Censure of the ignorant physician; transition to hair preparations

A physician who out of ignorance cuts open an unripe swelling thinking it fully ripe, or neglects a fully ripe one thinking it unripe, is called ignorant and a great sinner whom a wise patient should leave; he who knows the unripe, burning and ripe stages well is the best of physicians. Verse 87, without a heading of its own, closes the account of the four procedures and their complications and announces the best treatment for turning white hair black, with reliable drugs that calm old age.