The Works of Sir Thomas Browne, Volume 2Browne, Thomas, Sir
Religion
The Works of Sir Thomas Browne, Volume 2
Browne, Thomas, Sir
Christianity; Ethics; Religion and medicine
Again, Should we allow all, and only compute unto the latitude of
_Coos_; yet would it not impose a total omission of Physick. For if in
the hottest season of that clime, all Physick were to be declined, then
surely in many other none were to be used at any time whatsoever; for
unto many parts, not only in the Spring and Autumn, but also in the
Winter, the Sun is nearer, then unto the clime of _Coos_ in the Summer.
The third consideration concerneth purging medicines, which are at
present far different from those implied in this Aphorism, and such as
were commonly used by _Hippocrates_. [SN: _Three degrees of
purgations._] For three degrees we make of purgative medicines: The
first thereof is very benign, nor far removed from the nature of
Aliment, into which, upon defect of working, it is oft-times converted;
and in this form do we account _Manna_, _Cassia_, _Tamarindes_, and many
more; whereof we find no mention in _Hippocrates_. This second is also
gentle having a familiarity with some humor, into which it is but
converted if it fail of its operation: of this sort are _Aloe_,
_Rhabarb_, _Senna_, etc. Whereof also few or none were known unto
_Hippocrates_. The third is of a violent and venemous quality, which
frustrate of its action, assumes as it were the nature of poison; such
as are Scammoneum, Colocynthis, Elaterium, Euphorbium, Tithymallus,
Laureola, Peplum, etc. Of this sort _Hippocrates_ made use, even in
Fevers, Pleurisies and Quinsies; and that composition is very remarkable
which is ascribed unto _Diogenes_ in _Ætius_[SN: Tetrab. lib. 1. Serm.
3.]; that is, of Pepper, Sal Armoniac, Euphorbium, of each an ounce,
the Dosis whereof four scruples and an half; which whosoever should
take, would find in his bowels more then a canicular heat, though in the
depth of Winter; many of the like nature may be observed in _Ætius_, or
in the book _De Dinamidiis_, ascribed unto _Galen_, which is the same
_verbatim_ with the other.
Now in regard of the second, and especially the first degree of
Purgatives, the Aphorism is not of force; but we may safely use them,
they being benign and of innoxious qualities. And therefore _Lucas
Gauricus_, who hath endeavoured with many testimonies to advance this
consideration, at length concedeth that lenitive Physick may be used,
especially when the Moon is well affected in Cancer or in the watery
signs. But in regard of the third degree the Aphorism is considerable:
purgations may be dangerous; and a memorable example there is in the
medical Epistles of _Crucius_, of a _Roman_ Prince that died upon an
ounce of Diaphænicon, taken in this season. From the use whereof we
refrain not only in hot seasons, but warily exhibit it at all times in
hot diseases. Which when necessity requires, we can perform more safely
then the Ancients, as having better waies of preparation and correction;
that is, not only by addition of other bodies, but separation of noxious
parts from their own.
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