De epilepsia disputatio

so that it passes less slowly and more expeditiously.

XXVIII.
If it creeps from the uterus, it progresses through the spine, to which the uterus is attached by very strong ligaments and tendons; likewise through the veins and arteries that extend into the uterus. From this it is easily clear which are the sufficiently manifest paths from all other parts situated below the head.

XXIX.
External and evident causes, or procatarcticae antecedent/precursory causes, are of two types. Some generate that malignant and poisonous matter in the body, or introduce it into the body: such are vicious or even cold air; winds, both northern and southern; immoderate ingestion of food; and an inordinate diet. Corrupt and tainted foods; likewise flatulent foods that fill the head; sharp foods; unpleasant odors; immoderate sleep, especially in the afternoon; immoderate venery; and the suppression of accustomed evacuations. To this I refer stinging causes, such as a splinter of bone in a fracture of the skull; likewise taken poisons, such as mercury; and if there are any others that, from an "occult property," as they say, cause and exacerbate epileptic paroxysms.

XXX.
Others, however, only stir up that matter already existing in the body, such as fasting, sudden fear, vehement anger, great exertion in shouting or carrying a burden, excessive labor, jumping, and any more laborious agitation of the body, looking down from a high place, sudden noises, the sounding of trumpets or drums, lightning, thunder, likewise excessive heat, staying in the sun, or long baths. To this belong significant changes in the seasons, especially autumnal and vernal, and likewise the moon.

XXXI.
Predisposing or preparing causes for epilepsy are a weak brain of a thinner and softer substance (to which I also refer weakness of the nervous system) and of a more exquisite sense. In sum, a certain nature and temperament of the affected part, which is acquired either by inheritance, or by disease, or by the place we inhabit, or by the diet we use. Likewise, the narrowness of the channels through which the brain is accustomed to purge itself, and conversely, the dilation of the passages through which it is accustomed to easily receive superfluities from the rest of the body.