From the book
A Chymical Dictionary
Gerhard Dorn and John French · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordBlood described as ineffective and obstructive within a historical bodily account.
- A place to readThe 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
- CassatumRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- OppilativaA class of medicines defined by stopping a flow.
- Cruor salisA salt distinguished by separation and an unsuccessful second digestion.
Source note
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