The cure of watchfulness in disease, whether proceeding from pain, fever,
or some acute symptom, will be treated of under the head of Fevers. But
we shall now treat of the watchfulness of those in health. If their
watchfulness proceed from sorrow, care, or any mental emotions, we must
endeavour if possible to remove the offending cause, and then to divert
the attention by agreeable sounds. For this purpose, some seek after the
gentle noise of waters, by which they are soothed and lulled to rest.
After proper digestion, they should use baths, especially in the evening,
and a moistening diet, such as lettuces and the like. They may also mix
the green leaves of the black poppy with condiments, and eat fish of easy
digestion. They should also use plenty of wine which is light and not
old. When about to go to bed, their heads should be anointed with rose
oil, or with oil in which the heads of poppies or mandrake have been
boiled. And the oil of dill not too old is soporific. I have known rest
succeeding suddenly to fatigue produce this effect. Moderate coition
will sometimes do the same. Others easily procure rest by having their
head and feet cooled. But if their watchfulness be occasioned by their
stomachs being oppressed by the quantity or bad quality of the food (and
I have known this happen, in like manner as in others it arises from an
unseasonable abstinence or diminution of their accustomed food), this
ought to be inquired into and the cause removed.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. We have mentioned, in the 74th Section, that Galen cured
himself of watchfulness by eating freely of lettuces. See further
Oribasius (Med. Collect, vi); Averrhoes (Collectan. ii, 5); Alsaharavius
(Theor. xi, 3); Rhases (Contin. xxxi, Aphorism, iii.) Indigestion, as
regards both food and drink, is stated by Hippocrates as one of the
common effects of protracted insomnolency. (De Diæt. in Morb. Acut.
13.) According to Damascius, the commentator on Hippocrates, the causes
of insomnolency are, heat of the brain, an intemperament alone, or the
prevalence of a bilious humour. (Ed. Dietz. T. ii, 298.)
Rhases recommends lettuces, the tepid bath, the affusion of tepid water
on the head, and diluted wine. He also recommends mandragora and opium,
which, he says, Galen states will produce soporific effects, not only
when taken internally, but when rubbed on the forehead, and applied to
the nostrils. He particularly approves of the following liniment: Pound
the bark of mandragora, the seed of black henbane, and opium, with the
juice of lettuce, and rub into the temples. He further mentions, that
having fallen into a state of insomnolency from too much application to
study, he cured himself by eating lettuces and using the oil of the water
lily externally. (Aph. u. s.)