THESES ON LITHIASIS

I.
Although stones can be generated in different regions of the body, as autaxia anatomikē anatomical arrangement/structure shows, we shall nonetheless treat in this present discussion of no others than those which are produced in the kidneys, since these are the most frequently troublesome.

II.
To these, one also sometimes applies the general terms nephritin nephritis and lithiasin lithiasis, although the former includes other affections of things under it as well, and the latter includes the diathesin disposition/condition of various calcified locations.

III.
A calculus, however, which we intend to discuss, is a sandy body contained in the kidneys, sometimes quiet, at other times bringing pain by friction or causing impediments to urination by obstruction.

IV.
For as often as it wears down the substance of the kidneys or stretches and tears the passages, it causes bloody urination and pain, and by blocking them, it hinders urination, which are the diseases that generally proceed from a stone as their cause.

V.
Regarding the generation of a stone, according to the opinion of Galen, On the Faculties of Nourishment 3, 17, and Method of Healing 4, 13, and 16, as well as On Epidemics 6, Commentary 1, text 6, and in the same book, Commentary 3, text 15, three things are primarily required: the place in which it is generated, the matter from which it is produced, and the cause by which it is effected.

VI.
We posit with the most approved physicians that the affected part or location is not only the cavity of the kidneys but also their own proper substance.