Of Medicine, in Eight BooksCelsus, Aulus Cornelius
History
Of Medicine, in Eight Books
Celsus, Aulus Cornelius
Medicine, Greek and Roman
There are some methods peculiarly adapted to the case of a man fatigued
by walking. Frequent friction, even upon the journey, relieves him; at
the end of the journey first sitting down, and then unction; afterwards
he may foment with warm water, or use the warm bath, rather to his
lower, than his upper parts. But if any one has been scorched in the
sun, he must immediately go to the bagnio, and rub over his body
and head with oil, and then go down into the bath, warmed to a good
degree; after that, first warm water must be poured over the head, and
then cold. But he, that has been chilled with cold, must wrap himself
up, and sit down in the laconicum, till he sweat; then anoint, and
afterwards bathe; eat moderately, and drink wine unmixed.
He that has been upon sea, and is troubled with a nausea, if he has
vomited much bile, ought to abstain from food wholly, or take very
little: if he has brought up acid phlegm, he may notwithstanding
take food, but lighter than ordinary: if he has had a nausea without
vomiting, he should abstain from food, or take a vomit after meat. He
that has sat the whole day, either in a chariot or in the theatre,
should by no means run, but walk slowly. It has been frequently
serviceable to stay a long while in the bath, and then to sup slightly.
If one grows hot in the bath, it will refresh him to take vinegar, and
hold it in his mouth: if that is not at hand, cold water may be used in
the same manner. Above all things it is proper to know the constitution
of the body: because some are slender, others fat; some hot, others
cold; some moist, others dry; some costive, and others lax. There are
very few instances of men, who have not a weakness in some part or
other of their body. A person of a slender habit should take methods
to gain flesh, one of a plethoric should diminish his bulk; one of a
hot temperament ought to cool himself, the cold to warm him; one of a
humid should dry, and one of a dry should moisten; he that is loose in
the belly should harden it, and he that is bound should relax; and in
general, means must always be used to help that part which is most
liable to disorders.
[Sidenote: _The means of fattening the body._]
The body is fattened by gentle exercise, frequent rest, unction, and
the warm bath, if it be after dinner; a costive belly, moderate cold in
the winter, a full sleep, but not over long, a soft couch, tranquillity
of mind, the eating and drinking of sweet and fat things, frequent
meals, and as much food as it is possible to digest.
[Sidenote: _Of extenuating the body._]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account