Book 2
8
This vein, then, as I think, is all diseased in acute and strong affections; for it is altogether one vein. But other physicians fancy that only the part along the spine is affected, because there are no manifest symptoms in regard to the portion about the heart; for it is extended through the chest, having no adhesions, but floating in the chest, until, from the diaphragm, it adheres to the heart. If, then, any of the great ailments seize this vein, they are concealed by the thorax surrounding it.
8
Wherefore kedmataSee the note on the English translation of Hippocrates, Syd. Soc. Edit., vol. i. p. 216, and the authorities there referred to. The aneurismal varix would apply best to it in this place. It is not unlikely that aortal aneurisms were sometimes confounded with it. On this subject, see further Testa, Malattie del Cuore, t. iii. also form about this vein when a hemorrhage, bursting forth quickly proves fatal, the blood being discharged by the lungs and the arteria aspera, if it burst in the chest; but if, at its origin, the blood is poured into the lower belly, so that the bowels float in it, when the patients die before the blood makes its appearance, the belly being filled with blood.
