We often use suppositories for the discharge of scybalæ, or when
injections are not properly evacuated. Suppositories are formed of
roasted salt, honey, and nitre; or thyme may be mixed with boiled honey.
They are also formed of turpentine rosin, and nitre, and sometimes with
a moderate quantity of the seeds of the thymelæa (granum cnidium); but
it irritates the parts, which, therefore, ought to be rubbed with oil.
Pellitory and pepper are also added, and are particularly fitted for
paralytics, and for the relief of flatulence from cold. Centaury is also
mixed with pitch and cerate, and is very applicable for paralysis of the
genital organs. For infants a lump of salt is applied. Figs also are
mixed up with nitre.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. This Section is entirely taken from Oribasius. (Synops.
i, 20.) See a fuller account in his ‘Med. Collect.’ (viii, 39), and
Aëtius (iii, 160.) Aëtius, after mentioning the composition of certain
suppositories similar to those of our author, speaks also of using for
this purpose, figs mixed with nitre (soda?) and grapes deprived of their
stones, with the addition of nitre and cumin.
Actuarius states that it is when the obstruction is seated in the rectum
that suppositories are particularly applicable. (Meth. Med. iii, 5.)