PART 17
I have nothing further to add as to the effects of water when used
as a drink in acute diseases; for it neither soothes the cough in
pneumonia, nor promotes expectoration, but does less than the others
in this respect, if used alone through the whole complaint. But if
taken intermediate between oxymel and hydromel, in small quantity,
it promotes expectoration from the change which it occasions in the
qualities of these drinks, for it produces, as it were, a certain
overflow. Otherwise it does not quench the thirst, for it creates
bile in a bilious temperament, and is injurious to the hypochondrium;
and it does the most harm, engenders most bile, and does the least
good when the bowels are empty; and it increases the swelling of the
spleen and liver when they are in an inflamed state; it produces a
gurgling noise in the intestines and swims on the stomach; for it
passes slowly downwards, as being of a coldish and indigestible nature,
and neither proves laxative nor diuretic; and in this respect, too,
it proves prejudicial, that it does not naturally form does in the
intestines: and, if it be drunk while the feet are cold, its injurious
effects will be greatly aggravated, in all those parts to which it
may be determined. When you suspect in these diseases either strong
heaviness of the head, or mental alienation, you must abstain entirely
from wine, and in this case use water, or give weak, straw-colored
wine, entirely devoid of
bouquet, after which a little water is to
be given in addition; for thus the strength of the will less affect
the head and the understanding: but in which cases water is mostly
to be given for drink, when in large quantity, when in moderate, when
cold, and when hot; all these things have either been discussed already
or will be treated of at the proper time. In like manner, with respect
to all the others, such as barley-water, the
[p. 79] drinks made from green
shoots, those from raisins, and the skins of grapes and wheat, and
bastard saffron, and myrtles, pomegranates, and the others, when the
proper time for using them is come, they will be treated of along
with the disease in question, in like manner as the other compound
medicines.
