Kitap 2
1
But, likewise, neither are we to neglect any of the medicines which prove useful when swallowed by the mouth, for the lungs attract fluids whether they be in health or diseased. We must, therefore, give such medicines as attenuate the fluids so as to promote their perspiration, and such as will lubricate and render them adapted for expectoration. For speedy relief, then, natron is to be drunk with the decoction of hyssop, or brine with vinegar and honey; or mustard moistened with honeyed-water; and we may confidently sprinkle on each some of the root of iris and pepper. But also these things, having been sifted, are to be given in a powder along with honey. But if the patients get no sleep during the day, and remain sleepless also during all the night, it is to be feared lest they become delirious, and there will be need of various soporific medicines unless the disease give way, so that the seasonable administration of these medicines may lull the suffering, for these things are usually soporific. But if you give a medicine at the acme of the suffocation, or when death is at hand, you may be blamed for the patient’s death by the vulgar.
