Theses de corde et eius vitiis

I.
Since it is our intention to deal with the afflictions of the heart, we do not think it inappropriate to speak first about the natural state of the heart.

II.
Indeed, the natural state of the heart is known most correctly in no other way than from the contemplation of its proper functions.

III.
Its proper function is that by which it protects and preserves the life of the whole body with its own blood and transmitted spirits.

IV.
This blood and spirit are indeed generated by the proper faculty of the heart, though with the assistance of the movement of the lungs, and of the heart itself, and the arteries.

V.
The former, namely respiration, communicates the drawn-in air to the heart, which they claim to be the matter and food of the vital spirits, and at the same time, it tempers the heat of the heart through convenient ventilation.

VI.
The pulse, however, by the compression and dilation of the heart and arteries, ventilates the heat of the blood and vital spirits and purges them of soot.

VII.
Therefore, a competent temperament was given by nature to the similar parts of the heart to foster the life of the entire body, and a convenient structure to the dissimilar parts for performing pulsation.