[De epidemia et peste]

corpses and preserves them from alteration and fetore stench. And by this way, it preserves because it maintains the body where it enters in its being. Secondly, mirra myrrh is placed in this medicine: because when it is taken in a quantity greater than three drams, it purges crude humors according to Avicenna. Secondly, aloe is placed there because it has a great property regarding the stomach and purges the bilious superfluities that are in the stomach and cleanses the intestines of feces, therefore it is useful and preserves from putrefaction. Thirdly, crocus saffron is placed there, which all skilled masters agree is cordial Affecting the heart.; therefore it is useful. Secondly, it is useful for another reason, because Avicenna says, on the authority of Alcazi, that saffron never alters the humors but preserves them and strengthens the intestines. Thirdly, Galen says the same, that saffron repairs putrid humors and changes nothing of the humors, but preserves them in their quality. Fourthly, it is useful because, according to Constantinus in the Pantegni Universal Art, it causes the medicine in which it is placed to penetrate to distant places and to the heart. It follows, therefore, by reason and the doctrine of the ancients, that this medicine is the best. Furthermore, in my advice, it is better that it be taken in pills, because it is not as offensive to the mouth, for just as honey is the ultimate of sweet things, so aloe is the ultimate of bitter things. Secondly, because whether it is given in a large quantity for laxative purposes or in a small quantity for preservation, it remains longer in the body, and consequently, it remains longer in preserving from putrefaction. I, however, not without merit, give them great faith, since I have not seen anyone perish who used them in the six or seven epidemics from which I escaped with God’s help. The second remedy is from Galen, the prince of physicians, who says that bolus armenicus Armenian bole/clay taken with vinegar is suitable for this condition. And this drink is useful for three reasons. First, because it cools the heart and the humors,