Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
Rosa Anglica (Author: [unknown])

section 11

11

Prognostics of this fever which is called hectic. Note, it is easy to cure the first form of it after it is recognised, though its recognising is difficult. The diagnosis of the second form is easy, but its cure is difficult. And for no power in the worid can the third form be cured,145 for it is not possible to moisten the strong members, that is, especially, the spermatic, once they get dry. Item when the nails bend, and the hair falls, death will be near; and if diarrhoea come, the strength will collapse suddenly. A flux is almost always bad at the end of every long sickness; and if the calves swell, it is probable that the patient will die before the third day. When the palms are dry to the touch, and hot after food, the matter has turned to phthisis. Item if the appetite fail, and he is not able to take or swallow food, on account of the dryness of the gullet, and can only consume wet things, then death is near.