CHAP. 43.—METHODS OF EXTRACTING FOREIGN BODIES FROM
THE FLESH.
To extract pointed weapons which have pierced the flesh,
ashes of calcined shells of the sæpia are used, as also of the
purple, the meat of salted fish, bruised river-crabs, or flesh
of the silurus[1] (a river-fish that is found in other streams
as well as the Nilus[2]), applied either fresh or salted. The
ashes also of this fish, as well as the fat, have the property of
extracting pointed bodies, and the back-bone, in a calcined
state, is used as a substitute for spodium.[3]
1. See B. ix. cc. 17, 25, 75.
2. See B. ix. c. 17. Ajasson says that it is also found of enormous
size, in the Danube and in the Theisse.
3. See B. xxxiv. c. 33.