Phimus takes place about the mouth of the womb, either in consequence of
ulceration or of inflammation terminating in scirrhus. We must cure it by
emollient hip-baths of oil and water, and of the decoction of fenugreek,
applying cataplasms of a like kind, and introducing emollient pessaries.
But if the complaint be protracted, we must have recourse to vapour-baths
and fumigation with aromatics. The phimus may be dissolved by a pessary
of the sordes of unwashed wool, nitre, and turpentine-rosin, being simply
an obstruction of the mouth of the womb.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Imperforate hymen and other obstructions of the vagina
requiring a surgical operation will be treated of in the Sixth Book.
The case here treated of is simply an obstruction of the os uteri by a
callous substance. The emollient treatment by pessaries here recommended
appears very proper. Aëtius makes mention of a more efficacious but
dangerous application, namely, a piece of sponge spread with an ointment
containing arsenic, alum, &c. Hippocrates had recommended an application
containing verdegris. (De Steril. xii.)
Avicenna treats the complaint solely by a surgical operation.
Alsaharavius approves of the emollient treatment, such as decoctions of
mallows, fenugreek, linseed, &c.