CHAP. VI. OF FRACTURES OF THE EARS.
Sometimes the cartilage of the ear is broke. When this happens, an agglutinating medicine must be applied, before a suppuration begins; for that often prevents it, and heals the ear. Both here and in the nose, it should be understood, that the cartilage itself is not re-united, but that the flesh growing round it consolidates the part; and therefore, if, together with the skin the cartilage is broke, the skin is sewed on both sides; but I now speak of the cartilage fractured, when the skin is entire. If pus then is already formed, the skin must be opened on one side, and over against the incision, the cartilage itself must be cut in a lunated form; then a gentle styptic must be used; such as lycium diluted with water, till the bleeding be stopped; after that a plaister that is not greasy, spread upon linen, must be laid on, and soft wool put behind the ear, to fill up the space between that and the head; then it must be fastened by a gentle bandage; and from the third day fomented with warm water, as I directed for the nostrils; and in these kinds of accidents, at first abstinence is necessary, till the inflammation be gone.