Kitap 2
4
IN Cholera, the suppression of the discharges is a bad thing, for they are undigested matters. We must, therefore, readily permit them to go on, if spontaneous, or if not, promote them by giving some tepid water to swallow, frequently indeed, but in small quantity, so that there may be no spasmodic retchings excited in the stomach. But if there also be tormina and coldness of the feet, we are to rub the abdomen with hot oil, boiled with rue and cumin, to dispel the flatulence; and we are to apply wool. And, having anointed the feet, they are to be gently rubbed, stroking them rather than pinching them. And these things are to be done up to the knees for the restoration of the heat; and the same is to be practised until the fæces pass downwards, and the bilious matters ascend upwards.
4
But if all the remains of the food have been discharged downwards, and if bile be evacuated, and if there still be bilious vomiting, retchings, and nausea, uneasiness and loss of strength, we must give two or three cupfuls (cyathi) of cold water, as an astringent of the belly, to stop the reflux, and in order to cool the burning stomach; and this is to be repeatedly done when what even has been drunk is vomited. The cold water, indeed, readily gets warm in the stomach, and then the stomach rejects it, annoyed as it is both by hot and cold: but it constantly desiderates cold drink.
