[p. 282]
relieved, indeed, for a short time; but then again the thirst is
kindled up, and again they drink copiously. And this is the
successive course of the malady. And a good physician would
give with impunity a copious cold draught, as in other
species of causus, and even with less risk, in the case of those
labouring under causus from disease of the vena cava. And
if either the bowels or the bladder carry off the drink, there
is no necessity for inducing vomiting; but if not, after much
cold drink much vomiting must be induced. For the patient
would burst, if, after drinking so much, he should have no
discharges by sweating, by urine, or by the bowels.
CHAPTER IX. ON ACUTE AFFECTIONS OF THE KIDNEYS
THE kidneys, as far as regards the peculiar structure of the
organ, are not productive of any great danger, even if they
should suffer acutely; for, being of a glandular nature, they
are mild and do not experience deadly diseases. But their office
is important, namely, the secretion of the urine from the blood,
and its expulsion.
It is stopped either by a stone, or an inflammation arising
there, or a clot of blood, or something such; when no mischief
arises from sympathy, owing to the peculiar nature of the
organ affected, but the retention of the urine produces all sorts
of dreadful symptoms. Heat, which is acrid, and induces
nausea; a heavy pain along the spine at the loins; distention
of the parts, especially of those about the hypochondrium;
suppression of urine, not entirely, but they pass urine in drops,
and have a desire to pass more, for there is the sensation of an
overflow. But if the urine become acrid and pungent, coldness,
tremblings, spasms, distention and fulness of the hypochondria
