The use of suppositories in the practice of medicine might be traced back
to the earliest times. Mention of them occurs frequently in the works of
Hippocrates.
SECT. XLVI.—ON MEDICINES WHICH EVACUATE PHLEGM FROM THE HEAD,
MASTICATORIES, ERRHINES AND LINIMENTS TO THE NOSE.
We evacuate humours fixed in the head, with the saliva, by mixing some
pepper with mastich, if a small discharge only be required; or, if a
greater evacuation be wanted, by giving directions to chew pellitory
or stavesacre. The root of every species of anemone, when chewed, also
excites the secretion of saliva, and the rind of the root of cappers.
Serous superfluities may be thus evacuated; but, for thicker phlegm,
we must gargle with mustard in vinegar and honey, or with sodden wine,
having marjoram and hyssop boiled in it. I also mix this with the gargle
formed of mustard in vinegar and honey. When we want to clear the brain
of mucus, we must stimulate it by means of acrid substances, of which
kind some are sternutatories. The juice of either pimpernel, of the
anemones, and of beet purge by the nose. The juice also of the leaves of
the wild cucumber may be applied to the nostrils, either alone or with
the decoction or juice of the beet. But sneezing is not at all applicable
for crude humours contained in the chest, lungs, and head. The following
ointment may be rubbed into the mouth: Anoint the roof of the mouth and
uvula with a soap containing the juice of the beet. The same application
may be used as an errhine. I have also often used the following
composition, which is easily prepared: Macerate gith in strong vinegar
for a day, then next day rub it with the vinegar, and pour it into the
nose. Sometimes the gith may be rubbed with old oil; and I apply it in
this manner. Archigenes used it in the same manner for obstruction of the
nostrils. Crito used the former cure, along with vinegar, for jaundice.
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