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

"But if we look at the body, which we call the subject of medicine, I respond differently from the same source: 'Insofar as the male sex is stronger, and better at every task and learning, while women are weaker and inferior, in this they are dissimilar, etc.'"

LIV.

Since, therefore, by the judgment of the masters of medicine, the bodies of women and men differ as much as the strong does from the weak, it seems not unreasonable that a distinction of medicines should be made by us in treating this disease, so that each age and sex might be consulted correctly and in order, lest we remove both the sickness and the sick person together, like Herodicus in Hippocrates. I have pursued this more extensively from Galen and Hippocrates because Paracelsus, in the third book of his Paramirum, has noted—falsely, impudently, and without any contradiction that I know of, and so far with impunity—that there is no distinction of age or sex to be made.

LV.

Hermaphroditic medicines are said to be those that work against obstructions and are suitable for both sexes; they are either external or internal. Thus, moderate external frictions are suitable, as are inunctions of the circumference of the belly with oils of rhabarber, iris, marjoram, etc. And once the body is emptied (unless they are of a more choleric nature by constitution), it will help to sweat sometimes. Aegineta highly recommends swimming in the sea and in nitre-rich and sulfurous waters; he proves at length that they excellently warm the body, provoke sweat, expedite obstructions, disperse flatulence, and attenuate thick humors—which Cardanus also confirms in his book on waters. Everyday use makes this so clear and manifest that it cannot be argued against.