of two. So Hippocra∣tes advises, concerning an Abscess upon the Perinaeum: When (saith he) any such little Tumour shall begin, cut it forthwith, while it is yet unripe, lest the suppuration should reach to the Intesti∣num Rectum, or Arst Gut.
VIII. When therefore an In∣flammation with pain is pre∣sent, and that it appears, the Tumor will apostemate, it is necessary to apply Suppu∣ratives, to bring it to a com∣plete maturation or ripeness: Such as this: Take Yolks of Eggs, Honey, Oil Olive, ana two Ounces, Pulp of Figs, Rai∣sons, ana three Ounces; Mi∣thridate four Ounces, Pouder of Aron-Roots, enough to bring it to the consistency of a Pultise, which renew twice a day: Or this, which is stronger: Take Basilicon minus, Ox Gall, Black Sope, soft Hens dung, ana two Ounces; Onions, Gar∣lick, Leeks, ana an Ounce and half; Mithridate, Gum-Elemi, ana an Ounce; Saffron half an Ounce; Pouder of the Roots of Aron and Briony, of the Leaves of Dittany and Rue, ana enough to make it into the consistency of a Pultise. It will bring it to maturation in a short time.
IX. But if you would have the Maturative much stron∣ger, as in those cases where Life is in imminent danger, as in the Plague, and other malign, poisonous, and pu∣trifactive Distempers, you must add to the Compositi∣on, Salt of Tartar, Nitre, Quicklime, Pouders of Genti∣an roots, Ranunculus, Pyre∣thrum, Hellebore, and Mustard∣seed, with other things of like kind, which you must apply, and renew it every twelve hours.
X. The Abscess being now brought to ripeness, or a ne∣cessity of opening 〈◊〉〈◊〉; the next thing to be considered, is, the best way of doing that operation. It is done either by a potential Cau∣tery, or an Actual, or the Knife.
XI. Celsus, lib. 7. cap. 2. saith, If the malady be deep, it is to be considered whether that place be nervous, or no: