When emaciation takes place in any part of the body, it is commonly
occasioned by long-protracted rest, or by bandaging for fractures. We
must, therefore, stimulate their vital powers, and attract the blood to
them, by using moderate friction, suitable exercise, and by the affusion
of warm water upon them in moderate quantity. This must be done until
the part becomes red and swells, and we must desist before it subsides.
We must also use pitching, as formerly described. When there is a
sense of cold in the part, it ought to be rubbed with linen cloths, or
some calefacient medicine. For this purpose, I have sometimes used the
thapsia, rubbing it in either with honey or cerate.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. This is taken from Oribasius (Synops. v, 42), or Aëtius
(iv, 34). See also Galen (de Sanit. tuendâ, v); Rhases (Contin. xiii);
Haly Abbas (Pract. i, 16); Avicenna (i, 3, 4.) All recommend water to
be poured on the part, and then it is to be rubbed with towels and hot
stimulant oils, so as to produce a redness and glow in it. Most of them
also approve of the pitch plaster.