The loss of memory sometimes occurs by itself, and sometimes along with
impairment of the reason, as an impairment of the reason sometimes
happens first by itself, and is then followed by that of the memory. When
both suffer, the affection called fatuity is formed. These complaints
have for a cause the exciting intemperament; but, if it is humid only, it
will occasion impairment of the memory and reason, torpidity, drowsiness,
long and deep sleep; but if complicated with coldness, it will produce
carus and lethargy. In like manner, dryness alone brings on watchfulness,
but when joined with heat, delirium and frenzy. These intemperaments are
seated sometimes in the fluids, sometimes in the cavities of the brain,
or in its vessels; or in the chyle diffused over the system, or in the
substance of the brain; or else the temporal muscles may be affected. If
the humours are mixed together, they will produce this affection. Whether
the exciting intemperament be simple or compound may be learned from
the appearance of the excretions. That the loss of memory and of reason
springs from cold we readily ascertain; but whether it be accompanied
with humidity or dryness, we judge of from the discharges, the habit and
temperament of the patient, his mode of life, the season, and the country.
_The cure._ If the intemperament be cold, we must warm, but if
accompanied with humidity, we must also dry; but if with dryness, we
must, at the same time, moisten and warm. In like manner, when the
intemperament is warm, we must cool; but if dryness also prevail, we
must likewise moisten; or if humidity, we must both cool and dry. Where
we find a sanguineous humour prevailing, we must bleed or use acrid
clysters, then give hiera, and use masticatories; anoint the head, by
mixing with oil things of a cooling and desiccative nature, we mean
roses, myrtles, lentisk, and the like; and we must attend to the general
system. But, if it proceed from an over-heat and fatigue, we must apply
to the head the embrocation of vinegar and rose-oil; and otherwise use a
cooling and moistening regimen in all respects, and with regard to food
and drink. If carus supervene upon fatuity or oblivion, it also is to be
attended to as formerly mentioned under the head of lethargy, where we
also stated the discrimination between these complaints.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. See most of the authors on lethargy and catalepsy.
Nonnus says that carus resembles apoplexy, only that in the latter
disease the posterior ventricle of the brain is more especially loaded
with serum, whereas in carus the anterior is affected. It differs also,
he says, from lethargy, in this respect, that fever precedes carus, but
is subsequent to an attack of lethargy. Carus, he adds, is occasioned by
a blow, pain of the head, and fracture of the bone compressing the brain.
Alexander also says that, in carus, the anterior part of the brain is
most affected; and hence the sensorial powers are much impaired. It is
occasioned, he says, by violent pains which dissipate the vital spirits.
On the cure of loss of memory, see Galen (de Loc. Affect. iii, 5.)
Avicenna has treated at great length of the subjects of this Section.
Among other things he recommends the celebrated theriac, which contained
a very diffusible stimulant oil. His treatment otherwise resembles
our author’s. The same may be said of Haly Abbas. For loss of memory,
Alsaharavius recommends the application of fragrant and stimulant oils to
the head, along with general treatment.
Cælius Aurelianus and Octavius have not treated of carus by name; but,
according to Prosper Alpinus, the Methodists entertained similar opinions
of the disease to the other sects. (De Med. Meth. x, 5.)
Procopius states that carus was a common symptom of the fatal plague
which prevailed in the reign of Justinian. (Persic. ii.)
The philosophers, as well as the physicians, taught that loss of memory
is often connected with disease of the posterior portion of the brain.
See, in particular, the Commentary of Philoponus on Aristotle (de Anima,
i.)