[De epidemia et peste]

Chapter Eleven: How one must assist with consideration for the abscess.

In no way should the comforting of the heart be neglected; rather it must be put first, within and without. First, therefore, consider the abscess, and if it is found to be red or yellow, it is good. And if it begins to grow quickly with its redness or yellowness, it will be good. If, however, the abscess is black or declines toward blackness, no one will escape from it. And because these abscesses are pernicious due to the conversion of their matter into a poisonous substance, it necessarily corrupts the member and alters its substance and its color, and adds a bad and killing quality [transmitted] through the arteries to the heart, as Avicenna posits in the third Fen section of the fourth [book]. Therefore, we must place drawing agents and those that open pores upon the abscess. First, therefore, let an embrocatio a liquid application be made with a decoction of chamomile and dill, and a sponge soaked in it should be applied hot on top. And let this be done frequently. Secondly, let a live chicken kiss the abscess with its anus, and let its anus be applied to the abscess until it dies, fainting over its anus. Thirdly, let live leeches be placed on top. Fourthly, let live leeches be placed upon the abscess. Then, first let a cupping glass be applied. Then, let the abscessed place be scarified, and again let the cupping glass be applied so that blood comes out, and the poisonous vapors coming from there may recede. Never, however, should repellents be placed