Two Physical Treatises: On the Imposture of Healing Wounds by the Weapon Salve and On the Bleeding of Corpses

54. And the manner in which it harmed, and what other things are involved.
55. But to posit some efficacy for healing in these things is for one who attributes anything to anything, and assigns a peculiar action to signs and relationships.
56. Although some magician might perhaps posit a certain preparation for the disposition and natural kinship in these, yet it is in vain.
57. For it would be necessary that the same katholou universal always followed kata pantos kai kath' hauto in all cases and by its own nature.
58. Nor do those aids which are sought from the influence of the heavens help them:
59. Since the motion of the striker is for the most part rash and inordinate.
60. It is also required that the weapon be of some material, have an apt form, and be endowed with manifest or occult virtues of temperament.
61. But the medication shows that these physicians pay no regard to any of these.
62. For whatever the material may be—wooden, stony, iron—whatever the form—sharp, blunt, angular, round—whatever the manifest quality—cold, heat—whatever even the temperament, nothing prevents them from procuring the effect.
63. Nor would we lack reason by which we could show...