_Inflammation of the testicles_[338] is usually characterized according to _Paulus Aegineta_[339] by pain under strong pressure by the fingers, while only a slight pressure causes no uneasiness. Redness and heat are slight externally, but the latter is perceptible deep in by an investigating finger. Sometimes fever is associated with it, and if the inflammation is not quickly combated, the pain, _Celsus_ tells us,[340] extends to the inguinal and lumbar regions, the parts swell, the spermatic cord grows thicker and at the same time indurated. Both authorities make the treatment consist at first in blood-letting at the ankle,[341] and the use of soft poultices of bean-meal,[342] pounded cumin, linseed, etc. to which in cases of induration is added later on a mixture of crocus and wine. In obstinate instances poultices are used of _rad. cucumeris agrestis_ (root of the wild cucumber);[343] _Paulus Aegineta_ under these circumstances prescribes grapes, peas, cumin, brimstone, nitre and resin, made into a cataplasm with honey, besides sundry wax-salves. A considerable list of remedial agents is found enumerated in _Marcellus_ (ch. 33.) intended to combat the _tumores et dolores testiculorum_ (swellings and pains in the testicles); of these we will only mention the salves of mutton-suet and nitre, the sea-water compresses, the poultices of _rad. cicutae_ (hemlock root), white of egg, frankincense and ceruse (white lead). _Aretaeus_[344] gives us an interesting piece of information to the effect that in order to counteract neuralgia of the testicles and spermatic cord, accompanied at the same time by intestinal colic, the spermatic cord was _cut out_, being looked upon as the cause of the suffering. Important too is the case related by _Hippocrates_,[345] where a patient at Athens suffered from _prurigo_ (itch) of the whole body, but above all of the _testicles_ and the forehead, his skin having grown thick and hard as it does in leprosy, so that nowhere could it be pulled up above the general surface.
_Induration_ of the testicles is mentioned by _Galen_,[346] who assigns it as one cause of sterility. The same author[347] likewise speaks of the testicles being affected with _aphthae_ (διδύμους ἀφθῶντας), which he says should be treated with _terra cimolia_ (Cimolian chalk) and myrtle-berries.