persequere ut in exitu intestini per vulnus superius demonstratum est_
(f. 281d).

Turning now to the title "_De hernia_" (f. 289b), Gilbert tells us
"Swelling (_inflatio_) of the testicles is due sometimes to humors
trickling down upon them (_rheumatizantibus_), sometimes to abscess,
or to gaseous collections (_ventositate_), and sometimes to escape
of the intestines through rupture of the siphac." He adds also: "Some
doubt the propriety of using the term hernia for an inflation. On
this point magister Rn says: There is a certain chronic and inveterate
tumor of the testicles, which is never cured except by means of
surgery, as e.g., hernia. For hernia is an affection common to the
scrotum and the testicles."

The apparent confusion between these two passages is easily relieved
by the explanation that inguinal or other herniae not extending into
the scrotum are called by Gilbert ruptures of the siphac, but scrotal
hernia is classed with other troubles located in the scrotum as
hernia. Accordingly hernia, with Gilbert, includes not only scrotal
hernia, but also hydrocele, orchitis, tumors of the testicles, etc.
This is apparent, too, in his treatment of hernia, which consists
usually in the employment of various poultices and ointments, bleeding
from the saphena, cups over the kidneys, etc., though hydrocele is
tapped and a seton inserted. If the testicle itself is "putrid,"
it should be removed; otherwise it is left. It may be remarked _en
passant_ that the surgeons of medieval times, in their desire for
thoroughness, often displayed very little respect to what Baas calls
"the root of humanity."

We will terminate our hasty review of diseases discussed in the