Cassatum

Body disease and historical medicine · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. Blood described as ineffective and obstructive within a historical bodily account.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 14; facsimile PDF page 342.

Historical Definition

Cassatum is weak and dead blood in the veins that obstructs the movement of good blood.

Meaning

The definition distinguishes two conditions of blood and assigns one an obstructive role. “Dead” describes the historical classification of the blood, not merely the death of the whole person. The account makes its condition consequential because it impedes the movement of what is called good blood.

This is an explanation within the source’s physiology. It does not supply the evidence needed to identify one modern vascular disorder or blood product. For reading, retain the contrast between the two kinds of blood and the claimed obstruction; further medical interpretation requires the particulars of the passage.

Places to Read

Oppilativa. A class of medicines defined by stopping a flow.

Cruor salis. A salt distinguished by separation and an unsuccessful second digestion.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 14; facsimile PDF page 342 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Cassatum ; compare Oppilativa, Cruor salis

See also. Oppilativa; Cruor salis