Tiik Native Arin’iions of 'ruEATMEXT ok Diseases in Nassaea and 
N EKillliOUUHOOI) 
BY 
L. 
1>0USFIEL1), j\r.A., 
Dimbaslii, 
M.D. (Dantab.), .AI.ll.C.S., L.K.C.I'. (Loxd.), D.A.IM.C. 
Egyptian iMeilical Corps, S.II.O., Kassala 
SuKGicAL Instruments 
No special instruments are in vogue, the ordinary dagger being employed to open 
abscesses, etc. 
The use of the actual cautery is extremely common, but the natives have no special 
instrument, large packing-needles usually being employed for this purpose. 
Splints. Special splints for fractures do not exist, but splints are very cunningly made 
from the bark of trees, when required; I have seen two cases of fractures put up bj^ 
natives, the bark being evidently chosen for the size of the limb, excellently padded with 
grass and tied up with strips of old cloth. 
Blisters. Are stated to be unknown—actual firing only being employed. 
Ih-essiiKjs. None, only ordinary cloth. 
Methods of Treatment 
Treatment of ^Younds and Ulcers. Stitching up wounds is apparently unknown. 
Ulcers and wounds are treated either with 
(1) Ashes from burnt wood, or 
(2) Fresh cow-dung mixed with hot water made into a poultice and renewed 
every 24 hours. 
Fractures. These are fixed by improvised splints made from hark, houghs or dura 
stalks, padded with grass or leaves and bandaged up with strips of any old cloth. 
No medicine is given, but the natives consider it imperative to eat the flesh of chickens, 
if their means allow ; if not, ordinaa-y meat, with kissera'—other forms of food being avoided. 
The flesh of the fowl is considered by them to have wonderful powers of uniting and 
strengthening broken hones. 
If there is a single fracture of the humerus they keep the S]3lint in position fifteen days, 
if it be broken in two places they double the time. 
Fractures of the thigh are kept in splints 40 days. 
After removing the splints, massage with any available oil is the usual proceeding. 
Dislocations. The first procedure is to bathe the part with hot water, then reduction is 
attempted by straight pulling; apparently the foot in the axilla is never used for shoulder, 
nor the knee on the arm for elbow dislocations. 
It is then bandaged up and perhaps splints may be employed; usually the bandages 
and splints are removed in five or six days. 
Sometimes, when the thigh is dislocated, pegs are driven into the ground and the 
patient bound to them, so that the legs are immovable ; he remains in this position for 
seven to nine days. 
This treatment is not employed if they consider the bone is broken. 
Guinea \Yorni. They poultice the swelling with either 
(1) Hot poultice of cow-dung, or 
(2) Poultice made of Turn (a small bulb, like an onion) mashed up in hot water. 
‘ Kissera = unleavened dura c.ake. 
S 
Splints 
Blisters 
Dressings 
Wounds and 
ulcers 
Fractures 
Dislocations 
Guinea worm 
