Trembling is generally occasioned by a weakness of the nerves (old age
is a proof of this); but there are many particular causes which occasion
it; for it arises from a cold intemperament, from draughts of cold
water, more especially if taken unseasonably during a fever, also from
a redundance of cold and viscid humours, and from the too liberal use
of wine. Those, therefore, who have tremblings from any obvious error
in regimen, must abstain from the things which prove injurious to them.
And, again, when the tremor remains during fevers, we must first rub
the body with Sabine oil; but in the remissions of the attacks with old
or Sicyonian oil. Let the extremities after being anointed, be wrapped
in soft wool, and then let cupping instruments be applied along the
spine, from the first vertebra to the loins; these parts, together with
the hypochondria, being previously covered over with raw barley-meal.
Let them also be wrapped with wool out of old or Sicyonian oil. But if
the fever continue, every alternate day let them be put into a hip-bath
of oil, or oil and water, and use soft frictions. But if the affection
be prolonged, and cold is suspected, they should take a propoma, or
sweet potion, of honied water and castor, and be carried about in warm
places; and we ought to give them food of easy distribution, at first
spoon-meats, and afterwards such fowls and fishes as have tender flesh.
When the fever is gone, they must be washed, avoiding the cold bath and
wine. But, if there be a fulness of thick and viscid humours, we must
use remedies of an incisive and attenuant nature. They are these: Of
the shoots of rue, of cow-parsnip, as much as can be contained in three
fingers; of castor, of nitre, of each two oboli. Give every day one
spoonful with oxymel, for three days while fasting; or of panacea and
pepper, five grains; take in a draught of a cyathus of honied water. The
following simple things in proportion relieve tremors: Castor, the brain
of a hare eaten, the decoction of the root of marshmallows, of the leaves
of water plantain, dr. iv, in honied water, hemp agrimony with water.
When the cold prevails, we may use the liniment of Zosimus, and the
restoratives, liniments, and rubefacients described above for paralysis,
also exercises and frictions. Those who have tremblings from drinking
wine must abstain from wine altogether, until a complete cure take place.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. See Galen (de Tremore, et alibi); Nonnus (40); Cælius
Aurelianus (de Morb. Acut. iii, 7); Mesue (de Ægr. Cap. 5); Serapion (i,
3); Haly Abbas (Theor. ix, 11, Pract. v, 32); Alsaharavius (Pract. i, 2,
24); Rhases (ad Mansor. ix, 8.)
Galen, in the work referred to above, explains the rationale of this
affection with his usual penetration, but at too great length to allow of
our entering upon an exposition of it. The others treat of it similarly
to our author. Thus Haly Abbas mentions various causes of tremors, such
as old age, drinking cold water unseasonably, excessive indulgence in
wine or venery, inanition, and the like. He recommends aloes and castor,
the hot bath, friction with calefacient oils, and other such remedies.
Serapion gives a sensible account of the nature of the affection, and
recommends fetid or antispasmodic remedies internally, and friction with
calefacient oils externally. When it is occasioned by exposure to cold,
Rhases recommends the hot bath and insolation. We may mention here that
Hippocrates has given a very accurate history of a case of _delirium
tremens_. (Epid. iii, 5.)