The Anatomy of Melancholy

SYNOPSIS OF THE SECOND PARTITION.

The cure of melancholy is either: Section 1. General to all forms, containing: Forbidden, unlawful means. Member 1. From the Devil, magicians, witches, etc., through charms, spells, incantations, images, etc. Question 1. Can they cure this or similar diseases? Question 2. If they can, is it lawful to seek their help?

Sections: 2.1.1.1.

Or lawful means, which are: 2. Directly from God—“begin with Jove”—through prayer, etc. 3. Question 1. Can saints and their relics help with this affliction? Question 2. Is it lawful to appeal to them for help in this case?

Sections: 2.1.2; 2.1.3.

Or 4. Indirectly through nature, involving and working through: Subsections: 1. The physician, who needs knowledge, assurance, integrity, etc. 2. The patient, who needs obedience, perseverance, willingness, patience, trust, generosity, etc.; he must not treat himself. 3. Medicine, consisting of: Dietetic treatment: see Section 2. Pharmaceutical treatment: see Section 4. Surgical treatment: see Section 4, Member 3. Or treatment particular to the three distinct forms: see Section 5, Members 1–3.

Sections: 2.1.4.1; 2.1.4.2; 2.1.4.3; 2.2; 2.4; 2.4.3; 2.5.1; 2.5.2; 2.5.3.

Section 2. Dietetic treatment, consisting in regulating the six non-natural things, as follows. Member 1. Diet regulated. Subsection 1. Substance and quality. Foods that are easy to digest, well prepared, hot, boiled, etc.; young, moist, nourishing, etc. Pure wheat bread, well baked. Clear spring water. Wine and other drinks that are not too strong, etc.

Sections: 2.2.1.1.

Meat: mountain birds, partridge, pheasant, quails, etc. Hen, capon, mutton, veal, kid, rabbit, etc. Fish: those living in waters with gravel beds, such as pike, perch and trout; sea fish with firm, white flesh, etc. Herbs: borage, bugloss, balm, chicory, endive and violets, in broth, not raw, etc. Fruits and roots: sun-dried raisins; apples prepared to counteract wind; oranges, etc.; parsnips, potatoes, etc.

Sections: 2.2.1.1.

Or 2. Quantity: at suitable and customary mealtimes, in proper order, after the previous meal has been digested; sparingly, without too much of any one dish. 2. Regulation of retention and evacuation, including constipation, sexual activity, nosebleeds, suppressed menstruation, baths, etc.

Sections: 2.2.1.2; 2.2.2.

3. Air regulated, with a digression on air. By natural circumstances: choosing a district and a site for our dwelling that are warm and moist, light, wholesome, pleasant, etc. By deliberate measures: frequent changes of air, avoiding winds, fogs and storms, opening windows, perfumes, etc.

Sections: 2.2.3.

4. Exercise. Of body and mind, but moderate: hawking, hunting, riding, shooting, bowls, fishing, catching birds, walking in pleasant fields or galleries, tennis, throwing the bar. Of the mind: chess, cards, backgammon, etc.; watching plays and masques, etc.; serious studies, business and all respectable recreations. 5. Regulation of wakefulness and terrifying dreams, etc. 6. Regulation of the passions and disturbances of the mind: continued below.

Sections: 2.2.4; 2.2.5; 2.2.6.