NOTE: - 91 -

CHAPTER X. On the Bite of a Venomous Fly.

48. The place bitten by a bee or other kinds of venomous flies swells up, reddens, pains, [and] throbs; it causeth fever and chills. 49. Although for the bite of venomous flies various remedies and household medicines are employed almost everywhere, yet I deem it not superfluous to set down a few useful counsels for this [complaint]. Take lead-water (see No. 86) or half a *miskal* of sal ammoniac, mix it in four cups of cold water, dip therein a twofold linen cloth, apply it upon the place, and change it frequently. The swelling may likewise be reduced by rubbing with ice and applying warmed lead. It is also very profitable to rub the bitten place with olive oil six times a day, and to give [the patient] three spoonfuls of the same olive oil to drink per day. The above-mentioned remedies are also very profitable for the bite of a scorpion; but when a large and black scorpion stingeth someone, take a clove of garlic, crush it, sprinkle a little salt upon it, smear it upon a cloth, and apply it upon [the wound]; it will relieve it immediately. I have myself witnessed the trial of this; only after it hath passed, pains must still be taken that the patient sweat profusely and abstain from food and drink.

CHAPTER XI. On Snakebite.

48. The place bitten by a bee and other sorts of venomous flies swelleth, turneth red, paineth, [and] smarteth; it causeth feverish heat and chills. 49. Although for the bite of venomous flies various remedies and household medicines are used almost everywhere, yet I deem it not superfluous to set down a few useful counsels for this [ailment]. Take lead-water (see number 86) or half a *msxal* of sal ammoniac, mix it in four cups of cold water, moisten linen cloth folded in two layers therein, apply [it] upon it, and change it frequently. The swelling may also be reduced by applying ice and placing heated lead [thereon]. It is also very beneficial to rub olive oil upon the bitten place six times a day, and to cause [the patient] to drink three spoonfuls of the same olive oil a day. The above-mentioned remedies are likewise very useful for a scorpion's sting; but when a large and black scorpion stingeth someone, take a clove of garlic, crush [it], sprinkle a little salt upon it, smear [it] upon a cloth, and apply [it] upon it; it will relieve [it] immediately. I have seen the trial of this in person; only after it passeth, care must still be taken that the sick [person] sweateth much and abstaineth from food and drink.