The seven books of Paulus Ægineta, volume 1 (of 3) : $b translated from the Greek: with a commentary embracing a complete view of the knowledge possessed by the Greeks, Romans, and Arabians on all subjects connected with medicine and surgeryPaulus, Aegineta
History
The seven books of Paulus Ægineta, volume 1 (of 3) : $b translated from the Greek: with a commentary embracing a complete view of the knowledge possessed by the Greeks, Romans, and Arabians on all subjects connected with medicine and surgery
Paulus, Aegineta
Medicine; Medicine, Arab; Medicine, Greek and Roman
When headach occurs towards the beginning of fever, Galen bleeds once
and again, if there be nothing to contra-indicate depletion, and more
especially if the patient be plethoric. He then attends whether it arise
from fumes proceeding from the stomach, or constipation of the bowels,
and corrects these conditions accordingly. If it make its attack after
the seventh day, he first evacuates the bowels by clysters, then cups the
back part of the head or neck, or uses paregoric applications, such as
rose oil, with some vinegar, if in summer; but, if in winter, especially
in persons of a cold temperament, the oil of chamomile, with a fifth part
of vinegar. See further ‘De Med. sec. Locos.’ (ii.)
Alexander recommends attention as to whether the headach be connected
with the crisis, and in that case he cautions against meddlesome
interferences, which may do more harm than good. When any applications
are admissible, he recommends that they be of a cooling and soporific
nature. (i, 10.)
Aëtius likewise recommends bleeding, purging, and vomiting, when not
contra-indicated; and gives very proper directions about the local
applications. He directs us to soak a handful of wool in some cooling
fluid, and, holding it above the head, to squeeze out the fluid, so that
it may fall upon the head from a height. (v, 100.)
Palladius says that headach in fevers is occasioned by repletion and
distension of the veins, owing to fumes arising from the stomach. (De
Febribus, 13.) Nonnus merely abridges our author’s account. (Epit. 147.)
Avicenna’s directions about the local applications are brief, and similar
to those of the Greeks. (iv, i, 2, 19.) Haly Abbas recommends bleeding
and attention to the state of the stomach, for the relief of which he in
certain cases permits the use of wine. (Pract. iii, 20.) Rhases joins
preceding authorities in recommending vinegar and rose oil to be poured
upon the head. They are to be used cold in summer, but hot if in winter.
(Cont. xxx.)
We have seen that Celsus approved of cold and astringent applications
to the head. The Methodists condemned this practice, and recommended
hot water to be poured upon the open of the head. Hippocrates seems to
allude to this practice, when he says: “Much hot water poured upon the
head removes fever.” (Aphor. vii, 42.) Prosper Alpinus gives an excellent
account of the Methodical treatment. (Med. Meth. ii, 6.)
SECT. XLV.—ON THE CURE OF STOMACH AFFECTIONS.
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