Kitap 2
5
In the first place then, the stomach is to be relieved from its sufferings by rest and abstinence from food, for in this way the natural powers are restored. And if there also be a feeling of fulness in the stomach, we are to administer emetics, in the fasting state, with water or honeyed-water; and the abdomen is to be enveloped and bathed, for the purpose of astringency, with unwashed wool from the sheep, with oily things, as the unguentum rosaceum, œnanthemum, and melinum, or what is best, with that from the lentisk, with hypocistis and the unripe grape.For all these compositions, see Paulus Ægineta, t. iii. pp. 589-599, Syd. Soc. Edit. But, along with these, cataplasms, hot to the touch, but astringent in powers. And if there be distension or inflammation anywhere about the liver or mouth of the stomach, we are to apply the cupping-instrument, and scarify; and there are cases in which this alone is sufficient. But when, by means of cerates, the wounds have cicatrised and ended in hardness, we are to apply leeches to it, then digestive epithemes, such as that from seeds, if you possess the root of the chamæleon. The best thing here is the fruit of the bay, and the Malagma by name the Green, and mine—the Mystery. For these soften, irritate, rouse heat, discuss flatulence of the bowels, of which there is need for the sake of astringency. But likewise mustard, lemnestis, euphorbium, and all such prevent refrigeration indeed, and procure resuscitation of the heat. Such medicines also the patient must drink for astringency. In the first place, there is need . . . . . . . . . . the juice of plaintain with water made astringent by myrtles or quinces. The stone of an unripe grape is also a very good thing, and wines of a very astringent character. Then the medicines which warm the bowels, namely such potions as are made with ginger, and pepper, and the fruit of the wild parsley which is found among rocks, and the very digestive medicine made from the reptiles the vipers. But if it does not yield at all or slightly to these means, use emetics from radishes; and if you will put into them the root of the white hellebore, for a single night, the purging will thus become very strong, for purging away and removing the cold humours and for kindling up the heat.
