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LONGING

Volume 10 · 148 words · 1797 Edition

is a preternatural appetite in pregnant women, and in some sick persons when about to recover. It is called pica, from the bird of that name, which is said to be subject to the same disorder. The disorder Longinus consists of both a desire of unusual things to eat and drink, and in being soon tired of one and wanting another. It is called *malaci*, from *μαλακός*, "weakness." In pregnant women it is somewhat relieved by bleeding, and in about the fourth month of their pregnancy it leaves them. Chlorotic girls, and men who labour under suppurated hemorrhoids, are very subject to this complaint, and are relieved by promoting the respective evacuations. In general, whether this disorder is observed in pregnant women, in persons recovering from an acute fever, or in those who labour under obstructions of the natural evacuations, this craving of the appetite should be indulged.