Problemata Aristotelis

Why must things that are to be burned be cut? Is it because they are joined with a wide and not short opening? These are burned so that a crust may lie upon that place. Thus, no pus will be hidden once the scar is induced.

What is the power of a medicine suppressing blood, which we call chenum styptic/astringent? Is it to dry up and to check the flow of useless matter without a crust or the rotting of flesh? Thus, it will make the wound lack both inflammation and be opportune for unity; for if the matter does not flow out, it will lack inflammation. That which is dry will be opportune for unity; for as long as it remains wet, it cannot grow together. Wherefore, we think that the things to be applied to bloody wounds are in large part sharp, so that they may be able to constrict with their bitterness.

Why are those to be cut which are to be burned, whereas others are not to be cured in that way, but with medicines? Is it because those that have formed an abscess in the armpit or the groin are to be cured rather with medicines? For the parts that have been pulled apart are laborious and make the part dangerous. Those abscesses are to be burned which are wide and erupt with manifold pores, and which reside in venous, not fleshy, places. Those are to be cut which gather into a point and which do not stand out from a solid part.

Why, if someone is cut with a sharp object, is it easier than if it were cured with iron? Is it because bronze is lighter and thus lacerates less and makes a stroke? Or, on the contrary, is it because iron receives the edge for a sharper incision, and for that reason it is thought to make it easier and more tolerable? But bronze obtains the power of a medicine, and the principle is whatever is the most powerful part of the thing; therefore, because the bronze, as soon as it has been cut, acts with the medicine applied to it so that the wound may close more quickly.

Why do burns from bronze heal quickly? Is it because they are made by looser and less corporeal [factors]? For more heat inheres in a more solid body.

Is barley ptisane barley groats/decoction lighter and more accommodating to diseases than wheat? For some prefer this one, and the argument is from the bakers.