thought—that is, to be digested and afterward permanently appropriated. There can be scarcely any doubt that, at the time (1709) when Boerhaave wrote these aphorisms, he had already heard about the existence and the capabilities of the recently perfected microscope, but it is not at all likely that he had as yet digested the gains in anatomical knowledge which had been acquired through the assistance of this instrument. The extracts referred to above are the following:—
DISTEMPERS OF THE SOLID SIMPLE FIBRE
(21) Those parts (which, being separated from the fluid contained in the vessels, are applied and sticking to each other by the strength of the living body, and make the least fibre) are the least, the simplest, earthy, and hardly changeable from or by virtue of any cause, which are found in our living bodies.
DISTEMPERS OF A LAX AND WEAK FIBRE
(24) The weakness of the fibre is that cohesion of the minutest parts described (21), which is so loosely linked that it may be pulled asunder even by that degree of motion which is requisite in healthy bodies, or not much exceeding it.
(26) The weakness produceth easily a stretching and a breaking of the small vessels made up of those weak fibres (24), and consequently abates of their power over the fluids therein contained; from which distensions arise tumors, from the stagnating or extravasated liquids putrefactions, and, farther, all such innumerable ills as are the consequences of them both.
(28) [In distempers of a lax and weak fibre] the cure must be obtained, 1. By aliments that abound in such matter as is described in section 21, and which [should] be almost so prepared beforehand as they are in a strong and healthy body; such are milk, eggs, flesh-broths, panadoes[1] rightly prepared of well-fermented bread; and rough wines. All which must be given in small quantities, but often. 2. By increasing and invigorating the motion of the solids and fluids by means of frictions with a flesh-brush, or with flannel; by riding on horse-back, and in a coach, or by being carried in a boat; and lastly by walking, running and other bodily exercises. 3. By a gentle pressure or a bandage upon the vessels, and a moderate repelling of the liquids therein contained. 4. By medi-*
- ↑ Bread boiled in water to the consistence of pulp.
