De venis mesaraicis obstructis ipsarumque ita affectarum curatione Theses sive Pronunciata LX

Large drop cap OBstruction is a name used in various and wide ways by physicians, for they use it for a disease, and for a symptom of it, and for its cause.

II.
Some indeed define obstruction by the obstructing matter, others by the repletion of the part, and others by the constriction of the passages: but too generally.

III.
For the name of obstruction is properly applied not to the obstructing cause but to the effect, and not to great cavities or small pores, but to ducts or vessels that are naturally open.

IV.
Cavities, whether large or small, are said to be filled and replenished with their own nourishment or with preternatural matter rather than obstructed: but small passages are said to be narrowed or constricted.

V.
Thus, the mesaraic veins (of whose obstruction we have decided to discourse) are not obstructed by good blood, but rather filled: just as we do not say a vessel is obstructed by water, but filled. For nothing is obstructed by its own nourishment, but by a different thing. Indeed, what do veins desire more than a supply of blood? What do they bear more unfairly than an obstruction, by which they are rendered powerless to fulfill their desire? Therefore, they are obstructed preternaturally; but when they are filled with their own food, it is a sign of a stronger nature, and a familiar (if there be any) and natural fault.

VI.
Moreover, the diversity of the cure confirms that the disease is different.