Nine books of physick and chirurgery written by that great and learned physitian, Dr Sennertus. The first five being his Institutions of the whole body of physick: the other four of fevers and agues: with their differences, signs, and cures.

CHAP. III. Of the Symptomes of a Fever in general.

WHereas in a Fever the temper of a body is changed, * 1.1 and rendred hotter, hence certain Symptomes of Fevers must necessarily ensue: And first of all it is hence manifest, that those actions are especially hindred, which should be performed by the similar parts as they are such, and by the benefit of the temper of each such part, no organick part concurring. Such action since it is Nutrition, and those that are subservient thereunto, they are especially hurt in Fevers. Yet because the Instruments by which other actions are performed, consists of similar parts, that imperfection is derived to the hinderance of them, as of vital and animal acti∣ons. Indeed the vital actions are principally hurt in a Fever, because the fevourish heat is first kindled in the heart. Whence in all Fevers the Pulse becomes more frequent and swifter; for since the motion of Pulses in all Fevers may be increased,

first, a thick Pulse, as being most facile of all; but if that fre∣quency satisfies not the necessity, celerity happens, which if that be not sufficient, then magnitude follows: So that the strength be not debilitated: The animal actions also are often hurt. As for other Symptomes, preter-natural heat is obser∣ved to offend internally or externally. Also the excrements and qualities of a body are variously changed by reason of the hinderances of concoctions.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Symptomes of Fevers.