Problemata Aristotelis

For what remains will putrefy, in the manner of stagnant water. But that which putrefies brings on disease. Whatever is excreted before it is corrupted departs; therefore, this never happens to the body in a defective state. It happens that invisible pores are closed, so it is necessary that it approaches in a rare and loosened state. For this reason, one must not walk in the sun with a bare body. For the flesh thickens and becomes calloused, and the body becomes more humid on the inside. For as much humor as resides there is destroyed, while as much as is within remains intact. This is also the reason why roasted meats become more humid than boiled ones. One must not even walk with a bare chest. For the power of the sun takes away the body's hidden heat, which does not need any removal. Instead, the lower parts desire it. Therefore, since sweat is not drawn out except with labor, it can be easily digested here due to the opportunity of the location.

For what reason is cold—both cold water and hot—beneficial for those with burns original: "pernitonibus"? Is it because this kind of injury consists of too much humor? Therefore, the cold constricts and exacerbates the humor, while the hot turns it into spirit and, relaxing the flesh, offers the spirit freedom to be released. Does heat both cause and remove burns? Or does the same power that causes liquefaction remove it by drying?

Why must a drink for those suffering from thirst be administered often and in small amounts? Is it because a large amount of drink rushes downward, while a small amount, proceeding slowly, sprinkles, moistens, and knowingly insinuates itself into the body? Just as in the soil, if water arrives in large quantities, it will flow through, but if it moistens it only a little at a time, it does the same in fevers. For if one leads out flowing waters little by little, the channel drinks up all the moisture. But if one releases the same amount of water all at once, the spring flows swiftly as far as one likes. Then the patient must lie quiet and motionless as much as possible; motionless, I say, because it is certain that the fire also withers away.