Book 2
8
Now intestinal lubricity is the more dangerous, if there is a frequent motion, if there is a flux from the bowel at all hours, with or without noise, if the same condition continues by night and in the day-time, if what is passed is either undigested or black, and besides that also slimy and foul; if there is urgent thirst, if urine is not passed after a drink (which happens because then all fluid passes down, not into the bladder, but into the intestine); if the mouth becomes ulcerated, the face reddened and marked as if by kinds of spots of all colours; if the belly is as though in a state of fermentation, fatty and wrinkled, also if there is no desire for food . . . ; while death is imminent in these circumstances, it is much more imminent if also this disease has already lasted a long while, especially if it be in an old patient.
8
If again there is disease in the smaller intestine, vomiting, hiccough, spasm, delirium are bad signs.
8
In jaundice again it is most pernicious for the liver to become hard.
8
If dysentery has seized upon those with disease of the spleen which has then turned into dropsy or into leientery, scarcely any medical treatment can save them from danger.
8
The disease of the smaller intestine, unless resolved, kills within seven days.
8
A woman after childbirth is in danger of death, if also oppressed by violent and persistent pain in the head along with fever.
8
To breathe rapidly is a bad sign if there is pain and inflammation in those parts which contain viscera.
