Disputatio medica, de cibo et potu

Just as honey is very hostile to the young, but a very suitable food for the elderly.

XXI.

Thus, wine is hostile to children and is an enemy to them, because, as it is drunk, it heats them too much. Plato seems to approve this reason in his second book of Laws, saying: "One should not pour fire upon fire." original Greek: Οὐ χρὴ πῦρ ἐπὶ πῦρ ὀχετεύειν.

XXII.

By this method, therefore, food and drink are correctly defined by a certain relationship.

XXIII.

For if a hot body desires food or drink, such should be given in the greatest measure.

XXIV.

If, however, a body is in need of some cold food or drink, the hot one will be condemned as an unhealthy cause.

XXV.

Thus, those of temperate nature rejoice in things that are habitual, similar, and temperate.

XXVI.

Those of intemperate nature are aided by the use of opposites.

XXVII.

As if some excess has been made, we must oppose it with the opposite excesses of other things, in the same quantity and degree. For example: if a body has been made colder and more humid in one degree, it must also be heated and dried by one degree.