Notwithstanding the assertion of Sprengel, Hippocrates was a most attentive observer of the state of the pulse. Thus we find him giving the name of σφυγμος to that violent and spasmodic beating of the artery, which was not only sensible to the touch, but evident to the bystander’s eye—in more than forty passages of his immortal works do we find important references to the pulse, which he also declared could enable us to detect the secret workings of the passions. Many were the ancient physicians who have minutely entered into these investigations, amongst them we may name Herophilus, Erasistratus, Zeno, Alexander Philalethes, Heraclides of Erythræ, Heraclides of Tarentum, Aristoxenes. Several of the doctrines founded on these observations were most absurd, attributing the various conditions of the circulation to the Pneuma of the heart and arteries; such were the doctrines of Asclepiades, Agathinus, Galen, and many others; and amongst the Arabians we find Thabeth Ebn Ibrahim asserting that by the state of the pulse he could ascertain what articles of food had been taken—in more modern times Baillou, Wierns, Boerhaave, Hoffmann, have sedulously applied themselves to this most essential study, and Schelhammenn asserts that the pulse never once deceived him.
The effect of our passions on the circulation is much more powerful than is generally believed, and they are a more fertile source of our maladies than is commonly apprehended. We can readily conceive why the Spartan Chilo died through excess of joy whilst embracing his victorious son.[53]
In the treatment of disease, the Chinese, so fond of classification, divide the medicinal substances they employ into heating, cooling, refreshing, and temperate; their materia medica is contained in the work called the Pen-tsaocang-mou in fifty-two large volumes, with an atlas of plates; most of our medicines are known to them and prescribed; the mineral waters, with which their country abounds, are also much resorted to; and their emperor, Kang-Hi, has given an accurate account of several thermal springs. Fire is a great agent, and the moxa recommended in almost every ailment, while acupuncture is in general use both in China and Japan; bathing and champooing are also frequently recommended, but blood-letting is seldom resorted to.
China has also her animal magnetizers, practising the Coug fou, a mysterious manipulation taught by the bonzes, in which the adepts produce violent convulsions.
The Chinese divide their prescriptions into seven categories.
1. The great prescription.
2. The little prescription.
3. The slow prescription.
4. The prompt prescription.
5. The odd prescription.