fanus (favus), rima, spidecia, achora, etc. Caries was a pustular
disease, in which bristle-like hairs formed a prominent feature. Rima
was a name applied by the physicians of Salernum to a superfluity
of hair. In addition to these diseases of the scalp, we find also
descriptions of gutta rosacea, morphoea and scabies, a fairly
extensive dermatology for this early day. In favus, Gilbert tells us
that, after the removal of the pustules, there remain foramina, from
which exudes a poisonous substance, resembling honey. Of course his
system of treatment is rich in variety and comprehensiveness.

We may notice here too a few chapters on Toilet or Decorative
Medicine, a branch of art to which modern physicians have devoted
perhaps too little attention, with the natural result that it has
fallen largely into the hands of charlatans of both sexes. Gilbert's
chapter "_De ornatu capillorum_" offers the following sensible
introduction: "The adornment of the hair affords to women the
important advantages of beauty and convenience; and as women desire to
please their husbands, they devote themselves to adornment and protect
themselves from the charge of carelessness. In order, therefore,
that our ministry may not be depreciated, and that we may not render
ourselves liable to the accusation of ignorance, let us add a few
words on the subject of the dressing of the hair and the general care
of the person".

Accordingly Gilbert advises ladies who desire to retain or renew the
charms of youth to soften the skin and open its pores by the use of
steam baths and careful washing in warm water, followed by drying the
surface with the finest cloths (_panno mundissimo_). If necessary,
superfluous hair is to be removed by suitable depilatories, color to
be restored to the pale cheeks by a lotion of chips of Brazil-wood[6]