CHAP. V. By what means the contused part may be freed from the fear and imminent danger of a Gangrene.
GReat Contusions are dangerous even for this cause; for that a Gangrene and mortifi∣cation sometimes follows them; which Hippocrates teacheth to happen, when as the affected part is grown very hard and liquid. Wherefore when the part grows livid and black, and the native colour thereof, by reason of the efflux of the concreat bloud, is almost extinct; chiefly to ease the part of that burden, Cupping-glasses and horns shall be applyed to the part it self being first scarified with a Lancet, or else the following Instrument termed a Scarificator, which hath 18. little wheels sharp and cutting like a razour, which may be strait∣ned and slacked by the pins noted by D. and P. This Instrument is to be commended for that it performs the operation quickly and gently, for it makes 18 Incisions in the space that you make one with a Lancet, or Knife.
Then shall you foment the part with strong Vinegar wherein the roots of Radish, or of Dra∣gons, Cuckow-pint, Salomons Seal, Auripigmentum, and the like, have been boyled; for such acrid things do powerfully heat, resolve and draw the concreat bloud from the inner part of the body unto the skin, which by its setling in the part affected, prohibits the entrance of the vital spirits, the preservers of its integrity, yea also extinguisheth the native heat of the same part. Now we must not use these things but with great discretion, lest so we draw not only that bloud which is poured forth of the vessels, but also the other which is contained in the vessels. Moreover also we must not use them, unless when the defluxion is stayed. For small contusions (which Galen judgeth by the softness of the contused part) it will be sufficient to apply to discuss them, Virgins-wax dissolved and mixed with Cummin-seeds, Cloves, the Root of the black Briony, (which hath a wonderful faculty to discuss all blacknesses and sugillation:) for the