CHAP. 45.—FOURTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM RUST.
Rust itself, too, is classed among the remedial substances;
for it was by means of it that Achilles cured Telephus, it is
said, whether it was an iron weapon or a brazen one that he
used for the purpose. So it is, however, that he is represented
in paintings detaching the rust with his sword. [Note] The rust of
iron is usually obtained for these purposes by scraping old nails
with a piece of moistened iron. It has the effect of uniting
wounds, and is possessed of certain desiccative and astringent
properties. Applied in the form of a liniment, it is curative of
alopecy. Mixed with wax and myrtle-oil, it is applied to granulations
of the eyelids, and pustules in all parts of the body,
with vinegar it is used for the cure of erysipelas; and, applied
with lint, it is curative of itch, whitlows on the fingers, and
hang-nails. Used as a pessary with wool, it arrests female
discharges. Diluted in wine, and kneaded with myrrh, it is
applied to recent wounds, and, with vinegar, to condylomatous6
swellings. Employed in the form of a liniment, it alleviates
gout. [Note]