De anodinis medicamentis eorumque causis et usibus Physica & Medica consideratio in Theses aliquot digesta

of unmixed drink, poultices, bath-basins, bloodletting, and medicines: in which division he shows the true method of taking away pain. He intended that those for whom internal anodynes (namely, the potion of pure wine and medicine) would be harmful, should be cured by applied external ones, such as (if age and strength allowed) bloodletting, or if not, by fomentations and baths prepared from herbs that take away pain.

XXXV.

The third scope of intention is indicated by the nature of the anodyne we wish to use. For some act sooner, some later: some alter pain with stupefaction, others without: some also are endowed with a malignant quality, others not. Therefore, let the former be taken in smaller quantity, the latter in larger.

3. How much.

XXXVI.

Finally, what kind of anodyne is suitable must be learned partly from its own nature, partly from the species of the affliction. For some anodynes, as I have said, are malignant, some are cold, some are hot, etc. The best, however, would undoubtedly be those which, having obtained an equilibrium of temperament, nonetheless exert their powers without alteration of the body.

4. What kind.

XXXVII.

Therefore, it is necessary to blunt a malignant quality with antidotes original: "alexiteria". But if they do not assist by reason of coldness,