Manuscript on paper, entitled in manuscript on label of upper cover "Komo yuyaku ho den" ["Red Hair Medicines & Ointments Passed Down"]; title on first leaf: "Komo geka sho kan" ["Red Hair Surgery Book"]

32; 28 folding leaves. Two parts in one vol. 8vo (240 x 165 mm.), orig. wrappers, stained with persimmon juice (a little worn & rubbed), new stitching. [Japan]: late Edo. A most interesting manuscript that provides descriptions of ingredients and more than 100 recipes for medicines. The first section describes medicines for application to wounds and the surrounding skin following surgery and treatment of abscesses and fungal infections. This portion is written in katakana, indicating its foreign origins. The author has provided numerous descriptions of unguents to be applied using medicated plasters, cotton bandages, and sponges. The second contains accounts of a number of ailments (cholera, hernia, hydrops, gangrene, abscesses, cancer, fevers, flatulence, etc.), their symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments using these medicines. Again recipes are provided with methods of application. In this part, the names of the medicines and ingredients are translated and written in kanji. Fine condition. (Inventory #: 7412)