Ars chirurgica a compendium of the theory and practice of chirurgery in seven books ... shewing the names, causes, signs, differences, prognosticks, and various intentions of curing all kinds of chirurgick diseases ... : to which is added Pharmacopoeia chirurgica, or, The medical store, Latin and English ... / by William Salmon ...

CHAP. XXXIX. Of CROOKEDNESS in General.

I. THis Fifth part of the Art is called by some in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Diarthrosis, Arti∣culatio, commissura Artuum; and is intended to rectifie ill Conformation, in reducing it to its natural Figure by right Articulating of it, whence Diar∣throsis, Articulating.

II. But in my Opinion, from the nature of the Intention, it ought ra∣ther to be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Dior∣thosis, emendatio, seu directio, because it is rather a mending, directing, or putting into a right state or situation, what is distorted, crooked, or out of order.

III. It is directed chiefly, 1. To rectifie, or set straight a Crook∣edness of the Back. 2. A Crook∣edness of the Arms and Legs. 3. A Crookedness of the Fingers. 4. Of Feet and Toes.

IV. The Parts affected, and which particularly cause these Dis∣tortions, are, the Muscles, and in them the Nerves and Tendons especially, and sometimes the Bone it self.

V. The Signs. These are so evident, that they need not be de∣clared, being manifest both to Sight and Feeling.

VI. The Causes. Though they arise sometimes from Wounds, Fra∣ctures or Dislocations (whose Cure depends upon the Cure and right Healing of those Diseases) yet they many times are connate from Infancy, and arise from a Rickety Disposition, or from some Cause, inward or outward, which might have been cured, had it not been neglected.

VII. The Prognosticks. If the Cure be attempted, whilst the Pa∣tient is young and tender, the Dis∣tortion may be rectified with ease; for then, the Parts being more flexible, are more apt for a Reduction.

VIII. But if they be grown stiff or callous, and into a kind of a Bony hardness; the Restoration is much to be doubted, if not impossible; more especially if there be Age withal.

IX. The Cure. First, the Parts affected ought to be Fomented, Bathed, or Anointed with Emol∣lients and Softners; as a Bath of Milk, Emollient Oils and Li∣niments; and after them the Application of softning Em∣plasters.

X. A softning Oil. ℞ Oil of sweet Fennel-seeds ℥iss. Oil of Ben.

or of sweet Almonds ℥ivss. mix them; with which anoint Morn∣ing and Evening.

XI. A softning Ointment. ℞ Oil of Aniseeds ℥jss. pure golden coloured and sweet scented Palm Oil ℥iij. mix them, and anoint well therewith, Morning and Evening.

XII. A softning Liniment. ℞ rectified Oil of Vitriol ℥j. Oil Olive ℥iij. mix them: With this anoint once a day; it is much better than any of the former, and resolves more.

XIII. A softning Bath. ℞ Spirit of Nitre ℥j. Spirit of Vi∣triol ℥j. mix them, and there∣with gently bathe the Contorted or Contracted Parts.

XIV. In the intervals of A∣nointing, you ought also to anoint with Neuroticks, of which this is an excellent thing. ℞ Oil of Nutmegs, or Mace by Expression ℥iij. Oil of Lavender and Limons a. ℥ss. mix them.

XV. Or thus. ℞ Earthworms lbss. which cleanse, by washing first in Water, then in Wine, cut them small, and affuse upon them (in a large Receiver) Oil Olive lbss. or rather as much Oil of sweet Almonds, Oil of Limon; ℥ij. and upon warm Embers resolve into Liquor, which strain out strongly by pressing.

XVI. This is an excellent Oil, for the Liquor of the Worms, by its peculiar Vertue, penetrates im∣mediately; and passes to the Nerves and Nervous Parts, Veins, Arteries, &c. moderately warm∣ing, humecting, and strength∣ning them; whilst, mean sea∣son, the Viscous Substance there∣of occludes the Pores, and keeps in the Heat, in order for reso∣lution of the hardned and con∣stricted Parts.

XVII. Afterwards you may apply also Emplasterwise, Myn∣sicht's Galbanum Crocatum, or Ammoniacum cum Cicuta, or de Ranis, with triple quantity of Mercury: For by these various Applications, the Parts will be before-hand prepared for the use of the Instruments.

XVIII. For the whole stress of the Cure seems to lie upon the right Contrivance, Making, and Affixing of the Instruments; with∣out which, nothing can indeed be done; but, in a manner, all your Labour will be in vain.

XIX. Wherefore, fit Instru∣ments being made; and the former softning Medicines used for some time before-hand; you must come to the Application of the Instru∣ment, (using also your softning Medicines as before) together with Splenia, or Bolsters, and proper Bandage; as the Nature, Position, and Form of the Part requires.