- 96 -

[If] through these medicines no relief comes either, at that time it is necessary to summon a physician. Until distinct signs of death appear, [the person] must not be buried.

CHAPTER XIV. On Scabies.

63. That which is called the itch [scabies] consists of pustules resembling small sores erupted upon the body, which begin to itch, especially at such time when the body groweth warm, or is heated, or sweateth. 64. Becoming infected with the itch befalleth mostly those who do not live cleanly; for example, [those who] change their clothes but seldom, do not keep the house clean, and consume spoiled victuals, that is to say, putrid or rotten food and drink. This disease is contagious; at first it appeareth between the fingers of the hand, afterward upon the legs, below the knees, and likewise in other places, except for the countenance [face]. 65. In order to be rid of this disease, they must give the medicine of Number 93 three times a day, and morning and evening, wherever the itch hath erupted, wash [the parts] with the boiled water of wormwood or sorrel, having mixed into it a little sal ammoniac or salt; or let them wash with water mixed with sulfur (see Number 94). 66. When thou art treating the itch with sulfur, whether by giving it to drink or by smearing [it as an ointment], thou must give once a week a medicine to cleanse the stomach and bowels, under Number 5 or 7, and give to drink three times a day, two cups each time, of the medicine under Number 50. 67. The patient must be very clean, change clothes frequently, go every day to the bathhouse, or wash at home with warm water, and if the weather be good, go out to walk gently about. The dwelling-place of the patient must be very clean; his food should be milk [and] fresh greens, prepared with a little butter or good oil. He must abstain from salty, sour, and pungent things, and in general from all manner of strong spirits and the like.