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CHAPTER XIII. On Bloody Flux, or Dysentery [Tenemus].

113. Frequent and bloody evacuations accompanied by severe tenesmus [նքացնել], sharp griping, and palpable pain are called bloody diarrhea or the tenesmus-illness [նքոց]. 108. This disease sometimes begins with slight chills and fever. If it begins with chills, it is dangerous. 115. The sign for distinguishing this malady from the mild looseness of the bowels mentioned in the preceding eleventh chapter is that the evacuations occur frequently, with abdominal pain, straining, and gripings; the matter passed is scanty, and for the most part consists of intestinal scrapings mixed with bile, or mixed with blood. 116. The tenesmus-illness or bloody diarrhea appears more frequently during the intense heat of summer and persists until the cool of autumn sets in. 117. This disease is sometimes contagious, especially in hot countries. In order to be on one’s guard, it is necessary to know from what causes it arises: from the sudden suppression of perspiration caused by intense heat during the day and cold at night; from dwelling in marshy (*jim-jima*) and damp places; from irritation of the intestines; from worms; and from eating or drinking noxious substances. Even without the aforesaid causes, healthy people may contract this affliction if they dwell together with one suffering from this illness, especially if they use the same privy. Mild diarrhea also sometimes turns into and becomes this kind of disease if help and appropriate remedies are not employed at the beginning. 118. In order to recover from bloody diarrhea or to remain free from it, it is necessary to observe the following rules of precaution: First, one must avert the aforementioned causes which produce and aggravate this disease. Both the sick and healthy per[sons]...