[82] Asclepiades of Bithynia, who flourished in the first half of the first century B.C., was an adherent of the atomistic philosophy of Democritus, and is the typical representative of the Mechanistic school in Graeco-Roman medicine; he disbelieved in any principle of individuality (“nature”) in the organism, and his methods of treatment, in accordance with his pathology, were mechano-therapeutical. cf. p. 64, [note 3].
[83] Diocles of Carystus was the chief representative of the Dogmatic or Hippocratic school in the first half of the fourth century B.C. Praxagoras was his disciple, and followed him in the leadership of the school. For Erasistratus, cf. [p. 95] et seq.
[84] Sufferers from kidney-trouble.
[85] The ureters.
[86] Unless otherwise stated, “peritoneum” stands for parietal peritoneum alone.
[87] In the peritoneal cavity.
[88] Contrast, however, anasarca, [p. 41].
[89] Regurgitation, however, is prevented by the fact that the ureter runs for nearly one inch obliquely through the bladder wall before opening into its cavity, and thus an efficient valve is produced.
[90] On the τέχνη (artistic or creative skill) shown by the living organism (φύσις) v. pp. [25], [45], [47]; Introduction, p. [xxix].
[91] Direct denial of Aristotle’s dictum that “Nature does nothing in vain.” We are reminded of the view of certain modern laboratory physicians and surgeons that the colon is a “useless” organ, cf. Erasistratus, [p. 143].