Book 1
16
CACHEXIA arises as the conversion of nearly all diseases; for almost all diseases are its progenitors. But it likewise is formed by itself, separately from all others, as an original affection of the noxious kind, by deriving its increase from the administration of many and improper medicines. And a bad habit for a season is common to all complaints, with many symptoms; and of this its name is significant. There is emaciation, paleness, swelling, or whatever else happens for the time to be prevalent in the body. But cachexia is the form of one great affection, and gives its name to the same. For the good habit of the patient (Euhexia) in all respects, as regards digestion, the formation of blood for distribution, and every natural operation whence arise good breathing, good strength, and good colour, constitutes the pristine state of good health. But if its nature become changed to the weakness of cacochymy, this constitutes cachexia.
16
This disease is difficult to cure, and is a very protracted illness; for it is engendered during a protracted space of time, and not from one infirmity of the body, nor in connection with only one viscus; for it is formed by the conversion of all into a vitiated state. Wherefore those diseases which are its offspring are incurable, as dropsy, phthisis, or wasting; for, indeed, the causes of cachexia are akin to those of wasting. The disease is a protracted and continuous dysentery, and the relapses of diseases in certain cases. Generally there is sufficient appetite, and plenty of food is taken; but the distribution thereof takes place in a crude and undigested condition, for the operation of digestion is not performed upon the food.
