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CHAP. XXXI. Of WOƲNDS of the EARS.
I. A Wound of the Ear is called in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. and in Latin, Vulnus Auris.
II. In Wounds of this Part, the Ear is either wholly cut off from the Temporal-part of the Head, or it is but cut in part.
III. If the Ear is totally cut off, you have nothing more to do, but to produce the Cicatrice with strong Epulotick Medicines; such as the Cephalick Pouder, Ʋng. de Bolo, de Minio, and many other: variety of which you may find in Cap. 2. Sect. 47. ad 57. aforegoing.
IV. If the Wound is such, as that it is not quite cut off, or that the separation is but small, the dry-suture only will do: but if the Wound is large, a Needle and Thread must be used, that the divided parts may be brought and kept together.
V. Then because the Part it self is chiefly Cartilaginous, strong drying, and somewhat aggluti∣nating Medicaments are to be applied.
VI. In Stitching, the separa∣ted parts you are to bring together with the Needle and Thread, the parts of the Skin only, on each side of the Ear, without piercing the Cartilage; for that may induce an Inflammation, and a Gan∣gren may follow it, as Aqua∣pendens, in Chirur. part. 2. lib. 2. cap. 33. does testify.
VII. If the Wound reaches to the first Cavity of the Ear, called Meatus Auditorius, you must then keep a Spunge-tent, or some such other like thing in it: which will 1. Prevent spongy or proud Flesh growing in it, which might stop the passage, and so hinder the Hearing. 2. Hinder Pus, Quittor, or Sa∣nies from falling into the Cavity, which if acrimonious, may ex∣ulcerate the internal parts, and corrode the Tympanum, and so cause an incurable Deasness.
VIII. Sennertus, Med. Pract. lib. 1. part. 3. sect. 3. cap. 5. has these words concerning Wounds of the Ears: Vitanda vero in Aurium Vulneribus omnia unctuosa, crassa, gravia, & em∣plastica, & Ligaturia arctiores: But (says he) in Wonds of the Ears, all things which are unctuous, gross or thick, heavy, and emplastick, are to be avoided, as also too strict Bandage or Ligature.