Book 2
7
Wherefore we are to open the veins at the elbow, and abstract a considerable amount of blood; not all at once, however, but at two or three times, and on a different day, so that the strength may recruit during the interval. Then we are to apply a cupping-instrument and cataplasms to the hypochondrium, where is the pulsation of the artery; and also between the scapulæ, for there, too, there are pulsations. We are to scarify unsparingly, and abstract much blood; for from this sort of evacuation the patients are not much prone to deliquium. The bowels, also, are apt to be unusually confined, and emollient clysters are to be used to lubricate them, but not on any account acrid ones; for they suffer an increase of fever from brine and the melting of the natron. The juice, therefore, of linseed and of fenugreek, and the decoction of the roots of mallows, are sufficient to rouse and stimulate the bowels. The extremities, namely, the feet and hands, are to be warmed with gleucinum,The ointment or oil from must. See Paulus Ægineta, t.iii. p.596. or Sicyonian oil, or with the liniment from lemnestis; for these parts of them become very cold. And before the administration of food, we must give draughts to promote the urinary discharge, containing spignel, asarabacca, and wormwood, to which some natron in powder is to be added. But of all such medicines the strongest are cassia and cinnamon, provided one has plenty of it. In such cases, milk is both food and medicine; for they stand in need of refrigeration, a sort of fire being wrapped up within; and also of sweet food, and of that a copious supply in small bulk. Such virtues milk possesses as an article of food. Plenty of the milk of an ass which has just had a foal is to be given, and to two cupfuls of the milk one of water is to be added. That of the cow is also very good; and, thirdly, that of a goat. The articles of food should be of easy digestion; for the most part juices, such as that from the juice of the fennel; and let parsley seed be added to it, and honey. And the water which is drunk should contain these things.
