I want a help in this poem

[Mhd shaher]

Hello all members..

How are you all..
This my first participation..
I am a student in the university..in the literature of English part..and I want your help..
In the poem called (the rape of the lock) by (Alexander Pope) there is two words whom I never understood until this moment..
And they are in (Canto II) the line 131
And the line says:
Or alum styptics with contracting power

My question is: What does he mean by saying (alum styptics)?

Thank you very much..
​

 

[mykwyner]

It is a type of medication that causes small cuts (like shaving cuts) to stop bleeding.

 

[Mhd shaher]

thank you sir..
Best Wishes
shaher

 

[mykwyner]

You are very welcome. It is good that you are studying Alexander Pope. His skill with the English language amazes me more every time I read him.