CHAPTER 10 Symptoms and Signs Third Lesson of the Second Art: Symptoms and Signs • Introduction (11 sections) • First Statement: Pulse (19 sections) • Second Statement: Urine and Feces (13 sections) When the organ function becomes abnormal then there is a problem with its energy, and a problem with an organ’s energy causes a disease in the organ. AVICENNA AUTHORS’ INTRODUCTION The 3rd Lesson of the 2nd Art is a rich part of the Canon addressing the main symptoms of pulse and of urine and feces. In the introduction of this Lesson, Avicenna covers the symptoms and signs of health and disease; the six laws to diagnosing internal diseases; indicators of temperaments; differences between single and shared diseases; signs of normal, equitable, and abnormal temperaments; signs of fullness; signs of a humor dominance; and signs of poor constitution, blockage, gases, swellings and tumors, and discontinuity. The 1st Statement addresses the detailed description of the pulse; its characteristics;
and its significance in diagnosing various conditions. Avicenna emphasizes the importance of pulse examination as a fundamental diagnostic tool, noting that the pulse can reveal information about the state of the organs, the balance of humors, and the overall health of the individual. He categorizes the pulse into different types based on its qualities, such as strength, rhythm, and frequency, and correlates these characteristics with specific health conditions.
The 2nd Statement focuses on the analysis of urine and feces, which Avicenna considers essential for understanding the body's internal state. He discusses the various qualities of urine, including color, clarity, odor, and sediment, and how these factors can indicate different diseases or imbalances. Similarly, he examines feces, noting that their consistency, color, and frequency can provide insights into digestive health and systemic conditions.
Throughout this chapter, Avicenna integrates his observations with the principles of humoral theory, emphasizing the interplay between the body's energies and the manifestation of symptoms. He provides a comprehensive framework for practitioners to assess and interpret these signs, guiding them in their diagnostic process.
In summary, Chapter 10 of Avicenna's Canon serves as a crucial resource for understanding the symptoms and signs of health and disease, highlighting the significance of pulse, urine, and feces in clinical practice. It lays the groundwork for a systematic approach to diagnosis, enabling practitioners to identify underlying imbalances and tailor their treatments accordingly.