III. In the third chapter the human constitution is illustrated by a simile taken from the Indian fig-tree; thus, there are to be considered three roots or trunks, nine stems, forty-seven branches, 224 leaves, two blossoms, and three fruits.
The seven fundamental supports of the body are described as those on which life depends, namely: the chyle, the blood, the flesh, the fat, bone, the marrow, and the semen.
The excretions are three: fæces, urine, and sweat.
The principal causes of disease are these three: lust, anger, and ignorance.
The accessory causes are four: a. the seasons, hot or cold; b. evil spirits; c. abuse of food; d. indiscreet or bad conduct.
The parts of the body capable of being affected by disease are said to be six: the skin, the flesh, the veins, the bones, the internal viscera, and the alimentary canal.
There are three humours: the phlegm, the bile, and the wind.
The fourth chapter treats of symptoms of diseases. Examination of the tongue and urine. Feeling of the pulse. [[203]]Inquiry into the origin of the disease, and its progress; what food has agreed or disagreed? what pain is felt? The physician’s twenty-nine questions, which are to be put to the patient, regarding food, exercise, previous history of the disease, &c., are here detailed.
The fifth chapter enumerates the means of curing diseases, and these are to be considered—
- a. With respect to food.
- b. The patient’s mode of life, such as exercise, &c.
- c. The therapeutics adapted to the three offending humours, viz., the phlegm, the bile, and the wind, which are fully discussed.