Chapter XVI. The Form and Temperament of the Body（续 2）

Some of the properties, peculiar to disease, arise out of the varions character of the signs which may contain the above-mentioned configurations in the two angles. Thus Cancer, Capricom, and Pisces, and, in short, all signs ascribed to terrestrial animals and fishes, appropriately cause diseases of putridity, tetters, excoriation, scrophula, fistula, leprosy, and the like; while Sagittarius and Gemini produce disease by falling fits and epilepsy. And if the planets happen to be posited in the latter. degrees of the signs containing them, the extremities of the body will then be chiefly affected by the disease or hurt; which will arise from humours or accidents, producing leprosy, gout, or other areas in the hands and feet.

Under the circumstances above detailed, the disease or hurt will be incurable, provided there shall be not one of the benefics in configuration with the malefics which effect the evil, nor with the luminaries posited in angles; and even , though the benefics may be so configuratecd, the misfortune will still be incapable of remedy, if the malefics be well fortified, and in elevation above them.

* Tne spec vorou; literally, “ the holy disease,” which authors have explained to mean epilepsy. Perhaps the disease was antiently called holy, because the patient, when possessed by the fit, scemed te be under the influence of some supernatural agency.

- 158 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS, . [Book II.

Should the benefics, however, hold principal ‘situations, and be in elevation above the obnoxious malefics, the disease or hurt will then be moderate, and have neither deformitynor disgrace attached to it; "and it will sometimes be altogether prevented and set aside, if the benefics be oriental. Jupiter, for instance, by means of human aid, such as wealth or rank can command, will conceal and soothe hurts and diseases ; and, if Mercury be joined with him,,the assistance will be further improved by the addition of skilful -physicians and good medicine. Venus, likewise, through the mediation of deities and oracles, will cause hurts to appear in a manner neither ungraceful nor unbecoming, and will ameliorate diseases by medicines granted by the gods. :

Lastly, should Saturn be present in the configuration, the afflicted persons will move abroad to shew their maladies, and to complain ; and if Mercury also be present, they will do so for the sake of deriving sa a and profit from the exhibition.