Diexodus medica de hepatis

MEDICAL EXCURSION ON
THE DISPOSITIONS OF THE LIVER,

In the government of our body, whatever dignity the Brain holds—which is as it were a certain akropolis citadel of the whole—the Liver claims for itself in the lowest region, where it is placed in a more honorable position than the rest.

2. Just as the functions of the remaining parts exist and are performed for the sake of the brain, it is also fitting that the organs subordinate to the Liver should serve it as their Prince.

3. I mean, however, those things which Nature has destined for the generation of nourishment: in which, since changes follow by certain degrees, just as one thing is initiating, so another will be that which completes this necessary work.

4. Nourishment is then said to be generated when it becomes blood, by which both the spirit of the soul is restored, and the similar substance of the parts is increased and preserved.

5. So that blood is potentially the matter of our bodily substance, not only from which it is born, but also because it flows away continuously, it is restored for its final dissolution, so that at no time of life should this treasure be lacking.

6. Nor is its thesaurisma treasury/hoarding made in any place, but only in the veins and arteries, where it will necessarily be generated, and that either by itself, by their inherent faculty, or from some erruto inflowing/streaming principle.

7. Blood, which is called the nourishment of the body, is not that pure and simple substance, but such as it flows from the opened vein, being a participant in the power of both bile and phlegm.