BRIEF EXTRACTS FROM SOME OF THE HIPPOCRATIC WRITINGS
Aphorisms.—I.—1. Life is short, art is long, the right moment lasts but an instant,[26] experience is often deceptive, a correct judgment is hard to reach.
6. For the most serious ills extreme measures cautiously employed are the best.
8. When an illness has reached its acme the lightest diet must be prescribed.
11. During the exacerbations nourishment should be withheld, for at these times the giving of food is harmful; and in illnesses which are characterized by periodic paroxysms it is also best not to give food during the paroxysms.
13. Old people bear fasting very well, and the same is almost true of persons of mature age; but young individuals do not bear abstinence from food so well, and this is particularly the case with children, especially with those of a lively disposition.
24. In acute illnesses laxative remedies should rarely be administered, and then only in the early stage of the malady and with great caution.
II.—2. When sleep puts an end to delirium it is a good sign.
3. When either sleep or wakefulness oversteps the proper limit it is harmful.
5. Causeless depression is an indication of some disorder.