De epilepsia theses

or rubbed in: oil distilled from dry rue by the power of fire, infused into the nostrils, is likewise beneficial if the temples and the coronal suture the joint where the frontal and parietal bones of the skull meet are anointed with it.

XXVIII.

But because the cure of epilepsy consists not only in the repulsion of a particular attack, but is placed rather in ensuring that the paroxysm does not return, we shall strive either to prohibit the generation of humors or vapors, or to see to it that they do not fall into the ventricles of the brain.

XXIX.

The generation of vapors will be prevented by the proper use of the six non-naturals a classical medical category encompassing air, food/drink, sleep/wake, exercise/rest, evacuation/repletion, and mental states. To ensure they do not fall into the brain's ventricles, this will be achieved by the removal of the antecedent causes. We shall accomplish both first by a suitable diet, and then by the proper administration of medicines.

XXX.

Therefore, a suitable diet must be prescribed: the sick person must be ordered to guard himself against gluttony and overeating. He should abstain from those foods he dislikes, or which otherwise produce nausea. He should diligently avoid flatulent foods and those that congest the head. Finally, he should avoid foul and unpleasant odors.

XXXI.

The air should incline toward hot and dry. Bodily exercises should be