Priapism is a permanent enlargement of the penis, which is swelled both
in length and circularly, and there is no venereal appetite attending
it. The part is swelled by a flatulent spirit engendered from viscid and
gross humours by a moderate heat. It is clear, therefore, that the part
is not to be heated but cooled moderately, with rose-cerate beat up with
water, and with the cerate of chamomile applied to the penis and loins.
The diet and medicines should be of an attenuant nature, without being
manifestly heating. We must also apply those things which are found, by
experience, to be naturally efficacious. We may, therefore, give them
also to drink of the water-lily and the seed of the chaste-tree, and
mix green rue with their condiments. Yet this must not be given at the
commencement, since it is heating, but after the use of other attenuants.
If we practise evacuation, it must be by vomiting; for that by the belly
often occasions a defluxion to the neighbouring parts. Exercise and
friction are to be had recourse to for dispelling the flatus. In none of
the cases which we have been mentioning does coition answer, unless when
we have reason to suppose that there is a redundance of semen owing to
restraint from enjoyment.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Many of the ancient authorities make no distinction between
satyriasis and priapism, but, according to Cælius Aurelianus, the former
is an acute and the latter a chronic disease. Prosper Alpinus, the
modern Methodist, says, there is this difference between satyriasis and
priapism—that in the former there is violent venereal desire, whereas, in
the latter, there is continued erection, but no desire nor emission of
semen. It seems, in short, to be a sort of chronic chordee.
Our author, Oribasius, Aëtius, and Actuarius, follow the principles of
treatment laid down by Galen. The latter speaks of the anti-aphrodisiacal
medicines mentioned by our author.
Alexander forbids the use of such things as are of an intensely cold
nature, especially astringents and narcotics. He recommends friction,
exercise of the upper parts of the body, and abstinence from flatulent
food. All incentives to venery are of course to be avoided.
Avicenna agrees with the Greek authorities respecting the
anti-aphrodisiastical properties of rue. Like them, he recommends
emetics, but disapproves of drastic purgatives. When the affection
is of an inflammatory kind, Haly Abbas recommends general bleeding,
cupping, leeches, and applications of a cooling nature, such as
vinegar, purslain, solatrum, gourd, &c. Alsaharavius recommends various
refrigerant and anodyne remedies, internally and externally.