[p. 304]
Part 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.
Part 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.
Part 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.
Part 30
Toward the commencement and end of diseases all the symptoms are
weaker, and toward the acme they are stronger.
Part 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.
Part 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.
Part 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.
Part 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.
Part 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.
Part 36
Persons in good health quickly lose their strength by taking purgative
medicines, or using bad food.
Part 37
Purgative medicines agree ill with persons in good health.
Part 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.