The Signs and Causes of Euaemia, or Good Blood, and of Polyaemia or Plethora

Abstract

When the blood is in good state and the humours symmetrical, then the complexion is pleasing, changing from red to snowy white, mixing the redness of the rose with the candour of the lily, the mind is tranquil and the body full of vigour, the images of dreams peaceful and joyous. The veins are full, and full the arteries that pulsing throb, the flesh ruddy and solid unless it become corrupted. But when there is plethora, suffering brings dull torpor, the blood tightly distends the veins, sickness lies heavy on the limbs. The sweat flows apace, sleep is heavy and profound, the complexion rubicund, swollen and purple, the pulse habitually full and strong and the least effort causes breathlessness. The arms, the legs, the hands, the very flesh, are swollen. Bleeding relieves, and restraint in food and drink. Prone to this humour is the young man, merry and rubicund, of easy habit, naturally inclined to food, whose vessels swell with profound sleep, not given to exercise, with healthy heart and liver as the source and flow of blood: springtime and the west wind add to this distress, and even wine.