Kitap 2
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But if the inflammation turn to an abscess, it is better to contribute thereto by using the medicine for abscesses. These have been described under chronic diseases, where the treatment of cholics is described.
CHAPTER VI. CURE OF THE ACUTE AFFECTIONS ABOUT THE LIVER.
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THE formation of the blood is in the liver, and hence the distribution of it over the whole system. And the entire liver is, as it were, a concretion of blood. Wherefore the inflammations there are most acute; for nutrition is seated in this place. If, therefore, inflammation form anywhere else, it is not remarkably acute; for it is an influx of blood that is inflamed; but in the liver there is no necessity for its coming from another quarter. For if any obstruction shut the outlets, the liver becomes inflamed by being deprived of its efflux, since the entrance of the food to the liver still continues patent; for there is no other passage of the food but this from the stomach and intestines to the whole body.
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It is necessary, therefore, to make a copious evacuation, by opening the veins at the elbow, and taking away blood frequently, but not in large quantity at a time. Total abstinence from food at first, but restricted diet afterwards, so that the liver may be devoid of its customary ingesta. It is necessary, also, by external applications to dispel the matters impacted in the liver. Lotions, therefore, with aloe or natron are proper, and unwashed wool is to be applied. There is need, then, of cooling means, because the liver is inflamed by the blood; for the blood is hot. The cataplasms, also, should be of such a nature, consisting of the meal of darnel, or of hedge-mustard, or of barley, or of linseed; and of liquid substances, such as acid wine, the juice of apples, of the tendrils of the vine, or of the leaves of the vine in season, or of the oil prepared with it. Fomentations are to be applied on sponges, of the decoction of the fruit of bays, of the lentisk, of penny-royal, and of iris.
