Problemata Aristotelis

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Why is it that in winter one falls ill less than in summer, but more perniciously? Is it because in summer, diseases arise from even a small cause, which does not happen in winter? For we are then more apt both for digestion and for good health. Thus, by reason, the evils are greater and more pernicious which have come from a greater cause. The same can be observed in athletes and, in general, in those who are accustomed to be in good health. For either they are pressed by no disease, or once pressed, they depart from life quickly. For they cannot fall ill except with a great cause.

Why do burning fevers arise more during autumn and winter, times which favor cold, but in summer, when heat arrives, rigors infest more? Is it because in the human body, bile is hot and phlegm is cold? Thus, during the summer, that which is cold is dissolved, and being dissolved, it excites shivering and trembling. During the winter, however, that which is hot, pressed by the power of the season, grows cold. Yet, burning fevers conflict more during winter and autumn, because the heat is pulled and contracts itself inward from the cold. For the burning does not reside in the outer parts but expands itself inwardly, and thus causes burning fevers to arise in the winter time. This can be better understood in those who bathe in cold water versus those who bathe in warm water during the winter. For those who poured cold water on themselves remained cold for some time while they were being diluted, but are safe from the cold for the whole rest of the day. But those who used warm water experience the cold for longer. For the flesh thickens and the heat collects itself inwardly, and for this reason those who washed themselves with cold water [experience the opposite]. Conversely, it happens to those who used warm water: the flesh is rarefied, and the heat is summoned to the outer place.

What is the virtue of a poultice? Is it to resolve, to move sweat, and to draw out vapor?

By what argument is it certain that an abscess is already purulent? Is it if, when touched with warm water, it changes and is purulent? If not, it is not yet so.