[p. 23]
sufficient only occasionally, and although clearly
beneficial with some patients, it was not so in all
cases, as some were in such a condition that they
could not assimilate even small quantities of food.
As such patients were thought to need weaker nutriment,
slops were invented by mixing with much
water small quantities of strong foods, and by taking
away from their strength by compounding and
boiling. Those that were not able to assimilate them
were refused even these slops, and were reduced to
taking liquids, these moreover being so regulated in
composition and quantity as to be moderate, and
nothing was administered that was either more or
less, or less compounded, than it ought to be.
PART 6
VI. It must be clearly understood that some are
not benefited in disease by slops, but when they
take them, their fever and pain grow manifestly
worse, and it is plain that what is taken proves
nourishment and increase to the disease, but wears
away and enfeebles the body. Any men who in this
condition take dry food, barley-cake or bread, even
though it be very little, will be hurt ten times
more, and more obviously, than if they take slops,
simply and solely because the food is too strong
for their condition ; and a man to whom slops are
beneficial, but not solid food, will suffer much more
harm if he eat more than if he eat little, though
he will feel pain even if he eat little. Now all the
causes of the pain can be reduced to one, namely,
it is the strongest foods that hurt a man most and
most obviously, whether he be well or ill.
