Book 2
3
But if the strength reject venesection, and inflammations be present, we must apply the cupping-instrument to the seat thereof a considerable time previous to the crisis of the disease; for the crisis takes place at the critical periods; since at the same periods Nature brings on a favourable crisis, and diseases prove fatal. And if the patient should come to such a state as to require wine, it is not very safe to take wine in inflammations; for, wine to persons labouring under inflammation is an increase of the pains, but to those free from inflammation it is an increase of the natural strength. A day or two before the cupping there is need of cataplasms, both in order to produce relaxation of the parts and to procure a flow of blood; and in certain cases, after the cupping, we are to apply a cataplasm on the next day. In this, too, let there be moderation; for there is the same danger from the abstraction of too much blood by cupping. Use clysters only for removing scybala which have long lodged in the bowels; but spare the strength.
