Epitome of the Complete Works of Galen

Disease in magnitude.

the body, or some part of it, either in its first generation or because of some affection contrary to nature, has contracted a mass, or through a monstrous abnormal or unnatural development, or has been diminished beyond measure. Those diseases which consist in a depraved composition the structure or arrangement of parts are assigned various differences. Some indeed occur where the

Diseases in depraved composition.

natural position of the parts is varied. Others where the ligaments are too loosened and relaxed. Others where they have been excessively tightened. Indeed, excessive tongue ties hinder the function of speaking and chewing; those of the private parts, because of the obstructed passage, are a hindrance, so that the semen is not ejected far and straight. The remaining fifth genus of sickness, however, is the solution of continuity a break in the physical integrity of a part, which can happen to both similar and

The solution of continuity exists as a common disease for both parts.

dissimilar parts. For if, for example, a nerve in the hand is completely severed, such a solution will be common both to the whole instrument the limb or organ and to the severed particle itself. But if it has been severed not entirely, but only in part, it is judged to be an affection proper to the nerve alone, and not at all to the instrument, unless by accident. But

Different species of solution of continuity, according to the difference of the parts.

according to the difference of the parts, the solution of continuity claims various names for itself. For that which occurs in bone is called a fracture by everyone. That which happens in flesh is an ulcer, a wound, or a rupture. That which happens to nervous parts is accustomed to be called a convulsion. We have therefore stated the differences of the simple diseases. It remains now, however, that we come to the diagnosis of the composite ones. It will be, therefore,

Four differences of composite similar diseases, according to the constituent pathic elements.

according to the former heresy, a composite disease in a similar particle, while its passages are partly tightened, and partly relaxed. But according to those who contend that elements are subject to alteration, there are considered to be four composite diseases in number: namely, hot and at the same time humid; hot

The influx of humors generates four differences of composite diseases.

and at the same time dry; cold and at the same time humid; and cold and dry; when, clearly, each quality exceeds what is appropriate to nature. But if, to those qualities increased more than is just, an influx of humors is also added, as many diseases will be born, differing, of course, from those which invade