PART 9
IX. With all these things it will appear strong
evidence for the reality of the art if a physician,
while skilfully treating the patient, does not refrain
from exhortations not to worry in mind in the
eagerness to reach the hour of recovery. For we
physicians take the lead in what is necessary for
health. And if he be under orders the patient will
not go far astray. For left to themselves patients
sink through their painful condition, give up the
struggle and depart this life. But he who has taken
the sick man in hand, if he display the discoveries
of the art, preserving nature, not trying to alter it,
will sweep away the present depression or the distrust
of the moment. For the healthy condition of
a human being is a nature that has naturally attained
a movement, not alien but perfectly adapted, having
[p. 327]
produced it by means of breath, warmth and coction
of humours, in every way, by complete regimen and
by everything combined, unless there be some congenital
or early deficiency. Should there be such a
thing in a patient who is wasting, try to assimilate
to the fundamental nature.
1 For the wasting, even
of long standing, is unnatural.