Disputatio de melancholia

Melancholia, which Galen original: Gal. reports received its name from the very cause, namely black bile melaines choles, some of the Latins are accustomed to call a melancholic affection, while others call it an atrabilious atrabilarium black bile affection. Most, however, because of the convenience of the term, have been accustomed to use the Greek name more frequently.

II.

Melancholia is such an affection in which, arising from certain causes without fever, there is delirium, with much fear and sadness, and (even if they sometimes appear milder) such symptoms follow which clearly require the help and assistance of physicians.

III.

This affection proceeds from a double genus of causes: mediated causes, that is, and immediate ones; the latter of which are also called by physicians containing causes original: continentes. Those, however, which are called by them preceding original: præcedentes, are in turn distributed into internal causes, which are evident and antecedent, and external ones.

IIII.

Among the external ones, the air itself is first recounted, namely cold, dry, thick, and obstructing; likewise turbulent, foggy, and foul-smelling; and thus, it is troublesome not only through the immoderation of its qualities but also through the depravation of its entire substance, especially if its change has been unusual and unforeseen.

V.

Then there is food and drink, which, being faulty in quality, or quantity, or both ways, is suitable for the generation of melancholic humor. Of this kind, among potables, is black, thick, and astringent wine. Among edibles, however, are goat and beef, hare, and all others salted; also sea creatures among fish; among vegetables, almost only cabbage; just as among legumes, lentils are counted most among melancholic foods; and if there are any others, which have been copiously explained by Galen, that have similar force and nature.

VI.

Third in order is motion and rest, being partly of the body itself, partly of the mind, and partly common to both, and holding the place among the primary evident causes.