Let us now consider the cold things, and amongst these, cold water is most recommended for them, on the further conditions added thereto;52 the matter should be digested in the intestines, and no hard imposthume present in the same: the upper and the lower part of the stomach should be neither weak, nor cold, nor any humoral putrescence therein, neither be there oppilation, nor excessive repletion. On these conditions the sick man (he) may drink as much as he please of the water, without taking breath;53 having first been purged by bloodletting, for in every case this is best, unless drunkenness, or nausea (excessive filling) prevent it, and if so a clyster is more beneficial, or diet of food and drink, or suppositories, or rubbing.54