CHAP. XXX. Of fomentations which be used to broken bones.
DIvers fomentations are used to broken bones for severall causes. When * 1.1 we use warme water for a fomentation, wee meane that, which is just between hot and cold, that is, which feeles luke warme to the hand of the Physitian and Patient. A fomentation of such water used for * 1.2 some short space doth moderately heat, attenuate and prepare for re∣solution, the humor which is in the surface of the bodie; it drawes blood and an ali∣mentarie humor to the part labouring of an Atrophia; it asswages paine, relaxes that which is too much extended, and moderately heats the member refrigerated through occasion of too strait binding, or by any other means. On the contrarie, too hot fomenting cools by accident, digesting and discussing the hot humor which was contained in the member. We meane a short time is spent in fomenting, when the * 1.3 part begins to grow red and swell; a just space, when the part is manifestly red and swolne: but we conjecture, that much or too much time is spent thereon, if the red∣nesse, which formerly appeared, goe away, and the tumor, which lifted up the part, subside. Also in fomenting, you must have regard to the bodie whereto it is used. For if it be plethorick, an indifferent fomentation will distend the part with plenty * 1.4 of superfluous humors; but if it be leane and spare, it will make the part more fleshie and succulent. Now it remaines, that we say somewhat of the fracture of the bones of the feet.