Peri tōn periptōmatōn tēs prōtēs pepseōs disputatio

75. Blood mixed into the excrements from everywhere presages ulceration of the upper intestines; if, however, a part of it floats on top, [it indicates] the lower ones. If it is not mixed into the excrements at all, but only touches them on the surface or surrounds them, and the excretion happens without pain, the opening of hemorrhoids is signaled.

76. Likewise, shreds and ephelkydes scabs/crusts mixed into the excrements indicate that the upper and slender intestines are excoriated; if, however, they merely lie on the outside of the excrements themselves, [it indicates] the lower ones. The very essence of the membranes or small pieces of flesh also teaches whether the upper or lower intestines are affected.

77. Pus mixed with excrements is considered to signal an internal [condition], since it announces nothing certain by itself alone about the affected location.

78. Excretion happening anywhere other than through the anus always presupposes an affection of the intestines, whatever it may be, whether an obstruction, a coalescence, or a wound.

79. External error is signaled if, while no other signs of damaged natural functions appear in the body, the excrements themselves do not seem to have their natural form.

80. Thus, if there are many or few, liquid or hard, white or black, sharp, etc., evacuations, they will signal that this change is happening either from things consumed, or from the environment, or from exercise, or from leisure, etc. All of these can be referred here from pathological consideration, yet in such a way that the process proceeds from the posterior, or effect, as a sign, to the prior, or cause, as the signified; differently than in pathology where we proceed from cause to effect.

81. Cure is owed to the disease, but that cannot be done perfectly unless by the removal of the causes fostering the disease