Problemata (Problems)

Why is it that when ulcers helkōn: open sores or wounds original: "ἑλκῶν" are ripening? original: "πεττομένων" (pettomenōn); in ancient medicine, this refers to 'coction,' the process where the body 'cooks' or matures a disease-causing humor to expel it, and inflammations original: "φλεγμονῶν" are ceasing, itching original: "κνησμοὶ" (knēsmoi) occurs?

It must be said that as when? the heat and bitterness were prevailing, but now this [state] is being mastered, the blood-like matter haimatikon: a substance or humor derived from or resembling blood is driven? from the depths to move toward? the surface. Since it is blood-like, it is clear that being also sharp, it irritates the surface. Then, when the hand is applied?, a certain pleasure arises from the itching?.

The cause is as follows: by applying the hand, a certain heat is generated from the friction? original: "προσρήξεως" (prosrēxeōs); literally a 'striking against' or 'rubbing'. Due to this heat, the pores around the surface are widened. As these pores are widened, the blood-like matter escapes more freely; and nature rejoices? as the blood-like matter is separated and removed.

Why does thirst original: "δίψα" (dipsa) occur in those suffering from dropsy hydrōpikōn: people with edema, an accumulation of excess watery fluid in the body's tissues or cavities, even though much liquid is present in the body?

It must be said that this appetite occurs because of a search for moisture that is according to nature, rather than moisture that is contrary to nature. For the liquid present in them? is contrary to nature original: "παραφύσιν" (paraphysin); referring to pathological or 'bad' fluids as opposed to healthy humors. Insomnia original: "ἀγρυπνία" also occurs in them?...