... Disputationem medicam de mensium suppressione

Medical Disputation

the Suppression of the Menses.

THESIS I.

AMONG the affections of the human body contrary to nature, those with which the female sex contends must be recognized and understood, especially by those who have devoted their names to medicine.

II.

For these are, in the final analysis, both quite frequent and difficult to cure, inasmuch as they often threaten most imminent destruction by their very grave symptoms.

III.

Therefore, we shall touch upon only a few matters regarding one of these (since there is need for haste). The suppression of the menses, however, comes to hand conveniently.

IV.

The cessation of menstrual purgation is natural for some, namely for those who digest their nourishment perfectly and leave nothing superfluous, such as viragos. Furthermore, pregnant and nursing women lack it without any discomfort; for in pregnant women the superfluous blood is converted into the nutrition of the fetus; in nursing women, it is transferred to the breasts for the generation of milk. However, in some women, the menses cease contrary to nature due to some morbid affection, whence grave symptoms and dangerous diseases seize them.

V.

I supersede the treatment of the former here; nor is any cure owed to them, since they are according to nature and are without harm deprived of menstrual purgation. It has been determined to make mention of the latter, beginning with the definition.