E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Wound.
Bind the wound, and grease the weapon. This is a Rosicrucian maxim. These early physicians applied salve to the weapon instead of to the wound, under the notion of a magical reflex action. Sir Kenelm Digby quotes several anecdotes to prove this sympathetic action.
