Propositiones de lithiasi tōn nephrōn

or exiting through the passages, it wounds the parts it touches, or dilates the duct such that some blood mixed with urine flows out from the vena cava.

XXII.

The patient experiences relief from pain when lying on the affected side, or when empty of food: conversely, when lying on the opposite side, or when food has been taken and begins to move into the intestines, the pains are usually exacerbated.

XXIII.

The excretion of blood has often revealed a stone in the kidney that was not previously indicated by pain or any other sign, to such an extent that it was not even thought to be present.

XXIV.

When this sign occurs, we sometimes know, by the heavy pain, that it is still in the substance of the kidneys. For when it enters the urinary vessels, or is propelled, or descends, it excites acute pains: which quiet down when the stone moves back into the hollow of the kidney.

XXV.

Then, sand appears: sometimes reddish, sometimes yellowish, sometimes ash-colored, according to the material of the stone, or whether it is fresh or old.

XXVI.

While the affection is fresh, it must be diligently treated: for if it persists or becomes long-term, it casts down the strength by inducing pains, causing sleeplessness, and provoking most troublesome vomiting: once this strength is cast down, there is no hope of health, as Galen attests in his book On the Diagnosis and Cure of Renal Affections.

XXVII.

The malady of nephritis is sufficiently stubborn that it sometimes accompanies a man to his death, Galen, book 6, On Preserving Health, chapter 7.