BOOK VIII ON THE POWERS OF SIMPLE MEDICINES

Chartier Edition XIII. [187.]

Basel Edition II. (89.)

...it is significantly warm and simultaneously composed of fine particles original: "λεπτομερὴς" (leptomeres). In Galenic physics, this refers to a substance whose particles are small enough to penetrate deeply into the body's pores.. Therefore, it causes soft flesh to decay quickly and without pain, just like all other substances that belong to the same heating category and possess a thin consistency. However, on hard flesh, it acts more slowly and only with great effort.

All such medicines are called septics septics: from the Greek "sēptika," these are substances that induce the decomposition or "rotting" of tissue, often used to break down unhealthy growths and putrefiers, though they differ from one another by being more or less potent. Within this class of medicines, cedar oil original: "κεδρέα" (kedrea); Latin: "cedrea". This is the resinous liquid or pitch extracted from cedar trees. belongs to the first and weakest rank, for most other substances in this group are quite powerful.

These other substances can destroy the flesh of dead bodies. However, cedar oil dries and preserves dead bodies from decay. It does this by consuming their excess moisture while leaving the solid parts of the body untouched Galen is describing the use of cedar resin in mummification and embalming, a practice well known in the ancient Mediterranean.. In living people, the internal heat of the body increases the power of the cedar oil, which causes soft flesh to be burned by it. It is not surprising that it possesses such power, as it is naturally suited to kill lice, nits, tapeworms, and the worms that grow in the ears. It is also used as a suppository for embryos Galen refers here to its use as an abortifacient or to help expel a fetus or the placenta..

it is significantly warm and simultaneously composed of fine particles. Therefore, it causes soft flesh to decay quickly and without pain, just like all other substances which, while belonging to the same class of heating agents, also possess a thinness of substance. However, on hard parts, it requires more time and can scarcely achieve an effect. Furthermore, all such medicines are called septics and putrefiers, but they differ among themselves by degree of more or less. In this genus of medicines, cedar oil is of the first and weakest order, for most of them are quite effective. Thus, such things also corrupt the flesh of dead bodies, but cedar oil dries them out, and at the same time protects dead bodies from corruption, as it consumes their superfluous moisture while not touching the solid bodies. But in the living, the heat itself which is in the bodies increases the strength of the cedar oil, causing tender flesh to be burned by it. Nor should it seem a wonder if, since it prevails with such great power, it is able to kill nits, lice, and tapeworms, and worms born in the ears...