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OF ARETÆUS, THE CAPPADOCIAN, ON THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC DISEASE
BOOK I.
CHAPTER I. THE PROŒMIUM
OF chronic diseases the pain is great, the period of wasting
long, and the recovery uncertain; for either they are not dispelled
at all, or the diseases relapse upon any slight error;
for neither have the patients resolution to persevere to the
end; or, if they do persevere, they commit blunders in a
prolonged regimen. And if there also be the suffering from a
painful system of cure,--of thirst, of hunger, of bitter and
harsh medicines, of cutting or burning,--of all which there is
sometimes need in protracted diseases, the patients resile as
truly preferring even death itself. Hence, indeed, is developed
the talent of the medical man, his perseverance, his skill in
diversifying the treatment, and conceding such pleasant things
as will do no harm, and in giving encouragement. But the
patient also ought to be courageous, and co-operate with the
physician against the disease. For, taking a firm grasp of the
body, the disease not only wastes and corrodes it quickly, but
