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. X. Of a CALLOƲS ƲLCER.

I. WHAT the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, vel 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. the Latins, Ulcus callosum; we in English call, A Callous Ulcer, or, An Ulcer with a Callus.

II. The Causes. It is derived either from the defluxion of a hot Serum; which is condensed or hardned, either by the over∣coolness of the Air, or by Me∣dicaments which cool and dry overmuch.

III. The Signs. The lips of the Ʋlcer are hard, livid, and wan, and sometimes of a whitish colour: and they are generally Annual, and thro' length of time con∣tract this callosity or hardness, with a livid colour.

IV. The Prognosticks. From what cause so ever this Callosity happens, the Ʋlcer is not possible to be cured, or closed up with a Cicatrice; 'till the hardness is first taken away, and the Ulcer be reduced to its natural state.

V. If the hardness be not great, it may be removed by Emollients and Discussives, with good Compress and Bandage: first, foment with roots and leaves of Althea, of Lillies, and of Mallows, Linseed and Fenugreek-seed; flowers of Camomil, of Melilot, and of Elder; which rarifies the con∣densed Blood, and removes the lividness.

VI. Then embrocate the hard∣ned lips with Ung. Dialthaeae, Oils of sweet Almonds, of Lillios, and of Earthworms; and apply Ceratum Galeni, Emplastr. è Mucilaginibus, Diaehylon cum Gummi, or de Ranis cum Mercurio, or a Plate of Lead besmeared with Mercury, or a Paste of Ceruss and Calx lota, made into an Ointment with Hogs-lard; and over that, a good Compress and Bandage.

VII. Sennertus advises to the application of the Mucilages of Linseed and Fenugreek-seed, Oils of Almonds, Lillies, and Earth∣worms, Hens and Ducks fat, &c. Or this, Take Mucilages of Al∣thea-seed and Fenugreek, A. ʒiv. Oils of sweet Almonds and of white Lillies, A. ʒvi. Turpentine ℥ii. Wax q.s. mix, and make an

Ʋnguent; over which you may apply the simple Diachylon-Emplaster.

VIII. But as to the Bandage, Wiseman advises for the Leg, the laced Stocking, which being well made, preserves the other parts from fluxion, better than a Rowler can.

IX. If these things will not do, Galen, in Meth. Med. lib. 4. cap. 2. is to be advised with: When the lips of the Ʋlcer (says he) are somewhat discoloured, and made a little harder than ordinary, they are to be cut out, even to the sound Flesh.

X. Wiseman also says, If the edges of the lips are inverted and callous, or the Ʋlcer is in such a place, where you cannot make good Bandage; your best way will then be by Caustiek or Knife to remove it, and then to digest and heal the Ulcer.

XI. But if the Sick will endure neither Incision, nor Burning with an Actuàl Cautery; you must then use Corrosives, such as the Aqua Viridis, (in Lib. 4. Cap. 9. Sect. 130. aforegoing) or the Pulvis Angelicus, mentioned in Cap. 9. Sect. 20. but the strongest of Remedies are, the Oils of Vitriol and Sulphur.

XII. Yet nevertheless, whether the Work is done by Incision or Corrosion, you must be very cau∣tious in the Nervous Parts; and defensative Medicaments are to be applied to the places adja∣cent; lest Pain, or an Afflux of Humors be excited.

XIII. An Observation. One 18 Years old, of an ill habit, had an inveterate Ulcer on the in∣side of the Ancle, of a round figure, with thick callous lips, the parts about being livid. There was no hopes by Emol∣lients and Bandage; they were therefore rubbed round with a Caustiek-stone, the Ulcer drest with Basilicon mixt with Preci∣pitate, and Diachylon ireatum was laid over with Compress and Bandage, designing to dispose the lips to unite with the Ulcer. The Eschar separating slowly, the lips skin'd underneath, and so disappointed me: but the in∣verted parts being removed, with the Callus underneath, a Paste made with Calx lota and Lard, applied with good Compress, forced the lips with the Ulcer, and so it was healed with a smooth even Cicatrice. Wiseman, Liv. 2. Cap. 8.

XIV. Another. A Maid having such an Ulcer, with livid callous lips, but not inverted; it was digested with Basilicon and Pre∣cipitate, and fomented with a Decoction, as above mentioned; then Diachylòn ireatum applied over the parts about, and a Compress, with a laced Stock in, put on over it, thereby digesting the Ulcer, and flatting the lips; and in 3 Weeks time it was in∣carnated and cicatrized with Ʋng. Diapompholigos, tho' it had been more than 3 Years work in other Hands. This speedy Cure I imputed to the Laced-stockin, performing all the Intentions necessary to the curing of such like Ulcers. Wiseman, ibid.