Mercury, bitter almonds, lead or just a solution of pure cocaine used locally

Dr. Charles Penrose of the Gynecean Hospital published his Textbook of Disease of Women in 1900 and eloquently described effective treatments for vulvar itching or other discomforting diseases of the external genitalia that included mercury, bitter almonds, lead or just a solution of pure cocaine used locally. Often copious powders, opium or morphene, all used topically, were employed as well. Exciting reading in those old texts!