CHAP. V. By what meanes you may performe the third intention in curing fractures and dislo∣cations, which is, the hindring and correction of accidents and symptomes.
THat we may attaine unto this third scope, it is requisite we handle as gen∣tly and without paine, as we may, the broken or dislocated member; * 1.1 we drive away the defluxion ready to fall downe upon the part by me∣dicines, repelling the humour, and strengthning the part; wee, by ap∣pointing a good diet, hinder the begetting of excrements in the bodie, and divert them by purging and phlebotomie. But if these accidents be already present, we must cure them according to the kinde and nature of each of them: for they are various. Amongst which is reckoned itching, which in the beginning torments the Patient: this ariseth from a collection and suppression of subacride vapours, * 1.2 arising from the blood, and other humors under the skin. Whence a light biting, which causeth a simple itch, or else a more grievous and acride one, from whence (in Galens opinion) proceeds a painefull itching. Wherefore such matter, as the * 1.3 cause, being evacuated, all itching ceaseth. But this cannot easily and freely be eva∣cuated and breathed out, because the pores of the part are shut up, and as it were oppressed with the burden of the emplaisters, boulsters, and ligatures, which are put about the part. Hereunto may be added, that the part its selfe doth not so per∣fectly performe and enjoy its wonted faculties and actions: by which it commeth to passe, that the heat thereof is more languide than may suffice to discusse the fuli∣ginous matter there collected. Wherefore it will be convenient to loose the liga∣tures * 1.4 everie third day, that, as by loosing their tyes, their sanious and fuliginous excrements, shut up under the skinne, may freely passe forth, lest in continuance they should fret and ulcerate it; as it happens to most of those who provide not for it by loosing their ligatures. Besides also, the part must bee long fomented with hote water alone, or else with a decoction of sage, chamomile, roses, and melilote made in wine and water: for long fomenting attenuates and evacuates, but shorter fils and mollifies, as it is delivered by Hippocrates. Also gentle fri∣ctions, performed with your hand, or a warme linnen cloath upwards, to the right side and left, and circularly to everie side, are good. But if the skinne be already ri∣sen into blisters, they must be cut, lest the matter contained thereunder may corrode and ulcerate the skinne: then must the skinne be annointed with some cooling and drying medicine; as, Ung. album Camphoratum Rhasis, Desiccativum rubrum, un∣guentum rosatum sine aceto; adding thereto the pouder of a rotten poste, or prepared Tutia, or the like. Other accidents more grievous than these, doe often happen, but * 1.5 we will treat of them hereafter. But if the scales of the bone underneath bee quite severed from the whole, then must they be presently taken forth, especially if they prick the muscles: But if the bone be broken into splinters, and so prominent out of the wounded flesh as that it cannot be restored into its seat, it must be cut off with your cutting mallets, or parrats beake, as occasion shall offer its selfe. In the interim, you must have a care that the part enjoy perspiration, and by change of place and rising, now and then it may be as it were ventilated: also you must see that it be not over-burdened, neyther too strait bound, otherwise it will be apt to inflammation. Thus much concerning fractures and dislocations in generall: now we must descend to particulars, beginning with a fracture of the Nose.