Book 2
9
In hemorrhage from the bowels, if it proceed from a large vein or artery, it is sudden death; for neither is it possible to introduce the hand so as to reach the ailment, nor to apply any medicine to the sore. And even if the hemorrhage were restrained by the medicine, the escape from death would not be certain; for, in some cases, the falling off of a large eschar widens the mouth of the vein, and when clots form within, and remain there, the disease is incurable. It is necessary, then, to cure hemorrhages in their commencement. Its approach, also, for the most part is obvious, although not in all cases quite apparent: anxiety attends, with restlessness, heaviness in the part where the rupture is to take place, ruddiness of the countenance if the blood has not yet burst forth. And if the vein has burst lately, for the most part the symptoms are alleviated; but if it has been a longer time ago, this takes place more slowly, and with more difficulty. Such are the ulcers in the intestines.
9
They occur in the season of summer; next in autumn; less in spring; least of all in winter. Diarrhœa attacks children and adolescents, but dysentery adults and young persons. In old age convalescence is difficult, and cicatrization protracted. Corroding sores are unusual in old persons, but yet hemorrhage is in accordance with old age.
CHAPTER X. ON LIENTERY.
