It contributes much to the health of those whose food spoils in their
stomachs, that the offending matters be discharged downwards; and when
they are not so discharged naturally, this operation ought to be promoted
by gentle laxatives. Persons may, with advantage, take, before eating,
an emetic from the drinking of wine, or must. They ought also to be
counselled not to take food of a strong or offensive smell, nor such as
easily becomes spoiled; but, on the contrary, such as is wholesome. To
such persons, evacuations of the bowels at proper intervals, by means of
gentle laxatives, are highly expedient.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. See Oribasius (Euporist. i, 3, and Synops. v, 30.) This
subject will be more fully treated of in the Third Book.