Those who have fallen into a state of syncope from thin humours, must be
treated quite oppositely to the manner described, for you will find the
diagnostic symptoms quite different. They must be supported by taking a
little food frequently. And their case is to be thought hopeless when the
liver or stomach is inflamed at the same time that the powers are gone.
In these affections, the expression of the countenance speedily becomes
death-like. It is necessary to support their strength with food, but
their skin must be condensed instead of being rarefied as in the former
case. The air must be cooled, and they must be rubbed with astringent
ointments. They must be furnished with food not very laxative, also bread
and gruels from chondrus, with autumnal fruits that are austere, and not
apt to spoil; these, either by themselves or with bread. A watery wine
taken from the beginning with the food will be beneficial.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. This is taken from Galen. (Meth. Med. xii, 6.) See also
Oribasius (Synops. vi, 27); Aëtius (v, 98.) In this case Alexander
recommends nearly the same plan of treatment as Galen. He recommends for
food things which are incrassant and anti-discutient, such as the juice
of halica, succory, lettuces, apples, pomegranates, pears, &c. They must
be administered, however, in small quantities. He approves of giving a
weak watery wine, not very old. He recommends friction with tonic and
incrassant oils, such as the oil of apples, and other applications of a
like nature.
Avicenna, Averrhoes, and Rhases treat the case exactly as our author.