27
We should not trust ameliorations in diseases when they are not regular, nor be much afraid of bad symptoms which occur in an irregular form; for such are commonly inconstant, and do not usually continue, nor have any duration.
28
In fevers which are not altogether slight, it is a bad symptom for the body to remain without any diminution of bulk, or to be wasted beyond measure; for the one state indicates a protracted disease, and the other weakness of body.
29
If it appear that evacuations are required, they should be made at the commencement of diseases; at the acme it is better to be quiet.
30
Toward the commencement and end of diseases all the symptoms are weaker, and toward the acme they are stronger.
31
When a person who is recovering from a disease has a good appetite, but his body does not improve in condition, it is a bad symptom.
32
For the most part, all persons in ill health, who have a good appetite at the commencement, but do not improve, have a bad appetite again toward the end; whereas, those who have a very bad appetite at the commencement, and afterward acquire a good appetite, get better off.
33
In every disease it is a good sign when the patient’s intellect is sound, and he is disposed to take whatever food is offered to him; but the contrary is bad.
34
In diseases, there is less danger when the disease is one to which the patient’s constitution, habit, age, and the season are allied, than when it is one to which they are not allied.
35
In all diseases it is better that the umbilical and hypogastric regions preserve their fullness; and it is a bad sign when they are very slender and emaciated; in the latter case it is dangerous to administer purgatives.
36
Persons in good health quickly lose their strength by taking purgative medicines, or using bad food.
37
Purgative medicines agree ill with persons in good health.
38
An article of food or drink which is slightly worse, but more palatable, is to be preferred to such as are better but less palatable.
