
of water. It is dangerous, however, to give it when
there is fever.
For the relief of pain in the liver soda 1 grm.,
saffron, myrrh, Gallic nard, 4 grms. each, are taken
up in honey, and a pill the size of an Egyptian
bean administered.
A pill to stop pain in the side is made of pepper,
aristolochia, nard, and myrrh in equal parts.
A pill for pain in the chest is made from nard
4 grms., frankincense and casia, 12 grms. each, myrrh
and cinnamon, 24 grms. each, saffi'on 32 grms., turpen-
tine-resin 1 grm., honey three-quarters of a litre.
The pill of Athenion for cough contains myrrh and
pepper, 0-66 grm. each, castory and poppy-tears, 4
grms. each ; these are rubbed down separately, then
together, and two pills, the size of our bean, are
given in the morning .and two at bed-time.
If cough prevents sleep the pill of Heracleides of
Tarentum relieves both ; it contains saffron 0-66 grm.,
myrrh, long pepper, costmary, galbanum, 1 grm. each,
cinnamon, castory and poppy-tears, 4 grms. each.
63
CELSUS
11 Quod si purganda ulcera in faucibus tussientibus
sunt, panacis, murrae, resinae terebenthinae, singu-
lorum P. uncia ; galbani P. -J^ = ; hysopi P. ^ = —
conterenda sunt, bisque hemina mellis adicienda, et
quod digito excipi potest, devorandum est.
12 Colice vero Cassi ex his constat: croci, anesi,
castorei, singulorum P. -K- III ; petroselini P. -Jf IIII ;
piperis et longi et rotundi, singulorum P. -jfV;
papaveris lacrimae, iunci rotundi, murrae, nardi, sin-
gulorum P. -Jf VI ; quae melle excipiuntur. Id
autem et devorari potest et ex aqua calida sumi.
13 Infantem vero mortuum aut secundas expellit
aquae potio, cui salis Hammoniaci P. ^ I, aut cui
dictamni Cretici P. -Jf I adiectum est.
14 Ex partu laboranti erysimum ex vino tepido
ieiunae dari debet.
15 Vocem adiuvat turis P. •}(• I in duobus cyathis vini
datum.
16 Adversus urinae difficultatem piperis longi, castorei,
murrae, galbani, papaveris lacrimae, croci, costi
unciae singulae ; styracis, resinae terebenthinae
pondo sextantes, melabsinthi cyathus. Ex quibus ad
magnitudinem fabae Aegyptiae et mane et cenato
dari debet.
17 Arteriace vero hoc modo fit: casiae, iridis, cinna-
momi, nardi, murrae, turis, singulorum P. ^ I ; croci
P. •?(• I = — ; piperis grana XXX ex passi tribus
sextariis decocuntur, donee mellis crassitudo his fiat.
Aut croci, murrae, turis, singulorum P. -X- I coiciuntur
in passi eundem modum, eodemque modo deco-
cuntur. Aut eiusdem passi heminae tres usque eo
• Cf. Galen, De Comp. Med., IX. 4, Xlll. 276
64
BOOK V. 25. 11-17
But if ulcers of the throat causing cough are to be
cleaned, panax, myrrh and turpentine-resin, 28 grms.
each, galbanum 0-66 grm., hyssop 1 grm. are rubbed
together, and 250 c.cm. of honey added to them
and as much swallowed as can be taken up on the
finger.
The pill" of Cassius for colic contains saffron, anise,
castory, 12 grms. each, parsley 16 grms., pepper both
long and round, 20 grms. each, poppy-tears, round
rush, myrrh, nard, 24 grms. each ; these are taken
up in honey. It may be either swallowed as it is or
dissolved in hot water.
A draught for the expulsion of a dead foetus or
placenta consists of ammoniac salt 4 grms., or of
Cretan dittany 4 grms. in water.
In difficult labour hedge mustard in tepid wine
should be administered on an empty stomach.
The voice is strengthened by frankincense 4 grms.
in two cups of wine.
P or difficult micturition long pepper, castory, myrrh,
galbanum, poppy-tears, saffron, costmary, 28 grms.
each ; storax and turpentine-resin, 56 grms. each,
honey with absinth 42 c.cm. Of this an amount the
size of an Egyptian bean should be taken in the
morning and after dinner.
A medicine * for the windpipe is prepared as
follows : casia, iris, cinnamon, nard, myrrh, frankin-
cense, 4 grms. each ; saffron 1 grm. ; and 30 pepper-
corns boiled in a litre and a half of raisin wine until
of the consistency of honey. Or, saffron, myrrh,
frankincense, 4 grms. each, similarly boiled in raisin
wine to the same consistency. Or 750 c.cm. of raisin
* dfynjpiaKri, sc. larpeio., cf. Pliny, NM. XXIIl. 7. 71.
65
GELSUS
coquuntur, donee extracta inde gutta indurescat ;
eo adicitur tritae casiae P. ^ I.
26. Cum facultates medicamentorum proposuerim,
genera, in quibus noxa corpori est, proponam. Ea
quinque sunt : cum quid extrinsecus laesit, ut in vul-
neribus (capp. xxvi, xxvii) ; cum quid intra se ipsum
corruptum est, ut in cancro (cap. xxviii) ; cum quid
innatum est, ut in vesica calculus ; cum quid increvit,
ut vena, quae intumescens in varicem convertitur ;
cum quid deest, ut cum curta pars aliqua est.
Ex his alia sunt, in quibus plus medicamenta, alia,
in quibus plus manus proficit. Ego dilatis iis, quae
praecipue scalpellum et manum postulant (libb.
VII, VIII), nunc de iis dicam, quae maxime medica-
mentis egent. Dividam autem banc quoque curandi
partem sicut priorem (III. 1,3; I. 4, 1) et ante dicam
de iis, quae in quamlibet partem corporis incidunt,
turn de iis, quae certas partes infestant (VI. 1 seqq.).
Incipiam a vulneribus.
In his autem ante omnia scire medicus debet, quae
insanabilia sint, quae difficilem curationem habeant,
quae promptiorem. Est enim prudentis hominis
primum eum, qui servari non potest, non adtingere.
nee subire speciem . . .^ eius, ut occisi, quern sors
ipsius interemit ; deinde ubi gravis metus sine certa
* Marx suggests : speciem <iactatoris sed Hegare fieri
posse curationem > ' not to risk the appearance of a boaster,
but to say there is no hope of saving one.'
' V. 26, 27. * V. 28. 2.
' VII. 26, 27. * VII. 82.
66
BOOK V. 25. 17-26. I c
wine are boiled until a drop, if taken out, solidifies ;
thereupon pounded casia 4 grms. is added.
26. Now that I have set out the properties of the
medicaments, I will explain the classes of lesions
harmful to the body : there are five ; when some-
thing from without causes the lesion, as in the case
of wounds ; " when some internal part has become
corrupted, as in the case of canker ; ^ when some
new formation has occurred, such as a stone in the
bladder ; " when something has grown bigger, as
when a vein swells up and is converted into a varix ; ^
when there is some defect, as when some part has
been mutilated.*
In some of these medicaments are more effectual,
in others surgery. Postponing those conditions which
demand in particular the scalpel and surgical treat-
ment,/ I will speak now of those which chiefly require
medicaments. As I have done before, «' I shall divide
this part of treatment, and speak first of those lesions
which may occur in any part of the body,'' then of
those which attack particular parts.' I shall begin
with wounds.
In this connexion, however, a practitioner should
know above all which wounds are incurable, which
may be cured v^dth difficulty, and which more readily.
For it is the part of a prudent man first not to touch
a case he cannot save, and not to risk the appearance
of having killed one whose lot is but to die ; i next,
when there is grave fear without, however, absolute
' VII. 9. 1. Cf. Books VII, VIII.
» I. 4. 1, III. 1. 3. * V. 26-28. ' VI. 1-19.
' The text as it stands cannot be translated, but the general
sense is as given above. For a suggested restoration, see
critical note.
67
CELSUS
tamen desperatione est, indicare necessariis pericli-
tantis in difficili spem esse, ne, si victa ars malo fuerit,
D vel ignorasse vel fefellisse videatur. Sed ut haec pru-
denti viro conveniunt, sic rursus histrionis est parvam
rem adtollere, quo plus praestitisse videatur. Obli-
garique aecum est confessione promptae rei, quo
curiosius etiam circumspiciat, ne, quod per se exi-
guum est, maius curantis neglegentia fiat.
2 Servari non potest, cui basis cerebri, cui cor, cui
stomachus, cui iocineris portae, cui in spina medulla
percussa est, cuique aut pulmo medius aut ieiunum
aut tenuius intestinum aut ventriculus aut renes
vulnerati sunt ; cuive circa fauces grandes venae vel
arteriae praecisae sunt.
3 Vix autem ad sanitatem perveniunt, quibus ulla
parte aut pulmo aut iocineris crassum aut membrana,
quae continet cerebrum, aut lienis aut vulva aut
vesica aut ullum intestinum aut saeptum trans-
versum vulneratum est. li quoque in praecipiti
sunt, in quibus usque ad grandes intusque conditas
venas in alis vel poplitibus mucro desedit. Peri-
culosa etiam vulnera sunt, ubicumque venae maiores
sunt, quoniam exhaurire hominem profusione san-
B guinis possunt. Idque evenit non in alis tantum
atque poplitibus, sed etiam in iis venis, quae ad anum
testiculosque perveniunt. Praeter haec malum
vulnus est, quodcumque in alis vel feminibus vel
inanibus locis vel in articulis vel inter digitos est;
item quodcumque musculuni aut nervum aut
68
BOOK V. 26. I c-3 B
despair, to point out to the patient's relatives that
hope is surrounded by difficulty, for then if the art
is overcome by the malady, he may not seem to
have been ignorant or mistaken. But while such
steps become a prudent practitioner, it is like a
mountebank to exaggerate a small matter in order
to enhance his own achievement. It is right to
commit himself to a statement that a case is simple
in order that he may examine it with even more care
for fear a case slight in itself may become worse by
negligence on the doctor's part.
It is impossible to save a patient when the base
of the brain, the heart, the gullet, the porta of the
liver, or the spinal marrow has been pierced ; when
the middle of the lung, or the jejunum, or the small
intestine, or the stomach, or kidneys have been
wounded; or when the large blood-vessels and
arteries in the region of the throat have been
cut.
Again, there is hardly ever recovery when either
the lung or the thick part of the liver or the mem-
brane enclosing the brain, or the spleen, womb,
bladder, any of the intestines or diaphragm has been
wounded in any part. There is also grave danger
when the point of a weapon has gone down to the
large blood-vessels deeply seated in the armpits or
hams. Also wounds are dangerous wherever the
blood-vessels are larger, because they may exhaust
the patient by profuse bleeding. This occurs not only
in the armpits and hams, but also in those blood-
vessels which go to the anus and testicles. More-
over, a wound is a bad one whenever it is in the
armpits or in the thighs or in hollow places or in
joints or between the fingers ; also whenever a muscle
69
CELSUS
arteriam aut membranam aut os aut cartilaginem
laesit. Tutissimum omnium, quod in came est.
Et haec quidem loco vel peiora vel mitiora sunt.
Modo vero periculum facit, quodcumque magnum est.
Aliquid etiam in vulneris genere figuraque est.
Nam peius est, quod etiam conlisum quam quod
tantum discissum est, adeo ut acuto quoque quam
retunso telo vulnerari commodius sit. Peius etiam
vulnus est, ex quo aliquid excisum est, exve quo caro
alia parte abscisa alia dependet. Pessimaque plaga
curva est : tutissima quae lineae modo recta est ;
quo deinde propius huic illive figurae vulnus est, eo
vel deterius vel tolerabilius est.
Quin etiam confert aliquid et aetas et corpus et
vitae propositum et anni tempus ; quia facilius
sanescit puer vel adulescens quam senior, valens
quam infirmus ; neque nimis tenuis neque nimis
plenus, quam si alterum ex his est ; integri habitus
quam corrupti, exercitatus quam iners, sobrius et
temperans quam vino venerique deditus. Oportunis-
simumque curationi tempus vernum est, aut certe
neque fervens neque frigidum, siquidem vulnera
et nimius calor et nimium frigus infestant, maxime
tamen horum varietas ; ideoque perniciosissimus
autumnus est.
Sed pleraque ex vulneribus oculis subiecta sunt ;
quorundam ipsae sedes indices sunt,quas alio loco (IV.
1, 1 seqq.) demonstravimus, cum positus interiorum
partium ostendimus. Verum tamen quia quaedam
vicina sunt, interestque vulnus in summa parte sit
" e.g. if the wound is in the intestine, though it cannot be
seen, the escape of faeces indicates its position. For the
description of the internal organs, cf. vol. I. p. 384.
7Q
BOOK V. 26. 3 B-7
or sinew or artery or membrane or bone or cartilage is
injured. The safest of all is a wound in the flesh.
The above wounds are severer or slighter according
to their situations. Still, whenever it is large, a
wound makes for danger.
The class of wound and its shape are also im-
portant. For a contused wound is worse than one
simply incised, hence it is better to be wounded by a
sharp weapon than by a blunt one. A wound is
worse also if a piece is cut out, or if the flesh is cut
away in one part and hanging free in another. A
curved wound is worst, a straight linear one safest ;
hence a wound is more or less serious, according as it
approximates to the former or to the latter shape.
Again, both age and constitution and mode of
life and the season have also some influence ; for a
boy or young adult heals more readily than does an
old man; one who is strong than a weak man; a
man who is not too thin or too fat than one who is
either of these ; one of sound habit than of unsound ;
one who takes exercise than a sluggard ; one who is
sober and temperate than one addicted to wine and
venery. And the most opportune time for healing is
the spring, or at any rate when the weather is neither
cold nor hot, for wounds are harmed by excessive
heat and excessive cold, but most of all by varia-
tions of these ; hence autumn is the most pernicious
season.
Now most wounds are open to view; some are
inferred from their situation," which we have pointed
out elsewhere when indicating the positions of the
internal parts. Since, however, some of these wounds
are near at hand, and it is of importance whether
the wound is superficial or has penetrated inwards,
71
CELSUS
an penitus penetraverit, necessarium est notas
subicere, per quas, quid intus actum sit, scire possi-
mus, et ex quibus vel spes vel desperatio oriatur.
8 Igitur corde percusso sanguis multus fertur, venae
elanguescunt, color pallidissimus, sudores frigidi
malique odoris tamquam inrorato corpore oriuntur,
extremisque partibus frigidis matura mors sequitur.
9 Pulmone vero icto spirandi difficultas est ; sanguis
ex ore spumans, ex plaga ruber; simulque etiam
spiritus cum sono fertur ; in vulnus inclinari iuvat ;
quidam sine ratione consurgunt. Multi si in ipsum
vulnus inclinati sunt, loquntur, si in aliam partem,
obmutescunt.
10 locineris autem vulnerati notae sunt multus sub
dextra parte praecordiorum profusus sanguis ; ad
spinam reducta praecordia ; in ventrem cubandi
dulcedo ; punctiones doloresque usque ad iugulum
iunctumque ei latum scapularum os intenti ; quibus
nonnumquam etiam bilis vomitus accedit.
11 Renibus vero percussis dolor ad inguina testicu-
losque descendit; difficulter urina redditur, eaque
aut haec cruenta aut cruor fertur.
12 At liene icto sanguis niger a sinistra parte pro-
rumpit ; praecordia cum ventriculo ab eadem parte
indurescunt; sitis ingens oritur; dolor ad iugulum
sicut iocinere vulnerato venit.
13 At cum vulva percussa est, dolor inguinibus et
« Proeinium 75. Vol. I. p. 40.
* For the various meanings of praecordia, cf. vol. I. p. 100
note a, and index.
72
BOOK V. 26. 7-13
it is necessary to state the signs by which it is possible
to recognize what has happened inside, and from which
follow either hope or despair."
Now when the heart is penetrated, much blood
issues, the pulse fades away, the colour is extremely
pallid, cold and malodorous sweats burst out as if the
body had been wetted by dew, the extremities
become cold and death quickly follows.
But when the lung is pierced there is difficulty in
breathing; frothy blood escapes from the mouth,
red blood from the wound; and at the same time
breath is drawn with a noise; to lie upon the
wound affords relief; some stand up without any
reason. Many speak if they have been laid upon
the wound ; if upon the opposite side they become
speechless.
Symptoms that the liver has been wounded are
that considerable haemorrhage occurs from under the
right part of the hypochondria ; * the hypochondria are
retracted towards the spine ; the patient is eased by
lying on his belly; stabbing pains spread upwards
as high as the clavicle and its junction with the
scapula; to which, not infrequently, also bilious
vomiting is added.
When the kidneys have been penetrated, pain
spreads down to the groin and testicles ; urine is
passed with difficulty, and it is either bloodstained or
actual blood clot is passed.
But when the spleen has been pierced, black blood
flows out fi-om the left side; the hypochondria on
that side together with the stomach become hard;
great thirst comes on; pain extends to the clavicle
as when the liver has been wounded.
But when the womb has been penetrated, there is
73
CELSUS
coxis et feminibus est ; sanguinis pars per vulnus,
pars per naturale descendit ; vomitus bilis insequitur.
Quaedam obmutescunt, quaedam mente labuntur,
quaedam sui conpotes nervorum oculorumque dolore
urgeri se confitentur, morientesque eadem, quae
corde vulnerato, patiuntur.
14 Sin cerebrum membranave eius vulnus accepit,
sanguis per nares, quibusdam etiam per aures exit ;
fereque bilis vomitus insequitur. Quorundam sensus
optunduntur, appellatique ignorant; quorundam
trux vultus est ; quorundam oculi quasi resoluti hue
atque illuc moventur ; fereque tertio vel quinto die
delirium accedit ; multorum etiam nervi disten-
duntur. Ante mortem autem plerique fascias,
quibus caput deligatum est, lacerant ac nudiun
vulnus frigori obiciunt.
15 Ubi stomachus autem percussus est, singultus et
bilis vomitus insequitur ; si quid cibi vel potionis
adsumptum est, ea redditur cito. Venarum motus
elanguescunt, sudores tenues oriuntur, per quos
extremae partes frigescunt.
16 Communes vero ieiuni intestini et ventriculi
vulnerati notae sunt : nam cibus et potio per vulnus
exeunt ; praecordia indurescunt ; nonnumquam bilis
per OS redditur. Intestino tantum sedes inferior
est. Cetera intestina icta vel stercus vel odorem
eius exhibent.
17 Medulla vero, quae in spina est, discussa nervi
resolvuntur aut distenduntur ; sensus intercidit ;
interposito tempore aliquo sine voluntate inferiores
74
BOOK V. 26. 13-17
pain in the groins and hips and thighs ; blood passes
downwards in part through the wound, in part by
the vagina ; biUous vomiting follows. Some become
speechless, some are mentally disturbed, others
whilst composed in mind complain of pain in their
sinews and eyeballs, and when dying they suffer
like those wounded in the heart.
When the brain or its membrane has been wounded,
blood escapes through the nostrils, in some also
through the ears ; and generally bilious vomiting
follows. Some lose their senses and take no notice
when spoken to ; some have a wild look ; in some
the eyes move from side to side as if they were out of
control ; generally on the third or fifth day delirium
supervenes ; many have also spasm of sinews.
Again, before death many tear off the bandages
with which their head has been bound up, and
expose the bared wound to cold.
But when the gullet has been penetrated, hiccough
and bilious vomiting follow ; if any food or drink is
swallowed, it is returned at once ; pulsation of the
blood-vessels fades away ; thin sweat breaks out,
following which the extremities become cold.
The signs when the small intestine and the
stomach have been wounded are the same ; for food
and drink come out through the wound ; the hypo-
chondria become hard, sometimes bile is regurgitated
through the mouth. Only in the case of the intestine
the situation of the wound is lower down. All
other intestinal wounds cause the emission of faeces
or a faecal odour.
When the marrowwhich is within the spine has been
crushed, there is either paralysis or spasm of sinews ;
sensation is interrupted; after some time there is
75
CELSUS
parte?? vel semen vel urinam vel etiam stercus
excernunt.
18 At si saeptum transversum percussum est, prae-
cordia susum contrahuntur ; spina dolet ; spiritus
rarus est; sanguis spumans fertur.
19 Vesica vero vulnerata dolent inguina : quod super
pubem est, intenditur; pro urina sanguis, at ex ipso
vulnere urina descendit. Stomachus adficitur : itaque
aut bilem vomunt, aut singultiunt; frigus et ex eo
mors sequitur.
20 His cognitis etiamnum quaedam alia noscenda ad
omnia vulnera ulceraque, de quibus dicturi sumus,
pertinentia. Ex his autem exit sanguis, sanies, pus.
Sanguis omnibus notus est : sanies est tenuior hoc,
varie crassa et glutinosa et colorata. Pus crassis-
simum albidissimumque, glutinosius et sanguine et
sanie. Exit autem sanguis ex vulnere recenti aut
iam sanescente, sanies [est] inter utrumque tempus,
B pus ex ulcere iam ad sanitatem spectante. Rursus
et sanies et pus quasdam species Graecis nominibus
distinctas habent. Est enim quaedam sanies, quae
vel hidros vel melitera nominatur; est pus, quod
elaeodes appellatur. Hidros tenuis, subalbidus ex
malo ulcere exit, maximeque ubi nervo laeso in-
flammatio secuta est. Melitera crassior et gluti-
C nosior, subalbida, mellique albo subsimilis. Fertur
haec quoque ex malis ulceribus, ubi nervi circa
articulos laesi sunt, et inter haec loca maxime ex
genibus. Elaeodes tenue, subalbidum, quasi unc-
tiun, colore atque pinguitudine oleo albo non dis-
" iSpcos, sweat, but other editors read lx<^P =■ sauies, cf.
Hipp. HI. 44 (Head wounds XFX.).
* fieXtTTjpos honey-like.
" Like olive oil (iXatov).
76
BOOK V. 26. 17-20 c
involuntarily evacuation from the parts below of
either semen or urine or even faeces.
But if the diaphragm has been penetrated, the
praecordia are contracted upwards; the spine is
painful ; breathing is laboured ; frothy blood escapes.
When the bladder has been wounded, the groins
are painful ; the hypogastrium becomes tense ; blood
is passed, instead of urine, the urine being discharged
from the actual wound. The gullet is affected, and
so the patients either vomit bile or hiccough.
Coldness and after that death follows.
Even when these facts are known, there are still
some other things to be learnt about wounds and
ulcerations in general, of which we will now speak.
From wounds, then, there comes out blood, or sanies,
or pus. Blood everybody knows ; sanies is thinner
than blood, varying both in thickness and stickiness
and colour. Pus is the thickest and whitest, more
sticky than either sanies or blood. Now blood
comes out from a fresh wound or from one which is
already healing, sanies between these two periods,
pus from an ulceration already beginning to heal.
Again, the Greeks distinguish by name different
kinds of sanies and pus. For there is a kind of sanies
which is named either hidros " or melitera ; '' there is
pus which is called elaeodes.'" Hidros is thin, whitish,
and comes from a bad ulceration, especially when
inflammation has followed upon a wound of a sinew.
Melitera is thicker, stickier and whitish, something
like honey. It is likewise discharged from bad
ulcerations, when sinews near to joints have been
wounded, and among such places especially from the
knees. Elaeodes is thin, whitish, fatty, in colour
and fattiness not unlike white olive-oil; it appears
77
CELSUS
simile ; apparet in magnis ulceribus sanescentibus.
Malus autem est sanguis nimium aut tenuis aut
crassus, colore vel lividus vel niger, aut pituita
mixtus aut varius : optimus calidus, ruber, modiee
D crassus, non glutinosus. Itaque protinus eius vul-
neris expedita magis curatio est, ex quo sanguis
bonus fluxit. Itemque postea spes in iis maior est,
ex quibus melioris generis quaeque proveniunt.
Sanies igitur mala est multa, nimis tenuis, livida aut
pallida aut nigra aut glutinosaautmali odoris, aut quae
ipsum ulcus et iunctam ei cutem erodit : melior est
non multa, modiee crassa,subrubicunda aut subalbida.
E Hidros autem peior est multus, crassus, sublividus
aut subpallidus, glutinosus, ater, calidus, mali odoris :
tolerabilior est subalbidus, qui cetera omnia contraria
prioribus habet. Melitera autem mala est multa et
percrassa : melior, quae tenuior et minus copiosa est.
Pus inter haec optimum est ; sed id quoque peius est
multum, tenue, dilutum, magisque si ab initio tale
est; itemque si colore sero simile, si pallidum, si
lividum, si faeculentum est; praeter haec, si male
F olet, nisi tamen locus hunc odorem excitat. Melius
est, quo minus est, quo crassius, quo albidius ; itemque
si leve est, si nihil olet, si aequale est : modo tamen
convenire et magnitudini vulneris et tempori debet.
Nam plus ex maiore, plus nondum solutis inflam-
mationibus naturaliter fertur. Elaeodes quoque
peius est multum, et parum pingue : quo minus eius,
quoque id ipsum pinguius, eo melius est.
7,8
BOOK V. 26. 20 c-F
in large ulcerations when they are healing. Blood
is bad when it is too thin or too thick, livid or black
in colour, or mixed with phlegm or variable ; it is
best when hot, red, moderately thick, and not sticky.
Consequently from the first the treatment is more
expeditious in the case of a wound from which good
blood has flowed. Also later there is more hope in
the case of wounds from which all the discharges are
of the better kind. Thus sanies is bad when profuse,
too thin, livid, or pallid or black or sticky or
malodorous or when it erodes either the ulceration
itself or the skin adjoining it ; it is better when
not profuse, moderately thick, reddish or whitish.
But hidros is worse when it is profuse, thick, some-
what livid or pallid, sticky, black, hot, malodorous;
it is less serious when whitish, and when all the
rest of its characteristics are the opposite of the
foregoing. Melitera again is bad when profuse and
very thick ; better for being thinner and less copious.
Amongst these discharges pus is the best ; but it
is likewise worse when profuse, thin, watery, and the
more so if it is such from the beginning ; and also
if it is in colour like whey, if pallid, or livid, or like
wine-lees ; if, besides, it is malodorous, unless,
however, it is the part which causes this odour.
It is better, the smaller the quantity, the thicker
and whiter; also if it is bland, odourless, uniform;
none the less it should correspond in quantity with
the size and age of the wound. For naturally there
is more discharge, the larger the wound, still more
when inflammation has not yet subsided. Elaeodes
also is worse when large in quantity and but little
fatty, the less in quantity and the more fatty the
better.
79
CELSUS
21 Quibus exploratis, ubi aliquis ictus est qui servari
potest, protinus prospicienda duo sunt : ne sanguinis
profusio neve inflammatio interemat. Si profu-
sionem timemus, quod ex sede vulneris et ex mag-
nitudine eius et ex impetu ruentis sanguinis intellegi
potest, siccis linamentis vulnus inplendum est,
supraque imponenda spongia ex aqua frigida expressa
B ac manu super conprimenda. Si parum sic sanguis
conquiescit, saepius linamenta mutanda sunt, et si
sicca parum valent, aceto madefacienda sunt. Id
vehemens ad sanguinem subprimendum est ; ideoque
quidam id volneri infundunt. Sed alius rursus metus
subest, ne nimis valenter ibi retenta materia magnam
inflammationem postea moveat. Quae res efficit,
ut neque rodentibus medicamentis neque adurentibus
et ob id ipsum inducentibus crustam sit utendum,
quamvis pleraque ex his sanguinem supprimunt;
sed, si semel ad ea decurritur, iis potius, quae mitius
C idem efficiunt. Quod si ilia quoque profluvio
vincuntur, venae quae sanguinem fundunt ad-
prehendendae, circaque id quod ictum est duobus
locis deligandae intercidendaeque sunt, ut et in se
ipsae coeant, et nihilo minus ora praeclusa
habeant. Ubi ne id quidem res patitur, possunt
ferro candenti aduri. Sed etiam satis multo san-
guine efFuso ex eo loco, quo neque nervus neque
musculus est, ut puta in fronte vel superiore capitis
parte, commodissimum tamen est cucurbitulam
admovere a diversa parte, ut illuc sanguinis cursus
revocetur.
80
BOOK V. 26. 21-21 c
After these matters have been investigated, when
a man has been wounded who can be saved, there are
in the first place two things to be kept in mind : that
he should not die from haemorrhage or inflammation.
If we are afraid of haemorrhage which can be
judged both from the position and size of the wound
and from the force of the flowing blood, the wound
is to be filled with dry lint, and over that a sponge
applied, squeezed out of cold water, and pressed down
by the hand. If the bleeding is not checked thus,
the lint must be changed several times, and if it is
not effective when dry, it is to be soaked in vinegar.
Vinegar is powerful in suppressing a flow of blood ;
and some, therefore, pour it into wounds. But then
there is an underlying fear of another kind, that if
too much diseased matter is forcibly retained in the
wound it will afterwards cause great inflammation.
It is on this account that no use is made, either of
corrosives or of caustics, owing to the crust they
induce, although most of these medicaments suppress
bleeding ; but if for once recourse is had to them,
choose those which have a milder action. But if even
these are powerless against the profuse bleeding,
the blood-vessels which are pouring out blood are
to be seized, and round the wounded spot they
are to be tied in two places and cut across be-
tween so that the two ends coalesce each on itself
and yet have their orifices closed. When circum-
stances do not even admit of this, the blood-vessels
can be burnt with a red-hot iron. But even when
there has been considerable bleeding from a place
where there is neither sinew nor muscle, such as
the forehead or top of the head, it is perhaps best
to apply a cup to a distant part, in order to divert
thither the course of the blood.
8j
CELSUS
22 Et adversus profusionem quidem in his auxilium
est: adversus inflammationem autem in ipso san-
guinis cursu. Ea timeri potest, ubi laesum est vel os
vel nervus vel cartilago vel musculus, aut ubi parum
sanguinis pro modo vulneris fluxit. Ergo quotiens
quid tale erit, sanguinem mature subprimere non
oportebit, sed pati fluere, dum tutum erit; adeo ut,
si parum fluxisse videbitur, mitti quoque ex brachio
debeat; utique si corpus iuvenile et robustum et
exercitatum est, multoque magis si id vulnus ebrietas
praecessit. Quod si musculus laesus videbitur,
praecidendus erit: nam percussus mortiferus est,
praecisus sanitatem recipit.
23 Sanguine autem vel subpresso, si nimius erumpit,
vel exhausto, si per se parum fluxit, longe optimum
est vulnus glutinari. Potest autem id, quod vel in
cute vel etiam in carne est, si nihil ei praeterea mali
accedit. Potest caro alia parte dependens, alia
inhaerens, si tamen etiamnimi integra est et coniunc-
tione corporis fovetur. In iis vero, quae glutinantur,
duplex curatio est. Nam si plaga in molli parte est,
sui debet, maximeque si discissa auris ima est vel
imus nasus vel frons vel bucca vel palpebra vel
B labrum vel circa guttur cutis vel venter. Si vero in
carne vulnus est hiatque neque in unimi orae facile
adtrahuntur, sutura quidem aliena est : inponendae
vero fibulae sunt (ancteras Graeci nominant), quae
" Because this exposes the depth of the wound and permits
of discharge and of application.
* i.e. sucked out by cupping, cf. vol. I. 166.
" See vol. II. Introduction, p. Ixi, fibula.
8«
BOOK V. 26. 22-23 B
Against bleeding there is help in the foregoing
measures, but against inflammation it lies simply in the
bleeding itself. Inflammation is to be feared when
a bone is injured or sinew or cartilage or muscle, or
whenever there is little outflow of blood compared to
the wound. Therefore, in such cases, it will not be
desirable to suppress the bleeding early, but to let
blood flow as long as it is safe ; so that if there
seems too little bleeding, blood should be let from
the arm as well, at any rate when the patient is
young and robust and used to exercise, and much
more so when a drinking bout has preceded the
wound. But if a muscle is seen to be wounded, it
will be best to cut it right through ; for when stabbed
it causes death, when cut through it admits of cure."
Now, when bleeding has been suppressed if ex-
cessive, or encouraged '' when not enough has
escaped of itself, then by far the best thing is for
the wound to become agglutinated. But this is
possible for a wound in the skin, or even in the flesh,
if nothing else has occurred to do it harm. Ag-
glutination is possible if flesh is hanging free at
one part, whilst attached at another, provided,
however, that the flesh is still sound, and has
a connexion with the body to feed it. But with
wounds which are being agglutinated, there are two
treatments. For if the wound is in a soft part, it
should be stitched up, and particularly when the
cut is in the tip of the ear or the point of the nose
or forehead or cheek or eyelid or lip or the skin over
the throat or abdomen. But if the wound is in the
flesh, and gapes, and its margins are not easily
drawn together, then stitching is unsuitable; fibulae"^
(the Greeks call them ancteres) are then to be
83
CELSUS
oras, paululum tamen, contrahunt, quo minus lata
postea cicatrix sit. Ex his autem colligi potest, id
quoque, quod alia parte dependens alia inhaerebit,
si alienatum adhuc non est, suturam an fibulam
postulet. Ex quibus neutra ante debet imponi,
quam intus volnus purgatum est, ne quid ibi concreti
C sanguinis relinquatur. Id enim et in pus vertitur,
et inflammationem movet, et glutinari volnus pro-
hibet. Ne linamentum quidem, quod subprimendi
sanguinis causa inditum est, ibi relinquendum est:
nam id quoque inflammat. Conprehendi vero sutura
vel fibula non cutem tantum sed etiam aliquid ex
carne, ubi suberit haec, oportebit, quo valentius
haereat neque cutem abrumpat. Utraque optima
est ex acia molli non nimis torta, quo mitius corpori
insidat, utraque neque nimis rara neque nimis crebra
D inicienda est. Si nimis rara est, non continet ; si
nimis crebra est, vehementer adficit, quia quo saepius
acus corpus transuit quoque plura loca iniectum
vinculum mordet, eo maiores inflammationes oriuntur
magisque aestate. Neutra etiam vim ullam de-
siderat, sed eatenus utilis est, qua cutis ducentem
quasi sua sponte subsequitur. Fere tamen fibulae
latius vulnus esse patiuntur, sutura oras iungit, quae
ne ipsae quidem inter se contingere ex toto debent,
ut, si quid intus umoris concreverit, sit qua emanet.
E Si quod vulnus neutrum horum recipit, id tamen
purgari debet. Deinde omni vulneri primo inpo-
84
BOOK V. 26. 23 B-E
inserted, which draw together the margins to some
extent and so render the subsequent scar less broad.
Now from the above it can be gathered also
whether flesh which is hanging free at one part
and attached at another, if it is still capable of
juncture, demands suture or fibula. But neither of
these should be inserted until the interior of the
wound has been cleansed, lest some blood-clot be
left in it. For blood clot turns into pus, and excites
inflammation, and prevents agglutination of the
wound. Not even lint which has been inserted
to arrest bleeding should be left in, for this also
inflames the wound. The suture or fibula should
take up, not only skin but also some of the under-
lying flesh, where there is any, that it may hold
more firmly, and not tear through the skin. And
both are best used with a strand of a soft wool not
too closely twisted that it may cause less irritation to
the body, and both should be inserted at intervals not
too distant or too close. For if the intervals are too
distant, the wound is not held together ; if too
close, it is very hurtful, for the more often the
needle transfixes the tissues, and the more places
are wounded by the inserted stitches, the worse is the
inflammation set up, especially in summer. Neither
procedure needs any force, but is useful just so far as
the skin follows that which draws it as if of its own
accord. Generally, however, fibulae leave the wound
wider open, a suture joins the margins together, but
these should not be brought actually into contact
throughout the whole length of the wound, in order
that there may be an outlet for any humour collecting
within. If any wound admits of neither of these, it
should none the less be cleaned. Hence, upon every
85
CELSUS
nenda est spongia ex aceto expressa: si sustinere
aliquis aceti vim non potest, vino utenduin est.
Levis plaga iuvatur etiam, si ex aqua frigida expressa
spongia inponitur. Sed ea quoeumque modo inposita
est, dum madet, prodest; itaque ut inarescat, non
F est committendum. Licetque sine peregrinis et
conquisitis et compositis medicamentis vulnus curare.
Sed si quis huic parmn confidit, imponere medica-
mentum debet, quod sine sebo compositum sit ex iis,
quae cruentis vulneribus apta esse proposui (19, 1) :
maximeque, si caro est, barbarum ; si nervi vel
cartilago vel aliquid ex eminentibus, quales aures
vel labra sunt, Polyidi sphragidem : Alexandrinum
quoque viride nervis idoneum est; eminentibusque
G partibus ea, quam Graeci rhaptusam vocant. Solet
etiam colliso corpore exigua parte findi cutis. Quod
ubi incidit, non alienum est scalpello latius aperire,
nisi musculi nervique iuxta sunt; quos incidi non
expedit. Ubi satis diductum est, medicamentum
imponendum est. At si id, quod collisum est,
quamvis parvun diductum est, latius tamen aperiri
propter nervos aut musculos non licet, adhibenda sunt
ea, quae umorem leniter extrahant, praecipueque
ex his id, quod rhypodes vocari proposui (19, 15).
H Non alienum est etiam, ubicumque vulnus grave est,
imposito quo id iuvetur, insuper circumdare lanam
sucidam ex aceto et oleo ; vel cataplasma, si mollis is
" V. 19. 1. » V, 19. 1 B. « V. 20. 2.
' V. 19. 17. ' V. 19. 6.
86
BOOK V. 26. 23 E-H
wound there is to be applied, first a sponge squeezed
out of vinegar ; or out of wine if the patient cannot
bear the strength of vinegar. A shght wound is
even benefited if a sponge is applied wrung out of
cold water. But in whatever way it is put on, it is
only of service whilst moist ; and so it must not be
allowed to become dry. And a wound can be treated
without foreign and far-fetched and complicated
medicaments. But if any one has not confidence in
this treatment, a medicament should be put on,
which has no suet in its composition, chosen from
those which I have stated to be suitable for bleeding
wounds : " and especially, if it is a flesh wound, the
composition called barbarum ; '' if a wound of sinews
or of cartilage or of some projecting part, such as the
ears or hps, the seal of Polyides:"^ the green
composition called Alexandrian <* is also suitable for
sinews ; and that which the Greeks call rhaptousa *
for parts which project. When the body is bruised
it is usual also for the skin to be broken to a
small extent. When this occurs, it is not improper
to lay it open more widely with a scalpel, unless
there are muscles and sinews near, as it is inex-
pedient to cut into these. When it has been
sufficiently opened, a medicament is to be put on.
But if the skin over the contusion, although broken
too little, yet must not be laid open more widely on
account of sinews or muscles, then such applications
should be made as gently extract humour, espe-
cially that which I have said is called rhypodes./
It is also not inappropriate, when the wound is severe,
after putting on what is beneficial, to lay on over
this, wool saturated with vinegar and oil ; or a poultice,
/ V. 19. 16.
87
CELSUS
locus est, quod leniter reprimat ; si nervosus aut
musculosus, quod emoUiat.
24 Fascia vero ad vulnus deligandum lintea aptissima
est eaque lata esse debet, ut semel iniecta non vulnus
tantiun sed paululum utrimque etiam oras eius
conprehendat. Si ab altera parte caro magis reces-
sit, ab ea melius adtrahitur ; si aeque ab utraque,
transversa conprehendere oras debet ; aut si id
vulneris ratio non patitur, media primum inicienda
B est, ut turn in utramque partem ducatur. Sic autem
deliganda est, ut et contineat neque adstringat.
Quod non continetur, elabitur: quod nimis adstric-
tum est, cancro periclitabitur. Hieme saepius
fascia circumire debet, aestate quotiens necesse est ;
turn extrema pars eius inferioribus acu adsuenda est :
nam nodus ulcus laedit, nisi tamen longe est.
C lUo neminem decipi decet, ut propriam viscerum
curationem requirat : de quibus supra (IV. 14 seqq.)
posui. Nam plaga ipsa curanda extrinsecus vel
sutura vel alio medicinae genere est : in visceribus
nihil movendum est, nisi ut, si quid ex iocinere aut
liene aut pulmone dumtaxat extremo dependet,
praecidatur. Alioqui volnus interius ea victus ratio
eaque medicamenta sanabunt, quae cuique visceri
con venire superiore libro (IV. 14 seqq.) posui.
26 His ita primo die ordinatis, homo lecto conlo-
• VIII. 10. 1 F. Hippocrates III. 105 (Fractures IV.).
» V. 26. 8-19 ; for viscera see vol. I. p. 356.
0 IV. 14.-17.-V. 23. 1 A, 25. 6, 7.
88
BOOK V. 26. 23 H-25
gently repressant if to a soft part ; or emollient to a
part where there are sinews or muscles.
The bandage too for binding up a wound is best
made of linen, and it should be so wide as to cover
in a single turn, not the wound alone but somewhat
of its edges on either side. If the flesh has receded
more from one edge, the traction is better made
from that side. If equally from both, the bandage,
put crosswise, should press the margins together;
or if the character of the wound does not admit of
that, the middle of the bandage is to be applied
first, so that it may then be drawn to either side."
Moreover, the wound is to be bandaged so that
it is held together, yet not constricted. When
it is not so held, it gapes; if it is constricted too
much, there is a risk of canker. In winter there
should be more turns of the bandage, in summer
just those necessary ; finally, the end of the bandage
is to be stitched by means of a needle to the deeper
turns ; for a knot hurts the wound, unless, indeed,
it is at a distance from it.
On the following point no practitioner should be
ignorant so that he has to enquire as to the special
treatment required for the internal organs, which
I have spoken of above. *" For whilst an external
wound is to be treated either by suture, or by
some sort of medicine ; in the case of the internal
organs, nothing is to be moved, unless it be to cut
away some bit of liver or spleen or lung which hangs
outside. Otherwise internal wounds will be cured
by the regulation of diet, and by those medicaments
which I have stated in the preceding book to suit each
individual organ.*"
So then, after this has been done on the first day,
89
CELSUS
candus est; isque, si grave vulnus est, abstinere,
quantum vires patiuntur, ante inflammationem cibo
debet: bibere, donee sitim finiat, aquam calidam;
vel, si aestas est ac neque febris neque dolor est,
B etiam frigidam. Adeo tamen nihil perpetuum est,
sed semper pro vi corporis aestimandum, ut inbecil-
litas etiam cibum protinus facere necessarium possit,
tenuem scilicet et exiguum, qui tantum sustineat;
multique etiam ex profluvio sanguinis intermorientes
ante ullam curationem vino reficiendi sunt, quod
alioqui inimicissimimi vulneri est.
26 Nimis vero intiunescere vulnus periculosum ; nihil
intumescere periculosissimum est : illud indicium
est magnae inflammationis, hoc emortui corporis.
Protinusque, si mens homini consistit, si nulla febris
accessit, scire licet mature vulnus sanum fore. Ac
ne febris quidem terrere debet, si in magno vulnere,
dum inflammatio est, permanet. Ilia perniciosa est,
quae vel levi vulneri supervenit, vel ultra tempus
inflammationis durat, vel delirium movet ; vel, si
nervorum rigor aut distentio, quae ex vulnere orta
B est, eam non finit. Vomitus quoque bilis non
voluntarius, vel protinus ut percussus est aliquis, vel
diun inflammatio manet, malum signum est in iis
dumtaxat, quorum vel nervi, vel etiam nervosi loci
vulnerati sunt. Sponte tamen vomere non alienum
est, praecipue iis, quibus in consuetudine fuit : sed
neque protinus post cibiun, neque iam inflammatione
90
BOOK V. 26. 25-26 B
the patient is to be put to bed; if the wound is
severe, before inflammation sets in, he should
abstain from food, as far as his strength permits :
he should drink warm water until his thirst is
quenched; or, if it is summer and he has neither
fever nor pain, even cold water. There is, however,
in this no standing order, for always account has to be
taken of the bodily strength, since weakness may
render it necessary for him to take food even from
the first, light of course and scanty, just enough to
sustain him ; and many who are actually fainting
from loss of blood must, before any treatment, be
resuscitated by wine, which in other cases is most
inimical to a wound.
It is dangerous when a wound swells overmuch;
no swelling at all is the worst danger : the former
is an indication of severe inflammation ; the latter
that the part is dead. And from the first if the
patient retains his senses, if no fever follows, we may
recognize that the wound will soon heal. And even
fever should not cause alarm in the case of a large
wound, if it persists whilst there is inflammation.
That fever is harmful which either supervenes upon
a shght wound, or lasts beyond the inflammatory
period, or excites delirium; or which does not put
an end to the rigor or spasm of sinews which has
originated from the wound. Also involimtary bilious
vomiting either immediately after the injury, or dur-
ing the inflammatory period, is a bad sign only when
sinews or even the neighbourhood of sinews have
been wounded. The induction of a vomit, however,
is not inappropriate, especially in those habituated
to it; provided that this is not done immediately
after food, or just when inflammation has arisen, or
91
CELSUS
orta, neqiie cum in superioribus partibus plaga
est.
27 Biduo sic vulnere habito, tertio die id aperiundum,
detergendaque sanies ex aqua frigida est, eademque
rursus inicienda. Quinto iam die, quanta inflam-
matio futura est, se ostendit. Quo die rursus
detecto vulnere considerandus color est. Qui si
lividus aut pallidus aut varius aut niger est, scire
licet malum vulnus esse ; idque quandocumque
animadversum est, terrere nos potest. Album aut
rubicundum esse ulcus commodissimum est : item
B cutis dura, crassa, dolens periculum ostendit. Bona
signa sunt, ubi haec sine dolore tenuis et mollis est.
Sed si glutinatur vulnus aut leviter intumuit, eadem
sunt inponenda, quae primo fuerunt : si gravis
inflammatio est neque glutinandi spes est, ea, quae
pus moveant. lamque aquae quoque calidae neces-
sarius usus est, ut et materiam digerat et duritiam
emolliat et pus citet. Ea sic temperanda est, ut
manu contingenti iucunda sit, usque adeo adhibenda,
donee aliquid ex tumore minuisse coloremque ulceri
C magis naturalem reddidisse videatiu*. Post id
fomentum, si late plaga non patet, inponi protinus
emplastrum debet, maximeque si grande vulnus
est, tetrapharmacum ; si in articulis, digitis, locis
cartilaginosis, rhypodes : et si latius hiat, idem
illud emplastrum liquari ex irino unguento oportet
eoque inlita linamenta disponi per plagam ; deinde
emplastrum supra dari, et super id sucidam lanam.
• V. 19. 9. ♦ V. 19. 15.
92
BOOK V. 26. 26 B-27 c
when the wound is situated in the upper part of the
body.
When the wound has been so treated for two days, on
the third it should be uncovered, sanies washed away
with cold water, and then the same dressing applied
again. By the fifth day the extent of inflammation
in prospect is apparent. And on that day, when the
wound has been uncovered again, its colour must be
considered. If it is livid or palUd or patchy or dusky,
it can be recognized that the wound is a bad one,
and whenever this is observed, it should alarm us. It
is best for the wound to be white or rubicund; also
if the skin is hardened, thickened, or painful, danger
is indicated. Good signs are for the skin to be thin and
soft without pain. But if the wound is agglutinating
or swollen slightly, the same dressings as at first are
to be applied ; if there is severe inflammation and
no hope of agglutination, then such apphcations are
to be made as promote suppuration. And now the
use of hot water as well is a necessity, in order to
disperse diseased matter and to soften hardening
and bring out pus. The temperature of the water
must be pleasant to the hand when put into it, and the
affusion is to be continued until the swelling is seen
to have diminished and a more natural colour to
have returned to the wound. After this fomentation,
if the wound is not gaping widely, a plaster should
be put on at once, particularly the tetrapharmacum
if it is a large wound;" in the case of wounds of
joints, fingers, cartilaginous places, the plaster
rhypodes ; ^ if the wound gapes more widely, that
same plaster should be liquefied by iris unguent, and
lint smeared with this laid all over the wound ; upon
this put the plaster, and above that greasy wool.
93
VOL. II. F
CELSUS
Minusque etiam quam primo fasciae adstringendae
sunt.
28 Proprie quaedam in articulis visenda sunt, in
quibus, si praecisi nervi sunt, qui continebant,
debilitas eius partis sequitur. Si id dubium est, et
ex acuto telo plaga est, ea transversa commodior est ;
si retuso et gravi, nullum in figura discrimen est.
Sed videndxun est, pus supra articulum an infra
nascatur. Si sub eo nascitur albumque et crassum
diu fertxir, nervum praecisum credibile est, magisque
quo maiores dolores inflammationesque et quo
li maturius excitatae sunt. Quamvis autem non
abscisus nervus est, tamen si circa tumor durus
diu permanet, necesse est et diuturnum ulcus
esse et sano quoque eo tumorem permanere;
futurumque est ut tarde membrum id vel exten-
datur vel contrahatur. Maior tamen in extendendo
mora est, ubi recurvato curatio adhibita est, quam in
recurvando eo, quod rectimi continuerimus. Con-
locari quoque membrum quod ictum est ratione certa
C debet. Si glutinandum est, ut superius sit: si in
inflammationibus est, ut in neutram partem incli-
natum sit: si iam pus profluit, ut devexum sit.
Optimum etiam medicamentum quies est : moveri,
ambulare nisi sanis alienum est. Minus tamen is
periculosum, qui in capite vel brachiis quam qui
in inferioribus partibus vulnerati sunt. Minimeque
ambulatio convenit femine aut crure aut pede
D laborante. Locus, in quo cubabit. tepidus esse
94
BOOK V. 26. 27 B-28 D
The bandages are to be even less tight than at
first.
As to joints, there are certain special points to
be noticed, as, if the controlling sinews have been
divided, weakness of the part concerned follows.
If this is in doubt, and the wound has been made by
a sharp weapon, a transverse wound is the more
favourable ; if by a blunt and heavy weapon, the
shape of the wound makes no difference. But it is
to be observed whether pus is being formed above
the joint or beneath. If it is produced underneath,
and thick and white discharge continues for some time,
it is probable that a sinew has been cut, and the more
so the greater the pains and inflammation, and the
earlier these occur. But even though no sinew is
divided, yet, if a hard swelling persists for a
long while round about, the wound will last a long
time and even after healing a swelhng will persist ;
and in future that limb will be bent or stretched
out slowly. There is, however, more delay in
extending a limb which has been kept bent while
treated, than in bending a limb which has been
kept straight. Also there should be a definite rule
as to position for a limb which has been wounded.
If the wound is to be agglutinated, the limb is
kept raised; it must not be bent either way if
there is still inflammation ; if pus is already being
discharged it should be hanging down. The best
medicament too is rest ; movement and walking
before healing are adverse. The danger, however,
from movement is less for wounds of the head and
arms than for the lower limbs. Walking about is
least of all suited to an injured thigh or leg or
foot. The patient's room should be kept warm.
95
CELSUS
debebit. Balneum quoque, dum parum vulnus
purum est, inter res infestissimas est : nam id et
umidum et sordidum reddit, ex quibus ad cancrum
transitus esse consuevit. Levis frictio recte ad-
hibetur, sed is partibus, quae longius absunt a
vulnere.
29 Inflammatione finita vulnus purgandum est. Et
id optime faciunt tincta in melle linamenta, supraque
idem emplastrum vel enneapharmacum dandum est.
Tum demum vero purum ulcus est, cum rubet, ac
nimium neque siccum neque umidum est. At
quodcumque sensu caret, quod non naturaliter sentit,
quod nimium aut aridum aut umidum est, quod aut
albidum aut pallidum aut lividum aut nigrum est,
id purum non est.
30 Purgato, sequitur ut impleatur; iamque calida
aqua eatenus necessaria est, ut sanies removeatur.
Lanae sucidae supervacuus usus est: lota melius
circumdatur. Ad implendum autem vulnus pro-
ficiunt quidem etiam medicamenta aliqua : itaque ea
adhiberi non alienum est, ut buturum cum rosa et
exigua mellis parte ; aut cum eadem rosa tetra-
B pharmacum; aut ex rosa linamenta. Plus tamen
proficit balneum rarum, cibi boni suci, vitatis omnibus
acribus, sed iam pleniores : nam et avis et venatio et
suilla elixa dari potest. Vinum omnibus, dum febris,
inflanunatio inest, alienum est: itemque usque
cicatricem, si nervi musculive vulnerati sunt ; etiam,
si alte caro. At si plaga in summa cute generis
» V. 19. 9, 10. » infra, par. 31 B. • V. 14.
96
BOOK V. 26. 28 i>-3o B
Bathing, too, while the wound is not yet clean, is one
of the worst things to do ; for this makes the wound
both wet and dirty, and then there is a tendency
for gangrene to occur. It is advantageous to apply
light rubbing, but in those parts which are rather
far away from the wound.
When the inflammation has ended, the wound must
be cleaned. And that is best done by putting on lint
soaked in honey, and over it the plaster called tetra-
pharmacum or that called enneapharmacum." Then
at length the wound is really clean when it is red,
and neither too dry nor too moist. But a wound
is not clean when it lacks sensation, when there is
sensation which is not natural, when it is either too
dry or too wet, when it is either whitish or pallid or
livid or blackish.*
When the wound is clean, there follows the growth
of new flesh ; and now warm water is necessary
in order to remove sanies. The use of un-
secured wool is superfluous; scoured wool is the
better wrapping. But for filhng up a wound
certain medicaments also are useful ; "^ therefore
it is not inappropriate to make use of such
things as butter with rose-oil and a Uttle honey ; or
the tetrapharmacum with the said rose-oil, or lint
soaked in rose-oil. More beneficial, however, is an
occasional bath, a nourishing diet, while avoiding
everything acrid, but now somewhat fuller, for both
poultry and venison and boiled pork can be given.
In all cases, while fever and inflammation are present,
wine is inappropriate ; also, until the scar is formed,
if either sinews or muscles have been wounded;
or even if there is a deep flesh wound. But when the
wound is of the safer kind, only skin deep, wine if
97
CELSUS
tutioris est, potest non pervetus, modice tamen
C datum, ad implendum quoque profieere. Si qiiid
molliendum est, quod in nervosis locis musculosisque
necessarium est, cerato quoque super vulnus uten-
dum est. At si care supercrevit, modice reprimit
siccum linamentum, vehementius squama aeris. Si
plus est, quod tolli opus est, adhibenda simt etiam-
num vehementiora, quae corpus exedunt. Cica-
tricem post omnia haec commode inducit Lycium ex
passo aut lacte dilutum, vel etiam per se impositura
siccum linamentum,
31 Hie ordo felicis curationis est. Sed quaedam
tamen periculosa incidere consuerunt: interdum
enim vetustas ulcus occupat, induciturque ei callus,
et circum orae crassae livent ; post quae quicquid
medicamentorum ingeritur, parum proficit ; quod
fere neglegenter curato ulceri supervenit. In-
terdiun vel ex nimia inflammatione, vel ob aestus
inmodicos, vel ob nimia frigora, vel quia nimis
vulnus adstrictum est, vel quia corpus aut senile aut
B mali habitus est, cancer occupat. Id genus a
Graecis diductum in species est, nostris vocabulis
non est.
Omnis autem cancer non solum id corrumpit, quod
occupavit, sed etiam serpit ; deinde aliis aliisque
signis discernitur. Nam modo super inflammationem
rubor ulcus ambit, isque cum dolore procedit (erysi-
pelas Graeci nominant) ; modo ulcus nigrum est,
quia caro eius corrupta est, idque vehementius
etiam putrescendo intenditur ubi vulnus umidum
• V. 6-8.
* For the diseases referred to in sections 31 B-34, see
Appendix, pp. 589 ff.
98
BOOK V. 26. 30 B-31 B
not too old, given in moderation, can even aid the
growth of flesh. If any part is to be softened,
which is necessary in the region of sinews and
muscles, cerate also is to be used upon the wound.
But if flesh fungates, dry lint is a moderate re-
pressant, copper scales a more active one. If more
fungation needs to be removed the still more active
corrosives are to be employed." After all such ap-
plications, lycium dissolved in raisin wine or in milk,
or even only an application of dry lint, is useful in
inducing a scar.
Such is the procedure of a successful treatment;
dangerous complications, however, are wont to
occur. Sometimes the wound becomes the seat of
chronic ulceration, and it becomes hardened, and
the thickened margins are a livid colour ; after which
whatever medicament is applied is of Uttle service ;
and this commonly occurs when the wound has been
carelessly treated. At times, whether owing to
excess of inflammation, or to unusually hot weather,
or to excessively cold weather, or because the
wound has been bandaged too tightly, or on account
of old age, or of a bad habit of body, canker sets in.
The Greeks divided this genus into species for which
there are no terms in our language.
Now canker,* whatever its species, corrupts not only
the part it attacks, but it also spreads ; next it is
distinguished by differing signs. For sometimes a
redness, over and above the inflammation, surrounds
the wound, and this spreads with pain (the Greeks
term it erysipelas) ; at times the wound is black
because its flesh has become corrupted, and this is
still more intensified by putrefaction when the wound
is moist, and from the black wound is discharged a
99
CELSUS
est et ex nigro ulcere umor pallidus fertur malique
C odoris [est] carunculaeque corruptae : interdum
etiam nervi ac membranae resolvuntur, specillumque
demissum descendit aut in latus aut deorsum, eoque
vitio nonnumquam os quoque adficitur ; modo oritur
ea, quam Graeci gangrenam appellant. Priora in
qualibet parte corporis fiunt : hoc in prominentibus
membris, id est, inter ungues et alas vel inguina,
fereque in senibus vel in is, quorum corpus mali
habitus est. Caro in ulcere vel nigra vel livida est,
sed sicca et arida ; proxumaque cutis plerumque
subnigris pustulis impletur ; deinde ei proxima vel
pallida vel livida, fereque rugosa, sine sensu est ;
D ulterior in inflammatione est. Omniaque ea
simul serpunt; ulcus in locum pustulosum, pustulae
in eum, qui pallet aut livet, pallor aut livor in id,
quod inflammatum est, inflammatio in id, quod
E integrum est, transit. Inter haec deinde febris
acuta oritur ingensque sitis : quibusdam etiam
delirium : alii, quamvis mentis suae compotes sunt,
balbutiendo tamen vix sensus suos explicant ; incipit
adfici stomachus ; fit foedi spiritus ipse odoris. Atque
initium quidem eius mali recipit curationem : ubi
vero penitus insedit, insanabile est ; plurimique sub
frigido sudore moriuntur.
.S2 Ac pericula quidem vulnerum haec sunt. Vetus
autem ulcus scalpello concidendum est, exciden-
daeque eius orae, et, quicquid super eas livet, aeque
incidendum. Si varicula intus est, quae id sanari
prohibet, ea quoque excidenda. Deinde, ubi sanguis
» For varicula cf. II. 7. 28. This condition would now be
termed "wound aneurism" and is sometimes met with in war
wounds.
lOO
BOOK V. 26. 31 B-32. I
pallid humour, which has a foul odour, and the
granulations break down : at times also sinews and
membranes undergo dissolution, and when a probe
is introduced it passes to the side or downwards, and
this lesion not infrequently affects the bone too;
sometimes there arises what the Greeks call gangrene.
The former varieties occur in any part of the
body; gangrene in the extremities, that is, in the
nails, armpits or groins, and generally in aged
people or in those of a bad habit of body. The flesh
in the wound becomes either black or Uvid, but dry
and shrivelled; the skin near it is for the most
part occupied by dusky pustules; then the skin
around these becomes either pallid or livid, and
usually wrinkled, deficient in sensation: farther
away from the wound the skin is inflamed. All
these things spread simultaneously, the ulceration
into the pustules, the pustules into the pallid or
livid part, that into the inflamed part, and that
again into the sound flesh. Now together with the
above an acute fever arises and great thirst: in
some also delirium: others, although in their right
minds, nevertheless stammer so that they can
scarcely explain their feelings; the stomach begins
to be affected: even the breath gets a foul odour.
This disorder at its commencement admits of treat-
ment ; but when thoroughly estabhshed it is incurable,
and most patients die in a cold sweat.
And such are the dangers following upon wounds.
Now a wound when of long standing should be cut
with a scalpel, its margins excised, and incisions
made at the same time into any livid area surrounding
the margins. If there is a small varix <* inside the
wound which hinders healing, it also is to be excised.
lOI
CELSUS
emissus novatumque vulnus est, eadem curatio
adhibenda, quae in recentibus vulneribus (§ 23 A)
exposita est. Si scalpello aliquis uti non vult, potest
sanare id emplastrum, quod ex ladano fit, et cum
ulcus sub eo exesum est, id, quo cicatrix inducitur.
33 Id autem, quod erysipelas vocari dixi (§ 31 B),
non solum vulneri supervenire sed sine hoc quoque
oriri consuevit, atque interdum periculum maius
adfert, utique si circa cervices aut caput constitit.
— Oportet, si vires patiuntur, sanguinem mittere ;
deinde imponere simul reprimentia et refrigerantia,
maximeque cerussam solani suco, aut Cimoliam
cretam aqua pluviali exceptam ; aut ex eadem aqua
subactam farinam cupresso adiecta aut, si tenerius
B corpus est, lenticulam. Quicquid inpositum est,
betae folio contegendum et super linteolum frigida
aqua madens inponendimi. Si per se refrigerantia
parum proderunt, miscenda erunt hoc modo : sul-
puris P. ^ I ; cerussae, croci singulorum P. ^
XII S. ; eaque cum vino conterenda sunt, et id
his inlinendum : aut si durior locus est, solani folia
contrita suillae adipi miscenda sunt et inlita linteolo
superinicienda.
C At si nigrities est nequedum serpit,imponenda sunt,
quae carnem putrem lenius edunt, repurgatumque
ulcus sic ut cetera nutriendum est. Si magis putre
est, iamque procedit ac serpit, opus est vehementius
erodentibus. Si ne haec quidem evincunt, aduri
• V. 19. 18.
I02
BOOK V. 26. 32. 1-33 c
Then when the blood has been let out and the wound
made like a new one, the same treatment is to be
adopted as that described for recent wounds. If any
one does not want to use the scalpel, healing may be
secured by using the plaster made up with ladanum,"
and, when that has eaten away the ulcer, by the
one which induces a scar.''
But what I have said is called erysipelas, not only
follows upon a wound, but is wont also to arise
without a wound, and sometimes brings with it
some danger, especially when it sets in about the
neck or head. If strength permits, blood should
be let; then repressives and refrigerants applied
together, particularly white-lead with nightshade
juice, or Cimolian chalk with rain-water as an ex-
cipient ; or flour made into a paste with the same,
with Cyprus shoots added, or lentil meal if the
skin is more deUcate. Whatever is put on is to be
covered over with beet leaves, and over that with
Unt wetted with cold water. If refrigerants by
themselves have Httle effect, they are to be combined
with the following: sulphur 4 grms., white-lead and
saffron, 50 grms. each; and these are pounded up
with wine and the place smeared with them:
or when the skin is more hardened, nightshade
leaves are pounded, mixed with lard, and applied
spread on Hnt.
But if there is a blackening which is not yet
spreading, the milder corrosives of putrid flesh are
to be put on, and the wound having been thus
cleaned out, is cared for hke other wounds. If there is
more corruption, and it is already spreading, stronger
corrosives are needed. If even these are not effective,
* V. 14. ; 19. 21-28.
103
CELSUS
locus debet, donee ex eo nullus umor feratui' : nam
D quod sanum est, siccum est, cum aduritur. Post
ustionem putris ulceris superponenda sunt, quae
crustas a vivo resolvant : eas escharas Graeci
nominant. Ubi eae exciderunt, purgandum ulcus
maxime melle et reslna est : sed aliis quoque purgari
potest, qulbus purulenta curantur ; eodemque modo
ad sanitatem perducendum est.
34 Gangrenam vero, si nondum plane tenet, sed
adhuc incipit, cm-are nOn difficillimum est, utique in
corpore iuvenili ; et magis etiam si musculi integri
sunt, si nervi vel laesi non sunt vel leviter adfecti
sunt, neque ullus magnus articulus nudatus est, aut
carnis in eo loco paulum est, ideoque non multum,
quod putresceret, fuit, consistitque eo loco vitium;
B quod maxime fieri in digito potest. — In eiusmodi
casu primum est, si vires patiuntur, sanguinem
mittere ; deinde quicquid aridum est et intentione
quadam proximum quoque locum male habet, usque
eo [sanum corpus] concidere. Medicamenta vero,
dum malum serpit, adhibenda nulla sunt, quae pus
movere consuerunt ; ideoque ne aqua quidem calida.
Gravia quoque, quamvis reprimentia, aliena sunt ;
sed his quam levissLmis opus est ; superque ea, quae
C inflanamata sunt, utendmn est refrigerantibus. Si
nihilo magis malum constitit, uri, quod est inter
integrum ac vitiatum locum, debet : praecipueque in
hoc casu petendum non a medicamentis solum sed
etiam a victus ratione praesidiiun est : neque enim
id malum nisi corrupti vitiosique corporis est. Ergo
primo, nisi inbecillitas prohibet, abstinentia utendum ;
« V. 9. * V. 5.
104
BOOK V. 26. ss c-34 c
the place should be burnt by a cautery until no more
humour escapes from it ; for sound flesh is dry when it
is burnt. After the cauterizing of a putrid wound,
such drugs are to be apphed as will loosen from the
living flesh the crusts " which the Greeks call eschara.
When these have fallen off, the wound is to be cleaned
by honey and resin in particular ; but it can also be
cleaned by the other materials with which suppurat-
ing wounds are treated'' and in the same way
brought to healing.
But gangrene, when not yet widespread, but only
beginning, is not very difficult to cure, at any rate
in a young subject; and even more so if muscles
are intact, sinews uninjured or but slightly affected,
and no large joint opened, or if there is little
flesh in the part, and so not much to putrefy, and if
the lesion is limited to one place ; and this mostly
happens in a finger. In such a case the first thing to
be done, when strength permits, is to let blood;
then whatever has become dry, and by stretching
out, as it were, is injuring also what is next to it, is
cut away up to this point [the sound tissue]. Whilst
the gangrene is spreading, medicaments which tend
to promote suppuration are not to be apphed ; and
therefore not even hot water. Weighty dressings
also, although repressant, are unsuitable; but the
lightest are needed; and over the parts which are
inflamed refrigerants are to be used. If the malady
is still not checked, the part between what is sound
and diseased ought to be cauterized ; and in such a
case especially assistance is to be sought, not only
from medicaments, but also from a system of diet ;
for this malady only occurs in a corrupt and diseased
body. Therefore at first, unless weakness prohibits
105
CELSUS
deinde danda quae per cibum potionemque alvum
ideoque etiam corpus adstringant, sed ea levia.
Postea si vitium constitit, inponi super vulnus eadem
debent, quae in putri ulcere praescripta sunt (§ 33 C).
D Ac turn quoque ut plenioribus cibis uti licebit ex
media materia, sic tamen non nisi alvum corpusque
siccantibus ; aqua vero pluvia[ti]li frigida. Balneum,
nisi iam certa fiducia redditae sanitatis est, alienum
est : siquidem emollitmn in eo vulnus cito rursus
eodem malo adficitur. Solent vero nonnumquam
nihil omnia auxilia proficere ac nihilo minus serpere
is cancer. Inter quae, miserum sed unicum
auxilium est, ut cetera pars corporis tuta sit, mem-
brum, quod paulatim emoritur, abscidere.
35 Hae gravissimorum vulneriun curationes sunt.
Sed ne ilia quidem neglegenda, ubi integra cute
interior pars conlisa est; aut ubi derasum adtri-
tumve aliquid est; aut ubi surculus corpori infixus
est ; aut ubi tenue sed altum vulnus insedit.
In primo casu commodissimum est malicorium ex
vino coquere, interioremque eius partem conterere
et cerato miscere ex rosa facto, idque superponere ;
deinde, ubi cutis ipsa exasperata est, inducere lene
medicamentum, quale lipara est.
B Derasso vero detritoque imponendum est em-
plastrum tetrapharmacum, minuendusque cibus et
vinum subtrahendum. Neque id, quia non habebit
altiores ictus, contemnendum erit: siquidem ex
• VII. 33. * VII. 1. « VII. 2-5.
' Xinapd, a greasy ointment, cf. V. 19. 25.
io6
BOOK V. 26. 34 c-35 B
it, the patient should fast ; after that he should be
given light food and drink to tone up the bowels,
and so also the body in general. Later if the lesion
has been checked, the same things should be put
on the wound which were prescribed for putrid
ulceration. And it is now also permissible to make
use of a fuller diet — foods of the middle class, but
only such as dry up the bowels and the body gener-
ally ; and cold rain-water to drink. The bath is
harmful until it is quite certain that soundness
has returned ; for a wound, if softened in the bath,
is quickly again affected by the same malady. But
it still happens sometimes that none of these remedies
is effectual, and in spite of everything this canker
spreads. In such circumstances there is one sad but
solitary remedy to secure the safety of the rest of
the body, that is to cut away the limb which
is gradually dying."
Such are the treatments of the gravest wounds.
But there should be no neglect of those in which
the skin is intact, but some inner part has been
contused ; or where something has been scraped or
rubbed off:* or where a splinter has become fixed in
the body, or where the wound is small but deep."
In the first case the best thing is to cook the rind
of a pomegranate in wine, and pound up its interior
and mix with rose-oil cerate, and so apply it: next,
when the skin has been actually abraded, to lay on
a soothing medicament such as lipara."^
When the skin has been scraped and rubbed off,
the plaster tetrapharmacum is to be applied, the
food reduced and wine withdrawn. Such wounds
are not to be disregarded because deeper structures
are uninjured; for often from injuries of this kind
107
CELSUS
eiusmodi casibus saepe cancri fiunt. Quod si levius
id erit et in parte exigua, contenti esse poterimus
eodem leni medicamento.
Surculum vero, si fieri potest, oportet vel manu
vel etiam ferramento eicere. Si vel praefractus est
vel altius descendit, quam ut id ita fieri possit,
C medicamento evocandus est. Optume autem educit
superinposita harundinis radix, si tenera est, protinus
contrita ; si iam durior, ante in mulso decocta ;
cui semper mel adiciendum est aut aristolochia cum
eodem melle. Pessima ex surculis harundo est,
quia aspera est : eademque offensa etiam in filice
est. Sed usu cognitum est utramque adversus
alteram medicamentum esse, si contrita superin-
posita est. Facit autem idem in omnibus surculis,
quodcumque medicamentum extrahendi vim habet.
Idem altis tenuibusque vulneribus aptissimum est.
Priori rei Philocratis, huic Hecataei emplastrum
maxime convenit.
36 Ubi vero in quolibet vulnere ventum ad indu-
cendam cicatricem est, quod perpurgatis iam reple-
tisque ulceribus necessarium est, primum ex aqua
frigida linamentum, dum caro alitur; deinde iam,
cum continenda est, siccum imponendum est, donee
cicatrix inducatur. Tum deligari super album
plumbum oportet quo et reprimitur cicatrix et
B colorem maxime corpori sano similem accipit.
Idem radix silvestris cucumeris praestat, idem
compositio, quae habet : elateri P. ^ I ; spumae
• Cf. p. 39.
* It is not certain what this was. Perhaps plumbum album
or candidum= tinstone, a common ingredient of nail polishes.
White lead (basic lead acetate) was called by Celsus cerussa
(Gk. i/nnvdiov). See vol. II., Introduction, p. xlviii, plumbum.
T08
BOOK V. 26. 35 B-36 B
canker develops. But if the hurt is trifling, and
of small extent, we may be content with the same
soothing application.
A splinter too, whenever possible, should be ex-
tracted either by the hand or even by the help of
an instrument. But if the splinter has been broken
off or has penetrated too deeply for this to be done,
it must be drawn towards the surface by a medica-
ment. The best thing to draw it out is an applica-
tion of pole-reed root pounded up straight away if
soft, but if already rather hard, boiled first in
honey wine ; to which honey should always be added,
or birthwort also with honey. Of splinters the
pole-reed is the worst because it is rough ; there is the
same harmfulness in fern. But by experience it has
been learnt that either, when pounded up and applied,
serves as a medicament against the other. Any
medicament which has an extractive property has
the same effect on splinters of all kinds.
The same treatment is best for deep and narrow
wounds. The plaster of Philocrates is especially
good for the former, that of Hecataeus for the latter."
Whatever the kind of wound, when the time has
come for inducing the scar, which must be after the
wound has cleaned and filled with new flesh, first
lint is applied, wetted by cold water while the flesh
is being nourished; afterwards, when it has to be
checked, dry lint must be applied until the scar is
induced. Then plumbum album * should be bandaged
on in order to keep down the scar, and to give it a
colour as much as possible like sound skin. Wild
cucumber root has the same property, so has the
prescription containing : elaterium •= 4 grms., litharge
" A preparation made from the juice of wild cucumber.
109
CELSUS
argenti P. ^ II ; unguenti pondo ^ IIII. Quae
excipiuntur resina terebenthina, donee emplastri
crassitude ex omnibus fiat. Ac nigras quoque cica-
trices leniter purgant paribus portionibus mixta
aerugo, plumbum elotum, eademque rosa coacta;
sive unguitur cicatrix, quod in facie fieri potest ;
sive id ut emplastrum inponitur, quod in aliis partibus
C commodius est. At si vel excrevit cicatrix vel
concava est, stultum est decoris causa rursus et
dolorem et medicinam sustinere. Alioqui res utrique
succurri patitur, siquidem utraque cicatrix exulcerari
scalpello potest. Si medicamentum aliquis mavult,
idem efficiunt compositiones eae, quae corpus exe-
dunt. Cute exulcerata super eminentem carnem
exedentia medicamenta coicienda sunt, super con-
cavam implentia, donee utrumque ulcus sanae cuti
aequetur; et tum cicatrix inducatur.
27. Dixi de iis vulneribus, quae maxime per
tela inferuntur. Sequitur, ut de iis dicam, quae
morsu fiunt, interdum hominis, interdimti simiae,
saepe canis, nonnumquam ferorum animalium aut
serpentium. Omnis autem fere morsus habet
quoddam virus : itaque si vehemens vulnus est,
cucurbitula admovenda est; si levius, protinus
B emplastriun Iniciendum, praecipueque Diogeni. Si
id non est, quodlibet ex is, quae adversus morsus
proposui (19, 20 seqq.) : si ea non sunt, viride Alexan-
drinum : si ne id quidem est, quodlibet non pingue
ex iis, quae recentibus vulneribus accommodantur.
Sal quoque his, praecipueque ei, quod canis fecit,
medicamentum est, si manus vulneri inponitur
" This ointment is perhaps myrobalanon, cf. IV. 16. 4 (vol.
I. p. 416), and vol. II., Introduction, p. xxii, Balanos.
* V. 19. 20-22. • V. 19. 17.
BOOK V. 26. 36 B-27. I B
8 grms., unguent 16 grms." These are taken up
in turpentine until the whole is of the consistency
of a plaster. Further, equal parts of verdigris and
washed lead mixed together with rose-oil gently
clean black scars ; either the scar may be anointed, as
can be done on the face ; or the above may be applied
as a plaster, which is more convenient for other parts
of the body. But if the scar is either elevated or
depressed, it is foolish, just for the sake of appear-
ance, to submit again to pain and medicinal appli-
cations. Else both conditions can be remedied,
since either scar can be made into a wound by the
use of a scalpel. Or if a medicament is preferred,
corrosive compositions have the same effect. After
the skin has been wounded, to an elevated cicatrix
corrosives are applied, to a depressed one medica-
ments which make flesh, until the wound, in each
case, is on a level with the sound skin ; and then the
scar is induced.
27. I have spoken of those wounds which are
mostly inflicted by weapons. My next task is to
speak of those which are caused by the bite, at times
of a man, at times of an ape, often of a dog, not in-
frequently of wild animals or of snakes. For almost
every bite has in it poison of some sort. Therefore
if the wound is severe, a cup should be applied
straightway over it ; if slighter a plaster, especially
that of Diogenes. If that is not at hand, then one
of the others I have recommended against bites ; ''
failing such, the green plaster called Alexandrian;*'
if not even that is to be had, then any one which
suits recent wounds, so long as it is not greasy.
Salt is also a remedy for bites, especially dog-bite,
if a hand is then placed over the bite and struck by two
III
CELSUS
superque id duobus digitis verberatur: exaniat
enim ; ac salsamentum quoque recte super id vulnus
deligatur.
2 Utique autem si rabiosus canis fuit, cucurbitula
virus eius extrahendum est ; deinde si locus neque
nervosus neque musculosus est, vulnus id adurendum
est : si uri non potest, sanguinem homini mitti non
alienum est. Turn usto quidem vulneri superim-
ponenda quae ceteris ustis sunt : ei vero, quod
expertum ignem non est, ea medicamenta, quae
vehementer exedunt. Post quae nuUo novo magis-
terio, sed iam supra (26, 30, 36) posito ulcus erit
B implendum et ad sanitatem perducendum. Quidam
post rabiosi canis morsum protinus in balineum
mittunt ibique patiuntur desudare, dum vires
corporis sinunt, ulcere adaperto, quo magis ex eo
quoque virus destillet; deinde multo meracoque
vino accipiunt, quod omnibus venenis contrarium est.
Idque cum ita per triduum factum est, tutus esse
homo a periculo videtur.
C Solet autem ex eo vulnere, ubi parum occursum
est, aquae timor nasci (hydrophobas Graeci appel-
lant), miserrimum genus morbi, in quo simul aeger
et siti et aquae metu cruciatur ; quo oppressis in
angusto spes est. Sed unicum tamen remedium
est, neque opinantem in piscinam non ante ei
provisam proicere. Et si natandi scientiam non
habet, modo mersum bibere pati, modo attollere :
si habet, interdum depi*imere, ut invitus quoque
aqua satietur : sic enim simul et sitis et aquae metus
• V. 28. 30-36.
112
BOOK V. 27. T B-2 c
fingers of the other hand ; for this brings out sanies ;
and brine-pickle may also be appropriately bandaged
upon such a wound.
But especially if the dog was mad, the poison
must be drawn out by a cup ; next, if the wound is
not among sinews and muscles, it must be cauterized ;
if it cannot be cauterized, it is not amiss to bleed the
man. After cauterizing, applications are to be put
on as for other burns ; if the wound is not cauterized,
such medicaments as are powerful corrosives. After
this the wound should be filled in and brought to
healing, not by any new method, but as already
described above." After the bite of a mad dog some
send the patients at once to the bath, and there let
them sweat as much as their bodily strength allows,
the wound being kept open in order that the poison
may drop out freely from it ; then follows the ad-
ministration of much wine, undiluted, which is an
antidote to all poisons. And when this has been
carried out for three days, the patient is deemed to
be out of danger.
But when too little has been done for such a
wound, it usually give rise to a fear of water which
the Greeks call hydrophobia, a most distressing
disease, in which the patient is tortured simul-
taneously by thirst and by dread of water. In these
cases there is very little hope for the sufferer. But
still there is just one remedy, to throw the patient
unawares into a water tank which he has not seen
beforehand. If he cannot swim, let him sink under
and drink, then lift him out ; if he can swim, push
him under at intervals so that he drinks his fill of
water even against his will ; for so his thirst and dread
of water are removed at the same time. Yet this
"3
CELSUS
D tollitur. Sed aliud periculum excipit, ne infirmum
corpus in aqua frigida vexatum nervorum distentio
absumat. Id ne incidat, a piscina protinus in oleum
calidum demittendus est. Antidotum autem prae-
cipue id, quod primo loco (23, 1 B) posui, ubi id non
est, aliud, si nondum aeger aquam horret, potui ex
aqua dandum est; et si amaritudine ofFendit, mel
adiciendum est: si iam is morbus occupavit, per
catapotia sumi potest.
3 Serpentium quoque morsus non nimium distantem
curationem desiderant, quamvis in ea multum
antiqui variarunt, ut in singula anguium genera
singula medendi genera praeciperent aliique alia:
sed in omnibus eadem maxime proficiunt. — Igitur
in primis super vulnus id membrum deligandum est,
non tamen nimium vehementer, ne torpeat ; deinde
venenum extrahendum est. Id cucurbitula optume
facit. Neque alienum est ante scalpello circa vulnus
incidere, quo plus vitiati iam sanguinis extrahatur.
B Si cucurbitula non est, quod tamen vix incidere
potest, turn quodlibet simile vas, quod idem possit;
si ne id quidem est, homo adhibendus est, qui id
vulnus exsugat. Neque Hercules scientiam prae-
cipuam habent ii, qui Psylli nominantur, sed au-
daciam usu ipso confirmatam. Nam venenum ser-
pentis, ut quaedam etiam venatoria venena, quibus
Galli praecipue utuntur, non gustu, sed in vulnere
C nocent. Ideoque colubra ipsa tuto estur, ictus eius
occidit ; et si stupente ea, quod per quaedam medi-
" For antidotes see V. 23. 1 B-3.
'' An African people celebrated as snake-charmers. Cf.
Lucan IX. 893, gens unica terras; Incolit a saevo serpentum
innoxia morsu / Marmaridae Psylli; and Suetonius, Aiig. 17.
114
BOOK V. 27. 2 c-3 c
procedure incurs a further danger, that a spasm of
sinews, provoked by the cold water, may carry off a
weakened body. Lest this should happen, he must
be taken straight from the tank and plunged into a
bath of hot oil. But as an antidote we should give
especially the one which I put first," when that is
not at hand, another ; it is to be given in a draught
of water, if the patient does not dread water yet ;
and if the bitterness is objected to, honey is to be
added; if dread of water has already seized him, the
antidote can be swallowed as a pill.
Serpents' bites again need a not very different
treatment, although in this the ancients had very
various methods so that for each kind of snake
some prescribed one special kind of remedy, some
another ; but in all it is the same measures
which are the most efficacious. Therefore first the
limb is to be constricted above this kind of wound,
but not too tightly, lest it become numbed; next,
the poison is to be drawn out. A cup does this
best. But it is not amiss beforehand to make
incisions with a scalpel around the wound, in order
that more of the vitiated blood may be extracted.
If there is no cup at hand, although this can hardly
happen, use any similar vessel which can do what
you want; if there is not even this, a man must
be got to suck the wound. I declare there is no
particular science in those people who are called
Psylli,* but a boldness confirmed by experience. For
serpent's poison, like certain hunter's poisons, such
as the Gauls in particular use, does no harm when
swallowed, but only in a wound. Hence the snake
itself may be safely eaten, whilst its stroke kills ;
and if one is stupefied, which mountebanks effect
"5
CELSUS
camenta circulatores faciunt, in os digitum quis
indidit neque percussus est, nulla in ea saliva noxa
est. Ergo quisquis exemplum Psylli secutus id
vulnus exsuxerit, et ipse tutus erit et tutum hominem
praestabit. Illud [ne intereat] ante debebit ad-
tendere, ne quod in gingivis palatove aliave parte
D oris ulcus habeat. Post haec is homo loco calido
conlocandus est, sic ut id quod percussum erit, in
inferiorem partem inclinetur. Si neque qui exsugat
neque cucurbitula est, sorbere oportet ius anserinum
vel ovillum vel vitulinum et vomere, vivum autem
gallinacemn pullum per medium dividere et protinus
calidum super volnus imponere, sic ut pars interior
corpori iungatur. Facit id etiam haedus agnusve
discissus, et calida eius caro statim super volnus
imposita. Emplastra quoque si qua . . .^ supra
(19, 20 seqq.) conprehensa sunt; aptissimumque est
vel Ephesium vel id, quod ei subiectum est (19, 22).
E Praesensque in aliquo antidoto praesidium est : si
id non est, necessarium est exsorbere potionem meri
vini cum pipere, vel quidlibet aliud quod calori
movendo est, ne umorem intus coire patiatur : nam
maxima pars venenorum frigore interemit. Omnia
etiam urinam moventia, quia materiam extenuant,
utilia sunt.
4 Haec adversus omnes ictus conmfiunia sunt. Usus
tamen ipse docuit eum, quem aspis percussit, acetum
^ Marx suggests that the following words have fallen out after
si qua <curanti praesto sunt adhibenda quae> : the sentence
would then run, " plasters too, if the physician has any of them
at hand, should be applied," etc. DaremJberg substitutes quae
for si qua.
* The text as it stands cannot be translated, though the
general sense is given.
ii6
BOOK V. 27. 3C-4
by certain medicaments, and if anyone puts his
finger into its mouth and is not bitten, its saliva is
harmless. Anyone, therefore, who follows the example
of the Psylli and sucks out the wound, will himself
be safe, and will promote the safety of the patient.
He must see to it, however, beforehand that he has
no sore place on his gums or palate or other parts
of the mouth. After the suction, the patient should
be put into a warm room, in such a position that the
part bitten is inclined downwards. If there is no
one at hand to suck out the wound, or to cup it, the
patient should sip goose or mutton or veal broth and
provoke a vomit ; further a live chicken should be
cut through the middle, and whilst warm applied
forthwith over the wound so that its inner part is
in contact with the patient's body. It will also do
to slaughter a kid or lamb, and immediately to put
the hot flesh upon the wound. The plasters also
should be applied which have been mentioned above ;"
the most suitable is the Ephesian plaster,'' or that
noted next after it. There is ready help in one of
the antidotes ; if none is at hand, it is necessary to
take in sips a draught of strong wine with pepper,
or anything else which will stir up heat, to prevent
humour from coagulating internally ; for most
poisons cause death by cold. All diuretics also are
useful, because they dilute the diseased matter.
Such are the general remedies against bites of
any kind. Experience has taught, however, that
anyone bitten by an asp " should in particular drink
* V. 19. 21.
« Coluber aspis. See Galen XIV. 235. His account of
Cleopatra's death is closely followed by Shakespeare.
"7
CELSUS
potius bibere debere. Quod demonstrasse dicitur
casus cuiusdam pueri, qui cum ab hac ictus esset et
partim ob ipsxun volnus partim ob inmodicos aestus
siti premeretur ac locis siccis alium umorem non
reperiret, acetum, quod forte secum habebat, ebibit
et liberatus est, credo, quoniam id, quamvis re-
frigerandi vim habet, tamen habet etiam dissu-
pandi ; quo fit, ut terra respersa eo spumet. Eadem
ergo vi verisimile est spissescentem quoque intus
umorem hominis ab eo discuti et sic dari sanitatem.
5 In quibusdam etiam aliis serpentibus quaedam
auxilia certa satis nota sunt. Nam scorpio sibi ipse
pulcherrimum medicamentum est. Quidam con-
tritum cum vino bibunt : quidam eodem modo con-
tritum super volnus imponunt : quidam super
prunam eo imposito volnus sufFumigant, undique
veste circumdata, ne is fumus dilabatur; turn
B carbonem eius super volnus deligant. Bibere autem
oportet herbae Solaris, quam heliotropion Graeci
vocant, semen vel certe folia ex vino. Super volnus
vero etiam furfures ex aceto vel ruta silvatica recte
imponitur vel cum melle sal tostus. Cognovi tamen
medicos, qui a scorpione ictis nihil aliud quam ex
bracchio sanguinem miserunt.
6 Et ad scorpionis autem et aranei ictima aliimi cum
ruta recte miscentur, ex oleoque contritum superin-
ponitur.
7 At si cerastes aut dipsas aut haemorrhois percussit,
• Cf. Pliny, N.H. XXIII. 1. 27.
* Coluber cerastes (/cepaanjj), the homed viper of the
desert. Aristotle, H.A. II. 1.
" Coluber vipera, called dipsas because its bite produced
great thirst (Si'^a).
'' Haemorrhois [alfioppots]. This snake is unidentified ; the
n8
BOOK V. 27. 4-7
vinegar. The case of a certain boy is said to
demonstrate this, for having been thus bitten,
partly on account of the bite, and partly owing to
excessively hot weather, he was tormented by thirst,
and being in a dry place found no other fluid, so he
drank the vinegar he chanced to have with him, and
was saved. I believe this happened because although
vinegar is a refrigerant, it has also the faculty of
dissipating. Hence it is that earth sprinkled with
it froths." Therefore it is likely that by the same
faculty humour which is condensing inside a patient
is dissipated by it, and so health is restored.
There are also against certain other reptiles reme-
dies which are well enough known. For the scorpion
is itself the best remedy against itself. Some pound
up a scorpion and swallow it in Avine ; some pound it
up in the same way and put it upon the wound ; some
put it upon a brazier and fumigate the wound -with
it, putting a cloth all round to prevent the escape
of the fumes, afterwards they bandage its ash upon
the wound. The patient should also drink wine in
which have been steeped the seeds, or at any rate
the leaves, of the herba Solaris, which the Greeks
call heliotropion. It is good also to apply to the
wound bran soaked in vinegar, or wild rue, or roasted
salt with honey. I have known, however, prac-
titioners who merely let blood from the arm of those
stung by a scorpion, that and nothing more.
For the sting of a scorpion also, or for that of a
spider, it is good to put on garlic mixed with rue
and pounded up with oil.
But when cerastes,* or dipsas,'' or haemorrhois ** has
blood of a man bitten by it lost its coagulability and became
widely extravasated.
119
CELSUS
poli quod Aegyptiae fabae magnitudinem aequet,
arfactum ut in duas potiones dividendum est, sic ut
ei rutae paulum adiciatiir. Trifolium quoque et
mentastrum et cum aceto panaces aeque proficiunt.
Costumque et casia et cinnamomum recte per
potionem adsiununtur.
8 Adversus chelydri vero ictum panaces aut laser,
quod sit scrip. Ill S.^ [^I]j vel porri sucus cum hemina
vini sumendus est, et edenda multa satureia. Im-
ponendum autem super vulnus stercus caprinum ex
aceto coctum, aut ex eodem hordiacia farina, aut ruta
vel nepeta cum sale contrita melle adiecto. Quod in
eo quoque vulnere, quod cerastes fecit, aeque valet.
9 Ubi vero phalangium nocuit, praeter cam cura-
tionem, quae manu redditur, saepe homo demittendus
in solium est ; dandusque ei murrae et uvae taminiae
par modus ex passi hemina ; vel radiculae semen aut
lolii radix ex vino ; et super vulnus furfures ex aceto
coctae ; imperandumque, ut is conquiescat.
10 Verum haec genera serpentium et peregrina et
aliquanto magis pestifera sunt, maximeque aestuosis
locis gignuntur. Italia frigidioresque regiones hac
quoque parte salubritatem habent, quod minus
terribiles angues edunt. Adversus quos satis pro-
ficit herba Vettonica vel Cantabrica vel centaurios
vel argimonia vel trixago vel personina vel marinae
pastinacae, vel singulae binaeve tritae et cum vino
potui datae , , .^ sunt et super vulnus impositae.
Illud ignorari non oportet, omnis serpentis ictum et
ieiuni et ieiuno magis nocere ; ideoque perniciosis-
1 Marx brackets -X- I (one denarius, i.e. 3 J scruples, or 4
grammes) as a gloss ; Targa rejects the whole sentence quod sit
. . . -Jf I.
* Marx inserts : datae <vel eodem mode contritae protinus
et terra evulsao, ' or pounded in the same way as soon as
they have been dug out of the ground.*
120
BOOK V. 27. 7-10
bitten a man, poley-germander roasted, equal in
amount to an Egyptian bean, is divided into two
draughts, a little rue being added. Trefoil also and
wild mint and allheal-juice, with vinegar, are equally
efficacious. Costmary, casia, and cinnamon may
appropriately be taken in draughts.
For the bite of a chelydrus," allheal-juice or laser
4 grms., or leek-juice in 250 c.cm. of wine, may be
taken, and a quantity of savory eaten. Over the
bite either goat's dung, or barley-meal boiled with
vinegar should be apphed, or rue, or catnip pounded
with salt, with honey added. This last is equally
efficacious for the bite of a cerastes.
But when a venomous spider has done the harm,
in addition to the surgical treatment, the patient
should be plunged often into the hot bath ; and take
equal quantities of myrrh and bryony berries in 250
c.cm. of raisin wine ; or radish seeds or darnel root
in wine ; bran boiled in vinegar is to be put on the
wound, and the patient is kept in bed.
But the foregoing classes of reptiles belong to
foreign countries, and are especially poisonous, and
they are mostly generated in hot countries. Italy
and colder countries are healthier in this respect too,
for the reptiles they produce are less dangerous.
Against them sufficient remedies are betony or con-
volvulus or centaury or agrimony or germander or
burdock or sea parsnip ; any one or two of these is
pounded up and taken in wine . . . and appUed to the
bite. It must be remembered that all snake-bites
are more harmful when either the reptile or the man
is hungry-. Hence snakes are most injurious when
• Colubt* nat.rix (x^XvSpos), the marsh snake.
121
CELSUS
simae sunt cum incubant, utilissimumque est, ubi
ex anguibus metus est, non ante procedi quam quis
aliquid adsumpsit.
11 Non tam ex facili is opitulari est, qui venenum vel
in cibo vel in potione sumpserunt, primum quia non
protinus sentiunt, ut ab angue icti ; ita ne suc-
currere quidem statim sibi possunt ; deinde quia
noxa non a cute sed ab interioribus partibus incipit.
Commodissimum est tamen, ubi primum sensit
aliquis, protinus oleo multo epoto vomere ; deinde
ubi praecordia exhausit, bibere antidotum : • si id
non est, vel merum vinum.
12 Sunt tamen quaedam remedia propria adversus
quaedam venena, maximeque leviora. Nam si
cantharidas aliquis ebibit, panaces cum . . .^ contusa
vel galbanum vino adiecto dari, vel lac per se debet.
B Si cicutam, vinum merum calidum cum ruta quam
plurimum ingerendum est ; deinde is vomere co-
gendus; posteaque laser ex vino dandum : is que, si
febre vacat, in calidum balneum mittendus ; si non
vacat, unguendus ex calfacientibus est. Post quae
quies ei necessaria est.
Si hyoscyamum, fervens mulsum bibendum est, aut
quodlibet lac, maxime tamen asininum.
Si cerussam, ius malvae vel ius glandis ex vino
contritae maxime prosunt.
C Si sanguisuga epota est, acetum cum sale biben-
dvun est. Si lac intus coiit, aut passum aut coagulum
aut cum aceto laser.
Si fungos inutiles quis adsumpsit, radicula aut^
^ cum lacte supplied by Edd.
* The text is corrupt. Marx suggests : radicula aut <portu-
laca aut per se> aut cum sale, etc., and this is translated.
Daremberg, comparing Pliny, N.H. XX. 20. 81 : radicula aut
e posca, aut cum sale et aceto, edenda est.
122
BOOK V. 27. 10-12 c
brooding, and it is of the greatest importance when
there is danger from snakes not to go out before
taking some food.
It is not so easy to render assistance when poison
has been taken in food or drink, first because patients
do not perceive it at once as when bitten by a
snake ; and so are unable to afford themselves any
help immediately. Moreover, the mischief starts,
not from the skin, but from within. But the best
thing, as soon as any one has perceived it, is to swallow
a quantity of oil at once and vomit ; then, when the
praecordia have been emptied, to drink an antidote ;
or failing that undiluted wine.
There are, nevertheless, certain remedies proper
for particular poisons, especially for the milder ones.
If a potion of cantharides has been swallowed,
all-heal pounded in milk should be given or gal-
ban um with the addition of vdne, or milk by itself.
If it be hemlock, hot undiluted wine with rue should
be taken in a large quantity, then the patient should
be made to vomit; and after that laser is given in
wine ; and if free from fever he should be put into
a hot bath; if not free, he should be anointed with
heating remedies. After this, rest is necessary.
If it be hyoscyamus, honey wine should be drunk
hot, or milk of any kind, especially asses' milk.
If it be white-lead, mallow or walnut juice rubbed
up in wine is best.
If a leech has been swallowed," vinegar with salt
is to be drunk. When milk has curdled inside, either
raisin wine or rennet or laser with vinegar.
If any one has eaten fungi that are not used, a
» Pliny, N.H. XXVIIl. 10. 45.
123
CELSUS
fpota aut cum sale et aceto edenda est. Ipsi vero
hi et specie quidem discerni possunt ab utilibus et
cocturae genere idonei fieri. Nam sive ex oleo
inferverunt, sive piri surculus cum his infervit,
omni noxa vacant.
13 Adustis quoque locis extrinsecus vis infertur:
itaque sequi videtur, ut de his dicam. Haec autem
optime curantur foho aut HHi aut Unguae caninae
aut betae in vetere vino oleoque decoctis ; quorum
quidhbet protinus impositum ad sanitatem perducit.
Sed dividi quoque curatio potest in ea, quae medio-
criter exedentia reprimentiaque primo et pusulas
prohibeant et summam pelliculam exasperent ;
deinde ea, quae lenia ad sanitatem perducant. Ex
prioribus est lenticulae cum melle farina vel myrra
cum vino vel creta Cimolia cum turis cortice contrita
et aqua coacta atque, ubi usus necessitas incidit,
B aceto diluta. Ex insequentibus quaelibet lipara :
sed idonea maxime est, quae vel plumbi recrementum
vel vitellos habet. Est etiam ilia adustorum curatio,
dum inflammatio est, impositam habere cum melle
lenticulam : ubi ea declinavit, farinam cum ruta vel
porro vel marrubio, donee crustae cadant; tum
ervum cum melle aut irim aut resinam terebinthinam,
donee ulcus purum sit ; novissime siccum lina-
mentum.
28. Ab his, quae extrinsecus incidunt, ad ea
veniendum est, quae interius corrupta aliqua cor-
porum parte nascuntur. Ex quibus non aliud
carbunculo peius est. Eius hae notae sunt : rubor
est, superque eum non nimium pusulae eminent,
• V. 19. 25-28 ; especially 26 and 28.
124
BOOK V. 27. 12 c-28. I
radish or purslane is to be eaten alone or with a
draught of salt and vinegar. Such fungi may be
distinguished from the sorts in use by their appear-
ance, and may be rendered safe by suitable cooking;
for when boiled in oil, or along with a pear-tree twig,
they lose all their noxious property.
Burns are likewise the product of external violence,
and so it seems to follow that I should speak of
them here. Now they are best treated by leaves
either of lily or of hound's tongue or of beet, boiled
in old wine and oil ; any one of the above applied at
once brings healing. But the treatment can also be
divided into: first, a stage of moderately exedent
and repressant applications both to check blisters
and to roughen the skin; next, a stage of soothing
applications for healing. Among the former is lentil
meal with honey, or myrrh with wine, or Cimolian
chalk pounded up with frankincense bark and mixed
with water, and when it has to be used, diluted
with vinegar. Subsequent applications include any-
thing that is greasy ; but the most suitable is that
containing lead slag or yolk of egg."^ There is also
another treatment of burns, namely, while the in-
flammation lasts, to keep lentil meal and honey on the
wound; next, when the inflammation has subsided,
flour with rue or with leek or with hore-hound, until
the crusts fall off"; then vetch meal with honey, or
iris ointment or turpentine-resin, until the ulceration
is clean, and finally dry lint.
28. From those lesions which are due to something
from without we come to those which originate from
within, when some bodily part has become corrupted.
Of these none are worse than carbuncles, the signs
of which are : redness, with a few pustules projecting
125
VOL. II. Q
CELSUS
maxime nigrae, interdum sublividae aut pallidae:
in his sanies esse videtur. Infra color niger est:
ipsum corpus aridum et durius quam naturaliter
oportet; circaque quasi crusta est, eaque inflam-
matione cingitur : neque in eo loco levari cutis potest,
B sed inferiori carni quasi adfixa est. Somnus urguet,
nonnunquam horror aut febris oritur, aut utrunque.
Idque vitium subteractis quasi quibusdam radicibus
serpit, interdum celerius, interdum tardius : supra
quoque procedens inalbescit, dein lividum fit, circum-
que exiguae pustulae oriuntur ; et si circa stomachum
faucesve incidit, subito spiritum saepe elidit. — Nihil
melius est quam protinus adurere ; neque id grave
est: nam non sentit, quoniam ea caro mortua est;
finisque adurendi est, dum ex omni parte sensus
C doloris est. Tum deinde vulnus sicut cetera adusta
curandum est: sequitur enim sub medicamentis
erodentibus crusta undique a viva carne diducta,
quae trahit secum quicquid corruptum erat ; purusque
iam sinus curari potest implentibus. At si in summa
cute vitium est, possunt succurrere quaedam vel
D exedentia tantum vel etiam adurentia. Vis pro
magnitudine adhibenda est. Quodcunque vero
medicamentum impositmn est, si satis proficiet,
protinus a vivo corruptam partem resolvit ; certaque
esse fiducia potest fore, ut undique vitiosa caro
excidat, qua [huiusce rei medicamen] exest. Si [id
non fit] medicamentum malo vincitur, utique ad
" Cf. summam pdliculam (V. 27. 13). Celsus appears to
distinguish the epidermis from the dermis.
126
BOOK V. 28. i-D
a little, mostly black, sometimes livid or pallid ; their
contents seems to be sanies ; the colour underneath
is black ; the actual tissue is dry, and harder than
it should be naturally ; and round them there is a
sort of crust, and outside that an inflammatory ring ;
and there the skin cannot be pinched up, but is as it
were fixed in the underlying flesh. The patient is
somnolent ; sometimes there is shivering or fever or
both. And this lesion spreads, sometimes quickly,
sometimes slowly, pushing out a sort of root under-
neath ; on the surface too as it spreads the skin gets
paler, then becomes livid, and a ring of small pustules
arises ; and if this occurs in the region of the gullet
or fauces, often it suddenly stops the patient's
breathing. The best thing is to apply a cautery at
once; this is not a severe procedure, because the
patient does not feel it, since the flesh is dead ; and
the cauterizing is stopped when pain is felt all over
the lesion. After that the wound is to be treated
hke other burns ; for under erodent medicaments it
follows that the crust becomes separated on all sides
from the living flesh, and takes off with it whatever
has become corrupted; and the cavity when clean
can be dressed with some preparation to make flesh.
But when the lesion is on the surface of the skin,"
it is possible to cure it simply by exedents or at any
rate by caustics. The strength of the remedy
adopted is to be proportionate to the lesion. But
whatever the medicament is, if it is sufficiently
effectual, it forthwith detaches the corrupted part
from the living ; we may be confident that wherever
the apphcation works, the diseased flesh everywhere
sloughs off. If the medicament is being mastered
by the disease, certainly there must be no delay in
127
GELSUS
ustionem properandum est. Sed in eiusmodi casu
abstinendum a cibo, a vino est : aquam liberaliter
bibere expedit. Magisque ea servanda sunt, si
febricula quoque accessit.
2 Non idem periculum carcinoma adfert, nisi im-
prudentia curantis agitatum est. Id vitium fit
maxime in superioribus partibus, circa faciem, nares,
aures, labra, mammas feminarum : f et in ulcere ^
autem aut splene hoc nascitur. Circa locum aliqua
quasi puncta sentiuntur ; isque immobilis, inaequalis
tumet, interdum etiam torpet. Circa eum inflatae
venae quasi recurvantiu", haeque pallent aut livent,
nonnunquam etiam in quibusdam delitescunt;
tactusque is locus aliis dolorem adfert, in aliis sensum
B non habet. Et nonnunquam sine ulcere durior aut
mollior est quam esse naturaliter debet: nonnun-
quam isdem omnibus ulcus accedit. Interdumque
nullam habet proprietatem, interdum simile is est,
quae vocant Graeci condylomata aspritudine quadam
et magnitudine ; colorque eius ruber est aut len-
ticulae similis. Neque tuto feritur: nam protinus
aut resolutio nervorum aut distentio insequitur.
Saepe homo ictus ommutescit, atque eius anima
deficit: quibusdam etiam, si id ipsum pressum est,
C quae circa sunt, intenduntur et intumescunt. Ob
quae pessimum id genus est. Fereque primum id
fit, quod cacoethes a Graecis nominatur ; deinde ex
^ This passage is corrupt : one MS. has iecore for ulcere.
Marx restores it as follows : etiam in utero autem aut liene
hoc nascitur, ' this arises also in the womb or the spleen.^
» See Appendix, pp. 591-2.
* The sense seems to require the mention of some other
internal organ, for a suggested emendation see critical note.
128
BOOK V. 28. I i>-2 c
applying the cautery. But in such a case there
should be abstinence from food and from wine ; it is
a good thing to drink water freely. And this should
be done all the more when there is feverishness as
well.
A carcinoma " does not give rise to the same danger
unless it is irritated by imprudent treatment. This
disease occurs mostly in the upper parts of the body,
in the region of the face, nose, ears, lips, and in the
breasts of women, but it may also arise in an ulcera-
tion,* or in the spleen. Around the spot is felt a
sort of pricking ; there is a fixed, irregular swelling,
sometimes there is also numbness. Around it are
dilated tortuous veins, pallid or Hvid in hue ; some-
times in certain cases they are even hidden from view ;
and in some the part is painful to the touch, in others
there is no feeling. And at times the part becomes
harder or softer than natural, yet without ulcerating ;
and sometimes ulceration supervenes on all the above
signs. The ulceration at times has no special charac-
teristic ; at times it resembles what the Greeks call
condylomata,'^ both in a sort of roughness and in size ;
its colour is either red or like that of lentils. It is
not safe to give it a blow ; for either paralysis or spasm
of the sinews follows at once. Often from a blow
on it a man loses speech and faints ; in some also, if
the place is pressed, the parts around become tense
and swollen. Then it is the worst kind. And generally
the first stage is what the Greeks call cacoethes ; '^
Targa followed by Daremberg deletes the whole sentence as a
gloss, pointing out that the spleen is not in "the upper parts."
" Knuckle-shaped swellings, VI. 18. 8A, C ; VII. 30. 2.
** KaKOT^drjs is used by Hippocrates to mean malignant,
e.g. Coac. 114, 316, 524, etc.; the word is not found in Celsus
except in this chapter.
129
CELSUS
eo id carcinoma, quod sine ulcere est ; deinde ulcus,
ex eo thymium. Tolli nihil nisi cacoethes potest:
reliqua curationibus inritantur; et quo maior vis
adhibita est, eo magis. Quidam usi sunt medi-
camentis adiu-entibus, quidam ferro adusserunt,
quidam scalpello exciderunt: neque ulla unquam
medicina profecit, sed adusta protinus concitata sunt
D et increverunt, donee occiderent. Excisa, etiam
post inductam cicatricem, tamen reverterunt et
causam mortis adtulerunt : cum interim plerique
nullam vim adhibendo, qua tollere id malum temp-
tent, sed imponendo tantum lenia medicamenta,
quae quasi blandiantur, quominus ad ultimam
senectutem perveniant, non prohibentur. Discernere
autem cacoethes, quod curationem recipit, a carci-
nomate, quod non recipit, nemo scite^ potest sed
E tempore et experimento. — Ergo ubi primum id
vitium notatum est, imponi debent medicamenta
adurentia. Si levatur malum, minuuntur eius indicia,
procedere curatio potest et ad scalpellum et ad
ustionem. Si protinus inritatum est, scire licet iam
carcinoma esse, removendaque sunt omnia acria,
omnia vehementia. Sed si sine ulcere is locus durus
est, imponi ficum quam pinguissimam aut rhypodes
F emplastriun satis est. Si ulcus aequale est, ceratum
ex rosa iniciendum est, adiciendusque ei pulvis ex
contrita testa, ex qua faber ferrarius tinguere
candens ferrum solitus est. Si id nimium super-
crevit, temptanda squama aeris est, quae lenissima
ex adurentibus est, eatenus ne quid eminere patiatur ;
^ So Daremburg for the M88. seire.
" For thymium (resembling thyme-flowers) see V. 28. 14B-E.
* V. 19. 15.
130
BOOK V. 28. 2C-F
then from that follows a carcinoma without ulcer-
ation ; then ulceration, and from that a kind of wart."
It is only the cacoethes which can be removed ; the
other stages are irritated by treatment ; and the more
so the more vigorous it is. Some have used caustic
medicaments, some the cautery, some excision with
a scalpel ; but no medicament has ever given relief;
the parts cauterized are excited immediately to an
increase until they cause death. After excision, even
when a scar has formed, none the less the disease
has returned, and caused death ; while at the same
time the majority of patients, though no violent
measures are applied in the attempt to remove the
tumour, but only mild applications in order to soothe
it, attain to a ripe old age in spite of it. No one,
however, except by time and experiment, can have
the skill to distinguish a cacoethes which admits of
being treated from a carcinoma which does not.
Therefore, as soon as the lesion is first noted, caustic
medicaments should be applied. If the disease is
reheved, if its indications are lessened, the treatment
can be advanced to the use of the knife and of the
cautery. If it is irritated at once, we may recognize
that it is already a carcinoma, and that all acrid and
severe remedies are to be avoided. But if the place
is hardened without ulceration, it is enough to put
on a fig of the fattest sort or the plaster called
rhypodes.'' If there is an ulceration level with the
skin, the rose cerate is to be applied, to which must
be added powder from a crusted earthenware pot,
into which a blacksmith has been accustomed to dip
red-hot iron. If there is a considerable growth upon
it, copper scales, which are the mildest of the caustics,
are to be tried, until they check the tendency to
131
CELSUS
sed ita, si nihil exacerbavit : si minus, eodem cerato
contenti esse debebimsu.
3 Est etiam ulcus, quod Orfpiutfxa Graeei vocant.
Id et per se nascitur et interdum ulceri ex alia causa
facto supervenit. Color est vel lividus vel niger,
odor foedus, multus et muccis similis umor. Ip-
sum ulcus neque tactum neque medicamentum
sentit : prurigine tantum movetur. At circa dolor
est et inflammatio ; interdum etiam febris oritur,
B nonnunquam ex ulcere sanguis erumpit. Atque id
quoque malum serpit. Quae omnia saepe intend-
untur fitque ex his ulcus, quod phagedainam Graeei
vocant, quia celeriter serpendo penetrandoque
usque ossa corpus vorat. Id ulcus inaequale est,
caeno simile ; inestque multus umor glutinosus ;
odor intolerabilis, maiorque quam pro modo ulceris
inflammatio. Utrunque, sicut omnis cancer, fit max-
ime in senibus vel iis, quorum corpora mali habitus
sunt. — Curatio utriusque eadem est, sed in maiore
C malo magis necessaria. Ac primum a victus ratione
ordinandus est, ut quiescat in lectulo, ut primis
diebus a cibo abstineat, aquam quam plurimam
adsumat; alvus quoque ei ducatur; dein post
inflammationem cibum boni suci capiat, vitatis
omnibus acribus ; potionis quantum volet, sic ut
interdiu quidem aqua contentus sit, in cena vero
etiam vini austeri aliquid bibat. Non aeque tamen
fame in iis, quos ^aycSaiva urgebit, atque iis, qui
" This word is first found in Celsus. Hippocrates {Coac.
459) uses 6-qpiov. Both words are derived from dijp (wild
beast) and denote the character of the ulceration.
* An ' eating ' sore <f>ay4Baiva ((f>ay€lv).
132
BOOK V. 28. 2 F-3 c
growth ; but only so if it is in no wise made worse :
when the growth is less prominent we ought to rest
content with the rose cerate.
There is also an ulceration which the Greeks
call therioma." This may arise spontaneously, and
at times it may supervene upon ulceration from
another cause. It has either a livid or black colour,
a foul odour, and an abundant mucus-like discharge.
The ulcer itself is insensitive to touch and applica-
tions; there is just disturbance by itching. But
around there is pain and inflammation; sometimes
even fever is set up, occasionally blood is discharged
from the ulceration. This also is a spreading disease.
And all these signs often extend, and there
results from them an ulcer which the Greeks call
phagedaena,* because it spreads rapidly and pene-
trates down to the bones and so devours the flesh.
This ulceration is uneven, bog-like; there is a
large amount of glutinous discharge ; the stench is
intolerable, and the inflammation is greater than
accords with the extent of the ulceration. Both
therioma and phagedaena, Uke all canker, occur for
the most part in the aged or those of a bad habit of
body. Both are treated in the same way, but treat-
ment is more necessary in the severer form. Firstly,
a regimen must be enforced, so that the patient
rests in bed, abstains from food for the first days,
drinks very freely of water; also has the bowels
moved by a clyster ; then, on the subsidence of the
inflammation, takes digestible food, avoiding every-
thing acrid; drinks as much as he likes, but for the
time being contents himself with water, except that
at dinner he may drink a little dry wine. But fast-
ing is not to be used for patients with phagedaena
^33
CELSUS
therioma adhuc habebunt, utendum erit. Et victus
D quidem talis necessarius est. Super ulcus vero
inspergenda arida aloe . . . ^ oenanthe est, et, si
parum proficiet, chalcitis. Ac si quis nervus exesa
carne nudatus est, contegendus ante linteolo est,
ne sub eo medicamento aduratur. Si validioribus
etiamnum remediis opus est, ad eas compositiones
veniendum est, quae vehementius adurunt. Quic-
quid autem inspergitur, averso specillo infundi debet.
E Superdanda cum melle sunt vel linamenta vel oleae
folia ex vino decocta vel marrubium ; eaque linteolo
contegenda in aqua frigida madefacto dein bene
expresso ; circaque, qua tumor ex inflammatione est,
imponenda quae reprimant cataplasmata. Si sub his
nihil proficitur, ferro locus aduri debet, diligenter
nervis, si qui apparent, ante contectis. Adustum vel
medicamentis vel ferro corpus primum purgandum,
deinde implendum esse apparere cuilibet ex prioribus
potest.
4 Sacer quoque ignis malis ulceribus adnumerari
debet. Eius duae species sunt : alterum est subru-
bicundum aut mixtum rubore atque pallore exasper-
atumque per pusulas continuas, quarum nulla
t alteri^ niaior est, sed plurimae perexiguae: in his
semper fere pus et saepe rubor cum calore est.
Serpitque id nonnunquam sanescente eo, quod
primum vitiatum est, nonnunquam etiam exulcerato,
ubi ruptis pusulis ulcus continuatur umorque exit,
qui esse inter saniem et pus videri potest. Fit max-
ime in pectore aut lateribus aut eminentibus partibus,
^ Marx reads: aloe <contrita vel> oenanthe and this is
translated.
^ Most editors add altera.
BOOK V. 28. 3 c-4
to the same extent as for those with therioma. Over
the ulceration too should be dusted dry lign-aloes
pounded up or vine-flower, and if this does no good,
copper ore ; and if by erosion of flesh a sinew has
become exposed, it must first be covered by Hnt, to
prevent the medicament from burning it. If still
stronger remedies are required, then recourse must
be had to more active caustics. But whatever the
medicament to be sprinkled on, it ought to be applied
by means of the flat end of a probe. Over this
should be put either lint soaked in honey or olive-
leaves boiled in wine or horehound; and this is to
be covered over by lint well \vrung out of cold
water; the inflammatory swelling around is to be
covered with repressant poultices. If there is no
benefit from these measures, the place should be
burnt with the cautery, exposed sinews being first
carefully covered over. The tissue burnt, whether
by caustic or by the cautery, is first to be cleaned,
then to be filled up with new flesh, as is clear to
anyone from what has been stated before.
Ignis sacer " should be counted also among the bad
ulcerations. Of this there are two kinds; one is
reddish or partly red, partly pale and roughened
by a chronic pustulation, the pustules all of about
equal size, but mostly very small : in them there is
nearly always pus and often there is redness with
heat. And sometimes the disease spreads while the
first part attacked is healing; sometimes even after
this is ulcerated, when the pustules have ruptured
and the ulcer continues and a humour is discharged
which appears to be something between sanies and
pus. It attacks chiefly the chest or flanks or
« See Appendix, p. 590.
135
GELSUS
B praecipueque in plantis. Alterum autem est in
summae cutis exulceratione, sed sine altitudine,
latum, sublividum, inaequaliter tamen ; mediumque
sanescit extremis procedentibus. Ac saepe id, quod
iam sanum videbatur, iterum exulceratur. At circa
proxima cutis, quae vitium receptura est, tumidior
et durior est coloremque habet ex rubro subnigrum.
Atque hoc quoque malo fere corpora seniora temp-
tantur aut quae mali habitus sunt, sed in cruribus
C maxime. — Omnis autem sacer ignis, ut minimum
periculum habet ex iis, quae serpunt, sic prope
difficillime tollitur. Medicamentum eius fortuitum
est uno die febris, quae umorem noxium absumat.
Pus quo crassius et albidius est, eo periculi minus est.
Prodest etiam infra os vulnerum . . . laedi,^ quo plus
puris exeat et id, quod ibi corruptum corpus est, ex-
trahatur. Sed tamen si febricula accessit, abstin-
D entia, lectulo alvi ductione opus est. In omni vero
sacro igni neque lenibus et glutinosis [cibis], neque
salsis et acribus utendum est, sed iis, quae inter
utrunque sunt, qualis est panis sine fermento,
piscis, haedus, aves, exceptoque apro omnis fere
venatio. Si non est febricula, et gestatio utilis est et
ambulatio et vinum austere et balneum. Atque in
hoc quoque genere potio magis liberalis esse quam
cibus debet. Ipsa autem ulcera si mediocriter
serpunt, aqua calida, si vehementius, vino calido
fovenda sunt ; deinde acu pusulae, quaecunque sunt,
aperiendae ; turn imponenda ea, quae putrem carnem
^ The text is corrupt : one MSS. reads ulcerum for vulnerum :
Marx would insert cutem scalpello before laedi and this is
translated; other emendations are infra ulcera locum caedi
(F. d. Linden), and infra ulcera incidere {Targa).
^ See vol. I. pp. 181, 183 note a ; but the meaning here may
be only riding (i.e. being carried about) as opposed to walking.
136
BOOK V. 28. 4-4 D
extremities, particularly the soles of the feet. The
second form, again, consists of a superficial ulcera-
tion, not going deep, but wide, somewhat livid, yet
patchy ; while it heals at the centre, it extends at
the margins. And often the part which apparently
had healed again ulcerates. But the skin around,
which is about to be invaded by the disease, becomes
more swollen and harder and of a dusky red
colour. And it is the aged who are mostly afflicted
by this malady too or those with a bad habit of
body, but chiefly in the legs. Now all cases of
erysipelas, although the least dangerous of the
ulcerations which spread, are the most difficult
to relieve. A chance remedy for it is a one-day
fever which carries off noxious humour. The
thicker and the whiter the pus, the less the
danger. It is also beneficial to make incisions
below the openings of the sores, to let a larger
amount of pus escape, and to extract it because
the body there is corrupt. If, however, slight
fever supervenes, abstinence, rest in bed and a
clyster are needed. In erysipelas of all kinds,
neither mild and glutinous nor salted and acrid
foods should be used, but material of the middle
class, such as unleavened bread, fish, kid, poultry
and all kinds of game, except wild boar's meat.
When there is no feverishness, both rocking^ and
walking are of service, and dry wine and the bath.
And in this class of cases drink should be taken
more freely than food. But if the ulceration
spreads slowly it should be fomented with hot water ;
if rapidly, with hot wine ; then whatever pustules
there are must be opened with a needle; after-
wards applications are to be made which corrode
137
CELSUS
E exedunt. Ubi inflammatio sublata ulcusque pur
gatum est, imponi lene medicamentum debet.
In altero autem genere possunt profieere mala
Cotonea in vino cocta atque contrita, potest emplas-
trum vel Herae vel tetrapharmacum, cui quinta pars
turis adiecta sit, potest nigra hedera ex vino austero
cocta ; ac, si celeriter malum serpit, non aliud magis
proficit. Purgato ulcere, quod in summa cute esse
proposui (B), satis ad sanitateni eadem lenia medica-
menta proficient.
5 Chironeum autem ulcus appellatur, quod et mag-
num est et habet oras duras, callosas, tumentes.
Exit sanies non multa sed tenuis. Odor malus neque
in ulcere neque in eius umore est ; nulla inflammatio,
dolor modicus est ; nihil serpit, ideoque nullum
periculum afFert, sed non facile sanescit. Interdum
tenuis cicatrix inducitur, deinde iterum rumpitur
ulcusque renovatur. Fit maxime in pedibus et
cruribus. Super id imponi debet, quod et lene
aliquid et vehemens et reprimens habeat. Quale
eius rei causa fit ex his : squamae aeris, plumbi
eloti combusti, singulorum P. -Jf IIII ; cadmiae,
oerae, singulorum P. -Jf VIII; rosae quantum satis
est ad ceram simul cum eis molliendam.
6 Fiunt etiam ex frigore ulcera hiberna, maxime in
pueris, et praecipue pedibus digitisque eorum,
nonnunquam etiam in manibus. Rubor cum in-
flammatione mediocri est; interdum pusulae ori-
untur, deinde exulceratio : dolor autem modicus.
• V. 82. 7. * V. 24. 4. ' Vol. I. 494.
" V. 22. 2. • V. 19. 9.
/ A chronic ulcer which was so called in reference to the
story of the centaur Cheiron who received a wound which
would not heal and therefore gave up his immortality.
138
BOOK V. 28. 4D-6
putrid flesh." When the inflammation is relieved
and the ulcer cleaned, soothing ointment should be
applied.* But in the former kind,'' quinces, boiled
in wine and pounded, may prove beneficial, as also
a plaster, either that of Heras'' or the tetraphar-
macum,* with a fifth part of frankincense added, or
black ivy boiled in dry wine ; and if the disease is
spreading rapidly there is nothing better. When
the ulceration has been cleaned, the same soothing
remedies which I prescribed above for the super-
ficial variety are sufficient to induce healing.
Again, the ulcer called chironean/ is large and
has hard, callous, swollen margins. A sanies
exudes, which is not copious, but thin. There
is no bad odour, either in the ulcer or in its
discharge; no inflammation; pain is moderate; it
does not spread, so it brings no danger, but it does
not heal readily. At times a thin scab is produced,
then in turn it is broken down and the ulceration is
renewed. It occurs chiefly on the feet and legs.
On it should be applied something which is at once
soothing, and active and repressant, such as the
following: copper scales, washed lead calcined, 16
grms. each, cadmia and wax, 32 grms. each, along
with enough rose-oil to give the wax together with
the other materials a soft consistence.
Ulcers are also produced in winter by the cold,?
mostly in children, and particularly on their feet and
toes, sometimes also on the hands. There is red-
ness with moderate inflammation; sometimes pus-
tules arise followed by ulceration; the pain is
» Chilblain, ulcus hibernum, Greek -j^iy^erXov. Chilblains
were also called perniones (Pliny, N.H. 23. 3. 37, § 74).
139
GELSUS
Prurigo maior est : nonnunquam umor exit, sed non
multus, qui referre vel pus vel saniem videtur. —
In primis multa calida aqua fovendum est, in qua
rapa decocta, aut si ea non sunt, aliquae verbenae ex
B reprimentibus. Si nondum adapertum ulcus, aes,
quam maxime calidum quis pati potest, admovendum
est. Si iam exulceratio est, imponi debet alumen
aequa portione cum ture contritum vino adiecto,
aut malicorium in aqua coctum deinde contritum.
Si summa detracta pellicula est, hie quoque melius
lenia medicamenta proficiunt.
7 Struma quoque est tumor, in quo subter concreta
quaedam ex pure et sanguine quasi glandulae ori-
untur; quae vel praecipue fatigare medicos solent,
quoniam et febres movent nee unquam facile mature-
scunt; et sive ferro sive medicamentis curantur,
plerumque iterum iuxta cicatrices ipsas resurgunt
multoque post medicamenta saepius ; quibus id
quoque adcedit, quod longo spatio detinent. Nasc-
untur maxime in cervice, sed etiam in alis et in-
guinibus . . .^ lateribus : in mammis quoque femi-
narum se reperisse [chirurgicus] Meges auctor est.
B Propter haec et album veratrum recte datur, atque
etiam saepius, donee ea digerantur, et medicamenta
imponuntur, quae umorem vel educant vel dissipent,
quorum supra {cap. xviii, 1-7 A, 13 seqq.) mentio
facta est. Adurentibus quoque quidam utuntur,
^ Some words have fallen out ; Marx suggests subinde in
which is translated.
« Celsus is here describing swellings of the lymphatic
glands of the neck, axilla and groins often tuoerculoua
(scrofulous) in origin and leading to the formation of a cold
abscess. Cf. II. 1. 19 and V. 18. 5-31. The word struma
140
BOOK V. 28. 6-7 B
moderate. The itching is greater ; at times humour
exudes, but not much ; it seems to resemble either
pus or sanies. In the first place, the ulcers are to be
fomented freely with a hot decoction of turnips, or,
if these are not to be had, some kind of repressant
vervain. If there is not yet an open ulcer, copper
scales as hot as can be borne are to be applied. If
there is already an ulceration, then apply equal
parts of alum and frankincense pounded together
with the addition of wine, or pomegranate-rind boiled
in water and then pounded. If the skin has become
detached, in that case also soothing medicaments do
good.
Struma," again, is a swelling, in which there occur
underneath certain concretions of pus and blood like
little glands ; they are specially embarrassing to
medical men, for they set up fever and yet do not
quickly come to a head; and whether they are
treated by incision or by medicaments, they are
generally prone to recur in the neighbourhood of
their scars, and this happens much more often after
the application of medicaments ; and in addition to all
this, they are of long duration. These swellings arise
particularly in the neck, but also in the armpits and
groins and in the flanks. [The surgeon] Meges
stated that he had met with them also in the breasts
of women.
For these white hellebore is an appropriate remedy,
and this must be taken frequently until they are
dispersed; and also the medicaments which have
been mentioned above are applied in order to draw
out or disperse the humour. Some also use caustics *
formerly used to describe the condition by English writers is
now generally applied especiaLy to goitre. * V. 9.
141
CELSUS
quae exedunt crustaque eum locum astringant ;
tunc vero ut ulcus curant. Quaecunque autem ratio
curandi est, corpus puro ulcere exercendum atque
alendum est, donee ad cicatricem perveniat. Quae
cum medici doceant, quorundam rusticorum ex-
perimento cognitum, quern struma male habet, si
[eum] anguem edit, liberari.
8 Furunculus vero est tuberculum acutum cum
inflammatione et dolore, maximeque ubi iam in
pus vertit. Qui ubi adapertus est, et exit pus,
apparet pars carnis in pus versa, pars corrupta
subalbida, subrubra, quern ventriculum quidam
furunculi nominant. In eo nullum periculum est,
etiam ut nulla curatio adhibeatur : maturescit enim
per se atque erumpit : sed dolor efficit, ut potior
medicina sit, quae maturius liberet. — Proprium eius
medicamentum galbanum est : sed alia quoque quae
supra {cap. xviii) comprehensa sunt. Si cetera
desunt, imponi debet primum non pingue emplastrum,
ut id reprimat ; deinde, si non repressit, quodlibet
puri movendo accommodatum ; si ne id quidem est,
vel resina vel fermentum. Expresso pure nulla
ultra curatio necessaria est.
9 Phyma vero nominatur tuberculum furunculo
simile, sed rotundius et planius, saepe etiam maius.
Nam furunculus ovi dimidii magnitudinem raro
explet, nunquam excedit : phyma etiam latius
patere consuevit, sed inflammatio dolorque sub eo
minores sunt. Ubi divisum est, pus eodem modo
apparet ; ventriculus, ut in furunculo, non invenitur,
• V. 18. 21.
143
BOOK V. 28. 7 B-9
which eat away, and by forming a scab harden the
place; after which they dress it hke an ulceration.
Whatever the mode of treatment, however, after
the ulcer has cleaned, the patient is to have
exercise and nourishment until the scar is formed.
Although these are the doctrines of the physicians ;
it has been found out by the experience of some
country folk, that anyone with a bad struma may be
freed from it by eating a snake.
The boil, again, is a pointed swelling attended by
inflammation and pain, and especially so when it
is being converted into pus. When it has opened and
the pus gone out, it is seen that part of the flesh has
been turned into pus, part into a greyish-reddish core
which some call the sac of the boil. There is no
danger in it, even although no treatment is adopted ;
for it ripens of itself, and bursts ; but the pain
renders treatment preferable in order to afford
earlier relief. The special medicine for this is
galbanum;* but there are others also which have
been mentioned above. If none of these are avail-
able a plaster that is not greasy should first be
applied to disperse it ; next, if this is not effective,
something adapted to promote suppuration ; if even
that is not to be had, either raisin wine or yeast.
When the pus has been squeezed out, no further
treatment is needed.
A phyma is a swelling which resembles a boil,
but is rounder and flatter, often also larger. For
a boil rarely reaches the size of half an egg, and
never exceeds it ; a phyma commonly extends even
over a wider area, but the pain and the inflamma-
tion in it are less. When it has been opened, pus
appears in the same way; no core is found as in a
143
CELSUS
verum omnis corrupta caro in pus vertitur. Id
autem in pueris et saepius nascitur et facilius tollitur :
in iuvenibus rarius oritur et difficilius curatur. Ubi
aetas induravit, ne nascitur quidem. Quibus vero
medicamentis discuteretur, supra (18, 16-20) pro-
positum est.
10 Phygetron autem est tumor non altus, latus, in
quo quiddam pusulae simile est. Dolor distentioque
vehemens est, et maior quam pro magnitudine
tumoris, interdum etiam febricula. Idque tarde
maturescit neque magnopere in pus convertitur.
Fit maxime aut in vertice aut in alis aut inguinibus.
Panum a similitudine figurae nostri vocant. Atque
id ipsum quo medieamento toUeretur, supra (18, 19)
demonstravi.
11 Sed cum omnes hi nihil nisi minuti abscessus sint,
generale nomen trahit latius vitium ad suppurationem
spectans ; idque fere fit aut post febres aut post
dolores partis alicuius maximeque eos, qui ventrem
infestarunt. Saepiusque oculis expositum est, si-
quidem latius aliquid intumescit ad similitudinem
eius, quod phyma vocari proposui (§ 9), rubetque
cum calore et paulo post etiam cum duritia, magis-
que t innocenter f ^ indolescit et sitim vigiUamque
exprimit : interdum tamen nihil horum in cute
deprehendi potest, maximeque ubi altius pus movetur,
sed cum siti vigiliaque sentiuntur intus aliquae
^ This word must he corrupt. One M8. reads inde venter.
Targa stiggests id nocenter, Marx conjectures increscendo for
innocenter and this is translated.
' V. 18. 16, 20, 23. » V. 28. 15.
144
BOOK V. 28. 9-11
boil, in fact all the corrupted flesh is turned into pus.
Now in children this occurs more often and is more
readily relieved ; in young adults it is more rare and
more difficult to treat. Where age has hardened the
body, the disease does not even occur. By what
medicaments it should be dispersed has been stated
above."
Phygetron, again, is a wide swelling, not much
raised up, in which there is a certain resemblance to
a pustule.* The pain and tension is severe, and
more than would be expected from the size of the
swelling; at times there is also feverishness. The
ripening takes place slowly, and not much pus is
formed. It occurs particularly on the top of the
head, or in the armpits or groins. Our people call it
panus, from its spindle-shape. And I have pointed
out above by what medicament this should be
relieved."
But although all these diseases are really only
minute abscesses, that name implies in general
a more extensive lesion, tending to suppuration;
and it occurs usually either after fevers or after
pains in some part, and particularly after those
which have attacked the abdomen. And generally
it is visible, since there is some rather widespread
swelhng, like that which I have previously described
as called phyma, and it grows red and hot and shortly
afterwards hard as well, and becomes more painful
as it increases and occasions both thirst and insomnia :
sometimes, however, there may be none of these
signs to note in the skin, and especially when pus
is forming more deeply; but along with the thirst
and insomnia some stabbing pains are felt internally.
• V. 18. 19.
145
CELSUS
B punctiones. Et quod desubito durius non est,
melius ^ est et quamvis non rubet, coloris tamen
aliter mutati est. Quae signa iam pure oriente
nascuntur : tumor ruborque multo ante incipiunt.
Sed si locus mollis est, avertendus is materiae aditus
est per cataplasmata, quae simul et reprimunt et
refrigerant ; qualia et alias (II. 33, 2 ; V. 18, 21) et
paulo ante in erysipelate (V. 26, 33) proposui :
si iam durior est, ad ea veniendum est, quae digerant
et resolvant; qualis est ficus arida contusa, aut
faex mixta cum cerato, quod ex adipe suilla coactum
sit, aut cucumeris radix, cui ex farina duae partes
C adiectae sint ante ex mulso decoctae. Licet etiam
miscere acquis portionibus Hammoniacum, galbanum,
propolim, viscum, pondusque adicere myrrae di-
midio minus quam in prioribus singulis erit. Atque
emplastra quoque et malagmata idem efficiunt,
quae supra (18, 7-20 ; 19, 9-17) explicui. Quod per
haec discussum non est, necesse est maturescat;
idque quo celerius fiat, imponenda est farina horde-
acia ex aqua cocta . . .^ recte miscetur. Eadem
autem haec in minoribus quoque abscessibus, quorum
nomina proprietatesque supra (§ 1-10) reddidi, recte
fiunt ; eademque omnium curatio, tantum modo
distat.
D Crudum est autem, in quo magis quasi , . .'
venarum motus est, et gravitas et ardor et distentio
et dolor et rubor et durities et, si maior abscessus est,
horror aut etiam febricula permanet ; penitusque
^ Beading melius with one MS. Marx retains mollius.
* Constantius inserts : cui et olerum aliquid.
' Marx inserts ferventium and this is translated.
" II. 33.2; V. 18. 21-26. 33.
* V. 18. 7-20—19. 9-17.
146
BOOK V. 28. ii-D
And <it is more favourable) when it does not
become harder on a sudden, and although it does
not redden, nevertheless changes somewhat in
colour. Such are the signs which arise when pus
is already forming; the swelling and redness begin
long before. But if the place is soft, the gathering
of the diseased matter is to be diverted by poultices
which are at the same time repressant and cooling ;
such as I have mentioned elsewhere, and just above
under erysipelas : " if it has become already hard,
recourse must be had to poultices for dispersing and
resolving ; such as a dried and crushed fig, or wine-
lees mixed vnth cerate, made up with hog's lard, or
cucumber-root to which has been added twice the
quantity of flour, previously boiled in honey wine.
Again, we may mix equal part by weight of am-
moniacum, galbanum, propolis, mistletoe-juice, and
of myrrh half as much by weight as of the other
ingredients. And the plasters and emollients which
I have described above ^ have the same effect. A
swelling which has not been dispersed by such
measures must needs mature ; that it may do so
more quickly, barley-meal should be put on boiled
in water <(with which also some herb) should be
mixed. The same applications are appropriate also
for the smaller abscesses, the names and pecuharities
of which I have referred to above ; treatment is the
same for all, only differing in degree.*^
Now a swelling is immature when the blood-
vessels throb more as if they were bubbling and
there is weight and heat and tension and pain and
redness and hardening and, if the abscess is larger,
shivering or even persistent feverishness ; and a
' V. 28. 1-10.
147
GELSUS
condita suppuratio est, si pro his, quae alibi cutis
ostendit, punctiones sunt. Ubi ista se remiserunt,
iamque is locus prurit et aut sublividus aut sub-
albidus est, matura suppuratio est ; eaque ubi vel per
ipsa medicamenta vel etiam ferro aperta est, pus
E debet emitti. Turn si qua in alis vel inguinibus sunt,
sine linamento nutrienda sunt. In ceteris quoque
partibus, si una plaga exigua est, si mediocris sup-
puratio fuit, si non alte penetravit, si febris non est,
si valet corpus, aeque linamenta supervacua sunt.
In reliquis, parce tamen, nee nisi . . .^ plaga est,
imponi debent. Commode vero vel super linamenta
vel sine his imponitur lentricula ex melle aut mali-
coriura ex vino coctum ; quae et per se et mixta
F idonea sunt. Si qua circa duriora sunt, ad ea
moUienda vel malva contrita vel faeni Graeci linive
semen ex passo coctum superdandum est. Quicquid
deinde impositum est, non astringi sed modice
deligari debet. Illo neminem decipi decet, ut in
hoc genere cerato utatur. Cetera quae pertinent
ad purgandum ulcus, ad implendum, ad cicatricem
inducendam, conveniuntque, in vulneribus (26. 27)
exposita sunt.
12 Nonnunquam autem et ex eiusmodi abscessibus
et ex aliis ulcerum generibus fistulae oriuntur.
Id nomen est ulceri alto, angusto, calloso. Fit in
omni fere parte corporis, habetque quaedam in
singulis locis propria. Prius de communibus dicam.
Genera igitur plura fistularum sunt, siquidem aliae
breves sunt, aliae altius penetrant ; aliae rectae
' Constantius inserts magna.
• V. 26. 27.
148
BOOK V. 28. II D-12
suppuration is completely concealed, if, instead of
the signs presented by the skin in other cases,
there are stabbing pains. When these signs subside,
and the place begins to itch, and is either bluish or
greyish, the suppuration has matured ; and when it
has been opened by means of these medicaments or
even by the knife, the pus must be let out. Then if
there are any abscesses in the armpits or groins,
they must be dressed without inserting lint. In
other parts also, if there is one small opening, if there
has been moderate suppuration, if it has not pene-
trated deeply, if there is no fever, if the patient is
strong, lint is equally superfluous. In other cases
lint should be applied, but sparingly, and only if the
opening is <large>. It is beneficial, whether lint is
used or not, to apply lentil meal with honey, or
pomegranate rind boiled in wine ; these are suit-
able alone or mixed together. If the parts are
hard, they should be softened by applying either
pounded mallow or fenugreek or flax seed boiled
in raisin wine. Whatever dressing is afterwards
applied should not be tight but bandaged on lightly.
No one should be misled into applying a cerate in
this sort of case. All the other directions for
cleaning the ulceration, forming flesh, and inducing
a scar have been described in treating of wounds.*
Sometimes, again, fistulae arise, both from abscesses
of this kind and from other sorts of ulceration. That
is the name for a deep, narrow, hardened ulcer. A
fistula occurs in almost any part of the body, but in
each place it has some peculiarities. I shall speak
first of its general characteristics. There are
many kinds of fistulae, then, and whilst some are
short, others penetrate deeper; some run straight
149
CELSUS
intus feruntur, aliae multoque plures transversae;
aliae simplices sunt, aliae duplices triplitesve ab uno
ore intus orsae quae fiunt ; aut etiam in plures sinus
dividuntur ; aliae rectae, aliae flexae et tortuosae
B sunt, Aliae intra camem desinunt, aliae ad ossa
aut cartilaginem penetrant aut, ubi neutrum horum
subest, ad interiora perveniunt ; aliae deinde facile,
aliae cum diflficultate curantur; atque etiam quae-
dam insanabiles reperiuntur. — Expedita curatio in
fistula simplici recenti intra camem, adiuvatque ipsum
corpus, si iuvenile, si firmum est : inimica contraria
his sunt; itemque si fistula os vel cartilaginem vel
nervum vel musculos laesit ; si articulum occupavit ;
si vel ad vessicam vel ad pulmonem vel ad vulvam vel
ad grandes venas arteriasve vel ad inania, ut guttur,
C stomachum, thoracem, penetravit. Ad intestina
quoque earn tendere semper periculosum, saepe
pestiferum est. Quibus multum mali accedit, si
corpus vel aegrvun vel senile vel mali habitus est.
Ante omnia autem demitti specillum in fistulam
convenit, ut quo tendat at quam alte perveniat,
scire possimus, simul etiam protinus umida an siccior
sit ; quod extracto specillo patet. Si vero os in
vicino est, id quoque disci potest, iam necne eo
fistula pervenerit ; . . .^ penetravit, quatenus nocu-
D erit. Nam si molle est, quod ultimo specillo
contingitur, intra camem adhuc vitium est : si
magis id /enititur, ad os ventum est. Ibi deinde si
labitur specillum, nondum caries est : si non labitur,
sad aequali innititur, caries quidem, verum adhuc
^ Marx inserts et si eo.
BOOK V. 28. 12-D
inwards, others, and by far the most numerous,
crosswise; some are simple, others beginning by one
opening form two or three branches inside or even
divide into several passages ; some go straight, others
are curved and tortuous. Some end in the flesh,
others penetrate to bone or to cartilage, or, when
neither of these is underneath, reach to the inner
parts ; some, therefore, are treated easily, others
with difficulty ; and some are even found to be in-
curable. The treatment is speedy when the fistula
is simple, recent and only involving the flesh, and
the body itself helps, when it is youthful and sound :
contrary conditions are inimical ; also if the fistula has
damaged bone or cartilage or sinew or muscles ; if
it has involved a joint ; or if it has penetrated either
to the bladder or lung or womb or to large veins or
arteries or to hollow regions, such as the throat,
gullet or thorax. When too the fistula goes towards
the intestines it is always dangerous, often deadly.
When the body is either sick or aged or in bad
condition, the case is much worse. First of all,
however, it is proper to pass a probe into the fistula,
that we may learn both its direction and depth, and
at the same time whether it is moist or rather dry.
This is known when the probe is withdrawn. But if
there is bone in the neighbourhood, we can also
learn whether the fistula has reached and penetrated
the bone or not, and how far the damage has gone.
For if what is touched by the end of the probe is
soft, the disease is still limited to the flesh ; if it
meets with more resistance, the fistula has reached
bone. But when the probe shdes smoothly, there
is not yet decay; if it does not so slide, but meets
with an even surface, there is some decay although
151
CELSUS
levis est : si inaequale quoque et asperum subest,
E vehementius os exessum est. At cartilage ubi
subsit, ipsa sedes docet perventumque esse ad earn
ex renisu patet. Et ex his quidem colliguntur
fistularum sedes, spatia, noxae : simplices vero eae
sint, an in plures partes diducantur, cognosci potest
ex modo puris ; cuius si plus fertur quam quod
simplici spatio convenit, plures sinus esse manifestum
est ; cumque fere iuxta sint caro et nervos et aliqua
nervosa, quales fere tunicae membranaeque sunt,
genus quoque puris docebit, num plures sinus intus
F diversa corporis genera perroserint. Siquidem in
carne pus leve, album, copiosius fertur ; at ex nervoso
loco coloris quidem eiusdem, sed tenuius et minus ;
ex nervo pingue et oleo non dissimile. Denique
etiam corporis inclinatio docet, num in plures partes
fistulae penetrarint, quia saepe cum quis aliter
decubuit aliterve membrum conlocavit, pus ferri quod
iam desierat iterum incipit ; testaturque non solum
alium sinum esse ex quo descendat, sed etiam in
G aliam corporis partem eum tendere. Sed si et in
carne et recens et simplex est, ac neque rugosa
neque cava sede neque in articulo, sed in eo membro,
quod per se inmobile non nisi cum toto corpore
movetur, satis proficiet emplastrum, quod recentibus
vulneribus inponitur, dum habeat vel sale vel alumen
vel squamam aeris vel aeruginem vel ex metallicis
152
BOOK V. 28. 12 i>-o
still slight; if what underlies is uneven also and
rough, the bone has become more serionsly eaten
away. But the position of the fistula shows where
there is underlying cartilage, and resistance to the
probe shows when this has been reached. And from
these signs we may gather the situation, extent and
harmfulness of fistulae ; whether too they are simple,
or have several branches, can be estimated from the
amount of pus ; for if there is more than one opening
will account for, it is clear that there are several
branches ; and since generally flesh and sinew and
sinewy tissue such as sheaths and membranes are
near the fistula, the character of the pus also will
show whether the several branches have eaten into
other parts of the body. For pus derived from flesh
is smooth, white and fairly plentiful ; from sinewy
structures it is of the same colour but thinner and
less in quantity ; from sinews it is fatty and not
unlike oil. Further also, the bending of the body
indicates whether the fistulae have penetrated in
several directions, because often when a patient has
changed his recumbent posture, or held a limb in a
different position, pus which had previously ceased,
begins to discharge again; and it then becomes
evident, not only that there is another branch from
which pus is being discharged, but also that it is
tending into another part of the body. But if the
fistula is in the flesh, and is recent and simple, and
is not tortuous or in a cavity or joint, but in a part
which remains still unless moved with the body
generally, a suflSciently eifective application is a
plaster such as is applied to recent wounds, so long
as it is composed of either salt or of alum or of
copper scales or of verdigris or some other metallic
153
CELSUS
aliquid; exque eo collyrium fieri debet altera parte
tenuius, altera parte paulo plenius ; idque ea parte,
qua tenuius est, antecedente demitti oportet in
n fistulam, donee purus sanguis se ostendat. Quae in
omnibus collyris fistularum perpetua sint. Idem
deinde emplastrum in linteolo superinponendum,
supraque inicienda spongia est in acetum ante
demissa; solvique quinto die satis est. Genusque
victus adhibendum est, quo carnem ali docui (V. 14.
26, 30). Ac si longius a praecordis fistula est, ex
intervallo ieiunum radiculas esse, deinde vomere
necessarium est. Vetustate callosa fit fistula.
Callus autem neminem fallit, quia durus est et aut
I albus aut pallidus. Sed tum validioribus medi-
camentis opus est ; quale est, quod habet : papaveris
lacrimae P. •}(• I ; cummis P. ^ III = ; cadmiae P. ^
nil ; atramenti sutori P. ^ VIII ; ex quibus aqua
coactis collyrium fit. Aut in quo sunt : gallae
P. -Jf = — ; aeruginis, sandaracae, aluminis Aegypti,
singulorum P. >- I ; atramenti sutori conbusti
P. 3- II. Aut quod constat ex chalcitide et saxo
calcis, quibus auripigmenti dimidio minus quam
in singulis prioribus est adicitur ; eaque melle cocto
K excipiuntur. Expeditissimum autem est ex prae-
cepto Megetis aeruginis rasae P. -Jf II conterere,
deinde Hammoniaci thymiamatis P. ^ I aceto
liquare, eoque infuso aeruginem cogere; idque ex
primis medicamentis est. Sed ut haec maximi
" A tent or collyrium (Low Latin tenta, Greek KoXKvpiov)
was material made up with a glutinous paste which was rolled
and formed into sticks shaped like vermicelli {collyra). These
were used to dilate a fistula, or the uterus (tcDv fir)Tpa>i>
KoXXovpia. Hippocrates, Diseases of Women, I. 51); or else
pieces were broken off the stick and dissolved for use {e.g.
154
BOOK V. 28. 12 G-K
substances; and from this a tent" should be made,
thinner at one end, a little thicker at the other.
This should be passed into the fistula with the pointed
end forwards, and be kept until pure blood shows
itself. Such are the general rules for the use of all
tents for fistulae. Next, the same plaster spread on
lint is put over the place, and over that is applied
a sponge dipped in vinegar ; it is sufficient to change
the dressing on the fifth day. The class of food to
be used is that which I have prescribed for making
flesh,'' And if the fistula is at some distance from the
praecordia, the patient should eat radishes at intervals
on an empty stomach, and then vomit. A fistula of
long standing becomes callous. Now no one can
mistake callus, for it is hard and either white or
pallid. But there is then need for stronger medi-
cines : such as that which has of poppy tears
4 grms., gum 12'66 grms., cadmia 16 grms., blacking
32 grms., worked up with water to form a tent. Or
else there is the composition containing galls 1 grm.,
verdigris, sandarach, Egyptian alum, 1-16 grm. each,
roasted blacking 2-32 grms. Or that which is com-
posed of copper ore and limestone, with half as
much orpiment as of each of the other two ; and
these are taken up in boiled honey. But the quickest
remedy is that prescribed by Meges ; rub up verdi-
gris scrapings 8 grms., then dissolve ammoniacum
for incense 1'16 grm. in vinegar, and work the
verdigris into this infusion ; and this is one of the
best remedies. But whilst the above remedies are
as eye salves, VI. 6). As lately as thirty or forty years
ago such sticks were still prepared and pieces broken off and
used in this way.
* V. 14. 26, 30.
155
CELSUS
effectus sunt, sic, cui ista non adsunt, facile tamen
est callum quibuslibet adurentibus medicamentis
erodere : satisque est vel papyrum intortum vel
aliquid ex penicillo in modum collyri adstrictum
eo inlini. Scilla quoque cocta et mixta cum calce
L callum exest. Si quando vero longior sed transversa
fistula est, demisso specillo contra principium huius
incidi commodissimum est, et collyrium utrinque
demitti. At si duplicem esse fistulam aut multi-
plicem existimamus, sic tamen ut brevis intraque
carnem sit, collyrio uti non debemus, quod unam
partem curet, reliquas omittat ; sed eadem medi-
camenta arida in calamum scriptorium coicienda
sunt, isque ori fistulae aptandus, inspirandumque, ut
M ea medicamenta intus conpellantur : aut eadem ex
vino liquanda, vel, si sordidior fistula est, ex mulso,
si callosior, ex aceto sunt idque intus infundendum.
Quicquid inditum est, superponenda sunt, quae
refrigerent et reprimant : nam fere quae circa
fistulam sunt, habent aliquid inflammationis. Neque
alienum est, ubi qui solverit, antequam rursus alia
medicamenta coiciat, per oricularium clysterem fis-
tulam eluere; si plus puris fertur, vino; si callus
durior est, aceto ; si iam purgatur, mulso vel aqua,
in qua ervum coctum sit, sic ut huic quoque mellis
N paulum adiciatur. Fere vero fit, ut ea tunica,
quae inter foramen et integram carnem est, victa
medicamentis tota exeat, infraque ulcus purum sit;
quod ubi contigit, imponenda glutinantia sunt,
praecipueque spongia melle cocto inlita. Neque
156
BOOK V. 28. 12 K-N
the most efficacious, when they are not at hand it is
easy to eat away the callus with any of the caustic
medicaments; it is enough to smear one of them
on rolled papyrus, or upon a pledget of wool
twisted into the shape of a tent. Squills boiled
and mixed with quicklime also eat away callus. If,
however, the fistula is longer but runs crosswise, it is
best to insert a probe and to cut down upon its end ;
then a tent is passed into each opening. But if
we deem the fistula to be double or multiple, yet only
short and confined to flesh, we should not make use of
a tent, because it treats one part and omits the rest ;
but the same medicaments, dry, are put into a
writing-quill, and that having been placed against
the orifice of the fistula is to be blown through, in
order that these medicaments may be forced in ;
or the same materials dissolved in wine, or, if the
fistula is more foul, in honey wine, or, if more callous,
in vinegar, are to be poured in. Whatever is intro-
duced, refrigerants and repressants niust be put on
over the wound ; for generally the parts surrounding
the fistula are somewhat inflamed. It is not inappro-
priate, when changing the dressings and again
before inserting fresh medicaments, to wash out the
fistula, using an ear syringe ; with wine if there is
much pus ; with vinegar if there is hard callus ;
if it is already clean, with honey wine or a decoction
of vetch, to which also a little honey should be
added. Thus it generally happens that that cover-
ing which is between the opening and the sound
flesh is destroyed by the medicaments and comes
quite away, and underneath is a clean ulceration;
when this has occurred, agglutinants are appUed,
especially a sponge steeped in boiled honey. I am
157
VOL. n. H
CELSUS
ignoro multis placuisse linamentum in modum collyri
compositum tinctum melle demitti ; sed celerius id
glutinat quam impletur. Neque verendum est,
ne pmum corpus puro corpori iunctum non coeat :
adiectis quoque medicamentis ad id efficacibus
. . . ^ cum saepe exulceratio digitorum, nisi magna
cura prospeximus, sanescendo in unum eos iungat.
13 Est etiam ulceris genus, quod a favi similitudine
KYjpLov a Graecis nominatur, idque duas species habet.
Alterum est subalbidum, furunculo simile, sed maius
et cum dolore maiore. Quod ubi maturescit, habet
foramina, per quae fertur umor glutinosus et pu-
rulentus ; neque tamen ad iustam maturitatem
pervenit. Si divisum est, multo plus intus corrupti
quam in furunculo apparet altiusque descendit.
B Raro fit nisi in scapulis. Alterum . . .^ est minus
super corpus eminens, durum, latum, subviride,
subpallidum, magis exulceratum : siquidem ad singul-
orum pilorum radices foramina sunt, per quae
fertur umor glutinosus, subpallidus, crassitudinem
mellis aut visci referens, interdum olei. Si inciditur,
viridis intus caro apparet. Dolor autem et inflam-
matio ingens est, adeo ut acutam quoque febrem
movere consuerint. — Super id, quod minus crebris
foraminibus exasperatum est, recte inponitur et
ficus arida et lini semen in mulso coctum et emplastra
ac malagmata materiam educentia, aut quae pro-
G prie hue pertinentia supra (cap. xii) posui. Super
alterum et eadem medicamenta, et farina ex mulso
cocta, sic ut ei dimidium resinae terebenthinae
* Some words have fallen out; Marx supplies saepe non
opus esse videmus after eflicacibus and this is translated.
* Marx adds : alterum <fit in capite tantum>- .
" A follicular abscess among hair. * V. 12.
BOOK V. 28. 12 N-13 c
not unaware that many favour the insertion of lint
formed into a tent and dipped in honey ; but this
agglutinates more quickly than flesh is formed.
There need be no fear that clean flesh in contact
with clean flesh will fail to unite : we see that there
is often no need to add medicaments as well to effect
this, since often when there is ulceration of the fingers,
unless we have taken careful precautions, they
become joined together whilst healing.
There is besides a class of ulceration which the
Greeks call K-qpiov'^ from its resemblance to honey-
comb, and of this there are two kinds. One is greyish,
like a boil, but larger and more painful. As it is
maturing, holes appear through which is discharged
a glutinous and purulent humour; yet it does not
properly mature. If it is cut into, there appears
much more corruption than in a boil, and it penetrates
deeper. It is rare except in the scapular region. The
other kind is found only in the head; it projects less
above the surface, is hard, broad, greenish or greyish-
green in colour, more ulcerated ; there are holes at
the root of each hair, through which is discharged
a glutinous greenish-white humour, in consistency
like honey or mistletoe-juice, or at times like olive-
oil. If it is cut into, the flesh within appears green.
The pain also and inflammation are so severe that
they generally cause acute fever. On a case which
is only irritated by a few openings, suitable applica-
tions are a dry fig and linseed boiled in honey wine
or plasters or emollients which draw out diseased
matter, or the medicaments noted above for such
purposes.* For the other form of this, the same
medicaments are good, also flour boiled in honey
wine mixed with half its quantity of turpentine-resin ;
159
CELSUS
misceatur; et ficus in mulso decocta, cui paulum
hysopi contriti sit adiectum ; et uvae taminiae pars
quarta fico adiecta. Quod si parum in utrolibet
genere medicamenta proficiunt, totum ulcus usque ad
sanam carnem excidi oportebit. Ulcere ablato super
plagam medicamenta danda sunt, primum quae pus
citent, deinde quae purgent, turn quae impleant.
14 Sunt vero quaedam verrucis similia, quorum
diversa nomina ut vitia sunt. Acrochordona vocant,
ubi sub cute coit aliquid durius, et interdum paulo
asperius, coloris eiusdem, infra tenue, ad cutem
latius ; idque modicum est, quia raro fabae magni-
tudinem excedit. Vix unum tantum eodem tempore
nascitur, sed fere plura, maximeque in pueris ;
eaque nonnumquam subito desinunt, nonnumquam
mediocrem inflammationem excitant ; sub qua etiam
B in pus convertuntur. At thymion nominatur, quod
super corpus quasi verrucula eminet, ad cutem tenue,
supra latius, subdurum et in summo perasperum.
Idque summum colorem floris thymi repraesentat,
unde ei nomen est, ibique facile finditur et cruentatur ;
nonnumquam aliquantum sanguinis fundit, fereque
circa magnitudinem fabae Aegyptiae est, raro maius,
interdum perexiguum. Modo unum autem, modo
plura nascuntur, vel in palmis vel inferioribus pedum
partibus. Pessima tamen in obscenis sunt maxi-
C meque ibi sanguinem fundunt. Myrmecia autem
vocantur humiliora thymio durioraque, quae radices
altius exigunt maioremque dolorem movent : infra
lata, super autem tenuia, minus sanguinis mittunt ;
• Vol. I. 94, note. * V. 28. 2 C, note.
* (ivpix-riKiov, an anthill (of. Paulus Aegineta, IV. 15), was the
name given to this sort of wart because the irritation from it
resembled that caused by ants (formicatio).
l6o
BOOK V. 28. 13 C-14 c
also a fig boiled in honey wine, to which a little
pounded hyssop may be added; also black bryony
berries, added to a fig, one part to three. If in either
case medicaments are of little service, the whole
ulceration ought to be cut away down to the sound
flesh. When the ulceration is removed, medicaments
are put on the wound, first to promote suppuration,
next to clean it, and then to make flesh.
There are also certain wart-like ulcerations,
different in name and in their ill-effects. They call
one acrochordon," when some material which is rather
hard and at times somewhat rough, collects under
the skin: its colour is that of the skin; it is thin
underneath, broadening nearer the skin ; of moderate
size, as it is seldom larger than a bean. It is rare
to find one alone, but generally there are several,
and they are mostly found in children ; and sometimes
they go suddenly, sometimes they cause slight in-
flammation, and under this they even turn into pus.
But that which is named thymion * projects above
the surface like a little wart, narrow near the skin,
wider above, hardish and at the top very rough. The
top in colour is like flowers of thyme, whence its name,
and there it is readily split and made to bleed ; at
times the bleeding is considerable ; it is generally
about the size of an Egyptian bean, rarely larger,
sometimes quite small. Sometimes one is alone,
generally several grow together, either on the palms
or soles of the feet. The worst, however, are situated
upon the genitals, and there they bleed the most.
But those called myrmecia '^ are less prominent
and harder than the thymion, their roots are more
deeply fixed and they are more painful: they are
broad underneath but thin above, they bleed less,
161
CELSUS
magnitudine vix umquam lupini modum excedunt.
Nascuntur ea quoque aut in palmis, aut inferioribus
pedum partibus. Clavus aut em nonnumquam qui-
dem alibi, sed in pedibus tamen maxime nascitur,
praecipue ex contuso, quamvis interdum aliter;
dolorem, etiamsi non alias, tamen ingredienti movet.
D Ex his acrochordon et thymium saepe etiam per se
finiuntur, et quo minora sunt, eo magis. Myrmeeia
et clavi sine curatione vix umquam desinunt. Acro-
chordon, si excissa est, nullam radiculam relinquit,
ideoque ne renascitur quidem. Thymio clavoque
excissis, subter rotunda radicula nascitur, quae peni-
tus descendit ad carnem, eaque relicta idem rursus
exigit. Myrmeeia latissimis radicibus inhaerent,
ideoque ne excidi quidem sine exulceratione magna
possunt. Clavum subinde radere commodissimum
est : nam sine ulla vi sic mollescit ; ac si sanguinis
E quoque aliquid emissum est, saepe emoritur. Tol-
litur etiam, si quis eum circumpurgat, deinde
inponit resinam, cui miscuit pulveris paulum,
quem ex lapide molari contrito fecit. Cetera vero
genera medicamentis adurenda sunt ; aliisque id,
quod ex faece vini ; myrmecis id, quod ex alumine et
sandaraca est, aptissimum. Sed ea, quae circa sunt,
foliis contegi debent, ne ipsa quoque exulcerentur ;
deinde postea lenticula imponi. ToUit thymium
etiam ficus in aqua cocta.
16 At pusulae maxime vernis temporibus oriuntur.
Earum plura genera sunt. Nam modo circa totum
corpus partemve aspritudo quaedam fit, similis iis
pusulis, quae ex urtica vel sudore nascuntur : ex-
anthemata Graeci vocant ; eaque modo rubent,
" A com, callosity. * V. 28, 2 C.
' i^dvdrjua = efflorescence, blossom ; cf . vol. I. p. 150 ;
Hipp. IV. 182 {Aph. VI. 9).
162
BOOK V. 28. 14C-15
and they scarcely ever exceed the size of a lupin.
These also grow either on the palms or soles of the
feet. The clavus," again, though occasionally found
elsewhere, occurs mostly on the feet, and especially
after contusions, although sometimes from other
causes ; it causes pain when walking, though not at
other times.
Of these the acrochordon and thymion often end of
themselves, and the more so the smaller they are.
The myrmecia and corns scarcely ever subside without
treatment. The acrochordon, if cut off, leaves no trace
of a root behind, and so does not sprout again. When
the thymion and clavus have been cut off, a small
rounded root is formed underneath, which penetrates
right down into the flesh, and if this is left behind it
sprouts up again. The myrmecia are held by very
broad roots, and so cannot be excised without causing
a large wound. A corn is best scraped down from
time to time ; for thus, without any violence, it
softens, and if also a little blood is let out, it often
dies away. It is also removed if we clean the part
round it and then put on resin mixed with a little
powdered millstone. All the other varieties are to
be burnt away by medicaments : for some the ash of
wine-lees is best ; for myrmecia the application made
of alum and sandarach. But the skin all round should
be covered with leaves that it also may not become
ulcerated; afterwards lentil meal is put on. Even
a fig in boiled water removes a thymium.^
Pustules arise chiefly in the spring; there are
many kinds. For at times a sort of roughness comes
all over the body, or a part of it, resembling the
pustules which are set up by nettles or by sweating ;
exanthemata*^ the Greeks call them. At times
163
CELSUS
B modo colorem cutis non excedunt, Nonnumquam
plures similes varis oriuntur, nonnumquam maiores
pusulae lividae aut pallidae aut nigrae, aut aliter
naturali colore mutate; subestque his umor. Ubi
eae ruptae sunt, infra quasi exulcerata caro apparet :
phlyctaenae Graece nominantur. Fiunt vel ex
frigore vel ex igne vel ex medicamentis. Phly-
zacion autem paulo durior pusula est, subalbida,
acuta, ex qua ipsa quod exprimitur umidum est.
At ex pusulis vero nonnumquam etiam ulcuscula fiunt
aut aridiora aut umidiora; et modo tantum cum
prurigine, modo etiam cum inflammatione aut
dolore; exitque aut pus aut sanies aut utrum-
que ; maximeque id evenit in aetate puerili, raro in
medio corpore, saepe in eminentibus partibus.
C Pessima pusula est, quae epinyctis vocatur : ea
colore vel sublivida vel nigra vel alba esse consuevit.
Circa banc autem vehemens inflammatio est ; et
cum adaperta est, reperitur intus exulceratio muc-
cosa, colore umori suo similis. Dolor ex ea supra
magnitudinem eius est : neque enim ea faba maior
est. Atque haec quoque oritur in eminentibus
partibus et fere noctu ; unde nomen quoque a Graecis
D ei inpositum est. — In omnium vero pusularum cura-
tione primum est multum ambulare atque exerceri ;
si quid ista prohibet, gestari. Secundum est cibum
minuere, abstinere ab omnibus acribus et extenuan-
tibus : eademque nutrices facere oportet, si lactens
puer ita adfectus est. Praeter haec is, qui iam
robustus est, si pusulae minutae sunt, desudare in
balneo debet, simulque super eas nitrum inspergere
" <f>XvKTaivai — bubbles or blisters.
* irnvvKTis, night pustule, e.g. from a bugbite.
164
BOOK V. 28. 15-D
they are red, at times no redder than the colour of
the skin; sometimes a number occur resembling
pimples, sometimes the pustules are larger, livid or
pallid or black or otherwise changed from the natural
colour ; and there is humour underneath them. When
these have burst the flesh below looks as if it were
ulcerated; in Greek these are called phlyctaenae.*
They are produced either by cold or by heat or by
medicaments. A phlyzacion is a somewhat harder
pustule, whitish and pointed, from which moisture is
squeezed out. But after pustules at times small
ulcerations arise, either dry or moist, sometimes
attended only by itching, sometimes also by inflam-
mation and pain ; the discharge is either pus or
sanies or both ; this generally occurs in children,
seldom on the trunk, often on the extremities.
The worst kind of pustule is that called epi-
nyctis ; * its colour is usually livid or black or white.
And there is severe inflammation round it ; and when
laid open a mucous ulceration is found within, of a
colour like its own humour. It gives greater pain
than its size would suggest ; for it is no larger than
a bean. And this too grows on the extremities, and
generally by night, whence also the name applied
to it by the Greeks. Now in all kinds of pustules,
the treatment first is much walking and exercise ;
and if anything prevents these, then rockings.
Next food must be diminished, all things acrid and
thinning avoided; and the same treatment should
be applied to nursing women, if the sucking baby is
so affected. Moreover, the patient who is robust,
if the pustules are small, ought to go to the bath
and sweat, and at the same time to dust the pustules
with soda and to mix wine with oil and anoint
165
CELSUS
oleoque vinum miscere et sic ungui ; turn descendere
in solium. Si nihil sic proficitur, aut si maius
pusularum genus occupavit, imponenda lenticula est,
detractaque summa pellicula ad medicamenta lenia
E transeundum est. Epinyctis post lenticulam recte
herba quoque sanguinali vel viridi coriandro curatur.
Ulcera ex pusulis facta tollit spuma argenti cum
semine feni Graeci mixta, sic ut his invicem rosa
atque intubi sucus adiciatur, donee mellis crassitude
ei fiat. Proprie ad eas pusulas, quae infantes male
habent, lapidis, quem pyriten vocant, P. ^ VIlI cum
quinquaginta amaris nucibus miscetur, adiciunturque
olei cyathi tres. Sed prius ungui ex cerussa pusulae
debent, tum hoc inlini.
16 Scabies vero durior : cutis rubicunda, ex qua
pusulae oriuntur, quaedam umidiores, quaedam
sicciores. Exit ex quibusdam sanies, fitque ex his
continuata exulceratio pruriens ; serpitque in quibus-
dam cito. Atque in aliis quidem ex toto desinit,
in aliis vero certo tempore anni revertitur. Quo
asperior est quoque prurit magis, eo difficilius
tollitur; itaque eam, quae talis est, agrian [id est
B feram] Graeci appellant. — In hoc quoque victus ratio
eadem quae supra (15 D) necessaria est : medi-
camentum autem ad incipientem hanc idoneum est,
quod fit ex spodi, croci, aeruginis, singulorum P. 9- I ;
piperis albi, omphaci, singulorum P. -Jf I ; cadmiae
P. 3- VIII. At ubi iam exulceratio est, id, quod fit
" Scabies, originally a roughening or hardening of the skiiL
See note c.
* The name ^tipa aypia (ipwpa — scab),orAeVpa, was applied
to many skin diseases, including leprosy (Lev. XXI. 20, septua-
l66
BOOK V. 28. 15 i>-i6b
himself, after which he goes down into the hot
bath. If this does no good, or if the pustules are
of the larger kind, lentil meal should be applied,
and after the upper skin has been detached, we
must pass on to soothing medicaments. The
epinyctis, after lentil meal application, is appropri-
ately treated by means of polygonum or green
coriander. Ulcerations caused by the pustules are
relieved by litharge mixed with fenugreek seeds,
rose-oil and endive juice being added in turn until
the mixture becomes of the consistency of honey.
For the pustules which affect infants apply : pyrite
stone 9*3 grms., mixed with fifty bitter almonds, and
125 c.cm. of oil added. But first the pustules should
be anointed with white-lead, then smeared with the
above.
But scabies" is harder: the skin is ruddy, from
which the pustules grow up, some moist, some dry.
From some of these sanies escapes ; and from
them comes a persistent itching ulceration, which in
some cases rapidly spreads. And whilst in some per-
sons it vanishes completely, in others it returns at a
definite time of the year. The rougher the skin,
and the more the itching, the more difficult is its
relief. Hence the Greeks call such scabies, agria*
[that is, savage]. In this case also the same regimen
as that given above is necessary ; '^ at the beginning
a suitable application is that composed of sublimed
zinc oxide, saffron, verdigris 1'16 grms. each; white
pepper and omphacium 4 grms. ; zinc oxide ore 9*3
grms. But when ulceration already exists that com-
gint). The term scabies is now restricted to the pustules set
up by the itch insect (sarcoptes scabiei).
" V. 28. 15D.
167
GELSUS
ex sulpuris P. 9- I ; cerae P. 9- IIII ; picis liquidae
hemina ; olei sextaris duobus ; quae simul incoc-
C untur, dum crassitude mellis sit. Est etiam quod ad
Protarchum auctorem refertur. Habet farinae lupi-
norum S.L ; nitri cyathos IIIIS. ; picis liquidae hemi-
nam; resinae umidae selibram; aceti cyathos tres.
Crocum quoque, Lycium, aerugo, murra, cinis
acquis portionibus recte miscentur, et ex passo
cocuntur ; idque omnem pituitam ubique sustinet.
Ac si nihil aliud est, amurca ad tertiam partem
decocta vel sulpur pici liquidae mixtum, sicut in
pecoribus proposui, hominibus quoque scabie labor-
antibus opitulantur.
17 Inpetiginis vero species sunt quattuor. Minime
mala est, quae similitudinem scabie repraesentat :
nam et rubet et durior est et exulcerata est et
roditur. Distat autem ab ea, quod magis exulcerata
est et varis similis pusulas habet ; videnturque esse in
ea quasi bullulae quaedam, ex quibus interposito tem-
pore squamulae resolvuntur ; certioribusque hoc tem-
B poribus revertitur. Alterum genus peius est, simile
papulae fere, sed asperius rubicundi usque ; figuras
varias habet ; squamulae ex summa cute discedunt ;
rosio maior est ; celerius et latius procedit certioribus-
que etiamnum quam prior temporibus et fit et desinit :
rubrica cognominatur. Tertia etiannum deterior est :
nam et crassior est et durior et magis tumet ; in
summa cute finditur et vehementius roditur. Ipsa
" V. 18. 8.
* Ceisi Agriculturae Fragmenfa Marx, p. 11 (Frag. XXXIV.).
« Impetigo. The present meaning of impetigo is ill defined :
the word is probably derived from the sudden onset (impetus) of
some forms of skin disease. Celsus here appears to be describ-
ing a form of eczema or lichen : on skin diseases see also V.
26. 20 B, C, D.
t68
BOOK V. 28. 16 B-17 B
posed of sulphur I-IG grm,, wax 4-65 grms., liquid
pitch 250 c.cm., oil one litre ; these are heated
together until they are of the consistency of honey.
There is also the composition ascribed to Pro-
tarchus." It consists of half a litre of lupin meal,
190 c.cm. of soda, 250 c.cm. of liquid pitch, liquid
resin 168 grms., and 125 c.cm. of vinegar. Also
a suitable mixture is saffron, lycium, verdigris,
myrrh, and charcoal in equal proportions boiled in
raisin wine ; this checks everywhere all discharge
of phlegm. And when there is nothing else at
hand, lees of olive-oil boiled down to one-third, or
sulphur mixed with liquid pitch, as I have suggested
for cattle '' is also of service for men suffering from
scabies.
Impetigo,'^ again, has four species. The least bad
is that which presents a resemblance to scabies ; for
there is redness and some hardness and ulceration
and erosion. But it is distinguished from scabies
because there is more ulceration and there are
pustules like pimples, and in it is seen an appearance
as of small bubbles from which after a time little
scales are detached ; and this recurs at fixed seasons.
The second kind is worse, almost like a pimple, but
rougher and redder; it has various shapes ; small scales
are detached from the skin surface ; there is more
erosion ; it spreads more rapidly and widely, and both
comes and goes at fixed seasons even more markedly
than the previous sort ; it is called ruhrica.^ The
third kind is worse still : for it is thicker, harder
and there is more swelling ; there are cracks in the
skin and more active erosion. This form also is scaly,
** The colour of red earth or ochre {rubrica), was like that
of the diseased area.
169
GELSUS
quoque squamosa sed nigra ; proceditque et late nee
tarde; et minus errat in temporibus, quibus aut
oritur aut desinit neque ex toto tollitur : nigrae
C cognomen est. Quartum genus est, quod curationem
omnino non recipit, distans colore : nam subalbidum
est et recenti cicatrici simile ; squamulasque habet
pallidas, quasdam subalbidas, quasdam lenticulae
similes, quibus demptis nonnumquam profluit sanguis.
Alioqui vero umor eius albidus est, cutis dura atque
fissa est ; proceditque latius. Haec vero omnia
genera maxime oriuntur in pedibus et manibus ;
atque ungues quoque infestant. Medicamentum
non aliud valentius est quam quod ad scabiem quoque
pertinere sub auctore Protarcho retuli (28, 16 C).
Serapion autem nitri P. 9- II, sulpuris P. 9- IIII
excipiebat resina copiosa, eaque utebatur.
18 Papularum vero duo genera sunt. Alterum est in
quo per minimas pusulas cutis exasperatur et rubet
leviterque roditur : medium habet pauxillo levius,
tarde serpit. Idque vitium maxime rotundum
incipit, eademque ratione in orbem procedit. Altera
autem est, quam agrian [id est feram] Graeci ap-
pellant ; in qua similiter quidem sed magis cutis
exasperatur exulceraturque, ac vehementius et
roditur et rubet et interdum etiam pilos remittit.
B Minus rotunda est, difficilius sanescit: nisi sublata
est, in inpetiginem vertitur. Sed levis papula etiam,
si ieiuna saliva cotidie defricatur, sanescit: maior
commodissime murali herba tollitur, si sub ea de-
trita est. Ut vero ad composita medicamenta
veniamus, idem illud Protarchi (28, 17 C) tanto
valentius in his est, quanto minus in his viti est.
" The description here given by Celsus is approximately
that of lichen circumscriptus and lichen anulatus.
170
BOOK V. 28. 17 B-18 B
but the scales are black. It spreads widely and not
slowly. It varies less in the times at which it in-
creases or subsides, and is never quite got rid of: its
name is black impetigo. The fourth kind, which is
quite incurable, differs in colour, for it is whitish
and like a recent scar, and has small pallid or
whitish scales ; some are like lentils, and when these
are removed there is sometimes bleeding. Otherwise
its humour is white, the skin hard and chapped; it
spreads widely. Now all these kinds occur generally
on the hands and feet; they also attack the nails.
There is no more efficacious remedy than that which
I have mentioned above as prescribed by Protarchus
for scabies. But Serapion used soda 2*32 grms.,
and sulphur 4*64 grms., taken up with plenty of
resin.
Of papules again there are two kinds." There is
one in which the skin is roughened by very small
pustules, and is reddened and slightly eroded ; in the
middle it is a little smoother ; it spreads slowly. This
disease generally has a round shape at its beginning,
and in the same fashion it spreads in a circle. But
the other variety is that which the Greeks call agria
[that is, savage] ; and in this there is a similar but
greater roughness of the skin with ulceration, more
severe erosion, and redness ; sometimes it even loosens
the hair. It is less round in shape, heals with more
difficulty, and unless it is got rid of, turns into an
impetigo. But in fact a slight papule heals if it is
rubbed daily with spittle before eating ; a more severe
one is got rid of best by an application of pounded
pellitory. But turning to compound medicaments,
that same one of Protarchus is efficacious in these
cases, when the disorder is less severe. An alterna-
171
CELSUS
Alterum ad idem Myronis : nitri rubri, turis, singul-
orum P, ^ I ; cantharidum purgatarum P. ^ II ;
sulpuris ignem non experti tantundem ; resinae
terebenthinae liquidae P. ^ XX ; farinae loli S.
Ill ; gitti cyathos HIS. ; picis crudae S.I.
19 Vitiligo quoque quamvis per se nullum periculum
adfert, tamien et foeda est et ex malo corporis
habitu fit. Eius tres species sunt. Alphos vocatur,
ubi color albus est, fere subasper, et non continuus,
ut quaedam quasi guttae dispersae esse videantur.
Interdum etiam latius et cum quibusdam intermis-
B sionibus serpit. Melas colore ab hoc difFert, quia
niger est et umbrae similis : ~ cetera eadem sunt.
Leuce habet quiddam simile alpho, sed magis albida
est, et altius descendit, in eaque albi pili sunt et
lanugini similes. Omnia haec serpunt, sed in aliis
celerius, in aliis tardius. Alphos et melas in quibus-
dam variis temporibus et oriuntur et desinunt :
leuce quem occupavit, non facile dimittit. Priora
curationem non difficillimam recipiunt, ultimum vix
umquam sanescit ; ac si quid ei vitio demptum est,
C tamen non ex toto sanus color redditur. Utrum
autem aliquod horum sanabile sit, an non sit, ex-
perimento facile coUigitur. Incidi enim cutis debet
aut acu pungi : si sanguis exit, quod fere fit in duobus
prioribus, remedio locus est; si umor albidus, sanari
non potest ; itaque ab hoc quidem abstinendum est.
Super id vero, quod curationem recipit, inponenda
lenticula mixta cum sulpure et ture, sic ut ea contrita
" Under the name vitiligo Celsus describes varieties of
psoriasis. Alphos, named from its dull white colour which
resembled that of leprosy, was probably psoriasis guttata.
The different colour of melas was perhaps only due to dirt.
Leuce, the bright white form, regarded as practically incur-
172
BOOK V. 28. 18 B-19 c
tive for the same affection is the composition of
Myron containing red soda and frankincense, 4 grms.
each, purified cantharides 8 grms., sulphur unheated,
the same amount, and turpentine resin 80 grms.,
darnel meal a litre and a half, cumin 145 c.cm.,
and half a litre of raw pitch.
Vitiligo" also, though not dangerous in itself, is
still ugly and is due to a bad habit of body. There
are three species. It is called alphos when it is white
in colour, generally rather rough, and not continuous,
so that it looks as if drops of some sort had been
sprinkled about. Sometimes also it spreads still
more widely with certain gaps. That called melas
differs from it in being of a black colour and like a
shadow ; otherwise it is similar. Leuce is somewhat
like alphos, but is whiter and extends deeper ; there
are hairs on it, white, and like down. All these spread,
but more quickly in some people than in others.
The alphos and melas come and go at various
seasons ; the leuce, once established, is not easily
got rid of. The two former are not difficult to treat,
the latter is scarcely ever cured, for even if the
discoloration is mitigated, the colour of health does
not return altogether. But whether any one of
these is curable or not is easily learnt by this test.
The skin should be cut into or pricked with a needle :
if blood escapes, which it usually does in the first
two species, there is place for a remedy ; if a whitish
humour, cure is impossible, and then we should
even refrain from treating it. But to the species
which admits of treatment we should apply lentil
meal, mixed with sulphur and frankincense, pounded
able, may have been only a more severe and intractable form
of a disease which still often resists all remedies.
173
CELSUS
ex aceto sint. Aliud ad idem, quod ad Irenaeum
auctorem refertur: alcyonium, nitrum, cuminum,
fici folia arida paribus portionibus contunduntur
D adiecto aceto. His in sole vitiligo perunguitur,
deinde non ita multo post, ne nimis erodatur,
eluitur. Proprie quidam Myrone auctore eos,
quos alphos vocari dixi, hoc medicamento perungunt :
sulpuris P. •Jf= — ; aluminis scissilis P. -Jf = ;
nitri P. ^=z=; murti aridae contritae acetabulum
miscent ; deinde in balneo super vltiliginem insper-
gunt farinam ex faba, turn haec inducunt. li vero,
quos melanas vocari dixi, curantur, cum simul
contrita sunt alcyoneum, tus, hordeum, faba; eaque
sine oleo in balineo ante sudorem insperguntur ;
turn genus id vitiliginis defricatur.
174
BOOK V. 28. 19 c-D
up together in vinegar. Another application for the
same purpose, ascribed to Irenaeus, is composed of
coral, soda, cumin and dried fig-leaves, in equal quan-
tities, pounded up with vinegar added. The vitiligo is
smeared with this in the sun, then it is soon washed
off, lest it corrode too much. Some find it useful to
anoint the species which I have said is called
alphos with the following prescription ascribed to
Myron:" they mix sulphur 1 grm., split alum 0-66
grm., soda 1-33 grms. with a cupful of dried myrtle
leaves ; then at the bath they dust bean-meal
over the vitiligo and afterwards apply the above
remedy. That which I said was termed melas is
treated by pounding up together coral, frankincense,
barley and bean-meal ; and these are sprinkled on,
using no oil in the bath before the patient sweats ;
then this kind of vitiligo is rubbed off.
« V. 28. 18 B.
175
BOOK VI
LIBER VI
1. Dixide iis vitiis,quae per totum corpus orientia
medicamentorum auxilia desiderant (V. 26, 27, 28):
nunc ad ea veniam, quae non nisi in singulis par-
tibus incidere consuerunt, orsus a capite.
In hoc igitur capillis fluentibus maxime quidem
saepe radendo succurritur. Adicit autem vim
quandam ad continendum ladanum cum oleo mixtum.
Nunc de iis capillis loquor, qui post morbum fere
fluunt: nam quominus caput quibusdam aetata
nudetur, succurri nuUo modo potest.
2. Porrigo autem est, ubi inter pilos quaedam
quasi squamulae surgunt haeque a cute resolvuntur :
et interdum madent, multo saepius siccae sunt.
Idque evenit modo sine ulcere, modo exulcerato loco,
huic quoque modo malo odore, modo nullo accedente.
Fereque id in capillo fit, rarius in barba, aliquando
etiam in supercilio. Ac neque sine aliquo vitio
corporis nascitur neque ex toto inutile est : nam
bene integro capite non exit. — Ubi aliquod in eo
vitium est, non incommodum est summam cutem
" V. 26. 27. 28.
* Porrigo means scurf or dandruff, and the name was given to
conditions, such as seborrhoea or eczema capitis, where there
was excessive detachment of such scales from the scalp. The
word, according to Pliny, N.H. XX. 9. 29. = furfur, bran,
and the corresponding Greek name for the condition,
178
BOOK VI
1, I HAVE spoken of those lesions which affect the
whole body and require the aid of medicaments " ;
now I come to those which customarily occur only
in particular parts, beginning with the head.
In the head, then, when the hair falls out, the prin-
cipal remedy is frequent shaving. Ladanum mixed
with oil, however, is some help in preserving it.
I am now referring to the falling out of hair after
illness ; for no kind of remedy can be given to stop
the head of some people from becoming bald through
age.
2. But the condition is called porrigo,** when
between the hairs something like small scales rise up
and become detached from the scalp : and at times
they are moist, much more often dry. Sometimes
this happens without ulceration, sometimes there is
a locaUzed ulceration, and from this comes some-
times a foul odour, sometimes none. This generally
occurs on the scalp, more seldom on the beard,
occasionally even on the eyebrow. It does not arise
unless there is some general bodily lesion, so that it is
not entirely without its use ; for it does not exude
from a thoroughly sound head. When there is
present some lesion in the head, it is not disadvan-
tageous for the surface of the scalp to become here
mrvpiaois, had the same derivation {mrvpa, bran), and is
still used.
179
GELSUS
potius subinde corrumpi quam id quod nocet in aliain
partem magis necessariam verti. Commodius est
ergo subinde pectendo repurgare quam id ex toto
prohibere. Si tamen ea res nimium offendit, quod
umore sequente fieri potest, magisque si is etiam
mali odoris est, caput saepe radendum est, dein id
super adiuvandum aliquis ex leviter reprimentibus,
quale est nitrum cum aceto, vel ladanum cum
murteo et vino, vel myrobalanum cum vino. Si
parum per haec proficitur, vehementioribus uti licet
cum eo ut sciamus utique in recenti vitio id inutile
esse.
3. Est etiam ulcus, quod a fici similitudine sycosis
a Graecis nominatur : caro excrescit. Et id quidem
generale est : sub eo vero duae species sunt : alterum
ulcus durum et rotundum est, alterum umidum et
inaequale. Ex duro exiguum quiddam et gluti-
nosum exit, ex umido t sumplus ^ et mali odoris. Fit
utrumque in is partibus, quae pilis conteguntur :
sed id quidem, quod callosum et rotundum est,
maxime in barba, id vero, quod umidum, praecipue
in capillo. — Super utrumque oportet inponere ela-
terium aut lini semen contritum et aqua coactum aut
ficum in aqua decoctam aut emplastrum tetra-
pharmacum ex aceto subactum ; terra quoque
Eretria ex aceto liquata recte inlinitur.
4. Arearum quoque duo genera sunt. Commune
^ The text here is corrupt ; Marx conjectures copiosum pus
and this is translated.
" avKcoais was so named by Heraclides of Tarentum be-
cause the diseased area resembled the interior of a ripe fig.
When the disease occurred on the beard it was known as chm
disease, mentagra. It was said by Pliny (N.H. XXVI. 1 . 2, 3)
to have been recently imported from Asia and to be
contagious.
i8o
BOOK VI. 2. 1-4. I
and there corrupted, rather than for the harmful
material to be diverted thence to another part of
more importance. Hence it is more beneficial from
time to time to clear the scalp by combing, than to
repress the disorder altogether. But if this con-
dition is too troublesome, which may happen when a
discharge of humour has set in, and especially if this
is malodorous, the head is to be shaved often, after
which one of the mild repressants is applied, such as
soda in vinegar, or ladanum in myrtle oil and wine,
or bennut oil with wine. If there is little benefit
from these measures it is permissible to use stronger
ones, whilst bearing in mind that, at any rate when the
disease is of recent origin, this is not a good thing.
3. There is also an ulceration, called sycosis " by
the Greeks from its resemblance to a fig : a sprouting
up of flesh occurs. That is the general description :
but there are two subordinate species ; in one the
ulceration is indurated and circular, in the other
moist and irregular in outline. From the hard
species there is a somewhat scanty and glutinous
discharge ; from the moist the discharge is abundant
and malodorous. Both occur in those parts which
are covered by hair ; but the callous and circular
ulceration mostly on the beard, the moist form,
on the other hand, chiefly on the scalp. In both it is
good to apply elaterium, or pounded linseed worked
up in water, or a fig boiled in water, or the
plaster tetrapharmacum * moistened with vinegar ;
also Eretrian earth dissolved in vinegar is suitable
for smearing on.
4. Bald spots'^ also are of two kinds. In both,
* See V. 19. 9.
' To these the term " areae Celsi " has often been applied
in medical works in reference to this description.
181
CELSUS
utrique est, quod emortua summa pellicula pili
primum extenuantur, deinde excidunt ; ac si ictus
is locus est, sanguis exit liquidus et mali odoris.
Increscitque utrumque in aliis celeriter, in aliis
tarde ; peius est id quod densam cutem et sub-
2 pinguem et ex toto glabram fecit. Sed ea, quae
alopecia nominatur, sub qualibet figura dilatatur.
Est et in capillo et in barba. Id vero, quod a simili-
tudine ophis appellatur, incipit ab occipitio ; duorum
digitorum latitudinem non excedit ; ad aures
duobus capitibus serpit, quibusdam etiam ad frontem,
donee se duo capita in priore parte committant.
Illud vitium in qualibet aetate est, hoc fere in
infantibus. — Illud vix umquam sine curatione, hoc
3 per se saepe finitur. Quidam haec genera arearum
scalpello exasperant : quidam inlinunt adurentia ex
oleo, maximeque chartam conbustam : quidam
resinam terebenthinam cum thapsia inducunt. Sed
nihil melius est quam novacula cottidie radere, quia,
cum paulatim summa pellicula excisa est, adaperi-
untur pilorum radiculae ; neque ante oportet
desistere, quam frequentem pilum nasci apparuerit.
Id autem, quod subinde raditur, inlini atramento
scriptorio satis est.
5. Paene ineptiae sunt curare varos et lenticulas
et ephelidas, sed eripi tamen feminis cura cultus.
sui non potest. Ex his autem, quas supra posui,
vari lenticulaeque vulgo notae sunt ; quamvis
rarior ea species est, quam semion Graeci vocant,
" oXcoireKia = mange in a fox (dXcov-q^).
* From its resemblance to the track of a serpent {o<f>is).
Sabouraud described the occurrence of this disease in 1 9 Paris
school children (Monatechrift. f. prakt. Dermatol. 1898, 87.
439, 3).
182
BOOK VI. 4. 1-5. I
owing to the dying of the surface pellicle, hairs are
first rendered thin, and then they fall out ; and when
the place is cut into, the blood which flows is thin
and malodorous. Both kinds spread, in some
quickly, in others slowly ; the worse kind is that in
which the skin has become thick, somewhat fatty,
and quite smooth. But that which is named alopecia "
spreads without defined configuration. It occurs in
the hairy scalp or in the beard. That again which is
called from its shape ophis,^ commences at the back
of the head, and without exceeding two fingers in
breadth, creeps forward to the ears with two heads, in
some even to the forehead, until the two heads
join one another in front. The former aifection
occurs at any age, the latter generally in young chil-
dren. The former scarcely ever terminates, except
under treatment, the latter often by itself. Some
scarify these bald patches with a scalpel ; sonae
smear on caustics mixed with oil, and especially
burnt papyrus ; some apply turpentine-resin with
fennel. But there is nothing better than to shave
the part daily with a razor, because as the surface
skin is gradually removed, the hair roots become
exposed ; and the treatment should continue until
a number of hairs are seen to be growing up.
Following upon the shaving it is sufficient to smear on
Indian ink.
5. To treat pimples and spots and freckles is
almost a waste of time, yet women cannot be torn
away from caring for their looks. But of these
just mentioned, pimples and spots are commonly
known, although that species of spot is more rare
which is called by the Greeks semion,'' since it is
' oTnt^lov, a birth mark, uaevus.
183
CELSUS
cum sit ea lenticula rubicundior et inaequalior.
Ephelis vero a plerisque ignoratur, quae nihil est
nisi asperitas quaedam et durities mali coloris.
2 Cetera non nisi in facie, lenticula etiam in alia parte
nonnumquam nasci solet ; de qua per se scribere
alio loco visum operae pretium non est. — Sed vari
commodissime tolluntur inposita resina, cui non
minus quam ipsa est aluminis scissilis, et paulum
mellis adiectum est. Lenticulam tollunt galbanum
et nitrum, cum pares portiones habent contritaque
ex aceto sunt, donee ad mellis crassitudinem venerint.
His corpus inlinendum et interpositis pluribus horis
[mane] eluendum est oleoque leviter unguendum.
3 Ephelidem toUit resina, cui tertia pars salis fossilis
et paulum mellis adiectum est. Ad omnia ista vero
atque etiam ad colorandas cicatrices potest ea com-
positio, quae ad Tryphonem patrem auctorem
refertur. In ea pares portiones sunt myrobalani
magmatis, cretae Cimoliae subcaeruleae, nucum
amararum, farinae hordei atque ervi, struthi albi,
sertulae Campanae seminis. Quae omnia contrita
melle quam amarissimo coguntur, inlitumque id
vespere mane eluitur.
6. Sed haec quidem mediocria sunt. Ingentibus
vero et variis casibus oculi nostri patent ; qui cum
magnam partem ad vitae simul et usum et dulce-
dinem conferant, summa cura tuendi sunt. Protinus
autem orta lippitudine quaedam notae sunt, ex
quibus quid eventurum sit colligere possumus.
" Celsiis uses lippitudo to translate the o^OaXfiia of Hip-
pocrates = running or blear eyes (o^^oA/aoi Xrjfiwvrts); piluita
for X-ijfirj, rheum; aspritudo for Tpaxoifia, which was used to
denote chronic conjunctivitis, ophthalima and trachoma, the
184
BOOK VI. 5. 1-6. I
rather red and irregular. Freckles are, in fact,
ignored by most; they are nothing more than a
roughened and indurated discoloration. Whilst
the others occur only on the face, a spot sometimes
also appears on other parts of the body ; of that by
itself I do not think it worth while to write elsewhere.
But pimples are best removed by the application of
resin to which not less than the same amount of
split alum and a little honey has been added. A spot
is removed by equal quantities of galbanum and
soda pounded in vinegar to the consistency of honey.
With this the part is to be smeared, and after the
lapse of several hours, [the next morning,] it is washed
off, and the place anointed lightly with oil. Freckles
are removed by resin to which a third part of rock-
salt and a little honey has been added. For all the
above and also for colouring scars that composition
is useful which is said to have been invented by
Trypho the father. In this are equal parts of the
dregs of bennut oil, bluish Cimolian chalk, bitter
almonds, barley and vetch meal, along with white
soapwort and mellilot seeds. These are all rubbed
up together with very bitter honey, smeared on at
night and washed away in the morning.
6. Now the foregoing are subjects of minor im-
portance. But there are grave and varied mishaps
to which our eyes are exposed ; and as these have
so large a part both in the service and the amenity
of life, they are to be looked after with the
greatest care. Now directly ophthalmia* sets in,
there are certain signs by which it is possible to
foretell the course of the disease. For if lacrima-
eye diseases general among eastern races. For the whole
chapter cf. Hippocrates (Prorrhetica II. 18) Littre IX. 44.
185
CELSUS
Nam si simul et lacrima et tumor et crassa pituita
coeperint, si ea pituita lacrimae mixta est, si ea
lacrima calida non est, pituita vero alba et mollis,
tumor non durus, longae valetudinis metus non est,
B At si lacrima multa et calida, pituitae paulum,
tumor modicus est, idque in uno oculo est, longum
id, sed sine periculo futurum est. Idque lippitudinis
genus minime cum dolore est, sed vix ante vicensi-
mum diem tollitur, nonnumquam per duos menses
durat. Quandoque finitur, pituita alba et mollis
incipit esse, lacrimaeque miscetur. At si simul ea
utrumque oculum invaserimt, potest esse brevior,
sed periculum ulcerum est. Pituita autem sicca et
arida dolorem quidem movet, sed maturius desinit,
C nisi quid exulceravit. Tumor magnus si sine dolore
est et siccus, sine ullo periculo est : si siccus quidem,
sed cum dolore est, fere exulcerat, et nonnumquam
ex eo casu fit, ut palpebra cum oculo glutinetur.
Eiusdem exulcerationis timor in palpebris pupillisve
est, ubi super magnum dolorem lacrimae salsae
calidaeque eunt, aut etiam, si tumore [in] finito diu
D lacrima cum pituita profluit. Peius etiamnum est,
ubi pituita pallida aut livida est, lacrima calida et
multa profluit, caput calet, a temporibus ad oculos
dolor pervenit, nocturna vigilia urget, siquidem sub
his oculus plerumque rumpitur, votumque est, ut
tantum exulceretur. Intus ruptum oculum febricula
iuvat. Si foras iam ruptus procedit, sine auxilio est.
i86
BOOK VI. 6. i-D
tion and swelling of the eyelids and a thick rheum
appear all at once : if that rheum is mixed with tears,
if the tears are not hot, but the rheum is white
and bland, and the swelling not hard, there is then
no apprehension of a prolonged illness. But if
lacrimation is profuse and hot, rheum scanty, swell-
ing moderate, and that in one eye only, the case
will be a prolonged one, but without danger. And
that kind of ophthalmia is the least painful, but is
seldom relieved before the twentieth day, and at
times lasts two months. As it subsides, the rheum
begins to be white and bland, mixed with tears.
But if both eyes are attacked simultaneously, the
duration may possibly be shorter, but there is danger
of ulceration. Now rheum, when it is dry and sticky,
gives rise to some pain, but subsides sooner unless
ulceration is set up. If there is great swelling
without pain and dryness, there is no danger ; if
there is dryness, accompanied by pain, there is
generally ulceration, and at times the result is that
the eyelid sticks to the eyeball. There is danger of
similar ulceration in the eyelids or in the pupils when,
in addition to great pain, the tears are salt and hot ;
or if, even after the swelling has subsided, there
continues for some time a flow of tears mixed with
rheum. The case is worse still when the rheum is
pallid or livid, the tears hot and profuse, the head
hot, and pain shoots from the temples to the eyes,
causing wakefulness at night ; in these circumstances
generally the eyeball ruptures, and we must pray
that there may be ulceration only. When the
eyeball has ruptured inwards a touch of fever is
beneficial. If the eyeball protrudes after rupturing
outwards, there is no remedy. If something white
187
CELSUS
Si de nigro aliquid albidum factum est, diu manet :
at si asperum et crassum est, etiam post curationem
E vestigium aliquod relinquit. — Curari vero oculos
sanguinis detractione, medicamento, balneo, vino
vetustissimus auctor Hippocrates memoriae pro-
didit : sed eorum tempora et causas parum explicuit,
in quibus medicinae summa est. Neque minus in
abstinentia et alvi ductione saepe auxilii est. Hos
igitur interdum inflammatio occupat, ubi cum
tumore in his dolor est, sequiturque pituitae cursus
nonnumquam copiosior vel acrior, nonnumquam
utraque parte moderatior. In eiusmodi casu prima
F omnium sunt quies et abstinentia. Ergo primo die
loco obscuro cubare debet, sic ut a sermone quoque
abstineat; nullum cibum adsumere, si fieri potest,
ne aquam quidem; si[n] minus, certe quam mini-
mum eius. Quod si graves dolor es sunt, commodius
secundo die ; si tamen res urget, etiam primo sanguis
mittendus est, utique, si in fronte venae tument, si
firmo corpore materia superest. Si vero minor
impetus, minus acrem curationem requirit ; alvum,
G sed non nisi secundo tertiove die, duci oportet. At
modica inflammatio neutrum ex his auxilium de-
siderat, satisque est uti quiete et abstinentia.
Neque tamen lippientibus longum ieiunium neces-
sarium est, ne pituita tenuior atque acrior fiat : sed
secundo die dari debet id, quod levissimum videri
i88
BOOK VI. 6. I v-Q
has developed from the dark part of the eye, it
persists for a long while ; but if it is rough and
thick, some vestige remains even after treatment.
According to Hippocrates, the oldest authority, the
treatment of the eyes includes bloodletting, medica-
ments, the bath and wine ; but he gave little explan-
ation of the proper times and reasons for these
remedies, things of the highest importance in the art
of medicine. There is no less help, often, in abstin-
ence and clysters. Now at times inflammation
seizes the eyes, and there is pain in them together
with swelling, and there follows a flow of rheum,
sometimes rather profuse or acrid, sometimes in both
respects rather moderate. In such a case, rest in
bed and abstinence are the chief remedies. From
the first day, therefore, the patient should lie in
bed in a dark room, and at the same time he should
refrain even from talking ; take no food at all, and
if feasible not even water, or at any rate the least
possible amount. If the pains are severe, it is
better that he should be bled on the second day, but
when urgent this may be done even on the first day, at
any rate if the veins on the forehead are swollen, and
if there is superfluity of matter in a robust patient.
But if the attack is less violent, it requires less
drastic treatment : the bowel should be clystered,
but only on the second or third day. But moderate
inflammation requires neither blood-letting nor
clystering, it is sufficient for the patient to stay in
bed and fast. A prolonged abstinence, however,
is not necessary in patients with ophthalmia, for it
may render the rheum thinner, and more acrid ;
hence some of the lightest kind of food should be
given on the second day, such as seems likely to
189
VOL. II. I
CELSUS
potest ex iis, quae pituitam faciunt crassiorem;
qualia sunt ova sorbilia : si minor vis urget, pulticula
quoque aut panis ex lacte. Insequentibusque diebus
quantum inflammationi detrahetur, tantum adici
cibis poterit, sed generis eiusdem ; utique ut nihil
salsum, nihil acre, nihil ex iis, quae extenuant,
H sumatur, nihil potui praeter aquam. Et vietus
quidem ratio talis maxime necessaria est. Protinus
autem primo die croci P. -Jf I, et farinae candidae
quantum tenuissimae P. ^ II, excipere oportet ovi
albo, donee mellis crassitudinem habeat, idque in
linteolum inlinere, et fronti adglutinare, ut conpressis
venis pituitae impetum cohibeat. Si crocum non
est, tus idem facit. Linteolo an lana excipiatur, nihil
I interest. Superinungui vero oculi debent, sic ut
croci quantum tribus digitis conprehendi potest,
sumatur ; murrae ad fabae, papaveris lacrimae ad
lenticulae magnitudinem ; eaque cum passo con-
terantur, et specillo super oculum inducantur.
Aliud ad idem : murrae P. -^f — ; mandragorae
suci P. ■}(• I ; papaveris lacrimae P. -X- II ; foliorum
rosae, cicutae seminis, singulorum P. -Jf III ; acaciae
K P. -Jf nil ; cummis P. ^ VIII. Et haec quidem
interdiu: nocte vero, quo commodior quies veniat,
non alienum est superinponere candidi panis inte-
riorem partem ex vino subactam : nam et pituitam
reprimit, et, si quid lacrimae processit, absorbet, et
oculum glutinari non patitur. Si grave id et durimi
propter magnum oculorum dolorem videtur, ovi et
" Cf. V. 1, p. 4 which includes acacia and cummis among
medicaments which suppress haemorrhage. Acacia must mean
190
BOOK VI. 6. I G-K
render the rheum thicker ; for instance, raw eggs ;
in a less severe case, porridge also or bread soaked
in milk. On the following days, according as the
inflammation subsides, additional food may be
taken, but of the same class ; certainly nothing
salted, or acrid, or likely to make the rheum thinner
should be consumed, and nothing but water drunk.
Such a dietetic regimen is exceedingly necessary.
But from the first day, saffron 4 grms. and the finest
wheat flour 8 grms. should be made up with white
of egg to the consistency of honey, then spread on
lint and stuck on the forehead, in order that by
compressing the veins the flow of rheum may be
checked. If saffron is not at hand, frankincense has
the same effect. Whether it is spread on linen, or
on wool, makes no difference. There should be
smeared over the eyeball, of saffron as much as can
be taken up in three fingers, of myrrh in amount the
size of a bean, of poppy-tears the size of a lentil :
these are pounded up in raisin wine, and applied
on a probe to the eyeball. Another composition
having the same efficacy is made up of: myrrh
0-33 grms., mandragora juice 4 grms.; poppy-tears
8 grms. ; rose-leaves and hemlock seeds 12 grms.
each; acacia" 16 grms.; gum 32 grms. These
applications are made by day; at night, in order
better to assure sleep, it is not inappropriate to apply
above the eye, the crumb of white bread soaked in
wine ; for this at once represses rheum, and absorbs
any flow of tears, and prevents the eye from
becoming glued up. If this application, owing to
the great pain in the eye, seems oppressive and hard,
the gum prepared from the acacia shrub aud cumtnis some
other gum — probably mecca balsam.
191
CELSUS
album et vitellus in vas defundendum est, adicien-
dumque eo mulsi paulum, idque digito permi-
scendum. Ubi facta unitas est, demitti debet lana
mollis bene carpta, quae id excipiat, superque
L oculos inponi. Ea res et levis est et refrigerando
pituitam coercet, et non exarescit, et glutinari
oculum non patitur. Farina quoque hordeacea
cocta, et cum malo Cotoneo cocto mixta commode
inponitur ; neque a ratione abhorret etiam penicillo
potissimum uti expresso, si levior impetus est, ex
aqua, si maior, ex posca. Priora fascia deliganda
sunt, ne per somnum cadant : at hoc superinponi
satis est, quia et reponi ab ipso commode potest, et,
M cum inaruit, iterum madefaciendum est. Si tantum
mali est, ut somnum diu prohibeat, eorum aliquod
dandum est, quae anodyna Graeci appellant ; satis-
que puero quod ervi, viro quod fabae magnitudinem
impleat. In ipsum vero oculum primo die, nisi
modica inflammatio est, nihil recte coicitur : saepe
enim potius concitatur eo pituita quam minuitur.
A secundo die gravi quoque lippitudini per indita
medicamenta recte succurritur, ubi vel iam sanguis
missus vel alvus ducta est, aut neutrum necessarium
esse manifestum est.
2 Multa autem multorumque auctorum coUyria ad
id apta sunt, novisque etiam nunc mixturis temperari
possunt, cum lenia medicamenta et modice repri-
mentia facile et varie misceantur. Ego nobilissima
exequar.
" V. 25. 1-3.
* For the meaning of collyrium see p. 154, note a.
192
BOOK VI. 6. I K-2
eggs, both the white and the yolk, are poured into
a vessel, a little honey-wine added, and the mixture
stirred with the finger. When thoroughly mixed,
soft well-combed wool is soaked in it and the wool
then applied over the eyes. This is both a light
application and one which by cooling checks rheum,
yet does not quite dry it up, and so the eye is not
allowed to become glued up. Boiled barley-meal,
mixed with boiled quinces, is also a suitable appli-
cation; nor is it inconsistent with the treatment,
even to put on a pad of wool wrung as hard as possible
out of water, if the attack is a lighter one, or out of
vinegar and water, if it is more severe. The former
applications are to be bandaged on, so that they do
not fall off during sleep ; the latter it suffices to lay
on because it can be changed readily by the patient
himself, and when it becomes dry, it must be wetted
again. If the affection is so severe as to prevent
sleep, for a time one of the remedies which the
Greeks call anodyna " should be administered, an
amount the size of a vetch to a child, that of a bean
to a man. For the eyeball itself there is no appro-
priate application on the first day, unless the inflam-
mation is only moderate, for by such the flow of
rheum is often stimulated rather than lessened.
From the second day, even when the disease is
severe, the direct application of medicaments is
proper, when blood has been let or clystering applied,
or after it has become evident that neither is needed.
Now for this disease there are many salves * devised
by many inventors, and these can be blended even
now in novel mixtures, for mild medicaments and
moderate repressants may be readily and variously
mingled. I will mention the most famous.
193
CELSUS
3 Est igitur Philonis, quod habet cerussae elotae,
spodii, cummis, singulorum P. ^ I ; papaveris la-
crimae conbustae P. -Jf II. Illud scire oportet, hie
quoque omnia medicamenta singula primum per se
teri, deinde mixta iterum adiecta paulatim vel aqua
vel alio umore : cummi cum quasdam alias facultates
habeat, hoc maxime praestare, ut, ubi collyria facta
inaruerunt, glutinata sint neque frientur.
4 Dionysi vero collyrium est : papaveris lacrimae
combustae, donee tenerescat, P. -Jf I = ; turis com-
busti, cummis, singulorum P. -Jf S ; spodii P. -Jf IIII.
5 Cleonis nobile admodum : papaveris lacrimae
frictae P. 4f I ; croci P. ^ = ; cummis P. ^ I ;
quibus cum teruntur adicitur rosae sucus. Aliud
eiusdem valentius : squamae aeris, quod stomoma
appellant, P. -Jf I ; croci P. -Jf II ; spodii P. -Jf IIII ;
plumbi eloti et combusti P. -Jf VI ; cummis tantun-
B dem. Attalium quoque ad idem est, maxime ubi
multa pituita profluit : castorei P. -X- — ; aloes
P. -Sf = ; croci P. ^ I ; murrae P. ^ II ; Lyci P.
4f III ; cadmiae curatae P. -X- VIII ; stibis tan-
tundem, acaciae suci P. ^ XII. Quod cum cummis
quid hoc non habet, liquidum in puxidicula servatur.
Theodotus vero huic compositioni adiecit papaveris
lacrimae combustae P. "Jf — ; aeris combusti et
eloti P. "Jf II ; nucleos palmularum combustos P.
^ X ; cummis P. ^ XII.
6 At ipsius Theodoti, quod a quibusdam acharistum
nominatur, eiusmodi est : castorei, nardi Indici,
singulorum P. ^ I ; Lyci P, .jf = ; papaveris
lacrimae tantundem ; murrae P. 4(- II; croci, cerussae
" Hardened in the fire.
* "Ungrateful" : relieving so quickly that the patient felt
no gratitude for his cure (Galen, XII. 749).
194
BOOK VI. 6. 3-6
There is then the salve of Philo, which contains :
washed cerussa, spode and gum 4 grms. each ; poppy-
tears toasted 8 grms. It is important to know that
each of these ingredients should be pounded separ-
ately, then mixed together, gradually adding water,
or some other fluid. Gum, amongst other properties,
has this particular advantage, that when salves made
of it have become dry, they stick together and do
not break up.
The salve of Dionysius consists of: poppy-tears
toasted until they soften 4-66 grms., toasted frank-
incense and gum 2 grms. each, and zinc oxide 16 grms.
The salve of Cleon is quite famous : poppy-tears
toasted 4 grms., saffron 0-66 grms., gum 4 grms., to
which after being pounded is added rose juice.
The same man prescribed another more active
salve : scales of the copper which is called stomoma "
4 grms. ; saffron 8 grms. ; zinc oxide 16 grms. ; lead
washed and roasted 24 grms. ; with a like quantity
of gum. There is also for the same complaint
the salve of Attalus especially when the rheum is
profuse : castoreum 0-33 grms. ; lign-aloes 0-66 grms. ;
saffron 4 grms. ; myrrh 8 grms. ; lycium 12 grms. ;
prepared zinc oxide 32 grms. ; a hke quantity of
antimony sulphide and acacia juice 48 grms. And
when no gum is added it is preserved liquid in
a small receptacle. Theodotus added to the above
mixture : poppy-tears toasted 0*33 grms. ; copper
scales roasted and washed 8 grms. ; toasted date
kernels 40 grms. ; gum 48 grms.
The salve of Theodotus himself, which by some
is called achariston,^ is composed of : castoreum and
Indian nard 4 grms. each ; lycium 0-66 grm. ; an equal
amount of poppy-tears ; myrrh 8 grms. ; saffron,
195
CELSUS
elotae, aloes, singulorum P. -Jf III ; cadmiae bo-
truitidis elotae, aeris conbusti, singulorum P.
^ VIII ; cummis P. ^ XVIII ; acaciae suci P. -Jf XX ;
stlbis tantundem ; quibus aqua pluvia[ti]lis adicitur.
7 Praeter haec ex frequentissimis collyriis est id,
quod quidam cycnon, quidam a cinereo colore
tephron appellant : amuli, tracantae, acaciae suci,
cummis, singulorum P, ^ I ; papaveris lacrimae
P. ^ II ; cerussae elotae P. ^ IIII ; spumae elotae
P. ^ VIII, quae aeque ex aqua pluvia[ti]li con-
teruntur.
8 Euelpides autem, qui aetate nostra maximus
fuit ocularius medicus, utebatur eo, quod ipse con-
posuerat : trygodes nominabat : castorei P. ^ = = ;
Lyci, nardi, papaveris lacrimae, singulorum P. -Jf I ;
croci, murrae, aloes, singulorum P. -Jf IIII ; aeris
combusti P. ^ Villi ; cadmiae et stibis, singulorum
P. ^ XII ; acaciae suci P. -Jf XXXVI ; cummis
tantundem.
B Quo gravior vero quaeque inflammatio est, eo
magis leniri medicamentum debet adiecto vel albo
ovi vel muliebri lacte. At si neque medicus neque
medicamentum praesto est, saepius utrumUbet
horum in oculos penicillo ad id ipsum facto infusum
id mialum lenit. Ubi vero aliquis relevatus est,
iamque cursus pituitae constitit, reliquias fortasse
leniores futuras discutiunt balneum et vinum.
C Igitur lavari debet leviter ante oleo perfricatus
diutiusque in cruribus et feminibus, multaque calida
aqua fovere oculos ; deinde per caput prius calida,
" The KVKvdpiov KoXXvpiov was stamped with the likeness of
a swan ; it is mentioned also by Galen, Alexander of Trallea and
Aetius. It was also known as the ashen (re'^piov) salve, from
its colour due to the litharge (black oxide of lead and silver)
which it contained.
196
BOOK VI. 6. 6-8 c
washed white lead and lign-aloes 12 grms. of each ;
cluster-shaped oxide of zinc, washed and roasted
copper scales 32 grms. each ; gum 72 grms. ; acacia
juice 80 grms. ; the same amount of antimony sul-
phide, to which is added rain-water.
Besides the above, among the most commonly
used salves is that which some call cycnon,*' others
from its ashen colour tephron, which contains :
starch, tragacanth, acacia juice, gum 4 grms. each;
poppy-tears 8 grms. ; washed cerussa 16 grms. ;
washed litharge 32 grms. These ingredients like-
wise are compounded with rain-water.
Euelpides, the most famous oculist of our time,
used a salve of his own composition called trygodes * :
castoreum 1-33 grms. ; lycium, nard and poppy-tears
4 grms. each ; saffron, myrrh and lign-aloes 16 grms.
each ; roasted copper scales 36 grms. ; oxide of zinc
and antimony sulphide 48 grms. ; acacia juice 144
grms. ; the same amount of gum.
The more severe the inflammation, the milder
should the application be made, by adding to it
white of egg or woman's milk. But if neither
doctor nor medicine is at hand, either of the above,
dropped into the eye with a little screw of lint pre-
pared for the purpose, often relieves the trouble.
But when the patient has been relieved and the
discharge of rheum is already checked, any slight
symptoms which remain may be got rid of by making
use of the bath and of wine. Therefore when at the
bath the patient should be first rubbed. over gently
with oil, especially over the legs and thighs, and he
should bathe his eyes freely with hot water, next
hot water should be poured over his head, followed
* So called from its resemblance to rpv^ (Latin/aea;) wine lees.
197
CELSUS
deinde egelida perfundi : a balineo cavere ne quo
frigore afflatuve laedatur; post haec cibo paulo
pleniore quam ex eorum dierum consuetudine uti
vitatis tamen omnibus pituitam extenuantibus.
Vinum bibere lene, subausterum, modice vetus,
neque effuse neque timide, ut neque cruditas ex eo
et tamen somnus fiat lenianturque intus latentia
D acria. Si quis in balineo sensit maiorem oculorum
perturbationem quam attulerat, quod incidere iis
solet, qui manente adhuc pituitae cursu festinarunt,
quam primum discedere debet, nihil eo die vini
adsumere, cibi minus etiam quam pridie. Deinde
cum primum satis pituita substitit, iterum ad usum
balinei redire. Solet tamen evenire nonnumquam
sive tempestatium vitio sive corporis, ut pluribus
diebus neque dolor neque inflammatio et minime
pituitae cursus finiatur. Quod ubi incidit iamque
ipsa vetustate res matura est, ab his iisdem auxilium
E petendum est [id est balineo et vino]. Haec enim
ut in recentibus malis aliena sunt, quia concitare ea
possunt et accendere, sic in veteribus, quae nullis
aliis auxiliis cesserunt, admodum efficacia esse con-
suerunt, videlicet hie quoque ut alibi, cum secunda
vana fuerunt, contrariis adiuvantibus. Sed ante
tonderi ad cutem convenit, deinde in balineo aqua
calida quam plurima caput atque oculos fovere,
" i.e. the period of his illness.
* Secunda remedia were the ordinary remedies, those which
followed the rule laid down in the text-books of the time,
and were contrasted with contraria remedia (vol. I. p. 38).
198
BOOK VI. 6. 8 c-E
by tepid water ; after the bath he must take care that
he is not harmed by cold or draught : subsequently he
should use a diet rather fuller than had been custom-
ary for those days," whilst avoiding everything which
may render the rheum thinner. He should drink
mild wine, not too dry, and moderately old, taking it
neither too freely nor too sparingly, so that, without
causing indigestion, it may nevertheless induce
sleep, and mollify the internal latent acrid humour.
If at the bath the patient feels the trouble in the eyes
becoming worse than before he entered, which often
happens to those who have hurried on to this course
of treatment whilst there is still a discharge of rheum,
he ought immediately to leave the bath, take no
wine that day, and less food even than on the previous
day. Afterwards, as soon as the flow of rheum has
subsided sufficiently, he may return again to the use
of the bath. Nevertheless, from the fault of the
weather, or of the patient's constitution, it often
happens that for many days neither the pain nor in-
flammation is checked, and least of all the discharge
of rheum. When this occurs and the affection is
now established by reason of its long standing,
recourse must be had to these same remedies
[that is, the bath and wine.] For whilst they are
unsuitable early in the complaints because they can
then irritate and stir up inflammation, yet in in-
veterate cases which have not yielded to other
remedies, they are quite effectual, that is to say, in
this as in other instances, when ordinary remedies *
have proved useless, contrary ones are beneficial.
But beforehand the patient should be shaved down
to the scalp, then in the bath he should foment both
his head and eyes with plenty of hot water, next
199
CELSUS
tum utrumque penicillo detergere, et ungere caput
irino unguento ; continereque in lectulo se, donee
omnis calor, qui eonceptus est, finiatur desinatque
F sudor, qui necessario in capite coUectus est. Tum
ad idem cibi vinique genus veniendum, sic ut potiones
meracae sint ; obtegendumque caput et quiescendum.
Saepe enim post haec gravis somnus, saepe sudor,
saepe alvi deiectio pituitae cursum finit. Si levatum
malum est, quod aliquanto saepius fit, per plures dies
idem fieri oportet, donee ex toto sanitas restituatur.
Si diebus iisdem alvus nihil reddit, ducenda est, quo
G magis superiores partes leventur. Nonnumquam
autem ingens inflammatio tanto impetu erumpit, ut
oculos sua sede propellat : proptosin id, quoniam
oculi procidunt, Graeci appellant. His utique, si
vires patiuntur, sanguinem mitti ; si id fieri non
potest, alvum duci, longioremque inediam indici
necessarium est. Opus autem lenissimis medica-
mentis est, ideoque Cleonis collyrio quidam, quod ex
duobus ante (5 init.) positum est, utuntur : sed op-
tumum est Nilei, neque de ullo magis inter omnes
auctores convenit.
9 Id habet nardi Indici, papaveris lacrimae, singu-
lorum P. ^ — ; cummis P. -Jf I ; croci P. ^ II ;
foliorum rosae recentium P. •}(• IIII ; quae vel aqua
pluvia[ti]li, vel vino leni, subaustero coguntur,
Neque alienum est malicorium vel sertulam Cam-
panam ex vino coquere, deinde conterere ; aut
murram nigram cum rosae foliis miscere ; aut
" TTpoTTTOiais is not found in any extant works of earlier
authors as a description of the eye condition to which the
name is still applied, though this passage of Celsus shows that
it was so used in Greek writers on medicine.
* VI. 6. 5 A.
BOOK VI. 6. 8 E-9
clean both with a Httle roll of lint, and anoint the
head with iris ointment : and he should keep to
his bed until all the heat so produced has ended, and
the sweat which of necessity has collected in the
head has passed off. He is then to take food and
wine of the same sort as above, drinking the wine
undiluted ; and he must rest with the head wrapped
up. For often after these measures a sound sleep,
or a sweat, or a clearance of the bowel, terminates
the discharge of rheum. If, as more often happens,
the malady is in some measure relieved, the same
regimen is pursued for a number of days until re-
covery is completed. If, meanwhile, the bowels do
not act, clysters are given to relieve the upper parts
of the body. But occasionally a violent inflam-
mation breaks out with so much force as to push
forwards the eyes out of their place : the Greeks
call this proptosis,** because the eyes drop forwards.
In these cases especially, if the strength allows of
it, blood is to be let ; if that is impracticable, then
. a clyster and prolonged abstinence should be pre-
scribed. The blandest medicaments are required ;
hence some use that salve of Cleon's* which has
been noted above, as consisting of two ingredients,
poppy-tears and gum, but the best is the salve of
Nileus,"^ and this point is agreed on by all authorities.
This salve consists of Indian nard and poppy-tears
0-33 grm. each. ; gum 4 grms. ; saffron 8 grms. ; fresh
rose leaves 16 grms,, which are mixed up in rain-
water or in a rather mild wine. And it is not out of
place to boil pomegranate rind or melilot in wine and
then pound it ; or to mix black myrrh with rose leaves,
« Mentioned also by Galen, De Comp. Med., sec. loc. IV.
XII. 765.
201
CELSUS
hyoscyami folia cum ovi vitello cocti aut farinam
cum acaciae suco vel passo aut mulso; quibus si
folia quoque papaveris adiciuntur, aliquanto valen-
B tiora sunt. Horum aliquo praeparato penicillo fovere
oculos oportet ex aqua calida expresso, in qua ante
vel murti vel rosae folia decocta sint; deinde ex
illis aliquid inponi. Praeter haec ab occipitio incisa
cute cucurbitula adhibenda est. Quod si per haec
restitutus oculus in sedem suam non est eodemque
modo prolapsus permanet, scire oportet lumen esse
amissum ; deinde futurum ut aut indurescat is aut
in pus vertatur. Si suppuratio se ostendit ab eo
angulo, qui tempori propior est, incidi oculus debet,
ut efFuso pure et inflammatio ac dolor finiatur, et
intus tunicae residant, quo minus foeda postea facies
C sit. Utendum deinde vel his collyriis est ex lacte
aut ovo, vel croco ^ . . . vel cui album ovi misceatur.
At si induruit et sic emortuus est, ne in pus ver-
teretur, quatenus foede prominebit, excidendum
erit, sic ut»hamo summa tunica adprehendatur, infra
id scalpellus incidat ; tum eadem medicamenta erunt
coicienda, donee omnis dolor finiatur. lisdem medica-
mentis in eo quoque oculo utendum est, qui prius »
procidit, dein per plura loca fissus est.
10 Solent etiam carbunculi ex inflammatione nasci,
nonnumquam in ipsis oculis, nonnumquam in palpe-
bris, et in his ipsis modo ab interiore modo ab
exteriore. — In hoc casu alvus ducenda est, cibus
^ Marx adds by conjecture the tuords vel per ae after croco, and
this is translated
202
BOOK VI. 6. 9-IO
or hyoscyamus leaves with the yolk of a boiled (^gg,
or flour with acacia juice and raisin wine or honeyed
wine ; if poppy-tears too be added to these, they are
rendered somewhat more active. Having prepared
one of the above, the eyes should be swabbed with
a small screw of lint, wrung out in a hot decoction
of myrtle or rose leaves and then one of the salves
placed in them. Furthermore, after incising the
skin of the occiput, a cup is to be applied there.
But if the eye is not restored into position by
the above remedies, but remains pushed forward
as before, it should be recognised that its sight
is lost ; and that the eyeball will harden or will be
converted into pus. If suppuration shows itself in
the corner nearest the temple, the eyeball should
be cut into, in order that by letting out the pus,
both inflammation and pain may be ended, and the
coats of the eyeball may recede, so that the patient's
looks afterwards may be less disfigured. There
should then be applied either one of the above
salves with milk or egg, or saffron, either by itself
or mixed with white of egg. But if the eyeball has
grown hard and is dead, but not converted into pus,
so much of it is to be cut out as projects in an
ugly fashion ; for this purpose the sclerotic coat is
seized with a hook, and the scalpel cuts under it ;
then the same medicaments are to be inserted until
all pain has stopped. Use is to be made of the same
medicaments for an eye which has first prolapsed,
and then has split open in several places.
It is also customary for inflammation to give rise
to carbuncles, sometimes upon the actual eyeballs,
sometimes upon the eyelids, either on the inner or
on the outer surface of these. When this occurs, the
203
CELSUS
minuendus, lac potui dandum, ut acria quae laeserunt
leniantur. Quod ad cataplasmata et medicamenta
pertinet, is utendum, quae adversum inflammationem
proposita sunt (6, 1 E — 8 B. 26. 27). Atque hie
quoque Nilei collyrium optimum est : si tamen
carbunculus in exteriore palpebrae parte est, ad
cataplasmata aptissimum est lini semen ex mulso
coctum ; aut si id non est, tritici farina eodem mode
cocta.
11 Pusulae quoque ex inflammatione interdum
oriuntur. Quod si inter initia protinus incidit,
magis etiam servanda sunt, quae de sanguine et
quiete supra proposui (1 EF, 8 F) : sin serius quam
ut sanguis mitti possit, alvus tamen ducenda est ;
si id quoque aliqua res inhibet, utique victus ratio
servanda est. Medicamentis autem hue quoque
lenibus opus est, quale Nilei, quale Cleonis est.
12 Id quoque, quod Philalethus vocatur, hue aptum
est : murrae, papaveris lacrimae, singulorum P. -Jf I ;
plumbi eloti, terrae Samiae, quae aster vocatur,
tracanti, singulorum P. -Jf IIII ; stibis cocti, amuli,
singulorum P. ^ VI ; spodi eloti, cerussae elotae,
singulorum P. -Jf VIII. Quae aqua pluvia[ti]li exci-
piuntur. Usus collyrii vel ex ovo vel ex lacte est.
13 Ex pusulis ulcera interdum fiunt ; ea recentia aeque
lenibus medicamentis nutrienda sunt, et iisdem fere,
quae supra in pusulis posui (V. 28, 15 E). — Fit quoque
proprie ad haec quod dia libanu vocatur. Habet
aeris combusti et eloti, papaveris lacrimae frictae,
« V. 6. 8 G, 9 A. » VI. 6. 2.
« Potter's clay from Samos ; it was stamped with a star.
" V. 28. 15 E.
' Sid Xifidvov SO called because it contained frankincense.
204
BOOK VI. 6. 10-13
patient should be clystered, the food diminished,
and milk given as drink, in order to mollify the acrid
matter which is doing harm. As regards poultices
and medicaments, what has been prescribed for
inflammation must be used. And here again the
salve of Nileus « is best : but when the carbuncle is
on the outer surface of the eyelid, the most suitable
poultice is one of linseed boiled in honeyed wine, or,
if that is not at hand, flour boiled in the same.
Pustules are also an occasional consequence of
inflammation. If this happens early during the
first stage, the blood-letting and rest prescribed
above should be even more strictly enforced ; if
later than the stage when blood-letting is possible,
the bowels, nevertheless, should be clystered; and if
anything should prevent this also, at any rate the
regimen as to diet should be followed. For this
condition also soothing medicaments are necessary,
such as those of Nileus and Cleon.
Also the salve * named after Philalethus is suitable,
consisting of: myrrh and poppy-tears 4 grms. each ;
washed lead, Samian earth called aster,'' and traga-
canth 16 grms. each ; boiled antimony sulphide
and starch 24 grms. each ; washed oxide of zinc and
washed cerussa 32 grms. each. These are made up
with rain-water. The salve is used either with
white of egg or milk.
From pustules ulcerations sometimes arise.
These when recent are likewise to be treated
by mild apphcations, generally by the same as I
have prescribed above for pustules.** That which is
called * dia libanu ' * is specially prepared for the
above condition. It is composed of roasted and
washed copper, and parched poppy-tears 4 grms.
205
CELSUS
singulorum P. ^ I ; spodi eloti, turis, stibis combusti
et eloti, murrae, cummis, singulorum P. ^ II.
14 Evenit etiam, ut oculi vel ambo vel singuli minores
fiant quam esse naturaliter debeant ; idque et acer
pituitae cursus in lippitudine efficit et continuati
fletus et ictus parum bene curati. — In his quoque
iisdem lenibus medicamentis ex muliebri lacte
utendum est ; cibis vero is, qui maxime corpus alere
et inplere consuerunt ; vitandaque omni modo causa,
quae lacrimas excitet, curaque domesticorum ;
quorum etiam, si quid tale incidit, [eius] notitiae
subtrahendum. Atque acria quoque medicamenta et
acres cibi non alio magis nomine his nocent, quam
quod lacrimas movent.
15 Genus quoque viti est, quom inter pilos palpe-
brarum peduculi nascuntur : pthiriasin Graeci
nominant. Quod cum ex malo corporis habitu fiat,
raro non ultra procedit. Sed fere tempore inter-
posito pituitae cursus acerrimus sequitur, exulcera-
tisque vehementer oculis aciem quoque ipsam
corrumpit. — His alvus ducenda est, caput ad cutem
tondendum, diuque cotidie ieiunis perfricandum ; his
ambulationibus aliisque exercitationibus diligenter
utendum ; gargarizandum ex mulso, in quo nepeta
B et pinguis ficus decocta sit ; saepe in balineo multa
aqua calida fovendum caput ; vitandi acres cibi,
lacte vinoque pingui utendum, bibendumque libera-
Uus quam edendum est. Medicamenta vero intus
quidem lenia danda sunt, ne quid acrioris pituitae
• i.e. any worry likely to cause tears.
206
BOOK VI. 6. 13-15 B
each ; washed zinc oxide, frankincense, roasted
and washed, antimony sulphide, myrrh, and gum
8 grms. each.
It happens too that the eyeballs, either both or
one, become smaller than naturally they ought to
be. An acrid discharge of rheum in the course of
ophthalmia causes this, also continuous weeping, and
an injury improperly treated. In these cases the
same mild applications mixed with woman's milk
should also be used, and for food, that which is most
nourishing and body-building. In every way any
cause which may excite tears must be avoided, and
anxiety about home affairs also, knowledge of which,
if anything of that sort has arisen," must be kept
from the patient. And acrid medicaments and sour
food do harm in these cases, chiefly because of the
tears which they excite.
There is also a kind of disorder in which lice are
born between the eyelashes ; the Greeks call it
phthiriasis. Since this comes from a bad state of
health it seldom fails to get worse ; but usually in
time a very acrid discharge of rheum follows, and
if the eyeballs become severely ulcerated, it even
destroys their vision. In these cases the bowel
should be clystered, the head shaved to the scalp,
and rubbed for a good while daily whilst the patient
fasts ; walking and other exercises should be dili-
gently practised ; he should gargle honey wine in
which mint and ripe figs have been boiled; at the
bath the head should often be freely fomented with
hot water, acrid food avoided, milk and sweet
wine should be taken, with more drink than food.
Medicaments administered internally should be
bland lest they stimulate the acridity of the rheum ;
207
CELSUS
concitent, super ipsos vero peduculos alia, quae
necare eos, et prohibere, ne similes nascantur,
possint. Ad id ipsum spumae nitri P. -Jf — ; san-
daracae P. -Jf — ; uvae taminiae P. •}(• I simul
teruntur, adiciturque vetus oleum pari portione
atque acetum, donee mellis ei crassitudo sit.
16 Hactenus oculorum morbi ^ lenibus medicamentis
nutriuntur. Genera deinde alia sunt, quae diversam
curationem desiderant, fereque ex inflammationibus
nata, sed finitis quoque his manentia. Atque in
primis in quibusdam perseverat tenuis pituitae
cursus ; quibus alvus ab inferiore parte evocanda
est, demendum aliquid ex cibo. Neque alienum est
inlini frontem conpositione Andriae, quae habet
cummis P. ^ I ; cerussae, stibis, singulorum P. ^ II ;
B spumae argenti coctae et elotae P. -Jf IIII, Sed ea
spiima ex aqua pluvia[ti]li coquitur, et arida haec
medicamenta ex suco murti conteruntur. His inlita
fronte cataplasma quoque superiniciendum est ex
farina, quae frigida aqua coacta sit, cuique aut
acaciae sucus aut cupressus adiecta sit. Cucurbitula
quoque inciso vertice recte adcommodatur aut ex
temporibus sanguis emittitur. Inungui vero eo
C debet, quod habet : squamae aeris, papaveris lacri-
mae, singulorum P. ^ I ; cervini cornus conbusti et
eloti, plumbi eloti, cummis, singulorum P. ^ IIII ;
turis P. "Jf XII. Hoc coUyrium, quia cornu habet,
dia tu ceratos nominatur. Quotienscumque non
^ Marx conjectures that the words reperiuntur qui have
fallen out after morbi; V. d. Linden supplies qui.
" Sia Tov Keparos: boiled stag's horn yielded a glutinous
mucus and is mentioned by Galen as a bland application;
208
BOOK VI. 6. 15 B-16 c
other medicaments too are put upon the lice them-
selves in order to kill them and prevent any more
from being born. For this purpose soda-scum
0-33 grm., sandarach 0-33 grm. and black bryony
berries 4 grms. are pounded up together, with equal
proportions of old oil and vinegar, until of the
consistency of honey.
The preceding cUseases of the eyes are treated
with bland applications. Next come other classes
which require a different treatment, and they usually
originate from inflammation, but also persist after
the inflammation has subsided. And first in some
cases there is a thin discharge of rheum which per-
sists ; in these the bowel is to be clystered, and the
amount of food somewhat reduced. And it is not
inappropriate to smear the forehead with the com-
position of Andrias ; this consists of gum 4 grms.,
cerussa and antimony sulphide 8 grms. each, litharge
heated and washed 16 grms. But the litharge must
be boiled in rain-water, and the dry ingredients
pounded up in myrtle juice. When the forehead
has been smeared with this, a poultice is put on of
flour made into a paste with cold water, to which is
added acacia juice or cypress oil. It is also useful
to apply a cup to the top of the head after making
an incision, or blood may be let from the temples.
The following ointment should be used : copper
scales and poppy-tears 4 grms. each ; stag's horn
calcined and washed, washed lead, and gum, 16 grms.
each ; frankincense, 48 grms. This salve, because it
contains horn, is called dia tu keratos." Whenever
it is to be distinguished from comu cervinum ustum, incinerated
stag's horn yielding calcium oxide, quicklime, which was used
for cleaning wounds, V. 5. 2.
209
CELSUS
adicio, quod genus umoris adiciendum sit, aquam
intellegi volo.
17 Ad idem Euelpidis, quod memigmenon nominabat.
In eo papaveris lacrimae et albi piperis singulae
unciae sunt ; cummis libra P. ; aeris combusti
P. -5^ I S. Inter has autem curationes post inter-
missiones aliqua prosunt balineum et vinum.
Cumque omnibus lippientibus vitandi cibi qui ex-
tenuant, tum praecipue, quibus tenuis umor diu
fertur. Quod si iam fastidium est eorum, quae
pituitam crassiorem reddunt (sicut in hoc genere
materiae maxime promptum est), confugiendum
est ad ea, quae, quia ventrem, corpus quoque
adstringunt.
18 At ulcera, si cum inflammatione finita , . .^ non
sunt, aut supercrescentia aut sordida aut cava aut
certe Vetera esse consuerunt. Ex his supercrescentia
coUyrio, quod memigmenon vocatur, optime repri-
muntur : sordida purgantur et eodem et eo,
19 quod zmilion nominatur. Habet aeruginis P. •}{■ IIII ;
cummis tantundem ; Hammoniaci, mini Sinopici,
singulorum P. -Jf XVI ; quae quidam ex aqua,
quidam, quo vehementiora sint, ex aceto terunt.
20 Id quoque Euelpidis, quod pyrron[a] appellabat,
hue utile est : croci P. -Jf I ; papaveris lacrimae,
cummis, singulorum P. -Jf II ; aeris combusti et
eloti, murrae, singulorum P. ■}(• IIII ; piperis albi
P. "Jf VI. Sed ante leni, tum hoc inunguendum est.
^ Marx inserts saaata after finita, and this is translated.
" ne/uyfievov KoXXvpiov — mixed salve.
' Zmilion (amXiov, the little scalpel) was sharp as a knife
in its effect.
210
BOOK VI. 6. i6 C-20
I do not name the kind of fluid to be added, I would
have water to be understood.
For the same purpose there is the salve of Euel-
pides, which he called memigmenon," containing
poppy-tears and white peppercorns 28 grms. each;
gum 336 grms. ; roasted copper 6 grms. However,
in the course of the treatment, after a subsidence of
the disease, the bath and wine are of some service.
In all cases of ophthalmia food that makes thin
should be avoided, but especially in those who have
had for long a discharge of thin humour. But if
food which renders the rheum thicker comes to be
disliked, which very readily happens with this kind
of diet, recourse should be had to those foods which,
in bracing up the bowels, do the same to the body
in general.
Again, ulcerations which do not heal after in-
flammation has ended, tend to become fungous or
foul or excavated, or at any rate chronic. Such as are
fungous are best repressed by the salve called
memigmenon ; those which are foul are cleaned
both by the same and by that called zmilion.* This
contains : verdigris 16 grms. ; gum the same ; ara-
moniacum and Sinopic minium 64 grms. ; some pound
up these with water, others with vinegar, in order
to make it more active.
The salve of Euelpides also which he called pyrron"
is of use for this : saffron 4 grms. ; poppy-tears
and gum 8 grms. ; roasted and washed copper and
myrrh 16 grms. each ; white pepper 24 grms. But
the eyes are first smeared with a mild ointment, then
with the above.
" From its red (irvppos) colour : it contained red oxide of
copper.
211
CELSUS
21 Id quoque eiusdem, quod sphaerion nominabat,
eodem valet : lapidis haematitis eloti P. -Jf I = ;
piperis grana sex ; cadmiae elotae, murrae, papaveris
lacrimae, singulorum P. -Jf II ; croci P. ^IIII;
cummis P. -Jf VIII. Quae cum vino Aminaeo
conterantur,
22 Liquidum autem medicamentum ad idem con-
ponebat, in quo erant haec : aeruginis P. -Jf = ;
misy conbusti, atramenti sutori, cinnamomi, singu-
lorum P. ^ I ; croci, nardi, papaveris lacrimae,
singulorum P, -Jf I = ; murrae P. -Jf II ; aeris com-
busti P. ^ III ; cineris ex odoribus P, -K- IIII ;
piperis grana XV. Haec ex vino austero teruntur,
deinde cum passi tribus heminis decocuntur, donee
corpus unum sit ; idque medicamentum vetustate
efficacius fit.
23 Cava vero ulcera commodissime implent ex iis,
quae supra posita sunt, sphaerion et id, quod
Philalethus vocatur. Idem sphaerion vetustis ulceri-
bus et vix ad cicatrices venientibus optime succurrit.
24 Est etiam coUyrium, quod, cum ad plura valeat,
plurimum tamen proficere in ulceribus videtur.
Refertur ad Hermonem auctorem. Habet piperis
longi P. -Jf I = ; albi P. ^ — ; cinnamomi, costi,
singulorum P. -J?- I ; atramenti sutori, nardi, casiae,
castorei, singulorum P. •}{■ II ; gallae P. -Jf V ; murrae,
croci, turis, Lyci, cerussae, singulorum P. ■}(• VIII ;
papaveris lacrimae P. ^ XII ; aloes, aeris combusti,
cadmiae, singulorum P. -X- XVI ; acaciae, stibis,
cummis, singulorum P. -Jf XXV.
25 Factae vero ex ulceribus cicatrices duobus vitiis
periclitantur, ne aut cavae aut crassae sint. Si
" From its shape which was that of a ball (ad>aipa) : see
also V. 6. 23, 25, 26, 28.
212
BOOK VI. 6. 21-25
That salve of his which he named sphaerion " has
the same effect : washed haematite stone 4-66 grms. ;
6 peppercorns ; washed zinc oxide, myrrh and poppy-
tears 8 grms. ; saffron 16 grms, ; gum 32 grms. ;
these are pounded up in Aminean wine.
For the same purpose he prepared a Hquid salve,
containing verdigris 0-66 grm. ; roasted antimony
sulphide, shoemakers-blacking, and cinnamon 4 grms.
each ; saffron, nard and poppy-tears 4-66 grms. each ;
myrrh 8 grms. ; roast copper 12 grms. ; ash of
aromai^ic herbs 16 grms. ; 15 peppercorns. These
are pounded up in dry wine, then boiled in 750
c.cm., of raisin wine until of uniform consistency.
This is rendered more efficacious by age.
Excavated ulcerations, too, are most readily
replenished with flesh by the compositions mentioned
above, sphaerion, and that called Philalethus.*
Sphaerion is the best remedy for old-standing
ulcerations, and those that are difficult to heal.
There is also a salve, which whilst efficacious in
many ways seems to be specially so in the case of
ulcerations. It is said to have been invented by
Hermon. It contains : long pepper 4*66 grms. ;
white pepper 0*33 grm. ; cinnamon and costmary
4 grms. each ; shoemaker's blacking, nard, casia and
castoreum 8 grms. each ; gall 20 grms. ; myrrh,
saffron, frankincense, lycium and cerussa, 32 grms.
each; poppy-tears 48 grms.; lign-aloes, roasted
copper and oxide of zinc 64 grms. each ; acacia,
antimony sulphide and gum 100 grms. each.
Scars resulting from ulcerations are liable to two
defects, they are either depressed or thick. If
* VI. 6. 12.
213
CELSUS
cavae sunt, potest eas implere id, quod sphaerion
vocari dixi, vel id, quod Asclepios nominatur. Habet
papaveris lacrimae P. ^ II ; sagapeni, opopanacis,
singulorum P, -Jf III ; aeruginis P. •}{• IIII ; cummis
P. -Jf VIII ; piperis P. ^ XII ; cadmiae elotae,
B cerussae, singulorum P. ^ XVI. At si crassae
cicatrices sunt, extenuat vel zmilion vel Canopite
collyrium, quod habet : cinnamomi, acaciae, singu-
lorum P. -Jf I ; cadmiae elotae, croci, murrae papa-
veris lacrimae, cummis, singulorum P, -Jf II ; piperis
albi, turis singulorum P, -Jf III ; aeris combusti
C P. -Jf VIII. Vel Euelpidis pyxinum, quod ex his
constat : salis fossilis P. ^ IIII ; Hammoniaci
thymiamatis P. -H- VIII ; papaveris lacrimae P.
4f XII ; cerussae P. -Jf XV ; piperis albi, croci Siculi,
singulorum P. 4f XXXII ; cummis P. ^ XIII ;
cadmiae elotae P. •}?• Villi. Maxime tamen tollere
cicatricem videtur id, quod habet : cummis P. ^ = ;
aeruginis P. ^ I ; croci magmatis P. ^ IIII.
26 Est etiam genus inflammationis, in qua, si cui
tument ac distenduntur cum dolore oculi, sanguinem
ex fronte emitti necessarium est, multaque aqua
calida caput atque oculos fovere; gargarizare ex
lenticula vel fici cremore ; inimgui acribus medica-
mentis, quae supra (16 seqq., 21 seqq.) conprehensa
sunt, maximeque eo, quod sphaerion nominatur,
quod lapidem haematitem habet. Atque alia
quoque utilia sunt, quae ad extenuandam aspritudi-
nem fiunt, de qua protinus dicam.
27 Haec autem inflammationem oculorum fere sequi-
" A salve named after the town of Canopus in Egypt.
* Collyrium pyxinum, a salve kept in a box-wood caae;
such receptacles, specially labelled, have been unearthed from
apothecae or drug shops excavated in Pompei and elsewhere.
214
BOOK VI. 6. 25-27
depressed, new flesh may be grown by applying
that salve called sphaerion, or that named Asclepios,
which contains : poppy-tears 8 grms. ; sagapenum
and all-heal 12 grms. each ; verdigris 16 grms. ;
gum 32 grms. ; pepper 48 grms. ; washed oxide of
zinc and cerussa 64 grms. each. But thick scars
are thinned either by the smilion, or by the salve of
Canopus " which contains : cinnamon and acacia
4 grms. each ; washed oxide of zinc, saffron, myrrh,
poppy-tears and gum 8 grms. each; white pepper
and frankincense 12 grms. each; roasted copper
32 grms. Or the pyxinum ^ of Euelpides, which con-
sists of: rock-salt 16 grms.; ammoniacum used for
incense, 32 grms. ; poppy-tears 48 grms. ; cerussa
60 grms. ; white pepper and Sicilian saffron 128
grms. each ; gum 52 grms. ; washed zinc oxide
36 grms. However, the best for elevating a scar
seems to be : gum 0-66 grm. ; verdigris 4 grms. ;
dregs of saffron 16 grms.
There is also a class of inflammation in which,
if the eyes swell and become tense with pain, it is
necessary to let blood from the forehead, and to
foment the head and eyes freely with hot water;
also to gargle, using a decoction of lentils, or the
cream of figs ; to apply as an ointment acrid medica-
ments, such as have been noted above, especially
that named sphaerion, and that containing haematite
stone. There are also other salves of use for softening
trachoma"^ of which I am just going to speak.
Now this condition generally follows inflammation
* For trachoma see p. 184 note a; the disease continues
unaltered to this day among eastern races ; in Egypt
especially it is general among the populace in various degrees
of severity.
215
CELSUS
tur, interdum maior, interdum levior. Nonnumquam
etiam ex aspritudine lippitudo fit, ipsam deinde aspri-
tudinem auget, fitque ea alias brevis, in aliis longa et
quae vix umquam finiatur. — In hoc genere valetu-
dinis quidam crassas durasque palpebras et ficulneo
folio et asperato specillo et interdum scalpello era-
dunt, versasque cotidie medicamentis sufFricant ;
quae neque nisi in magna vetustaque aspritudine
neque saepe facienda sunt : nam melius eodem
ratione vietus et idoneis medicamentis pervenitur.
B Ergo exercitationibus utemur et balneo frequentiore,
multaque . . .^ oculorum aqua calida fovebimus ;
cibos autem sumemus acres et extenuantis, medica-
mentum id, quod Caesarianum vocatur. Habet
atramenti sutori P. -Jf I — ; misy P. -Jf I = ; piperis
albi P. ^ = = ; papaveris lacrimae, cummis, singu-
lorum P, •}(■ II ; cadmiae elotae P. ^ IIII ; stibis
P. ^ VI ; satisque constat hoc collyrium adversus
omne genus oculorum valetudinis idoneum esse,
exceptis is, quae lenibus nutriuntur.
28 Id quoque, quod Hieracis nominatur, ad aspritu-
dinem potest. Habet murrae P. -Jf I ; Hammoniaci
thyntiiamatis P. ^ II ; aeruginis rasae P. -Jf IIII.
Ad idem idoneum est etiam id, quod Canopitae est et,
quod zmilion vocatur, et id, quod pyxinum et id,
quod sphaerion. Si conposita medicamenta non
adsunt, felle caprino vel quam optimo melle satis
commode aspritudo curatur.
29 Est etiam genus aridae lippitudinis : xeropthalmian
Graeci appellant. Neque tument neque fluunt oculi,
^ Marx -proposed to insert oras as translated.
• i.e. chronic conjunctivitis.
2l6
BOOK VI. 6. 27-29
of the eyes ; sometimes it is more serious, sometimes
less so. Often too, as the result of trachoma,
inflammation" is set up, which in its turn increases
the trachoma, and sometimes lasts a short time, some-
times long, and then it is scarcely ever terminated.
In this class of affection, some scrape the thick and
indurated eyelids with a fig-leaf and a rasp and some-
times with a scalpel, and every day rub medicaments
into the under surface of the eyelid; such things
should only be done when there is marked and in-
veterate hardness, and not often ; for the same result is
better attained by dieting and proper medicaments.
Therefore we shall make use of exercise and
frequent baths, and foment the eye-lids freely
with hot water, and the food we give will be acrid
and attenuating, and the medicine the salve called
caesarianum. This contains : shoemaker's blacking
1*33 grms. ; antimony sulphide 1'66 grms. ; white
pepper 1'33 grms. ; poppy-tears and gum 8 grms.
each; washed oxide of zmc 16 grms.; antimony
sulphide 24 grms. And this preparation will do
for all kinds of eye-inflammations, except such as
are relieved by bland remedies.
That called after Hierax is also efficacious for
trachoma. It contains : myrrh 4 grms. ; ammonia-
cum used for incense 8 grms. ; copper filings 16 grms.
For the same purpose there are also those called
respectively Canopite, smilion, pyxinum, and sphae-
rion. But when none of these made up medica-
ments is at hand, then goat's bile or honey of the
best is suitable enough for the treatment of trachoma.
There is a kind of dry inflammation of the eyes
called by the Greeks xerophthalmia. The eyes
neither swell nor run, but are none the less red
217
CELSUS
sed rubent tamen et cum dolore quodam gravescunt
et noctu praegravi pituita inhaerescunt ; quantoque
minor generis huius impetus, tanto finis minus
expeditus est. — In hoc vitio multum ambulare,
multum exerceri, lavari saepe,^ . . . ibique desudare,
multaque frictione uti necessarium est. Cibi neque
ii qui implant, neque nimium acres apti sunt, sed
inter hos medi. Mane, ubi concoxisse manifestum
est, non est alienum ex sinapi gargarizare, turn
deinde caput atque os diutius defricare.
30 Collyrium vero aptissimum est, quod rinion vocatur.
Habet murrae P. .jf = ; papaveris lacrimae, acaciae
suci, piperis, cummis, singulorum P. •}(• I ; lapidis
haematitis, lapidis Phrygii, Lucii, lapidis scissilis,
singulorum P. •}(• II ; aeris combusti P. ^ IIII.
Ac pyxinum quoque eodem accommodatum est.
31 Si vero scabri oculi sunt, quod maxime in angulis
esse consuevit, potest prodesse rinion, id quod supra
positum est ; potest militare : id, quod habet
aeruginis rasae, piperis longi, papaveris lacrimae,
singulorum P. -Jf II ; piperis albi, cummis, singu-
lorum P. ^ IIII ; cadmiae elotae, cerussae, singu-
lorum P. -Jf XVI. Nullum tamen melius est quam
Euelpidis, quod basilicon nominabat. Habet papa-
veris lacrimae, cerussae, lapidis Assii, singulorum
P. ^ II ; cummis P. ^ III ; piperis albi P. ^ IIII ;
B croci P. -Jf VI ; psorici P. -Jf XIII. Nulla autem per
se materia est, quae psoricum nominetur, sed
chalcitidis ahquid et cadmiae dimidio plus ex aceto
^ Marx would add after saepe : in balineo sedere, and this
w translated.
" Cf. Paulus Aegineta, 3. 22. pivdpiov. * Split alum, cf. V. 2.
' Inflammation of the eyelid (Blepharitis marginalia or
angularis).
2l8
BOOK VI. 6. 29-31 B
and heavy and painful, and at night the lids get
stuck together by very troublesome rheum; the
less violent the onset of this kind of trouble is, the
less readily it is terminated. In this lesion there is
need for much walking, much exercise, frequent
bathing, sitting in the bath and sweating, and much
rubbing. The food should not be too flesh-making,
neither is acrid food suitable, but a mean between the
two. In the morning, when it is plain that all food
has been digested, it is not inappropriate to gargle
with mustard, then next to rub the head and face
for a considerable time.
Again, a most suitable salve is that called rhinion."
It contains : myrrh 0-66 grm. ; poppy-tears, acacia
juice, pepper and gum 4 grms. each; haematite
stone, Phrygian and Lycian stone, and split stone,*
8 grms. each; roasted copper 16 grms. The salve
pyxinum is also fitting for this same purpose.
When the eyes are scabrous,' which mostly occurs
at their angles, the rhinion salve noted above may
do good ; that one may also serve which contains :
copper filings, long pepper and poppy-tears 8 grms.
each ; white pepper and gum 16 grms. each ; washed
oxide of zinc and cerussa 64 grms. each. Nothing,
however, is better than that named by Euelpides
basilicon. It contains : poppy-tears cerussa and
Assos stone, 8 grms. each ; gum 12 grms. ; white
pepper 16 grms.; saffron 24 grms.; psoricum'* 42
grms. Now there is no drug called psoricum, but
some copper ore and a little more than half as much
oxide of zinc are pounded up together in vinegar,
'' Psoricum {t/iMpiKov (f>apiJ.aKov) was a remedy for itch, ifiwpa.
The composition was noted by Dioscorides and Pliny ; oxides
of copper and zinc were the active ingredients.
219
CELSUS
simul conteruntur, idque in vas fictile additum et
contectum ficulneis foliis sub terra reponitur, sub-
latumque post dies viginti rursus teritur, et sic t
appellatur.^ Varum in basilico quoque collyrio
convenit ad omnes aft'ectus oculorum id esse idoneum,
C qui non lenibus medicamentis curantur. Ubi non
sunt autem medicamenta composita, scabros angulos
levant et mel et vinum; succurritque et his et
aridae lippitudini, si quis panem ex vino subactum
super oculum inponit. Nam cum fere sit umor
aliquis, qui modo ipsum oculum, modo angulos aut
palpebras exasperat, sic et, si quid prodit umoris,
extrahitur, et, si quid iuxta est, repellitur.
32 Caligare vero oculi nonnumquam ex lippitudine,
nonnumquam etiam sine hac propter senectutem
inbecillitatemve aliam consuerunt. Si ex reliquis
lippitudinis id vitium est, adiuvat collyrium, quod
Asclepios nominatur, adiuvat id, quod ex croci
magmate fit.
33 Proprie etiam ad id componitur, quod dia crocu
vocant. Habet piperis P. -Jf I ; croci Cilici, papaveris
lacrimae, cerussae, singulorum P. •}(■ H ; psorici.
cummis, singulorum P, -Jf IIII.
34 At si ex senectute aliave inbecillitate id est, recte
inungui potest et melle quam optumo et cypro et
oleo vetere. Commodissimum tamen est balsami
partem unam et olei veteris aut cypri partes duas,
mellis quam acerrimi partes tres miscere. Utilia
hue quoque medicamenta sunt, quaeque ad caliginem
* Marx suggests adhibeatur for the M8S. appellatur. One
MS. inserts psorioom after appellatur.
220
BOOK VI. 6. 31 B-34
and this is placed in an earthenware jar and covered
over with fig-leaves and is buried underground ;
after twenty days it is taken up, and again pounded,
when it is given this name. It is generally agreed
that the salve basilicum is suitable for all affections
of the eyes which are not treated by bland medica-
ments. But when such compositions are not at hand,
honey and wine relieve the scabrous angles of the
eyes ; in this and in dry ophthalmia relief is afforded
by soaking bread in wine, and applying it over the
eyes. For since there is generally some humour
which is irritating either the eyeball itself, or its
angles, or the eyelids, by this application any humour
on the surface is drawn out and any near at hand
driven back.
Again the eyes tend at times to become dim from
ophthalmia, but also apart from that, on account
of old age, or other weakness. If the disorder is
owing to the remnants of an ophthalmia, the salve
called Asclepios is of service and that which is
composed of saffron dregs.
Also there is a special preparation for this purpose
called dia crocu." It contains pepper 4 grms. ;
cilician saffron, poppy-tears and cerussa 8 grms.
each ; psoricum and gum 16 grms. each.
But if the eyes are dim from old age or other
weakness, it is good to anoint with best honey,
Cyprus oil, and old olive oil. The most suitable
unguent, however, is made of balsam one part, and
old olive or Cyprus oil two parts, and three parts
of the sharpest honey. Here too those applica-
tions are suitable which were noted just above
" Sid KpoKov, containing saffron from Corycus (now Khorgos)
in Cilicia.
221
VOL. II. K
CELSUS
proxime (32, 33) quaeque ad extenuandas cicatrices
B supra (25 B) comprehensa sunt. Cuicumque vero
oculi caligabunt, huic opus erit multa ambulatione
atque exercitatione, frequenti balneo, ubi totum
quidem corpus perfricandum est, praecipue tamen
caput, et quidem irino, donee insudet velandumque
postea nee detegendum antequam sudor et calor
domi conquierint. Turn cibis utendum acribus et
extenuantibus, interpositisque aliquibus diebus ex
sinapi gargarizandum.
35 SufFusio quoque, quam Graeci hypochysin nomin-
ant, interdum oculi potentiae, qua cernit,se opponit.
Quod si inveteravit, manu curandum est. Inter
initia nonnumquam certis observationibus dis-
cutietur. Sanguinem ex fronte vel naribus mittere,
in temporibus venas adurere, gargarizando pituitam
evocare, subfumigare, oculos acribus medicamentis
inunguere expedit. Victus optimus est, qui pituitam
extenuat.
36 Ac ne resolutio quidem oculorum, quam paralysin
Graeci nominant, alio victus modo vel aliis medica-
mentis curanda est. Exposuisse tantum genus vitii
satis est. Igitur interdum evenit, modo in altero
oculo, modo in utroque, aut ex ictu aliquo aut ex
morbo comitiali, aut ex distentione nervorum, qua
vehementer ipse oculus concussus est, ut is neque
quoquam intendi possit, neque omnino consistat,
sed hue illucve sine ratione moveatur ; ideoque ne
conspectum quidem rerum praestat.
" See VI. 6. 25 B.
* Suffusio {vTToxvais) is a collection of humour behind the
pupil. The name cataracta (KarappaKT-qs) was first used by
Constantinus about 1070 in a translation from the Arabic.
See also VII. 7. 13.
BOOK VI. 6. 34-36
for dim vision and previously for thinning" scars.
If anyone finds his eyes becoming dim he must
walk and exercise a great deal; also bathe fre-
quently, and in the bath he is to be rubbed all
over, especially, however, on his head, with iris
unguent, until he sweats ; and he should then be
wrapped up, and not uncover, until after reaching
home the sweating and heat have passed oiF. Then
he should take acrid foods which will make him thin
and some days afterwards gargle with mustard.
Cataract * also, which the Greeks call hypochysis,
sometimes interferes with the vision of the eye.
When it has become long established it is to be treated
surgically. In its earliest stages it may be dispersed
occasionally by certain measures : it is useful to
let blood from the forehead or nostrils, to cauterize
the temporal blood vessels, to bring out phlegm
by gargling, to inhale smoke, to anoint the eyes
with acrid medicaments. That regimen is best which
makes phlegm thin.
Again, even the relaxation of the eyes which the
Greeks call paralysis'^ is not to be treated by any
different regimen or by any different medicaments.
It is sufficient to explain just the kind of lesion it is.
It happens then sometimes in the case of one eye,
sometimes of both, from some blow, or from epilepsy,
or from a spasm, by which the eyeball itself is
violently shaken, that it cannot be directed at any
object, or be held at all steady, but with no reason
it turns now this way, now that, and so does not
even afford a view of objects.
« Paralysis and resohdio nervorum are used alternatively.
The description is rather of a functional disorder than of a
muscular paralysis.
223
CELSUS
37 Non multum ab hoc malo distat id, quod mydriasin
Graeci vocant. Pupilla funditur et dilatatur, acies-
que eius hebetescit ac paene. . . .^ — Difficillime
genus id inbecillitatis eliditur. In utraque parte
vero [id est et paralysi et mydriasi] pugnandum est
per eadem omnia, quae in caligine oculorum praecepta
sunt (32-34), paueis tantum mutatis, siquidem ad
caput irino interdum acetum, interdum nitrum
B adiciendum est, melle inungui satis est. Quidam
in posteriore vitio calidis aquis usi relevatique :
quidam sine ulla manifesta causa subito obcaecati
sunt. Ex quibus nonnuUi cum aliquamdiu nihil
vidissent, repentina profusione alvi lumen rece-
perunt ; quo minus alienum videtur et recenti re et
interposito tempore medicamentis quoque moliri
deiectiones, quae omnem noxiam materiam in
inferiora depellant.
38 Praeter haec inbecillitas oculorum est, ex qua
quidem interdiu satis, noctu nihil cernunt ; quod in
feminam bene respondentibus menstruis non cadit. —
Sed sic laborantes inungui oportet sanie iocineris
maxime hirquini, si minus, caprini, ubi id assum
coquitur, excepta; atque edi quoque ipsum iecur
debet. Licet tamen etiam iisdem medicamentis
non inutiliter uti, quae vel cicatrices vel aspritudinem
extenuant : quidam contrito semini portulacae mel
adiciunt, eatenus ne id ex specillo destillet, eoque
^ A word has fallen out here, Marx supplied deficit.
" Mydriasis (fivSplams). The reflex effect of more light
entering through the dilated pupil is to cause the eyelids to
close (fivfiv).
* Celsus here describes a particular functional disorder
caecitas crepuscular is, inability to see at dusk, and at night;
224
BOOK VI. 6. 37-38
The malady the Greeks call mydriasis " is not very
different from the above. The pupil spreads out and
is dilated, and its vision becomes dimmed and almost
lost. This kind of weakness is most difficult to
relieve. Both of these [paralysis and mydriasis] are
to be countered by all the same prescriptions as
mistiness of the eyes, but with a few alterations
such as the addition sometimes of vinegar, some-
times of soda, to the iris unguent for the head;
while honey is sufficient for the eye inunctions.
In the case of mydriasis, some patients have been
relieved by the use of hot water, some without any
obvious cause have suddenly become blind. Some
of these after seeing nothing for some time have
suddenly regained vision following a profuse stool.
Hence it seems not inappropriate, whether in a
recent case or in one of some standing, by the use of
medicaments to force stools in order to drive down-
wards all noxious matter.
There is besides a weakness of the eyes, owing
to which people see well enough indeed in the day-
time but not at all at night; ** in women whose
menstruation is regular this does not happen. But
such sufferers should anoint their eyeballs with the
stuff dripping from a liver whilst roasting, preferably
of a he-goat, or failing that of a she-goat ; and as well
they should eat some of the liver itself. But, we
may also use with advantage the same remedies
which dry up scars and trachoma. Some add honey
to pounded purslane seed until the mixture no longer
drops from the end of a pi-obe, and with it anoint the
cats and other animals have better vision than man in this
respect. The term nyctalopia (night blindness) is meaning-
less and so has led to endless confusion.
225
CELSUS
inungunt. Exercitationibus, balneo, frictionibus,
gargarizationibus isdem his quoque utendum est.
39 Et haec quidem in ipsis corporibus oriuntur.
Extrinsecus vero interdum sic ictus oculum laedit,
ut sanguis in eo sufFundatur. — Nihil commodius
est quam sanguine vel columbae vel palumbi vel
hirundinis inunguere. Neque id sine causa fit,
cum horum acies extrinsecus laesa interposito tem-
pore in anticum statum redeat, celerrime hirundinis.
B Unde etiam fabulae locus factus est, per parentes id
herba restitui, quod per se sanescit. Eorumque
ergo sanguis nostros quoque oculos ab externo casu
conunodissime tuetur, hoc ordine, ut sit hirundinis
optimus, deinde palumbi, minime efficax columbae et
illi ipsi et nobis. Supra percussum vero oculum ad
inflammationem leniendam non est alienum inponere
C etiam cataplasma. Sal Hammoniacus vel quihbet
alius quam optimus teri debet, sic ut ei paulatim
oleum adiciatur, donee crassitudo strigmenti fiat.
Id deinde miscendum est cum hordeacia farina, quae
ex mulso decocta sit. Facile autem recognitis
omnibus, quae medici prodiderunt, apparere cuilibet
potest, vlx ullum ex iis, quae supra conprehensa
sunt, oculi vitium esse, quod non simplicibus quoque
et promptis remediis summoveri possit.
7. Hactenus in oculis ea . . .^ reperiuntur, in
quibus medicamenta plurimum possint : ideoque ad
aures transeundum est, quarvun usum proximum a
^ Marx would supply morborum geners. after ea.
" Chelidonium majus, the greater celandine, which blooms
when the swallow (xe^iBwv) is arriving on the swallow wind
226
BOOK VI. 6. 38-7. I
eyeballs. The same exercises, baths, rubbings and
gargles are also to be used for these patients.
All the foregoing disorders arise within the body ;
but a blow from without at times so injures the eye
that it is suffused with blood. Nothing is then better
than to anoint the eyeball with the blood of a pigeon,
dove, or swallow. There is some reason for this,
because the vision of these birds, when injured from
without, returns after an interval to its original
state, most speedily in the case of the swallow.
This also has given rise to the fable that the old
birds restore the vision by a herb," when it really
returns spontaneously. Hence the blood of these
birds most properly protects our eves too after
an external injury, and in the following order :
swallow's blood is best, next that of the pigeon, and
the dove's is the least efficacious, both as regards the
birds themselves and us. In order to relieve inflam-
mation, it is not unfitting to apply a poultice over
the injured eye. The best salt from Ammon, or
some other salt, is pounded, and oil gradually added
until it is of the consistency of strigil scrapings.
Then this is mixed with barley-meal which has been
boiled in honey wine. But it is easy, after looking
through all that medical practitioners have written,
for anyone to see that there is scarcely any one of the
eye disorders among those included above which it
may not be possible to clear up by simple and readily
procured remedies.
7. So much, then, for those classes of eye disease, for
which medicaments are most successful ; and now we
pass to the ears, the use of which comes next to eye-
(Theophrastus, Enquiry into Plants, VII. 15. 1, Loeb transla-
tion, II. 136). Its juice yields a narcotic alkaloid.
227
CELSUS
luminibus natura nobis dedit. Sed in his aliquanto
maius periculum est: nam vitia oculorum intra
ipsos nocent, aurium inflammationes doloresque
interdum etiam ad dementiam mortemque praecipi-
tant. Quo magis inter initia protinus succurrendum
B est, ne maiori periculo locus sit. — Ergo ubi primum
doloremaliquis sensit,abstinere et continere se debet;
postero die, si vehementius malum est, caput tondere,
. idque irino unguento calido perunguere et operire.
At magnus cum febre vigiliaque dolor exigit, ut
sanguis quoque mittatur ; si id aliquae causae pro-
hibent, alvus solvenda est. Cataplasmata quoque
calida subinde mutata proficiunt, sive feni Graeci
sive lini sive alia farina ex mulso decocta et recta
etiam subinde admoventur spongiae ex aqua calida
C expressae. Tum levato dolore ceratum circumdari
debet ex irino aut cyprino factum : in quibusdam
tamen melius quod ex rosa est proficit. Si vehemens
inflammatio somnum ex toto prohibet, adici cata-
plasmati debent papaveris cortices fricti atque con-
triti, sic ut ex his pars dimidia sit, eaque tum simul ex
passo mixto decoquatur. In aurem vero infundere
aliquod medicamentum oportet, quod semper ante
tepefieri convenit, commodissimeque per striglem
instillatur. Ubi auris repleta est, super lana mollis
D addenda est, quae umorem intus contineat. Et
haec quidem communia sunt medicamenta: verum
est et rosa et radicum harundinis sucus, et oleum, in
quo lumbrici cocti sunt, et umor ex amaris nucibus
" The truth of this statement, unique in ancient medical
literature, only came to be appreciated after the middle of
the 19th century.
' The strigil, commonly made of horn, had a groove like our
shoehorn, into which liquid medicaments were poured, and
from which fluid could be poured in drops.
228
BOOK VI. 7. i-D
sight as Nature's gift to us. But in the case of the
ears there is a somewhat greater danger ; for whereas
lesions of the eyes keep the mischief to themselves,
inflammations and pains in the ears sometimes
even serve to drive the patient to madness and death."
This makes it more desirable to apply treatment at
the very beginning, that there may be no opening
for the greater danger. As soon, therefore, as the
pain is first felt, the patient should fast and keep
quiet ; the next day, if the pain is still severe, the
head should be shaved, and after it has been anointed
with hot iris unguent, covered up. But great pain
with fever and sleeplessness require also that blood
should be let ; if anything prevents this, the bowels
are to be moved. Hot poultices also, frequently
changed, are of service, whether composed of fenu-
greek or linseed or other meal boiled in honey wine,
and sponges also wrung out of hot water, applied
at intervals, are appropriate. Then, when the pain
is relieved, iris or Cyprus unguent should be spread
around the ears ; in some cases, however, the rose
unguent is more advantageous. If severe inflamma-
tion entirely prevents sleep, there should be added to
the poultice half its quantity of toasted and pounded
poppy-head rind, and this should be boiled down
with the rest in diluted raisin wine. It is desirable
also to pour some medicament into the ear, and
this should always be made lukewarm beforehand;
and is best dropped in from a strigil.'' When the
ear is full, soft wool is applied over it to keep in the
fluid. And these are the medicaments generally
used for this purpose : but also there is rose oil and
arundo-root juice and oil in which worms have been
boiled, and juice expressed from bitter almonds or
229
CELSUS
aut ex nucleo mali Persici expressus. Conposita vero
ad inflammationem doloremque leniendum haec
fere sunt : castorei, papaveris lacrimae pares portiones
eonteruntur ; deinde adicitur his passum. Vel
papaveris lacrimae, croci, murrae par modus sic
teritur, ut invicem modo rosa modo passum instilletur.
E Vel id, quod amarum in Aegyptia faba est, conteritur
rosa adiecta ; quibus murrae quoque paulum a
quibusdam miscetur vel papaveris lacrimae aut tus
cum muliebri lacte vel amararum nucum cum rosa
sucus . Vel castorei , murrae , papaveris lacrimae pares
portiones cum passo. Vel croci P. -Jf = — ; murrae,
aluminis scissilis, singulorum P. ^ = ; quibus dum
teruntur paulatim miscentur passi cyathi tres, mellis
minus cyatho, idque ex primis medicamentis est.
F Vel papaveris lacrima[e] ex aceto. Licet etiam
compositione uti Themisonis, quae habet castorei,
opopanacis, papaveris lacrimae, singulorum P. ^ II ;
spumae Lyci P. -Jf IIII. Quae contrita passo excipi-
untur, donee cerati crassitudinem habeant, atque
ita reponuntur. Ubi usus requiritur, rursus id
medicamentum adiecto passo specillo teritur. Illud
perpetuum est, quotienscumque crassius medica-
mentum est quam ut in aurem instillari possit,
adiciendum eum esse umorem, ex quo id componi
debet, donee satis liquidum sit.
2 Si vero pus quoque aures habent, recte Lycium
per se infunditur, aut irinum unguentum aut porri
sucus cum melle aut centauri sucus cum passo aut
dulcis mali Punici sucus in ipsius cortice tepefactus,
adiecta murrae exigua parte. Recte etiam miscentur
230
BOOK VI. 7. I D-2
from peach-kernels. But the compositions for
relieving inflammation and pain generally employed
are : castoreum and poppy-tears in equal amounts,
pounded together ; then to these there is added
raisin wine. Or poppy-tears, saffron and myrrh in
equal quantities pounded, while rose oil and raisin
wine are dropped in by turns. Or the bitter part
of the Egyptian bean pounded up with rose oil added ;
with these some mix a little myrrh or poppy-tears, or
frankincense in woman's milk, or the juice of bitter
almonds with rose oil. Or castoreum, myrrh and
poppy-tears, equal parts, with raisin wine. Or
saffron 1 grm. ; myrrh and shredded alum 0'66 grm.
of each ; whilst this is being pounded there is
slowly added to it 125 c.cm. of raisin wine, of honey
rather less than 40 c.cm., and this is one of the
best remedies. Or poppy-tears in vinegar. Themi-
son's compound may also be used ; it contains :
castoreum, opopanax and poppy-tears 8 grms. each,
buckthorn scum 16 grms. These are pounded and
made up in raisin wine, until they have the con-
sistency of a wax salve and are so preserved. When
required for use, this composition is again stirred
with a probe whilst adding raisin wine. The rule is
general, that when a composition has become too
thick to be dropped into the ear, some of the fluid
with which it was made up is added until it becomes
sufficiently liquid.
If again the ears have pus in them as well, it
is proper to pour in boxthorn juice by itself, or iris
unguent or leek juice with honey or centaury juice
with raisin wine or the juice of a sweet pomegranate
warmed in its rind, to which a little myrrh is added.
It is useful to mix together myrrh of the sort called
231
CELSUS
murrae, quam stacten cognominant, P, -5^ I ; croci
tantundem ; nuces amarae XXV ; mellis sex cyathi ;
quae contrita, cum utendum est, in cortice mali
Punici tepefiunt. Ea quoque medicamenta, quae
oris exulcerati causa componuntur, aeque ulcera
B aurium sanant. Quae si vetustiora sunt et multa
sanies fluit, apta compositio est, quae ad auctorem
Erasistratum refertur : piperis P. -Jf ^ ; croci P. -X-
:= ; murrae, misy cocti, singulorum P. -Jf I ; aeris
combusti P. ^ II. Haec ex vino teruntur : deinde
ubi inaruerunt, adiciuntur passi heminae tres et
simul incocuntur. Cum utendum est, adicitur his
mel et vinum. Est etiam Ptolemaei chirurgi medica-
mentum, quod habet : lentisci P. -Jf = ; gallae P.
C ^ = ; omphaci P, •}{• I ; sucum Punici mab*. Est
Menophili validum admodum, quod ex his constat:
piperis longi P. ^ I ; castorei P. •}(• II ; murrae, croci,
papaveris lacrimae, nardi Suriaci, turis, malicori, ex
Aegyptia faba partis interioris, nucum amararum,
mellis quam optumi, singulorum P. ^ IIII ; quibus
cum teruntur adicitur acetum quam acerrimum,
donee crassitudo in his passi fit. Est Cratonis :
cinnamomi, casiae, singulorum P. ^ = ; Lyci, nardi,
murrae, singulorum P. -Jf I ; aloes P. "J?- II ; mellis
cyathi tres ; vini sextarius ; ex quibus Lycium cum
D vino decoquitur, deinde his alia miscentur. At si
multum puris malusque odor est, aeruginis rasae,
turis, singulorum P. 4f II ; melhs cyathi duo ;
aceti quattuor simul incocuntur. Ubi utendum est,
' VI. 11.
232
BOOK VI. 7. 2-D
stacte 4 grms. ; the same amount of saffron ; 25
bitter almonds ; of honey 250 c.cm. ; these are
pounded together, and when they are to be used,
are warmed in a pomegranate rind. The medica-
ments which are compounded for ulcerations of the
mouth are equally healing for ulcerations of the ear,*
If the disease is of longer standing, and much matter
is discharged, the composition said to have been
invented by Erasistratus is suitable : pepper 0-66
grm. ; saffron 0*66 grm. ; myrrh and cooked antimony
sulphide 4 grms. each ; roasted copper 8 grms.
These are pounded up in wine, and when the mixture
has become dry, 750 c.cm. of raisin wine are added,
and are boiled up with it. When it is to be used,
wine and honey are added to these ingredients.
There is also the medicament of the surgeon Ptole-
maeus, which contains : mastich 0-66 grm., oak
galls 0-66 grm., omphacium 4 grms. ; and pome-
granate juice. There is the very active remedy of
Menophilus, which consists of : long pepper 4 grms. ;
castoreum 8 grms. ; myrrh, saffron, poppy-tears,
Syrian nard, frankincense, pomegranate rind, the
embryo of an Egyptian bean, bitter almonds, and
the best honey 16 grms. each. These are pounded
together with the addition of very sour vinegar until
of the consistency of raisin wine. The prescription
of Craton is the following : cinnamon and casia 0*66
grm. each, boxthorn juice, nard and myrrh 4 grms.
each, lign-aloes 8 grms., honey 125 c.cm., wine half
a litre. The lycium is first boiled in the wine, and
the rest added. But when there is much pus, and
the odour bad, verdigris scrapings and frankincense
8 grms. each, honey 85 c.cm. ; vinegar 170 c.cm.
are boiled together. For use, it is mixed with sweet
233
CELSUS
dulce vinum miscetur. Aut aluminis scissilis, papa-
veris lacrimae, acaciae suci par pondus miscetur,
hisque adicitur hyoscyami suci dimidio minor quam
unius ex superioribus portio, eaque trita ex vino
diluuntur. Per se quoque hyoscyami sucus satis
proficit.
3 Commune vero auxilium adversus omnes aurium
casus iamque usu conprobatum Asclepiades con-
posuit. In eo sunt cinnamomi, casiae, singulorum
P. -Jf I ; floris iunci rotundi, castorei, albi piperis,
longi, amomi, myrobalani, singulorum P. ^ II ; turis
masculi, nardi Syriaci, m^urrae pinguis, croci, spumae
nitri, singulorum P. ^ III. Quae separatim contrita,
rursus mixta ex aceto conteruntur, atque ita condita,
B ubi utendum est, aceto diluuntur. Eodem modo
commune auxilium auribus laborantibus est Polyidi
sphragis ex dulci vino liquata, quae conpositio priore
libro (V. 20, 2) continetur. Quod si et sanies profluit
et tumor est, non alienum est mixto vino per oricula-
rium clysterem eluere, et turn infundere vinum
austerum cum rosa mixtum, cui spodi paulum sit
adiectum, aut Lucium cum lacte aut herbae sangu-
inalis sucum cum rosa aut mali Punici sucum cum
exigua murrae parte.
4 Si sordida quoque ulcera sunt, melius mulso elu-
untur, et tum aliquid ex iis, quae supra scripta sunt,
quod mel habeat, infunditur. Si magis pus profluit,
et caput utique tondendum est et multa calida aqua
perfundendum, et gargarizandum, et usque ad lassitu-
dinem ambulandum, et cibo modico utendum est.
Si cruor quoque ex ulceribus apparuit, Lycium cum
<• V. 20. 2.
234
BOOK VI. 7. 2 i>-4
wine. Or equal weights of shredded alum, poppy-
tears and acacia juice are mixed together, and to
these is added of hyocyamus juice less than half the
quantity of each one of the above ; and these are
pounded together and diluted with wine. Also
hyocyamus juice is sufficiently beneficial by itself.
A general remedy for all ear cases, and one ap-
proved by experience, was composed by Asclepiades.
This contains : cinnamon and casia 4 grms. each ;
flowers of round cyperus, castoreum, white pepper,
long pepper, cardamomum and bennut, 8 grms.
each ; male frankincense, Syrian nard, fatty myrrh,
saffron, soda-scum, 12 grms. each. These are pounded
separately, then mixed with vinegar and again
pounded, and so preserved; when for use they are
diluted with vinegar. In the same way a general
remedy for all ear disorders is the tablet of Polyidus,
dissolved in sweet wine, the prescription for which is
given in the last book." But if there is both a dis-
charge of matter and a swelling, it is not unfitting to
wash out the ear with diluted wine through an ear
syringe, and then pour in dry wine mixed with rose
oil, to which a little oxide of zinc has been added, or
boxthorn juice with milk, or polygonum juice
with rose oil, or pomegranate juice with a very little
myrrh.
If there is also foul ulceration, it is better to
wash out with honey wine, and then pour in some
one of the compositions described above which
contain honey. If there is a great discharge of pus
the head is to be shaved, and hot water poured
freely over it, also the patient should gargle with
the same, walk until tired, and take food sparingly.
If there is bleeding from the ulcerations, boxthorn
235
CELSUS
lacte debet infundi, vel aqua, in qua rosa decocta sit,
suco aut herbae sanguinalis aut acaciae adiecto.
B Quod si super ulcera earo increvit, eaque mali odoris
saniem fundit, aqua tepida elui debet, turn infundi id,
quod ex ture et aerugine et aceto et melle fit, aut
mel cum aerugine incoctum. Squama quoque
aeris cum sandaraca contrita per fistulam recta
instillatur.
6 Ubi vero vermes orti sunt, si iuxta sunt, protrahendi
oriculario specillo sunt ; si longius, medicamentis
enecandi, cavendumque ne postea nascantur. Ad
utrumque proficit album veratrum cum aceto
contritum. Elui quoque aurem oportet vino, in
quo marrubium decoctum sit. Emortui sub his
vermes in primam partem auris provocabuntur, unde
educi facillime possunt.
6 Sin foramen auris conpressum est, et intus crassa
sanies subest, mel quam optimum addendum est.
Si id parum proficit, mellis cyatho et dimidio aeruginis
rasae P. •}(■ II adiciendum est incoquendumque, et eo
utendum. Iris quoque cum melle idem proficnt.
Item galbani P. -Jf II, murrae et fellis taurini, singu-
lorum P. ^ = = , vini quantum satis est ad murram
diluendam.
7 Ubi vero gravius aliquis audire coepit, quod
maxime post longos capitis dolores evenire consuevit,
in primis aurem ipsam considerare oportet : apparebit
enim aut crusta, qualis super ulcera innascitur, aut
236
BOOK VI. 7. 4-7
juice should be poured in mixed with milk, or with
water in which rose leaves have been boiled, with
polygonum juice or that of acacia added. If flesh
has formed over the ulcerations and there is a mal-
odorous discharge, the ear should be washed out with
tepid water, then that composition poured in which
contains frankincense, verdigris, vinegar and honey ;
or honey boiled with verdigris. Copper scales also
pounded up with sandarach may be instilled through
a tube with advantage.
When maggots have appeared, if they are near
the surface, they must be extracted by an ear scoop ;
if further in they must be killed by medicaments,
and afterwards care taken that they do not breed.
White veratrum pounded up in vinegar serves for
both these purposes. The ear should also be washed
out with a decoction of horehound in wine. By this
procedure dead maggots will be driven forwards into
the outer part of the ear, whence they can be readily
withdrawn.
But if the ear-passage has been narrowed and thick
matter collects within, honey of the best ought to
be introduced. If this does not help, there must
be added to 65 c.cm. of honey 8 grms. of verdigris
scrapings ; they must be boiled together and so used.
Iris root with honey has the same efficacy. So also
has galbanum 8 grms., myrrh and ox bile 1-33 grms.
each, and of wine a sufficient quantity to dissolve
the myrrh.
When a man is becoming dull of hearing, which
happens most often after prolonged headaches,
in the first place, the ear itself should be inspected :
for there will be found either a crust such as comes
upon the surface of ulcerations, or concretions of wax.
237
CELSUS
sordium coitus. Si crusta est, infundendum est
oleum calidum, aut cum melle aerugo vel porri sucus,
aut cum mulso nitri paulum. Atque ubi crusta a
corpore iam recedit, eluenda auris aqua tepida est,
quo facilius ea per se diducta oriculario specillo
B protrahatur. Si sordes haeque molles sunt, eodem
specillo eximendae sunt : at si durae sunt, acetum
et cum eo nitri paulum coiciendum est ; cumque
emollitae sunt, eodem modo elui aurem purgarique
oportet. Quod si capitis gravitas manet, attonden-
dum ; idem leniter ^ . . . sed diu perfricandum est,
adiecto vel irino vel laureo oleo, sic ut utrilibet
paulum aceti misceatur ; tum diu ambulandum, leni-
terque post unctionem aqua calida caput fovendum.
C Cibisque utendum ex inbecillissima et media materia,
magisque adsumendae dilutae potiones ; nonnum-
quam gargarizandum est. Infundendum autem in
aurem castoreum cum aceto et laureo oleo et suco
radiculae corticis, aut cucumeris agrestis sucus ad-
ditis contritis rosae foliis. Inmaturae quoque uvae
sucus cum rosa instillatus adversus surditatem satis
proficit.
8 Aliud viti genus est, ubi aures intra se ipsas sonant ;
atque hoc quoque fit, ne externum sonum accipiant.
Levissimum est, ubi id ex gravidine est ; peius, ubi
ex morbis capitisve longis doloribus incidit ; pessi-
mum, ubi magnis morbis venientibus maximeque
comitiali praevenit.
B Si ex gravidine est, purgare aurem oportet et
^ Marx supplies castoreo after leniter.
• Vol. I. p. 370.
238
BOOK VI. 7. 7-8 B
If a crust, hot oil is poured in, or verdigris mixed with
honey or leek juice or a little soda in honey wine.
And when the crust has been separated from the
ulceration, the ear is irrigated with tepid water, to
make it easier for the crusts now disengaged to be
withdrawn by the ear scoop. If it be wax, and if it be
soft, it can be extracted in the same way by the ear
scoop ; but if hard, vinegar containing a little soda
is introduced ; and when the wax has softened, the
ear is washed out and cleared as above. When
the heaviness of the head persists it should be shaved ;
the head rubbed over gently and for some time
with castoreum to which either iris or laurel oil has
been added with either of which a little vinegar has
been mixed; then the patient must take a long
walk, and after the rubbing his head is to be fomented
gently with hot water. And the food should be of
the lightest and of the middle class, and the drinks
especially diluted; he should occasionally gargle.
Further, the ear should be syringed with castoreum
mixed with vinegar and laurel oil and the juice of
young radish rind, or with cucumber juice, mixed
with crushed rose leaves. The dropping in of the
juice of unripe grapes mixed with rose oil is also
fairly efficacious against deafness.
Another class of lesion is that in which the ears
produce a ringing noise within themselves : and this
also prevents them from perceiving sounds from
without. This is least serious when due to cold in
the head ; worse when occasioned by diseases or
prolonged pains of the head ; worst of all when it
precedes the onset of serious maladies, and especially
epilepsy.
If it is due to a cold," the ear should be cleaned
239
CELSUS
spiritum continere, donee inde umor aliquis exspumet.
Si ex morbo vel capitis dolore, quod ad exercita-
tionem, frictionem, perfusionem gargarizationemque
pertinet, eadem facienda sunt. Cibis non utendum
nisi extenuantibus. In aurem dandus radiculae
sucus cum rosa vel cum suco radicis ex cucumere
agresti; vel castoreum cum aceto et laureo oleo;
veratrum quoque ad id ex aceto conteritur, deinde
melle cocto excipitur, et inde coUyrium factum in
aurem demittitur.
C Si sine his coepit ideoque novo metu terret, in
aurem dari debet castoreum cum aceto vel irino
aut laureo oleo ; aut huic mixtum castoreum cum
suco nucum amararum; aut murra et nitrum cum
rosa et aceto. Plus tamen in hoc quoque proficit
victus ratio, eademque facienda sunt, quae supra (B)
conprehendi, cum maiore quoque diligentia; et
praeterea, donee is sonus finiatur, a vino abstinendum.
D Quod si simul et sonus est et inflammatio, laureum
oleum coniecisse abunde est, aut id, quod ex amaris
nucibus exprimitur, quibus quidam vel castoreum vel
murram miscent.
9 Solet etiam interdum in aurem aliquid incidere, ut
calculus aliquodve animal. Si pulex intus est,
conpellendum eo lanae paulum est, quo ipse is subit
et simul extrahitur. Si non est seeutus aliudve
animal est, specillum lana involutum in resina quam
glutinosissima maximeque terebenthina demitten-
dum, idque in aurem coiciendum ibique vertendum
• 8. B.
240
BOOK VI. 7. 8 B-9
and the breath held until some humour froths out
from it. If it arises from disease and pain in the
head, the prescriptions as to exercise, rubbing,
affusion and gargling should be carried out. Only
foods that make thin are to be used. Into the ear
radish juice should be dropped with oil of roses or with
the juice of wild cucumber root ; or castoreum with
vinegar and laurel oil. Also veratrum is pounded up
for this purpose in vinegar, then mixed with boiled
honey, and a salve made of it and introduced into
the ear.
If the noise begins without these reasons and so
causes dread of some new danger, there should be
inserted into the ear castoreum in vinegar or with
either iris oil or laurel oil ; or castoreum is mixed
with this together with the juice of bitter almonds ;
or myrrh and soda with rose oil and vinegar. But
in this case also, there is more benefit from regu-
lation of the diet, and the same is to be done as
was prescribed above," with even greater care. And,
besides, until the noise has ceased the patient must
abstain from wine. But if there is at the same
time both ringing and inflammation, laurel oil
should be freely inserted, or the oil expressed from
bitter almonds with which some mix myrrh or
castoreum.
It happens also occasionally that something slips
into the ear, such as a small stone, or some living
thing. If a flea has got in, a little wool is introduced
in which it becomes engaged and so is extracted.
If it does not come out, or if it is some other creature,
a probe is wrapped round with a little wool, soaked
in very sticky resin, especially turpentine resin,
which after being passed into the ear is there twisted
241
CELSUS
est : utique enim conprehendit [eximet]. Sin aliquid
exanime est, speeillo oriculario protrahendum est aut
B hamulo retuso paulum recurvato. Si ista nihil pro-
ficiunt, potest eodem modo resina protrahi. Sternu-
menta quoque admota id commode elidunt, aut
oriculario clystere aqua vehementer intus conpulsa.
Tabula quoque conlocatur, media inhaerens, capitibus
utrimque pendentibus ; superque earn homo deligatur
in id latus versus, cuius auris eo modo laborat, sic ut
extra tabulam emineat. Tum malleo caput tabulae,
quod a pedibus est, feritur ; atque ita concussa aure
id quod inest excidit.
8. Nares vero exculceratas fovere oportet vapore
aquae calidae. Id et spongia expressa atque admota
fit et subiecto vase oris angusti calida aqua repleto.
Post id fomentum inlinenda ulcera sunt aut plumbi
recremento aut cerussa aut argenti spuma : cum
quolibet horum ^ . . , aliquod conteri[t,] eique, dum
teritur, in vicem vinum et oleum murteum adici[t],
donee ^ mellis crassitudinem fecerit. Sin autem ea
ulcera circa os sunt pluresque crustas et odorem
foedum habent, quod genus Graeci ozenam appellant,
B sciri quidem debet vix ei malo posse succurri, Nihilo
minus tamen haec temptari possunt, ut caput ad
cutem tondeatur adsidueque vehementer perfricetur,
multa calida aqua perfundatur, multa dein ambulatio
^ After horum, Marx would read : malagma debet aliquod
conteri, and this is translated.
^ The text here is corrupt : Marx conjectures donee ad mellis
crassitudinem venerit, arid this is translated.
" Celsus is the first to use the word ozaena (Greek o^aiva,
bad-smelling breath, of. Dioscorides IV. 140) of the ulcers,
which are one of the causes of this condition : Galen {Med.,
242
BOOK VI. 7. 9-8. I B
round; for that will certainly catch it. If it is
some inanimate object, it is to be withdrawn by an
ear scoop or by a small blunt hook slightly bent.
If these are ineffectual it is possible to extract it
by means of resin as above. Also if a sneezing fit
is induced, this easily moves it away or a forcible
injection of water through an ear syringe. Again,
a plank may be arranged, having its middle supported
and the ends unsupported. Upon this the patient
is tied dovra, with the affected ear downwards, so
that the ear projects beyond the end of the plank.
Then the end of the plank at the patient's feet is
struck with a mallet, and the ear being so jarred
what is within drops out.
8. Now ulcerated nostrils should be fomented
with steam from hot water ; that is done either by
applying a sponge after squeezing it out, or by
holding the nose over a narrow-mouthed vessel filled
with hot water. After this fomentation the ulcera-
tions should be smeared with lead slag, white lead
or litharge ; with any of these a kind of poultice is
compounded, and to this, while it is being pounded
up, wine and myrtle oil are added alternately, until
it becomes of the consistency of honey. But if
these ulcerations involve bone, and have numerous
crusts with a foul odour, which kind the Greeks call
ozaena," it ought to be understood that it is scarcely
possible to afford relief in that disease. The follow-
ing measures, none the less, can be tried : the
head may be shaved to the scalp, rubbed frequently
and vigorously, and sluiced with quantities of hot
water ; then the patient is to take a great deal of
19, XIV. 785) describes the relief of o^aiva by the removal of
polypi.
243
CELSUS
sit, cibus modicus, neque acer neque valentissimus.
Turn in narem ipsam mel cum exiguo modo resinae
terebenthinae coiciatur (quod specillo quoque invo-
luto lana fit) adtrahaturque spiritu is sucus, donee
C in ore gustus eius sentiatur. Sub his enim crustae
resolvuntur, quae turn per sternumenta elidi debent.
Puris ulceribus vapor aquae calidae subiciendus est ;
deinde adhibendum aut Lycium ex vino dilutum,
aut amurca aut omphacium aut mentae aut marrubii
sucus aut atramentum sutorium, quod concande-
factum, deinde contritum sit; aut interior scillae
pars contrita, sic ut horum cuilibet mel adiciatur.
D Cuius in ceteris admodum exigua pars esse debet ;
in atramento sutorio tanta, ut ea mixtura liquida fiat ;
cum scilla utique pars maior; involvendumque lana
specillum est, et in eo medicament© tinguendum,
eoque ulcera inplenda sunt. Rursusque linamentum
involutum et oblongum eodem medicamento inli-
nendum demittendumque in narem est et ab inferiore
parte leniter deligandum. Idque per hiemem et
ver bis die, per aestatem et autumnum ter die fieri
debet.
2 Interdum vero in naribus etiam carunculae quae-
dam similes mub'ebribus mammis nascuntur, eaeque
imis partibus, quae carnosissimae sunt, inhaerent.
Has ciu-are oportet medicamentis adurentibus, sub
quibus ex toto consumuntur. Polypus vero est
caruncula, modo alba modo subrubra, quae narium
ossi inhaeret, ac modo ad labra tendens narem
244
BOOK VI. 8. I B-2
exercise, and a moderate amount of food, neither sour
nor very nutritious. Further, into the nostril itself
may be inserted honey to which a very small quantity
of turpentine resin has been added (this is done on
a probe wrapped round with wool), and this juice is
drawn inwards by the breath until it can be tasted
in the mouth. For in this way the crusts are loosened,
and they should then be blown out by sneezing. The
ulcerations having been cleaned are steamed over hot
water; then there should be applied either box-
thorn juice diluted with wine or wine lees or ompha-
cium or the juice of mint or horehound or blacking
made glowing hot and then pounded, or the interior
part of a squill crushed; provided that to any of
these honey is added. The honey should be a very
small part in all these mixtures, except with the
blacking, when there should be just enough to make
the mixture liquid, whilst with the squill certainly
the honey should form the larger part ; a probe should
be wrapped round with wool, and dipped into this
medicament, and with it the ulcers are filled. And
further, a strip of linen is folded into a long roll,
smeared with the same medicament, and inserted
into the nostril, and is lightly bandaged on below.
This should be done in winter and spring twice a
day, in summer and autumn three times a day.
Again, inside the nostrils there are sometimes
formed little lumps like women's nipples, and these
are fixed by their deepest and most fleshy parts.
These should be treated by caustics, under which
they are completely eaten away. A polypus, in
fact, is a lump of this sort, sometimes white,
sometimes reddish, which is attached to the bone
of the nose, and fills the nostril, being directed
245
CELSUS
implet, modo retro per id foramen, quo spiritus
a naribus ad fauces descendit, adeo increscit, uti
B post uvam conspici possit ; strangulatque hominem,
maxime austro aut euro flante ; fereque mollis est,
raro dura, eaque magis spiritum impedit et nares
dilatat ; quae fere carcinodes est ; itaque attingi
non debet. lUud aliud genus fere quidem ferro
curatur, interdum tamen inarescit, si addita in
narem per linamentum aut penicillum ea compositio
est, (>uae habet: mini Sinopici, chalcitidis, calcis,
sandaracae, singulorum P. •}(• I ; atramenti sutori
P. ^ II.
9. In dentium autem dolore, qui ipse quoque
maximis tormentis adnumerari potest, vinum ex toto
circumcidendum est. Cibo quoque primo abstinen-
dum, deinde eo modico mollique utendum, ne man-
dentis dentes inritet ; tum extrinsecus admovendus
per spongiam vapor aquae calidae, inponendumque
ceratum ex eyprino exve irino factum, lanaque id
conprehendendum, caputque velandum est. Quod
si gravior dolor est, utiliter et alvus ducitur, et calida
cataplasmata super maxillas inponuntur, et ore
umor calidus cum medicamentis aliquibus continetur,
2 saepiusque mutatur. Cuius rei causa et quinque-
folii radix in vino mixto coquitur, et hyoscyami radix
vel in posca vel in vino, sic ut paulum his salis adiciatur
et papaveris non nimium aridi cortices et mandra-
gorae radix eodem modo. Sed in his tribus utique
vitandum est, ne, quod haustum erit, devoretur.
Ex populo quoque alba cortex radicis in hunc usum
» VU. 10,
246
BOOK VI.
2-9. 2
sometimes towards the lips, sometimes backwards
through that passage by which the breath goes from
the nose to the throat. In this direction it may
grow until it can be seen behind the uvula ; it chokes
the patient, especially when the south or east wind
blows ; generally it is soft, rarely hard, and the latter
sort hinders breathing more and dilates the nose;
it is then generally cancerous, and so should not be
touched. But the other kind can generally be
removed by the knife"; sometimes, however, it
dries up, if the following composition is inserted
into the nostril on lint or on a feather : minium from
Sinope, copper ore, lime, and sandarach 4 grms.
each, blacking 8 grms.
9. Now in the case of pain in the teeth, which by
itself also can be counted among the greatest of
torments, wine must be entirely cut off. At first
the patient must fast, then take sparingly of soft
food, so as not to irritate the teeth when masticating ;
then externally steam from hot water is to be applied
by a sponge, and an ointment put on made from
Cyprus or iris oil, with a woollen bandage over it.
and the head must be wrapped up. For more severe
pain a clyster is useful, with a hot poultice upon the
cheeks, and hot water containing certain medica-
ments held in the mouth and frequently changed.
For this purpose cinquefoil root may be boiled in
diluted wine, and hyoscyamus root either in vinegar
and water, or in wine, with the addition of a little
salt, also poppy-head skins not too dry and mandra-
gora root in the same condition. But with these
three remedies, the patient should carefully avoid
swallowing the fluid in the mouth. The bark of
white poplar roots boiled in diluted wine may be
247
CELSUS
in vino mixto recte coquitur, et in aceto cornus
cervini ramentum, et nepeta cum taeda pingui ac
ficu item pingui vel in mulso vel in aceto et melle ; ex
quibus cum ficus decocta est, is umor percolatur.
3 Specillum quoque lana involutum in calidum oleum
demittitur, eoque ipse dens fovetur. Quin etiam
quaedam quasi cataplasmata in dentem ipsum
inlinuntur; ad quem usum ex male Punico acido
arido malicorii pars interior cum pari portione et
gallae et pinei corticis conteritur, misceturque
his minium ; eaque contrita aqua pluvia[ti]li coguntur.
Aut panacis, papaveris lacrimae, peucedani, uvae
taminiae sine seminibus pares portiones conteruntur.
Aut galbani partes tres, papaveris lacrimae pars
quarta. Quicquid dentibus admotum est, nihilo
minus supra maxillas ceratum, quale supra (1) posui,
4 esse debet lana optentum. Quidam etiam mujrae,
cardamomi, singulorum P. -Jf I ; croci, pyrethri,
ficorum, spartes, singulorum P. ^ IIII ; sinapis
P. ^ VIII contrita linteolo inlinunt, inponuntque in
umero partis eius, qua dens dolet : si is superior est,
a scapulis ; si inferior, a pectore ; idque dolorem
levat, et cum levavit, protinus summovendum est.
5 Si vero exesus est dens, festinare ad eximendum eum,
nisi res coegit, non est necesse : sed turn omnibus
fomentis, quae supra (3 seq.) posita sunt, adiciendae
quaedam valentiores conpositiones sunt quae dolorem
levant; qualis Herae est. Habet autem papaveris
lacrimae P. -Jf I ; piperis P. -Jf II ; soreos P. ^ X*,
quae contrita galbano excipiuntur, idque circum-
248
BOOK VI.
9- 2-5
appropriately used for the same purpose, and stag's
horn shavings boiled in vinegar, and catmint together
with a torch rich in resin and a fig equally rich boiled
either in honey wine or in vinegar and honey. When
the fig has been boiled down with these, this fluid
is strained. Also a probe wrapped round with
wool is dipped in hot oil, and the tooth itself
fomented with this. Moreover, some applications,
like poultices, are smeared on the tooth itself, and
for this purpose the inside rind of an unripe dry
pomegranate is pounded up with equal parts of
oak-galls and pine bark, with which minium is
mixed ; and these when pounded together are made
up with rain-water. Or equal quantities of all-heal,
poppy-tears, sulphur wort, and black bryony berries
without the seeds are pounded together. Or three
parts of galbanum to one of poppy juice. What-
ever is applied to the teeth directly, none the less
the ointment mentioned above must also be put
on the jaws and covered over with wool. Some
rub up together myrrh and cardamoms, 4 grms.
each ; saffron chamomile figs and broom 16 grms.
each ; and mustard 32 grms. ; spread it on lint and
apply to the shoulder on the side of the painful
tooth ; over the shoulder-blade, if it is an upper
tooth ; on the chest if a lower one ; and this re-
lieves the pain, and as soon as it has relieved it,
must be at once taken off. When a tooth decays,
there is no hurry to extract it, unless it cannot be
helped, but rather to the various applications des-
cribed above, we must add more active compositions
for the relief of pain, such as that of Heras. This
has : poppy juice 4 grms.; pepper 8 grms.; sory
40 grms., pounded, taken up in galbanum, and
249
CELSUS
datur ; aut Menemachi, maxime ad maxillares
dentes, in qua sunt croci P. -X- = ; cardamomi,
turis fuliginis, ficorum, spartes, pyrethri, singulorum
P. ^ IIII ; sinapis P. -X- VIII. Quidam autem mis-
cent pyrethri, piperis, elateri, spartes, singulorum
P. ^ I ; aluminis scissilis, papaveris lacrimae, uvae
taminiae, sulpuris ignem non experti, bituminis, lauri
6 bacarum, sinapis, singulorum P. -Jf II. Quod si
dolor eximi eum cogit, et piperis semen cortice
liberatum, et eodem modo baca hederae coniecta in
[id] foramen dentem findit, isque per testas excidet.
Et plani piscis, quam pastinacam nostri, trygona
Graeci vocant, aculeus torretur, deinde conteritur
resinaque excipitur, quae denti circumdata hunc
solvit. Et alumen scissile et . . .^ in foramen con-
iectum dentem citat. Sed id tamen involutum in
lanula demitti commodius est, quia sic dente servato
7 dolorem levat. Haec medicis accepta sunt. Sed
agrestium experimento cognitum est, cum dens dolet,
herbam mentastrum cum suis radicibus evelli debere,
et in pelvem coici, supraque aquam infundi, collo-
carique iuxta sedentem hominem undique veste
contectum ; tum in pelvem candentes silices demitti,
sic ut aqua tegantur ; hominemque eum hiante ore
vaporem excipere, ut supra dictum est, undique
inclusum. Nam et sudor plurimus sequitur, et per
OS continens pituita defluit, idque saepe longiorem,
semper annuam valetudinem bonam praestat.
10. Si vero tonsillae sine exulceratione per inflam-
^ Probably some word has fallen out here. One MS. has
id in for et in, V. d. Linden suggests id for in.
" The sting ray (Pliny, N.H. IX. 155); the spine calcined
would produce calcium oxide, quick-lime.
250
BOOK VI. 9. 5-10. I
applied round the tooth ; or that of Menemachus,
especially for molar teeth, containing safFronO-66 grm.,
cardamons, frankincense root, figs, broom and pelli-
tory 16 grms. each ; mustard 32 grms. Again, some
mix chamomile, pepper, elaterium and broom 4 grms.
each; shredded alum, poppy juice, black bryony
berries, crude sulphur, bitumen, laurel berries and
mustard 8 grms. each. But if pain compels its re-
moval, a peppercorn without the tegument, or an ivy
berry without the tegument is inserted into the cavity
of the tooth, which it splits, and the tooth falls out in
bits. Also the tail spine of the flat fish which we call
pastinaca,and the Greeks trygon," is roasted, pounded
and taken up in resin, and this, when applied around
the tooth, loosens it. Also shredded alum and . . .
put into the cavity loosens the tooth. However, it
is better to insert this wrapped up in a flake of
wool, for it thus relieves the pain whilst preserving
the tooth. These are the remedies recognized by
medical practitioners, but country people have
found out by experience that if a tooth aches, cat-
mint should be pulled up with its roots, and put into
a pot, and water poured over it, and placed beside
the patient as he sits all covered by clothes ; then
red-hot stones are thrown in so as to be covered by
the water; the patient inhales the steam with his
mouth open, whilst, as stated above, he is completely
covered over. For profuse sweating follows, and
also a steady stream of phlegm flows from the mouth,
and this ensures good health always for a year, and
often for longer.
10. Again, if the tonsils * owing to inflammation
* See III. 370, note 6, where an operation for their removal
is described.
251
CELSUS
mationem intumuerunt, caput velandum est ; ex-
trinsecus is locus vapore calido fovendus ; multa
ambulatione utendum ; caput in lecto sublime haben-
dum ; gargarizandumquereprimentibus. Radix quo-
que ea, quam dulcem appellant, contusa et in passo
mulsove decocta idem praestat. Leniterque qui-
busdam medicamentis eas inlini non alienum est,
2 quae hoc modo fiunt : ex malo Punico dulci sucus
exprimitur, et eius sextarius in leni igne coquitur,
donee ei mellis crassitudo est ; turn croci, murrae,
aluminis scissilis, singulorum P. -Jf II per se conter-
untur,paulatimque his adiciuntur vini lenis cyathiduo,
mellis unus ; deinde priori suco ista miscentur, et
rursus leniter incocuntur. Aut eiusdem suci sex-
tarius eodem modo coquitur, atque eadem ratione
trita haec adiciuntur : nardi P. -K- — ; omphaci
P. -Jf I ; cinnamomi, murrae, casiae, singulorum
P. ^ — ; eadem autem haec et auribus et naribus
3 purulentis adcommodata sunt. Cibus in hac quoque
valetudine lenis esse debet, ne exasperet. Quod si
tanta inflammatio est, ut spiritum impediat, in lecto
conquiescendum, cibo abstinendum, neque adsumen-
dum quicquam praeter aquam calidam est ; alvus
quoque ducenda est ; gargarizandum ex fico et
mulso ; inlinendum mel cum omphacio ; intrinsecus
admovendus sed aliquanto diutius vapor calidus,
donee ea suppurent et per se apei-iantur. Si pure
substante non rumpuntur hi tumores, incidendi
4 sunt ; deinde ex mulso calido gargarizandum. At
" Radix dulcis (yXvKvppil,a), liquorice, yielded a peculiar
sugar, an important alternative to honey in the days before
the introduction of cane sugar.
* i.e. for a longer time than was necessary for the external
treatment described in sect. 1.
' For the operation see VII. 12, 2. 3.
252
BOOK VI. 10. 1-4
are swollen but not ulcerated, the head is to be kept
covered; externally the painful part should be
fomented by steam ; the patient is to take walking
exercise freely; when in bed his head should be
raised; repressive gargles should be used. Also
that root which they call sweet," crushed and boiled
in raisin wine or honey wine, has the same beneficial
effect. It is useful to anoint them gently with
certain medicaments prepared as follows : the juice
is squeezed out of sweet pomegranates, and of this
half a litre is boiled over a slow fire until of the con-
sistency of honey ; then saffron, myrrh, and shredded
alum 8 grms. each are pounded together, and to
this is added a little at a time 85 c.cm. of mild wine
and 42 c.cm. of honey ; next these latter are mixed
with the pomegranate juice aforesaid, and all gently
boiled again. Or half a litre of the pomegranate
juice is boiled in the same way, and the following
after being pounded in like manner are added :
nard 0-33 grm. ; omphacium 4 grms. ; cinnamon,
myrrh and casia 0-33 grm. each ; these same com-
positions are also appropriate both for purulent ears
and nostrils. Food too in this affection should be
bland that it may not irritate. If the inflammation
is so severe that breathing is hindered, the patient
should keep in bed, abstaining from food, and take
nothing else except hot water; the bowels should
be moved by a clyster, and the gargle of fig and honey
wine used ; the tonsils are to be smeared with honey
and omphacium; internally steam is to be inhaled
somewhat longer* until the tonsils suppurate and
spontaneously open. If after pus has formed these
swellings do not burst, they are to be cut into ; <^ then
the patient must gargle with warm honeyed wine.
253
VOL. IT. L
CELSUS
si modicus quidem tumor sed exulceratio est, fur-
furum cremori ad gargarizandum paulum mellis
adiciendum est ; inlinendaque ulcera hoc medica-
mento : passi quam dulcissimi tres heminae ad
unam cocuntur ; turn adicitur turis P. ^ I ; ali
P. ^ I ; eroci,murrae,singulorum P. ^ = ; leviterque
omnia rursus fervescunt. Ubi pura ulcera sunt,
eodem furfurum cremore vel lacte gargarizandum
est. Atque hie quoque cibis lenibus opus est, quibus
adici dulce vinum potest.
11. Ulcera autem oris si cum inflammatione sunt
et parum pura ac rubicunda sunt, optume iis medica-
mentis curantur, quae [supra {cap. X, 2) posita] ex
malis Punicis fiunt. Continendusque saepe ore
reprimens cremor est, cui paulum mellis sit adiectum :
utendum ambulationibus et non acri cibo. Simul
atque vero pura ulcera esse coeperunt, lenis umor,
interdum etiam quam optima aqua ore continenda est.
Prodestque adsunjptum pirum mitius pleniorque
cibus cum acri aceto inspergique ulcera debent
alumine scissili, cui dimidio plus gallae inmaturae
2 sit adiectum. Si iam crustas habent, quales in
adustis esse consuerunt, abhibendae sunt hae con-
positiones, quas Graeci antheras nominant : iunci
quadrati, murrae, sandaracae, aluminis pares por-
tiones. Aut croci, murrae, singulorum P. -j?- I ;
iridis, aluminis scissilis, sandaracae, singulorum P. ^
IIII ; iunci quadrati P. -Jf VIII. Aut gallae, murrae,
singulorum P. ^ I ; aluminis scissilis P. -Jf II ; rosae
foliorum P. ^ IIII. Quidam autem croci P. -Jf = ;
aluminis scissilis, murrae, singulorum P. ^ I ; sanda-
« VI. 10. 2.
' For these medicaments from flower blossoms, cf. V'l. 13.
2, 4 ; 15. 1 ; 18. 2, and see Galen (XIII. 839).
254
BOOK VI. lo. 4-II. 2
But if with only moderate swelling there is ulceration
as well, the throat is to be gargled with bran gruel to
which a little honey should be added ; and the ulcers
smeared with the following composition : 750 c.cm. of
the sweetest raisin wine are boiled down to one-third,
then are added : frankincense 4 grms. ; garlic 4 grms ;
saffron and myrrh 0-66 grm. each ; and all are then
gently heated together. When the ulcers have
cleaned, the throat is gargled with bran gruel or
milk. And here also bland food is necessary, and
in addition sweet wine can be taken.
11. Now ulcerations of the mouth if accompanied
by inflammation, and if they are foul and reddish,
are best treated by the medicaments made from
pomegranates [mentioned above]." And, as a re-
pressant, pearl barley gruel to which a little honey
has been added is to be often held in the mouth ; the
patient must walk and not take acrid food. As soon
as the ulcerations begin to clean, a bland liquid, at
times even the purest water, is held in the mouth.
It is then beneficial to eat a pear of the softer sort,
and more food along with sharp vinegar ; then the
ulcers should be dusted over with split alum, to
which about half as much again of unripe oak-galls
has been added. If the ulcers are already en-
crusted, as happens after cauterization, those com-
positions are to be applied which the Greeks call
antherae : * equal portions of galingale, myrrh, san-
darach, and alum. Or saffron and myrrh 4 grms.
each ; iris, split alum and sandarach 16 grms. each ;
galingale 32 grms. Or oak-galls and myrrh 4 grms.
each; split alum 8 grms. ; rose leaves 16 grms. But
some mix saffron 0-66 grm. ; split alum and myrrh.
4 grms. each; sandarach 8 grms. ; galingale 16 grrns^
255
CELSUS
racae P. -Jf 11 ; iunci quadrati P. •}(• IIII miscent.
Priora arida insperguntur : hoc cum melle inlinitur,
neque ulceribus tantum sed etiam tonsillis.
3 Varum ea longe periculosissima sunt ulcera, quas
apthas Graeci appellant, sed in pueris : hos enim
saepe coiisumunt, in viris et mulieribus idem peri-
culum non est. Haec ulcera a gingivis incipiunt ;
deinde palatum totumque os occupant ; turn ad
uvam faucesque descendunt, quibus obsessis non
facile fit, ut puer convalescat. Ac miserius etiam
est, si lactens adhuc infans est, quo minus imperari
4 remedium aliquod potest. Sec inprimis nutrix
cogenda est exerceri et ambulationibus et iis operibus,
quae superiores partes movent ; mittenda in balin-
eum iubendaque ibi calida aqua mammas perfundere ;
tum alenda cibis lenibus et iis, qui non facile corrum-
puntur : potione, si febricitat puer, aquae ; si sine
febre est, vini diluti. Ac si alvus nutricis substitit,
6 ducenda est. Si pituita eius in os coit, vomere debet.
Tum ipsa ulcera perunguenda sunt melle, cui rhus,
quem Syriacum vocant, aut amarae nuces adiectae
sunt ; vel mixtis inter se rosae foliis aridis, pineis
nucleis, menta,^ coliculo, melle, vel eo medicamento,
quod ex moris fit, quorum sucus eodem modo quo
Punici mali ad mellis crassitudinem coquitur ; eadem-
que ratione ei crocum, murra, alumen, vinum, mel,
miscetur : neque quicquam dandum, a quo umor
■6 evocari possit. Si vero iam firmiorpuer est,gargari-
* Daremberg suggests mentae coliculo "young mint-stalks."
• I. 196 note; Appendix I, p. 591.
■256
BOOK VI. II. 2-6
The first compositions are dried and then dusted on ;
the last one is smeared on with honey added, and
used not only for ulcerations of the mouth, but also
of the tonsils.
But by far the most dangerous are those ulcers
which the Greeks call aphthae,** certainly in children ;
in them they often cause death, but there is not the
same danger for men and women. These ulcers
begin from the gums : next they invade the palate
and the whole mouth ; then they pass downwards
to the uvula and throat, and if these are involved,
it is not easy for the child to recover. But the
disease is even worse in a suckling, for there is then
less possdbility of its conquest by any remedy. But
it is most important that the nurse should be made to
take exercise both by walking and by doing work
which moves her arms ; she should be sent to the
bath, and ordered when there to have hot water
poured over her breasts ; moreover, she should have
bland, easily digestible food ; and for drink, if the
infant is feverish, water ; if free from fever, diluted
wine. And if the nurse is constipated, her bowels are
to be moved by a clyster. If there is clotted phlegm
in her mouth, she must vomit. Then the child's
ulcers are to be anointed with honey, to which is
added sumach, which they call Syrian, or bitter
almonds ; or a mixture of dried rose leaves, pine-
cone seeds, mint, young stalks, and honey, or that
medicament which is made of mulberries, the juice
of which is concentrated in the same way as pome-
granate juice to the consistency of honey ; similarly
too there is mixed with it saffron, myrrh, alum, wine
and honey; nothing should be given which can
provoke spittle. If it is an older child he should
257
CELSUS
zare debet is fere, quae supra (cap.X, 3,4)conprehensa
sunt. Ac si lenia medicamenta in eo parum pro-
ficiunt, adhibenda sunt ea, quae adurendo crustas
ulceribus inducant. Quale est scissile alumen vel
chalcitis vel atramentum sutorium. Prodest etiam
fames et abstinentia quanta maxime inperari potest.
Cibus esse debet lenis : ad purganda tamen ulcera
interdum caseus ex melle reete datur.
12. Linguae quoque ulcera non aliis medicamentis
egent, quam quae prima parte superioris capitis
(11, 1. 2) exposita sunt. Sed quae in latere eius
nascuntur, diutissime durant ; videndumque est,
num contra dens aliquis acutior sit, qui sanescere
saepe ulcus eo loco non sinit, ideoque levandus est.
13. Solent etiam interdum iuxta dentes in gingivis
tubercula quaedam oriri dolentia : parulidas Graeci
appellant. Haec initio leniter sale contrito perfricare
oportet ; aut inter se mixtis sale fossili combusto,
cupresso, nepeta ; deinde eluere os cremore lenti-
culae, inter haec hiare, donee pituita satis profluat.
In maiore vero inflammatione iisdem medicamentis
utendum est, quae ad ulcera oris supra (cap. XI)
posita sunt : et mollis linamenti paulum involvendum
ex iis aliqua compositione, quas anther as vocari dixi
{cap. XI, 2), demittendumque id inter dentem et
gingivam. Quod si t duriore id ^ prohibebit ex-
trinsecus admovendus erit spongia vapor calidus,
^ The reading of one MS. " durior erit et " in 'place of
" duriore " is translated. Alternatively Targa suggests tumor,
Marx dolor in ore for duriore.
258
BOOK VI. II. 6-13. 2
generally gargle as described above. If the milder
medicaments do little good, the caustic materials
which induce crusts upon the ulcers should be applied,
such as split alum or copper ore or blacking. Even
hunger is beneficial and the greatest possible
abstinence is to be ordered. The food ought to be
bland ; for cleansing the ulcers, however, sometimes
cheese with honey is appropriately given.
12. Ulcerations of the tongue need no other
treatment than that noted in the first part of the
previous chapter. But those which arise at the side
of the tongue last the longest ; and it should be looked
to, whether some tooth opposite the ulcer is too
pointed, which often keeps an ulceration in that
position from healing, in which case the tooth must
be smoothed down.
13. There often occur on the gums adjacent to
the teeth certain painful swellings : the Greeks call
them parulides." These at first should be gently
rubbed over with powdered salt ; or with a mixture
of powdered rock-salt, Cyprus oil and catmint ; then
the mouth is washed out with lentil gruel, and the
mouth is held open at intervals until there has been
a sufficient flow of phlegm.
When there is still more severe inflammation, the
same medicaments are to be used as noted above for
ulcerations of the mouth : and between the tooth
and gum should be inserted a little roll of soft lint
soaked in one of the compositions which I said
are called antherae.'' If the hardness of the gum
prevents this, then hot steam by means of a sponge
« Parulis (napovXCs, Galen, XIV. 785), a gumboil; not
mentioned elsewhere by Celsus.
* p. 254, note b.
259
CELSUS
inponendumque ceratum. Si suppuratio se ostendet,
diutius eo vapore utendum erit, et continendum ore
calidum mulsum, in quo ficus decocta sit ; idque
subcrudum incidendum, ne, si diutius ibi pus
3 remanserit, os laedat. Quod si maior is tumor est,
commodius totum exciditur, sic ut ex utraque parte
dens liberetur. Pure exempto si levls plaga est, satis
est ore calidam aquam continere, extrinsecus fovere
eodem vapore ; si maior est, lenticulae cremore uti
iisdemque medicamentis, quibus cetera ulcera oris
curantur. Alia quoque ulcera in gingivis plerumque
oriuntur, quibus eadem quae in reliquo ore succurrunt ;
maxime tamen mandere ligustrum oportet, sucumque
4 eum ore continere. Fit etiam interdum, ut gingivae
ulcere, sive parulis fuit sive non fuit, diutius pus
feratur ; quod aut dente corrupto, aut fracto vel *
. . . aliterque vitiato osse ; maximeque id per fissum
evenire consuevit. Ubi incidit, locus aperiendus,
dens eximendus ; testa ossis, si qua excessit, re-
cipienda est ; si quid vitiosi est, radendum. Post
quae quid fieri debeat, supra (cap. XI) in aliorum
ulcerum curatione conprehensum est. Si vero a
dentibus gingivae recedunt, eaedem antherae suc-
currunt. Utile est etiam pira aut mala non permatura
mandere, et ore eum umorem continere. Idemque
praestare non acre acetum in ore retentum potest.
^ Marx supplies laeso oritur after vel, and this is translated.
V. d. Linden deletes quod.
260
BOOK VI. 13. 2-4
is to be applied outside, followed by a cerate. If
suppuration shows itself, the steaming is continued
longer, and hot honey wine in which a fig has been
boiled down is held in the mouth ; and before
the abscess is quite mature it should be cut into,
for fear that the bone may suffer if the pus should
be retained longer. But if there is greater swelling,
it is better to cut all away so as to free the tooth
on both sides. When the pus is let out, if the
incision is small it will suffice to hold hot water in
the mouth and to foment externally with its steam ;
if it is larger, lentil gruel should be used, and the
same medicaments as for the treatment of ulcera-
tions of the mouth in general. There are also other
ulcerations, mostly arising in the gums, for which the
same remedies are beneficial ; in particular, however,
privet should be chewed and the juice held in the
mouth. It happens now and then, whether following
a gumboil or not, that a discharge of pus persists
from an ulcer on the gum ; this is due to either a
decayed tooth or to bone that is broken or injured
and diseased in some other way, and it most
commonly occurs through a fissure in the bone.
When this is the case, the place must be laid open,
the tooth extracted; any projecting scale of bone
is to be removed; and any carious bone scraped
away. What ought to be done after this has
been included in the treatment of other ulcer-
ations. If the gums have retracted from the teeth,
the same antherae are of service. It is also useful
to chew pears and apples which are not too ripe,
and to hold their juice in the mouth. Vinegar that
is not too sharp can also be held in the mouth with
similar advantage.
261
CELSUS
14. Uvae vehemens inflammatio terrere quoque
debet. Itaque in hac et abstinentia necessaria est,
et sanguis recte mittitur ; et si id aliqua res prohibet,
alvus utiliter ducitur ; caputque super haec velandum
et sublimius habendum est : turn aqua gargarizan-
dum, in qua simul rubus et lenticula decocta sit.
Inlinenda autem ipsa uva vel omphacio vel galla vel
alumine scissili, sic ut cuilibet eorum mel adiciatur;
chelidoniae quoque suco per coclear inlita uva
maximeque . . . prodest.^ Est etiam medicamen-
tum hue aptum, quod Andronium appellatur. Con-
stat ex his : alumine scissih, squama aeris rubri,
atramento sutorio, galla, murra, misy ; quae per se
contrita mixtaque rursus paulatim adiecto vino
austero teruntur, donee his mellis crassitudo sit.
2 Ubi horum aliquo inlita uva est, fere multa pituita
decurrit ; cumque ea quievit, ex vino calido gar-
garizandum est. Quod si minor ea inflammatio est,
laser terere, eique adicere frigidam aquam satis est,
eamque aquam cocleario exceptam ipsi uvae subicere.
Ac mediocriter earn tumentem aqua quoque frigida
eodem modo subiecta reprimit. Ex eadem autem
aqua gargarizandum quoque est, quae vel cum lasere
vel sine eo hac ratione uvae subiecta est.
15. Si quando autem ulcera oris cancer invasit,
primum considerandum est, num malus corporis
habitus sit, eique occurrendum; deinde ipsa ulcera
^ The text is doubtful. Some editors and MSS. omit the words
chelidoniae . . . prodest. // they are retained, something must
be supplied after maximeque. Marx suggests cum meile.
262
BOOK VI. 14. 1-15. I
14. Inflammation of the uvula should also cause
anxiety when severe. In this case, as before,
abstinence is necessary, and it is right to let
blood; and if anything prevents this, it is useful
to clyster the bowel ; and also the head must be
kept covered and raised; and the patient must
gargle with a decoction of blackberries and lentils.
But the uvula itself is to be smeared either with
omphacium or oak-galls or split alum to any one of
which honey has been added; it is also good to
smear the uvula with chelidonium juice by means
of a spoon, and especially (with honey). For this
purpose also the composition called Andronium is
suitable ; it consists of : split alum, red copyier
scales, blacking, oak-galls, myrrh and antimony
sulphide ; these are pounded separately and again
pounded when mixed together, a dry wine being
gradually added till the ingredients have the con-
sistency of honey. After the uvula has been smeared
with one of these compounds there is, as a rule, a
free flow of phlegm; when this has subsided, hot
wine should be gargled. But if there is less severe
inflammation, it is sufficient to pound up assafoetida
and add cold water to it, and to put the fluid into
a spoon and apply it under the uvula itself. When
there is only moderate swelling, even cold water
held in the same way under the uvula subdues it.
Also the same cold water is to be used as a gargle
which, with or without the addition of assafoetida,
has been applied in this manner to the uvula.
15. If at any time gangrene has attacked ulcers
of the mouth, the first thing to consider is whether
the genei-al health is bad, and if so to obviate it;
next the actual ulcers are to be treated. But if the
263
CELSUS
curanda. Quod si in summa parte id vitium est,
satis proficit anthera umido ulceri arida inspersa ;
sicciori cum exigua parte mellis inlita : si paulo
altius, chartae conbustae partes duae, auripigmenti
pars una : si penitus malum descendit, chartae
conbustae partes tres, auripigmenti pars quarta,
aut pares portiones sails fricti et iridis frictae, aut
item pares portiones chalcitidis. calcis, auripigmenti.
2 Necessarium autem est linamentum in rosa tinguere,
et super adurentia medicamenta inponere, ne
vicinum et sanum locum laedant. Quidam etiam
in acris aceti heminam frictum salem coiciunt, donee
tabescere desinat ; deinde id acetum coqunt, donee
exsiccetur ; eumque salem contritum inspergunt.
Quotiens autem medicamentum inicitur, et ante
et post OS diluendum est vel cremore lenticulae
vel aqua, in qua aut ervum aut oleae verbenaeve
decoctae sint, sic ut cuilibet eorum paulum mellis
3 misceatur. Acetum quoque ex scilla retentum ore
satis adversus haec ulcera proficit, item ex aceto cocto
sali, sicut supra (2) demonstratum est, rursus mixtum
acetum. Sed et diu continere utrumlibet, et id
bis aut ter die facere, prout vehemens malum est,
necessarium est. Quod si puer est, cui id incidit,
specillum lana involutum in medicamentum de-
mittendum est, et super ulcus tenendum, ne per
inprudentiam adurentia devoret. Si in gingivis est,
moventurque aliqui dentes, refigi eos oportet :
4 nam curationes vehementer inpediunt. Si nihil
medicamenta proficient, ulcera erunt adurenda.
Quod tamen in labris ideo non est necessarium,
264
BOOK VI. 15. 1-4
disease is superficial, it is sufficient to use a powdered
anthera to dust on the ulcer if moist ; if the ulcer
is rather dry, to smear it on mixed with a little honey :
for somewhat deeper ulcerations, apply burnt papyrus
two parts, and orpiment one part ; if the mischief
penetrates very deeply, burnt papyrus three parts,
orpiment one part, or equal parts of rock salt and
roasted iris, or copper ore, quick-lime and orpiment,
likewise equal parts. But in order that neigh-
bouring spots may not be injured, it is necessary
to apply lint dipped in rose oil over these caustic
medicaments. Some also put the roasted salt into
250 c.cm. of strong vinegar until it ceases to dissolve ;
then the vinegar is boiled to dryness, and the salt
pounded up and dusted on. But whenever this
medicament is applied, the mouth should be washed
out both before and after, either with lentil gruel,
or with a decoction of vetches or of olives or of
vervains, to any one of which a little honey is added.
Also vinegar of squills held sufficiently long in the
mouth is beneficial for such ulceration, so too the
salt after evaporation as described above dissolved
again in vinegar. But whilst the affection continues
to be severe it is necessary both to hold one or
other of the remedies in the mouth for some time
and to use them two or three times a day. If it
is a child who is attacked, a probe wrapped round
with wool is dipped in the medicament and held
to the ulcer, lest by accident he should swallow the
caustic. If it is the gums which are involved, and
some teeth are loose, they should be extracted, for
they greatly hinder treatment. If these medica-
ments do no good, the ulcers are to be cauterized.
But this procedure is not necessary for any ulcer on
265
CELSUS
quoniam excidere commodius est. Et id quidem,
aeque adustum atque excisum, sine ea curatione,
quae corpori manu adhibetur, inpleri non potest.
Gingivarum vero ossa, quae hebetia sunt, in per-
petuum ustione nudantur : neque enim postea caro
increscit. Inponenda tamen adustis lenticula est,
donee sanitatem, qualis esse potest, recipiant.
16. Haec in capite fere medicamentis egent.
Sub ipsis vero auribus oriri parotides solent, modo
in secunda valetudine ibi inflammatione orta, modo
post longas febres illuc inpetu morbi converso. Id
abscessus genus est : itaque nullam novam curationem
desiderat, animadversionem tantummodo banc habet
necessariam : [quia,] si sine morbo id intumuit,
primum reprimentium faciendum experimentum
est; si adversa valetudine, illud inimicum est
maturarique et quam primum aperiri commodius est.
17. Ad umbilicos vero prominentes, ne manu
ferroque utendum sit, ante temptandum est, ut
abstineatur, alvus his ducatur, inponatur super
umbilicum id, quod ex his constat : cicutae et fuliginis,
singulorum P. ■}(■ I ; cerussae elotae P. -X- VI ; phimbi
eloti P. ^ VIII; ovis duobus, quibus etiam solani
sucus adicitur. Hoc etiam diutius inpositum esse
oportet : sed interim conquiescere hominem, cibo
modico uti, sic ut vitentur omnia inflantia.
* Lenticula may be a lentil poultice to cleanse the wound,
or dried and powdered lentils applied as an exedent. Some
commentators think a cutting chisel or gouge is referred to,
with a lentil shaped button on the point (scalper lerUiculnris,
cf. VIII. 3. 4; 4. 14) which was to be used to scrape the bone.
* The parotid swellings that occurred " during health "
were perhaps mumps (cf. Hippocrates I. 146, Epidemics I. I):
"After prolonged fevers," dryness and foulness of the motith
might produce an infection whioh spread up the ducts to the
266
BOOK VI. 15. 4-17. I
the lips since excision is more convenient. Indeed
such an ulcer, except by adopting surgical measures,
whether cauterizing or excising, cannot be re-
plenished with new flesh. But the bones of the gums,
which are inert, continue bare after the cauteriza-
tion ; for no flesh grows up afterwards. A lentil
dressing," however, is to be applied to the parts
cauterized until it is rendered as healthy as possible.
16. Such are the disorders in the head which
generally require medicaments. But just below the
ears parotid swellings '' are inclined to occur, some-
times during health when inflammation occurs there,
sometimes after prolonged fevers when the force of
the disease has been turned in that direction. It
is of the nature of an abscession ; and so no novel
treatment is called for, only what follows must be
attended to : if there is swelling without previous
disease, repressants are to be tried first ; if there has
been illness, repressives are objectionable, and it is
more convenient that the abscess should mature and
be opened as soon as may be.
17. For prominent navels, in order that surgical
measures need not be used,*^ abstinence should first
be tried, a clyster to induce a motion, and the
following applications to the umbilicus : hemlock
and soot 4 grms. each ; washed white lead 24 grms. ;
washed lead 32 grms.; 2 eggs; to these nightshade
juice also is added. This ought to be kept on for
a long time, the patient meanwhile lying up, and
taking food in such moderation that all flatulence
is avoided.
parotid glands, while the " abscess " resulted from some general
septic infection, especially an abdominal one.
* VII. 14.
267
CELSUS
18. Proxima sunt ea, quae ad partes obscenas
pertinent, quarum apud Graecos vocabula et tolera-
bilius se habent et accepta iam usu sunt, cum in
omni fere medicorum volumine atque sermone
iactentur : apud nos foediora verba ne consuetudine
quidem aliqua verecundius loquentium commendata
sunt, ut difficilior haec explanatio sit simul et pudorem
et artis praecepta servantibus. Neque tamen ea res a
scribendo me deterrere debuit : primum, ut omnia
quae salutaria accepi, eonprehenderem ; dein, quia
in volgus eorum curatio etiam praecipue cognoscenda
est, quae invitissimus quisque alteri ostendit.
2 Igitur si ex inflammatione coles intumuit , reducique
summa cutis aut rursus induci non potest, multa
calida aqua fovendus locus est. Ubi vero glans
contecta est, oriculario quoque clystere inter earn
cutemque aqua calida inserenda est. Si moUita sic
et extenuata cutis ducenti paruit, expeditior reliqua
curatio est. Si tumor vicit, inponenda est vel lenti-
cula vel marrubium vel oleae folia ex vino cocta,
sic ut cuilibet eorum, dum teritur, mellis paululum
adiciatur ; sursumque coles ad ventrem deligandus
B est. Quod in omni curatione eius necessarium est;
isque homo continere se et abstinere a cibo debet, et
potione aquae tantum a siti vindicari. Postero die
rursum adhibendum iisdem rationibus aquae fomen-
tum est, et cum vi quoque experiendum, an cutis
" Cf. VII. 25. 2, where the condition is called phimosis
(<f>in6s, dicebox); the first known use of the special term for
this condition.
268
BOOK VI. i8. 1-2 B
18. Next come subjects relating to the privy
parts, for which the terms employed by the Greeks
are the more tolerable, and are now accepted for
use, since they are met with in almost every medical
book and discourse. Not even the common use has
commended our coarser words for those who would
speak with modesty. Hence it is more difficult to
set forth these matters and at the same time to
observe both propriety and the precepts of the art.
Nevertheless, this ought not to deter me from
writing, firstly in order that I may include everything
which I have heard of as salutary, secondly because
their treatment ought above all things to be generally
understood, since every one is most unwilling to show
such a complaint to another person.
So then when the penis swells up owing to inflam-
mation, and the foreskin cannot be drawn back, or
conversely drawn forwards, the place should be
fomented freely with hot water. But when the
glans is covered up," hot water should be injected,
between it and the foreskin, by means of an ear
syringe. If the foreskin is thus softened and ren-
dered thinner, and yields when drawn upon, the
rest of the treatment is more speedy. If the swelling
goes on, either lentil meal or horehound or oUve
leaves, boiled in wine, is to be laid on, to each of
which, whilst being pounded up, a little honey is to
be added ; and the penis is to be bandaged upwards
to the belly. That is required in the treatment of
all its disorders ; and the patient ought to keep
quiet and abstain from food, and drink water just
so much as is justified by thirst. On the next day
fomentations with water must again be applied in the
same way, and even force should be tried as to
269
VOL. II. M
CELSUS
sequatur; eaque si non parebit, leviter summa
scalpello concidenda erit. Nam cum sanies pro-
fluxerit, extenuabitur is locus, et facilius cutis
C ducetur. Sive autem hoc modo victa erit, sive
numquam repugnaverit, ulcera vel in cutis ulteriore
parte vel in glande ultrave eam in cole reperientur ;
quae necesse est aut pura siccave sint aut umida
et purulenta. Si sicca sunt, primum aqua calida
fovenda sunt ; deinde inponendum Lycium ex
vino aut amurca cocta cum eodem aut cum rosa
buturum. Si levis is umor inest, vino eluenda sunt,
tum buturo et rosae mellis paulum, et resinae tere-
benthinae pars quarta adicienda est ; eoque utendum.
D At si pus ex iis profluit, ante omnia elui mulso calido
debent ; tum inponi piperis P. ^ I ; murrae P. •}(• = ;
croci, misyos cocti, singulorum P. -Jf II *, quae ex
vino austero cocuntur, donee mellis crassitudinem
habeant. Eadem autem conpositio tonsillis, uvae
madenti, oris nariumque ulceribus accommodata
est. Aliud ad eadem : piperis P. ^ = ; murrae
P. -Jf = ; croci P. >}f = = ; misy cocti P. -Jf I ;
aeris combusti P. -Jf II ; quae primum ex vino austero
conteruntur, deinde ubi inaruerunt, iterum teruntur
ex passi tribus cyathis et incocuntur, donee visci
E crassitudinem habeant. Aerugo quoque cum cocto
melle eaque quae ad oris ulcera supra (11, 1. 2)
conprensa sunt [curant] aut Erasistrati conpositio
" VI. 11. 1, 2 ; ako prescriptions in chaps. 8 to 15.
270
BOOK VI. i8. 2 B-E
whether the foreskin will yield ; if it does not give
way, the foreskin is to be notched at its margin
with a scalpel. For when sanies has flowed out
this part will become thinner, and the foreskin the
more easily drawn upon. But whether the foreskin
is made to yield by this procedure, or whether it
has at no time proved resistant, ulcerations will be
found, either in the ulterior part of the foreskin, or
in the glans, or behind this in the penis, and these
ulcerations must of necessity be either clean or dry
or moist and purulent. If they are dry, they must
in the first place be fomented with hot water ; then
apply either buckthorn in wine, or olive lees in the
same, or butter with rose oil. If there is a thin
humour, the ulcerations should be bathed with wine,
and then to butter and rose oil a little honey and a
fourth part of turpentine resin is to be added and
this dressing put on. But when pus runs from the
ulcers, first they are to be bathed with hot honey
wine ; then there is put on : pepper 4 grms. ; myrrh
0-66 grm. ; saffron and boiled antimony sulphide
8 grms. each ; these are heated in dry wine to the
consistency of honey. Moreover, the same composi-
tion is suitable for the tonsils, a dripping uvula, and
ulcerations of the mouth and nostrils. Another
for the same purpose consists of pepper and myrrh
0-66 grm. each ; saffron 1-33 grm. ; cooked antimony
sulphide 4 grms. ; roasted copper 8 grms. ; these are
first pounded together in dry wine, then, when they
are dry, are again pounded up in 125 c.cm. of raisin
wine and heated to the consistency of birdlime.
Verdigris too mixed with boiled honey, also those
compositions noted above for ulcerations of the
mouth," or the compositions of Erasistratus or of
271
CELSUS
aut Cratonis recte super purulenta naturalia inponitur.
Foliorum quoque oleae P. -Jf . . . ^ ex novem cyathis
vini cocuntur ; his adicitur aluminis scissilis P. ^ IIII ;
Lyci P. ^ VIII ; mellis sex cyathi : ac si plus puris
est, id medicamentum ex melle ; si minus, ex vino
diluitur, Illud perpetuum est, post curationem,
dum inflammatio manet, quale supra (C) positum est,
cataplasma super dare, et cotidie ulcera eadem
F ratione curare. Quod si pus et multum et ciun malo
odore coepit profluere, elui cremore lenticulae debet,
sic ut ei mellis paulum adiciatur. Aut oleae vel
lentisci folia vel marrubium decoquendum est,
eoque umore eodem modo cum melle utendum;
inponendaque eadem aut etiam omphacium cum
melle aut id, quod ex aerugine et melle ad aures fit ;
aut conpositio Andronis aut anthera, sic ut ei paulum
G mellis adiciatur. Quidam omnia ulcera, de quibus
adhuc dictum est, Lycio ex vino curant. Si vero
ulcus latius atque altius serpit, eodem modo elui
debet, inponi vero aut aerugo aut omphacium cum
melle aut Andronis compositio aut marrubii, murrae
aut croci, aluminis scissilis cocti, rosae foliorum
aridorum, gallae, singulorum P. ^ I ; mini Sinopici
P. •}(• II. Quae per se singula primum teruntur,
deinde iuncta iterum melle adiecto, donee liquidi
cerati crassitudinem habeant ; tum in aeneo vaso
H leniter cocuntur, ne superfluant. Cum iam guttae
Indurescunt, vas ab igni removetur ; idque medi-
camentum, prout opus est, aut ex melle aut ex
^ MSS. folia which Targa keeps, omitting the sign of quantity,
which is abserU from one MS. Marx emends to foliorum and
marks the sign of quantity as incomplete.
' VI. 7. 2 B, C.
272
BOOK VI. i8. 2 E-H
Cr.aton " are suitable for applying to suppurating
genitals. Also , , . olive leaves ^ are boiled in 375
c.cm. of wine, to which is added split alum 16 grms.,
lycium 32 grms. ; and 250 c.cm. of honey ; and if
there is more pus, this medicament is made up with
honey; if less, with vnne. After treatment, the
general procedure, so long as the inflammation
persists, is to apply a poultice such as was men-
tioned above, and to dress the ulcers daily in the
same way. If a free discharge of foul pus begins,
the ulcers should be bathed with lentil gruel to which
a little honey has been added. Or a decoction is
made of oUve or of mastich leaves, or of horehound,
and the liquid used with honey in the same way ; and
the same remedies are to be laid on or even omphacium
with honey, or that prescription used for the ears
containing verdigris and honey ,<^ or Andron's com-
position,'' or an anthera,* as long as a little honey is
added to it. Some treat all ulcerations of the
kind here spoken of with lycium and wine. If the
ulceration spreads more widely and deeply, it should
be bathed in the same way, and then there should
be applied either verdigris or omphacium with honey
or Andron's composition or that containing hore-
hound, myrrh or saffron, split alum boiled, dried rose
leaves and oak-galls, 4 grms. each ; Sinopic minium
8 grms. These are pounded up first separately, then
together again, with honey added, until of the con-
sistency of a liquid cerate ; then gently heated in a
bronze pot but not allowed to boil over. When
drops from it begin to solidify, the pot is taken off
the fire ; and this composition when it is to be
The quantity is doubtful, see critical note.
VI. 7. 5. " V. 20. 4. ' VI. 11. 2.
273
CELSUS
vino liquatur. Idem autem per se etiam ad fistulas
utile est. Solet etiam interdum ad nervos ulcus
descendere, profluitque pituita multa, sanies tenuis
malique odoris non coeta ^ aut aquae similis, in qua
caro recens lota est ; doloresque is locus et punc-
I tiones habet. Id genus quamvis inter purulenta
est, tamen lenibus medicamentis curandum est,
quale est emplastrum tetrapharmacum ex rosa
liquatum, sic ut turis quoque paulum ei misceatur;
aut id, quod ex buturo, rosa, resina, melle fit, supra
(C) vero a me positum est; praecipueque id ulcus
multa calida aqua fovendum est, velandumque neque
frigori conunittendum. Interdum autem per ipsa
ulcera coles sub cute exestur sic ut glans excidat ;
K sub quo casu cutis ipsa circumcidenda est. Perpetu-
umque est, quotiens glans aut ex cole aliquid vel
excidit vel absciditur, banc non esse servandam,
ne considat ulcerique adglutinetur, ac neque reduci
possit postea, et fortasse fistulam quoque urinae
claudat. Tubercula etiam, quae phumata Graeci
vocant, circa glandem, oriuntur, quae vel medicamen-
tis vel ferro aduruntur ; et cum crustae exciderunt,
squama aeris inspergitur, ne quid ibi rursus increscat.
3 Haec citra cancrum sunt ; qui cum in reliquis
partibus tum in his quoque vel praecipue ulcf;ra
infestat. Incipit a nigritie. Quae si cutem occupavit,
protinus specillum subiciendum, eaque incidenda
est ; deinde orae vulsella prendendae ; tum quicquid
' The text is corrupt. Marx suggests colorata for non cocta,
and this is translated.
" V. 19. 4. » Par. 2 C.
* For these and their treatment see V. 18. 16 £E. and 28. 9.
"* See Appendix, p. 689.
274
BOOK VI. i8. 2 H-3
used is dissolved in honey or wine. But the same
by itself is also good for fistulae. The ulceration
at times even penetrates to fibrous tissues ; there
is a running discharge, then sanies, thin and foul,
coloured or like water in which fresh meat has
been soaked ; and the place is painful and has a
pricking sensation. This kind, although purulent,
is none the less to be treated by bland applications,
such as the tetrapharmacum plaster " dissolved in
rose oil with the addition of a little frankincense ;
or the composition made of butter, rose oil, resin
and honey noted by me above.'' In particular this
ulcer should be fomented freely with hot water, and
should be kept covered, not exposed to cold.
Sometimes through such an ulceration the penis is
so eaten away underneath the foreskin that the
glans falls off; in which case the foreskin itself
must be cut away all round. It is the rule,
whenever the glans or any part of the penis has
fallen off, or has been cut away, that the foreskin
should not be preserved, lest it come into contact,
and adhere to the ulceration, so that afterwards it
cannot be drawn back, and further perhaps may
choke the urethra. Again, little tumours, which the
Greeks call phymata,'' spring up around the glans ;
they are burnt away by caustic or the cautery;
when the crusts fall off, copper scales are dusted
that no more may grow there.
The foregoing ulcerations stop short of canker,"^
which in other parts, but here the more especially,
attacks ulcerations. It begins in a black patch.
If it invades the foreskin, at once a probe should be
passed underneath, upon which the foreskin is to be
incised and the margins seized with forceps ; then
275
CELSUS
corruptum est excidendum, sic ut ex integro quoque
paulum dematur; idque adurendum. Quotiens
quid ustum est, hie quoque sequitur, ut inponenda
lenticula sit ; deinde ubi crustae exciderunt, ulcera
B sicut alia curentur. Ac si cancer ipsum colem
occupavit, inspergenda aliqua sunt ex adurentibus,
maximeque id, quod ex calce, chalcitide, auripig-
mento componitur. Si medicamenta vincuntur,
hie quoque scalpello quicquid corruptum est, sic ut
ahquid etiam integri trahat, praecidi debet. Illud
quoque aeque perpetuum est, exciso cancro vulnus
esse adurendum. Sed sive ex medicamentis sive
ex ferro crustae occalluerunt, magnum periculum
est, ne his decidentibus ex cole profusio sanguinis
C insequatur. Ergo longa quiete et inmobili paene
corpore opus est, donee ex ipso crustae ^ leniter
resolvantur. Ac si vel volens aliquis vel inprudens,
dum ingreditur inmature, crustas diduxit, et fluvit
sanguis frigida aqua adhibenda est. Si haec parum
valet, decurrendum est ad medicamenta, quae
sanguinem supprimunt. Si ne haec quidem suc-
currunt, aduri diligenter et timide debet, neque uUo
postea motu dandus eidem periculo locus est.
4 Nonnumquam etiam id genus ibi cancri, quod
phagedaena a Graecis nominatur, oriri solet. In
quo minime difFerendum sed protinus iisdem medica-
mentis et, si parum valent, ferro adurendum. Quae-
dam etiam nigrities est, quae non sentitur, sed
' Crustae so Targa for the pure eae or cruste pure of the
M8S.
' V.28. 3B.
276
BOOK VI. i8. 3-4
what is corrupted is cut away, a little of the sound
tissue being also removed ; this is followed by cauter-
ization. Whenever there is any cauterization, it
follows too that here lentil meal is to be applied ; next
when the crusts have separated the ulcers are treated
like others. But if the canker invades the penis itself,
some one of the caustics is dusted on, and especially
that composed of quick-lime, copper ore and orpi-
ment. If medicaments fail, in this case also whatever
is corrupted should be cut away with a scalpel, so
far that some sound tissue is also removed. It is
likewise the rule here that after the canker has been
cut out, the wound is to be cauterized. But if
hard scabs form, whether after caustics or the
cautery, there is a great danger that haemorrhage
from the penis will follow upon their separation.
Therefore there is need for prolonged rest with the
body almost immobile until the scabs gently separate
from the penis. But if the patient, either purposely
or accidentally, from moving about too soon, has
detached the scabs and haemorrhage has occurred,
cold water should be applied. If this has little
effect, recourse must be had to medicaments which
suppress haemorrhage. If these do not succeed
either, the spot should be carefully and cautiously
cauterized, and no opportunity afterwards given for
the same risk by any sort of movement.
Occasionally on this part there arises that kind of
canker which the Greeks call phagedaena." In
such a case there must be no delay whatever : the
treatment is immediate cauterization, whether with
medicaments as above, or, if these have little effect,
with the cautery. There is also a sort of blackness,
which is insensitive, but spreads and, if we leave it
277
CELSUS
serpit ac, si sustinuimus, usque ad vesicam tendit,
neque succurri postea potest. Si id in summa glande
circa fistulam urinae est, prius in earn tenue specillum
demittendura est, ne claudatur ; deinde id ferro
adurendum. Si vero alte penetravit, quicquid
occupatum est, praecidendum est. Cetera eadem,
quae in aliis cancris, facienda sunt.
5 Occallescit etiam in cole interdum aliquid, idque
omne paene sensu caret ; quod ipsum quoque excidi
debet. Carbunculus autem ibi natus primum aqua
per oricularium clysterem eluendus est ; deinde
ipse quoque medicamentis urendus, maximeque
chalcitide cum melle aut aerugine cum cocto melle,
aut ovillo stercore fricto et contrito cum eodem melle.
Ubi is excidit, liquidis medicamentis utendum est,
quae ad oris ulcera conponuntur.
6 In testiculis vero si qua inflammatio sine ictu orta
est, sanguis a talo mittendus est ; a cibo abstinendum ;
inponenda ex faba farina eo ex mulso cocta cum
cumino contrito et ex melle cocto; aut contritum
cuminum cum cerato ex rosa facto ; aut lini semen
frictum, contritum et in mulso coctum; aut tritici
farina ex mulso cocta cum cupresso; aut lilii radix
contrita. At si idem induruerunt, inponi debet lini
vel faeni Graeci semen ex mulso coctum ; aut ex
cyprino ceratum; aut simila ex vino contrita, cui
paulum croci sit adiectum. Si vetustior iam
durities est, maxime proficit cucumeris agrestis radix
B in mulso cocta, deinde contrita. Si ex ictu tument,
' V. 28, 1. Cf. Scribonius Largus, 25, curbunculos quos
avBpaKas dicunt. For Carbunculus oculi, VI. 6t 10.
" V. 8.
« Vol. I. p. 162 notes. (U. 10. 12.)
278
BOOK VI. i8. 4-6 B
alone, extends even to the bladder, after which nothing
can avail. If it is situated at the lip of the glans
around the urethra, a fine probe should be inserted
into the urethra first that it may not be closed up ;
then the black patch burnt with the cautery. If it
has gone deep, whatever is involved is to be cut away.
The rest of the treatment is the same as for other
kinds of canker.
Again, now and then a callosity forms in the penis ;
and it is almost entirely without feeling; this also
should be excised. But if a carbuncle " occurs here,
it is first to be irrigated with water through an ear
syringe; next the growth is to be cauterized with
medicaments, especially copper ore with honey or
verdigris with boiled honey, or fried sheep's dung *
pounded up similarly with honey. When the cai--
buncle falls off, use the fluid medicaments prepared
for ulcers of the mouth.
But if any inflammation occurs in the testicles,
not due to injury, blood is to be let from the ankle ; ''■
there must be abstinence from food ; and bean meal
boiled in honey wine must be applied, along with
cumin rubbed up in boiled honey ; or pounded cumin
with the rose oil cerate ; or parched linseed, pounded
up and boiled in honey wine ; or wheat flour in
honey wine boiled with cyprus shoots ; or pounded
lily root. If the testicles have become indurated,
apply linseed or fenugreek seed boiled in honey
wine ; or the cyprus oil cerate ; or fine wheat flour
pounded up in wine to which a little saffron has been
added. If the induration is already of long standing,
the most efficacious thing is wild cucumber root
boiled in honey wine, then pounded up. If the
testicles swell as the result of an injury, it is necessary
279
CELSUS
sanguinem mitti necessarium est, magisque si etiam
livent. Inponendum vero utrumlibet ex iis, quae
cum cumino conponuntur supraque (A) posita sunt ;
aut ea conpositio, quae habet : nitri cocti P. ^ I ;
resinae pineae, cumini, singulorum P. ^ II ; uvae
taminiae sine seminibus P.-Jf IIII ; mellis quantum
satis sit ad ea cogenda. Quod si ex ictu testiculus
ali desit, fere pus quoque increscit, neque aliter
succurri potest quam si inciso scroto et pus emissum
et ipse testiculus excisus est.
7 Anus quoque multa taediique plena mala recipit,
neque inter se multum abhorrentes curationes habet.
Ac primum in eo saepe, et quidem pluribus locis, cutis
scinditur : ragadia Graeci vocant. Id si recens est,
quiescere homo debet, et in aqua calida desidere.
Columbina quoque ova coquenda sunt, et, ubi
induruerunt, purganda ; deinde alterum deponefacere
in aqua bene calida debet, alterum calidum loco
subicere, sic ut invicem utroque aliquis utatur. Turn
tetrapharmacum aut rhypodes ad hoc rosa diluendum
est, aut oesypum recens miscendum cum cerato
liquid© ex rosa facto aut eidem cerato plumbum
B elotum : aut adiciendum aut resinae terebenthinae
murrae paulum, aut spumae argenti vetus oleum,
et quolibet ex his id perunguendum. Si, quicquid
laesum est, extra est neque intus reconditum, eodem
medicamento tinctum linamentum superdandum est
et, quicquid ante adhibuimus, cerato contegendum.
In hoc autem casu neque acribus cibis utendum
est neque asperis neque alvum conprimentibus,
ne aridum quidem quicquam satis utile est nisi
« For these, cf. Galen XIII. 516 and 715. The surgical
treatment of anal fissure is described in Book VII. 30. 1 S.
zSo
BOOK VI. i8. 6 B-7 B
to let blood, especially if they are livid as well. Then
one of the compositions containing cumin mentioned
above should be put on; or the composition which
contains : fused soda 4 grms. ; pine resin and cumin,
8 grms. each ; black bryony berries without the
seeds 16 grms. ; along with sufficient honey to com-
bine them. If, as the result of an injury, the testicle
lacks nutrition, generally pus develops ; then the
only thing to be done is to cut into the scrotum,
and let out the pus, and to excise the testicle
itself.
The anus also is subject to many most tedious
maladies, which do not require much variation in
their treatment. In the firstplace, the skin of the anus
is often fissured at several places ; the Greeks call
these ragadia." If this is recent, the patient should
keep quiet and sit in hot water. Further, pigeon's
eggs are to be boiled until hard, shelled, and then
one should be covered completely in very hot water,
the other is applied hot to the place, the eggs being
used thus turn and turn about. Then the tetra-
pharmacum " or the rhypodes " is to be diluted for use
with rose oil ; or fresh wool-grease is mixed with the
liquid cerate made up with rose oil ; or washed lead
with the same cerate ; or a little myrrh is added
to turpentine resin; or old oil to htharge; with
any one of which the anus is smeared. If the lesion
is external, not hidden inside, lint may be soaked
in the same medicament and applied ; whatever is
put on is to be covered by a cerate. In such a case
also neither acrid nor coarse food is to be taken nor
such as constipates ; dry food is not satisfactory
* V. 19. 9. * V. 19. 15.
281
CELSUS
admodum paulum : liquida, lenia, pinguia, glutinosa
meliora sunt. Vino leni uti nihil prohibet.
8 Condyloma autem est tuberculum, quod ex
quadam inflammatione nasci solet. Id ubi ortum
est, quod ad quietem, cibos potionesque pertinet,
eadem servari debent, quae proxime (7 A) scripta
sunt : iisdem etiam ovis recte tuberculum id fovetur.
Seddesidere ante homo in aqua debet, in qua verbenae
decoctae sunt ex reprimentibus. Turn recte in-
ponitur et lenticula cum exigua parte mellis et
sertula Campana ex vino cocta; et rubi folia con-
trita cum cerato ex rosa facto ; et cum eodem cerato
contritum vel Cotonium malum, vel malicori ex
vino cocti pars interior; et chalcitis cocta atque
contrita, deinde oesypo ac rosa excepta ; et ex ea
B conpositione, quae habet : turis P. ^ I ; aluminis
scissilis P. ^ II ; cerussae P. ^ III ; spumae argenti
P. -Sf V; quibus, dum teruntur, invicem rosa et
vinum instillatur. Vinculum autem ei loco linteolum
aut panniculus quadratus est, qui ad duo capita duas
ansas, ad latera duo totidem fascias habet ; cumque
subiectus est, ansis ad ventrem datis, posteriore
parte in eas adductae fasciae coiciuntur, atque ubi
artatae sunt, dexterior sinistra, sinisterior dextra
procedit, circumdataeque circa alvum inter se novis-
C sime deligantur. Sed si vetus condyloma iam
induruit, neque sub his curationibus desidit, aduri
medicamento potest, quod ex his constat : aeruginis
• Cf. V. 28. 2 B.
282
BOOK VI. i8. 7 B-8 c
unless in very small amount; liquid, mild, fatty and
glutinous nutriment is better. There is nothing to
prevent the use of mild wine.
A condyloma " is a small tumour due to inflamma-
tion of some kind. WTien it appears the same prescrip-
tions apply regarding rest, food and drink as have
just been set out. Also the tumour itself may
be properly treated by fomenting similarly with
eggs. But the patient should first sit in a repres-
sant decoction of vervains. Then we may properly
apply lentil meal with a little honey, also mellilot
boiled in wine, bramble leaves pounded up with
the rose oil cerate or a quince, or the inner rind
of a pomegranate boiled in wine, pounded up in
the same cerate ; or copper ore boiled and pounded,
then taken up in wool-grease and rose oil ; and the
composition containing : frankincense 4 grms.,
split alum 8 grms., white lead 12 grms., litharge
20 grms., into which whilst it is being pounded up
rose oil and wine are dropped by turns. But the
binder for this part is a square of linen or woollen
cloth, which has a loop at each of two adjacent
angles and a tape at each of the two opposite ones.
The square having been applied underneath with the
two loops upon the abdominal wall, the tapes are
brought round from behind and passed through the
loop on its corresponding side. Each tape being
drawn tight, that on the right side is carried round
the back to the left, and the left tape back and
round to the right side. Finally, the ends of the
tapes are tied together in front of the abdomen.
But if a long-standing condyloma is already indurated
and does not yield to the foregoing measures, it can
be burnt with a caustic consisting of : verdigris 4
283
CELSUS
P. -Jf I ; murrae P. ^ IIII ; cummis P. •}(• VIII ; turis
P. "Sf XII ; stibis, papaveris lacrimae, acaciae,
singulorum P. -X- XVI, quo medicamento quidam
etiam ulcera, de quibus proxime (2 CD) dixi,
renovant. Si hoc parum in condylomate proficit,
adhiberi possunt etiam vehementer adurentia. Ubi
consumptus est tumor, ad medicamenta lenia
transeundum est.
9 Tertium autem vitium ora venarum tamquam ex
capitulis quibusdam surgentia, quae saepe sanguinem
fundunt : haemorroidas Graeci vocant ; idque etiam
in ore volvae feminarum incidere consuevit. Atque
in quibusdam parum tuto supprimitur, qui sanguinis
profluvio inbecilliores non fiunt : habent enim pur-
gationem hane, non morbum. Ideoque curati quidam,
cum sanguis exitum non haberet, inclinata ad
praecordia et ad viscera materia, subitis et gravissimis
B morbis correpti sunt. — Si cui vero id nocet, is desidere
in aqua ex verbenis debet, inponere maxime mali-
corium cum aridis rosae foliis contritum, aut ex iis
aliquid, quae sanguinem supprimunt. Solet autem
oriri inflammatio maxime ubi maior ^ . . . dura alvus
eum locum laesit. Tum in aqua dulci desidendum
est, et fovendum ovis ; inponendi vitelli ciun rosae
foliis ex passo subactis ; idque si intus est, digito
inlinendum; si extra, superinlitum panniculo im-
ponendum est. Ea quoque medicamenta, quae
recentibus scissuris posita (7 A B) sunt, hue idonea
sunt. Cibis vero in hoc casu isdem quibus in prioribus
* Marx would add after maior : impetus ventris cutem
primum perrupit, delude, and this is translated.
" p. 271.
* Cf . VII. 30. 2 for the surgical treatment of condylomata.
« Cf. VII. 30. 3 for the surgical treatment of haemorrhoids.
284
BOOK VI. i8. 8 c-9 B
grms. ; myrrh 16 grms. ; cumin 32 grms. ; frankin-
cense 48 grms. ; antimony sulphide, poppy juice, and
acacia juice, 64 grms. each, and by this medicament
some also produce a fresh surface on the ulcers, which
I have described above." If this has little effect upon
the condyloma it is possible to apply strong caustics.
When the tumour has been eaten away, a change is
made to mild medicaments.*
There is also a third lesion, in which vein mouths
rise up as from little heads ,'^ which at frequent intervals
pour out blood : the Greeks call them haemorrhoids.
In women they may even appear at the vulvar
orifice. There are some in whom it is hardly safe
to suppress such a flux of blood, those who are
not the weaker for it ; for to these it is a purga-
tion, not a disease. Hence some, after being cured,
since the blood had no way out, and diseased matter
was diverted towards the praecordia and viscera,
have been carried off by sudden diseases of the
gravest kind. But if the bleeding is doing harm to
anyone, he should sit in a decoction of vervains, and
the best thing to apply is pomegranate rind pounded
up with dried rose leaves, or anything else that stops
bleeding. But inflammation especially tends to occur
when first a rather violent evacuation of the bowels
has ruptured the epidermis, and later a hard stool
has injured this spot.** Then the patient should sit
in soft water and foment with eggs ; yolk of egg
which has been stirred up with rose leaves and boiled
in raisin wine is to be applied ; if the haemorrhoids are
internal, by the finger, if external, spread upon linen.
The medicaments* described above for recent fis-
sures are suitable here also. In this case the diet
'' An inflamed pile is the result. ' VI. 18. 7 A.
285
CELSUS
utendum est. Si ista parum iuvant, solent inposita
C medicamenta adurentia ea capitula absumere. Ac
si iam vetustiora sunt, sub auctore Dionysio insper-
genda sandraca est, deinde inponendum id quod ex
his constat : squamae aeris, auripigmenti, singulorum
P. •}(• V; saxi calcis P. -Sf VIII; postero die acu
eonpungendum. Adustis capitulis fit cicatrix, quae
sanguinem fundi prohibet. Sed quotiens is sup-
pressus est, ne quid periculi adferat, multa exer-
citatione digerenda materia est. Praetereaque viris
et feminis, quibus menstrua non proveniunt, interdum
ex brachio sanguis mittendus est.
10 At si anus ipse vel os vulvae procidit (nam id
quoque interdum fit), considerari debet, purumne
id sit, quod provolutum est, an umore muccoso
circumdatum. Si purum est, in aqua desidere homo
debet ; aut salsa aut cum verbenis vel malicorio
incocta. Si umidum, vino austero subluendum est
inlinendumque faece vini conbusta. Ubi utrolibet
modo curatum est, intus reponendum est, inponenda-
que plantago contrita vel folia salicis in aceto cocta.
tum linteolum, et super lana ; eaque deliganda sunt
cruribus inter se devinctis.
11 Fungo quoque simile ulcus in eadem sede nasci
solet : id, si hiemps est, egelida ; si aliud tempus,
frigida aqua fovendum est, dein squama aeris
inspergenda, supraque ceratum ex murteo factum,
286
BOOK VI. i8. 9 B-Ti
should be the same as in the preceding one. But if
the above treatment has Httle effect, it is usual to
apply caustics to destroy these small heads. If
they are already of long standing, then, on the
authority of Dionysius, sandarach should be dusted
on, and after that the composition should be applied
containing copper scales and orpiment 20 grms.,
limestone 32 grms. ; the next day the haemorrhoids
are to be punctured with a needle. The small heads
having been cauterized, a scab is produced which
prevents blood from running out. But whenever
haemorrhage is thus suppressed, the diseased matter
is to be dispersed by free exercise that no danger
may ensue. And besides, in men and in women
who are not menstruating, blood should be let from
the arm now and then.
If the anus itself, or, as sometimes happens, the
mouth of the womb, prolapses, examination should
be made to see whether what is protruding is clean,
or is covered by a mucous humour. If it is clean, the
patient should sit in water ; either in salt water or
in water boiled with vervains or pomegranate rind.
If it is moist, it should be batlied with dry wine
and smeared with roasted wine lees. After being
treated in one of these ways, it is to be replaced,
and pounded plantain or willow leaves boiled in
vinegar applied, next lint, and wool over it : and
these must be bandaged on, whilst the legs are kept
tied together.
In the same place an ulceration like a fungus may
arise, which must be bathed vdth lukewarm water
in winter, at other seasons in cold water ; then
copper scales are dusted on, and over that is applied
a cerate made with myrtle oil to which has been
287
CELSUS
cui paulum squamae, fuliginis, calcis sit adiectum.
Si hac ratione non tollitur, vel medicamentis vehemen
tioribus vel ferro adurendum est.
19. Digitorum autem vetera ulcera commodissime
curantur aut Lycio aut amurca cocta, cum utrilibet
vinum adiectum est. In iisdem recedere ab ungue
caruncula cum magno dolore consuevit : pterygion
Graeci appellant. — Oportet alumen Melinum rotun-
dum in aqua liquare, donee mellis crassitudinem
habeat; turn quantum eius aridi fuit, tantundem
mellis infundere, et rudicula miscere, donee similis
croco color effiat, eoque inlinere. Quidam . . .^ ad
eundem usum decoquere simul malunt, cum paria
2 pondera aluminis aridi et mellis miscuerunt. Si hac
ratione ea non exciderunt, excidenda sunt; deinde
digiti fovendi aqua ex verbenis, inponendumque super
medicamentum ita factum : chalcitis, malicorium,
squama aeris excipiuntur fico pingui leniter cocta ex
melle ; aut chartae combustae, auripigmenti, sulpuris
ignem non experti par modus cerato miscetur ex
murteo facto ; aut aeruginis rasae P. -Jf I, squamae
P. ^ II mellis cyatho coguntur ; aut pares portiones
miscentur saxi calcis, chalcitidis, auripigmenti.
Quicquid horum impositum est, tegendum linteolo
3 aqua madefacto est. Tertio die digitus resolvendus,
* Marx suggests that eadem has dropped out.
" A paronychia or whitlow. Hippocrates {Epidemics II.
27 ; Littre V. 139) calls it napcowxia. The Latin name
(not used by Celsus) was reduvia, and irrepvyiov, which he
288
BOOK VI. i8. 11-19. 3
added a little of copper scales, soot, and lime. If
this treatment gives no relief, it is to be cauterized,
either with more active medicaments or with the
cautery.
19. Old-standing ulcerations of the fingers are
most suitably treated by buckthorn juice, or by
boiled olive lees, in either case with the addition
of vdne. In the same parts a small piece of flesh
sometimes grows out from the nail, causing great
pain ; the Greeks call it pterygium." Round alum from
Melos should be dissolved in water to the consis-
tency of honey ; the same quantity of honey as there
was of dry alum is then poured in, and the mix-
ture is stirred vdth a rod until it is of a saffron
colour, and then smeared on. Some prefer to boil
up the same ingredients together for the same
purpose after mixing equal quantities of dry alum
and honey. If the whitlow is not removed by this
treatment, it should be cut away ; next the finger
is bathed in a decoction of vervains, and over it is
then put the following composition : copper ore,
pomegranate rind, and copper scales, mixed with
ripe figs, lightly boiled in honey ; or burnt papyrus,
orpiment, and crude sulphur in equal parts may be
mixed with a cerate containing myrtle oil ; or scraped
verdigris 4 grms., copper scales 8 grms., mixed
together in 42 c.cm. of honey; or equal parts of
Umestone, copper ore and orpiment are mixed to-
gether. Whichever of these is applied, it is covered
over by linen wetted with water. On the third
day the finger is dressed again, any dried part is
gives as the Greek, is. seldom found in this sense in any extant
writings, though pterygium is often found in Latin writers.
For another meaning of pterygium see III. 328, note b.
289
CELSUS
et si quid aridi est, iterum excidendum, similisque
adibenda curatio est. Si non vincitur purgandum
est scalpello tenuibusque ferramentis adurendum et
sicut reliqua usta curandum est.
At ubi seabri ungues sunt, circum aperiri debent,
corpus qua contingunt ; turn super eos ex hac com-
positione aeque inponi : sandracae, sulpuris, singu-
lorum P. ^ II ; nitri, auripigmenti, singulorum
P. -Jf nil ; resinae liquidae P. ^ VIII ; tertioque id
die resolvendum est. Sub quo medicamento vitiosi
ungues eadunt, et in eorum locum meliores renas-
cuntur.
290
BOOK VI. 19. 3
removed, and similar treatment continued. When
this does not succeed, the whitlow is cleaned by
means of a scalpel, and the place burnt with a fine
cautery, followed by the dressing usual after
cauterization.
And when nails are scabrous, they must be
loosened all round, where they are in contact with
the flesh ; next some of the following composition is
put on them : sandarach and sulphur 8 grms. each ;
soda and orpiment 16 grms. each; liquid resin 32
grms. The finger is dressed again on the third day.
Under this medicament, diseased nails fall off and in
their stead better ones grow.
291
Printed dj Great Britain bt
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IN PREPARATION
Greek Authors
Aristotle: History of Animals. A. L. Peck.
Plotinus: a. H. Armstrong.
Latin Authors
Babbius and Phaedbus. Ben E. Perry.
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