GALEN ON THE AFFECTED PARTS

Edition by Chartier, Volume VII. [383.]

Edition of Basel, Volume III. (251.)

...diagnosis of diseases, nor do they contribute to the discovery of the affected parts. However, the approach we have just described is proper to the present work. From this method, it is already clear that one must first accurately understand through anatomy the substance of each part, including what and of what kind it is. Secondly, one must understand both its action and its relationship to neighboring parts, which is what we mean by the term "position."

Furthermore, the utility of each part contributes greatly to the discovery of which places are affected. For while actions are the active movements of the parts, utilities belong to all parts, even when they are not performing an action. Galen distinguishes between "action" (energeia), the active movement or function, and "utility" (chreia), the anatomical purpose or fitness of a structure even when at rest.

For example, in the case of urination, the action of excretion occurs through the contraction of the bladder. Sometimes the abdominal muscles provide assistance, particularly when the urine contained within is very small in volume or when the bladder itself is weak. However, all other features of the organ are useful for this action. If the bladder itself were not shaped with its specific cavity, if its neck were not perforated through its entire length, and if the insertion of the ureters original: "οὐρητήρων" / "ureteres". These are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. into the bladder did not occur...