One of the popular late eighteenth century books written by physicians for lay audiences contains the following description of Percival Pott's (1714-1788) treatment of curvature of the spine.Mr. Pott has ordered a large opening to be made on each side of the spine by means of caustics and the discharge to be preserved by the introduction of a kidney bean and (when the bottom of the sore is become clean by suppuration) to sprinkle every third or fourth day a small quantity of Spanish flies on them finely powdered. I have experienced this method to be very beneficial, and sometimes wholly to cure the patient.1
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