The Complete Works of Galen, Vol. 11

...we did not know. For it was not difficult to find what is not clearly defined by starting from what has been [346] perfectly distinguished.

Chapter 2

Therefore, let us begin with fevers, since you specifically requested that the method for curing them be explained to you. First, let us speak about the simplest kinds, which Hippocrates calls ephemeral ephemeral: from the Greek "ephēmeros," meaning "lasting only a day." In ancient medicine, these were short-lived fevers not caused by a corruption of the humors.. These arise from exhaustion, drunkenness, anger, grief, fits of rage, and other intense anxieties of the soul.

Fevers caused by swellings in the groin bubo: an inflamed swelling of a lymph node, particularly in the armpit or groin. also belong to this class, unless they occur without an obvious sore. In such cases, they are suspicious and by no means mild Galen distinguishes between a simple swelling caused by local irritation and a bubo that appears without a visible wound, which could indicate a more serious systemic disease like the plague.. Insomnia also frequently brings on a simple fever, just as exposure to cold or excessive heat sometimes does.

All these fevers can be resolved very easily. One should quickly lead these patients to the baths and return them to their usual way of life diet: from the Greek "diaita," referring to a person's entire regimen of living, including food, drink, exercise, and sleep.. For those who wait for the famous diatritos that is, a three-day period of fasting in all such cases often make the fevers more severe. They commit other errors as well, as you can see with many of them during every visit...