Antecedent CAUSE, (αἰτία προγουμένη), a latent disposition of the body, from whence some disease may arise; such as a plethora in respect of a fever, a cacochymia in respect of a scurvy.
Continent, Conjoint, or Proximate CAUSE, that principle in the body which immediately adheres to the disease, and which being present, the disease is also present; or, which being removed, the disease is taken away: such is the stone in a nephritic patient.