PART III. ON EXTERNAL DISEASES. CHAPTER I. On Fresh Wounds.

1. When a part of the body is pierced by a sword, or torn from a blow, or from some other accident, and blood flows, it is called a fresh wound. 2. Those who receive a wound feel pain at first, which, gradually increasing, causes distress—sometimes great, and sometimes slight; then the edges of the wound begin to swell and redden, and therewith a heat [or fever] arises in the body of the wounded person, especially at night. 3. After a few days, the wound slowly gathers pus, and when it is completely filled, the pain, the swelling, the redness, and the heat subside. 4. In order to heal a fresh wound, it is necessary: A. To stop the bleeding. B. It must be washed and cleansed. C. To bring the edges of the wound together, and D. To cure the wound. 5. If thou seest that but little blood flows from the wound, it is not necessary to labor further, for the reason that it will stop of itself. But when thou seest that much blood runs, and the patient grows faint, thou must labor to stop the bleeding. Upon the place whence the blood runs violently, place one or two pieces of tinder (*abitʻ* [*ghav*]), and cover the wound with shredded linen [lint]; place over it fine linen folded fourfold, and bind the wounded place, pressing it moderately tight. By this means the bleeding will quickly be stopped; if thou art unable to procure shredded linen, carded cotton will serve in its stead.

NOTE: * Likewise, [the following] are styptics [blood-binders]: asphodel [*shresh*], alum, calcined alum, burnt cloth, or shredded linen moistened in olive oil, gum of Arabia [gum arabic], frankincense powder, and yolk of egg mixed with salt.