Aphorisms

 [p. 310]

Part 9

And from the same mode of reasoning, applying the opposite rule to melancholic persons, we must purge them freely downward.

Part 10

In very acute diseases, if matters be in a state of orgasm, we may purge on the first day, for it is a bad thing to procrastinate in such cases.

Part 11

Those cases in which there are tormina, pains about the umbilicus, and pains about the loins, not removed either by purgative medicines or otherwise, usually terminate in dry dropsy.

Part 12

It is a bad thing to purge upward in winter persons whose bowels are in a state of lientery.

Part 13

Persons who are not easily purged upward by the hellebores, should have their bodies moistened by plenty of food and rest before taking the draught.

Part 14

When one takes a draught of hellebore, one should be made to move more about, and indulge less in sleep and repose. Sailing on the sea shows that motion disorders the body.

Part 15

When you wish the hellebore to act more, move the body, and when to stop, let the patient get sleep and rest.

Part 16

Hellebore is dangerous to persons whose flesh is sound, for it induces convulsion.

Part 17

Anorexia, heartburn, vertigo, and a bitter taste of the mouth, in a person free from fever, indicate the want of purging upward.

Part 18

Pains seated above the diaphragm indicate purging upward, and those below it, downward.

Part 19

Persons who have no thirst while under the action of a purgative medicine, do not cease from being purged until they become thirsty.

Part 20

If persons free from fever be seized with tormina, heaviness of the knees, and pains of the loins, this indicates that purging downward is required.

Part 21

Alvine dejections which are black, like blood, taking place spontaneously, either with or without fever, are very bad; and the more numerous and unfavorable the colors, so much the worse; when with medicine it is better, and a variety of colors in this case is not bad.