Note (31) — BOOK IV.

31. If the hardness continue.) Si durities manet. This appears suspicious, as our author had mentioned no hardness before. In this chapter he first describes hysterick fits, then prescribes the proper treatment both during the paroxysms, and after they are over. We have very great reason to believe the whole chapter to be corrupted, for reasons which will be mentioned in a following note. With regard to this particular place, my opinion is, that after Celsus had finished what he had to say concerning hysterick fits, he next proceeded to treat of a hardness of the uterus; and after directing some remedies, in case of their failing, and the hardness continuing, he orders other medicines to be tried.—What renders this conjecture the more probable, is, that Aretæus, amongst the chronick diseases of the uterus, mentions σκληριη, a hardness. “There is,” says he, “another species of cancer, where there is no ulcer, but a hard and resisting tumour. The whole uterus is stretched, violent pains distress, and all the other symptoms are the same as in a cancerous ulcer of this part.” Lib. ii. de caus. et sig. morb. chron. c. 2.