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Thanks for "Caputpurge"



I want to thank all those who on and off list have responded to my query
about "Caputpurge."

The consensus seems to be that the preparation, mentioned by several
medieval authors, consisted of a liquid of variable composition  which was
instilled into the nostrils with the purpose of  “purging the head,” that
is, of inducing nasal discharge. The name may also have been applied to a
tool used in the process, probably something like a funnel.

Plinio Prioreschi

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