53 



Slangha, the son of Partholan, was the third doctor 



that came into Ireland ; and 

 Feargna.the grandson of Cridhinbheal, was the fourth, 

 " The doctors of the Firbolgs were Dubhda Dubh- 

 losach, Condan Corinchisnech, and Finghin Pisiocdha 

 Maina, the son of Gressach, and Aongus Anternmach. 



" The doctors of the Tuatha De Danann were Dian- 

 checht, Airmedh, Miach, etc. Dianchecht lived in the 

 reign of Bong Nuadha Airgeadlamh (of the silver hand) ; 

 his name signifies vehement power. His skill enabled 

 Nuadha, who had lost his arm in the battle fought 

 between .his tribe, the Tuatha, and the Firbolgs, to 

 return to his throne, from which he was debarred, having 

 lost his hand. Creidhne, the metal worker, made and 

 fitted the artificial hand when Dianchecht had cured the 

 wound in a bath of herbs. The skill of Dianchecht was 

 again instanced in the battle with the Fomorians, when 

 the wounded Tuatha were brought to the lus magh — or 

 plain of herbs — where a bath was prepared, presided over 

 by Dianchecht with his daughter Ochtrinil, and his two 

 sons, Airmedh and Miach. From the herbal bath the 

 warriors returned to the fight refreshed and made whole 

 by this efficient field medical organization." 

 In the Book of Leinster we find a reference to Finghin 

 Faithliagh, physician to Conchubhar MacNeasa, king of 

 Ulster A.D. 33. 



Finghin was called to Conchubhar, whose skull was pene- 

 trated by a missile from the sling of an enemy in battle. The 

 Ultonians besought Finghin to save Conchubhar 's life. 

 Finghin proceeded to tell them that if the missile were re- 

 moved the king would die. But again, if allowed to remain a 

 blemish would be upon their king. The Ultonians replied, 

 " Is fearr linn ar ri do bheith ainmheach iona a eag " (We 

 had rather that our king should have a blemish than that he 

 should die). 



Conchubhar was restored to life, but was restricted in his 

 movements. " He was to be cautious, not to get into a 

 passion, to avoid sexual intercourse, to avoid riding en horse- 

 back, to abstain from violent exertion, otherwise that by the 

 repelling motion of his own brain he would hurl the ball from 

 his head and die." 



