Item it is proper in the beginning to apply repellents to them (i.e. the imposthumes) except in certain cases. One case, when it is clear that the body is full of evil humours, and again when the matter is poisonous as in anthrax and carbuncle for then it should rather be drawn off than repelled, or if the imposthume be near to a principal member. Another case is if the force be weak as in those rising from a long sickness, old people, children and pregnant women,454 for Damascenus says the repulsion is hindered in imposthumes in three ways: by a humour, if it be poisonous or raging, for there is beating455 then according to (the) force, or by a humour that errs as regards quantity, because of its amount, so that it fills the vessels;456 and it is not right to cause repercussion then, but to reduce457 it according to its force, because if the force be weak, a repercussive should not be given. Another case where a repercussive should not be applied: if the imposthumes be in the groin, or the throat, or in the armpits; for it is thither the noble members send their surplus, and if the repellent be given there the matter is returned to themselves then, and that is a great danger. Another case is, if there be an imposthume on the anus, a repellent should not be given, for it is thither all expel their excess. Another case: if it be an imposthume resulting