De dysenteria theses

purgative medicines, sharp fruits and foods, likewise sharp drinks, crudities, and anything of this kind. To these, add those constitutions of the seasons and the air which Hippocrates relates at length in his book On Airs, Waters, and Places and throughout the 3rd Aphorisms.

X.

The internal cause is some sharp and biting matter, either yellow bile, burnt black bile, or salty phlegm, all of which possess the faculty of eroding. To these, any sharp pus carried into the intestines from anywhere can be added.

XI.

As dysentery begins, at first the sick excrete something mucous (which some have thought to be fat), then as time progresses, thin shreds scraped from the surface of the intestines, and finally larger fragments of the intestinal substance, usually with blood, and in the end even with pus and crusts; and this occurs with twisting of the belly, biting pain, and a frequent desire to excrete.

XII.

But since this affection is caused by sharp matter, pains of the intestines necessarily precede it, followed by watchfulness and fainting of the spirits, the strengths now being weakened. Thirst, disgust for food, and sometimes fever also supervene.