Source edition
Hippocrates. Oeuvres complètes d'Hippocrate, Vol. 6. Littré, Émile, editor. Paris: Baillière, 1849
Source data
A Digital Corpus for Graeco-Arabic Studies · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This medical treatise explains the physiological effects of various liquids—such as water, seawater, vinegar, and wine—as well as heat and cold on the human body, outlining the principles of their therapeutic application. The work begins by discussing the fundamental principles of water therapy, examining the diverse physiological effects of hot and cold water, the criteria for determining appropriate dosages, and the health risks of excessive use. It then details how different parts and states of the body react to heat and cold, while also describing the indications, contraindications, and effective applications of seawater. Finally, the text explores the medical impacts of vinegar and wine, analyzing their proper use and limitations when treating specific wounds and diseases like skin disorders, gout, and eye ailments. Ultimately, this treatise provides practical guidelines for carefully applying natural elements and physical stimuli to medical treatments.