GALEN ON THE COMPOSITION OF MEDICINES

Edition of Chartier XIII. [529.]

Edition of Basel II. (258.)

...instructing the patient to gargle, and then after an interval, use the pain-relieving medicine in a portion the size of an Egyptian bean The seed of the Nelumbo nucifera, frequently used by ancient physicians as a standard reference for the size of a medicinal pill or bolus.. When the fluxion original: "rheumatismos," referring to a discharge of fluid or catarrh from the head into the lower respiratory tract is strong, we mix a small amount of both opium and castoreum A substance secreted by beavers, valued in antiquity for its perceived ability to treat nervous and respiratory disorders. into the antidote. However, we avoid these specific ingredients for those with weak stomachs. It is evident from these words written by Andromachus that the previously described preparation is composed of various powers suitable for fluxions of the chest, the lungs, and the windpipe. He himself said that when the fluxion is strong, we should mix in a small portion of opium and castoreum, clearly intending to dry out the discharge and restore health.

This medicine is complex and consists of many mixtures so that it might be suitable for all conditions, including those that are chronic, malignant, and difficult to cure. It is effective even if there is an ulcer near the windpipe or the larynx, and much more so if the ulcer is located in the lungs. Such conditions require medicines strong enough to sustain those with a consumptive disposition original: "phthinode," describing the wasting state associated with diseases like tuberculosis for a longer period. For when such patients reach a dry climate and persevere in the use of a proper diet and medicines...