On the Causes and Symptoms of Chronic Diseases (1.1)

OF chronic diseases the pain is great, the period of wasting long, and the recovery uncertain; for either they are not dispelled at all, or the diseases relapse upon any slight error; for neither have the patients resolution to persevere to the end; or, if they do persevere, they commit blunders in a prolonged regimen. And if there also be the suffering from a painful system of cure,—of thirst, of hunger, of bitter and harsh medicines, of cutting or burning,—of all which there is sometimes need in protracted diseases, the patients resile as truly preferring even death itself. Hence, indeed, is developed the talent of the medical man, his perseverance, his skill in diversifying the treatment, and conceding such pleasant things as will do no harm, and in giving encouragement. But the patient also ought to be courageous, and co-operate with the physician against the disease. For, taking a firm grasp of the body, the disease not only wastes and corrodes it quickly, but

frequently disorders the senses, nay, even deranges the soul by the intemperament of the body. Such we know mania and melancholy to be, of which I will treat afterwards. At the present time I shall give an account of cephalæa.