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Title:TheWorksofAristotletheFamousPhilosopher
ContaininghisCompleteMasterpieceandFamily
Physician;his
ExperiencedMidwife,hisBookofProblems
andhisRemarkson
Physiognomy

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ReleaseDate:June24,2004[EBook#12699]
Language:English
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ARISTOTLE***

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THEWORKSOFARISTOTLE
THEFAMOUS
PHILOSOPHER
ContaininghisCompleteMasterpieceand
FamilyPhysician;hisExperienced
Midwife,hisBookofProblemsandhis
RemarksonPhysiognomy
COMPLETEEDITION,WITHENGRAVINGS

CONTENTS
THEMIDWIFE'SVADEMECUM
THEMASTERPIECE
Onmarriageandatwhatageyoungmenandvirginsarecapableof
it:andwhysomuchdesireit.Also,howlongmenandwomenare
capableofit.
CHAPTERII
Howtobegetamaleorfemalechild;andoftheEmbryoandperfect
Birth;andthefittesttimeforthecopula.

CHAPTERIII
The reason why children are like their parents; and that the
Mother'simaginationcontributesthereto;andwhetherthemanor
thewomanisthecauseofthemaleorfemalechild.
CHAPTERIV
ThatMan'sSoulisnotpropagatedbytheirparents,butisinfusedby
its Creator, and can neither die nor corrupt. At what time it is
infused.Ofitsimmortalityandcertaintyofitsresurrection.
CHAPTERV
OfMonstersandMonstrousBirths;andtheseveralreasonsthereof,
according to the opinions of the Ancients. Also, whether the
Monsters are endowed with reasonable Souls; and whether the
Devilscanengender;isherebrieflydiscussed.
CHAPTERVI
Ofthehappystateofmatrimony,asitisappointedbyGod,thetrue
felicitythatreboundstherebytoeithersex;andtowhatenditis
ordained.
CHAPTERVII
OfErrorsinMarriages;Whytheyare,andtheInjuriescausedby
them.
CHAPTERVIII
The Opinion of the Learned concerning Children conceived and
born within Seven Months; with Arguments upon the Subject to
prevent Suspicion of Incontinency, and bitter Contest on that
Account. To which are added Rules to Know the Disposition of
Man'sBodybytheGenitalParts.

CHAPTERIX
OftheGreenSicknessinVirgins,withitscauses,signsandcures;
togetherwiththechiefoccasionsofBarrennessinWomen,andthe
MeanstoremovetheCause,andrenderthemfruitful.
CHAPTERX
Virginity,whatitis,inwhatitconsists,andhowvitiated;together
withtheOpinionsoftheLearnedabouttheChangeofSexinthe
Womb,duringtheOperationofNatureinformingtheBody.
CHAPTERXI
DirectionsandCautionsforMidwives;and,first,whatoughttobe
thequalificationsofamidwife.
CHAPTERXII
FurtherDirectionstoMidwives,teachingthemwhattheyoughtto
do,andwhattoavoid.
CHAPTERXIII
TheExternal,andInternalOrgansofGenerationinWomen.
CHAPTERXIV
AdescriptionoftheFabricoftheWomb,thepreparingVesselsand
TesticlesinWomen.AlsooftheDifferentandEjaculatoryVessels.
CHAPTERXV
ADescriptionoftheUseandActionoftheseveralGenerativeParts
inWomen.
CHAPTERXVI
OftheOrgansofGenerationinMan.

CHAPTERXVII
AwordofAdvicetobothSexes,consistingofseveralDirections
withregardtoCopulation.

A PRIVATE LOOKING GLASS FOR THE

FEMALESEX
CHAPTERI
TreatingoftheseveralMaladiesincidenttothewomb,withproper
remediesforthecureofeach.
CHAPTERII
OftheRetentionoftheCourses.
CHAPTERIII
OfExcessiveMenstruation.
CHAPTERIV
OftheWeepingoftheWomb.
CHAPTERV
ThefalseCourses,orWhites.
CHAPTERVI
TheSuffocationoftheMother.
CHAPTERVII
OftheDescendingorFallingoftheWomb.
CHAPTERVIII

OftheInflammationoftheWomb.
CHAPTERIX
OfScirrhousTumours,orHardnessoftheWomb.
CHAPTERX
OfDropsyoftheWomb.
CHAPTERXI
OfMolesandFalseConceptions.
CHAPTERXII
OfConceptionanditsSigns,andHowaWomanmayknowwhether
itbeMaleorFemale.
CHAPTERXIII
OfUntimelyBirths.
CHAPTERXIV
DirectionsforPregnantWomen.
CHAPTERXV
DirectionsforWomenwhentheyaretakeninLabour,toensure
theirsafeDelivery,andDirectionsforMidwives.
CHAPTERXVI
Whatoughttobedoneincasesofextremity,especiallyinwomen
who,inlabour,areattackedbyafluxofblood,convulsionsandfits
ofwind.
CHAPTERXVII

HowchildbearingWomenoughttobeorderedafterDelivery.
CHAPTERXVIII
AcutePainsafterDelivery.

THEFAMILYPHYSICIAN
THEEXPERIENCEDMIDWIFE
CHAPTERI
CHAPTERII
OfConception;whatitis;howwomenaretoorderthemselvesafter
Conception.
CHAPTERIII
OfthePartspropertoaChildinthewomb;Howitisformedthere,
andthemannerofitsSituationtherein.
CHAPTERIV
AGuideforWomeninTravail,showingwhatistobedonewhen
theyfallinLabour,inordertotheirDelivery.
CHAPTERV
OfNaturalLabour;WhatitisandwhattheMidwifeistodoinsuch
Labour.
CHAPTERVI
OfUnnaturalLabour.
CHAPTERVII
DirectionsforChildbearingWomenintheirLyingin.

CHAPTERVIII
DirectionsfortheNurses,inorderingNewlybornChildren.
CHAPTERIX

PROPERANDSAFEREMEDIES
CHAPTERI
OfBarrenness;itsseveralKinds;withtheproperRemediesforit;
andtheSignsofInsufficiencybothinMenandWomen.
CHAPTERII
TheDiseasesoftheWomb.
CHAPTERIII
OfDiseasesRelatingtoWomen'sMonthlyCourses.

ARISTOTLE'SBOOKOFPROBLEMS
OftheEyes
OftheNose
OftheEars
OftheMouth
OftheTeeth
OftheTongue
OftheRoofoftheMouth
OftheNeck
OftheShouldersandArms

OftheHands
OftheNails
OfthePapsandDugs
OftheBack
OftheHeart
OftheStomach
OftheBlood
OftheUrine
OftheGallandSpleen
OfCarnalCopulation
OftheSeedofManandBeasts
OfHermaphrodites
OfMonsters
OftheChildintheWomb
OfAbortionandUntimelyBirth
OfDiversMatters
THEPROBLEMSOFALEXANDERAPHRODISEUS
THE PROBLEMS OF MARCUS ANTONINUS
SANCTIPERTIAS

THE SECRETS OF NATURE RELATING TO

PHYSIOGNOMY

CHAPTERI
CHAPTERII
OftheJudgmentofPhysiognomy.
CHAPTERIII
OfJudgmentsdrawnfromseveralotherpartsofMan'sBody.
CHAPTERIV
OfPalmistry,showingthevariousJudgmentsdrawnfromtheHand.
CHAPTERV
JudgmentsaccordingtoPhysiognomy,drawnfromtheseveralparts
oftheBody,fromtheHandstotheFeet.
CHAPTERVI
OfthePoweroftheCelestialBodiesoverMenandWomen.

THEMIDWIFE'SVADE
MECUM
Containing

PARTICULARDIRECTIONSFOR
MIDWIVES,NURSES,ETC.

SOMEGENUINERECIPESFOR
CAUSINGSPEEDYDELIVERY.
APPROVEDDIRECTIONSFOR
NURSES.

PARTIBOOKI
THEMASTERPIECE
Onmarriageandatwhatageyoungmenandvirginsarecapableof
it:andwhysomuchdesireit.Also,howlongmenandwomenare
capableofit.
Thereareveryfew,exceptsomeprofessionaldebauchees,whowill
notreadilyagreethat"Marriageishonourabletoall,"beingordained
byHeaveninParadise;andwithoutwhichnomanorwomancanbe
inacapacity,honestly,toyieldobediencetothefirstlawofthe
creation,"IncreaseandMultiply."Andsinceitisnaturalinyoung

peopletodesiretheembraces,propertothemarriagebed,itbehoves
parents to look after their children, and when they find them
inclinable to marriage, not violently to restrain their inclinations
(which, instead of allaying them, makes them but the more
impetuous)butratherprovidesuchsuitablematchesforthem,as
may make their lives comfortable; lest the crossing of those
inclinationsshouldprecipitatethemtocommitthosefolliesthatmay
bringanindeliblestainupontheirfamilies.Theinclinationofmaids
tomarriagemaybeknownbymanysymptoms;forwhentheyarrive
atpuberty,whichisaboutthefourteenthorfifteenthyearoftheir
age, then their natural purgations begin to flow; and the blood,
whichisnolongertoaugmenttheirbodies,abounding,stirsuptheir
mindstovenery.Externalcausesmayalsoinclinethemtoit;for
theirspiritsbeingbriskandinflamed,whentheyarriveatthatage,if
theyeathardsaltthingsandspices,thebodybecomesmoreand
moreheated,wherebythedesiretoveneralembracesisverygreat,
and sometimes almost insuperable. And the use of this so much
desiredenjoymentbeingdeniedtovirgins,manytimesisfollowed
bydismalconsequences;suchasthegreenweeselcolonet,short
breathing,tremblingoftheheart,etc.Butwhentheyaremarriedand
theirveneraldesiressatisfiedbytheenjoymentoftheirhusbands,
thesedistempersvanish,andtheybecomemoregayandlivelythan
before.Also,theireagerstaringatmen,andaffectingtheircompany,
shows that nature pushes them upon coition; and their parents
neglecting to provide them with husbands, they break through
modestyandsatisfythemselvesinunlawfulembraces.Itisthesame
withbriskwidows,whocannotbesatisfiedwithoutthatbenevolence
towhichtheywereaccustomedwhentheyhadtheirhusbands.
Attheageof14,themenses,invirgins,begintoflow;thentheyare
capableofconceiving,andcontinuegenerallyuntil44,whenthey
ceasebearing,unlesstheirbodiesarestrongandhealthful,which
sometimesenablesthemtobearat65.Butmanytimesthemenses
proceed from some violence done to nature, or some morbific

matter,whichoftenprovesfatal.And,hence,menwhoaredesirous
ofissueoughttomarryawomanwithintheageaforesaid,orblame
themselvesiftheymeetwithdisappointment;though,ifanoldman,
ifnotwornoutwithdiseasesandincontinency,marryabrisk,lively
maiden,thereishopeofhimhavingchildrento70or80years.
Hippocratessays,thatayouthof15,orbetweenthatand17,having
muchvitalstrength,iscapableofbegettingchildren;andalsothat
theforceoftheprocreatingmatterincreasestill45,50,and55,and
thenbeginstoflag;theseed,bydegrees,becomingunfruitful,the
naturalspiritsbeingextinguished,andthehumoursdriedup.Thus,
ingeneral,butastoindividuals,itoftenfallsoutotherwise.Nay,it
is reported by a credible author, that in Swedland, a man was
marriedat100yearsofagetoagirlof30years,andhadmany
childrenbyher;buthiscountenancewassofresh,thatthosewho
knewhimnot,imaginedhimnottoexceed50.AndinCampania,
wheretheairisclearandtemperate,menof80marryyoungvirgins,
andhavechildrenbythem;whichshowsthatageinthemdoesnot
hinderprocreation,unlesstheybeexhaustedintheiryouthsandtheir
yardsbeshrivelledup.
Ifanywouldknowwhyawomanissoonerbarrenthanaman,they
may be assured that the natural heat, which is the cause of
generation,ismorepredominantinthemanthaninthewoman;for
sinceawomanismoremoistthanaman,ashermonthlypurgations
demonstrate,asalsothesoftnessofherbody;itisalsoapparentthat
hedoesnotmuchexceedherinnaturalheat,whichisthechiefthing
that concocts the humours in proper aliment, which the woman
wantinggrowsfat;whereasaman,throughhisnativeheat,meltshis
fatbydegreesandhishumoursaredissolved;andbythebenefit
thereofareconvertedintoseed.Andthismayalsobeadded,that
women,generally,arenotsostrongasmen,norsowiseorprudent;
norhavesomuchreasonandingenuityinorderingaffairs;which
showsthattherebythefacultiesarehinderedinoperations.

CHAPTERII
Howtobegetamaleorfemalechild;andoftheEmbryoandperfect
Birth;andthefittesttimeforthecopula.
Whenayoungcouplearemarried,theynaturallydesirechildren;
andthereforeadoptthemeansthatnaturehasappointedtothatend.
But notwithstanding their endeavours they must know that the
successofalldependsontheblessingoftheGods:notonlyso,but
thesex,whethermaleorfemale,isfromtheirdisposalalso,though
itcannotbedenied,thatsecondarycauseshaveinfluencetherein,
especiallytwo.First,thegeneralhumour,whichisbroughtbythe
arteria praeparantes to the testes, in form of blood, and there
elaborated into seed, by the seminifical faculty residing in them.
Secondly, the desire of coition, which fires the imagination with
unusualfancies,andbythesightofbrisk,charmingbeauty,may
sooninflametheappetite.Butifnaturebeenfeebled,somemeats
mustbeeatenaswillconducetoaffordsuchalimentasmakesthe
seedabound,andrestorestheexhaustionofnaturethatthefaculties
may freely operate, and remove impediments obstructing the
procreatingofchildren.Then,sincedietalterstheevilstateofthe
bodytoabetter,thosesubjecttobarrennessmusteatsuchmeatsas
arejuicyandnourishwell,makingthebodylivelyandfullofsap;of
whichfacultyareallhotmoistmeats.For,accordingtoGalen,seed
ismadeofpureconcoctedandwindysuperfluityofblood,whence
we may conclude, that there is a power in many things, to
accumulateseed,andalsotoaugmentit;andotherthingsofforceto
cause desire, as hen eggs, pheasants, woodcocks, gnatsnappers,
blackbirds,thrushes,youngpigeons,sparrows,partridges,capons,
almonds,pinenuts,raisins,currants,strongwinestakensparingly,

especiallythosemadeofthegrapesofItaly.Buterectionischiefly
causedbyscuraum,eringoes,cresses,crysmon,parsnips,artichokes,
turnips, asparagus, candied ginger, acorns bruised to powder and
drankinmuscadel,scallion,seashellfish,etc.Butthesemusthave
timetoperformtheiroperation,andmustbeusedforaconsiderable
time,oryouwillreapbutlittlebenefitfromthem.Theactofcoition
beingover,letthewomanreposeherselfonherrightside,withher
head lying low, and her body declining, that by sleeping in that
posture,thecani,ontherightsideofthematrix,mayprovetheplace
ofconception;forthereinisthegreatestgenerativeheat,whichisthe
chief procuring cause of male children, and rarely fails the
expectationsofthosethatexperienceit,especiallyiftheydobut
keepwarm,withoutmuchmotion,leaningtotheright,anddrinking
alittlespiritofsaffronandjuiceofhissopinaglassofMalagaor
Alicant,whentheyliedownandarise,foraweek.
For a female child, let the woman lie on her left side, strongly
fancyingafemaleinthetimeofprocreation,drinkingthedecoction
offemalemercuryfourdaysfromthefirstdayofpurgation;the
malemercuryhavingthelikeoperationincaseofamale;forthis
concoctionpurgestherightandleftsideofthewomb,opensthe
receptacles,andmakeswayfortheseminaryofgeneration.Thebest
timetobegetafemaleis,whenthemoonisinthewane,inLibraor
Aquaries.Advicennesays,thatwhenthemensesarespentandthe
wombcleansed,whichiscommonlyinfiveorsevendaysatmost,if
amanliewithhiswifefromthefirstdaysheispurgedtothefifth,
shewillconceiveamale;butfromthefifthtotheeighthafemale;
and from the eighth to the twelfth a male again: but after that
perhapsneitherdistinctly,butbothinanhermaphrodite.Inaword,
theythatwouldbehappyinthefruitsoftheirlabour,mustobserve
to use copulation in due distance of time, not too often nor too
seldom, for both are alike hurtful; and to use it immoderately
weakensandwastesthespiritsandspoilstheseed.Andthismuch
forthefirstparticular.

Thesecondistoletthereaderknowhowthechildisformedinthe
womb,whataccidentsitisliabletothere,andhownourishedand
brought forth. There are various opinions concerning this matter;
therefore,Ishallshowwhatthelearnedsayaboutit.
Manconsistsofanegg,whichisimpregnatedinthetesticlesofthe
woman,bythemoresubtlepartsoftheman'sseed;buttheforming
facultyandvirtueintheseedisadivinegift,itbeingabundantly
imbuedwithvitalspirit,whichgivessapandformtotheembryo,so
that all parts and bulk of the body, which is made up in a few
monthsandgraduallyformedintothelikelyfigureofaman,do
consistin,andareadumbratedthereby(mostsublimelyexpressed,
Psalmcxxxix.:"IwillpraiseThee,OLord,forIamfearfullyand
wonderfullymade.")
Physicianshaveremarkedfourdifferenttimesatwhichamanis
framed and perfected in the womb; the first after coition, being
perfectlyformedintheweekifnofluxhappens,whichsometimes
fallsoutthroughtheslipperinessoftheheadofthematrix,thatslips
overlikearosebudthatopenssuddenly.Thesecondtimeofforming
isassignedwhennaturemakesmanifestmutationintheconception,
so that all the substance seems congealed, flesh and blood, and
happenstwelveorfourteendaysaftercopulation.Andthoughthis
fleshy mass abounds with inflamed blood, yet it remains
undistinguishable,withoutform,andmaybecalledanembryo,and
compared to seed sown in the ground, which, through heat and
moisture,growsbydegreestoaperfectforminplantorgrain.The
thirdtimeassignedtomakeupthisfabriciswhentheprincipalparts
showthemselvesplain;astheheart,whenceproceedthearteries,the
brain,fromwhichthenerves,likesmallthreads,runthroughthe
wholebody;andtheliver,whichdividesthechylefromtheblood,
broughttoitbythevenaporta.Thetwofirstarefountainsoflife,
thatnourisheverypartofthebody,inframingwhichthefacultyof
thewombisbruised,fromtheconceptionoftheeighthdayofthe

firstmonth.Thefourth,andlast,aboutthethirtiethday,theoutward
partsareseennicelywrought,distinguishedbyjoints,fromwhich
timeitisnolongeranembryo,butaperfectchild.
Most males are perfect by the thirtieth day, but females seldom
beforethefortysecondorfortyfifthday,becausetheheatofthe
wombisgreaterinproducingthemalethanthefemale.And,forthe
samereason,awomangoingwithamalechildquickensinthree
months,butgoingwithafemale,rarelyunderfour,atwhichtimeits
hairandnailscomeforth,andthechildbeginstostir,kickandmove
inthewomb,andthenthewomanistroubledwithaloathingfor
meatandagreedylongingforthingscontrarytonutriment,ascoals,
rubbish, chalk, etc., which desire often occasions abortion and
miscarriage.Somewomenhavebeensoextravagantastolongfor
hobnails,leather,horseflesh,man'sflesh,andotherunnaturalas
wellasunwholesomefood,forwantofwhichthingtheyhaveeither
miscarriedorthechildhascontinueddeadinthewombformany
days,totheimminenthazardoftheirlives.ButIshallnowproceed
toshowbywhatmeansthechildismaintainedinthewomb,and
whatpostureitthereremainsin.
ThelearnedHippocratesaffirmsthatthechild,asheisplacedinthe
womb,hashishandsonhisknees,andhisheadbenttohisfeet,so
thatheliesroundtogether,hishandsuponhiskneesandhisface
betweenthem,sothateacheyetoucheseachthumb,andhisnose
betwixt his knees. And of the same opinion in this matter was
Bartholinus.Columbusisofopinionthatthefigureofthechildin
thewombisround,therightarmbowed,thefingersundertheear,
andabouttheneck,theheadbowedsothatthechintouchesthe
breast,theleftarmbowedabovebothbreastandfaceandpropped
upbythebendingoftherightelbow;thelegsareliftedupwards,the
rightsomuchthatthethightouchesthebelly,thekneethenavel,the
heeltouchestheleftbuttock,andthefootisturnedbackandcovers
thesecrets;theleftthightouchesthebelly,andthelegliftedupto

thebreast.

CHAPTERIII
The reason why children are like their parents; and that the
Mother'simaginationcontributesthereto;andwhetherthemanor
thewomanisthecauseofthemaleorfemalechild.
In the case of similitude, nothing is more powerful than the
imaginationofthemother;forifshefixhereyesuponanyobjectit
willsoimpresshermind,thatitoftentimessohappensthatthechild
hasarepresentationthereofonsomepartofthebody.And,ifinact
ofcopulation,thewomanearnestlylookontheman,andfixher
mindonhim,thechildwillresembleitsfather.Nay,ifawoman,
eveninunlawfulcopulation,fixherminduponherhusband,the
childwillresemblehimthoughhedidnotbegetit.Thesameeffect
hasimaginationinoccasioningwarts,stains,molespots,anddartes;
though indeed they sometimes happen through frights, or
extravagantlonging.Manywomen,inbeingwithchild,onseeinga
hare cross the road in front of them, will, through the force of
imagination,bringforthachildwithahairylip.Somechildrenare
born with flat noses and wry mouths, great blubber lips and ill
shapedbodies;whichmustbeascribedtotheimaginationofthe
mother, who has cast her eyes and mind upon some illshaped
creature.Thereforeitbehovesallwomenwithchild,ifpossible,to
avoidsuchsights,oratleast,nottoregardthem.Butthoughthe
mother's imagination may contribute much to the features of the
child,yet,inmanners,wit,andpropensionofthemind,experience
tells us, that children are commonly of the condition with their
parents, and possessed of similar tempers. But the vigour or
disabilityofpersonsintheactofcopulationmanytimescauseitto

beotherwise;forchildrenbegottenthroughtheheatandstrengthof
desire,mustneedspartakemoreofthenatureandinclinationoftheir
parents,thanthosebegottenatatimewhendesiresareweaker;and,
therefore,thechildrenbegottenbymenintheiroldagearegenerally
weakerthan,thosebegottenbythemintheiryouth.Astotheshare
whicheachoftheparentshasinbegettingthechild,wewillgivethe
opinionsoftheancientsaboutit.
Thoughitisapparentthattheman'sseedisthechiefefficientbeing
oftheaction,motion,andgeneration:yetthatthewomanaffords
seedandeffectuallycontributesinthatpointtotheprocreationof
thechild,isevincedbystrongreasons.Inthefirstplace,seminary
vesselshadbeengivenherinvain,andgenitaltesticlesinverted,if
thewomanwantedseminalexcrescence,fornaturedoesnothingin
vain;andthereforewemustgrant,theyweremadefortheuseof
seed and procreation, and placed in their proper parts; both the
testiclesandthereceptaclesofseed,whosenatureistooperateand
affordvirtuetotheseed.Andtoprovethis,thereneedsnostronger
argument,saythey,thanthatifawomandonotusecopulationto
ejectherseed,sheoftenfallsintostrangediseases,asappearsby
youngmenandvirgins.Asecondreasontheyurgeis,thatalthough
thesocietyofalawfulbedconsistsnotaltogetherinthesethings,yet
itisapparentthefemalesexareneverbetterpleased,norappear
more blythe and jocund, than when they are satisfied this way;
which is an inducement to believe they have more pleasure and
titulationthereinthanmen.Forsincenaturecausesmuchdelightto
accompanyejection,bythebreakingforthoftheswellingspiritsand
the swiftness of the nerves; in which case the operation on the
woman'spartisdouble,shehavinganenjoymentbothbyreception
andejection,bywhichsheismoredelightedin.
Henceitis,theysay,thatthechildmorefrequentlyresemblesthe
motherthanthefather,becausethemothercontributesmoretowards
it.Andtheythinkitmaybefurtherinstanced,fromtheendeared

affectiontheybearthem;forthat,besidestheircontributingseminal
matters,theyfeedandnourishthechildwiththepurestfountainof
blood, until its birth. Which opinion Galen affirms, by allowing
children to participate most of the mother; and ascribes the
differenceofsextothedifferentoperationsofthemenstrualblood;
butthisreasonofthelikenesshereferstothepoweroftheseed;for,
astheplantsreceivemorenourishmentfromfruitfulground,than
fromtheindustryofthehusbandman,sotheinfantreceivesmore
abundancefromthemotherthanthefather.Fortheseedofbothis
cherished in the womb, and then grows to perfection, being
nourished with blood. And for this reason it is, they say, that
children,forthemostpart,lovetheirmothersbest,becausethey
receivethemostoftheirsubstancefromtheirmother;foraboutnine
monthsshenourishesherchildinthewombwiththepurestblood;
then her love towards it newly born, and its likeness, do clearly
showthatthewomanaffordsseed,andcontributesmoretowards
makingthechildthantheman.
Butinthisalltheancientswereveryerroneous;forthetesticles,so
calledinwomen,affordnotonlyseed,butaretwoeggs,likethose
offowlsandothercreatures;neitherhavetheyanyofficelikethose
ofmen,butareindeedtheovaria,whereintheeggsarenourishedby
thesanguinaryvesselsdisposedthroughoutthem;andfromthence
oneormoreastheyarefecundatedbytheman'sseedisseparated
andconveyedintothewombbytheovaducts.Thetruthofthisis
plain,forifyouboilthemtheliquorwillbeofthesamecolour,taste
andconsistency,withthetasteofbirds'eggs.Ifanyobjectthatthey
havenoshells,thatsignifiesnothing:fortheeggsoffowlswhile
theyareontheovary,nay,aftertheyarefastenedintotheuterus,
havenoshell.Andthoughwhentheyarelaid,theyhaveone,yet
thatisnomorethanadefencewithwhichnaturehasprovidedthem
againstanyoutwardinjury,whiletheyarehatchedwithoutthebody;
whereasthoseofwomenbeinghatchedwithinthebody,needno
otherfencethanthewomb,bywhichtheyaresufficientlysecured.

Andthisisenough,Ihope,fortheclearingofthispoint.
As for the third thing proposed, as whence grow the kind, and
whetherthemanorthewomanisthecauseofthemaleorfemale
infanttheprimarycausewemustascribetoGodasismostjustly
Hisdue,whoistheRulerandDisposerofallthings;yetHesuffers
manythings toproceedaccordingto therulesofnaturebytheir
inbred motion, according to usual and natural courses, without
variation;thoughindeedbyfavourfromonhigh,Sarahconceived
Isaac;Hannah,Samuel;andElizabeth,JohntheBaptist;butthese
wereallextraordinarythings,broughttopassbyaDivinepower,
abovethecourseofnature.Norhavesuchinstancesbeenwantingin
laterdays;therefore,Ishallwavethem,andproceedtospeakof
thingsnatural.
Theancientphysiciansandphilosopherssaythatsincethesetwo
principlesoutofwhichthebodyofmanismade,andwhichrenders
thechildliketheparents,andbyoneorotherofthesex,viz.,seed
commontobothsexesandmenstrualblood,propertothewoman
only;thesimilitude,saythey,mustneedsconsistintheforceof
virtueofthemaleorfemale,sothatitprovesliketheoneorthe
other, according to the quantity afforded by either, but that the
differenceofsexisnotreferredtotheseed,buttothemenstrual
blood,whichispropertothewoman,isapparent;for,werethat
force altogether retained in the seed, the male seed being of the
hottestquality,malechildrenwouldaboundandfewofthefemale
bepropagated;wherefore,thesexisattributedtothetemperamentor
totheactivequalities,whichconsistsinheatandcoldandthenature
ofthematterunderthemthatis,theflowingofthemenstruous
blood.Butnow,theseed,saythey,affordsbothforcetoprocreate
andtoformthechild,aswellasmatterforitsgeneration;andinthe
menstruousbloodthereisbothmatterandforce,forastheseedmost
helpsthematernalprinciple,soalsodoesthemenstrualbloodthe
potentialseed,whichis,saysGalen,bloodwellconcoctedbythe

vesselswhichcontainit.Sothatthebloodisnotonlythematterof
generating the child, but also seed, it being impossible that
menstrualbloodhasbothprinciples.
The ancients also say that the seed is the stronger efficient, the
matterofitbeingverylittleinquantity,butthepotentialqualityofit
is very strong; wherefore, if these principles of generation,
according to which the sex is made were only, say they, in the
menstrualblood,thenwouldthechildrenbeallmostlyfemales;as
weretheefficientforceintheseedtheywouldbeallmales;but
sincebothhaveoperationinmenstrualblood,matterpredominates
inquantityandintheseedforceandvirtue.And,therefore,Galen
thinksthatthechildreceivesitssexratherfromthemotherthanthe
father,forthoughhisseedcontributesalittletothenaturalprinciple,
yetitismoreweakly.Butforlikelinessitisreferredrathertothe
fatherthantothemother.Yetthewoman'sseedreceivingstrength
fromthemenstrualbloodforthespaceofninemonths,overpowers
theman'sinthatparticular,forthemenstrualbloodrathercherishes
theonethantheother;fromwhichitisplainthewomanaffordsboth
matter to make and force and virtue to perfect the conception;
thoughthefemale'sbefitnutrimentforthemale'sbyreasonofthe
thinnessofit,beingmoreadaptedtomakeupconceptionthereby.
Forasofsoftwaxormoistclay,theartificercanframewhathe
intends,so,saythey,theman'sseedmixingwiththewoman'sand
alsowiththemenstrualblood,helpstomaketheformandperfect
partofman.
But,withallimaginarydeferencetothewisdomofourfathers,give
meleavetosaythattheirignoranceoftheanatomyofman'sbody
have led them into the paths of error and ran them into great
mistakes.Fortheirhypothesisoftheformationoftheembryofrom
commixtureofbloodbeingwhollyfalse,theiropinioninthiscase
mustofnecessitybelikewise.Ishallthereforeconcludethischapter
byobservingthatalthoughastrongimaginationofthemothermay

oftendeterminethesex,yetthemainagentinthiscaseistheplastic
orformativeprinciple,accordingtothoserulesandlawsgivenusby
thegreatCreator,whomakesandfashionsit,andthereindetermines
thesex,accordingtothecouncilofhiswill.

CHAPTERIV
ThatMan'sSoulisnotpropagatedbytheirparents,butisinfusedby
its Creator, and can neither die nor corrupt. At what time it is
infused.Ofitsimmortalityandcertaintyofitsresurrection.
Man'ssoulisofsodivineanatureandexcellencythatmanhimself
cannotcomprehendit,beingtheinfusedbreathoftheAlmighty,of
animmortalnature,andnottobecomprehendedbutbyHimthat
gaveit.ForMoses,relatingthehistoryofman,tellsusthat"God
breathedintohisnostrilsthebreathoflife,andhebecamealiving
soul."Now,asforallothercreatures,atHiswordtheyweremade
andhadlife,butthecreaturethatGodhadsetoverHisworkswas
Hispeculiarworkmanship,formedbyHimoutofthedustofthe
earth,andHecondescendedtobreatheintohisnostrilsthebreathof
life,whichseemstodenotebothcareand,ifwemaysotermit,
labour,usedaboutmanmorethanaboutallotherlivingcreatures,he
onlypartakingandparticipatingoftheblesseddivinenature,bearing
God's image in innocence and purity, whilst he stood firm; and
when,byhisfall,thatlivelyimagewasdefaced,yetsuchwasthe
loveoftheCreatortowardshimthathefoundoutawaytorestore
him,theonlybegottensonoftheEternalFathercomingintothe
worldtodestroytheworksofthedevil,andtoraiseupmanfrom
thatlowconditiontowhichsinandhisfallhadreducedhim,toa
stateabovethatoftheangels.

If,therefore,manwouldunderstandtheexcellencyofhissoul,let
him turn his eyes inwardly and look unto himself and search
diligentlyhisownmind,andthereheshallseemanyadmirablegifts
andexcellentornaments,thatmustneedsfillhimwithwonderand
amazement; as reason, understanding, freedom of will, memory,
etc.,thatclearlyshowthesoultobedescendedfromaheavenly
original,andthatthereforeitisofinfinitedurationandnotsubjectto
annihilation.
Yetforitsmanyoperationsandofficeswhileinthebodyitgoes
under several denominations: for when it enlivens the body it is
calledthesoul;whenitgivesknowledge,thejudgmentofthemind;
andwhenitrecallsthingspast,thememory;whenitdiscoursesand
discerns, reason; when it contemplates, the spirit; when it is the
sensitive part, the senses. And these are the principal offices
wherebythesouldeclaresitspowersandperformsitsactions.For
beingseatedinthehighestpartsofthebodyitdiffusesitsforceinto
everymember.Itisnotpropagatedfromtheparents,normixedwith
grossmatter,buttheinfusedbreathofGod,immediatelyproceeding
fromHim;notpassingfromonetoanotheraswastheopinionof
Pythagoras,whoheldabeliefintransmigrationofthesoul;butthat
thesoulisgiventoeveryinfantbyinfusion,isthemostreceivedand
orthodoxopinion.Andthelearneddolikewiseagreethatthisisdone
whentheinfantisperfectedinthewomb,whichhappensaboutthe
twentyfourthdayafterconception;especiallyformales,whoare
generallybornattheendofninemonths;butinfemales,whoarenot
so soon formed and perfected, through defect of heat, until the
fiftiethday.Andthoughthisdayineithercasecannotbetrulyset
down,yetHippocrateshasgivenhisopinion,thatitissowhenthe
childisformedandbeginstomove,whenbornindueseason.Inhis
bookofthenatureofinfants,hesays,ifitbeamaleandbeperfect
onthethirtiethday,andmoveontheseventieth,hewillbebornin
theseventhmonth;butifhebeperfectlyformedonthethirtyfifth
day,hewillmoveontheseventiethandwillbebornintheeighth

month.Again,ifhebeperfectlyformedonthefortyfifthday,he
willmoveontheninetiethandbebornintheninthmonth.Now
fromtheseparingofdaysandmonths,itplainlyappearsthattheday
offormingbeingdoubled,makesupthedayofmoving,andtheday,
three times reckoned, makes up the day of birth. As thus, when
thirtyfiveperfectstheform,ifyoudoubleit,makesseventytheday
ofmotion;andthreetimesseventyamountstotwohundredandten
days;whileallowingthirtydaystoamonthmakessevenmonths,
andsoyoumustconsidertherest.Butastoafemalethecaseis
different;foritislongerperfectinginthewomb,themotherever
goinglongerwithagirlthanwithaboy,whichmakestheaccount
differ;forafemaleformedinthirtydaysdoesnotmoveuntilthe
seventieth day, and is born in the seventh month; when she is
formedonthefortiethday,shedoesnotmovetilltheeightiethandis
bornintheeighthmonth;but,ifshebeperfectlyformedonthe
fortyfifthdayshemovesontheninetieth,andthechildisbornin
theninthmonth;butifshethatisformedonthesixtiethday,moves
ontheonehundred andtenth day,shewill bebornin thetenth
month.Itreatthemorelargelyoflovethatthereadermayknowthat
thereasonablesoulisnotpropagatedbytheparents,butisinfused
bytheAlmighty,whenthechildhasitsperfectform,andisexactly
distinguishedinitslineaments.
Now,asthelifeofeveryothercreature,asMosesshows,isinthe
blood,sothelifeofmanconsistsinthesoul,whichalthoughsubject
topassion,byreasonofthegrosscomposuresofthebody,inwhich
ithasatemporaryconfinement,yetitisimmortalandcannotin
itselfcorruptorsufferchange,itbeingasparkoftheDivineMind.
Andthateverymanhasapeculiarsoulplainlyappearsbythevast
difference between the will, judgment, opinions, manners, and
affectionsinmen.ThisDavidobserveswhenhesays:"Godhath
fashionedtheheartsandmindsofmen,andhasgiventoeveryone
his own being and a soul of its own nature." Hence Solomon
rejoicedthatGodhadgivenhimasoul,andabodyagreeabletoit.It

hasbeendisputedamongthelearnedinwhatpartofthebodythe
soulresides;someareofopinionitsresidenceisinthemiddleofthe
heart, and from thence communicates itself to every part, which
Solomon(Prov.iv.23)seemstoconfirmwhenhesays:"Keepthy
heartwithalldiligence,foroutofitaretheissuesoflife."Butmany
curiousphysicians,searchingtheworksofnatureinman'sanatomy,
doaffirmthatitschiefseatisinthebrain,fromwhenceproceedthe
senses,thefaculties,andactions,diffusingtheoperationsofthesoul
throughallpartsofthebody,wherebyitisenlivenedwithheatand
force to the heart, by the arteries, corodities, or sleepy arteries,
whichpartuponthethroat;which,iftheyhappentobebrokenor
cut,theycausebarrenness,andifstoppedanapoplexy;forthere
mustnecessarilybewaysthroughwhichthespirits,animalandvital,
may have intercourse and convey native heat from the soul. For
thoughthesoulhasitschiefseatinoneplace,itoperatesinevery
part,exercisingeverymemberwhicharethesoul'sinstruments,by
which she discovers her power. But if it happen that any of the
originalpartsareoutoftune,itswholeworkisconfused,asappears
inidiotsandmad men; though,in someof them, thesoul, bya
vigorousexertionofitspower,recoversitsinnatestrengthandthey
becomerightafteralongdespondencyinmind,butinothersitisnot
recovered again in this life. For, as fire under ashes, or the sun
obscured from our sight by thick clouds, afford not their native
lustre, so the soul, overwhelmed in moist or morbid matter, is
darkenedandreasontherebyoverclouded;andthoughreasonshines
lessinchildrenthanitdoesinsuchasarearrivedatmaturity,yetno
manmustimaginethatthesoulofaninfantgrowsupwiththechild,
forthenwoulditagaindecay;butitsuitsitselftonature'sweakness,
and the imbecility of the body wherein it is placed, that it may
operatethebetter.Andasthebodyismorecapableofrecoveringits
influence,sothesouldoesmoreandmoreexertitsfaculties,having
forceandendowmentatthetimeitenterstheformofachildinthe
womb;foritssubstancecanreceivenothingless.Andthusmuchto

provethatthesouldoesnotcomefromtheparents,butisinfusedby
God.Ishallnextproveitsimmortalityanddemonstratethecertainty
ofourresurrection.
OFTHEIMMORTALITYOFTHESOUL
That the soul of man is a Divine ray, infused by the Sovereign
Creator,Ihavealreadyproved,andnowcometoshowthatwhatever
immediately proceeds from Him, and participates of His nature,
mustbeasimmortalasitsoriginal;for,thoughallothercreatures
areendowedwithlifeandmotion,theyyetlackareasonablesoul,
andfromthenceitisconcludedthattheirlifeisintheirblood,and
thatbeingcorruptibletheyperishandarenomore;butmanbeing
endowedwithareasonablesoulandstampedwithaDivineimage,is
ofadifferentnature,andthoughhisbodyiscorruptible,yethissoul
beingofanimmortalnaturecannotperish;butatthedissolutionof
thebodyreturnstoGodwhogaveit,eithertoreceiverewardor
punishment. Now, that the body can sin of itself is impossible,
becausewantingthesoul,whichistheprincipleoflife,itcannotact
norproceedtoanythingeithergoodorevil;forcoulditdoso,it
mightevensininthegrave.Butitisplainthatafterdeaththereisa
cessation;forasdeathleavesussojudgmentwillfindus.
Now,reasonhavingevidentlydemonstratedthesoul'simmortality,
theHolyScripturesdoabundantlygivetestimonyofthetruthofthe
resurrection,asthereadermayseebyperusingthe14thand19th
chaptersofJoband5thofJohn.Ishall,therefore,leavethefurther
discussionofthismattertodivines,whoseprovinceitis,andreturn
totreatoftheworksofnature.

CHAPTERV

OfMonstersandMonstrousBirths;andtheseveralreasonsthereof,
according to the opinions of the Ancients. Also, whether the
Monsters are endowed with reasonable Souls; and whether the
Devilscanengender;isherebrieflydiscussed.
Bytheancients,monstersareascribedtodepravedconceptions,and
aredesignatedasbeingexcursionsofnature,whichareviciousin
one of these four ways: either in figure, magnitude, situation, or
number.
Infigure,whenamanbearsthecharacterofabeast,asdidthebeast
in Saxony. In magnitude, when one part does not equalise with
another;aswhenonepartistoobigortoolittlefortheotherpartsof
thebody.ButthisissocommonamongusthatIneednotproducea
testimony.

TherewasaMonsteratRavennainItalyofthis
kind,intheyear1512.
I now proceedto explain the cause oftheir generation, which is
either divine or natural. The divine cause proceeds from God's
permissivewill,sufferingparentstobringforthabominationsfor
their filthy and corrupt affections, which are let loose unto
wickedness like brute beasts which have no understanding.
WhereforeitwasenactedamongtheancientRomansthatthosewho
wereinanywaydeformed,shouldnotbeadmittedintoreligious

houses.AndSt.Jeromewasgrievedinhistimetoseethelameand
the deformed offering up spiritual sacrifices to God in religious
houses.AndKeckerman,bywayofinference,excludesallthatare
illshapenfromthispresbyterianfunctioninthechurch.Andthat
whichisofmoreforcethanall,GodhimselfcommandedMosesnot
to receive such to offer sacrifice among his people; and he also
renders the reason Leviticus, xxii. 28, "Lest he pollute my
sanctuaries."Becauseoftheoutwarddeformity,thebodyisoftena
signofthepollutionoftheheart,asacurselaidonthechildforthe
incontinencyofitsparents.Yetitisnotalwaysso.Letustherefore
dulyexamineandsearchoutthenaturalcauseoftheirgeneration,
which(accordingtotheancientswhohavedivedintothesecretsof
nature)iseitherinthemotherorintheagent,intheseed,orinthe
womb.
Themattermaybeindefaulttwowaysbydefectorbyexcess:by
defect,whenthechildhasonlyonearm;byexcess,whenithasfour
hands or two heads. Some monsters are begotten by a woman's
unnaturallyingwithbeasts;asintheyear1603,therewasamonster
begottenbyawoman'sgeneratingwithadog;whichfromthenavel
upwards had the perfect resemblance of its mother: but from its
naveldownwardsitresembledadog.

Theagentorwombmaybeinfaultthreeways;firstly,theformative
faculty,whichmaybetoostrongortooweak,bywhichisprocured

a depraved figure; secondly, to the instrument or place of

conception, the evil confirmation or the disposition whereof will
causeamonstrousbirth;thirdly,intheimaginativepoweratthetime
ofconception;whichisofsuchaforcethatitstampsthecharacterof
thethingimaginedonthechild.Thusthechildrenofanadulteress
maybelikeherhusband,thoughbegottenbyanotherman,whichis
causedthroughtheforceofimaginationthatthewomanhasofher
ownhusbandattheactofcoition.AndIhaveheardofawoman,
who, at the time of conception, beholding the picture of a
blackamoor,conceivedandbroughtforthanEthiopian.Iwillnot
trouble you with more human testimonies, but conclude with a
strongerwarrant.Weread(Gen.xxx.31)howJacobhavingagreed
withLabantohaveallthespottedsheepforkeepinghisflockto
augment his wages, took hazel rods and peeled white streaks on
them, and laid them before the sheep when they came to drink,
which coupling together there, whilst they beheld the rods,
conceivedandbroughtforthyoung.

"Wherechildrenthusarebornwithhairycoats
Heaven'swrathuntothekingdomitdenotes"
Anothermonsterrepresentingahairychild.Itwasallcoveredwith
hairlikeabeast.Thatwhichmadeitmorefrightfulwas,thatits
navelwasintheplacewhereitsnoseshouldstand,anditseyes
placedwherethemouthshouldhavebeen,anditsmouthplacedin
thechin.Itwasofthemalekind,andwasborninFrance,intheyear
1597,atatowncalledArles inProvence, andlived afew days,

frighteningallthatbeheldit.Itwaslookeduponasaforerunnerof
desolationswhichsoonafterhappenedtothatkingdom,inwhich
mentoeachotherweremorelikebrutesthanhumancreatures.
TherewasamonsterbornatNazaraintheyear1530.Ithadfour
armsandfourlegs.
Theimaginationalsoworksonthechild,afterconception,ofwhich
wehaveapregnantinstance.
A worthy gentlewoman in Suffolk, who being with child and
passing by a butcher who was killing his meat, a drop of blood
sprung on her face, whereupon she said her child would have a
blemishonitsface,andatthebirthitwasfoundmarkedwithared
spot.

LikewiseinthereignofHenryIII,therewasawomandeliveredofa
childhavingtwoheadsandfourarms,andthebodieswerejoinedat
theback;theheadsweresoplacedthattheylookedcontraryways;
eachhadtwodistinctarmsandhands.Theywouldbothlaugh,both
speak, and both cry, and be hungry together; sometimes the one
wouldspeakandtheotherkeepsilence,andsometimesbothspeak
together.Theylivedseveralyears,butoneoutlivedtheotherthree
years,carryingthedeadone(fortherewasnopartingthem)tillthe
survivorfaintedwiththeburden,andmorewiththestenchofthe
deadcarcase.

Itiscertainthatmonstrousbirthsoftenhappenbymeansofundue
copulation;forsomethereare,who,havingbeenlongabsentfrom
oneanother,andhavinganeagerdesireforenjoyment,considernot
astheyought,todoastheircircumstancesdemand.Andifithappen
thattheycometogetherwhenthewoman'smensesareflowing,and
notwithstanding, proceed to the act of copulation, which is both
uncleanandunnatural,theissueofsuchcopulationdoesoftenprove
monstrous,asajustpunishmentfordoingwhatnatureforbids.And,
therefore,thoughmenshouldbeeversoeagerforit,yetwomen,
knowingtheirowncondition,shouldatsuchtimespositivelyrefuse
theircompany.Andthoughsuchcopulationsdonotalwaysproduce
monstrousbirth,yetthechildren,thusbegotten,aregenerallyheavy,
dull,andsluggish,besidesdefectiveintheirunderstandings,lacking
thevivacityandlovelinesswithwhichchildrenbegotteninproper
seasonareendowed.

In Flanders, between Antwerp and Mechlin, in a village called

Uthaton,achildwasbornwhichhadtwoheads,fourarms,seeming
liketwogirlsjoinedtogether,havingtwooftheirarmsliftedup
betweenandabovetheirheads,thethighsbeingplacedasitwere
acrossoneanother,accordingtothefigureonp.39.Howlongthey
livedIhadnoaccountof.
By the figure on p. 40 you may see that though some of the
membersarewanting,yettheyaresuppliedbyothermembers.
ItremainsnowthatImakesomeinquirywhetherthosethatareborn
monsters have reasonable souls, and are capable of resurrection.
Andherebothdivinesandphysiciansareofopinionthatthosewho,
accordingtotheorderofgenerationsdeducedfromourfirstparents,
proceed by mutual means from either sex, though their outward
shape be deformed and monstrous, have notwithstanding a
reasonable soul, and consequently their bodies are capable of
resurrection,asothermen'sandwomen'sare;butthosemonsters
that are not begotten by men, but are the product of women's
unnaturallustsincopulatingwithothercreaturesshallperishasthe
brutebeastsbywhomtheywerebegotten,nothavingareasonable
soulnoranybreathoftheAlmightyinfusedintothem;andsuchcan
never be capable of resurrection. And the same is also true of
imperfectandabortivebirths.
Some are of opinion that monsters may be engendered by some

infernal spirit. Of this mind was Adigus Fariur, speaking of a

deformed monster born at Craconia; and Hieronimus Cardamnus
wroteofamaidthatwasgotwithchildbythedevil,shethinkingit
hadbeenafairyoungman.ThelikealsoisrecordedbyVicentius,
oftheprophetMerlin,thathewasbegottenbyanevilspirit.But
whatarepugnanceitwouldbebothtoreligionandnature,ifthe
devilscouldbegetmen;whenwearetaughttobelievethatnotany
waseverbegottenwithouthumanseed,excepttheSonofGod.The
devil then being a spirit and having no corporeal substance, has
thereforenoseedofgeneration;tosaythathecanusetheactof
generationeffectuallyistoaffirmthathecanmakesomethingoutof
nothing,andconsequentlytoaffirmthedeviltobeGod,forcreation
belongstoGodonly.Again,ifthedevilcouldassumetohimselfa
humanbodyandenliventhefacultiesofit,andcauseittogenerate,
assomeaffirmhecan,yetthisbodymustbeartheimageofthe
devil.AnditbordersonblasphemytothinkthatGodshouldsofar
give leave to the devil as out of God's image to raise his own
diabolical offspring. In the school of Nature we are taught the
contrary,viz.,thatlikebegetslike;therefore,ofadevilcannotman
be born. Yet, it is not denied, but the devils, transforming
themselvesintohumanshapes,mayabusebothmenandwomen,
and, with wicked people, use carnal copulation; but that any
unnaturalconjunctioncanbringforthahumancreatureiscontraryto
natureandallreligion.

CHAPTERVI
Ofthehappystateofmatrimony,asitisappointedbyGod,thetrue
felicitythatreboundstherebytoeithersex;andtowhatenditis
ordained.

Without doubt the uniting of hearts in holy wedlock is of all

conditionsthehappiest;forthenamanhasasecondselftowhomhe
canrevealhisthoughts,aswellasasweetcompanioninhislabours,
toils,trials,anddifficulties.Hehasoneinwhosebreast,asinasafe
cabinet, he can confide his inmost secrets, especially where
reciprocalloveandinviolablefaithiscentred;fortherenocare,fear,
jealousy,mistrustorhatredcaneverinterpose.Forbaseistheman
thathatethhisownflesh!Andtrulyawife,ifrightlyconsidered,as
Adamwellobserved,isor
"Itakenotthattobemydowry,which
Thevulgarsortdowealthandhonourcall;
Thatallmywishesterminateinthis:
I'llobeymyhusbandandbechastewithall;
TohaveGod'sfear,andbeautyinmymind,
Todothosegoodwhoarevirtuouslyinclined."
oughttobeesteemedofeveryhonestmanas"Boneofhisboneand
fleshofhisflesh,"etc.NorwasittheleastcareoftheAlmightyto
ordainsonearaunion,andthatfortwocauses;thefirst,forthe
increaseofposterity;thesecond,torestrainman'swanderingdesires
andaffections;nay,thattheymightbeyethappier,whenGodhas
joinedthemtogether,he"blessedthem,"asinGen.ii.Anancient
writer,contemplatingthishappystate,says,intheeconomyof
Xenophon,"thatthemarriagebedisnotonlythemostpleasant,but
alsoprofitablecourseoflife,thatmaybeenteredonforthe
preservationandincreaseofposterity.Wherefore,sincemarriageis
themostsafe,anddelightfulsituationofmanhedoesinnoways
provideamissforhisowntranquillitywhoentersintoit,especially
whenhecomestomaturityofyears."
Therearemanyabusesinmarriagecontrarytowhatisordained,the
whichintheensuingchapterIshallexposetoview.Buttoproceed:
SeeingourblessedSaviourandHisholyapostlesdetestedunlawful
lusts,andpronouncedthosetobeexcludedthekingdomofheaven

that polluted themselves with adultery and whoring, I cannot

conceivewhatfacepeoplehavetocolourtheirimpieties,whohating
matrimony,makeittheirstudyhowtheymaylivelicentiously:for,
insodoing,theytakeinthemselvestorment,enmity,disquietude,
rather than certain pleasure, not to mention the hazard of their
immortalsoul;andcertainitisthatmercenarylove(orasthewise
mancalleditharlotsmiles)cannotbetrueandsincereandtherefore
notpleasant,butratheranetlaidtobetraysuchastrustinthemwith
all mischief, as Solomon observes of the young man void of
understanding,whoturnedasidetotheharlot'shouse,"asabirdto
thesnareofthefowler,orasanoxtotheslaughter,tilladartwas
struckthroughhisliver."Norinthiscasecantheyhavechildren,
thoseendearingpledgesofconjugalaffection;oriftheyhave,they
willratherredoundtotheirshamethancomfort,bearingtheodious
brandofbastards.Harlots,likewisearelikeswallows,flyinginthe
summer season of prosperity; but the black stormy weather of
adversitycoming,theytakewingandflyintootherregionsthatis,
seekotherlovers;butavirtuous,chastewife,fixingherentirelove
uponherhusband,andsubmittingtohimasherheadandking,by
whosedirectionssheoughttosteerinalllawfulcourses,will,likea
faithfulcompanion,sharepatientlywithhiminalladversities,run
withcheerfulnessthroughalldifficultiesanddangers,thoughever
sohazardous,topreserveandassisthim,inpoverty,sickness,or
whatsoevermisfortunesbefallhim,actingaccordingtoherdutyin
allthings;butaproud,imperiousharlotwilldonomorethanshe
lists, in the sunshine of prosperity; and like a horseleech, ever
craving, and never satisfied; still seeming displeased, if all her
extravagantcravingsbenotanswered;notregardingtheruinand
miseryshebringsonhimbythosemeans,thoughsheseemstodoat
uponhim,usedtoconfirmingherhypocrisywithcrocodiletears,
vowsandswoonings,whenhercullyhastodepartawhile,orseems
buttodenyimmediatedesires;yetthislastsnolongerthanshecan
gratifyherappetite,andpreyuponhisfortune.

Now, on the contrary, a loving, chaste and eventempered wife,

seekswhatshemaytopreventsuchdangers,andineverycondition
doesallshecantomakehimeasy.And,inaword,asthereisno
contentintheembracesofaharlot,sothereisnogreaterjoyinthe
reciprocalaffectionandendearingembracesofaloving,obedient,
andchastewife.Noristhattheprincipalendforwhichmatrimony
wasordained,butthatthemanmightfollowthelawofhiscreation
byincreasinghiskindandreplenishingtheearth;forthiswasthe
injunctionlaiduponhiminParadise,beforehisfall.Toconclude,a
virtuouswifeisacrownandornamenttoherhusband,andherprice
isaboveallrubies:butthewaysofaharlotaredeceitful.

CHAPTERVII
OfErrorsinMarriages;Whytheyare,andtheInjuriescausedby
them.
Byerrorsinmarriage,Imeantheunfitnessofthepersonsmarrying
toenterintothisstate,andthatbothwithrespecttoageandthe
constitutionoftheirbodies;and,therefore,thosewhodesigntoenter
into that condition ought to observe their ability and not run
themselvesintoinconveniences;forthosethatmarrytooyoungmay
besaidtomarryunseasonably,notconsideringtheirinability,nor
examiningtheforcesofnature;forsome,beforetheyareripeforthe
consummationofsoweightyamatter,whoeitherrashly,oftheir
ownaccord,orbytheinstigationofprocurersormarriagebrokers,
orelseforcedtheretobytheirparentswhocovetalargedowertake
uponthemthisyoketotheirprejudice;bywhichsome,beforethe
expiration of a year, have been so enfeebled, that all their vital
moisture has been exhausted; which had not been restored again
withoutgreattroubleandtheuseofmedicines.Therefore,myadvice

is:thatitisnotconvenienttosufferchildren,orsuchasarenotof
age,tomarry,orgetchildren.
Hethatproposestomarry,andwishestoenjoyhappinessinthat
state,shouldchooseawifedescendedfromhonestandtemperate
parents,shebeingchaste,wellbred,andofgoodmanners.Forifa
woman has good qualities, she has portion enough. That of
Alcmena,inPlautus,ismuchtothepurpose,wherehebringsina
youngwomanspeakingthus:
"Itakenotthattobemydowry,which
Thevulgarsortdowealthandhonourcall;
Thatallmywishesterminateinthis:
I'llobeymyhusbandandbechastewithall;
TohaveGod'sfear,andbeautyinmymind,
Todothosegoodwhoarevirtuouslyinclined."
AndIthinkshewasintheright,forsuchawifeismoreprecious
thanrubies.
Itiscertainlythedutyofparentstobringuptheirchildreninthe
waysofvirtue,andtohaveregardtotheirhonourandreputation;
andespeciallytovirgins,whengrowntobemarriageable.For,as
hasbeennoted,ifthroughthetoogreatseverityofparents,theymay
becrossedintheirlove,manyofthemthrowthemselvesintothe
unchastearmsofthefirstalluringtempterthatcomesintheway,
being,throughthesoftnessandflexibilityoftheirnature,andthe
strongdesiretheyhaveafterwhatnaturestronglyincitesthemto,
easilyinducedtobelievemen'sfalsevowsofpromisedmarriage,to
covertheirshame:andthentoolate,theirparentsrepentoftheir
severitywhichhasbroughtanindeliblestainupontheirfamilies.

Anothererrorinmarriageis,theinequalityofyearsintheparties
married; such as for a young man, who, to advance his fortune,
marriesawomanoldenoughtobehisgrandmother:betweenwhom,
forthemostpart,strife,jealousies,anddissatisfactionareallthe
blessingswhichcrownthegenialbed,isbeingimpossibleforsuch
to have any children. The like may be said, though with a little
excuse,whenanolddotingwidowermarriesavirginintheprimeof
heryouthandhervigour,who,whilehevainlytriestopleaseher,is
therebyweddedtohisgrave.For,asingreenyouth,itisunfitand
unseasonabletothinkofmarriage,sotomarryinoldageisjustthe
same;fortheythatenteruponittoosoonaresoonexhausted,and
fall into consumptions and divers other diseases; and those who
procrastinateandmarryunseemingly,fallintotheliketroubles;on
the other side having only this honour, if old men, they become
youngcuckolds,especiallyiftheirwiveshavenotbeentrainedupin
thepathsofvirtue,andlietoomuchopentotheimportunityand
temptation of lewd and debauched men. And thus much for the
errorsofrashandinconsideratemarriages.

CHAPTERVIII
The Opinion of the Learned concerning Children conceived and
born within Seven Months; with Arguments upon the Subject to
prevent Suspicion of Incontinency, and bitter Contest on that
Account. To which are added Rules to Know the Disposition of
Man'sBodybytheGenitalParts.
Manybitterquarrelshappenbetweenmenandtheirwivesuponthe
man's supposition that the child comes too soon, and by
consequence,thathecouldnotbethefather;whereas,itisthewant
ofunderstandingthesecretsofnaturewhichbringsthemanintothat

error; and which, had he known, might have cured him of his
suspicionandjealousy.
Toremovewhich,Ishallendeavourtoprove,thatitispossible,and
hasbeenfrequentlyknown,thatchildrenhavebeenbornatseven
months.Paul, theCounsel, hasthispassage inthe 19thBookof
Pleadings,viz.:"Itisnowareceivedtruth,thataperfectchildmay
be born in the seventh month, by the authority of the learned
Hippocrates;andtherefore,wemustbelievethatachildbornatthe
end of the seventh month in lawful matrimony may be lawfully
begotten."
Galenisofopinionthatthereisnocertaintimesetforthebearingof
children;andthatfromPliny'sauthority,whomakesmentionofa
womanthatwentthirteenmonthswithchild;butastowhatconcerns
theseventhmonth,alearnedauthorsays,"Iknowseveralmarried
peopleinHollandthathadtwinsbornintheseventhmonth,who
livedtooldage,havinglustybodiesandlivelyminds.Wherefore
their opinion is absurd, who assert that a child at seven months
cannotbeperfectandlonglived;andthatitcannotinallpartsbe
perfectuntiltheninthmonth."Thereupontheauthorproceedstotell
apassagefromhisownknowledge,viz.:"Oflatetherehappeneda
greatdisturbanceamongus,whichendednotwithoutbloodshed;
andwasoccasionedbyavirgin,whosechastityhadbeenviolated,
descendingfromanoblefamilyofunspottedfame.Severalcharged
thefactupontheJudge,whowaspresidentofacityinFlanders,
whofirmlydeniedit,sayinghewasreadytotakehisoaththathe
neverhadanycarnalcopulationwithher,andthathewouldnot
fatherthat,whichwasnoneofhis;andfartherargued,thatheverily
believeditwasachildborninsevenmonths,himselfbeingmany
milesdistantfromthemotherofitwhenitwasconceived.Upon
whichthejudgesdecreedthatthechildshouldbeviewedbyable
physiciansandexperiencedwomen,andthattheyshouldmaketheir
report. They having made diligent inquiry, all of them with one

mind,concludedthechild,withoutdiscussingwhowasthefather,
wasbornwithinthespaceofsevenmonths,andthatitwascarriedin
themother'swombbuttwentysevenweeksandsomeodddays;but
ifsheshouldhavegonefullninemonths,thechild'spartsandlimbs
wouldhavebeenmorefirmandstrong,andthestructureofthebody
morecompact;fortheskinwasveryloose,andthebreastbonethat
defendsthe heart, andthegristlesthatlay overthe stomach, lay
higher than naturally they should be, not plain, but crooked and
sharp,rigidorpointed,likethoseofayoungchickenhatchedinthe
beginningofspring.Andbeingafemale,itwantednailsuponthe
jointsofthefingers;uponwhich,fromthemasculouscartilaginous
matter of the skin, nails that are very smooth do come, and by
degreesharden;shehad,insteadofnails,athinskinorfilm.Asfor
hertoes,therewerenosignsofnailsuponthem,wantingtheheat
whichwasexpandedtothefingersfromthenearnessoftheheart.
Allthiswasconsidered,andaboveall,onegentlewomanofquality
that assisted, affirming that she hadbeen the mother of nineteen
children,andthatdiversofthemhadbeenbornandlivedatseven
months,thoughwithintheseventhmonth.Forinsuchcases,the
revolutionofthemonthoughttobeobserved,whichperfectsitself
in four bare weeks, or somewhat less than twentyeight days; in
whichspaceoftherevolution,thebloodbeingagitatedbytheforce
ofthemoon,thecoursesofwomenflowfromthem;whichbeing
spent,andthematrixcleansedfromthemenstruousbloodwhich
happensonthefourthday,then,ifamanontheseventhdayliewith
hiswife,thecopulationismostnatural,andthentheconceptionis
best:andthechildthusbegottenmaybebornintheseventhmonth
andproveveryhealthful.Sothatonthisreport,thesupposedfather
waspronouncedinnocent;theproofthathewas100milesdistantall
thatmonthinwhichthechildwasbegotten;asforthemothershe
stronglydeniedthatsheknewthefather,beingforcedinthedark;
andso,throughfearandsurprise,wasleftinignorance."
Asforcoition,itoughtnottobeusedunlessthepartiesbeinhealth,

lestitturntothedisadvantageofthechildrensobegotten,creating
inthem,throughtheabundanceofillhumours,diverslanguishing
diseases. Wherefore, health is no better discerned than by the
genitalsoftheman;forwhichreasonsmidwives,andotherskilful
women,wereformerlywonttoseethetesticlesofchildren,thereby
toconjecturetheirtemperatureandstateofbody;andyoungmen
mayknowtherebythesignsandsymptomsofdeath;forifthecases
ofthetesticlesbelooseandfeeble,whicharetheproofsoflife,are
fallen,butifthesecretpartsarewrinkledandraisedup,itisasign
thatalliswell,butthattheeventmayexactlyanswertheprediction,
it is necessary to consider what part of the body the disease
possesseth;forifitchancetobetheupperpartthatisafflicted,as
theheadorstomach,thenitwillnotsothenappearbythemembers,
whichareunconnectedwithsuchgrievances;butthelowerpartof
thebodyexactlysympathising withthem,their liveliness,onthe
contrary,makesitapparent;fornature'sforce,andthespiritsthat
have their intercourse, first manifest themselves therein; which
occasionsmidwivestofeelthegenitalsofchildren,toknowinwhat
part the gulf is residing, and whether life or death be portended
thereby,thesymptomsbeingstronglycommunicatedtothevessels,
thathavetheirintercoursewiththeprincipalseatoflife.

CHAPTERIX
OftheGreenSicknessinVirgins,withitscauses,signsandcures;
togetherwiththechiefoccasionsofBarrennessinWomen,andthe
MeanstoremovetheCause,andrenderthemfruitful.
The greensickness is so common a complaint amongst virgins,
especially those of a phlegmatic complexion, that it is easily
discerned,showingitselfbydiscolouringtheface,makingitlook

green, pale, and of a dusty colour, proceeding from raw and

indigestedhumours;nordothitonlyappeartotheeye,butsensibly
affectsthepersonwithdifficultyofbreathing,painsinthehead,
palpitationoftheheart,withunusualbeatingsandsmallthrobbings
ofthearteriesinthetemples,backandneck,whichoftencastthem
intofeverswhenthehumourisovervicious;alsoloathingofmeat
and the distention of the hypochondriac part, by reason of the
inordinateeffluxionofthemenstruousbloodofthegreatervessels;
and from the abundance of humours, the whole body is often
troubledwithswellings,oratleastthethighs,legsandankles,all
abovetheheels;thereisalsoawearinessofthebodywithoutany
reasonforit.
TheGalenicalphysiciansaffirm,thatthisdistemperproceedsfrom
the womb; occasioned by the gross, vicious and rude humours
arising from several inward causes; but there are also outward
causeswhichhaveashareintheproductionofit;astakingcoldin
the feet, drinking of water, intemperance of diet, eating things
contrarytonature,viz.,raworburntflesh,ashes,coals,oldshoes,
chalk, wax, nutshells, mortar, lime, oatmeal, tobacco pipes, etc.,
whichoccasionbothasuppressionofthemensesandobstructions
through the whole body; therefore, the first thing necessary to
vindicatethecause,ismatrimonialconjunction,andsuchcopulation
asmayprovesatisfactorytoherthatisafflicted,forthenthemenses
willbegintoflowaccordingtotheirnaturalandduecourse,andthe
humoursbeingdispersed,willsoonwastethemselves;andthenno
morematterbeingadmittedtoincreasethem,theywillvanishanda
goodtemperamentofbodywillreturn;butincasethisbestremedy
cannotbehadsoonenough,thenletbloodintheankles,andifshe
beaboutsixteen,youmaylikewisedoitinthearm,butletherbe
bledsparingly,especiallyifthebloodbegood.Ifthediseasebeof
anycontinuance,thenitistobeeradicatedbypurging,preparation
ofthehumourbeingfirstconsidered,whichmaybedonebythe
virgin'sdrinkingthedecoctionofguaiacum,withdittanyoferete;

butthebestpurgeinthiscaseoughttobemadeofaloes,agaric,
senna, rhubarb; and for strengthening the bowels and removing
obstructions,chalybeatemedicinesarechieflytobeused.Thediet
mustbemoderate,andsharpthingsbyallmeansavoided.
And now, since barrenness daily creates discontent, and that
discontent breeds indifference between man and wife, or, by
immediate grief, frequently casts the woman into one or another
distemper,Ishallinthenextplacetreatthereof.

OFBARRENNESS.
Formerly,beforewomencametothemarriagebed,theywerefirst
searchedbythemidwife,andthoseonlywhichsheallowedofas
fruitfulwereadmitted.Ihope,therefore,itwillnotbeamisstoshow
youhowtheymayprovethemselvesandturnbarrengroundinto
fruitfulsoil.Barrennessisadeprivationofthelifeandpowerwhich
oughttobeintheseedtoprocreateandpropagate;forwhichend
men and women were made. Causes of barrenness may be over
much cold or heat, drying up the seed and corrupting it, which
extinguishesthelifeoftheseed,makingitwaterishandunfitfor
generation. It may be caused also, by the not flowing or over
flowingofthecoursesbyswellings,ulcers,andinflammationofthe
womb,byanexcrescenceoffleshgrowingaboutthemouthofthe
matrix,bythemouthofthematrixbeingturneduptothebackor
sidebythefatnessofthebody,wherebythemouthofthematrixis
closedup,beingpressedwiththeomentumorcaul,andthematterof
theseedisturnedtofat;ifshebealeananddrybody,andthough
shedoconceive,yetthefruitofherbodywillwitherbeforeitcome
to perfection, for want of nourishment. One main cause of
barrennessisattributedtowantofaconvenientmoderatingquality,
whichthewomanoughttohavewiththeman;as,ifhebehot,she
mustbecold;ifhebedry,shemustbemoist;as,iftheybebothdry

orbothmoistofconstitution,theycannotpropagate;andyet,simply
considering of themselves, they are not barren, for she who was
before as the barren figtree being joined to an apt constitution
becomes as the fruitful vine. And that a man andwoman, being
every way of like constitution, cannot create, I will bring nature
itselfforatestimony,whohathmademanofabetterconstitution
thanwoman,thatthequalityoftheone,maymoderatethequalityof
theother.

SIGNSOFBARRENNESS.
Ifbarrennessproceedsfromovermuchheat,ifsheisadrybody,
subjecttoanger,hasblackhair,quickpulse,andherpurgationsflow
butlittle,andthatwithpain,shelovestoplayinthecourtsofVenus.
Butifitcomesbycold,thenthesignsarecontrarytotheabove
mentioned. If through the evil quality of the womb, make a
suffumigation of red styrax, myrrh, cassiawood, nutmeg, and
cinnamon;andletherreceivethefumesintoherwomb,coveringher
veryclose;andiftheodoursoreceivedpassesthroughthebodyto
themouthandnostrils,sheisfruitful.Butifshefeelsnotthefumes
inhermouthandnostrils,itarguesbarrennessoneoftheseways
that the spirit of the seed is either extinguished through cold, or
dissipatedthroughheat.Ifanywomanbesuspectedtobeunfruitful,
castnaturalbrimstone,suchasisdiggedoutofmines,intoherurine,
andifwormsbreedtherein,sheisnotbarren.

PROGNOSTICS.
Barrennessmakeswomenlookyoung,becausetheyarefreefrom
thosepainsandsorrowswhichotherwomenareaccustomedto.Yet
theyhavenotthefullperfectionofhealthwhichotherwomenenjoy,
becausetheyarenotrightlypurgedofthemenstruousbloodand

superfluous seed, which are the principal cause of most uterine

diseases.
First,thecausemustberemoved,thewombstrengthened,andthe
spiritsoftheseedenlivened.Ifthewombbeoverhot,takesyrupof
succory,withrhubarb,syrupofviolets,roses,cassia,purslain.Take
ofendive,waterlilies,borageflowers,ofeachahandful;rhubarb,
mirobalans,ofeachthreedrachms;makeadecoctionwithwater,
andtothestrainingofthesyrupaddelectuaryvioletsoneounce,
syrupofcassiahalfanounce,mannathreedrachms;makeapotion.
Take of syrup of mugwort one ounce, syrup of maidenhair two
ounces,pulvelecttriasandonedrachm;makeajulep.Takeprus.
salt,elect.ros.mesua,ofeachthreedrachms,rhubarbonescruple,
andmakeabolus;applytotheloinsandprivypartsfomentationsof
the juice of lettuce, violets, roses, malloes, vine leaves and
nightshade; anoint the secret parts with the cooling unguent of
Galen.
Ifthepoweroftheseedbeextinguishedbycold,takeeverymorning
twospoonfulsofcinnamonwater,withonescrupleofmithridate.
Takesyrupofcalamint,mugwortandbetony,ofeachoneounce;
waters of pennyroyal, feverfew, hyssop and sage, of each two
ounces;makeajulep.Takeoilofaniseedtwoscruplesandahalf;
diacimini,diacliathidiamoseianddiaglaongoe,ofeachonedrachm,
sugarfourounces,withwaterofcinnamon,andmakelozenges;take
ofthemadrachmandahalftwiceaday,twohoursbeforemeals;
fasten cupping glasses to the hips and belly. Take of styrax and
calamint one ounce, mastick, cinnamon, nutmeg, lign, aloes, and
frankincense,ofeachhalfounce;musk,tengrains,ambergris,halfa
scruple;makeaconfectionwithrosewater,divideitintofourequal
parts;onepartmakeapomatumoderationtosmellatifshebenot
hysterical;ofthesecond,makeamassofpills,andlethertakethree
every other night: of the third make a pessary, dip it in oil of
spikenard,andputitup;ofthefourth,makeasuffumigationforthe

womb.
Ifthefacultiesofthewombbeweakened,andthelifeoftheseed
suffocatedbyovermuchhumidityflowingtothoseparts:takeof
betony, marjoram, mugwort, pennyroyal and balm, of each a
handful;rootsofalumandfennel,ofeachtwodrachms;aniseedand
cummin, of each one drachm, with sugar and water a sufficient
quantity;makeasyrup,andtakethreeounceseverymorning.
Purgewiththefollowingthings;takeofthediagnidium,twograins,
spicierumofcastor,ascruple,pillfoedittwoscruples,withsyrupof
mugwort,makesixpills.Takeapeo,diagem.diamoser,diamb.of
eachonedrachm;cinnamon,onedrachmandahalf;cloves,mace
andnutmeg,ofeachhalfadrachm;sugarsixounces,withwaterof
feverfew; make lozenges, to be taken every morning. Take of
decoctionofsarsaparillaandvirgaaurea,notforgettingsage,which
Agrippa,wonderingatitsoperation,hashonouredwiththenameof
sacraherba,aholyherb.ItisrecordedbyDodonoeusintheHistory
of Plants, lib. ii. cap. 77, that after a great mortality among the
Egyptians,thesurvivingwomen,thattheymightmultiplyquickly,
were commanded to drink the juice of sage, and to anoint the
genitals with oil of aniseed and spikenard. Take mace, nutmeg,
cinnamon,styraxandamber,ofeachonedrachm;cloves,laudanum,
ofeachhalfadrachm;turpentine,asufficientquantity;trochisks,to
smooththewomb.Takerootsofvalerianandelecampane,ofeach
onepound;galanga,twoounces;origanlavender,marjoram,betony,
mugwort,bayleaves,calamint,ofeachahandful;makeaninfusion
withwater,inwhichlethersit,aftershehathhercourses.
Ifbarrennessproceedfromdryness,consumingthematterofthe
seed;takeeverydayalmondmilk,andgoat'smilkextractedwith
honey, but often of the root satyrion, candied, and electuary of
diasyren. Take three wethers' heads, boil them until all the flesh
comes from the bones, then take melilot, violets, camomiles,

mercury, orchia with their roots, of each a handful; fenugreek,

linseed,valerianroots,ofeachonepound;letallthesebedecocted
intheaforesaidbroth,andletthewomansitinthedecoctionupto
thenavel.
Ifbarrennessbecausedbyanypropereffectofthewomb,thecureis
setdowninthesecondbook.Sometimesthewombprovesbarren
where there is no impediment on either side, except only in the
manneroftheact;aswhenintheemissionoftheseed,themanis
quickandthewomanisslow,wherebythereisnotanemissionof
bothseedsatthesameinstantastherulesofconceptionrequire.
Beforetheactsofcoition,fomenttheprivypartswiththedecoction
ofbetony,sage,hyssopandcalamintandanointthemouthandneck
ofthewombwithmuskandcivet.
The cause of barrenness being removed, let the womb be
strengthened as follows; Take of bay berries, mastic, nutmeg,
frankincense, nuts, laudanum, giapanum, of each one drachm,
styracisliquid,twoscruples,cloveshalfascruple,ambergristwo
grains,thenmakeapessarywithoilofspikenard.
Takeofredroses,lapididishoematis,whitefrankincense,ofeach
half an ounce. Dragon's blood, fine bole, mastic, of each two
drachms; nutmeg, cloves, of each one drachm; spikenard, half a
scruple,withoilofwormwood;makeaplasterforthelowerpartof
thebelly,thenlethereatcandiederingoroot,andmakeaninjection
onlyoftherootsofsatyrion.
Theaptesttimeforconceptionisinstantlyafterthemenseshave
ceased,becausethenthewombisthirstyanddry,aptbothtodraw
theseedandreturnit,bytheroughnessoftheinwardsurface,and
besides,insome,themouthofthewombisturnedintothebackor
side,andisnotplacedrightuntilthelastdayofthecourses.
Excessinallthingsistobeavoided.Layasideallpassionsofthe

mind,shunstudyandcare,asthingsthatareenemiestoconception,
forifawomanconceiveundersuchcircumstances,howeverwise
theparentsmaybe,thechildren,atbest,willbebutfoolish;because
thementalfacultiesoftheparents,viz.,theunderstandingandthe
rest (from whence the child derives its reason) are, as it were,
confusedthroughthemultiplicityofcaresandthought;ofwhichwe
have examples in learned men, who, after great study and care,
having connection with their wives, often beget very foolish
children.Ahotandmoistairismostsuitable,asappearsbythe
womeninEgypt,whooftenbringforththreeorfourchildrenatone
time.

CHAPTERX
Virginity,whatitis,inwhatitconsists,andhowvitiated;together
withtheOpinionsoftheLearnedabouttheChangeofSexinthe
Womb,duringtheOperationofNatureinformingtheBody.
There are many ignorant people that boast of their skill in the
knowledge of virginity, and some virgins have undergone harsh
censuresthroughtheirignorantconclusions;Ithereforethoughtit
highly necessary to clear up this point, that the towering
imaginationsofconceitedignorancemightbebroughtdown,andthe
fairsex(whosevirtuesaresoillustriouslybrightthattheyexciteour
wonder and command our imitation), may be freed from the
calumnies and detractions of ignorance and envy; and so their
honourmaycontinueasunspotted,astheyhavekepttheirpersons
uncontaminatedandfreefromdefilement.
Virginity,inastrictsense,signifiestheprime,thechief,thebestof
anything; and this makes men so desirous of marrying virgins,

imaginingsomesecretpleasureistobeenjoyedintheirembraces,
morethaninthoseofwidows,orofsuchashavebeenlainwith
before,thoughnotmanyyearsago,averygreatpersonagethought
differently, and to use his own expression:"The getting a
maidenheadwassuchapieceofdrudgery,thatitwasfitterforacoal
heaverthanaprince."[1]Butthiswasonlyhisopinion,forIamsure
thatothermenthinkdifferently.
ThecuriousinquirersintothesecretsofNature,haveobserved,that
inyoungmaidensinthesinuspudoris,orinwhatiscalledtheneck
ofthewomb,isthatwonderfulproductionusuallycalledthehymen,
butinFrench boutonderose,orrosebud,becauseitresemblesthe
expandedbudofaroseoragillyflower.Fromthistheworddefloro,
or,deflower,isderived,andhencetakingawayvirginityiscalled
defloweringavirgin,mostbeingoftheopinionthatthevirginityis
altogetherlostwhenthismembraneisfracturedanddestroyedby
violence; when it is found perfect and entire, however, no
penetrationhasbeeneffected;andintheopinionofsomelearned
physiciansthereisneitherhymennorexpandedskinwhichcontains
blood in it, which some people think, flows from the ruptured
membraneatthefirsttimeofsexualintercourse.
Nowthis claustrumvirginale,orflower,iscomposedoffourlittle
budslikemyrtleberries,whicharefullandplumpinvirgins,but
hang loose and flag in women; and these are placed in the four
anglesofthesinuspudoris,joinedtogetherbylittlemembranesand
ligatures,likefibres,eachofthemsituatedinthetesticles,orspaces
betweeneachbud,withwhich,inamanner,theyareproportionately
distended, and when once this membrane is lacerated, it denotes
Devirgination. Thus many ignorant people, finding their wives
defective in this respect on the first night, have immediately
suspectedtheirchastity,concludingthatanothermanhadbeenthere
beforethem,whenindeed,sucharupturemayhappeninseveral
waysaccidentally,aswellasbysexualintercourse,viz.byviolent

straining,coughing,orsneezing,thestoppageoftheurine,etc.,so
thattheentirenessorthefractureofthatwhichiscommonlytaken
for a woman's virginity or maidenhead, is no absolute sign of
immorality,thoughitismorefrequentlybrokenbycopulationthan
byanyothermeans.[2]
Andnowtosaysomethingofthechangeofthesexesinthewomb.
Thegenitalpartsofthesexesaresounlikeeachotherinsubstance,
composition,situation,figure,actionandusethatnothingismore
unliketoeachotherthantheyare,andthemore,allpartsofthebody
(the breasts excepted, which in women swell, because Nature
ordainedthemforsucklingtheinfant)haveanexactresemblanceto
eachother,somuchthemoredothegenitalpartsofonesexdiffer,
whencomparedwiththeother,andiftheybethusdifferentinform,
howmuchmorearetheysointheiruse.
Thevenerealfeelingalsoproceedsfromdifferentcauses;inmen
from the desire of emission, and in women from the desire of
reception.Allthesethings,then,consideredIcannotbutwonder,he
adds,howanyonecanimaginethatthefemalegenitalorganscanbe
changedintothemaleorgan,sincethesexescanbedistinguished
onlybythoseparts,norcanIwellimputethereasonforthisvulgar
errortoanythingbutthemistakeofinexpertmidwives,whohave
beendeceivedbythefaultyconformationofthoseparts,whichin
somemalesmayhavehappenedtohavesuchsmallprotrusionsthat
theycouldnotbeseen,asappearsbytheexampleofachildwho
waschristenedinParisunderthenameofIvan,asagirl,andwho
afterwards turned out to be a boy, and on the other hand, the
excessivetensionoftheclytorisinnewlybornfemaleinfantsmay
haveoccasionedsimilarmistakes.ThusfarPlinyinthenegative,
and notwithstanding what he has said, there are others, such as
Galen,whoasserttheaffirmative."Aman,"hesays,"isdifferent
from a woman, only by having his genitals outside his body,
whereasawomanhastheminsideher."Andthisiscertain,thatif

Naturehavingformedamaleshouldconverthimintoafemale,she
hasnothingelsetodobuttoturnhisgenitalsinward,andagainto
turnawomanintoamanbyacontraryoperation.This,however,is
tobeunderstoodofthechildwhilstitisinthewombandnotyet
perfectlyformed,forNaturehasoftenmadeafemalechild,andit
has remained so for a month or two, in its mother's womb; but
afterwards the heat greatly increasing in the genital organs, they
haveprotrudedandthechildhasbecomeamale,butnevertheless
retainedsomethingswhichdonotbefitthemasculinesex,suchas
female gestures and movements, a high voice, and a more
effeminatetemperthanisusualwithmen;whilst,ontheotherhand,
thegenitalshavebecomeinvertedthroughcoldhumours,butyetthe
personretainedamasculineair,bothinvoiceandgesture.Now,
thoughboththeseopinionsaresupportedbyseveralreasons,yetI
think the latter are nearer the truth, for there is not that vast
differencebetweenthegenitalsofthetwosexesasPlinyasserts;for
awomanhas,inaway,thesamepudendaasaman,thoughtheydo
not appear outwardly, but are inverted for the convenience of
generation; one being solid and the other porous, and that the
principalreasonforchangingsexesis,andmustbeattributedtoheat
orcold,whichoperatesaccordingtoitsgreaterorlesserforce.

FOOTNOTES:
[1]
AttributedtoGeorgeIV(Translator).
[2]
A young man was once tried at Rutland Assizes for violating a
virgin,andafterclosequestioning,thegirlswearingpositivelyinthe
matter,andnamingthetime,placeandmanneroftheaction,itwas
resolvedthatsheshouldbeexaminedbyaskilfulsurgeonandtwo

midwives,whoweretoreportonoath,whichtheydid,anddeclared
thatthemembraneswereintactandunlacerated,andthat,intheir
opinion,herbodyhadnotbeenpenetrated.Thishaditsdueeffect
upon the jury, and they acquitted the prisoner, and the girl
afterwardsconfessedthatshesworeitagainsthimoutofrevenge,as
hehadpromisedtomarryher,andhadafterwardsdeclined.

CHAPTERXI
DirectionsandCautionsforMidwives;and,first,whatoughttobe
thequalificationsofamidwife.
Amidwifewhowishestoacquitherselfwellinheremployment,
oughtcertainlynottoenteruponitrashlyorunadvisedly,butwith
allimaginablecaution,rememberingthatsheisresponsibleforany
mischiefwhichmayhappenthroughherignoranceorneglect.None,
therefore,shouldundertakethatdutymerelybecauseoftheirageor
because they themselves have had many children, for, in such,
generally, many things will be found wanting, which she should
possess.Sheoughttobeneithertoooldnortooyoung,neithervery
fat,norsothin,astobeweak,butinagoodhabitofbody;not
subjecttoillness,fears,norsuddenfrights;wellmadeandneatin
herattire,herhandssmallandsmooth,hernailskeptwelltrimmed
andwithoutanyringsonherfingerswhilstsheisengagedinher
work,noranythinguponherwriststhatmayobstructher.Andto
theseoughttobeaddedactivity,andadueamountofstrength,with
muchcautionanddiligence,norshouldshebegiventodrowsiness
orimpatience.
Sheshouldbepoliteandaffableinhermanners,soberandchaste,
notgiventopassion,liberalandcompassionatetowardsthepoor,

andnotgreedyofgainwhensheattendstherich.Sheshouldhavea
cheerfulandpleasanttemper,sothatshemaybethemoreeasily
abletocomfortherpatientsduringlabour.Shemustneverbeina
hurry,thoughherbusinessmaycallhertosomeothercase,lestshe
shouldtherebyendangerthemotherorthechild.
Sheoughttobewary,prudent,andintelligent,butaboveall,she
oughttobepossessedbythefearofGod,whichwillgiveherboth
"knowledgeanddiscretion,"asthewisemansays.

CHAPTERXII
FurtherDirectionstoMidwives,teachingthemwhattheyoughtto
do,andwhattoavoid.
Sincethedutiesofamidwifehavesuchagreatinfluenceonthe
welldoingorthecontraryofbothwomenandchildren,inthefirst
place,shemustbediligentingainingallsuchknowledgeasmaybe
usefultoherinherpractice,andnevertothinkherselfsoperfect,
butthatitmaybepossibleforhertoaddtoherknowledgebystudy
and experience. She should, however, never try any experiments
unless she has tried them, or knows that they can do no harm;
practisingthemneitheruponrichnorpoor,butfreelysayingwhat
sheknows,andneverprescribinganymedicineswhichwillprocure
abortion,eventhoughrequested;forthisiswickedinthehighest
degree, and may be termed murder. If she be sent for to people
whomshedoesnotknow,letherbeverycautiousbeforeshegoes,
lest by attending an infectious woman, she runs the danger of
injuringothers,assometimeshappens.Neithermustshemakeher
dwellingareceivinghouseforbigbelliedwomentodischargetheir
load,lestitgetherabadnameandshebysuchmeanslosesher

practice.
Inattendingonwomen,ifthebirthhappenstobedifficult,shemust
notseemtobeanxious,butmustcheerthewomanupanddoallshe
cantomakeherlaboureasy.Shewillfindfulldirectionsforthis,in
thesecondpartofthisbook.
She must never think of anything but doing well, seeing that
everythingthatisrequiredisinreadiness,bothforthewomanand
forreceivingthechild,andaboveall,letherkeepthewomanfrom
becomingunrulywhenherpainscomeon,lestsheendangerher
ownlife,andthechild'saswell.
Shemustalsotakecarenottobehurriedoverherbusinessbutwait
God'stimeforthebirth,andshemustbynomeansallowherselfto
beupsetbyfear,evenifthingsshouldnotgowell,lestthatshould
makeherincapableofrenderingthatassistancewhichthewomanin
labour stands in need of, for where there is the most apparent
danger,therethemostcareandprudencearerequiredtosetthings
right.
Andnow,becauseshecanneverbeaskilfulmidwifewhoknows
nothingbutwhatistobeseenoutwardly,Idonotthinkitwillbe
amissbutratherverynecessary,modestlytodescribethegenerative
partsofwomenastheyhavebeenanatomisedbylearnedmen,and
toshowtheuseofsuchvesselsascontributetogeneration.

CHAPTERXIII
TheExternal,andInternalOrgansofGenerationinWomen.
If it were not for the public benefit, especially for that of the

professorsandpractitionersoftheartofmidwifery,Iwouldrefrain
fromtreatingthesecretsofNature,becausetheymaybeturnedto
ridicule by lascivious and lewd people. But as it is absolutely
necessarythattheyshouldbeknownforthepublicgood,Iwillnot
omitthembecausesomemaymakeawronguseofthem.Those
partswhichcanbeseenatthelowestpartofthestomacharethe
fissuremagna,orthe greatcleft,withits labia orlips,the Mons
Veneris, or Mountain of Venus, and the hair. These together are
calledthe pudenda,orthingstobeashamedofbecausewhenthey
are exposed they cause a woman pudor, or shame. The fissure
magnareachesfromthelowerpartoftheospubis,towithinaninch
oftheanus,butitislessandcloserinvirginsthaninthosewhohave
borne children, and has two lips, which grow thicker and fuller
towardsthepubis,andmeetingonthemiddleoftheospubis,form
that rising hill which is called the Mons Veneris, or the Hill of
Venus.
Nextcomethe Nymphaeandthe Clitoris,theformerofwhichisa
membranyandmoistsubstance,spongy,softandpartlyfleshy,ofa
redcolourandintheshapeoftwowings,whicharejoinedatan
acuteangleattheirbase,producingafleshysubstancetherewhich
coverstheclitoris,andsometimestheyextendsofar,thatanincision
isrequiredtomakeroomforaman'sinstrumentofgeneration.
The Clitoris isasubstanceintheupperpartofthedivisionwhere
thetwowingsmeet,andtheseatofvenerealpleasure,beinglikea
man's penis in situation, substance, composition and power of
erection,growingsometimestothelengthoftwoinchesoutofthe
body,butthatneverhappensexceptthroughextremelustfulnessor
someextraordinaryaccident.This clitoris consistsoftwospongy
andskinnybodies,containingadistinctoriginalfromtheospubis,
itstipbeingcoveredwithatenderskin,havingaholeorpassagelike
aman'syardor penis,althoughnotquitethrough,inwhichalone,
andinitssizeitdiffersfromit.

Thenextthingsarethefleshyknobsofthegreatneckofthewomb,
and these knobs are behind the wings and are four in number,
resembling myrtle berries, and being placed quadrangularly one
against the other, and here the orifice of the bladder is inserted,
whichopensintothefissures,toevacuatetheurine,andoneofthese
knobs is placed before it, and closes up the passage in order to
secureitfromcold,oranysuchlikeinconvenience.
Thelipsofthewomb,whichappearnext,discloseitsneck,ifthey
areseparated,andtwothingsmaybeobservedinthem,whichare
the neck itself and the hymen, or more properly, the claustrum
virginale,ofwhichIhavespokenbefore.Bytheneckofthewomb
we must understand the channel that lies between the above
mentionedknobsandtheinnerboneofthewomb,whichreceives
thepenislikeasheath,andsothatitmaybemoreeasilydilatedby
the pleasure of procreation, the substance is sinewy and a little
spongy.Thereareseveralfoldsorpleatsinthiscavity,madeby
tunicles,whicharewrinkledlikeafullblownrose.Invirginsthey
appear plainly, but in women who are used to copulation they
disappear,sothattheinnersideoftheneckofthewombappears
smooth,butinoldwomenitismorehardandgristly.Butthough
thischannelissometimescrookedandsinksdownyetatthetimesof
copulation,labour,orofthemonthlyflow,itiserectedordistended,
whichovertensionoccasionsthepaininchildbirth.
Thehymen,orclaustrumvirginale,isthatwhichclosestheneckof
thewomb,andisbrokenbythefirstactofcopulation;itsusebeing
rathertochecktheunduemenstrualflowinvirgins,ratherthanto
serveanyotherpurpose,andusuallywhenitisbroken,eitherby
copulation,orbyanyothermeans,asmallquantityofbloodflows
fromit,attendedwithsomelittlepain.Fromthissomeobservethat
betweenthefoldsofthetwotunicles,whichconstitutetheneckof
the womb there are many veins and arteries running along, and
arisingfrom,thevesselsonbothsidesofthethighs,andsopassing

intotheneckofthewomb,beingverylarge;andthereasonforthis
is,thattheneckofthebladderrequirestobefilledwithgreatvigour,
soastobedilated,inorderthatitmaylayholdofthepenisbetter;
forgreatheatisrequiredinsuchmotions,andthatbecomesmore
intensebytheactoffriction,andconsumesaconsiderableamount
of moisture, for supplying which large vessels are absolutely
necessary.
Anothercauseofthelargenessofthevesselsis,thatmensesmake
theirwaythroughthem,whichoftenoccasionspregnantwomento
continue menstruating: for though the womb be shut up, yet the
passagesintheneckofthewombthroughwhichthesevesselspass,
areopen.Inthiscase,wemayfurtherobserve,thatassoonasthe
pudenda arepenetrated,thereappeartwolittlepitsorholeswhich
containasecretion,whichisexpelledduringcopulation,andgives
thewomangreatpleasure.

CHAPTERXIV
AdescriptionoftheFabricoftheWomb,thepreparingVesselsand
TesticlesinWomen.AlsooftheDifferentandEjaculatoryVessels.
The womb is joined to its neck in the lower part of the
Hypogastrium wherethehipsarethewidestandbroadest,asthey
aregreaterandbroadertherethanthoseofmen,anditisplaced
between the bladder and the straight gut, which keeps it from
swaying,andyetgivesitfreedomtostretchanddilate,andagainto
contract,asnaturerequires.Itsshapeissomewhatroundandnot
unlikeagourd,growingsmallerandmoreacutetowardsoneend,
beingknittogetherbyitsownligaments;itsnecklikewiseisjoined
byitsownsubstanceandbycertainmembranesthatfastenintothe

os sacrum and the sharebone. Its size varies much in different

women,andthedifferenceisespeciallygreatbetweenthosewho
havebornechildrenandthosewhohavehadnone.Itssubstance
exceedsathumb'sbreadthinthickness,andsofarfromdecreasing
conception, it rather increases; and in order to strengthen it it is
interwovenwithfibreswhichcrossitfromsidetoside,someof
which are straight and some winding, and its proper vessels are
veins,arteriesandnerves.Amongstthesetherearetwosmallveins
whichpassintothewombfromthespermaticvessels,andtwolarger
onesfromtheneck:themouthoftheseveinspiercesasfarasthe
inwardcavity.

Thewombhastwoarteriesonbothsidesofthespermaticvessels
andthehypogastric,whichaccompanytheveins;andbesidesthese,
thereareseverallittlenervesintheformofanet,whichextend
throughoutit,fromthebottomofthepudenda;theirchieffunctionis
sensibilityandpleasure,astheymoveinsympathybetweenthehead
andthewomb.
Itmaybefurthernotedthatthewombisoccasionallymoveableby
meansofthetwoligamentsthathangoneithersideofit,andoften
risesandfalls.Theneckofthewombisextremelysensitive,sothat
ifitbeatanytimeoutoforderthroughoverfatness,moistureor
relaxation,ittherebybecomessubjecttobarrenness.Withpregnant
women, a glutinous matter is often found at the entrance to the
wombsoastofacilitatethebirth;foratthetimeofdelivery,the
mouth of the womb is opened as wide as the size of the child
requires,anddilatesequallyfromtoptobottom.
The spermatic vessels in women, consist of two veins and two

arteries,whichdifferfromthoseofmenonlyinsizeandthemanner
oftheirinsertion;forthenumberofveinsandarteriesisthesameas
inmen,therightveinissuingfromthetrunkofthehollowvein
descendingandbesidesthemtherearetwoarteries,whichflowfrom
theaorta.
Thesevesselsarenarrowerandshorterinwomenthaninmen;butit
mustbenoticedthattheyaremoreintertwinedandcontortedthanin
men,andshrinktogetherbyreasonoftheirshortnessthattheymay,
bytheirlooseness,bebetterstretchedoutwhennecessary:andthese
vesselsinwomenarecarriedinanobliquedirectionthroughthe
lesserbowelsandtesticlesbutaredividedintotwobrancheshalf
way.Thelargergoestothestonesandformsawindingbody,and
wonderfullyinoculatesthelesserbrancheswhereitdispersesitself,
andespeciallyatthehigherpartofthebottomofthewomb,forits
nourishment, and that part of the courses may pass through the
vessels; and seeing that women's testicles are situated near the
womb,forthatcausethosevesselsdonotfallfromtheperitoneum,
nordotheymakesomuchpassageasinmen,astheydonotextend
tothesharebone.
Thestonesofwoman,commonlycalledtesticles,donotperformthe
samefunctionasinmen,fortheyarealtogetherdifferentinposition,
size,temperature,substance,formandcovering.Theyaresituatedin
thehollowofthemusclesoftheloins,sothat,bycontractinggreater
heat,theymaybemorefruitful,theirofficebeingtocontaintheova
or eggs, one of which, being impregnated by the man's seed
engendersthechild.Theyare,however,differentfromthoseofthe
maleinshape,becausetheyaresmallerandflatterateachend,and
notsoroundoroval;theexternalsuperficiesisalsomoreunequal,
and has the appearance of a number of knobs or kernels mixed
together.
Thereisadifference,also,inthesubstance,astheyaremuchsofter

and more pliable, and not nearly so compact. Their size and
temperaturearealsodifferentfortheyaremuchcolderandsmaller
than in men, and their covering or enclosure is likewise quite
different;forasmen'sarewrappedinseveralcovers,becausethey
areverypendulousandwouldbeeasilyinjuredunlesstheywereso
protectedbynature,sowomen'sstones,beinginternalandthusless
subjecttobeinghurt,arecoveredbyonlyonemembrane,andare
likewisehalfcoveredbytheperitoneum.
Theejaculatoryvesselsaretwosmallpassages,oneoneitherside,
which do not differ in any respect from the spermatic veins in
substance.Theyriseinoneplacefromthebottomofthewomb,and
donotreachfromtheirotherextremityeithertothestonesortoany
otherpart,butareshutupandimpassable,andadheretothewomb
asthecolondoestotheblindgut,andwindinghalfwayabout;and
thoughthetesticlesarenotclosetothemanddonottouchthem,yet
theyarefastenedtothembycertainmembraneswhichresemblethe
wingofabat,throughwhichcertainveinsandarteriespassingfrom
theendofthetesticlesmaybesaidtohavetheirpassagesgoing
fromthecornersofthewombtothetesticles,andtheseligamentsin
womenarethe cremasters [3] inmen,ofwhichIshallspeakmore
fullywhenIcometodescribethemalepartsofgeneration.

FOOTNOTES:
[3]
Musclesbywhichthetesticlesaredrawnup.

CHAPTERXV

ADescriptionoftheUseandActionoftheseveralGenerativeParts
inWomen.
Theexternalparts,commonlycalledthe pudenda,aredesignedto
coverthegreatorificeandtoreceivetheman'spenisoryardinthe
actofsexualintercourse,andtogivepassagetothechildandtothe
urine.Theuseofthewingsandknobs,likemyrtleberries,isforthe
security of the internal parts, closing the orifice and neck of the
bladderandbytheirswellingup,tocausetitillationandpleasurein
thoseparts,andalsotoobstructtheinvoluntarypassageoftheurine.
Theactionoftheclitorisinwomenissimilartothatofthepenisin
men,viz.,erection;anditslowerendistheglansofthepenis,and
hasthesamename.Andasthe glans ofmanaretheseatofthe
greatestpleasureincopulation,soisthisinthewoman.
Theactionanduseoftheneckonthewombisthesameasthatof
thepenis,viz.,erection,broughtaboutindifferentways:first,in
copulationitbecomeserectandmadestraightforthepassageofthe
penisintothewomb;secondly,whilstthepassageisfilledwiththe
vitalblood,itbecomesnarrowerforembracingthepenis;andthe
usesofthiserectionaretwofold:first,becauseiftheneckofthe
wombwerenoterected,theman'syardcouldfindnoproperpassage
tothewomb,and,secondly,ithindersanydamageorinjurythat
mightensuethroughtheviolentstrikingofthepenisduringtheact
ofcopulation.
Theuseoftheveinsthatpassthroughtheneckofthewomb,isto
replenish it with blood and vigour, that so, as the moisture is
consumedbytheheatengenderedbysexualintercourse,itmaybe
renewed by those vessels; but their chief business is to convey
nutrimenttothewomb.
Thewombhasmanypropertiesbelongingtoit:first,theretentionof

the impregnated egg, and this is conception, properly so called;

secondly,tocherishandnourishit,untilNaturehasfullyformedthe
child,andbroughtittoperfection,andthenitoperatesstronglyin
expelling the child, when the time of its remaining has expired,
becoming dilated in an extraordinary manner and so perfectly
removed from the senses that they cannot injuriously affect it,
retainingwithinitselfapowerandstrengthtoejectthefoetus,unless
itberendereddeficientbyanyaccident;andinsuchacaseremedies
mustbeappliedbyskilfulhandstostrengthenit,andenableitto
perform its functions; directions for which will be given in the
secondbook.
Theuseofthepreparingvesselsisthis;thearteriesconveytheblood
tothetesticles;somepartofitisabsorbedinnourishingthem,andin
theproductionoftheselittlebladders(whichresembleeggsinevery
particular),throughwhichthevasapreparantiarun,andwhichare
absorbedinthem;andthefunctionoftheveinsistobringback
whateverbloodremainsfromtheabovementioneduse.Thevessels
ofthiskindaremuchshorterinwomenthaninmen,becausethey
arenearertothetesticles;thisdefectis,however,madegoodbythe
manyintricatewindingstowhichthosevesselsaresubject;forthey
dividethemselvesintotwobranchesofdifferentsizeinthemiddle
andthelargeronepassestothetesticles.
Thestonesinwomenareveryuseful,forwheretheyaredefective,
theworkofgenerationisatanend.Forthoughthosebladderswhich
areontheoutersurfacecontainnoseed,asthefollowersofGalen
andHippocrateswronglybelieved,yettheycontainseveraleggs,
generallytwentyineachtesticle;oneofwhichbeingimpregnatedby
the animated part of the man's seed in the act of copulation,
descendsthroughtheoviductsintothewomb,andthusinduecourse
oftimebecomesalivingchild.

CHAPTERXVI
OftheOrgansofGenerationinMan.
Havinggivenadescriptionoftheorgansofgenerationinwomen,
withtheanatomyofthefabricofthewomb,Ishallnow,inorderto
finishthefirstpartofthistreatise,describetheorgansofgeneration
in men, and how they are fitted for the use for which Nature
intendedthem.
Theinstrumentofgenerationinmen(commonlycalledtheyard,in
Latin, penis, from pendo, to hang, because it hangs outside the
belly), is an organic part which consists of skin, tendons, veins,
arteries,sinewsandgreatligaments;andislongandround,andon
theuppersideflattish,seatedunderthe ospubis,andordainedby
Naturepartlyfortheevacuationofurine,andpartlyforconveying
theseedintothewomb;forwhichpurposeitisfullofsmallpores,
through which the seed passes into it, through the vesicula
seminalis,[4]anddischargestheurinewhentheymakewater;besides
the common parts, viz., the two nervous bodies, the septum, the
urethra,theglans,fourmusclesandthevessels.Thenervousbodies
(socalled)aresurroundedwithathickwhite,penetrablemembrane,
buttheirinnersubstanceisspongy,andconsistschieflyofveins,
arteries,andnervousfibres,interwovenlikeanet.Andwhenthe
nervesarefilledwithanimalvigourandthearterieswithhot,eager
blood,thepenisbecomesdistendedanderect;alsotheneckofthe
vesiculaurinalis,[5]butwhentheinfluxofbloodceases,andwhenit
isabsorbedbytheveins,thepenisbecomeslimpandflabby.Below
those nervous bodies is the urethra, and whenever they swell, it
swellsalso.Thepenishasfourmuscles;twoshorteronesspringing
from the Cox endix and which serve for erection, and on that
account they are called erectores; two larger, coming from

sphinctersani,whichservetodilatetheurethrasoastodischarge
thesemen,andthesearecalleddilatantes,orwideners.Attheendof
thepenisistheglans,coveredwithaverythinmembrane,bymeans
ofwhich,andofitsnervoussubstance,itbecomesmostextremely
sensitive,andistheprincipalseatofpleasureincopulation.The
outercoveringoftheglansiscalledthepreputium(foreskin),which
theJewscutoffincircumcision,anditisfastenedbythelowerpart
ofittotheglans.Thepenisisalsoprovidedwithveins,arteriesand
nerves.
Thetesticuli,stonesortesticles(socalledbecausetheytestifyoneto
beaman),turntheblood,whichisbroughttothembythespermatic
arteriesintoseed.Theyhavetwosortsofcovering,commonand
proper;therearetwoofthecommon,whichenfoldboththetestes.
Theoutercommoncoat,consistsofthecuticula,ortrueskin,andis
calledthescrotum,andhangsfromtheabdomenlikeapurse;the
inneristhe membranacarnosa.Therearealsotwopropercoats
theoutercalledcliotrodes,orvirginales;theinneralbugidia;inthe
outer the cremaster is inserted. The epididemes, or prostatae are
fixedtotheupperpartofthetestes,andfromthemspringthevasa
deferentia,orejaculatoria,whichdeposittheseedintothevesicule
seminales whentheycomeneartheneckofthebladder.Thereare
twoofthesevesiculae,eachlikeabunchofgrapes,whichemitthe
seedintotheurethraintheactofcopulation.Nearthemarethe
prostatae,aboutthesizeofawalnut,andjoinedtotheneckofthe
bladder.Medicalwritersdonotagreeabouttheuseofthem,but
most are of the opinion that they produce an oily and sloppy
discharge to besmear the urethra so as to defend it against the
pungencyoftheseedandurine.Butthevesselswhichconveythe
bloodtothetestes,fromwhichtheseedismade,arethe arteriae
spermaticaeandtherearetwoofthemalso.Therearelikewisetwo
veins,whichcarryofftheremainingblood,andwhicharecalled
venaespermaticae.

FOOTNOTES:
[4]
Seminalvesicle.
[5]
Urinaryvesicle.

CHAPTERXVII
AwordofAdvicetobothSexes,consistingofseveralDirections
withregardtoCopulation.
AsNaturehasamutualdesireforcopulationineverycreature,for
theincreaseandpropagationofitskind,andmoreespeciallyinman,
thelordofcreationandthemasterpieceofNature,inorderthatsuch
anoblepieceofdivineworkmanshipshouldnotperish,something
oughttobesaidconcerningit,itbeingthefoundationofeverything
thatwehavehithertobeentreatingof,sincewithoutcopulationthere
canbenogeneration.Seeing,therefore,somuchdependsuponit,I
havethoughtitnecessary,beforeconcludingthefirstbook,togive
suchdirectionstobothsexes,fortheperformanceofthatact,asmay
appearefficacioustotheendforwhichnaturedesignedit,butitwill
bedonewithsuchcautionasnottooffendthechastestear,norto
putthefairsextotheblushwhentheyreadit.
Inthefirstplace,then,whenamarriedcouplefromthedesireof
havingchildrenareabouttomakeuseofthosemeansthatNature
hasprovidedforthatpurpose,itiswelltostimulatethebodywith
generousrestoratives,thatitmaybeactiveandvigorous.Andthe

imaginationshouldbecharmedwithsweetmusic,andifallcareand
thoughtsofbusinessbedrownedinaglassofrosywine,sothattheir
spiritmayberaisedtothehighestpitchofardour,itwouldbeas
well,fortroubles,caresorsadnessareenemiestothepleasuresof
Venus.Andifthewomanshouldconceivewhensexualintercourse
takesplaceatsuchtimesofdisturbance,itwouldhaveabadeffect
uponthechild.Butthoughgenerousrestorativesmaybeemployed
forinvigoratingnature,yetallexcessshouldbecarefullyavoided,
foritwillcheckthebrisknessofthespiritsandmakethemdulland
languid,andasitalsointerfereswithdigestion,itmustnecessarily
beanenemytocopulation;foritisfoodtakenmoderatelyandthatis
welldigested,whichenablesamantoperformthedictatesofNature
withvigourandactivity,anditisalsonecessary,thatintheirmutual
embracestheymeeteachotherwithequalardour,for,ifnot,the
woman either will not conceive, or else the child may be weak
bodily,ormentallydefective.I,therefore,advisethemtoexcitetheir
desiresmutuallybeforetheybegintheirconjugalintercourse,and
whentheyhavedonewhatnaturerequires,amanmustbecareful
nottowithdrawhimselffromhiswife'sarmstoosoon,lestsome
suddencoldshouldstrikeintothewombandoccasionmiscarriage,
andsodeprivethemofthefruitsoftheirlabour.
Andwhenthemanhaswithdrawnhimselfafterasuitabletime,the
womanshouldquietlygotorest,withallcalmnessandcomposure
ofmind,freefromallanxiousanddisturbingthoughts,oranyother
mentalworry.Andshemust,asfaraspossible,avoidturningover
from the side on which she was first lying, and also keep from
coughingandsneezing,becauseasitviolentlyshakesthebody,itis
agreatenemytoconception.

APRIVATELOOKING

GLASSFORTHEFEMALE
SEX
PARTII
CHAPTERI
TreatingoftheseveralMaladiesincidenttothewomb,withproper
remediesforthecureofeach.
Thewombisplacedinthehypogastrium,orlowerpartofthebody,
inthecavitycalledthepelvis,havingthestraightgutononesideto
protectitagainstthehardnessofthebackbone,andthebladderon
theothersidetoprotectitagainstblows.Itsformorshapeislikea
virilemember,withthisexception,thattheman'sisoutside,andthe
woman'sinside.
Itisdividedintotheneckandbody.Theneckconsistsofahard
fleshysubstance,muchlikecartilage,andattheendofitthereisa
membraneplacedtransversely,whichiscalledthehymen.Nearthe
neckthereisaprominentpinnacle,whichiscalledthedoorofthe
womb, because it preserves the matrix from cold and dust. The
Greeks called it clitoris, and the Latins praeputium muliebre,
becausetheRomanwomenabusedthesepartstosatisfytheirmutual
unlawfullusts,asSt.Paulsays,Romans1.26.

Thebodyofthewombiswherethechildisconceived,andthisis
notaltogetherround,butdilatesitselfintotwoangles;theoutward
partisfullofsinews,whicharethecauseofitsmovements,but
insideitisfleshy.Itiswronglysaid,thatinthecavityofthewomb
therearesevendividedcellsorreceptaclesforthemaleseed,but
anatomistsknowthatthereareonlytwo,andalsothatthosetwoare
not divided by a partition, but only by a line or suture running
throughthemiddleofit.
Atthebottomofthecavitytherearelittleholescalledcotyledones,
whicharetheendsofcertainveinsorarteries,andservebreeding
womentoconveynourishmenttothechild,whichisreceivedbythe
umbilicalandotherveins,tocarrythecoursestothematrix.
As to menstruation, it is defined as a monthly flow of bad and
useless blood, and of the superabundance of it, for it is an
excrementinquality,thoughitispureandincorrupt,liketheblood
intheveins.Andthatthemenstruousbloodispureinitself,andof
thesamequalityasthatintheveins,isprovedintwoways.First,
from the final object of the blood, which is the propagation and
preservation ofmankind, that manmight beconceived; andthat,
beingbegotten,hemightbecomfortedandpreservedbothinandout
ofthewomb,andallallowthatitistruethatachildinthematrixis
nourishedbytheblood.Anditistruethatwhenitisoutofit,itis
nourishedbythesame;forthemilkisnothingbutthemenstruous
bloodmadewhiteinthebreast.Secondly,itisprovedtobetrueby
thewayitisproduced,asitisthesuperfluityofthelastalimentof
thefleshyparts.
Thenaturalendofmanandwoman'sbeingistopropagate.Now,in
the act of conception one must be anactive agent andthe other
passive, for if both were similarly constituted, they could not
propagate.Man,therefore,ishotanddry,whilstwomaniscoldand
moist:heistheagent,andshethepassiveorweakervessel,thatshe

maybesubjecttotheofficeoftheman.Itisnecessarythatwoman
shouldbeofacoldconstitution,becausearedundancyofNaturefor
theinfantthatdependsonherisrequiredofher;forotherwisethere
wouldbenosurplusofnourishmentforthechild,butnomorethan
themotherrequires,andtheinfantwouldweakenthemother,and
likeasintheviper,thebirthoftheinfantwouldbethedeathofthe
parent.
Themonthlypurgationscontinuefromthefifteenthtothefortysixth
or fiftieth year; but a suppression often occurs, which is either
natural or morbid: the courses are suppressed naturally during
pregnancy, and whilst the woman is suckling. The morbid
suppressionremainstobespokenof.

CHAPTERII
OftheRetentionoftheCourses.
Thesuppressionofthemenstrualperiods,isaninterruptionofthat
accustomed evacuation of blood, which comes from the matrix
everymonth,andthepartaffectedisthewomb.

CAUSE.
The cause of this suppression is either external or internal. The
external causemay be heat or dryness of air, want of sleep, too
much work, violent exercise, etc., whereby the substance is so
consumed,andthebodysoexhaustedthatnothingisleftovertobe
gotridof,asisrecordedoftheAmazonswho,beingactiveand
constantlyinmotion,hadtheircoursesverylittle,ifatall.Oritmay

bebroughtaboutbycoldwhichisveryfrequent,asitvitiatesand
thickenstheblood,andbindsupthepassages,sothatitcannotflow
out.
Theinternalcauseiseitherinstrumentalormaterial;inthewombor
intheblood.Inthewomb,itmaybeinvariousways;byhumours,
and abscesses and ulcers, by the narrowness of the veins and
passages,orbytheadiposemembraneinfatbodies,pressingonthe
neckofthematrix,butthentheymusthavehernia,zirthilis,forin
menthemembranedoesnotreachsolow;bytoomuchcoldorheat,
the one vitiating the action, and the other consuming the matter
throughthewrongformationoftheuterineparts;bytheneckofthe
womb being turned aside, and sometimes, though rarely, by a
membraneorexcrescenceofthefleshgrowingatthemouthorneck
ofthewomb.Thebloodmaybeinfaultintwoways,inquantityand
inquality;inquantity,whenitissoconsumedthatnosurplusisleft
over,asinviragoesorvirilewomen,who,throughtheirheatand
natural strength, consume it all in their last nourishment; as
HippocrateswritesofPrethusa,forwhenherhusbandpraisedher
overmuch,hercoursesweresuppressed,hervoicechangedandshe
gotabeardwithamanlyface.ButIthink,ratherthatthesemustbe
Gynophagi,orwomaneaters,ratherthanwomenbreeders,because
they consume one of the principles of generation, which gives a
being to the world, viz., the menstruous blood. The blood may
likewise be lost, and the courses checked by nosebleeding, by
bleedingpiles,bydysentery,commonlycalledthebloodyflux,by
many other discharges, and by chronic diseases. Secondly, the
mattermaybevitiatedinquality,andifitbesanguineous,sluggish,
biliousormelancholy,andanyofthesewillcauseanobstructionin
theveins.

SIGNS.

Signswhichmanifestthediseasearepainsinthehead,neck,back
andloins;wearinessofthewholebody(butespeciallyofthehips
andlegs,becausethewombisnearthoseparts);palpitationofthe
heart.Thefollowingareparticularsigns:Ifthesuppressionarises
fromacold,thewomanbecomesheavy,sluggish,paleandhasa
slow pulse; Venus'combats are neglected, the urine is thick, the
bloodbecomeswateryandgreatinquantity,andthebowelsbecome
constipated.Ifitarisesfromheat,thesignsarejusttheopposite.If
the retention be natural and arises from conception, this may be
knownbydrinkinghydromel,i.e.,waterandhoney,aftersupper,
beforegoingtobed,bytheeffectwhichithas;forifaftertakingit,
shefeelsaheatingpainaboutthenavelandthelowerpartsofthe
abdomen,itisasignthatshehasconceived,andthatthesuppression
isnatural.

PROGNOSTICS.
The whole body is affected by any disorder of the womb, and
especiallytheheart,theliverandthebrain,andthereisasingular
sympathy between the womb and those three organs. Firstly, the
womb communicates with the heart by the mediation of those
arterieswhichcomefromtheaorta.Hence,whenmenstruationis
suppressed,fainting,swooning,averylowpulse,andshortnessof
breathwillensue.Secondly,itcommunicateswiththeliverbythe
veinsderivedfromthehollowvein.Obstructions,jaundice,dropsy,
indurationofthespleenwillfollow.Thirdly,itcommunicateswith
the brain by the nerves and membranes of the back; hence arise
epilepsy,madness,fitsofmelancholy,painsinthebackofthehead,
unaccountablefearsandinabilitytospeak.Imay,therefore,well
agree with Hippocrates that if menstruation be suppressed, many
dangerousdiseaseswillfollow.

CURE.
In the cure of this, and of all the other following cases, I shall
observethefollowingorder:Thecureswillbetakenfromsurgical,
pharmaceutical and diuretical means. The suppression has a
plethoriceffect,andmustberemovedbytheevacuation;therefore
webeginwithbleeding.Inthemiddleofthemenstrualperiod,open
thelivervein,andtwodaysbefore,openthesaphenainbothfeet;if
therepletionisnotverygreatapplycuppingglassestothelegsand
thighs,althoughtheremaybenohopeofremovingthesuppression.
Asinsomewomen,thecotyledonesaresoclosedupthatnothing
but copulation will open them, yet it will be well to relieve the
woman as much as possible by opening the hemoroid veins by
applyingaleech.Afterbleedinglettheplacebepreparedandmade
flexiblewithsyrupofstychas,calamint,betony,hyssop,mugwort,
horehound,fumitary,maidenhair.Bathethepartswithcamomiles,
pennyroyal, savias, bayleaves, juniperberries, rue, marjoram,
feverfew. Take a handful each of nep, maidenhair, succory and
betonyleavesandmakeadecoction,andtakethreeouncesofit,
syrupofmaidenhair,mugwortandsuccory,halfanounceofeach.
Aftershecomesoutofherbath,letherdrinkitoff.PurgewithPill
agaric, fleybany, corb, feriae. In this case, Galen recommends
pilulaeofcabericacoloquintida;for,astheyaregoodforpurging
thebadhumours,soalsotheyopenthepassagesofthewomb,and
strengthenitbytheiraromaticqualities.
Ifthestomachbeoverloaded,lethertakeanemetic,yetsuchaone
asmayworkbothways,lestifitonlyworksupwards,itshould
check the humours too much. Take two drachms of trochisks of
agaric,infusethisintwoouncesofoxymelinwhichdissolveone
scruple and a half of electuary dissarum, and half an ounce of
benediclaxit.Takethisasapurge.
Afterthehumourhasbeengotridof,proceedtomoresuitableand

strongerremedies.Takeadrachmandahalfoftrochiskofmyrrh;
tengrainsofmuskwiththejuiceofsmallage;maketwelvepillsand
takesixeverymorning,oraftersupper,ongoingtobed.Takehalf
anounceofcinnamon,twodrachmseachofsmirutium,orrogos,
valerin aristolochia; two scruples each of astrumone root and
saffron;twodrachmsofspec.diambia;fourscruplesoftrochiskof
myrrh;twoscruplestartarivitriolari;makehalfintoapowder;make
lozengeswithmugwortwaterandsugar,andtakeonedrachmof
them every morning; or mix a drachm of the powder with one
drachmofsugar,andtakeitinwhitewine.Taketwodrachmseach
ofpreparedsteelandspec.hair;onescrupleeachofboraxandspec.
ofmyrrh,withsavinejuice;makeitupintoeightyeightlozenges
andtakethreeeveryotherdaybeforedinner.Takeonescrupleof
castor,halfadrachmofwildcarrotseedwithsyrupofmugwort,and
makefourpills,taketheminthemorningfasting,forthreedays
following,beforetheusualtimeofpurging.Takefivedrachmseach
ofagaric,aristolochia,andjuiceofhorehound;sixdrachmaeachof
rhubarb, spikenard, aniseed, guidanum, asafoetida, mallowroot,
gentian,ofthethreepeppersandofliquorice:makeanelectuary
with honey, and take three drachms for a dose. For phlegmatic
constitutionsnothingcanbebetterthanthedecoctionofguaiacum
woodwithalittledisclaim,takenfastinginthemorning,fortwelve
daysconsecutively,withoutproducingsweating.
Treat the lower parts of the body to suffumigating, pessaries,
ointmentsandinjections;forfumigatingusecinnamon,nutmeg,the
berriesofthebaytree,mugwort,galbanum,molanthium,amber,etc.
Make pessaries of figs and the bruised leaves of dog's mercury,
rolled up in lint, and if a stronger one is required, make one of
myrrh, opopanax, ammoniac, galbanum, sagepanum, mithridate,
agaric,coloquintida,tec.Makeinjectionsofadecoctionoforigane
mugwort, dog's mercury, betony, and eggs; inject into the womb
withafemalesyringe.Takehalfanounceeachofoilofalmonds,
lilies,capers,camomiles;twodrachmseachoflaudanumandoilof

myrrh;makeasalvewithwax,withwhichanointtheplace;make
injections of fenugreek, camomiles, melilot, dill, marjoram,
pennyroyal, feverfew, juniper berries and calamint; but if the
suppressionarisesfromalackofmatter,thenthecoursesoughtnot
tobebroughtonuntilthespiritsberaisedandtheamountofblood
increased;orifitarisesfromaffectionsofthewombitself,asdropsy
orinflammation,thenparticularcaremustbeused;butIwillnotlay
stressonthishere,butwillmentiontheremediesintheirorder.
Iftheretentioncomesfromrepletionorfullness,iftheairbehotand
dry,takemoderateexercisebeforemeals,andverylightdietand
drinks,andwithyourfoodtakegardensavorythymeandorigane,
ifitarisesfromemptinessanddefectofmatter:iftheweatherbe
moistandmoderatelyhot,avoidexerciseandlatehours;letyour
foodbenourishingandeasyofdigestion,suchasraweggs,lamb,
chickens,almonds,milkandthelike.

CHAPTERIII
OfExcessiveMenstruation.
Thelearnedsay,thattruthismanifestedbycomparingcontraries,
andso,asIhaveabovespokenofthesuppressionofmenstruation,it
is now necessary that I should treat of excessive menstruation,
which is no less dangerous than the former. This immoderate
monthlyflowisdefinedasasanguineousdischarge,asitconsists
merelyofblood,whereinitdiffersfromthefalsecoursesorwhites,
ofwhichIshallspeakfurtheron.Secondly,itissaidtoproceed
fromthewomb;fortherearetwowaysinwhichthebloodissues
forth;onebytheinternalveinsofthebodyofthewomb(andthisis
properlycalledthemonthlyflow),theotherisbythoseveinswhich

terminateintheneckofthematrix,whichAetiuscallshaemorrhoids
of the womb. In quantity, Hippocrates said, it should be about
eighteenounces,andtheyshouldlastaboutthreedays:andwhenthe
facultiesofthebodyareweakenedbytheirflow,wemaytakeitthat
the discharge is inordinate. In bodies which abound in gross
humours,thisimmoderateflowsometimesunburdensnatureofher
loadandoughtnottobecheckedwithoutaphysician'sadvice.

CAUSE.
The cause is either internal or external. The internal cause is
threefold;inthesubstance,theinstrumentorthepower.Thematter,
whichistheblood,maybevitiatedintwoways;first,bytheheatof
theconstitution,climateorseason,heatingtheblood,wherebythe
passagesaredilated,andthepowerweakenedsothatitcannotretain
theblood.Secondly,byfalls,blows,violentmotions,ruptureofthe
veins, etc. The external cause may be the heat of the air, heavy
burdens,unnaturalchildbirth,etc.

SIGNS.
Inthisexcessiveflowtheappetiteislessened,conceptionischecked
andallthefunctionsweakened;thefeetswell,thecolouroftheface
changes,andthewholebodyisweakened.Iftheflowcomesfrom
theruptureofavein,thebodyissometimescold,thebloodflows
outinstreams,suddenly,andcausesgreatpain.Ifitarisesfromheat,
andtheorificeoftheveinisdilated,thereislittleornopain,butyet
thebloodflowsfasterthanitdoeswhencausedbyerosion,butnot
sofastasitdoesinarupture.Ifcausedbyerosion,thewomanfeels
ascaldingofthepassage,anditdiffersfromtheothertwo,inso
muchasitdoesnotflowsoquicklyorsofreelyastheydo.Ifitis
causedbyweaknessofthewomb,thewomanfeelsadislikefor

sexualintercourse.Lastly,ifitproceedsfromthedefectivequality
ofthebloodletsomeofitdropintoacloth,andwhenitisdry,you
mayjudge,ofthequalitybythecolour.Ifitbepassionateitwillbe
yellow;ifmelancholy,itwillbeblack,andifphlegmatic,itwillbe
waterishandwhitish.

PROGNOSTICS.
Ifconvulsionsarejoinedtotheflow,itisdangerous,becausethat
intimatesthatthenoblepartsareaffected,convulsionscausedby
emptiness are deadly. If they continue long, they will be very
difficulttocure,anditwasoneofthemiracleswhichourSaviour
Christwrought,tocureawomanofthisdiseaseoftwelveyears
standing.
Toconclude,iftheflowbeexcessive,manydiseaseswillfollow,
whichwillbealmostimpossibletocure;theblood,beingconsumed
togetherwiththeinnateheat,eithermorbid,dropsical,orparalytical
diseaseswillfollow.

CURE.
Thecureconsistsinthreeparticulars.First,inexpellingandcarrying
away the blood. Secondly, in connecting and removing the
fluxibility of the matter. Thirdly, in incorporating the veins and
faculties.Forthefirst,togetridofthesuperfluousblood,opena
veininthearm,anddrawoffasmuchbloodasthestrengthofthe
patientwillallow;notallatonetime,butatintervals,forbythose
meansthespiritsarelessweakened,andthereactionsomuchthe
greater.
Applycuppingglassestothebreastsandalsoovertheliver,andto

correcttheflexibilityofthematter,purgativemeans,moderatedby
astringents,maybeemployed.
Ifitiscausedbyerosion,andsaltphlegm,preparewithsyrupof
violets,wormwood,roses,citronpeel,succory,etc.Thenmakethe
following purge:mirabolans, half an ounce; trochisks of agaric,
one drachm; make a decoction with the plantainwater, and add
syrupofroseslax.threeounces,andmakeadraught.
Ifcausedbyanymentalexcitement,preparethebodybysyrupof
roses,myrtles,sorrelandparsley,mixedwithplantainwater,knot
grass and endive. Then purge with the following draught:Take
onedrachmeachofthevoidofmirabolans,andrhubarb,cinnamon
fifteengrains;infuseforanightinendivewater;addtothestrained
waterhalfanounceofpulpoftamarindsandofcassia,andmakea
draught.Ifthebloodbewaterishasitisindropsicalsubjectsand
flowsouteasilyonaccountofitsthinness,itwillbeagoodplanto
draw off the water by purging with agaric, elaterium and
coloquintida. Sweating is also useful in this case, as by it the
noxiousmatteriscarriedoff,andthemotionofthebloodtoother
parts.Toproducesweating,employcarduswater,andmithridate,or
adecoctionofguaiacumandsarsaparilla.Gumguaiacumisalsoa
great producer of perspiration, and sarsaparilla pills, taken every
nightbeforegoingtobedarealsohighlytoberecommended.Ifthe
bloodpoursout,withoutanyevilqualityinitself,thenstrengthening
meansonlyshouldbeemployed,whichisathingtobedoneincases
ofinordinatedischarge.
Takeonescrupleofol.ammoniac,onedrachmoftreacle,halfan
ounceofconserveofrosesandmakeanelectuarywithsyrupof
myrtle,orifthedischargebeoflongstandingtaketwodrachmsof
matrix, one drachm of olilanum troch. de carbara, a scruple of
balustium;makeintoapowderandformintopillswithsyrupof
quinces,andtakeonebeforeeverymeal.Taketwoscrupleseachof

troch.dechambede,scoriaferri,coralandfrankincense;poundthese
toafinepowder,andmakeintolozengeswithsugarandplantain
water.Asses'dungisalsoapprovedof,whethertakeninwardlywith
syrupofquincesorappliedoutwardlywithsteeledwater.Galenby
sendingthejuiceofitintothewombbymeansofasyringeforfour
daysconsecutively,curedthisimmediateflow,whichcouldnotbe
checkedinanyotherway.Letthepatienttakeonescrupleandahalf
ofpiloninwaterbeforegoingtobed;makeafumigationforthe
wombofmastic,frankincenseandburntfrogs,addingthehoofofa
mule.Takeanounceeachofthejuiceofknotgrass,comfolyand
quinces;adrachmofcamphor;dipapieceofsilkorcottonintoit
andapplyittotheplace.Takehalfanounceeachofoilofmastic,
myrtle,andquinces;adrachmeachoffineboleandtroch.decardas,
andasufficientquantityofdragon'sblood,makeanointmentand
apply it before and behind. Take an ounce and a half each of
plantain,shepherd'spurseandredroseleaves;anounceofdried
mint,andthreeouncesofbeanflour;boilalltheseinplantainwater
andmaketwoplasters:applyonebeforeandonebehind.Ifthe
bloodflowsfromthoseveinswhichareterminatedattheneckofthe
matrix,thenitisnotcalledanunduedischargeofthe menses,but
haemorrhoidsofthewomb.Thesameremedy,however,willserve
forboth,onlytheinstrumentalcurewillbealittledifferent;forin
uterine haemorrhoids, the ends of the veins hang over like teats,
whichmustberemovedbycutting,andthentheveinsclosedwith
aloes,finebole,burntalum,myrrh,mastic,withcomfolyjuiceand
knotgrass,laiduponitlikeaplaster.

Theairshouldbecoldanddry,andallmotionofthebodyshouldbe
prohibited.Herdietshouldconsistofpheasants,partridges,grouse,

rabbits,calves'feet,etc.,andherdrinkshouldbemixedwiththe
juiceofpomegranatesandquinces.

CHAPTERIV
OftheWeepingoftheWomb.
Theweepingofthewombisanunnaturalflowofblood,coming
from it in drops, like tears, and causing violent pains in it, and
occurringatnofixedperiodortime.Bysomeitissupposedtobe
produced by the excessive flow of the courses, as they flow
copiouslyandfreely;thisiscontinued,thoughonlylittleatatime,
andaccompaniedbygreatpainanddifficultyofpassingit,andon
thisaccountitiscomparedtothestrangury.
Thecauseisinthepower,instrumentormatter;inthepower,on
accountofitsbeingenfeebledsothatitcannotexpeltheblood,and
which,remainingthere,makesthatpartofthewombgrowhard,and
distendsthevessels,andfromthat,painsinthewombarise.Inthe
instrument,fromthenarrownessofthepassage.Lastly,itmaybethe
matterofthebloodwhichisatfault,andwhichmaybeintoogreat
quantities;orthequalitymaybebad,sothatitisthickandgrossand
cannotflowoutasitoughttodo,butonlyindrops.Thesignswill
bestbeascertainedbythepatient'sownaccount,buttherewillbe
painsinthehead,stomachandback,withinflammation,difficulty
ofbreathingandexcoriationofthematrix.Ifthepatient'sstrength
willpermitit,firstopenaveininthearm,rubtheupperpartsandlet
acordbefastenedtightlyroundthearm,sothattheforceofthe
bloodmaybecarriedbackward;thenapplysuchthingsasmayrelax
thewomb,andassuagetheheatoftheblood,aspoulticesmadeof
bran,linseed,mallows,dog'smercuryandartiplex.Ifthebloodbe

viscousandthick,addmugwort,calamint,dictainandbetonytoit,
andletthepatienttakeaboutthesizeofanutmegofVenictreacle,
andsyrupofmugworteverymorning;makeaninjectionofaloes,
dog'smercury,linseed,groundsel,mugwort,fenugreek,withsweet
almondoil.
Sometimesitiscausedbywind,andthenbleedingmustnotbehad
recourseto,butinsteadtakeoneounceofsyrupoffeverfew;halfan
ounceeachofhoney,syrupofroses,syrupofstachus;anounceeach
ofcalamintwater,mugwort,betonyandhyssop,andmakeajulep.If
thepaincontinues,usethispurge:Takeadrachmofspec.Hitrae,
half an ounce of diacatholicon, one ounce of syrup of roses and
laxative,andmakeadraughtwithadecoctionofmugwortandthe
four cordial flowers. If it proceeds from weakness, she must be
strengthened,butiffromgrossnessofblood,letthequalityofitbe
altered, as I have shown in the preceding chapter. Lastly, if her
bowelsareconfined,movethembyaninjectionofadecoctionof
camomiles, betony, feverfew, mallows, linseed, juniperberries,
cumminseed, aniseed, melilot, and add to it half an ounce of
diacatholicon;twodrachmsofhierapiera,anounceeachofhoney
and oil and a drachm and a half of sol. nitre. The patient must
abstainfromsalt,acidandwindyfood.

CHAPTERV
ThefalseCourses,orWhites.
Fromthewomb,notonlythemenstruousbloodproceeds,butmany
evacuations,whichweresummedupbytheancientsunderthetitle
of rhoos gunaikeios, [6] which is the distillation of a variety of
corrupt humours through the womb, which flow from the whole

bodyorapartofit,varyingbothincoursesandcolour.

CAUSE.
The cause is either promiscuously in the whole body, by a
cacochymia;orweaknessofit,orinsomeofitsparts,asintheliver,
which by a weakness of the blood producing powers, cause a
production of corrupt blood, which then is reddish. Sometimes,
whenthefallissluggishinitsaction,anddoesnotgetridofthose
superfluities engendered in the liver, the matter is yellowish.
Sometimesitisinthespleenwhenitdoesnotcleansethebloodof
thedregsandrejectedparticles,andthenthematterwhichflows
forthisblackish.Itmayalsocomefromacoldinthehead,orfrom
any other decayed or corrupted member, but if the discharge be
white,thecauselieseitherinthestomachorloins.Inthestomach,
bysomecrudesubstancethere,andvitiatedbygrief,melancholyor
some other mental disturbance; for otherwise, if the matter were
onlycrudephlegmandnowayscorrupt,beingtakenintotheliverit
mightbeconvertedintotheblood;forphlegmintheventricleis
callednourishmenthalfdigested;butbeingcorrupt,thoughsentinto
theliveritcannotbeturnedintonutriment,fortheseconddecoction
inthe stomachcannot correct that which thefirst corrupted;and
thereforetheliversendsittothewomb,whichcanneitherdigestnor
rejectit,andsoitisvoidedoutwiththesamecolourwhichithadin
theventricle.Thecausemayalsobeintheveinsbeingoverheated
wherebythespermaticalmatterflowsoutbecauseofitsthinness.
Theexternalcausesmaybemoistnessoftheair,eatingbadfood,
anger,grief,sloth,toomuchsleep,costiveness.
Thesignsarebodilydisturbances,shortnessofbreathing,andfoul
breath,adistasteforfood,swolleneyesandfeet,andlowspirits;
discharges of different colours, as red, black, green, yellow and
whitefromthewomb.Itdiffersfromtheflowingofthecoursesand

from too abundant menstruation, in so far as it keeps no certain

period,andisofmanycolours,allofwhichspringfromblood.
Ifthefluxbephlegmatic,itwilllastlongandbehardtocure,butif
sicknessordiarrhoeasupervene,itcarriesoffthehumourandcures
thedisease.Ifitisabundantitdoesnotlastsolong,butitismore
dangerous,foritwillcauseacleftintheneckofthewomb,and
sometimesalsoanexcoriationofthematrix;ifmelancholy,itmust
bedangerousandobstinate.Thefluxofthehaemorrhoids,however,
assiststhecure.
Ifthematterwhichflowsoutbereddish,openaveininthearm;if
not,applyligaturestothearmsandshoulders.Galenboaststhathe
curedthewifeofBrutus,whowassufferingfromthisdisease,by
rubbingtheupperpartwithhoney.
Ifitiscausedbythebrain,takesyrupofbetonyandmarjoram.Give
asapurgativePill.coch.orAgaric;makenasaliaofsage,orhyssop
juice,betony,flagella,withonedropofoilofElect.Dianth.Rosat.
Diambrae,diamoscidulus,onedrachmofeach,andmakelozenges
tobetakeneverymorningandevening. AuriAlexandrina,halfa
drachmatnightongoingtobed.Ifthesethingshavenoeffect,try
suffumigationandplasters,astheyareprescribedabove.
Ifitarisesfromcruditiesofthestomachorfromacold,disordered
liver,takeadecoctionoflignumsanctumeverymorning,purgewith
pilldeagaric,dehermadact,dehiera,diacolinthis,foetidagrigatio;
taketwodrachmsofelect.arometroses,onescrupleeachofdried
citronpeel,nutmeg,longpepper;onedrachmofdraglanga;halfa
scrupleeachof fantalumalbum, ling,aloes;sixouncesofsugar,
withmintwater:makelozengesofit,andtakethembeforemeals.If
thereberepletionbesidestherigidityoftheliver,purgingbymeans
ofanemeticistoberecommended,forwhichtakethreedrachmsof
theelectuarydiasatu.Galenallowsdiureticalremedies,suchasaqua
petrofolma.

Ifthedischargebeangry,treatitwithsyrupofroses,violets,endive
and succory; give a purge of mirabolans, manna, rhubarb, and
cassia. Take two drachms of rhubarb, one of aniseed, and one
scrupleandahalfofcinnamon;infusethemintosixouncesofsyrup
ofprunes,andaddoneounceofstrainedmanna,andtakeitinthe
morningasrequired.Takeonedrachmeachofthefollowingdrugs:
diatonlanton,diacorant,diarthod,abbaris,dyacydomei,fourounces
ofsugar,andmakeintolozengeswithplantainwater.Ifthegallbe
sluggish,anddoesnotstirthebowels,givewarminjectionsofa
decoction of the four mollifying herbs, with honey of roses and
aloes.
Iftheflowbebilious,treatthepatientwithsyrupofmaidenhair;
epithynium,polypody,borage,buglos,fumitary,hart'stongueand
syrups,bisantius,whichmustbemadewithoutvinegar,elseitwill
assistthediseaseinsteadofnature,formelancholyisincreasedby
the use of vinegar, and both Hippocrates, Silvius and Avenzoar
rejectitasinjuriousfor thewomb,andtherefore notto beused
internally in uterine diseases. Pilulae sumariae, pilulae lud.
delupina,lazulidiosenaandconfetiohamecarepurgesofbile.Take
twoouncesofpoundedprunes,onedrachmofsenna,adrachmanda
halfeachofepithimium,polypodyandfumitary,andanounceof
sour dates, and make a decoction with endive water; take four
ouncesofitandaddthreedrachmsofhamesechandthreeofmanna.
Ortakeascrupleeachofpil.indic.foetid,agarici,trochisati;one
scrupleofrhubarbpills,sixgrainsoflapislazuli,makeintopills
withepithimium,andtakethemonceaweek.Takethreedrachmsof
elect. loetificans. Galen three drachms, a drachm each of
diamargaritum, calimi, diamosci dulus; a drachm of conserve of
borage, violets and burglos; one drachm of candied citron peel,
sevenouncesofsugar,andmakeintolozengeswithrosewater.
Lastlyletthewombbecleansedofallcorruptmatter,andthenbe
strengthened.Inordertopurifyit,makeinjectionsofthedecoction

ofbetony,feverfew,spikenard,bismust,mercuryandsage,andadd
twoounceseachofsugarandsweetalmondoil;pessariesmayalso
be made of silk or cotton, softened in the juice of the above
mentionedherbs.
Youmustpreparetrochisks,thus,tostrengthenthewomb.Takeone
ounceeachofmugwort,feverfew,myrrh,amber,mace,storax,ling
aloesandredroses,andmakelozengesortrocheswithmucilageof
tragacanth; throw one of them on to hot coals and fumigate the
wombwithredwine,inwhichmastic,finebole,malustiaandred
rootshavebeendecocted;anointthematrixwithoilofquincesand
myrtles,andapplyaplastertoit,forthewomb;andletthewoman
takediamosdumdulco,aract,andslemoticumeverymorning.
Adryingdietisrecommendedasbest,becauseinthesecasesthe
bodyaboundswithphlegmaticandcrudehumours.Onthisaccount,
Hippocratesadvisesthepatienttogotobedsupperless.Herfood
shouldconsistofpartridges,pheasantandgrouse,roastedratherthan
boiled,toomuchsleepmustbeprohibitedwhilstmoderateexercise
isveryadvisable.

FOOTNOTES:
[6]
Thefemaleflowing.

CHAPTERVI
TheSuffocationoftheMother.

This,whichifsimplyconsidered,willbefoundtobemerelythe
cause of an effect, is called in English, "the suffocation of the
mother," not because the womb is strangled, but because by its
retractiontowardsthemidriffandstomach,whichpressesitup,so
thattheinstrumentalcauseofrespiration,themidriff,issuffocated,
andactingwiththebrain,causetheanimatingfaculty,theefficient
causeofrespiration,alsotobeinterrupted,whenthebodygrowing
cold,andtheactionweakened,thewomanfallstothegroundasif
sheweredead.
Somewomenremainlongerinthosehystericalattacksthanothers,
andRabbiMosesmentionssomewholayinthefitfortwodays.
Rufuswritesofonewhocontinuedinitforthreedaysandthree
nights,andrevivedattheendofthethreedays.AndIwillgiveyou
anexamplesothatwemaytakewarningbytheexampleofother
men.ParoetusmentionsaSpanishwomanwhowassuddenlyseized
with suffocation of the womb, and was thought to be dead. Her
friends,fortheirownsatisfaction,sentforasurgeoninordertohave
heropened,andassoonashebegantomakeanincision,shebegan
tomove,andcometoherselfagainwithgreatcries,tothehorror
andsurpriseofallthosepresent.
In order that the living may be distinguished from the dead, old
writersprescribethreeexperiments.Thefirstis,tolayafeatheron
themouth,andbyitsmovementsyoumayjudgewhetherthepatient
bealiveordead;thesecondis,toplaceaglassofwateronthe
breast,andifitmoves,itbetokenslife;thethirdis,toholdabright,
clean, lookingglass to the mouth and nose, and if the glass be
dimmedwithalittlemoistureonit,itbetokenslife.Thesethree
experiments are good, but you must not depend upon them too
much,forthoughthefeatherandtheglassdonotmove,andthe
lookingglasscontinuesbrightandclear,yetitisnotanecessary
consequencethatsheisdead.Forthemovementofthelungs,by
whichbreathingisproduced,maybechecked,sothatshecannot

breathe,andyetinternalheatmayremain,whichisnotevidentby
themotionofthebreastorlungs,butlieshiddenintheheartand
arteries.
Examplesofthiswefindinfliesandswallows,whoseemdeadtoall
outwardappearances,breathlessandinanimate,andyettheyliveby
thatheatwhichisstoredupintheheartandinwardarteries.Atthe
approachofsummer,however,theinternalheat,beingrestoredto
the outer parts, they are then brought to life again, out of their
sleepingtrance.
Thosewomen,therefore,whoapparentlydiesuddenly,andfromno
visiblecause,shouldnotbeburieduntiltheendofthreedays,lest
thelivingbeburiedinsteadofthedead.

CURE.
Thepartaffectedisthewomb,ofwhichtherearetwomotions
naturalandsymptomatic.Thenaturalmotionis,whenthewomb
attractsthemaleseed,orexpelstheinfant,andthesymptomatical
motion,ofwhichwearespeaking,isaconvulsivedrawingupofthe
womb.
The cause is usually in the retention of the seed, or in the
suppressionofthemenses,whichcausesarepletionofthecorrupt
humours of the womb, from which a windy refrigeration arises,
whichproducesaconvulsionoftheligamentsofthewomb.Andjust
as it may arise from humidity or repletion, so also, as it is a
convulsion,itmaybecausedbydrynessoremptiness.Lastlyalso,it
mayarisefromabortionorfromdifficultchildbirth.

SIGNS.

Ontheapproachofsuffocationofthewombthefacebecomespale,
thereisaweaknessofthelegs,shortnessofbreathing,frigidityof
thewholebody,withaspasminthethroat,andthenthewomanfalls
down,bereftofsenseandmotion;themouthofthewombisclosed
up, and feels hard when touched with the finger. When the
paroxysmorthefitisover,sheopenshereyes,andasshefeelsan
oppression of the stomach, she tries to vomit. And lest any one
shouldbedeceivedintotakingonediseaseforanother,Iwillshow
how it may be distinguished from those diseases which most
resembleit.
Itdiffersfromapoplexy,asitcomeswithoutthepatientcryingout;
inhystericalfitsalsothesenseoffeelingisnotaltogetherdestroyed
andlost,asitisinapoplexy;anditdiffersfromepilepsy,astheeyes
arenotdistorted,andthereisspongyfrothfromthemouth.That
convulsive motion also, which is frequently accompanied by
symptomsofsuffocation,isnotuniversal,asitisinepilepsy,but
thereissomeconvulsion,butthatwithoutanyviolentagitation.In
syncopebothbreathingandthepulsefail,thefacegrowspale,and
thewomanfaintssuddenly;butinhystericalattacksthereareusually
bothbreathingandpulse,thoughtheseareindistinct;thefaceisred
andshehasaforewarningoftheapproachingfit.Itcannot,however,
bedeniedthatsyncopemayaccompanythisfeelingofsuffocation.
Lastly,itcanbedistinguishedfromlethargybythepulse,whichis
rapidintheformer,butweakinthelatter.

CURE.
Inthecureofthisaffection,twothingsmustbetakencareof:In
the first place, nature must be stimulated to expel these hurtful
humours which obscure the senses, so that the woman may be
broughtbackfromthatsleepyfit. Secondly,duringtheintervalsof
theattack,properremediesmustbeemployed,inordertoremove

thecause.
Tostimulatenature,applycuppingglassestothehipsandnavel:
applyligaturestothethighs,rubtheextremitieswithsalt,mustard
andvinegar,andshoutandmakeagreatnoiseinherears.Hold
asafoetidatothenose,orsacopeniumsteepedinvinegar;makeher
sneezebyblowingcastorpowder,whitepepperandhelleboreupher
nose; hold burnt feathers, hair, leather, or anything else with a
strong,stinkingsmellunderhernose,forbadodoursareunpleasant
to nature, and the animal spirits so strive against them, that the
naturalheatisrestoredbytheirmeans.Thebrainissometimesso
oppressed,thatitbecomesnecessarytoburntheouterskinofthe
head with hot oil, or with a hot iron, and strong injections and
suppositories are useful. Take a handful each of sage, calamint,
horehound,feverfew,marjoram,betonyandhyssop;halfanounce
ofaniseed;twodrachmaeachofcoloquintida,whitehelleboreand
salgem;boiltheseintwoquartsofwatertillreducedtohalf;addtwo
ouncesofcastoroilandtwodrachmsofhierapieraandmakean
injectionofit.Ortaketwoouncesofboiledhoney,halfascrupleof
spurge,fourgrainsofcoloquint,twograinsofhelleboreanddrachm
of salt; make a suppository. Hippocrates mentions a hysterical
womanwhocouldonlyberelievedoftheparoxysmsbypouring
coldwateronher:yetthisisastrangecure,andshouldonlybe
administeredintheheatofsummer,whenthesunisinthetropicof
Cancer.
Ifitbecausedbytheretentionandcorruptionoftheseed,letthe
midwifetakeoiloflilies,marjoramandbayleaves,anddissolve
twograinsofcivetinthem,andthesamequantityofmusk,andat
themomentoftheparoxysmletherdipherfingerintothemixture
andputitintotheneckofthewomb,andtickleandrubitwithit.
Whenthefitisover,proceedtoremovethecause.Ifitarisesfrom
suppressionofthemenses,lookinChapterXI,p.102,forthecure.

If it arises from the retention of the seed, a good husband will

administerthecure,butthosewhocannothonourablyobtainthat
remedy,mustusesuchmeansaswilldryupanddiminishtheseed,
asdiaciminum,diacalaminthes,etc.Theseedoftheagnuscastusis
highly valued as a draught, whether taken inwardly, applied
outwardlyorusedasasuffumigation.Itwasheldinhighesteemby
theAthenianwomen,forbyitsmeanstheyremainedaspurevessels
andpreservedtheirchastity,byonlystrewingitonthebedonwhich
theylay,andhencethenameofagnuscastus,whichwasgiventoit,
asdenotingitseffects.Makeanissueontheinsideofeachleg,four
inchesbelowtheknee,andthenmakelozengesoftwoscruplesof
agric,halfascrupleeachofwildcarrotseedandlignealoes;three
drachmsofwashedturpentine,andmakeaboluswithaconserveof
flowers.Eightdrachmsofcastortakeninwhitewineareveryuseful
inthiscase,oryoumaymakepillsofitwithdog'stooth,andtake
themongoingtobed.Takeanounceofwhitebrionyrootdriedand
cutuplikecarrots,putitintoalittlewineandplaceitonthefire,
anddrinkwhenwarm.Takeonescrupleeachofmyrrh,castorand
asafoetida;fourgrainseachofsaffronandrueseed,andmakeeight
pillsandtaketwoeverynightongoingtobed.
Galen,fromhisownexperience,recommendspowderedagaric,of
whichhefrequentlygaveonescrupleinwhitewine.Putaheadof
bruisedgarliconthenavelatbedtime,andfastenitwithaswathing
band.Makeagirdleforthewaistofgalbanum,andalsoaplasterfor
thestomach,andputcivetandmuskononepartofit,whichmustbe
appliedtothenavel.Taketwodrachmseachofpulvisbenedict,and
oftrochesofagaric,asufficientquantityofmithridate,andmake
twopessaries,andthatwillpurgethematrixofwindandphlegm;
fomenttheprivatepartswithsaladoilinwhichsomefeverfewand
camomileshavebeenboiled.Takeahandfulofroseleavesandtwo
scruplesofcloves,sewtheminalittleclothandboilthemforten
minutesinmalmsey;thenapplythem,ashotastheycanbeborne,to
themouthofthewomb,butdonotletthesmellgouphernose.A

drydietmuststillbeadheredtoandthemoderateuseofVenusis
advisable.Lethereataniseedbiscuitsinsteadofbread,androast
meatinsteadofboiled.

CHAPTERVII
OftheDescendingorFallingoftheWomb.
Thedescentofthewombiscausedbyarelaxationoftheligatures,
whereby the matrix is carried backward, and in some women it
protrudes to the size of an egg, and there are two kinds of this,
distinguishedbyadescendingandaprecipitation.Thedescendingof
thewombis,whenitsinksdowntotheentranceoftheprivateparts,
andappearseitherverylittleornotatall,totheeye.Itsprecipitation
iswhenitisturnedinsideoutlikeapurse,andhangsoutbetween
thethighs,likeacuppingglass.

CAUSE.
This is either external or internal. The external cause is difficult
childbirth,violentpullingaway,orinexperienceindrawingaway
the child, violent coughing, sneezing, falls, blows, and carrying
heavyburdens.Theinternalcause,isgenerallytheflowoftoomuch
moistureintotheseparts,whichhinderstheoperationofthewomb,
wherebytheligamentsbywhichthewombissupportedarerelaxed.
Theparticularcause,however,liesintheretentionofthesemen,or
inthesuppressionofthemonthlycourses.

SIGNS.

The principal gut and the bladder are often so crushed, that the
passageofbothevacuationsishindered.Iftheurineflowsoutwhite
andthick,andthemidriffisinterferedwith,theloinssuffer,the
privatepartsareinpain,andthewombdescendstothem,orelse
comescleanout.

PROGNOSTICS.
Ifanoldwomanisthusaffected,thecureisverydifficult,becauseit
weakensthewomb,andtherefore,thoughitmaybeputbackintoits
properplace,yetitisapttogetdisplacedagain,byaveryslight
amountofillness.Andalsowithyoungerwomen,ifthisdiseaseis
inveterate, and if it is causedby putrefaction of the nerves, it is
incurable.

CURE.
Thewomb,beingplacedbynaturebetweenthestraightgutandthe
bladder,oughtnottobeputbackagainuntilthepowersofbothare
excited.Nowthatnatureisrelievedofherburden,letthewomanbe
laidonherbacksothatherlegsmaybehigherthanherhead;lether
feetbedrawnuptowardsherprivateparts,andherkneesspread
open.Thenapplyoilofsweetalmondsandlilies,oradecoctionof
mallows, beet, fenugreek and linseed, to the swelling; when the
inflammationisreduced,letthemidwiferubherhandwithoilof
mastic,andrestorethewombtoitsproperplace.Whenthematrixis
up,thepatient'spositionmustbechanged.Herlegsmustbeputout
quitestraightandlaidtogether,andapplysixcuppingglassestoher
breast and navel. Boil feverfew, mugwort, red rose leaves and
comfreyinredwine;makeasuffumigationforthematrix,andapply
sweetscentstohernose.Whenshecomesoutofherbath,giveher
an ounce of syrup of feverfew with a drachm of dog's tooth

(mithridate).Takethreedrachmseachoflaudanumandmastic,and
make a plaster for the navel of it, and then make pessaries of
asafoetida,saffron,comfrey,andmastic,addingalittlecastoroil.
Pariusinsuchcasesmakeshispessariesonlyofcork,shapedlikea
smallegg;hecoveredthemwithwaxandmasticdissolvedtogether,
andfasteningthemtoathread,heputthemintothewomb.
Theimmediatedangerbeingnowremovedandthematrixreturned
toitsnaturalplacetheremotecausemustbegotridof.Ifshebeof
fullhabitofbodyopenavein,afterpreparingherwithsyrupof
betony, calamint, hyssop and feverfew. Give a purge, and if the
stomachbeoppressedwithanycrudematterrelieveitbyemetics
andbysudorificsoflignumsanctumandsassafrastakentwentydays
consecutively, which dry up the superfluous moisture, and
consequentlysuppressthecauseofthedisease.
Theairshouldbehotanddry,andherdiethotandattenuating.Let
herabstainfromdancing,jumping,sneezing,aswellasfromall
mentalandbodilyemotions,eatsparingly,notdrinkmuch,andbe
moderateinhersleep.

CHAPTERVIII
OftheInflammationoftheWomb.
Thephlegmon,orinflammationofthematrix,isahumourwhich
affectsthewholewomb,andisaccompaniedbyunnaturalheat,by
obstructionandbyanaccumulationofcorruptblood.

CAUSE.

Thecauseofthisaffectionissuppressionofthecourses,fullnessof
body,theimmoderateuseofsexualintercourse,frequenthandling
thegenitals,difficultchildbirth,violentmotionsofthebody,falls,
blows,towhichmaybeadded,theuseofstrongpessaries,whereby
thewombisfrequentlyinflamed,cuppingglasses,also,fastenedto
thepubisandhypogastrium,drawthehumoursofthewomb.

SIGNS.
The signs are pains in the lower parts of the body and head,
humours, sickness, coldness in the knees, throbbing in the neck,
palpitation of the heart. Often, also, there is shortness of breath
becauseoftheheartwhichisclosetothemidriff,andthebreasts
sympathisingwiththeswollenandpainfulwomb.Besidesthis,ifthe
frontofthematrixbeinflamed,theprivatessuffer,andtheurineis
suppressed, or only flows with difficulty. If the hinder part be
inflamed,theloinsandbacksuffer,andthebowelsareverycostive;
iftherightsidebeinflamed,therighthipsuffers,andtherightlegis
heavyandmovesslowly,sothatattimessheseemsalmostlame.If,
however,theleftsideofthewombbeinflamed,thenthelefthip
suffersandtheleftlegisweakerthantheright.Iftheneckofthe
wombisaffected,byputtingherfingerin,themidwifefeelsthatits
mouthiscontractedandclosedup,andthatitishardroundit.

CURE.
Inthecure,firstofall,letthehumourswhichflowtothewombbe
expelled. To effect this, after the bowels have been loosened by
coolingclystersbleedingwillbenecessary.Therefore,openavein
inthearm,ifsheisnotwithchild;thedayafterstrikethesaphenain
bothfeet,fastenligaturesandcuppingglassestothearm,andrub
the upper part. Purge gently with cassia, rhubarb, senna and

myrobalan. Take one drachm of senna, a scruple of aniseed,

myrobalan,halfanounce,withasufficientquantityofbarleywater.
Make a decoction and dissolve syrup of succory in it, and two
ouncesofrhubarb;poundhalfanounceofcassiawithafewdrops
ofoilofaniseedandmakeadraught.Atthecommencementofthe
disease, anoint the private parts and loins with oil of roses and
quinces: make plasters of plantain, linseed, barley meal, melilot,
fenugreek, white of eggs, and if the pain be intense, a little
laudanum; foment the genitals with a decoction of poppyheads,
purslace,knotgrassandwaterlilies.Makeinjectionsofgoat'smilk,
rosewater,clarifiedwheyandhoneyofroses.Whenthediseaseis
onadecline,useinjectionsofsage,linseed,mugwort,pennyroyal,
horehound,fenugreek, andanoint thelowerpartsof thestomach
withoilofcamomilesandviolets.
Takefourounceseachoflilyandmallowroots,ahandfulofdog's
mercury,ahandfulandahalfeachofmugwort,feverfew,camomile
flowersandmelilot,bruisetheherbsandroots,andboilthemina
sufficientquantityofmilk;thenaddtwoounceseachoffreshbutter,
oilofcamomilesandlilies,withasufficientquantityofbran,make
twoplasters,andapplyonebeforeandtheotherbehind.
Ifthetumourcannotberemoved,butseemsinclinedtosuppurate,
take three drachms each of fenugreek, mallow roots, boiled figs,
linseed,barleymeal,dove'sdungandturpentine;halfadrachmof
deer'ssuet,halfascrupleofopiumandmakeaplasterofwax.
Takebayleaves,sage,hyssop,camomiles,andmugwort,andmake
aninfusioninwater.
Takehalfahandfulofwormwoodandbetonyandhalfapinteachof
whitewineandmilk,boilthemuntilreducedtohalf;thentakefour
ouncesofthisdecoctionandmakeaninjection,butyoumustbe
carefulthatthehumoursarenotbroughtdownintothewomb.Take
threedrachmseachofroastfigs,andbruiseddog'smercury;three

drachms each of turpentine andduck's grease, andtwo grains of

opium;makeapessarywithwax.
Theroommustbekeptcool,andallmotionsofthebody,especially
of the lower parts, must be prohibited. Wakefulness is to be
recommended,forhumoursarecarriedinwardbysleep,andthus
inflammation is increased. Eat sparingly, and drink only barley
waterorclarifiedwhey,andeatchickensandchickenbroth,boiled
withendive,succory,sorrel,buglossandmallows.

CHAPTERIX
OfScirrhousTumours,orHardnessoftheWomb.
A scirrhus,orahardunnaturalswellingofthematrixisgenerally
produced by neglected, or imperfectly cured phlegm, which,
insensibly,hindersthefunctionsofthewomb,andpredisposesthe
wholebodytolistlessness.

CAUSE.
Onecauseofthisdiseasemaybeascribedtowantofjudgmenton
the part of the physician, as many empirics when attending to
inflammationofthewomb,chillthehumoursomuchthatitcan
neither pass backward nor forward, and hence, the matter being
condensed,turnsintoahard,stonysubstance.Othercausesmaybe
suppression of the menses, retention of the Lochein, commonly
calledtheafterpurging;eatingdecayedmeat,asinthedisordered
longingafterthepleiatowhichpregnantwomenareoftensubject.It
may, however, also proceed from obstructions and ulcers in the

matrixorfromsomeevilaffectionsofthestomachorspleen.
Ifthebottomofthewombbeaffected,shefeels,asitwere,aheavy
burden representing a mole, [7] yet differing from it, in that the
breastsareattenuated,andthewholebodygrowsless.Iftheneckof
thewombbeaffected,nooutwardhumourswillappear;itsmouthis
retractedandfeelshardtothetouch,norcanthewomanhavesexual
intercoursewithoutgreatpain.

PROGNOSTICS.
Confirmedscirrhusisincurable,andwillturntocancerorincurable
dropsy,andwhenitendsincanceritprovesfatal,becauseasthe
innate heat of these parts is almost smothered, it can hardly be
restoredagain.

CURE.
Wherethereisrepletion,bleedingisadvisable,thereforeopenavein
in one arm and in both feet, more especially if the menses are
suppressed.
Treat the humours with syrup of borage, succory made with a
poultice,andthentakethefollowingpills,accordingtothepatient's
strength.
Hiera piera six drachms, two and a half drachms each of black
helleboreandpolypody;adrachmandahalfeachofagaric,lapis
lazuli,salIndiae,coloquintida,mixthemandmaketwopills.After
purging,mollifythehardnessasfollows:theprivypartsandthe
neckofthewombwithanointmentofdecaltheaandagrippa;ortake
twodrachmseachofopopanax,bdellium,ammoniacandmyrrh,and
halfadrachmofsaffron;dissolvetheguminoilofliliesandsweet

almond and make an ointment with wax and turpentine. Apply

diacatholiconferelliabelowthenavel,andmakeinfusionsoffigs,
mugwort, mallows, pennyroyal, althea, fennel roots, melilot,
fenugreekandthefourmollifyingherbs,withoilofdill,camomiles
andliliesdissolvedinit.Takethreedrachmsofgumbdellium,put
thestonepyritesonthecoals,andlethertakethefumesintoher
womb.Fomenttheprivypartswithadecoctionoftherootsand
leaves of dane wort. Take a drachm each of gum galbanum and
opopanax,halfanounceeachofjuiceofdanewortandmucilageof
fenugreek,anounceofcalve'smarrow,andasufficientquantityof
wax,andmakeapessary.Ormakeapessaryofleadonly,dipitin
theabovementionedthings,andputitup.
Theatmospheremustbekepttemperate,andgrossandsaltmeats
suchaspork,bullbeef,fishandoldcheese,mustbeprohibited.

FOOTNOTES:
[7]
Mole:"Asomewhatshapeless,compactfleshymassoccurringinthe
uterus,duetotheretentionandcontinuedlifeofthewholeorapart
ofthefoetalenvelopes,afterthedeathofthefoetus(amaternalor
truemole);orbeingsomeotherbodyliabletobemistakenforthis,
orperhapsapolypusorfalsemole."(Whitney'sCenturyDictionary.)

CHAPTERX
OfDropsyoftheWomb.
Uterinedropsyisanunnaturalswelling,causedbythecollectionof

windorphlegminthecavity,membranesorsubstanceofthewomb,
onaccountofthewantofinnateheatandofsufficientalimentation,
andsoitturnsintoanexcrescence.Thecausesare,toomuchcold
and moisture of the milt and liver, immoderate drinking, eating
insufficiently cooked meat, all of which by causing repletion,
overpower the natural heat. It may likewise be caused by undue
menstruation,orbyanyotherimmoderateevacuation.Tothesemay
be added abortions, subcutaneous inflammations and a hardened
swellingofthewomb.

SIGNS.
Thesignsofthisaffectionareasfollows:Thelowerpartsofthe
stomach,withthegenitals,areswollenandpainful;thefeetswell,
thenaturalcolourofthefaceislost,theappetitebecomesdepraved,
andthereisaconsequentheavinessofthewholebody.Ifthewoman
turnsoverinbedanoiselikeflowingwaterisheard,andsometimes
waterisdischargedfromthewomb.Iftheswellingiscausedby
windandthestomachfeelshot,itsoundslikeadrum;thebowels
rumble,andthewindescapesthroughtheneckofthewombwitha
murmuring noise. This affection may be distinguished from true
conception in many ways, as will be shown in the chapter on
conception.Itisdistinguishedfromcommondropsy,bythelower
partsofthestomachbeingmostswollen.Again,itdoesnotappear
soinjuriousinthisbloodproducingcapability,noristheurineso
pale,northefacesoaltered.Theupperpartsarealsonotsoreduced,
asinusualdropsy.

PROGNOSTICS.
This affection foretells the ruin of the natural functions, by that
peculiar sympathy it has with the liver, and that, therefore,

kathydria,orgeneraldropsywillfollow.

CURE.
Inthecureofthisdisease,imitatethepracticeofHippocrates,and
firstmitigatethepainwithfomentationsofmelilot,dog'smercury,
mallows, linseed, camomiles and althoea. Then let the womb be
prepared with syrup of stoebis, hyssop, calamint, mugwort, with
distilled water, a decoction of elder, marjoram, sage, origan,
spearage,pennyroyal,andbetony.Purgewithsenna,agaric,rhubarb,
andclaterium.Takespicierumhier,ascrupleeachofrhubarb,agaric
lozenges,andmakeintopillswithirisjuice.
Whendiseasesarisefrommoistness,purgewithpills,andinthose
affections which are caused by emptiness or dryness, purge by
meansofadraught.Applycuppingglassestothestomachandalso
tothenavel,especiallyiftheswellingbeflatulent.Putasetononto
theinsideofeachleg,thewidthofahandbelowtheknee.Taketwo
drachms each of sparganium, diambrae, diamolet, diacaliminti,
diacinamoni,myrrhlozenges,andapoundofsugar;maketheseinto
lozengeswithbetonywater,andtakethemtwohoursbeforemeals.
Applyalittlebagofcamomiles,cumminandmelilotboiledinoilof
rue,tothebottomofthestomachashotasitcanbeborne;anointthe
stomachandtheprivateswithunguentagripp,andunguentaragon.
Mixirisoilwithit,andcoverthelowerpartofthestomachwitha
plasterofbayberries,oracataplasmmadeofcummin,camomiles,
brionyroot,addingcows'andgoats'dung.
Ourmodernmedicalwritersascribegreatvirtuestotobaccowater,
injectedintothewombbymeansofaclyster.Takeahandfuleachof
balmofsouthernwood,origanum,wormwood,calamint,bayberries
and marjoram, and four drachms of juniper berries; make a
decoction of these in water, and use this for fomentations and

infusions.Makepessariesofstorax,aloes,withtherootsofdictam,
aristolochiaandgentian,butinsteadofthisyoumayusethepessary
prescribed at the end of Chapter XVII. Let her take aromatic
electuary,disatyrionandcandiederingoroots,everymorning.
Theairmustbehotanddry,moderateexerciseistobetakenandtoo
muchsleepprohibited.Shemayeatthefleshofpartridges,larks,
grouse,hares,rabbits,etc.,andletherdrinkdilutedurine.

CHAPTERXI
OfMoles[8]andFalseConceptions.
Thisdiseasemaybedefinedasaninarticulateshapelesspieceof
flesh,begotteninthewombasifitweretrueconception.Inthis
definitionwemustnotetwothings:(1)becauseamoleissaidtobe
inarticulate or jointless, and without shape, it differs from
monstrositieswhicharebothformataandarticulata;(2)itissaidto
be,asitwereatrueconception,whichmakesadifferencebetweena
trueconception,andamole,andthisdifferenceholdsgoodinthree
ways.First,initsgenus,becauseamolecannotbesaidtobean
animal:secondly,inthespecies,becauseithasnotahumanfigure
andhasnotthecharacterofaman;thirdly,intheindividual,forit
hasnoaffinitytotheparent,eitherinthewholebody,orinany
particularpartofit.

CAUSE.
Thereisagreatdifferenceofopinionamongstlearnedwritersasto
thecauseofthisaffection.Somethink,thatifthewoman'sseedgoes

intothewomb,andnottheman's,thatthemoleisproducedthereby.
Othersdeclarethatitspringsfromthemenstruousblood,butifthese
twothingsweregranted,thenvirgins,byhavingtheircoursesor
through nocturnal pollutions, might be liable to the same things,
whichnonehaveeverbeenyet.Thetruecauseofthisfleshymoleis
duebothtothemanandfromthemenstruousbloodinthewoman
both mixing together in the cavity of the womb. Nature finding
herself weak there (and yet wishing to propagate her species),
labourstobringforthadefectiveconceptionratherthannothingand
insteadofalivingcreatureproducesalumpofflesh.

SIGNS.
The signs of a mole are these. The menses are suppressed, the
appetite becomes depraved, the breasts swell and the stomach
becomes inflated and hard. So far the symptoms in a pregnant
womanandinonethathasamolearethesame,butnowthisishow
theydiffer.Thefirstsignofdifferenceisinthemovementsofa
mole.Itmaybefeltmovinginthewombbeforethethirdmonth,
whereasaninfantcannotbesofelt;yetthismotioncannotproceed
fromanyintelligentpowerinthemole,butfromthecapabilitiesof
the womb, and of the seminal vigour, distributed through the
substanceofthemole,foritdoesnotliveananimal,butavegetable
life,likeaplant.Secondly,inamolethestomachswellssuddenly,
butintrueconceptionitisfirstcontracted,andthenrisesbydegrees.
Thirdly,ifthestomachispressedwiththehand,themolegivesway,
andreturnstoitsformerpositionassoonasthehandisremoved.
Butachildinthewombdoesnotmoveimmediatelythoughpressed
withthehand,andwhenthehandisremoveditreturnsslowlyornot
at all. Lastly, no child continues in the womb more than eleven
months,butamolecontinuesforfourorfiveyears,moreorless,
sometimes according as it is fastened to the matrix; and I have

knownamolepass awayin fouror fivemonths. If,however,it

remainsuntiltheeleventhmonth,thewoman'slegsgrowweakand
thewholebodywastesaway,butthestomachstillincreases,which
makessomewomenthinkthattheyaredropsical,thoughthereisno
reasonforit,forindropsythelegsswellandgrowbig,butinamole
theywitherandfallaway.

CURE.
In the school of Hippocrates we are taught that bleeding causes
abortion,bytakingallthenourishmentwhichshouldpreservethe
lifeoftheembryo.Inorder,therefore,thatthisfaultyconception
maybedeprivedofthatnourishingsapbywhichitlives,openthe
liverveinandsaphenainbothfeet,applycuppingglassestothe
loinsandsidesofthestomach,andwhenthathasbeendone,letthe
uterine parts be first softened, and then the expulsive powers be
stimulatedtogetridoftheburden.
Inordertorelaxtheligaturesofthemole,takethreehandfulsof
mallowswiththeirroots,twohandfulseachofcamomiles,melilot,
pellitory of the wall, violet leaves, dog's mercury, fennel roots,
parsley,andonepoundeachoflinseedandfenugreek;boilthemin
oilandletthepatientsitinituptohernavel.Whenshecomesoutof
her bath, she should anoint her private parts and loins with the
followingointment:"Takeoneounceeachofoilofcamomiles,
lilies and sweet almonds: half an ounce each of fresh butter,
laudanumandammoniac,andmakeanointmentwithoiloflilies.
Or,insteadofthis,youmayuseunguentumagrippaeordialthea.
Takeahandfulofdog'smercuryandalthearoots;halfahandfulof
flosbrochaeursini;sixouncesoflinseedandbarleymeal.Boilall
thesetogetherinhoneyandwaterandmakeaplaster,andmake
pessariesofgumgalbanum,bdellium,ammoniac,figs,pig'sfatand
honey.

After the ligaments of the mole are loosened, let the expulsive
powersbestimulatedtoexpelthemole,andfordoingthis,allthose
drugsmaybeusedwhichareadaptedtobringonthecourses.Take
one ounce of myrrh lozenges, half an ounce each of castor,
astrolachia,gentiananddittanyandmakethemintoapowder,and
takeonedrachminfourouncesofmugwortwater.Takecalamint,
pennyroyal,betony,hyssop,sage,horehound,valerian,madderand
savine;makeadecoctioninwaterandtakethreeouncesofit,with
one and a half ounces of feverfew. Take three scruples each of
mugwort, myrrh, gentian and pill. coch.; a drachm each of rue,
pennyroyalandopopanax,andthesameofasafoetida,cinnamon,
juniperberriesandborage,andmakeintopillswithsavinejuice,to
betakeneverymorning.Makeaninfusionofhyssop,bayleaves,
bayberries,calamint,camomiles,mugwortandsavine.Taketwo
scrupleseachofsacopenium,mugwort,savine,cloves,nutmeg,bay
berries;onedrachmofgalbanum;onescrupleeachofhierapiera
andblackhellebore,andmakeapessarywithturpentine.
Butifthesemedicamentsarenotprocurable,thenthemolemustbe
pulledoutbymeansofaninstrumentcalledthepesgryphis,[9]which
maybedonewithoutmuchdangerifitbeperformedbyaskilful
surgeon. After she has been delivered of the mole (because the
womanwillhavelostmuchbloodalready),lettheflowofbloodbe
stoppedassoonaspossible.
Applycuppingglassestotheshouldersandligaturestothearms,
andifthisbenoteffective,opentheliverveininthearm.
Theatmosphereoftheroommustbekepttolerablydryandwarm,
andshemustbeputonadrydiet,tosoothethesystem;shemust,
however,drinkwhitewine.

FOOTNOTES:

[8]
Mole:"Asomewhatshapeless,compactfleshymassoccurringinthe
uterus,duetotheretentionandcontinuedlifeofthewholeorapart
ofthefoetalenvelopes,afterthedeathofthefoetus(amaternalor
truemole);orbeingsomeotherbodyliabletobemistakenforthis,
orperhapsapolypusorfalsemole."(Whitney'sCenturyDictionary.)
[9]
Griffin'sclaw,apeculiarhookedinstrument.

CHAPTERXII
OfConceptionanditsSigns,andHowaWomanmayknowwhether
itbeMaleorFemale.
Ignoranceoftenmakeswomenthemurderessesofthefruitoftheir
ownbody,formany,havingconceivedandfindingthemselvesout
oforder,andnotrightlyknowingthecause,gototheshopoftheir
ownconceitandtakewhatevertheythinkfit,orelse(asthecustom
is)theysendtothedoctorforaremedy,andhe,notperceivingthe
causeoftheirtrouble,fornothingcanbediagnosedaccuratelyby
theurine,prescribeswhathethinksbest;perhapssomediureticor
cathartic,whichdestroytheembryo.ThereforeHippocratessays,it
is necessary that women should be instructed in the signs of
conception,sothattheparentaswellasthechildmaybesavedfrom
danger. I shall, therefore, lay down some rules, by which every
womanmayknowwhethersheispregnantornot,andthesignswill
betakenfromthewoman,fromherurine,fromthechildandfrom
experiments.

SIGNS.
The first day after conception, she feels a slight quivering and
chillinessthroughoutherbody;thereisaticklingofthewombanda
littlepaininthelowerpartsofherstomach.Tenortwelvedaysafter
shefeelsgiddyandhereyesdimandwithcirclesroundthem;the
breastsswellandgrowhard,withsomepainandprickinginthem,
whilstthestomachrisesandsinksagainbydegrees,andthereisa
hardness about the navel. The nipples grow red, the heart beats
unusuallystrongly,thenaturalappetiteabates,andthewomanhasa
cravingafterstrangefood.Theneckofthewombiscontracted,so
that it can scarcely be felt when the finger is put in. And the
followingisaninfalliblesign;sheisalternatelyinhighspiritsand
melancholy;themonthlycoursesceasewithoutanyapparentcause,
theevacuationsfromthebowelsareretainedunusuallylong,bythe
wombpressingonthelargegut,andherdesireforsexualintercourse
isdiminished.Thesurestsignistakenfromtheinfant,whichbegins
tomoveinthewombinthethirdorfourthmonth,andnotinthe
mannerofamole,mentionedabove,fromsidetosidelikeastone,
butgently,asmaybeperceivedbyapplyingthehandcolduponthe
stomach.

SIGNSTAKENFROMTHEURINE.
Thebestwritersaffirmthatthewaterofapregnantwomaniswhite
andhaslittlespecksinit,likethoseinasunbeam,ascendingand
descending in it, of an opal colour, and when the sediment is
disturbed by shaking the urine, it looks like carded wool. In the
middleofgestationitturnsyellow,thenredandlastlyblack,witha
redfilm.Atnightongoingtobed,letherdrinkwaterandhoney,
andifafterwardsshefeelsabeatingpaininherstomachandabout
thenavel,shehasconceived.Orlethertakethejuiceofcardius,and

ifshebringsitupagain,thatisasignofconception.Throwaclean
needleintothewoman'surine,putitintoabasinandletitstandall
night. If it is covered with red spots in the morning, she has
conceived,butifithasturnedblackandrusty,shehasnot.

SIGNSTAKENFROMTHESEX,TOSHOW
WHETHERITBEAMALEORFEMALE.
Ifitisamale,therightbreastswellsfirst,therighteyeisbrighter
thantheleft,thefaceishighcoloured,becausethecolourissuchas
thebloodis,andasthemaleisconceivedofpurerbloodandof
more perfect seed than the female, red specks in the urine, and
makingasediment,showthatamalehasbeenconceived,butifthey
arewhite,afemale.Puttheurineofthewomanintoaglassbottle,
letitstandtightlystopperedfortwodays,thenstrainitthrougha
finecloth,andyouwillfindlittleanimalsinit.Iftheyarered,itisa
male,butifwhite,itisafemale.
Thebellyisrounderandlieshigherwithaboythanwithagirl,and
therightbreastisharderandplumperthantheleft,andtheright
nippleredder,andthewoman'scolourisclearerthanwhenshehas
conceivedagirl.
Toconclude,themostcertainsigntogivecreditto,isthemotionof
thechild,forthemalemovesinthethirdmonth,andthefemalenot
untilthefourth.

CHAPTERXIII
OfUntimelyBirths.

Whenthefruitofthewombcomesforthbeforetheseventhmonth
(thatis,beforeitcomestomaturity),itissaidtobeabortive;and,in
effect,thechildrenproveabortive,thatis,donotlive,thatareborn
in the eighth month. Why children born in the seventh or ninth
month should live, and not those born in the eighth, may seem
strange,andyetitistrue.Thecauseofitisascribedbysometothe
planet under which the child is born; for every month, from
conceptiontobirth,isgovernedbyitsownplanet,andintheeighth
monthSaturnpredominates,whichisdryandcold;andcoldness,
beinganutterenemytolife,destroysthenaturalconstitutionofthe
child. Hippocrates gives a better reason, viz.:The infant, being
everywayperfectandcompleteintheseventhmonth,wantsmore
airandnourishmentthanithadbefore,andbecauseitcannotobtain
this,ittriesforapassageout.Butifithavenotsufficientstrengthto
breakthemembranesandtocomeoutasordainedbynature,itwill
continueinthewombuntiltheninthmonth,sothatbythattimeit
maybeagainstrengthened.Butifitreturnstotheattemptinthe
eighthmonthandbeborn,itcannotlive,becausethedayofitsbirth
iseitherpastoristocome.ForintheeighthmonthAvicunussays,it
isweakandinfirm,andthereforeonbeingbroughtintothecoldair,
itsvitalitymustbedestroyed.

CURE.
Untimelybirthsmaybecausedbycold,forasitcausesthefruitof
thetreetowitherandfallbeforeitisripe,soitnipsthefruitofthe
womb before it comes to perfection, or makes it abortive;
sometimesbyhumidity,whichweakensitspower,sothatthefruit
cannotberetaineduntilthepropertime.Itmaybecausedbydryness
oremptiness,whichrobthechildofitsnourishment,orbyanalvine
discharge,bybleedingorsomeotherevacuation,byinflammationof

thewomb,andotherseveredisease.Sometimesitiscausedbyjoy,
anger,laughterandespeciallybyfear,forthentheheatforsakesthe
womb,andgoestotheheart,andsothecoldsinksintothewomb,
wherebytheligamentsarerelaxed,andsoabortionfollows.Onthis
account, Plato recommended that the woman should avoid all
temptationstoexcessivejoyandpleasure,aswellasalloccasions
forfearandgrief.Abortionmayalsobecausedbythepollutionof
the air by filthy odours, and especially by the smell of the
smouldering wick of a candle, and also by falls, blows, violent
exercise,jumping,dancing,etc.

SIGNS.
Signsofcomingabortionareafallingawayofthebreast,witha
flow of watery milk, pains in the womb, heaviness in the head,
unusual weariness in the hips and thighs, and a flowing of the
courses.Signsdenotingthatthefruitisdeadinthewombaresunken
eyes, pains in the head, frights, paleness of the face and lips,
gnawingatthestomach,nomovementsoftheinfant;coldnessand
loosenessofthemouthofthewomb.Thestomachfallsdown,whilst
wateryandbloodydischargescomefromthewomb.

CHAPTERXIV
DirectionsforPregnantWomen.
The prevention of untimely births consists in removing the
aforementionedcauses,whichmustbeeffectedbothbeforeandafter
conception.

Beforeconception,ifthebodybetoohot,dryormoist,employsuch
treatmentastocounteractthesymptoms;ifthebloodbevitiated
purifyit,ifplethoric,openthelivervein;ifgross,reduceit;iftoo
thinstrengthenandnourishit.Allthediseasesofthewombmustbe
removedasIhaveshown.
Afterconception,lettheatmospherebekepttemperate,donotsleep
too much, avoid late hours, too much bodily exercise, mental
excitement,loudnoisesandbadsmells,andsweetsmellsmustalso
beavoidedbythosewhoarehysterical.Refrainfromallthingsthat
mayprovokeeitherurineormenstruation,alsosalt,sour,andwindy
food,andkeeptoamoderatediet.
Ifthebowelsareconfined,relievethestomachwithinjectionsmade
ofadecoctionofmallowsandviolets,withsugarandsaladoil;or
makeabrothwithborage,buglos,beetroot,andmallows,andadda
little manna to it. If, on the other hand, she be troubled with
loosenessofthebowels,donotcheckitwithmedicaladvice,forall
theuterinefluxeshavesomebadqualitiesinthem,whichmustbe
evacuatedbeforethedischargeisstopped.
Acoughisanotherthingtowhichpregnantwomenarefrequently
liable,andwhichcausesthemtorungreatdangerofmiscarrying,by
theshockandcontinualdrainuponthevein.Topreventthisshave
offthehairfromthecoronalcommissures,andapplythefollowing
plastertotheplace.
Takehalfanounceofresin,adrachmoflaudanum,adrachmeach
ofcitronpeel,lignaloesandgalbanum,withasufficientquantityof
liquid and dry styrax. Dissolve the gum in vinegar and make a
plaster, and at night let her inhale the fumes of these lozenges,
thrownuponbrightcoals.Takealsoadrachmandahalfeachof
frankincense, styrax powder and red roses: eight drachms of
sandrich,adrachmeachofmastic,benjaminandamber;makeinto
lozenges with turpentine, and apply a cautery to the nape of the

neck. And every night let her take the following pills:Half an
ounce each of hypocistides, terrae sigilatae and fine bole; two
drachms each of bistort, alcatia, styrax and calamint, and one
drachmofcloves,andmakeintopillswithsyrupofmyrtles.
Inpregnantwomen,acorruptmatterisgeneratedwhich,flowingto
theventricle,spoilstheappetiteandcausessickness.Asthestomach
isweak,andcannotdigestthismatter,itsometimessendsittothe
bowelswhichcausesafluxofthestomach,whichgreatlyaddsto
theweaknessofthewomb.Topreventallthesedangersthestomach
mustbestrengthenedbythefollowingmeans:Takeonedrachm
each of lignaloes and nutmeg; a scruple each of mace, cloves,
mastic,laudanum;anounceofoilofspikenard;twograinsofmusk,
halfanounceeachofoilofmastic,quincesandwormwood,and
makeintoanointmentforthestomach,tobeappliedbeforemeals.
Insteadofthis,however,youmayusecerocumstomachileGaleni.
Takehalfanounceeachofconserveofborage,buglosandatthos;
twodrachmseachofconfectionofhyacinths,candiedlemonpeel,
specierum,diamarg,pulo.degenunis:twoscrupleseachofnutmeg
anddiambra;twodrachmaeachofpeonyrootsanddiacoratum,and
makeintoanelectuarywithsyrupofroses,whichshemusttake
twice a day before meals. Another affection which troubles a
pregnantwomanisswellingofthelegs,whichhappensduringthe
firstthreemonths,bythesuperfluoushumoursdescendingfromthe
stomachandliver.Tocurethis,taketwodrachmsofoilofroses,
andonedrachmeachofsaltandvinegar;shakethemtogetheruntil
thesaltisdissolved,andanointthelegswithithot,rubbingitwellin
withthehand.Itmaybedonewithoutdangerduringthefourth,fifth
andsixthmonthsofpregnancy;forachildinthewombiscompared
toanappleonthetree.Forthefirstthreemonthsitisaweakand
tendersubject,liketheapple,tofallaway;butafterwards,whenthe
membranesbecomestrengthened,thefruitremainsfirmlyfastened
tothewomb,andnotsubjecttomischances,andsoitremains,until
theseventhmonth,untilwhenitisnearthetime,theligamentsare

againrelaxed(liketheapplethatisalmostripe).
Theygrowloosereveryday,untiltheappointedtimefordelivery;if,
therefore,thebodyisinrealneedofpurging,thewomanmaydoit
withoutdangerinthefourth,fifthorsixthmonth,butneitherbefore
norafterthatunlessinthecaseofsomeviolentillness,inwhichitis
possiblethatbothmotherandchildmayperish.Applyplastersand
ointmentstotheloinsinordertostrengthenthefruitinthewomb.
TakeonedrachmeachofgumArabic,galangale,bistort,hypocistid
andstorax,adrachmandahalfeachoffinebole,nutmeg,mastic,
balaust,dragon'sbloodandmyrtleberries,andasufficientquantity
ofwaxandturpentineandmakeintoaplaster.Applyittotheloins
inthewinter,andremoveiteverytwentyfourhours,lesttheloins
shouldbecomeoverheatedbyit.Intheinterim,anointtheprivate
partsandloinswithcountess'balsambutifitbesummertimeand
theloinshot,thefollowingplasterwillbemoresuitable.Takea
poundofredroses,twodrachmseachofmasticandredSanders,
onedrachmeachofboleammoniacandredcoral,twodrachmsand
ahalfeachofpomegranateseedandpreparedcorianderseed,two
scruples of barberries, one ounce each of oil of mastic and of
quinces,andplantainjuice.
Anointtheloinsalsowithsandalwoodointment,andonceaweek
wash them with two parts of rosewater and one of white wine
mixedtogetherandwarmedatthefire.Thiswillassuagetheheatof
theloins,getridoftheoiloftheplasterfromtheporesoftheskin,
andcausethefreshointmentorplastertopenetratemoreeasily,and
tostrengthenthewomb.Somethinkthataloadstonelaiduponthe
navel,keepsawomanfromabortion.Thesamethingisalsostated
ofthestonecalledaetitesoreaglestone,ifitishungroundtheneck.
Samianstonehasthesamevirtue.

CHAPTERXV
DirectionsforWomenwhentheyaretakeninLabour,toensure
theirsafeDelivery,andDirectionsforMidwives.
Havingthusgiventhenecessarydirectionstopregnantwomen,how
tomanagetheirhealthduringtheirpregnancy,Iwillnowaddwhat
is necessary for them to do, in order that they may be safely
delivered.
Whenthetimeofbirthdrawsnear,thewomanmustbesuretosend
foraskilfulmidwife,andthatrathertoosoonthantoolate.Shemust
haveapalletbedreadytoplaceitnearthefire,sothatthemidwife
andthosewhoaretohelpher,maybeabletopassroundit,andgive
assistanceoneitherside,asmayberequired.Achangeoflinenmust
beinreadiness,andasmallstooltorestherfeetagainst,asshewill
have more power when her legs are bent, than when they are
straight.
Wheneverythingisthusready,andwhenthewomanfeelsthepains
comingon,iftheweatherbenotcold,sheshouldwalkaboutthe
room,restonthebedoccasionally,waitingforthebreakingofthe
waters,whichisafluidcontainedinoneoftheoutwardmembranes,
andwhichflowsoutthence,whenthemembraneisbrokenbythe
strugglesofthechild.Thereisnospecialtimeforthisdischarge,
though it generally takes place about two hours before the birth.
Movementswillalsocausethewombtoopenanddilate,andwhen
lyinglonginbedwillbeuncomfortable.Ifshebeveryweakshe
maytakesomemildcordialtogiveherstrength,ifherpainwill
permither;andifthelabourbetedious,shemayberevivedwith
chickenormuttonbroth,orshemaytakeapoachedegg;butshe
mustbeverycarefulnottoeattoexcess.

Therearemanyposturesinwhichwomenaredelivered;somesitting
inachair,supportedbyothers,orrestingonthebed;someagain
upontheirkneesandrestingontheirarms;butthesafestandmost
commodious way, is in the bed, and then the midwife ought to
observethefollowingrules:Letherlaythewomanuponherback,
with her head a little raised by means of a pillow, with similar
supports for her loins and buttocks, which latter should also be
raised,forifshelieslow,shecannotbedeliveredsoeasily.Thenlet
herkeepherkneesandthighsasfarapartasshecan,herlegsbent
inwardtowardseachother,andherbuttocks,thesolesofherfeet
andherheelsbeingplaceduponasmallrest,placedforthepurpose,
so that she may be able to strain the stronger. In case her back
shouldbeveryweak,aswathingbandshouldbeplacedunderit,the
bandbeingdoubledfourtimesandaboutfourinchesbroad.This
mustbeheldbytwopersonswhomustraiseherupalittleevery
timeherpainscomeon,withsteadyhandsandineventime,butif
they be not exact in their movements, they had better leave her
alone.Atthesametimetwowomenmustholdhershoulderssothat
shemaystrainoutthefoetusmoreeasily;andtofacilitatethislet
onestroke orpress theupper partof herstomachgentlyandby
degrees.Thewomanherselfmustnotbenervousordownhearted,
but courageous, and forcing herself by straining and holding her
breath.
Whendelivery is near, the midwife must wait patiently until the
child'shead,orsomelimb,burststhemembranes,forifthemidwife
throughignorance,orthroughhastetogotosomeotherwoman,as
somehavedone,tearsthemembranewithhernails,sheendangers
boththewomanandthechild;forbylyingdryandlackingthat
slipperinesswhichshouldmakeiteasy,itcomesforthwithsevere
pains.
Whentheheadappears,themidwifemustholditgentlybetweenher
hands,anddrawthechild,wheneverthewoman'spainsareupon

her,butatnoothertimes;slippingherforefingersunderitsarmpits
bydegrees,andnotusingaroughhandindrawingitout,lestthe
tenderinfantmightbecomedeformedbysuchmeans.Assoonasthe
childistakenout,whichisusuallywithitsfacedownwards,it
shouldbelaiduponitsback,thatitmayreceiveexternalrespiration
morefreely;thencutthenavelstringaboutthreeinchesfromthe
body,tyingtheendwhichadherestoitwithasilkstring,asclosely
asyoucan;thencoverthechild'sheadandstomachwell,allowing
nothingtotouchitsface.
Whenthechildhasbeenthusbroughtforth,ifitbehealthylayit
aside,andletthemidwifeattendtothepatientbydrawingoutthe
afterbirth;andthisshemaydobywaggingandstirringitupand
down, and afterwards drawing it out gently. And if the work be
difficult,letthewomanholdsaltinherhands,closethemtightlyand
breathe hard into them, and by that she will know whether the
membranesarebrokenornot.Itmayalsobeknownbymakingher
strain or vomit; by putting her fingers down her throat, or by
strainingormovingherlowerparts,butletallbedoneimmediately.
Ifthisshouldfail,lethertakeadraughtofelderwater,ortheyolkof
anewlaidegg,andsmellapieceofasafoetida,especiallyifsheis
troubledwithawindycolic.Ifshehappentotakecold,itisagreat
obstruction to the afterbirth; in such cases the midwife ought to
chafethewoman'sstomachgently,soastobreak,notonlythewind,
butalsotoforcethesecundinetocomedown.Butiftheseshould
proveineffectual,themidwifemustinsertherhandintotheorifice
ofthewombanddrawitoutgently.
Havingthusdiscussedcommonbirths,orsuchasaregenerallyeasy,
Ishallnowgivedirectionsincasesofextremity.

CHAPTERXVI

Whatoughttobedoneincasesofextremity,especiallyinwomen
who,inlabour,areattackedbyafluxofblood,convulsionsandfits
ofwind.
Ifthewoman'slabourbehardanddifficult,greatercaremustbe
takenthanatothertimes.And,firstofall,thesituationofthewomb
andherpositioninlyingmustbeacrossthebed,andshemustbe
heldbystrongpersonstopreventherfromslippingdownormoving
duringthesurgeon'soperations.Herthighsmustbeputasfarapart
aspossible,andheldso,whilstherheadmustrestuponabolster,
andherloinsbesupportedinthesamemanner.Afterherrumpand
buttockshavebeenraised,becarefultocoverherstomach,bellyand
thighswithwarmclothes,tokeepthemfromthecold.
Whenthewomanisinthisposition,lettheoperatorputuphisorher
hand,iftheneckofthewombbedilated,andremovethecoagulated
bloodthatobstructsthepassageofthebirth;andbydegreesmake
waygently,lethimremovetheinfanttenderly,havingfirstanointed
hishandwithbutterorsomeharmlesssalve.Andifthewatershave
notcomedown,theymaythenbeletoutwithoutdifficulty.Then,if
theinfantshouldattempttocomeoutheadforemost,orcrosswise,
heshouldturnitgently,tofindthefeet.Havingdonethis,lethim
drawoutoneandfastenitwithribbonandthenputitupagain,and
bydegreesfindtheother,bringingthemasclosetogetherandas
evenaspossible,andbetweenwhilesletthewomanbreathe,andshe
shouldbeurgedtostrainsoastohelpnatureinthebirth,thatitmay
bebroughtforth.Andtodothismoreeasily,andthattheholdmay
besurer,wrapalinenclothroundthechild'sthighs,takingcareto
bringitintothehandfacedownwards.
Incaseoffluxofblood,iftheneckofthewombbeopen,itmustbe
consideredwhethertheinfantorthesecundine,generallycalledthe
afterbirth, comes first, and as the latter happens to do so

occasionally,itstopsthemouthofthewombandhindersthebirth,
andendangersboththewoman'sandthechild'slife.Inthiscasethe
afterbirthmustberemovedbyaquickturn.Theyhavedeceived
many people, who, feeling their softness, have supposed that the
wombwasnotdilated,andbythatmeansthewomanandchild,orat
least the latter, have been lost. When the afterbirth has been
removed,thechildmustbesoughtforanddrawnout,asdirected
above;andifthewomanorthechilddieinsuchacase,themidwife
or the surgeon are blameless because they have used their best
endeavours.
Ifitappearsuponexaminationthattheafterbirthcomesfirst,letthe
womanbedeliveredasquicklyaspossible,becauseagreatflowof
bloodwillfollow,fortheveinsareopened,andonthisaccounttwo
thingshavetobeconsidered.
First:Themannerinwhichtheafterbirthadvances,whetheritbe
muchorlittle.Iftheformer,andtheheadofthechildappearsfirst,it
maybeguidedanddirectedtowardstheneckofthewomb,asinthe
case of natural birth, but if there appears any difficulty in the
delivery,thebestwayistolookforthefeet,anddrawitoutby
them;butifthelatter,theafterbirthmaybeputbackwithagentle
hand,andthechildtakenoutfirst.Butiftheafterbirthhascomeso
far forward that it cannot be put back, and the child follows it
closely,thentheafterbirthmustberemovedverycarefully,andas
quicklyasmaybe,andlaidasidewithoutcuttingtheentrailthatis
fastenedtoit;foryoumaybeguidedtotheinfantbyit,whichmust
bedrawnoutbythefeet,whetheritbealiveordead,asquicklyas
possible; though this is not to be done except in cases of great
necessity,forinothercasestheafterbirthoughttocomelast.
Indrawingoutadeadchild,thesedirectionsshouldbecarefully
followedbythesurgeon,viz.Ifthechildbefoundtobedead,its
headappearingfirst,thedeliverywillbemoredifficult;foritisan

evidentsignthatthewoman'sstrengthisbeginningtofailher,that,
asthechildisdeadandhasnonaturalpower,itcannotbeassisting
initsowndeliveryinanyway.Thereforethemostcertainandthe
safestwayforthesurgeonis,toputuphislefthand,slidingitinto
theneckofthewomb,andintothelowerpartofittowardsthefeet,
ashollowinthepalmashecan,andthenbetweentheheadofthe
infantandtheneckofthewomb.Then,havingaforcepsintheright
hand,slipitupabovethelefthand,betweentheheadofthechild
andtheflatofthehand,fixingitinthebarsofthetemplenearthe
eye.Asthesecannotbegotateasilyintheoccipitalbone,becareful
stilltokeepthehandinitsplace,andgentlymovetheheadwithit,
andsowiththerighthandandtheforcepsdrawthechildforward,
andurgethewomantoexertallherstrength,andcontinuedrawing
wheneverherpainscomeon.Whentheheadisdrawnout,hemust
immediatelysliphishandunderthechild'sarmpits,andtakeitquite
out,andgivethewomanapieceoftoastedwhitebread,inaquarter
ofapintofHippocraswine.
If the former application fails let the woman take the following
potionhotwhensheisinbed,andremainquietuntilshebeginsto
feelitoperating.
Takesevenbluefigs,cutthemintopiecesandaddfivegrainseach
of fenugreek, motherwort and rue seed, with six ounces each of
waterofpennyroyalandmotherwort;reduceittohalfthequantity
byboilingandafterstrainingaddonedrachmoftrochesofmyrrh
andthreegrainsofsaffron;sweetentheliquorwithloafsugar,and
spiceitwithcinnamon.Afterhavingrestedonthis,letherstrain
again as much aspossible, and if she benot successful, make a
fumigationofhalfadrachmeachofcastor,opopanax,sulphurand
asafoetida,poundingthemintoapowderandwettingthejuiceof
rue,sothatthesmokeorfumesmaygoonlyintothematrixandno
further.

Ifthishavenotthedesiredeffect,thenthefollowingplastershould
beapplied:Takeanounceandahalfofbalganum,twodrachmsof
colocynth,halfanounceeachofthejuiceofmotherwortandofrue,
andsevenouncesofvirginbees'wax:poundandmeltthemtogether,
spreadingthemonacereclothsothattheymayspreadfromthe
naveltotheospubisandextendingtotheflanks,atthesametime
makingapessaryofwood,enclosingitinasilkbag,anddippingit
in a decoction of one drachm each of sound birthwort, savin
colocinthis,stavescareandblackhellebore,withasmallsprigortwo
ofrue.
But if these things have not the desired effect, and the woman's
dangerincreases,letthesurgeonusehisinstrumentstodilateand
widenthewomb,forwhichpurposethewomanmustbeplacedona
chair, so that she may turn her buttocks as far from its back as
possible,atthesametimedrawingupherlegsascloseasshecan
andspreadingherthighsopenaswideaspossible;orifsheisvery
weak it may be better to lay her on the bed with her head
downwards,herbuttocksraisedandbothlegsdrawnup.Thenthe
surgeonmaydilatethewombwithhisspeculummatricesanddraw
outthechildandtheafterbirthtogether,ifitbepossible,andwhen
thisisdone,thewombmustbewellwashedandanointed,andthe
womanputbacktobedandcomfortedwithspicesandcordials.This
course must be adopted in the case of dead children and moles,
afterbirthsandfalsebirths,whichwillnotcomeoutofthemselves,
atthepropertime.Iftheaforementionedinstrumentwillnotwiden
thewombsufficiently,thenotherinstruments,suchasthedrake's
bill,orlongpincers,oughttobeused.
If any inflammation, swelling or congealed blood happens to be
contracted in the womb under the film of these tumours, either
beforeorafterthebirth,letthemidwifelanceitwithapenknifeor
anysuitableinstrument,andsqueezeoutthematter,healingitwitha
pessarydippedinoilofredroses.

If the child happens at any time to be swollen through cold or

violence, or has contracted a watery humour, if it is alive, such
meansmustbeusedasareleastinjurioustothechildormother;but
ifitbedead,thehumoursmustbeletoutbyincisions,tofacilitate
thebirth.
If,asoftenhappens,thechildispresentedfeetforemost,withthe
handsspreadingoutfromthehips,themidwifemustinsuchacase
beprovidedwiththenecessaryointmentstorubandanointthechild
with,tohelpitcomingforth,lestitshouldturnintothewombagain,
holdingboththeinfant'sarmsclosetothehipsatthesametime,that
itmaycomeoutinthismanner;butifitprovestoobig,thewomb
must be well anointed. The woman should also take a sneezing
powder, to make her strain; the attendant may also stroke her
stomach gently to make the birth descend, and to keep it from
returning.
Ithappensoccasionally,thatthechildpresentingitselfwiththefeet
first,hasitsarmsextendedaboveitshead;butthemidwifemustnot
receiveitso,butputitbackintothewomb,unlessthepassagebe
extraordinarilywide,andthenshemustanointboththechildandthe
womb,anditisnotsafetodrawitout,whichmust,therefore,be
doneinthismanner.Thewomanmustlieonherbackwithher
head low and her buttocks raised; and then the midwife must
compressthestomachandthewombwithagentlehand,andbythat
meansputthechildback,takingcaretoturnthechild'sfacetowards
themother's back,raisingupitsthighs andbuttocks towardsthe
navel,sothatthebirthmaybemorenatural.
If the child happens to come out with one foot, with the arm
extendedalongthesideandtheotherfootturnedbackwards;then
thewomanmustbeimmediatelyputtobedandlaidintheabove
describedposition;whenthemidwifemustimmediatelyputback
thefootwhichappearsso,andthewomanmustrockherselffrom

sidetoside,untilshefindsthatthechildhasturned,butshemustnot
alterherpositionnorturnuponherface.Afterthisshemayexpect
herpainsandmusthavegreatassistanceandcordialssoastorevive
andsupportherspirits.
Atothertimesithappensthatthechildliesacrossinthewomb,and
fallsuponitsside;inthiscasethewomanmustnotbeurgedinher
labour;therefore,themidwifewhenshefindsitso,mustusegreat
diligencetoreduceittoitsrightform,oratleasttosuchaformin
the womb as may make the delivery possible and most easy by
movingthebuttocksandguidingtheheadtothepassage;andifshe
besuccessfulinthis,letthewomanrockherselftoandfro,andwait
withpatiencetillitaltersitswayoflying.
Sometimesthechildhastenssimplybyexpandingitslegsandarms;
inwhich,asintheformercase,thewomanmustrockherself,but
not with violence, until she finds those parts fall to their proper
station;oritmaybedonebyagentlecompressionofthewomb;but
ifneitherofthemavail,themidwifemustclosethelegsoftheinfant
withherhand,andifshecangetthere,dothelikebythearms,and
sodrawitforth;butifitcanbereducedofitselftothepostureofa
properbirthitisbetter.
If the infant comes forward, both knees forward, and the hands
hanging down upon the thighs, then the midwife must put both
kneesupward,tillthefeetappear;takingholdofwhichwithherleft
handletherkeepherrighthandonthesideofthechild,andinthat
postureendeavourtobringitforth.Butifshecannotdothis,then
also the woman must rock herself until the child is in a more
convenientposturefordelivery.
Sometimesithappensthatthechildpressesforwardwithonearm
extendedonitsthighs,andtheotherraisedoveritshead,andthe
feetstretchedoutatlengthinthewomb.Insuchcase,themidwife
mustnotattempttoreceivethechildinthatposture,butmustlaythe

womanonthebedinthemanneraforesaid,makingasoftandgentle
compressiononherbelly,obligethechildtoretire;whichifitdoes
not,thenmustthemidwifethrustitbackbytheshoulder,andbring
thearmthatwasstretchedabovetheheadtoitsrightstation;for
thereismostdangerintheseextremities;and,therefore,themidwife
must anoint her hands and the womb of the woman with sweet
butter,oraproperpomatum,andthrustherhandasnearasshecan
tothearmoftheinfant,andbringittotheside.Butifthiscannotbe
done,letthewomanbelaidonthebedtorestawhile;inwhich
time,perhaps,thechildmaybereducedtoabetterposture;which
themidwifefinding,shemustdrawtenderlythearmsclosetothe
hipsandsoreceiveit.
Ifaninfantcomewithitsbuttocksforemost,andalmostdouble,then
the midwife must anoint her hand and thrust it up, and gently
heaving up the buttocks and back, strive to turn the head to the
passage,butnottoohastily,lesttheinfant'sretiringshouldshapeit
worse: and therefore, if it cannot be turned with the hand, the
womanmustrockherselfonthebed,takingsuchcomfortablethings
asmaysupportherspirits,tillsheperceivesthechildtoturn.
If the child's neck be bowed, and it comes forward with its
shoulders,asitsometimesdoth,withthehandsandfeetstretched
upwards,themidwifemustgentlymovetheshoulders,thatshemay
directtheheadtothepassage;andthebettertoeffectit,thewoman
mustrockherselfasaforesaid.
Theseandotherlikemethodsaretobeobservedincaseawoman
hathtwins,orthreechildrenatabirth,whichsometimeshappens:
for as the single birth hath but one natural and many unnatural
forms,evensoitmaybeinadoubleandtreblebirth.
Wherefore,inallsuchcasesthemidwifemusttakecaretoreceive
thefirstwhichisnearestthepassage;butnotlettingtheothergo,
lestbyretiringitshouldchangetheform;andwhenoneisborn,she

mustbespeedyinbringingforththeother.Andthisbirth,ifitbein
thenaturalway,ismoreeasy,becausethechildrenarecommonly
lessthanthoseofsinglebirth,andsorequirealesspassage.Butif
thisbirthcomeunnaturally,itisfarmoredangerousthantheother.
In the birth of twins, let the midwife be very careful that the
secundinebenaturallybroughtforth,lestthewomb,beingdelivered
ofitsburden,fall,andsothesecundinecontinuelongertherethanis
consistentwiththewoman'ssafety.
Butifoneofthetwinshappenstocomewiththehead,andtheother
withthefeetforemost,thenletthemidwifedeliverthenaturalbirth
first;andifshecannotturntheother,drawitoutintheposturein
which it presses forward; but if that with its feet downward be
foremost,shemaydeliverthatfirst,turningtheotheraside.Butin
thiscasethemidwifemustcarefullyseethatitbenotamonstrous
birth,insteadoftwins,abodywithtwoheads,ortwobodiesjoined
together, which she may soon know if both the heads come
foremost,byputtingupherhandbetweenthemashighasshecan;
andthen,ifshefindstheyaretwinsshemaygentlyputoneofthem
aside to make way for the other, taking the first which is most
advanced,leavingtheothersothatitdonotchangeitsposition.And
forthesafetyoftheotherchild,assoonasitcomesforthoutofthe
womb, themidwife must tie thenavelstring, ashasbefore been
directed,andalsobind,withalarge,longfillet,thatpartofthenavel
whichisfastenedtothesecundine,themorereadilytofindit.
The second infant being born, let the midwife carefully examine
whethertherebenottwosecundines,forsometimesitfallsout,that
bytheshortnessoftheligamentsitretiresbacktotheprejudiceof
the woman. Wherefore, lest the womb should close, it is most
expedienttohastenthemforthwithallconvenientspeed.
If two infants are joined together by the body, as sometimes it
monstrouslyfallsout,then,thoughtheheadshouldcomeforemost,

yetitisproper,ifpossible,toturnthemanddrawthemforthbythe
feet,observing,whentheycometothehips,todrawthemoutas
soonasmaybe.Andheregreatcareoughttobeusedinanointing
andwideningthepassage.Butthesesortofbirthsrarelyhappening,
Ineedtosaythelessofthem,and,therefore,shallshowhowwomen
shouldbeorderedafterdelivery.

CHAPTERXVII
HowchildbearingWomenoughttobeorderedafterDelivery.
Ifawomanhashadveryhardlabour,itisnecessarythatsheshould
bewrappedupinasheep'sskin,takenoffbeforeitiscold,applying
thefleshysidetoherveinsandbelly,or,forwantofthis,theskinof
ahareorconey,flayedoffassoonaskilled,maybeappliedtothe
sameparts,andinsodoing,adilationbeingmadeinthebirth,and
themelancholybloodbeingexpelledintheseparts,continuethese
foranhourortwo.
Letthewomanafterwardsbeswathedwithfinelinencloth,abouta
quarterofayardinbreadth,chafingthebellybeforeitisswathed,
withoilofSt.John'swort;afterthatraiseupthematrixwithalinen
cloth,manytimesfolded:thenwithalinenpillarorquilt,coverthe
flanks,andplacetheswathesomewhatabovethehaunches,winding
itprettystiff,applyingatthesametimealinenclothtohernipples;
do not immediately use the remedies to keep back the milk, by
reasonthebody,atsuchatime,isoutofframe;forthereisneither
veinnorarterywhichdoesnotstronglybeat;andremediestodrive
backthemilk,beingofadissolvingnature,itisimpropertoapply
them to the breasts during such disorder, lest by doing so, evil
humours be contracted in the breast. Wherefore, twelve hours at

leastoughttobeallowedforthecirculationandsettlementofthe
blood,andwhatwascastonthelungsbythevehementagitation
duringlabour,toretiretoitsproperreceptacles.
Sometimeafterdelivery,youmaytakearestrictiveoftheyolksof
twoeggs,andaquarterofapintofwhitewine,oilofSt.John's
wort,oilofroses,plantainandroseswater,ofeachanounce,mix
themtogether,foldalinenclothandapplyittothebreast,andthe
painsofthosepartswillbegreatlyeased.
Shemustbynomeanssleepdirectlyafterdelivery;butaboutfour
hoursafter,shemaytakebroth,caudleorsuchliquidvictualsasare
nourishing;andifshebedisposedtosleepitmaybeverysafely
permitted.Andthisisasmuch,inthecaseofanaturalbirth,as
oughtimmediatelytobedone.
Butincaseofanextremityoranunnaturalbirth,thefollowingrules
oughttobeobserved:
Inthefirstplace,letthewomankeepatemperatediet,bynomeans
overcharging herself after such an extraordinary evacuation, not
beingruledbygivingcredittounskilfulnurses,whoadmonishthem
tofeedheartily,thebettertorepairthelossofblood.Forthatblood
isnotforthemostpartpure,butsuchashasbeenretainedinthe
vesselsormembranebettervoided,forthehealthofthewoman,
thankept,unlesstherehappenanextraordinaryfluxoftheblood.
Forifhernourishmentbetoomuch,whichcurding,veryoftenturns
toimposthumes.
Therefore,itisrequisite,forthefirstfivedaysespecially,thatshe
takemoderatelypanadobroth,poachedeggs,jellyofchickensor
calves'feetorfreshbarleybroth;everydayincreasingthequantitya
little.
Andifsheintendtobeanursetothechild,shemaytakesomething

morethanordinary,toincreasethemilkbydegrees,whichmustbe
ofnocontinuance,butdrawnoffbythechildorotherwise.Inthis
case likewise, observe to let her have coriander or fennel seeds
boiledinbarleybroth;butbyallmeans,forthetimespecified,let
herabstainfrommeat.Ifnofevertroubleher,shemaydrinknow
andthenasmallquantityofpurewhitewineorofclaret,asalso
syrup of maidenhead or any other syrup that is of an astringent
quality,takeninalittlewaterwellboiled.
Afterthefearoffeverorcontractionofhumourinthebreastisover,
shemaybenourishedmoreplentifullywiththebrothofcapons,
pullets,pigeons,mutton,veal,etc.,whichmustnotbeuntilafter
eightdaysfromthetimeofdelivery;atwhichtimethewomb,unless
some accident binds, has purged itself. It will then likewise be
expedienttogivecoldmeats,butletitbesparingly,sothatshemay
thebettergatherstrength.Andlether,duringthetime,restquietly
andfreefromdisturbance,notsleepinginthedaytime,ifshecan
avoidit.
Takeofbothmallowsandpellitoryofthewallahandful;camomile
andmelilotflowers,ofeachahandful;aniseedandfennelofeach
twoounces;boiltheminadecoctionofsheep'sheadandtakeofthis
threequarts,dissolvinginitcommonhoney,coarsesugarandfresh
butterandadministeritclysterwise;butifitdoesnotpenetratewell
takeanounceofcatholicon.

CHAPTERXVIII
AcutePainsafterDelivery.
Thesepainsfrequentlyafflictthewomannolessthanthepainofher

labour,andare,bythemoreignorant,manytimestakentheonefor
the other; and sometimes they happen both at the same instant;
which is occasioned by a raw, crude and watery matter in the
stomach, contracted through ill digestion; and while such pains
continue,thewoman'stravailisretarded.
Therefore,toexpelfitsofthecholic,taketwoouncesofoilofsweet
almonds,andanounceofcinnamonwater,withthreeorfourdrops
ofsyrupofginger;thenletthewomandrinkitoff.
Ifthisdoesnotabatethepain,makeaclysterofcamomile,balm
leaves,oilofolivesandnewmilk,boilingtheformerinthelatter.
Administeritasisusualinsuchcases.Andthen,fomentationproper
fordispellingthewindwillnotbeamiss.
Ifthepainproducesagripinginthegutsafterdelivery,thentakeof
therootofgreatcomfrey,onedrachm,nutmegandpeachkernels,of
each two scruples, yellow amber, eight drachms, ambergris, one
scruple;bruisethemtogether,andgivethemtothewomanassheis
laiddown,intwoorthreespoonfulsofwhitewine;butifshebe
feverish,thenletitbeinasmuchwarmbroth.

THEFAMILYPHYSICIAN
BEINGCHOICEANDAPPROVED
REMEDIESFORSEVERALDISEASES
INCIDENTALTOHUMANBODIES

FortheApoplexy.
Takeman'sskullprepared,andpowderofmalepeony,ofeachan
ounceandahalf,contrayerva,bastarddittany,angelica,zedvary,of
eachtwodrachms,mixandmakeapowder,addtheretotwoounces
ofcandiedorangeandlemonpeel,beatalltogethertoapowder,
whereofyoumaytakehalfadrachmoradrachm.

APowderfortheEpilepsyorFallingSickness.
Takeofopopanax,crudeantimony,castor,dragon'sblood,peony
seeds,ofeachanequalquantity;makeasubtlepowder;thedose,
halfadrachmofblackcherrywater.Beforeyoutakeit,thestomach
must be prepared with some proper vomit, as that of Mynficht's
emetictartar,fromfourgrainstosix;ifforchildren,saltsofvitrol,
fromascrupletohalfadrachm.

ForaHeadacheofLongStanding.
Takethejuiceorpowderindistilledwaterofhogliceandcontinue
it.

ForSpittingofBlood.
Takeconserveofcomfreyandofhips,ofeachanounceandahalf;
conserveofredroses,threeounces;dragon'sblood,adrachm;spices
ofhyacinths,twoscruples;redcoral,adrachm;mixandwithsyrup
ofpoppiesmakeasoftelectuary.Takethequantityofawalnut,
nightandmorning.

ForaLooseness.
Take Venice treacle and diascordium, of each half a drachm, in
warmaleorwatergruel,orwhatyoulikebest,atnight,goingto
bed.

FortheBloodyFlux.
Firsttakeadrachmofpowderofrhubarbinasufficientquantityof
conserveofredroses,inthemorningearly;thenatnight,takeof
tornifiedorroastedrhubarb,halfadrachm;diascordium,adrachm
andahalf;liquidlaudanumcyclomated,ascruple:mixandmake
intoabolus.

ForanInflammationoftheLungs.
Take of cherious water, ten ounces; water of red poppies, three
ounces;syrupofpoppies,anounce;pearlprepared,adrachm;make
julep,andtakesixspoonfulseveryfourthhour.

AnOintmentforthePleurisy.
Takeoilofvioletsorsweetalmonds,anounceofeach,withwax
andalittlesaffron,makeanointment,warmitandbatheituponthe
partsaffected.

AnOintmentfortheItch.
Take sulphur vive in powder, half an ounce, oil of tartar per

deliquim,asufficientquantity,ointmentofroses,fourounces;make
aliniment,towhichaddascrupleofrhodiumtoaromatize,andrub
thepartsaffectedwithit.

ForRunningScab.
Taketwopoundsoftar,incorporateitintoathickmasswithwell
sifted ashes; boil the mass in fountainwater, adding leaves of
groundivy, white horehound, fumitory roots, sharppointed dock
andofflocanpan,ofeachfourhandfuls;makeabathtobeused
withcareoftakingcold.

ForWormsinChildren.
Takewormseed,halfadrachm,flourofsulphur,adrachm;mixand
makeapowder.Giveasmuchaswilllieonasilverthreepence,
night and morning, in grocer's treacle or honey, or to grown up
people,youmayaddasufficientquantityofaloerosatumandso
makethemupintopills;threeorfourmaybetakeneverymorning.

ForFeversinChildren.
Take crabeyes, a drachm, cream of tartar, half a drachm; white
sugarcandyfinelypowdered,weightofboth;mixallwelltogether
andgiveasmuchaswilllieonasilverthreepence,inaspoonfulof
barleywaterorsackwhey.

AQuietingNightDraught,whentheCoughisViolent.
Takewater of greenwheat, six ounces, syrup diascordium, three

ounces, take two or three spoonfuls going to bed every night or

everyothernight.

AnElectuaryfortheDropsy.
Takebestrhubarb,onedrachm,gumlac,prepared,twodrachms,
zyloaloes, cinnamon, long birthwort, half an ounce each, best
Englishsaffron,halfascruple;withsyrupofchicoryandrhubarb
makeanelectuary.Takethequantityofanutmegorsmallwalnut
everymorningfasting.

ForaTympanyDropsy.
Takerootsofchervilandcandiederingoroots,halfanounceof
each,rootsofbutcherbroom,twoounces,grassroots,threeounces,
shavingsofivoryandhartshorn,twodrachmsandahalfeach;boil
themintwoorthreepoundsofspringwater.Whilstthestrained
liquorishot,pouritupontheleavesofwatercressesandgoosegrass
bruised,ofeachahandful,addingapintofRhenishwine.Makea
closeinfusionfortwohours,thenstrainouttheliquoragain,andadd
toitthreeouncesofmagirtralwaterandearthwormsandanounce
andahalfofthesyrupofthefiveopeningroots.Makeanapozen,
whereoftakefourouncestwiceaday.

ForanInwardBleeding.
Takeleavesofplantainandstingingnettles,ofeachthreehandfuls,
bruisethemwellandpouronthemsixouncesofplantainwater,
afterwards make a strong expression and drink the whole off.
Probatumest.

GENERALOBSERVATIONS
WorthyofNotice.

WHENYOUFIND
Aredmantobefaithful,atallmantobewise,afatmantobeswift
offoot,aleanmantobeafool,ahandsomemannottobeproud,a
poormannottobeenvious,aknavetobenoliar,anuprightman
nottooboldandheartytohisownloss,onethatdrawlswhenhe
speaksnottobecraftyandcircumventing,onethatwinksonanother
withhiseyesnottobefalseanddeceitful,asailorandhangmanto
bepitiful,apoormantobuildchurches,aquackdoctortohavea
goodconscience,abailiffnottobeamercilessvillain,anhostess
nottooverreckonyou,andanusurertobecharitable

THENSAY,
Yehavefoundaprodigy.
Menactingcontrarytothecommoncourseofnature.

PARTII
THEEXPERIENCED

MIDWIFE
INTRODUCTION.
IhavegiventhisPartthetitleofTheExperiencedMidwife,because
itischieflydesignedforthosewhoprofessMidwifery,andcontains
whateverisnecessaryforthemtoknowinthepracticethereof;and
also,becauseitistheresultofmanyyears'experience,andthatin
themostdifficultcases,andis,therefore,themoretobedepended
upon.
A midwife is the most necessary and honourable office, being
indeedahelperofnature;whichthereforemakesitnecessaryforher
tobewellacquaintedwithalltheoperationsofnatureintheworkof
generation, and instruments with which she works. For she that
knowsnottheoperationsofnature,norwithwhattoolsheworks,
must needs be at a loss how to assist therein. And seeing the
instrumentsofoperation,bothinmenandwomen,arethosethings
bywhichmankindisproduced,itisverynecessarythatallmidwives
should be well acquainted with them, that they may better
understand their business, and assist nature, as there shall be
occasion.
Thefirstthingthennecessaryasintroductorytothistreatise,isan
anatomicaldescriptionoftheseveralpartsofgenerationbothinmen
andwomen;butasintheformerpartofthisworkIhavetreatedat
largeuponthesesubjects,beingdesiroustoavoidtautology,Ishall
nothererepeatanythingofwhatwasthensaid,butreferthereader
thereto,asanecessaryintroductiontowhatfollows.AndthoughI

shallbenecessitatedtospeakplainlysothatImaybeunderstood,
yetIshalldoitwiththatmodestythatnoneshallhaveneedtoblush
unlessitbefromsomethinginthemselves,ratherthanfromwhat
theyshallfindhere;havingthemottooftheroyalgarterformy
defence,whichis:"Honisoitquimalypense,""Evilbetohim
thatevilthinks."

AGUIDETO
CHILDBEARINGWOMEN
BOOKI
CHAPTERI
SECTIONI.OftheWomb.
InthischapterIam totreat ofthewomb,whichthe Latins call
matrix.Itspartsaretwo;themouthofthewombandthebottomof
it.Themouthisanorificeattheentranceintoit,whichmaybe
dilated and shut together like a purse; for though in the act of
copulationitisbigenoughtoreceivetheglansoftheyard,yetafter
conception,itissocloseandshut,thatitwillnotadmitthepointof
abodkintoenter;andyetagain,atthetimeofawoman'sdelivery,it
is opened to suchan extraordinary degree, that the child passeth
through it into the world; at which time this orifice wholly

disappears,andthewombseemstohavebutonegreatcavityfrom
thebottomtotheentranceoftheneck.Whenawomanisnotwith
child,itisalittleoblong,andofsubstanceverythickandclose;but
whensheiswithchilditisshortened,anditsthicknessdiminished
proportionably to its distension; and therefore it is a mistake of
anatomists who affirm, that its substance waxeth thicker a little
beforeawoman'slabour;foranyone'sreasonwillinformhim,that
themoredistendeditis,thethinneritmustbe;andthenearera
womanistothetimeofherdeliverytheshorterherwombmustbe
extended.Astotheactionbywhichthisinwardorificeofthewomb
isopenedandshut,itispurelynatural;forwereitotherwise,there
couldnotbesomanybastardsbegottenasthereare,norwouldany
marriedwomenhavesomanychildren.Wereitintheirownpower
theywouldhinderconception,thoughtheywouldbewillingenough
to use copulation; for nature has attended that action with so
pleasinganddelightfulsensations,thattheyarewillingtoindulge
themselves in the use thereof notwithstanding the pains they
afterwardsendure,andthehazardoftheirlivesthatoftenfollowsit.
And this comes to pass, not so much from an inordinate lust in
woman,asthatthegreatDirectorofNature,fortheincreaseand
multiplication of mankind, and even all other species in the
elementaryworld,hathplacedsuchamagneticvirtueinthewomb,
thatitdrawstheseedtoit,astheloadstonedrawsiron.
TheAuthorofNaturehasplacedthewombinthebelly,thattheheat
mightalwaysbemaintainedbythewarmthofthepartssurrounding
it;itis,therefore,seatedinthemiddleofthehypogastrium(orlower
partsofthebellybetweenthebladderandthebelly,orrightgut)by
whichalsoitisdefendedfromanyhurtthroughthehardnessofthe
bones, and it is placed in the lower part of the belly for the
convenienceofcopulation,andofabirthbeingthrustoutatfull
time.
Itisofafigurealmostround,incliningsomewhattoanoblong,in

partresemblingapear;forbeingbroadatthebottom,itgradually
terminatesinthepointoftheorificewhichisnarrow.
Thelength,breadthandthicknessofthewombdifferaccordingto
theageanddispositionofthebody.Forinvirginsnotripeitisvery
smallinallitsdimensions,butinwomenwhosetermsflowingreat
quantities,andsuchasfrequentlyusecopulation,itismuchlarger,
andiftheyhavehadchildren,itislargerinthemthaninsuchas
havehadnone;butinwomenofagoodstatureandwellshaped,itis
(as I have said before), from the entry of the privy parts to the
bottomofthewombusuallyabouteightinches;butthelengthofthe
bodyofthewombalone,doesnotexceedthree;thebreadththereof
isnearaboutthesame,andofthethicknessofthelittlefinger,when
thewombisnotpregnant,butwhenthewomaniswithchild,it
becomesofaprodigiousgreatness,andthenearersheistodelivery,
themorethewombisextended.
Itisnotwithoutreasonthen,thatnature(ortheGodofNature)has
madethewombofamembranoussubstance;fortherebyitdoesthe
easieropentoconceive,isgraduallydilatedbythegrowthofthe
foetusoryoungone,andisafterwardscontractedorclosedagain,to
thrustforthboth it andtheafterburden,andthento retireto its
primitive seat. Hence also it is enabled to expel any noxious
humours,whichmaysometimeshappentobecontainedwithinit.
BeforeIhavedonewiththewomb,whichisthefieldofgeneration,
andought,therefore,tobethemoreparticularlytakencareof(foras
theseedsofplantscanproducenoplants,norsprigunlessgrownin
ground proper to excite and awaken their vegetative virtue so
likewisetheseedofman,thoughpotentiallycontainingalltheparts
ofthechild,wouldneverproducesoadmissibleaneffect,ifitwere
notcastintothatfruitfulfieldofnature,thewomb)Ishallproceedto
amoreparticulardescriptionofitsparts,andtheusesforwhich
naturehasdesignedthem.

Thewomb,then,iscomposedofvarioussimilarparts,thatisof
membranes,veins,arteriesandnerves.Itsmembranesaretwoand
theycomposetheprincipalpartsofthebody,theoutermostofwhich
arisethfromtheperitoneumorcaul,andisverythin,withoutitis
smooth,butwithinequal,thatitmaythebettercleavetothewomb,
asitisfleshierandthickerthananythingelsewemeetwithwithin
thebody,whenthewomanisnotpregnant,andisinterwovenwith
allsortsoffibresorsmallstringsthatitmaythebettersufferthe
extensionofthechild,andthewatercausedduringpregnancy,and
alsothatitmaytheeasiercloseagainafterdelivery.
Theveinsandarteriesproceedbothfromthehypogastricandthe
spermaticvessels,ofwhichIshallspeakbyandby;alltheseare
insertedandterminatedinthepropermembranesofthewomb.The
arteriessupplyitwithfoodandnourishment,whichbeingbrought
togetherintoogreataquantity,sweatsthroughthesubstanceofit,
anddistilsasitwereadewatthebottomofthecavity;fromthence
proceedthetermsinripevirgins,andthebloodwhichnourisheththe
embryo in breeding women. The branches which issue from the
spermaticvessels,areinsertedoneachsideofthebottomofthe
womb, and are much less than those which proceed from the
hypogastrics,thosebeinggreaterandbedewingthewholesubstance
ofit.Therearesomeothersmallvessels,whicharisingtheonefrom
theotherareconductedtotheinternalorifice,andbythese,those
thatarepregnantpurgeawaythesuperfluityofthetermswhenthey
happentohavemorethanisusedinthenourishmentoftheinfant:
bywhichmeansnaturehastakensomuchcareofthewomb,that
duringpregnancyitshallnotbeobligedtoopenitselfforpassing
awaythoseexcrementitioushumours,which,shoulditbeforcedto
do,mightoftenendangerabortion.
As touching the nerves, they proceed from the brain, which
furnishesalltheinnerpartsofthelowerbellyinthem,whichisthe
truereasonithathsogreatasympathywiththestomach,whichis

likewiseveryconsiderablyfurnishedfromthesamepart;sothatthe
womb cannot be afflicted with any pain, but that the stomach is
immediatelysensiblethereof,whichisthecauseofthoseloathings
orfrequentvomitingswhichhappentoit.
Butbesideallthesepartswhichcomposethewomb,ithasyetfour
ligaments,whoseofficeitis,tokeepitfirminitsplace,andprevent
itsconstantagitation,bythecontinualmotionoftheintestineswhich
surroundit,twoofwhichareaboveandtwobelow.Thoseaboveare
calledthebroadligaments,becauseoftheirbroadandmembranous
figure,andarenothingelsebuttheproductionoftheperitoneum
whichgrowingoutofthesidesoftheloinstowardstheveinscome
tobeinsertedinthesidesofthebottomofthewomb,tohinderthe
bodyfrombearingtoomuchontheneck,andsofromsufferinga
precipitationaswillsometimeshappenwhentheligamentsaretoo
muchrelaxed;anddoalsocontainthetesticles,andaswell,safely
conductthedifferentvessels,astheejaculatories,tothewomb.The
lowermostarecalledroundligaments,takingtheiroriginfromthe
sideofthewombnearthehorn,fromwhencetheypassthegroin,
togetherwiththeproductionoftheperitoneum,whichaccompanies
themthroughtheringsoftheobliqueandtransversemusclesofthe
belly, by which they divide themselves into many little branches
resemblingthefootofagoose,ofwhichsomeareinsertedintothe
ospubis,therestarelostandconfoundedwiththemembraneswhich
womenandchildrenfeelintheirthighs.Thesetwoligamentsare
long,roundandnervous,andprettybigintheirbeginningnearthe
matrix,hollowintheirrise,andallalongtheospubis,wherethey
arealittlesmallerandbecomeflat,thebettertobeinsertedinthe
manneraforesaid.Itisbytheirmeansthewombishinderedfrom
rising too high. Now, although the womb is held in its natural
situationbymeansofthesefourligaments,ithaslibertyenoughto
extenditselfwhenpregnant,becausetheyareveryloose,andso
easily yield to its distension. But besides these ligaments, which
keepthewomb,asitwere,inapoise,yetitisfastenedforgreater

securitybyitsneck,bothtothebladderandrectum,betweenwhich
itissituated.Whenceitcomestopass,thatifatanytimethewomb
beinflamed,itcommunicatestheinflammationtotheneighbouring
part.
Itsuseorproperactionintheworkofgeneration,istoreceiveand
retaintheseed,anddeducefromitpowerandactionbyitsheat,for
thegenerationoftheinfant;anditis,therefore,absolutelynecessary
for the conservation of the species. It also seems by accident to
receiveandexpeltheimpuritiesofthewholebody,aswhenwomen
haveabundanceofwhites,andtopurgeaway,fromtimetotime,the
superfluityoftheblood,aswhenawomanisnotwithchild.

SECT.II.Ofthedifferencebetweentheancientand
modernPhysicians,touchingthewoman'scontributing
seedfortheFormationoftheChild.
Ourmodernanatomistsandphysiciansareofdifferentsentiments
fromtheancientstouchingthewoman'scontributingseedforthe
formation of the child, aswell as the man; the ancients strongly
affirming it, but our modern authors being generally of another
judgment.Iwillnotmakemyselfapartytothiscontroversy,butset
downimpartially,yetbriefly,theargumentsoneachside,andleave
thejudiciousreadertojudgeforhimself.
Thoughitisapparent,saytheancients,thattheseedofmanisthe
principalefficientandbeginningofaction,motionandgeneration,
yetthewomanaffordsseed,andcontributestotheprocreationofthe
child,itisevidentfromhence,thatthewomanhadseminalvessels,
whichhadbeengivenherinvainifshewantedseminalexcretions;
butsincenatureformsnothinginvain,itmustbegrantedthatthey
wereformedfortheuseoftheseedandprocreation,andfixedin
theirproperplaces,tooperateandcontributevirtueandefficiencyto

theseed;andthis,saythey,isfurtherprovedfromhence,thatif
womenatyearsofmaturityusenotcopulationtoejecttheirseed,
theyoftenfallintostrangediseases,asappearsbyyoungwomenand
virgins,andalsoitappearsthat,womenareneverbetterpleasedthan
when they are often satisfied this way, which argues, that the
pleasureanddelight,saythey,isdoubleinwomentowhatitisin
men,forasthedelightofmenincopulationconsistschieflyinthe
emissionoftheseed,sowomenaredelighted,bothintheemission
oftheirownandthereceptionoftheman's.
Butagainstthis,allourmodernauthorsaffirmthattheancientsare
veryerroneous,inasmuchasthetesticlesinwomendonotafford
seed, but are two eggs, like those of a fowl or other creatures;
neither have they any such offices as in men, but are indeed an
ovarium,orreceptacleforeggs,whereintheseeggsarenourished,
bythesanguinaryvesselsdispersedthroughthem;andfromhence
oneormore,astheyarefecundatedbytheman'sseed,areconveyed
intothewombbytheoviducts.Andthetruthofthis,saythey,isso
plain,thatifyouboilthem,theliquorshallhavethesametaste,
colourandconsistencywiththetasteofbird'seggs.Andifitbe
objectedthattheyhavenoshells,theansweriseasy;fortheeggsof
fowlswhiletheyareintheovary,nay,aftertheyhavefallenintothe
uterus,havenoshell:andthoughtheyhaveonewhentheyarelaid,
yetitisnomorethanafencewhichnaturehasprovidedforthem
againstoutwardinjuries,theybeinghatchedwithoutthebody,but
thoseofwomenbeinghatchedwithinthebodyhavenoneedofany
otherfencethanthewombtosecurethem.
Theyalsofurthersay,thatthereareinthegenerationofthefoetus,
oryoungones,twoprinciples, active and passive;the active isthe
man'sseedelaboratedinthetesticlesoutofthearterialbloodand
animalspirits;thepassiveprincipleistheovumoregg,impregnated
bytheman'sseed;fortosaythatwomenhavetrueseed,saythey,is
erroneous.Butthemannerofconceptionisthis;themostspirituous

partoftheman'sseed,intheactofcopulation,reachinguptothe
ovarium or testicles of the woman (which contains divers eggs,
sometimesfewer)impregnatesoneofthem;which,beingconveyed
bytheoviductstothebottomofthewomb,presentlybeginstoswell
biggerandbigger,anddrinksinthemoisturethatissoplentifully
senthither,afterthesamemannerthattheseedinthegroundsuck
thefertilemoisturethereof,tomakethemsprout.
But,notwithstandingwhatishereurgedbymodernanatomists,there
aresomelatewritersoftheopinionoftheancients,viz.,thatwomen
bothhave,andemitseedintheactofcopulation;andevenwomen
themselvestakeitilltobethoughtmerelypassiveintheactwherein
theymakesuchvigorousexertions;andpositivelyaffirm,thatthey
aresensibleoftheemissionoftheirseedinthataction,andthatinit
agreatpartofthedelightwhichtheytakeinthatact,consists.Ishall
not,therefore,goabouttotakeawayanyoftheirhappinessfrom
them,butleavetheminpossessionoftheirimaginaryfelicity.
Havingthuslaidthefoundationofthiswork,Iwillnowproceedto
speakofconception,andofthosethingswhicharenecessarytobe
observedbywomenfromthetimeoftheirconception,tothetimeof
theirdelivery.

CHAPTERII
OfConception;whatitis;howwomenaretoorderthemselvesafter
Conception.

SECTIONI.WhatConceptionis,andthe
qualificationsrequisitethereto.

Conception is nothing but an action of the womb, by which the

prolific seed is received and retained, that an infant may be
engenderedandformedoutofit.Therearetwosortsofconception:
theoneaccordingtonature,whichisfollowedbythegenerationof
theinfantinthewomb;theotherfalseandwhollyagainstnature,in
which the seed changes into water, and produces only false
conceptions,moles,orotherstrangematter.Now,therearethree
thingsprincipallynecessaryinordertoatrueconception,sothat
generationmayfollow,viz.,withoutdiversityofsextherecanbeno
conception;for,thoughsomewillhaveawomantobeananimal
thatcanengenderofherself,itisagreatmistake;therecanbeno
conceptionwithoutamandischargehisseedintothewomb.What
theyallegeofpulletslayingeggswithoutacock'streadingthemis
nothingtothepurpose,forthoseeggsshouldtheybesetundera
hen,willneverbecomechickensbecausetheyneverreceivedany
prolificvirtuefromthemale,whichisabsolutelynecessarytothis
purpose,andissufficienttoconvinceus,thatdiversityofthesexis
necessaryeventothoseanimals,aswellastothegenerationofman.
Butdiversityofsex,thoughitbenecessarytoconception,yetitwill
notdoalone;theremustalsobeacongressionofthedifferentsexes;
fordiversityofsexwouldprofitlittleifcopulationdidnotfollow.I
confessIhaveheardofsubtlewomen,who,tocovertheirsinand
shame,haveendeavouredtopersuadesomepeasantsthattheywere
never touched by man to get them with child; and that one in
particularpretendedtoconceivebygoingintoabathwhereaman
hadwashedhimselfalittlebeforeandspenthisseedinit,whichwas
drawnandsuckedintoherwomb,asshepretended.Butsuchstories
as these are only for such who know no better. Now that these
differentsexesshouldbeobligedtocometothetouch,whichwe
call copulation or coition, besides the natural desire of begetting
theirlike,whichstirsupmenandwomentoit,thepartsappointed
forgenerationareendowedbynaturewithadelightfulandmutual
itch,whichbegetsinthemadesiretotheaction;withoutwhich,it

wouldnotbeveryeasyforaman,bornforthecontemplationof
divinemysteries,tojoinhimself,bythewayofcoition,toawoman,
inregardtotheuncleannessofthepartandtheaction.And,onthe
other side, if the woman did but think of those pains and
inconveniencestowhichtheyaresubjectbytheirgreatbellies,and
thosehazardsoflifeitself,besidestheunavoidablepainsthatattend
theirdelivery,itisreasonabletobelievetheywouldbeaffrighted
fromit.Butneithersexmakesthesereflectionstillaftertheactionis
over, considering nothing beforehand but the pleasure of the
enjoyment,sothatitisfromthisvoluptuousitchthatnatureobliges
bothsexestothiscongression.Uponwhichthethirdthingfolloweth
ofcourse,viz.,theemissionofseedintothewombintheactof
copulation.Forthewomanhavingreceivedthisprolificseedinto
her womb, and retained it there, the womb thereupon becomes
depressed,andembracestheseedsoclosely,thatbeingclosedthe
pointofaneedlecannotenterintoitwithoutviolence.Andnowthe
womanmaybesaidtohaveconceived,havingreducedbyherheat
frompowerintoaction,theseveralfacultieswhicharecontainedin
theseed,makinguseofthespiritswithwhichtheseedabounds,and
which are the instruments which begin to trace out the first
lineamentsoftheparts,andwhichafterwards,bymakinguseofthe
menstruousbloodflowingtoit,giveit,intime,growthandfinal
perfection.Andthusmuchshallsufficetoexplainwhatconception
is.Ishallnextproceedtoshow

SECT.II.HowaWomanoughttoorderherselfafter
Conception.
Mydesigninthistreatisebeingbrevity,Ishallbringforwardalittle
ofwhatthelearnedhavesaidofthecausesoftwins,andwhether
therebeanysuchthingsassuperfoetations,orasecondconception
inawoman(whichisyetcommonenough),andastotwins,Ishall

haveoccasiontospeakofthemwhenIcometoshowyouhowthe
midwife ought to proceed in the delivery of the women that are
pregnant with them. But having already spoken of conception, I
thinkitnownecessarytoshowhowsuchashaveconceivedoughtto
orderthemselvesduringtheirpregnancy,thattheymayavoidthose
inconveniences,whichoftenendangerthelifeofthechildandmany
timestheirown.
Awoman,afterconception,duringthetimeofherbeingwithchild,
ought to be looked upon as indisposed or sick, though in good
health;forchildbearingisakindofninemonths'sickness,beingall
that time in expectation of many inconveniences which such a
conditionusuallycausestothosethatarenotwellgovernedduring
thattime;andtherefore,oughttoresembleagoodpilot,who,when
sailingonaroughseaandfullofrocks,avoidsandshunsthedanger,
ifhesteerswithprudence,butifnot,itisathousandtoonebuthe
suffersshipwreck.Inlikemanner,awomanwithchildisoftenin
dangerofmiscarryingandlosingherlife,ifsheisnotverycarefulto
preventthoseaccidentstowhichsheissubjectallthetimeofher
pregnancy.Allwhichtimehercaremustbedouble,firstofherself,
andsecondlyofthechildshegoeswithforotherwise,asingleerror
mayproduceadoublemischief;forifshereceivesaprejudice,the
childalsosufferswithher.Letawoman,therefore,afterconception,
observeagooddiet,suitabletohertemperament,custom,condition
andquality;andifshecan,lettheairwheresheordinarilydwellsbe
clearandwelltempered,andfreefromextremes,eitherofheator
cold;forbeingtoohot,itdissipateththespiritstoomuchandcauses
manyweaknesses;andbybeingtoocoldandfoggy,itmaybring
down rheums and distillations on the lungs, and so cause her to
cough,which,byitsimpetuousmotion,forcingdownwards,may
makehermiscarry.Sheoughtalwaytoavoidallnauseousandill
smells;forsometimesthestenchofacandle,notwellputout,may
cause her to come before time; and I have known the smell of
charcoaltohavethesameeffect.Letheralsoavoidsmellingofrue,

mint,pennyroyal,castor,brimstone,etc.
But,withrespecttotheirdiet,womenwithchildhavegenerallyso
great loathings and so many different longings, that it is very
difficult to prescribe an exact diet for them. Only this I think
advisable,thattheymayusethosemeatsanddrinkswhichareto
them most desirable, though, perhaps, not in themselves so
wholesomeassomeothers,and,itmaybenotsopleasant;butthis
libertymustbemadeuseofwiththiscaution,thatwhattheydesire
benotinitselfunwholesome;andalsothatineverythingtheytake
care of excess. But, if a childbearing woman finds herself not
troubled with such longings as we have spoken of, let her take
simplefood,andinsuchquantityasmaybesufficientforherself
andthechild,whichherappetitemayinagreatmeasureregulate;
foritisalikehurtfultohertofasttoolongastoeattoomuch;and
therefore,ratherlethereatalittleandoften;especiallyletheravoid
eatingtoomuchatnight,becausethestomachbeingtoomuchfilled,
compresseth the diaphragm, and thereby causeth difficulty of
breathing.Lethermeatbeeasyofdigestion,suchasthetenderest
parts of beef, mutton, veal, fowls, pullets, capons, pigeons and
partridges,eitherboiledorroasted,asshelikesbest,newlaideggs
arealsoverygoodforher;andletherputintoherbroththoseherbs
thatpurifyit,assorrel,lettuce,succoryandborage;fortheywill
purgeandpurifytheblood.Letheravoidwhateverishotseasoned,
especially pies and baked meats, which being of hot digestion,
overchargethestomach.Ifshedesirefishletitbefresh,andsuchas
istakenoutofriversandrunningstreams.Lethereatquincesand
marmalade, to strengthen her child: for which purpose sweet
almonds,honey,sweetapples,andfullripegrapes,arealsogood.
Let her abstain from all salt, sour, bitter and salt things, and all
things that tend to provoke the termssuch as garlic, onions,
mustard,fennel,pepperandallspicesexceptcinnamon,whichinthe
lastthreemonthsisgoodforher.Ifatfirstherdietbesparing,asshe
increases in bigness, let her diet be increased, for she ought to

considerthatshehasachildaswellasherselftonourish.Letherbe
moderateinherdrinking;andifshedrinkswine,letitberather
claretthanwhite(foritwillbreedgoodblood,helpthedigestion,
andcomfortthestomach,whichisweaklyduringpregnancy);but
whitewinebeingdiuretic,orthatwhichprovokesurine,oughttobe
avoided.Letherbecarefulnottotaketoomuchexercise,andlether
avoiddancing,ridinginacoach,orwhateverelseputsthebodyinto
violent motion, especially in the first month. But to be more
particular,Ishallheresetdownrulesproperforeverymonthforthe
childbearing woman to order herself, from the time she first
conceived,tothetimeofherdelivery.
RulesfortheFirstTwoMonths.
Assoonasawomanknows,orhasreasontobelieve,thatshehas
conceived, she ought to abstain from all violent motions and
exercise; whether shewalks afoot, or rides onhorseback or in a
coach,itoughttobeverygently.LetheralsoabstainfromVenery
(forwhich,afterconception,shehasusuallynogreatinclination),
lesttherebeamoleorsuperfoetation,whichistheaddingofone
embryotoanother.Letherbewarenottoliftherarmstoohigh,nor
carrygreatburdens,norreposeherselfonhardanduneasyseats.Let
herusemoderatelygood,juicymeatandeasyofdigestion,andlet
herwinesbeneithertoostrongnortoosharp,butalittlemingled
withwater;orifshebeveryabstemious,shemayusewaterwherein
cinnamonhasbeenboiled.Letheravoidfastings,thirst,watchings,
mourning,sadness,anger,andallotherperturbationsofthemind.
Letnoonepresentanystrangeorunwholesomethingtoher,norso
muchasnameit,lestsheshoulddesireitandnotbeabletogetit,
and so either cause her to miscarry, or the child to have some
deformityonthataccount.Letherbellybekeptloosewithprunes,
raisinsormannainherbroth,andletherusethefollowingelectuary,
tostrengthenthewombandthechild

"Takeconserveofborage,buglosandroses,eachtwoounces;an
ounceofbalm;anounceeachofcitronpeelandshreds,candied
mirobalans,anounceeach;extractofwoodaloesascruple;prepared
pearl,halfadrachm;redcoralandivory,ofeachadrachm;precious
stones each a scruple; candied nutmegs, two drachms, and with
syrupofapplesandquincesmakeanelectuary."
Letherobservethefollowingrules.
"Takepearlsprepared,adrachm;redcoralandivoryprepared,each
halfadrachm,preciousstones,eachascruple;yellowcitronpeel,
mace, cinnamon, cloves, each half a drachm; saffron, a scruple;
woodaloes,halfascruple;ambergris,sixdrachms;andwithsix
ounces of sugar dissolved in rosewater make rolls." Let her also
applystrengthenersofnutmeg,maceandmastichmadeupinbags,
to the navel, or a toast dipped in malmsey, or sprinkled with
powderedmint.Ifshehappenstodesireclay,chalk,orcoals(as
manywomenwithchilddo),giveherbeansboiledwithsugar,andif
she happens to long for anything that she cannot obtain, let her
presentlydrinkalargedraughtofpurecoldwater.
RulesfortheThirdMonth.
Inthismonthandthenext,besuretokeepfrombleeding;forthough
itmaybesafeandproperatothertimes,yetitwillnotbesoatthe
endofthefourthmonth;andyetifbloodabound,orsomeincidental
diseasehappenswhichrequiresevacuation,youmayuseacupping
glass,withscarification,andalittlebloodmaybedrawnfromthe
shouldersandarms,especiallyifshehasbeenaccustomedtobleed.
Letheralsotakecareoflacingherselftoostraitly,butgiveherself
morelibertythansheusedtodo;forinclosingherbellyintoostrait
amould,shehinderstheinfantfromtakingitsfreegrowth,andoften
makesitcomebeforeitstime.

RulesfortheFourthMonth.
Inthismonthalsoyououghttokeepthechildbearingwomanfrom
bleeding, unless in extraordinary cases, but when the month is
passed,bloodlettingandphysicmaybepermitted,ifitbegentle
andmild,andperhapsitmaybenecessarytopreventabortion.In
thismonthshemaypurge,inanacutedisease,butpurgingmayonly
beusedfromthebeginningofthismonthtotheendofthesixth;but
lethertakecarethatinpurgingsheusenovehementmedicine,nor
anybitter,asaloes,whichisdisagreeableandhurtfultothechild,
andopensthemouthofthevessels;neitherletherusecoloquintida,
scammonynorturbith;shemayusecassia,manna,rhubarb,agaric
and senna but dyacidodium purgans is best, with a little of the
electuaryofthejuiceofroses.
RulesfortheFifth,SixthandSeventhMonths.
In these months, childbearing women are troubled with coughs,
colds,heartbeating,fainting,watching,painsintheloinsandhips,
andbleeding.Thecoughisfromasharpvapourthatcomestothe
jawsandrougharteryfromtheterms,orthethinpartofthatblood
gotlessintothereinsofthebreast;thisendangersabortion,and
strengthfailsfromwatching:therefore,purgethehumoursthatcome
tothebreast,withrhubarbandagaric,andstrengthentheheadasin
acatarrh,andgivesweetlenitivesasinacough.Palpitationand
faintnessarisesfromvapoursthatgotoitbythearteries,orfrom
bloodthataboundsandcannotgetoutofthewomb,butascendsand
oppressestheheart;andinthiscasecordialsshouldbeusedboth
inwardlyandoutwardly.Watching,isfromsharpdryvapoursthat
troubletheanimalspirits,andinthiscaseusefrictions,andletthe
womanwashherfeetatbedtime,andlethertakesyrupofpoppies,
driedroses,emulsionsofsweetalmonds,andwhitepoppyseed.If
shebetroubledwithpainsinherloinsandhips,asinthosemonths

sheissubjecttobe,fromtheweightofherchildasitgrowsbigand
heavy,andsostretchestheligamentsofthewombandpartadjacent,
letherholditupwithswathingbandsaboutherneck.Aboutthis
timealsothewomanoftenhappenstohaveafluxofblood,eitherat
thenose,womborhaemorrhoids,fromplentyofblood,orfromthe
weaknessofthechildthattakesitnotin,orelsefromevilhumourin
theblood,thatstirsupnatureandsendsitforth.Andsometimesit
happensthatthevesselsofthewombmaybebroken,eitherbysome
violentmotion,fall,coughortroubleofthemind(foranyofthese
willworkthateffect),andthisissodangerous,thatinsuchacase
thechildcannotbewell,butifitbefrombloodonly,thedangeris
less,provideditflowsbytheveinsoftheneckofthewomb,forthen
itpreventsplethoraandtakesnotawaythenourishmentofthechild;
butifitproceedsfromtheweaknessofthechild,thatdrawsitnotin,
abortionofthechildoftenfollows,orhardtravail,orelseshegoes
beyondhertime.Butifitflowsfromtheinwardveinsofthewomb,
thereismoredangerbytheopennessofthewomb,ifitcomefrom
evilblood;thedangerisalikefromcacochymy,whichisliketofall
uponboth.Ifitarisesfromplethora,openavein,butwithgreat
caution,anduseastringents,ofwhichthefollowingwilldowell:
Take prepared pearls, a scruple; red coral, two scruples; mace,
nutmeg,eachadrachm;cinnamon,halfadrachm;makeapowder,
or with white sugar make rolls. Or give this powder in broth:
"Takered coral, a drachm; half adrachm precious stones; red
sander,halfadrachm;bole,adrachm;scaledearthandtormental
roots, eachtwoscruples,with sugarofrosesandManus Christi;
withpearl,fivedrachms;makeapowder."Youmayalsostrengthen
the child at the navel, and if there be a cacochymy, alter the
humours,andifyoucandoitsafely,evacuate;youmaylikewiseuse
amuletsonherhandsandaboutherneck.Inafluxofhaemorrhoids,
wearoffthepain,andletherdrinkhotwinewithatoastednutmeg.
Inthesemonthsthebellyisalsosubjecttobebound,butifitbe
withoutanyapparentdisease,thebrothofachickenorveal,sodden

with oil, or with the decoction of mallows or marshmallows,

mercuryorlinseed,putupinaclyster,willnotbeamiss,butinless
quantitythanisgiveninothercases:viz.ofthedecoction,five
ounces,ofcommonoil,threeounces,ofsugar,twoounces,andof
cassiafistula,oneounce.Butifshewillnottakeaclyster,oneor
twoyolksofnewlaideggs,oralittlepeaspottagewarm,alittlesalt
andsugar,andsuppedalittlebeforemeat,willbeveryconvenient.
Butifherbellybedistendedandstretchedwithwindalittlefennel
seedandaniseedreducedtoapowderandmixedwithhoneyand
sugarmadeafterthemannerofanelectuary,willbeverywellAlso,
if thighs and feet swell let them be anointed with erphodrinum
(which is a liquid medicine) made with vinegar and rosewater,
mingledwithsalt.
RulesfortheEighthMonth.
Theeighthmonthiscommonlycalledthemostdangerous;therefore
thegreatestcareandcautionoughttobeused,thedietbetterin
quality,butnomore,norindeed,somuchinquantityasbefore,but
as she must abate her diet, she must increase her exercise; and
becausethenwomenwithchild,byreasonthatsharphumoursalter
thebelly,areaccustomedtoweakentheirspiritsandstrength,they
may well take before meat, an electuary of diarrhoden, or
aromaticumrosatumordiamagarton;andsometimestheymaylicka
littlehoney.Astheywillloathe,nauseatetheirmeat,theymaytake
greenginger,candiedwithsugar,andtherindsofcitronandoranges
candied;andletthemoftenusehoneyforstrengtheningtheinfant.
Whensheisnotveryfarfromherlabour,lethereateverydayseven
roasted figs before her meat, and sometimes let her lick a little
honey.Butletherbewareofsaltandpowderedmeat,foritisneither
goodforhernorthechild.
RulesfortheNinthMonth.

Intheninthmonthletherhaveacareofliftinganygreatweight,but
lethermovealittlemore,todilatetheparts,andstirupnaturalheat.
Lethertakeheedofstooping,andneithersittoomuchnorlieonher
sides, neither ought she to bend herself much enfolded in the
umbilicalligaments,bywhichmeansitoftenperisheth.Letherwalk
andstiroften,andletherexercisebe,rathertogoupwardsthan
downwards. Let her diet, now especially, be light and easy of
digestionanddamaskpruneswithsugar,orfigswithraisins,before
meat,asalsotheyolksofeggs,fleshandbrothofchickens,birds,
partridges and pheasants; astringent and roasted meats, with rice,
hardeggs,millet andsuchlikeother thingsareproper. Bathsof
sweet water, with emollient herbs, ought to be used by her this
monthwithsomeintermission,andafterthebathsletherbellybe
anointedwithoilofsweetrosesandofviolets;butforherprivy
parts,itisbettertoanointthemwiththefatofhens,geeseorducks,
or with oil of lilies, andthe decoction oflinseed and fenugreek,
boiledwithoiloflinseedandmarshmallows,orwiththefollowing
liniment:
Takemallowsandmarshmallows,cutandshred,ofeachoneounce;
oflinseed,oneounce;letthembeboiledfromtwentyouncesof
watertoten;thenlethertakethreeouncesoftheboiledbroth,ofoil
ofalmondsandoilofflowerdeluce,ofeachoneounce;ofdeer's
suet,threeounces.Letherbathewiththis,andanointherselfwithit,
warm.
If for fourteen days before the birth, she do every morning and
eveningbatheandmoistenherbellywithmuscadineandlavender
water,thechildwillbemuchstrengthenedthereby.Andifeveryday
sheeattoastedbread,itwillhinderanythingfromgrowingtothe
child. Her privy parts must be gently stroked down with this
fomentation.
"Takethreeouncesoflinseed,andonehandfuleachofmallowsand

marshmallows sliced, then let them be put into a bag and

immediatelyboiled."Letthewomanwithchild,everymorningand
evening,takethevapourofthisdecoctioninahollowstool,taking
greatheedthatnowindoraircometoherinparts,andthenlether
wipethepartsoanointedwithalinencloth,andshemayanointthe
bellyandgroinsasatfirst.
Whenshehascomesoneartohertime,astobetenorfourteendays
thereof,ifshebeginstofeelanymorethanordinarypainletheruse
every day the following:"Take mallows and marshmallows, of
each a handful; camomiles, hard mercury, maidenhair, of each a
handful;oflinseed,fourounces;letthembeboiledinasufficient
quantityofwaterastomakeabaththerewith."Butlethernotsittoo
hotupontheseat,norhigherthanalittleabovehernavel;norlether
situponitlongerthanabouthalfanhour,lestherstrengthlanguish
anddecay,foritisbettertouseitoftenthantostaytoolonginit.
AndthushaveIshownhowachildbearingwomanoughttogovern
herself each month during her pregnancy. How she must order
herselfatherdelivery,shallbeshowninanotherchapter,afterI
havefirstshowntheintendedmidwifehowthechildisfirstformed
inthewomb,andthemannerofitsdecumbiturethere.

CHAPTERIII
OfthePartspropertoaChildinthewomb;Howitisformedthere,
andthemannerofitsSituationtherein.
InthelastchapterItreatedofconception,showedwhatitwas,how
accomplishedanditssigns,andhowshewhohasconceivedoughtto
orderherselfduringthetimeofherpregnancy.Now,beforeIcome

tospeakofherdelivery,itisnecessarythatthemidwifebefirst
madeacquaintedwiththepartspropertoachildinthewomb,and
also that she be shown how it is formed, and the manner of its
situationanddecumbiturethere;whicharesonecessarytoher,that
without the knowledge thereof, no one can tell how to deliver a
woman as she ought. This, therefore, shall be the work of this
chapter.Ishallbeginwiththefirstofthese.

SECTIONI.OfthePartspropertoaChildinthe
Womb.
Inthissection,ImustfirsttellyouwhatImeanbythepartsproper
toachildinthewomb;andtheyareonlythosethateitherhelpor
nourishit;andwhilstitislodgedinthatdarkrepositoryofnature,
andthathelptoclotheanddefenditthereandarecastaway,asofno
moreuse,afteritisborn,andthesearetwo,viz.,theumbilicars,or
navelvessels,andthesecundinum.Bythefirstitisnourished,and
bythesecondclothedanddefendedfromwrong.OfeachoftheseI
shallspeakdistinctly;andfirst,
OftheUmbilicars,orNavelVessels.
These are four in number, viz.:one vein, two arteries, and the
vesselwhichiscalledtheurachos.
(1)Theveinisthatonwhichtheinfantisnourished,fromthetime
ofitsconceptiontillthetimeofitsdelivery;tillbeingbroughtinto
thelightoftheworld,ithasthesamewayofconcoctingthefoodwe
have.Thisveinarisethfromtheliverofthechild,andisdividedinto
twopartswhenithaspassedthenavel;andthesetwoaredivided
and subdivided, the branches being upheld by the skin called
chorion(ofwhichIspeakbyandby),andarejoinedtotheveinsof
the mother's womb, from whence they have their blood for the

nourishmentofthechild.
(2)Thearteriesaretwooneachsidewhichproceedfromtheback
branchesofthegreatarteryofthemother,andthevitalbloodis
carriedbythosetothechildbeingreadyconcoctedbythemother.
(3)Anervousorsinewyproductionisledfromthebottomofthe
bladderoftheinfanttothenavel,andthisiscalledurachos,andits
useis, toconveythe urine oftheinfant from thebladder tothe
alantois.Anatomistsdoverymuchvaryintheiropinionconcerning
this, some denying any such thing to be in the delivery of the
woman,andothersonthecontraryaffirmingit;butexperiencehas
testified there is such a thing, for Bartholomew Carbrolius, the
ordinary doctor of anatomy to the College of Physicians at
MontpellierinFrance,recordsthehistoryofamaid,whosewater
beingalongtimestopped,atlastissuedoutthroughthenavel.And
JohannesFerneliusspeaksofthesamethingthathappenedtoaman
ofthirtyyearsofage,whohavingastoppageattheneckofthe
bladder,hisurineissuedoutofhisnavelformanymonthstogether,
andthatwithoutanyprejudiceatalltohishealth,whichheascribes
totheilllyingofhisnavel,wherebytheurachoswasnotwelldried.
And Volchier Coitas quotes such another instance in a maid of
thirtyfouratNuremburginGermany.Theseinstances,thoughthey
happenbutseldom,aresufficienttoprovethatthereissuchathing
asanurachosinmen.
Thesefourvesselsbeforementioned,viz.,onevein,twoarteriesand
theurachos,joinnearthenavel,andareunitedbyaskinwhichthey
havefromthechorionandsobecomelikeagutorrope,andare
altogethervoidofsensibility,andthisisthatwhichwomencallthe
navelstring.Thevesselsarethusjoinedtogether,thatsotheymay
neitherbebroken,severednorentangled;andwhentheinfantis
bornareofnousesaveonlytomakeuptheligamentwhichstops
theholeofthenavelandforsomeotherphysicaluse,etc.

OftheSecundineorAfterbirth.
SettingasidethenamegiventothisbytheGreeksandLatins,itis
called in English by the name of secundine, afterbirth or after
burden;whichareheldtobefourinnumber.
(1)The first iscalledplacenta,becauseitresemblestheformofa
cake,andisknitbothtothenavelandchorion,andmakesupthe
greatestpartofthesecundineorafterbirth.Thefleshofitislike
that of the melt or spleen, soft, red and tending something to
blackness,andhathmanysmallveinsandarteriesinit:andcertainly
thechiefuseofitis,forcontainingthechildinthewomb.
(2)Thesecondisthechorion.Thisskinandthatcalledtheamnios,
involvethechildround,bothaboveandunderneath,andonboth
sides,whichthealantoisdoesnot.Thisskinisthatwhichismost
commonlycalledthesecundine,asitisthickandwhitegarnished
withmanysmallveinsandarteries,endingintheplacentabefore
named,beingverylightandslippery.Itsuseis,notonlytocoverthe
childroundabout,butalsotoreceive,andsafelybinduptherootsof
theveinsandarteriesornavelvesselsbeforedescribed.
(3)Thethirdthingwhichmakesupthesecundineinthealantois,of
whichthereisagreatdisputeamongstanatomists.Somesaythereis
suchathing,andothersthatthereisnot.Thosewhowillhaveitto
beamembrane,sayitiswhite,softandexceedinglythin,andjust
undertheplacenta,whereitisknittotheurachos,fromwhichit
receives the urine; and its office is to keep it separate from the
sweat,thatthesaltnessofitmaynotoffendthetenderskinofthe
child.
(4)Thefourth,andlastcoveringofthechildiscalledamnios;andit
iswhite,softandtransparent,beingnourishedbysomeverysmall
veinsandarteries.Itsuseis,notonlytoenwrapthechild,butalsoto
retainthesweatofthechild.

Havingthusdescribedthepartspropertoachildinthewomb,Iwill
nextproceedtospeakoftheformationofthechildtherein,assoon
as I have explained the hard terms of the section, that those for
whosehelpitisdesigned,mayunderstandwhattheyread.Aveinis
thatwhichreceivesbloodfromtheliver,anddistributesinseveral
branchestoallpartsofthebody.Nerveisthesamewithsinew,and
is that by which the brain adds sense and motion to the body.
Placenta,properlysignifiessugarcake;butinthissectionitisused
tosignifyaspongypieceoffleshresemblingacake,fullofveins
andarteries,andismadetoreceiveamother'sbloodappointedfor
theinfant'snourishmentinthewomb.The chorion isanoutward
skinwhichcompasseththechildinthewomb.The amnios isthe
innerskinwhichcompasseththechildinthewomb.Thealantoisis
theskinthatholdstheurineofthechildduringthetimethatitabides
inthewomb.Theurachosisthevesselthatconveystheurinefrom
thechildinthewombtothealantois.Inowproceedto

SECT.II.OftheFormationoftheChildinthe
Womb.
Tospeakoftheformationofthechildinthewomb,wemustbegin
wherenaturebegins,and,thatisattheactofcoition,inwhichthe
wombhavingreceivedthegenerativeseed(withoutwhichtherecan
benoconception),thewombimmediatelyshutsupitselfsoclose
thatthepointofaneedlecannotentertheinwardorifice;andthisit
does,partlytohindertheissuingoutoftheseedagain,andpartlyto
cherishitbyaninwardheat,thebettertoprovokeittoaction;which
is one reason why women's bellies are so lank at their first
conception.Thewomanhavingthusconceived,thefirstthingwhich
is operative in conception is the spirit whereof the seed is full,
which, nature quickening by the heat of the womb, stirs up the
action.Theinternalspirits,therefore,separatethepartsthatareless

pure,whicharethick,coldandclammy,fromthosethataremore
pureandnoble.Thelesspurearecasttotheoutside,andwiththese
seediscircledroundandthemembranemade,inwhichthatseed
thatismostpureiswrappedroundandkeptclosetogether,thatit
may bedefended from cold andother accidents, and operate the
better.
Thefirstthingthatisformedistheamnios;thenextthechorion;and
theyenwraptheseedroundlikeacurtain.Soonafterthis(forthe
seedthusshutupinthewomanliesnotidle),thenavelveinisbred,
whichpierceththoseskins,beingyetverytender,andcarriesadrop
ofbloodfromtheveinsofthemother'swombtotheseed;from
whichdropthevenacava,orchiefvein,proceeds,fromwhichall
therestoftheveinswhichnourishthebodyspring;andnowthe
seed hath something to nourish it, whilst it performs the rest of
nature'swork,andalsobloodadministeredtoeverypartofit,to
formflesh.
Thisveinbeingformed,thenavelarteriesaresoonafterformed;
thenthegreatartery,ofwhichalltheothersarebutbranches;and
thentheheart,fortheliverfurnisheththearterieswithbloodtoform
theheart,thearteriesbeingmadeofseed,buttheheartandtheflesh,
ofblood.Afterthisthebrainisformed,andthenthenervestogive
senseandmotiontotheinfant.Afterwardsthebonesandfleshare
formed;andofthebones,firstofall,thevertebraeorchinebones,
andthentheskull,etc.Astothetimeinwhichthiscuriouspartof
nature'sworkmanshipisformed,havingalreadyinChapterIIofthe
formerpartofthisworkspokenatlargeuponthispoint,andalsoof
thenourishmentofthechildinthewomb,Ishallhereonlyreferthe
readerthereto,andproceedtoshowthemannerinwhichthechild
liesinthewomb.

SECT.III.OfthemanneroftheChild'slyinginthe

Womb.
Thisisathingsoessentialforamidwifetoknow,thatshecanbeno
midwife who is ignorant of it; and yet even about this authors
extremelydiffer;fortherearenottwointenthatagreewhatisthe
formthatthechildliesinthewomb,orinwhatfashionitliesthere;
andyetthismayariseinagreatmeasurefromthedifferenttimesof
thewomen'spregnancy;fornearthetimeofitsdeliveranceoutof
thosewindingchambersofnatureitoftentimeschangestheformin
whichitlaybefore,foranother.
Iwillnowshowtheseveralsituationsofthechildinthemother's
womb,accordingtothedifferenttimesofpregnancy,bywhichthose
thatarecontrarytonature,andarethechiefcauseofilllabours,will
bemoreeasilyconceivedbytheunderstandingmidwife.Itought,
therefore,inthefirstplacetobeobserved,thattheinfant,aswell
maleasfemale,isgenerallysituatedinthemidstofthewomb;for
thoughsometimes,toappearanceawoman'sbellyseemshigheron
onesidethantheother,yetitissowithrespecttothebellyonly,and
nottoherwomb,inthemidstofwhichitisalwaysplaced.
But, in the second place, a woman's great belly makes different
figures,accordingtothedifferenttimesofpregnancy;forwhenshe
isyoungwithchild,theembryoisalwaysfoundofaroundfigure,a
little long, a little oblong, having the spine moderately turned
inwards,andthethighsfolded,andalittleraised,towhichthelegs
aresoraised,thattheheelstouchthebuttocks;thearmsarebending,
and the hands placed upon the knees, towards which part of the
body,theheadisturneddownwardstowardstheinwardorificeof
thewomb,tumblingasitwereoveritsheadsothatthenthefeetare
uppermost, and the face towards the mother's great gut; and this
turning of the infant in this manner, with its head downwards,
towards the latter end of a woman's reckoning, is so ordered by
nature,thatitmaybetherebythebetterdisposedofitspassageinto

theworldatthetimeofitsmother'slabour,whichisnotthenfaroff
(and indeed some children turn not at all until the very time of
birth);forinthispostureallitsjointsaremosteasilyextendedin
comingforth;forbythismeansitsarmsandlegscannothinderits
birth,becausetheycannotbebentagainsttheinnerorificeofthe
wombandtherestofthebody,beingverysupple,passethwithout
anydifficultyafterthehead,whichishardandbig;beingpassedthe
headis inclined forward,so that the chin toucheth the breast, in
whichposture,itresemblesonesittingtoeasenature,andstooping
downwiththeheadtoseewhatcomesfromhim.Thespineofthe
backisatthattimeplacedtowardsthemother's,theheaduppermost,
thefacedownwards;andproportionatelytoitsgrowth,itextendsits
membersbylittleandlittle,whichwereexactlyfoldedinthefirst
month.Inthispostureitusuallykeepsuntiltheseventhoreighth
month,andthenbyanaturalpropensityanddispositionoftheupper
first. It is true there are divers children, that lie in the womb in
another posture, and come to birth with their feet downwards,
especiallyiftherebetwins;forthen,bytheirdifferentmotionsthey
dosodisturboneanother,thattheyseldomcomebothinthesame
postureatthetimeoflabour,butonewillcomewiththehead,and
anotherwiththefeet,orperhapslieacross;butsometimesneitherof
themwillcomeright.But,howeverthechildmaybesituatedinthe
womb,orinwhateverpostureitpresentsitselfatthetimeofbirth,if
itbenotwithitsheadforwards,asIhavebeforedescribed,itis
alwaysagainstnature,andthedeliverywilloccasionthemorepain
anddanger,andrequiregreatercareandskillfromthemidwife,than
whenthelabourismorenatural.

CHAPTERIV
AGuideforWomeninTravail,showingwhatistobedonewhen

theyfallinLabour,inordertotheirDelivery.
Theendofallthatwehavebeentreatingofis,thebringingforthof
achildintotheworldwithsafetybothtothemotherandtheinfant,
asthewholetimeofawoman'spregnancymaybetermedakindof
labour; for, from the time of the conception to the time of her
delivery, she labours under many difficulties, is subject to many
distempers,andincontinualdanger,fromoneaffectionorother,till
thetimeofbirthcomes;andwhenthatcomes,thegreatestlabour
and travail come along with it, insomuch that then all the other
laboursareforgotten,andthatonlyiscalledthetimeofherlabours,
andtodeliverhersafelyistheprincipalbusinessofthemidwife;and
toassisttherein,shallbethechiefdesignofthischapter.Thetimeof
thechild'sbeingreadyforitsbirth,whennatureendeavourstocastit
forth,isthatwhichisproperlythetimeofawoman'slabour;nature
then labouring to beeased of its burden. Andsince many child
bearing women, (especially the first child) are often mistaken in
theirreckoningandso,whentheydrawneartheirtimetakeevery
paintheymeetwithfortheirlabour,whichoftenprovesprejudicial
andtroublesometothem,whenitisnotso,Iwillinthefirstsection
ofthischapter,setdownsomesigns,bywhichawomanmayknow
whenthetruetimeofherlabouriscome.

SECTIONI.TheSignsofthetrueTimeofa
Woman'sLabour.
When women with child, especially of their first, perceive any
extraordinary pains in the belly, they immediately send for their
midwife,astakingitfortheirlabour;andthenifthemidwifebenot
askilfulandexperiencedwoman,toknowthetimeoflabour,but
takesitforgrantedwithoutfurtherinquiry(forsomesuchthereare),

andsogoesabouttoputherintolabourbeforenatureispreparedfor
it,shemayendangerthelifeofbothmotherandchild,bybreaking
theamniosandchorion.Thesepains,whichareoftenmistakenfor
labour, are removed by warm clothes laid to the belly, and the
applicationofaclysterortwo,bywhichthosepainswhichprecede
atruelabour,areratherfurtheredthanhindered.Therearealsoother
painsincidenttoawomaninthatconditionfromthefluxofthe
belly, which are easily known by the frequent stools that follow
them.
Thesigns,therefore,oflabour,somefewdaysbefore,arethatthe
woman'sbelly,whichbeforelayhigh,sinksdown,andhindersher
fromwalkingsoeasilyassheusedtodo;alsothereflowfromthe
wombslimyhumours,whichnaturehasappointedtomoistenand
smooththepassagethatitsinwardorificemaybethemoreeasily
dilatedwhenthereisoccasion;whichbeginningtoopenatthistime,
suffersthatslimetoflowaway,whichproceedsfromtheGlandules
calledprostata.Thesearesignsprecedingthelabour;butwhenshe
ispresentlyfallingintolabour,thesignsare,greatpainsaboutthe
region of the reins and loins, which coming and retreating by
intervals, are answered in the bottom of the belly by congruous
throes,andsometimesthefaceisredandinflamed,thebloodbeing
muchheatedbytheendeavoursawomanmakestobringforthher
child; and likewise, because during these strong throes her
respirationisintercepted,whichcausesthebloodtohaverecourseto
herface;alsoherprivypartsareswelledbytheinfant'sheadlyingin
thebirth,which,byoftenthrusting,causesthosepartstodescend
outwards.Sheismuchsubjecttovomiting,whichisagoodsignof
goodlabourandspeedydelivery,thoughbyignorantpeoplethought
otherwise;forgoodpainsaretherebyexcitedandredoubled;which
vomitingisexcitedbythesympathythereisbetweenthewomband
thestomach.Also,whenthebirthisnear,womenaretroubledwitha
tremblinginthethighsandlegs,notwithcold,likethebeginningof
anaguefit,butwiththeheatofthewholebody,thoughitmustbe

granted,thisdoesnothappenalways.Also,ifthehumourswhich
thenflowfromthewombarediscolouredwiththeblood,whichthe
midwivescallshows,itisaninfalliblemarkofthebirthbeingnear.
Andifthenthemidwifeputsupherfingersintotheneckofthe
womb,shewillfindtheinnerorificedilated;attheopeningofwhich
the membranes of the infant, containing the waters, present
themselvesandarestronglyforceddownwitheachpainshehath;at
whichtimeonemayperceivethemsometimestoresist,andthen
again press forward the finger, being more or less hard and
extended, according as the pains are stronger or weaker. These
membranes,withthewatersinthem,whentheyarebeforethehead
ofthechild,midwivescallthegatheringofthewaters,resembleto
thetouch ofthe fingers those eggswhich havenoshell,but are
covered only with a simple membrane. After this, the pains still
redoublingthemembranesarebrokenbyastrongimpulsationof
thesewaters,whichflowaway,andthentheheadoftheinfantis
presentlyfeltnaked,andpresentsitselfattheinwardorificeofthe
womb.Whenthesewaterscomethusaway,thenthemidwifemay
beassuredthebirthisverynear,thisbeingthemostcertainsignthat
canbe;fortheamniosalantois,whichcontainedthesewaters,being
brokenbythepressingforwardofthebirth,thechildisnobetter
abletosubsistlonginthewombafterwardsthananakedmanina
heapofsnow.Now,thesewaters,ifthechildcomespresentlyafter
them, facilitate the labour by making the passage slippery; and
therefore,letnomidwife(assomehavefoolishlydone)endeavour
toforceawaythewater,fornatureknowsbestwhenthetruetimeof
birth is, and therefore retains the waters till that time. But if by
accidentthewaterbreaksawaytoolongbeforethebirth,thensuch
thingsaswillhastenit,maybesafelyadministered,andwhatthese
are,Iwillshowinanothersection.

SECT.II.HowaWomanoughttobeorderedwhen

thetimeofherlabouriscome.
Whenitisknownthatthetruetimeofherlabouriscomebythe
signslaiddownintheforegoing,ofwhichthosemosttoberelied
uponarepainsandstrongthroesinthebelly,forcingdownwards
towardsthewomb,andadilationoftheinwardorifice,whichmay
beperceivedbytouchingitwiththefinger,andthegatheringofthe
waters before the head of the child, and thrusting down the
membraneswhichcontainthem;throughwhich,betweenthepains,
onemayinsomemannerwiththefingerdiscoverthepartwhich
presentsitself(aswehavesaidbefore),especiallyifitbetheheadof
thechild,byitsroundnessandhardness;Isay,ifthesethingsconcur
and are evident, the midwife may be sure it is the time of the
woman'slabour,andcaremustbetakentogetallthosethingsthat
arenecessarytocomfortheratthattime.Andthebettertohelpher,
besuretoseethatsheisnottightlylaced;youmustalsogiveher
onestrongclysterormore,iftherebeoccasion,provideditbedone
atthebeginning,andbeforethechildbetooforward,foritwillbe
difficultfor herto receivethemafterwards.Thebenefitaccruing
therefromwillbe,thattheyexcitetheguttodischargeitselfofits
excrements,sothattherectumbeingemptiedtheremaybethemore
spaceforthedilationofthepassage;likewisetocausethepainsto
bearthemoredownward,throughtheendeavoursshemakeswhen
sheisatstool,andinthemeantime,allothernecessarythingsfor
herlabourshouldbeputinorder,bothforthemotherandthechild.
Tothisend,somegetamidwife's;butapalletbed,girded,ismuch
thebestway,placednearthefire,iftheseasonsorequire,which
palletoughttobesoplaced,thattheremaybeeasyaccesstoiton
everyside,thatthewomanmaybethemoreeasilyassisted,asthere
isoccasion.
Ifthewomanaboundswithblood,tobleedheralittlemoremaynot
beimproper,fortherebyshewillbothbreathethebetter,andhave

herbreastsmoreatliberty,andlikewisemorestrengthtobeardown
herpains;andthismaybedonewithoutdangerbecausethechild
beingabout readyto beborn,hasnomore needofthe mother's
bloodforitsnourishment;besides,thisevacuationdoesmanytimes
preventherhavingafeverafterdelivery.Also,beforeherdelivery,
ifherstrengthwillpermit,letherwalkupanddownherchamber;
andthatshemayhavestrengthsotodo,itwillbenecessarytogive
hergoodstrengtheningthings,suchasjelly,broth,newlaideggs,or
somespoonfulsofburntwine;andletherbyallmeansholdouther
pains,bearingthemdownasmuchasshecan,atthetimewhenthey
takeher;andletthemidwifefromtimetotimetouchtheinward
orifice with her finger, to know whether the waters are ready to
break and whether the birth will follow soon after. Let her also
anointthewoman'sprivitieswithemollientoil,hog'sgrease,and
freshbutter,ifshefindtheyarehardtobedilated.Letthemidwife,
likewise,allthetimebenearthelabouringwoman,anddiligently
observe her gestures, complaints, and pains, for by this she may
guessprettywellhowfarherlabouradvanceth,becausewhenshe
changethherordinarygroansintoloudcries,itisasignthatthe
childisnearthebirth;foratthetimeherpainsaregreaterandmore
frequent.Letthewomanlikewise,byintervals,restherselfuponthe
bedtoregainherstrength,butnottoolong,especiallyifshebelittle,
shortandthick,forsuchwomenhavealwaysworselabouriftheylie
longontheirbedsintheirtravail.Itisbetter,therefore,thatshewalk
aboutherchamberaslongasshecan,thewomansupportingher
underthearms,ifitbenecessary;forbythismeans,theweightof
thechildcausestheinwardorificesofthewombtodilatethesooner
thanin bed,andif herpains bestronger andmore frequent, her
labourwillnotbenearsolong.Letnotthelabouringwomanbe
concernedatthosequalmsandvomitingswhich,perhaps,shemay
findcomeuponher,fortheywillbemuchforheradvantageinthe
issue,howeveruneasyshemaybeforatime,astheyfurtherher
painsandthroesbyprovokingdownward.

Whenthewatersofthechildarereadyandgathered(whichmaybe
perceived through the membranes presenting themselves to the
orifice)tothebignessofthewholedilatation,themidwifeoughtto
letthembreakofthemselves,andnot,likesomehastymidwives,
who being impatient of the woman's long labour, break them,
intending thereby to hasten their business, when instead thereof,
theyretardit;forbythetoohastybreakingofthesewaters(which
nature designed to make the child slip more easy), the passage
remainsdrybywhichmeansthepainsandthroesofthelabouring
womanarelessefficacioustobringforththeinfantthantheywould
otherwisehavebeen.Itis,therefore,muchthebetterwaytoletthe
watersbreakofthemselves;afterwhichthemidwifemaywithease
feelthechildbythatpartwhichfirstpresents,andtherebydiscern
whetheritcomesright,thatis,withtheheadforemost,forthatisthe
properandmostnaturalwayofthebirth.Iftheheadcomesright,
shewillfinditbig,round,hardandequal;butifitbeanyotherpart,
she will find it rugged, unequal, soft and hard, according to the
natureofthepartitis.Andthisbeingthetruetimewhenawoman
oughttobedelivered,ifnaturebenotwantingtoperformitsoffice,
therefore,whenthemidwifefindsthebirththuscomingforwardlet
her hasten to assist and deliver it, for it ordinarily happens soon
after,ifitbenatural.
Butifithappens,asitsometimesmay,thatthewatersbreakaway
toolongbeforethebirth,insuchacase,thosethingswhichhasten
naturemaysafelybeadministered.Forwhichpurposemakeuseof
pennyroyal,dittany,juniperberries,redcoral,betonyandfeverfew,
boiledinwhitewine,andgiveadrachmofit,oritwouldbemuch
bettertotakethejuiceofitwhenitisinitsprime,whichisinMay,
andhavingclarifiedit,makeitintoasyrupwithdoubleitsweightof
sugar,andkeepitalltheyear,tousewhenoccasioncallsforit;
mugwortusedinthesamemannerisalsogoodinthiscase;alsoa
drachmofcinnamonpowdergiveninwardlyprofitsmuchinthis
case;andsodoestanseybroiledandappliedtotheprivities;oranoil

of it, so, made and used, as you were taught before. The stone
aetitesheldtotheprivities,isofextraordinaryvirtue,andinstantly
draws away, both child and afterburden; but great care must be
takentoremoveitpresently,oritwilldrawforthwombandall;for
suchisthemagneticvirtueofthisstonethatbothchildandwomb
followitasreadilyasirondoththeloadstoneortheloadstonethe
northstar.
Therearemanythingsthatphysiciansaffirmaregoodinthiscase;
amongwhichareanass'sorhorse'shoof,hungneartheprivities;a
pieceofredcoralhungnearthesaidplace.Aloadstonehelpsvery
much,heldinthewoman'slefthand;ortheskincutoffasnake,girt
aboutthemiddle,nexttotheskin.Thesethingsarementionedby
Mizaldus, but setting those things aside, as not so certain,
notwithstandingMizaldusquotesthem,thefollowingprescriptions
areverygoodtospeedydeliverancetowomenintravail.
(1)Adecoctionofwhitewinemadeinsavory,anddrank.
(2) Take wild tansey, or silver weed, bruise it, and apply to the
woman'snostrils.
(3)Takedatestones,andbeatthemtopowder,andlethertakehalfa
drachmoftheminwhitewineatatime.
(4)Takeparsleyandbruiseitandpressoutthejuice,anddipalinen
clothinit,andputitsodippedintothemouthofthewomb;itwill
presentlycausethechildtocomeaway,thoughitbedead,andit
willbringawaytheafterburden.Alsothejuiceoftheparsleyisa
thingofsogreatvirtue(especiallystoneparsley)thatbeingdrankby
awomanwithchild,itcleansethnotonlythewomb,butalsothe
childinthewomb,ofallgrosshumours.
(5)Ascrupleofcastoruminpowder,inanyconvenientliquor,is
verygoodtobetakeninsuchacase,andsoalsoistwoorthree

dropsofcastoruminanyconvenientliquor;oreightorninedropsof
spirits of myrrh given in any convenient liquor, gives speedy
deliverance.
(6)Giveawomaninsuchacaseanotherwoman'smilktodrink;it
willcausespeedydelivery,andalmostwithoutpain.
(7)Thejuiceofleeks,beingdrunkwithwarmwater,highlyoperates
tocausespeedydelivery.
(8)Takepeonyseedsandbeatthemintoapowder,andmixthe
powderwithoil,withwhichoilanointtheprivitiesofthewoman
andchild;itwillgiveherdeliverancespeedily,andwithlesspain
thancanbeimagined.
(9)Takeaswallow'snestanddissolveitinwater,strainit,anddrink
itwarm,itgivesdeliverywithgreatspeedandmuchease.
Notethisalsoingeneral,thatallthatmovethetermsaregoodfor
makingthedeliveryeasy,suchasmyrrh,whiteamberinwhitewine,
orlilywater,twoscruplesoradrachm;orcassialignea,dittany,
eachadrachm;cinnamon,halfadrachm,saffron,ascruple;givea
drachm,ortakeboraxmineral,adrachm,andgiveitinsack;ortake
cassia lignea, a drachm; dittany, amber, of each a drachm;
cinnamon,borax,ofeachadrachmandahalf;saffron,ascruple,
andgiveherhalfadrachm;orgivehersomedropsofoilofhazelin
convenient liquor; or two or three drops of oil of cinnamon in
vervainwater.Somepreparethesecundinethus:Takethenavel
string and dry it in an oven, take two drachms of the powder,
cinnamonadrachm,saffronhalfascruple,withthejuiceofsavin
maketrochisks;givetwodrachms;orwashthesecundineinwine
andbakeitinapot;thenwashitinendivewaterandwine,takehalf
a drachm of it; long pepper, galangal, of each half a drachm;
plantainandendiveseed,ofeachhalfadrachm;lavenderseed,four
scruples;makeapowder,ortakelaudanum,twodrachms;storax,

calamite,benzoin,ofeachhalfadrachm;musk,ambergriseachsix
grains,makeapowderortrochisksforafume.Orusepessariesto
provokethebirth;takegalbanumdissolvedinvinegar,anounce;
myrrh,twodrachms,withoilofoatmakeapessary.
AnOintmentFortheNavel.
Takeoilofkeir,twoounces,juiceofsavineanounce,ofleeksand
mercury,eachhalfanounce;boilthemtotheconsumptionofthe
juice;addgalbanumdissolvedinvinegar,halfanounce,myrrh,two
drachms, storax liquid a drachm, round bitwort, sowbread,
cinnamon,saffron,adrachm,withwaxmakeanointmentandapply
it.
Ifthebirthberetardedthroughtheweaknessofthemother,refresh
her by applying wine and soap to the nose, confect. alkermas.
diamarg.
Thesethingsmaybeappliedtohelpnatureinherdeliverywhenthe
childcomestothebirththerightway,andyetthebirthberetarded;
butifshefindsthechildcomesthewrongway,andthatsheisnot
abletodeliverthewomanassheoughttobe,byhelpingnature,and
savingbothmotherandchild(foritisnotenoughtolayawomanif
itmightbedoneanyotherwaywithmoresafetyandease,andless
hazardtowomanandchild),thenlethersendspeedilyforthebetter
andmoreabletohelp;andnotasIonceknewamidwifedo,who,
whenawomanshewastodeliverhadhardlabour,ratherthana
manmidwifeshouldbesentfor,undertooktodeliverthewoman
herself(thoughtolditwasaman'sbusiness),andinherattempting
it,broughtawaythechild,butlefttheheadinthemother'swomb;
andhadnotamanmidwifebeenpresentlysentfor,themotherhad
lostherlifeaswellasthechild;suchpersonsmayratherbetermed
butchersthanmidwives.Butsupposingthewoman'slabourtobe
natural,Iwillnextshowwhatthemidwifeoughttodo,inorderof

herdelivery.

CHAPTERV
OfNaturalLabour;WhatitisandwhattheMidwifeistodoinsuch
Labour.

SECTIONI.WhatNaturalLabouris.
Therearefourthingswhichdenominateawoman'snaturallabour;
thefirstis,thatitbeatthefulltime,forifawomancomesbefore
hertime,itcannotbetermednaturallabour,neitherwillitbesoeasy
asthoughshehadcompletedherninemonths.Thesecondthingis,
thatitbespeedy,andwithoutanyillaccident;forwhenthetimeof
herbirthcome,natureisnotdilatoryinthebringingitforth,without
someillaccidentintervene,whichrendersitunnatural.
Thethirdis,thatthechildbealive;forallwillgrant,thatthebeing
deliveredofadeadchildisveryunnatural.Thefourthis,thatthe
childcomeright,forifthepositionofthechildinthewombbe
contrary to that which is natural, the event will prove it so, by
makingthatwhichshouldbeatimeoflife,thedeathbothofthe
motherandthechild.
HavingthustoldyouwhatImeanbynaturallabour,Ishallnext
showhowthemidwifeistoproceedtherein,inordertothewoman's
delivery. When all the foregoing requisites concur, and after the
watersbebrokenofthemselves,letthereratheraquiltbelaidupon
the pallet bedstead than a feather bed, having thereonlinen and
clothsinmanyfolds,withsuchotherthingsasarenecessary,and
thatmaybechangedaccordingtotheexigencyrequiringit,sothat

the woman may not be incommoded with the blood, waters and
otherfilthwhicharevoidedinlabour.Thebedoughttobeordered,
thatthewomanbeingreadytobedelivered,shouldlieonherback
uponit,havingherbodyinaconvenientposture;thisis,herhead
and breast a little raised, so that she may be between lying and
sitting,forbeingsoplaced,sheisbestcapableofbreathing,and,
likewise,willhavemorestrengthtobearherpainsthanifshelay
otherwise, or sunk down in her bed. Being so placed, she must
spread her thighs abroad, folding her legs a little towards her
buttocks,somewhatraisedbyalittlepillowunderneath,totheend
thatherrumpsshouldhavemorelibertytoretireback;andlether
feetbestayedagainstsomefirmthing;besidesthis,lethertakefirm
holdofsomeofthegoodwomenattendingher,withherhands,that
she may the better stay herself during her pains. She being thus
placedatherbed,havinghermidwifeathand,thebettertoassistas
naturemayrequire,lethertakecourage,andhelpherpainsasbest
shecan,bearingthemdownwhentheytakeher,whichshemustdo
byholdingherbreath,andforcingthemasmuchaspossible,inlike
manner as when she goes to stool, for by such straining, the
diaphragm,ormidriff,beingstronglythrustdownward,necessarily
forcesdownthewombandthechildinit.Inthemeantime,letthe
midwifeendeavourtocomfortherallshecan,exhortinghertobear
herlabourcourageously,tellingheritwillbequicklyover,andthat
thereisnofearbutthatshewillhaveaspeedydelivery.Letthe
midwifealso,havingnoringsonherfingers,anointthemwithoilof
freshbutter,andtherewithdilategentlytheinwardorificeofthe
wombputtingherfingerendsintotheentrythereof,andthenstretch
themonefromtheother,whenherpainstakeher;bythismeans
endeavouringtohelpforwardthechild,andthrustingbylittleand
little,thesidesoftheorificetowardsthehinderpartofthechild's
head,anointingitwithfreshbutterifitbenecessary.
Whenthe head of the infant is alittle advanced into the inward
orifice,themidwife'sphraseis:"Itiscrowned";becauseitgirds

and surrounds it just as a crown; but when it is so far that the

extremitiesbegintoappearwithouttheprivyparts,thentheysay,
"Theinfantis inthe passage";andat this timethe woman feels
herselfasifitwerescratched,orprickedwithpins,andisreadyto
imaginethatthemidwifehurtsher,whenitisoccasionedbythe
violentdistensionofthosepartsandthelacerationwhichsometimes
thebignessofthechild'sheadcauseththere.Whenthingsareinthis
posture, let the midwife seat herself conveniently to receive the
child,whichwillcomequickly,andwithherfingerends(whichshe
mustbesuretokeepclosepared)letherendeavourtothrustthe
crowningofthewomb(ofwhichIhavespokenbefore),backover
theheadofthechild,andassoonasitisadvancedasfarastheears,
orthereabouts,lethertakeholdofthetwosideswithhertwohands,
thatwhenagoodpaincomesshemayquicklydrawforththechild,
takingcarethatthenavelstringbenotentangledabouttheneckor
anypart,assometimesitis,lesttherebytheafterburdenbepulled
withviolence,andperhapsthewombalso,towhichitisfastened,
andsoeithercausehertofloodorelsebreakthestrings,bothwhich
areofbadconsequencetothewoman,whosedeliverymaythereby
berenderedthemoredifficult.Itmustalsobecarefullyobserved
thattheheadbenotdrawnforthstraight,butshakingitalittlefrom
onesidetotheother,thattheshouldersmaysoonerandeasiertake
theirplacesimmediatelyafteritispast,withoutlosingtime,lestthe
headbeingpast,thechildbestoppedtherebythelargenessofthe
shoulders,andsocomeindangerofbeingsuffocatedandstrangled
inthepassage,asitsometimeshappens,forthewantofcaretherein.
Butassoonastheheadisborn,iftherebeneed,shemayslideher
fingers under the armpits, and the rest of the body will follow
withoutanydifficulty.
Assoonasthemidwifehathinthismannerdrawnforththechild,let
her put it on one side, lest the blood and water which follows
immediately,shoulddoitanyinjurybyrunningintoitsmouthand
nose,astheywoulddo,ifitlayonitsback;andsoendangerthe

chokingofit.Thechildbeingthusborn,thenextthingrequisiteis,
tobringawaytheafterburden,butbeforethatletthemidwifebe
very careful to examine whether there be more children in the
womb;forsometimesawomanmayhavetwinsthatexpecteditnot;
whichthemidwifemayeasilyknowbythecontinuanceofthepains
afterthechildisborn,andthebignessofthemother'sbelly.Butthe
midwifemaybesureofit,ifsheputsherhanduptotheentryofthe
womb,andfindsthereanotherwaterygathering,andthechildinit
presentingtothepassage,andifshefinditso,shemusthaveacare
ofgoingtofetchtheafterbirth,tillthewomanbedeliveredofall
thechildrensheispregnantwith.Whereforethefirststringmustbe
cut,beingfirsttiedwithathreadthreeorfourtimesdouble,and
fastentheotherendwithstringtothewoman'sthighs,topreventthe
inconvenienceitmaycausebyhangingbetweenthethighs;andthen
removingthechildalreadyborn,shemusttakecaretodeliverherof
the rest, observing all the circumstances as with the first; after
which,itwillbenecessarytofetchawaytheafterbirth,orbirths.
ButofthatIshalltreatinanothersection,andfirstshowwhatisto
bedonetothenewborninfant.

SECT.II.OftheCuttingoftheChild'sNavelString.
Thoughthisisaccountedbymanybutasatrifle,yetgreatcareisto
betakenaboutit,anditshowsnoneoftheleastartandskillofa
midwifetodoitasitshouldbe;andthatitmaybesodone,the
midwife should observe: (1) The time. (2) The place. (3) The
manner.(4)Theevent.
(1)Thetimeis,assoonasevertheinfantcomesoutofthewomb,
whether it brings part of the afterburden with it or not; for
sometimesthechildbringsintotheworldapieceoftheamniosupon
itshead,andiswhatmidwivescallthecaul,andignorantlyattribute
someextraordinaryvirtuetothechildsoborn;butthisopinionis

onlytheeffectoftheirignorance;forwhenachildisbornwithsuch
a crown (as some call it) upon its brows, it generally betokens
weaknessanddenotesashortlife.Buttoproceedtothematterin
hand. As soon as the child comes into the world, it should be
consideredwhetheritisweakorstrong;andifitbeweak,letthe
midwifegentlyputbackpartofthenaturalandvitalbloodintothe
bodyofthechildbyitsnavel;forthatrecruitsaweakchild(thevital
andnaturalspiritsbeingcommunicatedbythemothertothechildby
itsnavelstring),butifthechildbestrong,theoperationisneedless.
Onlyletmeadviseyou,thatmanychildrenthatarebornseemingly
dead,maysoonbebroughttolifeagain,ifyousqueezesixorseven
dropsofbloodoutofthatpartofthenavelstringwhichiscutoff,
andgiveittothechildinwardly.
(2)Astotheplaceinwhichitshouldbecut,thatis,whetherit
shouldbecutlongorshort,itisthatwhichauthorscanscarcely
agreein,andwhichmanymidwivesquarrelabout;someprescribing
ittobecutatfourfingers'breadth,whichis,atbest,butanuncertain
rule,unlessallfingerswereofonesize.Itisareceivedopinion,that
the parts adapted to the generation are contracted and dilated
accordingtothecuttingofthenavelstring,andthisisthereason
whymidwivesaregenerallysokindtotheirownsex,thattheyleave
alongerpartofthenavelstringofamalethanfemale,becausethey
wouldhavethemaleswellprovidedfortheencountersofVenus;
andthereasontheygive,whytheycutthatofthefemaleshorteris,
because they believe it makes them more acceptable to their
husbands. Mizaldus was not altogether of the opinion of these
midwives,andhe,therefore,orderedthenavelstringtobecutlong
bothinmaleandfemalechildren;forwhichhegivesthefollowing
reason,thattheinstrumentofgenerationfollowstheproportionofit;
andtherefore,ifitbecuttooshortinafemale,itwillbeahindrance
toherhavingchildren.Iwillnotgoabouttocontradicttheopinions
ofMizaldus;these,experiencehasmadegood:Thatoneis,thatif
thenavelstringofachild,afteritbecut,besufferedtotouchthe

ground, the child will never hold its water, either sleeping or
waking,butwillbesubjectedtoaninvoluntarymakingofwaterall
itslifetime.Theotheris,thatapieceofachild'snavelstringcarried
aboutone,sothatittouchhisskin,defendshimthatwearsitfrom
thefallingsicknessandconvulsions.
(3)Astothemanneritmustbecut,letthemidwifetakeabrown
thread,fourorfivetimesdouble,ofanelllong,orthereabouts,tied
withasingleknotateachoftheends,topreventtheirentangling;
andwiththisthreadsoaccommodated(whichthewomanmusthave
in readiness before the woman's labour, as also a good pair of
scissors,thatnotimemaybelost)lethertiethestringwithinaninch
ofthebellywithadoubleknot,andturningabouttheendofthe
thread,lethertietwomoreontheothersideofthestring,reiterating
it again, if it be necessary; then let her cut off the navelstring
another inch below the ligatures, towards the afterbirth, so that
thereonlyremainsbuttwoinchesofthestring,inthemidstofwhich
willbetheknotwespeakof,whichmustbesocloseknit,asnotto
sufferadropofbloodtosqueezeoutofthevessels,butcaremustbe
taken,nottoknititsostrait,astooutitintwo,andthereforethe
threadmustbeprettythickandprettystraitcut,itbeingbettertoo
strait than too loose; for some children have miserably lost their
lives, with all their blood, before it was discovered, because the
navelstringwasnotwelltied,thereforegreatcaremustbetaken
thatnobloodsqueezethrough;foriftheredo,anewknotmustbe
madewiththerestofthestring.Youneednotfeartobindthenavel
stringveryhardbecauseitisvoidofsense,andthatpartwhichyou
leave,fallsoffinaveryfewdays,sometimesinsixorseven,or
sooner,butnevertarrieslongerthaneightornine.Whenyouhave
thuscutthenavelstring,thentakecarethepiecethatfallsofftouch
not the ground, for the reason I told you Mizaldus gave, which
experiencehasjustified.
(4)ThelastthingImentioned,wastheeventorconsequence,or

whatfollowscuttingthenavelstring.Assoonasitiscut,applya
littlecottonorlinttotheplacetokeepitwarm,lestthecoldenter
intothebodyofthechild,whichitmostcertainlywilldo,ifyou
havenotboundithardenough.Ifthelintorcottonyouapplytoit,
bedippedinoilofroses,itwillbethebetter,andthenputanother
smallragthreeorfourtimesdoubleuponthebelly;uponthetopof
all,putanothersmallbolster,andthenswatheitwithalinenswathe,
fourfingersbroad,tokeepitsteady,lestbymovingtoomuch,or
frombeingcontinuallystirredfromsidetoside,itcomestofalloff
beforethenavelstring,whichyouleftremaining,isfallenoff.
Itistheusualcustomofmidwivestoputapieceofburntragtoit,
whichwecommonlycalltinder;butIwouldratheradvisethemto
putalittleammoniactoit,becauseofitsdryingqualities.

SECT.III.HowtobringawaytheAfterburden.
Awomancannotbesaidtobefairlydelivered,thoughthechildbe
born,tilltheafterburdenbealsotakenfromher;hereindiffering
frommostanimals,who,whentheyhavebroughtforththeiryoung,
castforthnothingelsebutsomewater,andthemembraneswhich
containedthem.Butwomenhaveanafterlabour,whichsometimes
provesmoredangerous thanthe first; andhow to bring it safely
awaywithoutprejudicetoher,shallbemybusinesstoshowinthis
section.
Assoonasthechildisborn,beforethemidwifeeithertiesorcuts
thenavelstring,lestthewombshouldclose,lethertakethestring
andwinditonceortwiceaboutoneortwofingersonherlefthand
joinedtogether,thebettertoholdit,withwhichshemaydrawit
moderately,andwiththerighthand,shemayonlytakeasinglehold
ofit,abovetheleft,neartheprivities,drawinglikewisewiththat
very gently, resting the while the forefinger of the same hand,

extendedandstretchedforthalongthestringtowardstheentranceof
thevagina,alwaysobserving,forthegreaterfacility,todrawitfrom
thesidewheretheburdencleavesleast;forinsodoing,therestwill
separatethebetter;andspecialcaremustbetakenthatitbenot
drawnforthwithtoomuchviolence,lestbybreakingthestringnear
theburden,themidwifebeobligedtoputthewholehandintothe
wombtodeliverthewoman;andsheneedtobeaveryskilfulperson
thatundertakesit,lestthewomb,towhichtheburdenissometimes
verystronglyfastened,bedrawnawaywithit,ashassometimes
happened.Itis,therefore,besttousesuchremediesasmayassist
nature.Andheretakenotice,thatwhatbringsawaythebirth,will
also bring away the afterbirth. And therefore, for effecting this
work,Iwilllaydownthefollowingrules.
(1)Usethesamemeansofbringingawaytheafterbirth,thatyou
made use of to bring away the birth; for the same care and
circumspectionareneedfulnowthattherewerethen.
(2)Consideringthatthelabouringwomancannotbutbemuchspent
bywhatshehasalreadyundergoneinbringingforththeinfant,be
thereforesuretogivehersomethingtocomforther.Andinthiscase
good jelly broths, also a little wine and toast in it, and other
comfortingthings,willbenecessary.
(3)Alittlehelleboreinpowder,tomakehersneeze,isinthiscase
veryproper.
(4)Tansey,andthestoneaetites,appliedasbeforedirected,arealso
ofgooduseinthiscase.
(5)Ifyoutaketheherbvervain,andeitherboilitinwine,orasyrup
withthejuiceofit,whichyoumaydobyaddingtoitdoubleits
weight of sugar (having clarified the juice before you boil it), a
spoonfulofthatgiventothewomanisveryefficacioustobring
away the secundine; and feverfew and mugwort have the same

operationtakenastheformer.
(6)Alexanders [10] boiledinwine,andthewinedrank,alsosweet
servile,sweetcicily,angelicaroots,andmusterwort,areexcellent
remediesinthiscase.
(7)Or,ifthisfail,thesmokeofmarigolds,receivedupawoman's
privitiesbyafunnel,havebeenknowntobringawaytheafterbirth,
evenwhenthemidwifeletgoherhold.
(8)Boilmugwortinwatertillitbeverysoft,thentakeitout,and
applyitinthemannerofapoulticetothenavelofthelabouring
woman,anditinstantlybringsawaythebirth.Butspecialcaremust
betakentoremoveitassoonastheycomeaway,lestbyitslong
tarryingitshoulddrawawaythewombalso.

SECT.IV.OfLaboriousandDifficultLaboursand
howtheMidwifeistoproceedtherein.
Therearethreesortsofbadlabours,allpainfulanddifficult,butnot
allproperlyunnatural.Itwillbenecessary,therefore,todistinguish
these.
The first oftheselaboursisthatwhenthemotherandchildsuffer
verymuchextremepainanddifficulty,eventhoughthechildcome
right;andthisisdistinguishablycalledthelaboriouslabour.
Thesecondisthatwhichisdifficultanddiffersnotmuchfromthe
former,exceptthat,besidesthoseextraordinarypains,itisgenerally
attendedwithsomeunhappyaccident,which,byretardingthebirth,
causes the difficulty; but these difficulties being removed, it
acceleratesthebirth,andhastensthedelivery.
Somehaveasked,whatisthereasonthatwomenbringforththeir

children with so much pain? I answer, the sense of feeling is

distributedtothewholebodybythenerves,andthemouthofthe
wombbeingsonarrow,thatitmustofnecessitybedilatedatthe
time of the woman's delivery, the dilating thereof stretches the
nerves,andfromthencecomesthepain.Andthereforethereason
why some women have more pain in their labour than others,
proceedsfromtheirhavingthemouthofthematrixmorefullof
nervesthanothers.Thebestwaytoremovethosedifficultiesthat
occasionhardpainsandlabour,istoshowfirstfromwhencethey
proceed. Now the difficulty of labour proceeds either from the
mother,orchild,orboth.
Fromthemother,byreasonoftheindispositionofthebody,orfrom
some particular part only, and chiefly the womb, as when the
womanisweak,andthemotherisnotactivetoexpeltheburden,or
fromweakness,ordisease,orwantofspirits;oritmaybefrom
strongpassionofthemindwithwhichshewasoncepossessed;she
mayalsobetooyoung,andsomayhavethepassagetoonarrow;or
tooold,andthen,ifitbeherfirstchild,becauseherpainsaretoodry
and hard, and cannot be easily dilated, as happens also to them
whicharetoolean;likewisethosewhoaresmall,shortordeformed,
ascrookedwomenwhohavenotbreathenoughtohelptheirpains,
andtobearthemdown,personsthatarecrookedhavingsometimes
thebonesofthepassagenotwellshaped.Thecolicalsohinders
labour,bypreventingthetruepains;andallgreatandactivepains,
aswhenthewomanistakenwithagreatandviolentfever,agreat
flooding, frequent convulsions, bloody flux, or any other great
distemper.Also,excrementsretainedcausegreatdifficulty,andso
doesastoneinthebladder:orwhenthebladderisfullofurine,
withoutbeingabletovoidit,orwhenthewomanistroubledwith
greatandpainfulpiles.Itmayalsobefromthepassages,whenthe
membranesarethick,theorificetoonarrow,andtheneckofthe
wombnotsufficientlyopen,thepassagesstrainedandpressedby
tumoursintheadjacentparts,orwhenthebonesaretoofirm,and

willnotopen,whichverymuchendangersthemotherandthechild;
or when the passages are not slippery, by reason of the waters
havingbrokentoosoon,ormembranesbeingtoothin.Thewomb
may also be out of order with regard to its bad situation or
conformation,havingitsnecktoonarrow,hardandcallous,which
mayeasilybesonaturally,ormaycomebyaccident,beingmany
times caused by a tumour, an imposthume, ulcer or superfluous
flesh.
As to hard labour occasioned by the child, it is when the child
happenstosticktoamole,orwhenitissoweakitcannotbreakthe
membranes;orifitbetoobigallover,orintheheadonly;orifthe
natural vessels are twisted about its neck; when the belly is
hydropsical;orwhenitismonstrous,havingtwoheads,orjoinedto
anotherchild,also,whenthechildisdeadorsoweakthatitcan
contributenothingtoitsbirth;likewisewhenitcomeswrong,or
therearetwoormore.Andtoallthesevariousdifficultiesthereis
oftentimesonemore,andthatis,theignoranceofthemidwife,who
forwantofunderstandinginherbusiness,hindersnatureinherwork
insteadofhelpingher.
Havingthuslookedintothecauseofhardlabour,Iwillnowshow
theindustriousmidwifehowshemayministersomerelieftothe
labouring woman under these difficult circumstances. But it will
requirejudgmentandunderstandinginthemidwife,whenshefinds
awomanindifficultlabour,toknowtheparticularobstruction,or
cause thereof, that so a suitable remedy may be applied; as for
instance,whenithappensbythemother'sbeingtooyoungandtoo
narrow,shemustbegentlytreated,andthepassagesanointedwith
oil,hog'slard,orfreshbutter,torelaxanddilatethemtheeasier,lest
thereshouldhappenaruptureofanypartwhenthechildisborn;for
sometimestheperitoneumbreaks,withtheskinfromtheprivitiesto
thefundament.

Butifthewomanbeinyearswithherfirstchild,letherlowerparts
beanointedtomollifytheinwardorifice,whichinsuchacasebeing
more hard and callous, does not easily yield to the distention of
labour, which is the true cause why such women are longer in
labour,andalsowhytheirchildren,beingforcedagainsttheinward
orificeofthewomb(which,asIhavesaid,isalittlecallous)are
bornwithgreatbumpsandbruisesontheirheads.
Thosewomenwhoareverysmallandmisshaped,shouldnotbeput
tobed,atleastuntilthewatersarebroken,butratherkeptupright
andassistedtowalkaboutthechamber,bybeingsupportedunder
thearms;forbythatmeans,theywillbreathemorefreely,andmend
theirpainsbetterthanonthebed,becausetheretheylieallofa
heap.Asforthosethatareverylean,andhavehardlabourfromthat
cause,letthemmoistenthepartswithoilandointments,tomake
themmoresmoothandslippery,thattheheadoftheinfant,andthe
womb be not so compressed and bruised by the hardness of the
mother'sboneswhichformthepassage.Ifthecausebeweakness,
she ought to be strengthened, the better to support her pains, to
whichendgivehergoodjellybroths,andalittlewinewithatoastin
it.Ifshefearsherpains,letherbecomforted,assuringherthatshe
willnotendureanymore,butbedeliveredinalittletime.Butifher
painsbeslowandsmall,ornoneatall,theymustbeprovokedby
frequentandprettystrongclysters;letherwalkaboutherchamber,
sothattheweightofthechildmayhelpthemforward.Ifsheflood
orhavestrongconvulsionsshemustthenbehelpedbyaspeedy
delivery; the operation I shall relate in this section of unnatural
labours.Ifshebecostive,letheruseclysters,whichmayalsohelp
todispelcolic,atthosetimesveryinjuriousbecauseattendedwith
uselesspains,andbecausesuchbearnotdownward,andsohelpnot
toforwardthebirth.Ifshefindanobstructionorstoppageofthe
urine,byreasonofthewomb'sbearingtoomuchonthebladder,let
herliftupherbellyalittlewithherhands,andtryifbythatshe
receivesanybenefit;ifshefindsshedoesnot,itwillbenecessaryto

introduceacatheterintoherbladder,andtherebydrawforthher
urine.Ifthedifficultybefromtheillpostureofthewoman,lether
beplacedotherwise,inaposturemoresuitableandconvenientfor
her;alsoifitproceedsfromindispositionsofthewomb,asfromits
obliquesituation,etc.,itmustberemedied,aswellasitcanbe,by
theplacingherbodyaccordingly;or,ifitbeaviciousconformation,
having the neck too hard, too callous, too straight, it must be
anointed with oil and ointments, as before directed. If the
membranesbesostrongthatthewatersdonotbreakinduetime,
theymaybebrokenwiththefingers,ifthemidwifebefirstwell
assuredthatthechildiscomeforwardintothepassage,andreadyto
followpresentlyafter;orelse,bythebreakingofthewaterstoo
soon,thechildmaybeindangerofremainingdryalongtime;to
supplywhichdefect,youmaymoistenthepartswithfomentations,
decoctions,andemollientoils;whichyetisnothalfsowellaswhen
naturedoesherworkinherowntime,withtheordinaryslimeand
waters.Themembranessometimesdopressforthwiththewaters,
three or four fingers' breadth out of the body before the child
resemblingabladderfullofwater;butthereisnogreatdangerin
breakingthem,iftheybenotalreadybroken;forwhenthecaseis
so,thechildisalwaysinreadinesstofollow,beinginthepassage,
butletthemidwifebeverycarefulnottopullitwithherhand,lest
theafterburdenbetherebyloosenedbeforeitstime,foritadheres
thereto very strongly. If the navelstring happen to come first, it
must presently be put up again, and kept so, if possible, or
otherwise, the woman must be immediately delivered. But if the
afterburdenshouldcomefirst,itmustnotbeputupagainbyany
means;fortheinfanthavingnofurtheroccasionforit,itwouldbe
butanobstacleifitwereputup;inthiscase,itmustbecutoff,
havingtiedthenavelstring,andafterwardsdrawforththechildwith
allspeedthatmaybe,lestitbesuffocated.

SECT.V.OfWomenlabouringofadeadChild.
Whenthedifficultyoflabourarisesfromadeadchild,itisagreat
dangertoamotherandgreatcareoughttobetakentherein;but
beforeanythingbedone,themidwifeoughttobewellassuredthat
thechildisdeadindeed,whichmaybeknownbythesesigns.
(1)Thebreastsuddenlyslacks,orfallsflat,orbagsdown.(2)A
greatcoldnesspossessesthebellyofthemother,especiallyaboutthe
navel.(3)Herurineisthick,withafilthystinkingsettlingatthe
bottom.(4)Nomotionofthechildcanbeperceived;forthetrial
whereof,letthemidwifeputherhandintowarmwater,andlayit
uponthebelly,forthat,ifitisalive,willmakeitstir.(5)Sheisvery
subjecttodreamsofdeadmen,andaffrightedtherewith.(6)Shehas
extraordinarylongingstoeatsuchthingsasarecontrarytonature.
(7)Herbreathstinks,thoughnotusedsotodo.(8)Whensheturns
herselfinherbed,thechildswaysthatwaylikealumpoflead.
These things being carefully observed, the midwife may make a
judgmentwhetherthechildbealiveordead,especiallyifthewoman
takethefollowingprescription:"Takehalfapintofwhitewine
andburnit,andaddtheretohalfanounceofcinnamon,butnoother
spiceswhatever,andwhenshehasdrunkit,ifhertravailingpains
comeuponher,thechildiscertainlydead;butifnot,thechildmay
possiblybeeitherweakorsick,butnotdead.Thiswillbringher
painsuponherifitbedead,andwillrefreshthechildandgiveher
easeifitbeliving;forcinnamonrefreshethandstrengtheneththe
child.
Now,ifupontrialitbefoundthechildisdead,letthemotherdoall
shecantoforwardthedelivery,becauseadeadchildcaninnowise
behelpfultherein.Itwillbenecessary,therefore,thatshetakesome
comfortablethingstopreventherfainting,byreasonoftheputrid
vapoursarisingfromthedeadchild.Andinordertoherdeliverylet

hertake thefollowingherbs boiled inwhite wine(orat leastas

many of them as you can get), viz., dittany, betony, pennyroyal,
sage,feverfew,centaury,ivyleavesandberries.Letheralsotake
sweetbasilinpowder,andhalfadrachmatatimeinwhitewine;let
herprivitiesalsobeanointedwiththejuiceofthegardentansey.Or
takethetanseyinthesummerwhenitcanmostplentifullybehad,
andbeforeitrunsuptoflower,andhavingbruiseditwell,boilitin
oiluntilthejuiceofitbeconsumed.Ifyousetitinthesun,afteryou
havemixeditwithoil,itwillbemoreeffectual.This,anindustrious
midwife,whowouldbepreparedagainstallevents,oughttohave
alwaysbyher.Astothemannerofherdelivery,thesamemethods
mustbeusedasarementionedinthesectionofnaturallabour.And
hereagain,Icannotbutcommendthestoneaetites,heldnearthe
privities,whosemagneticvirtuerendersitexceedinglynecessaryon
thisoccasion,foritdrawsthechildanywaywiththesamefacility
thattheloadstonedrawsiron.
Letthemidwifealsomakeastrongdecoctionofhyssopwithwater,
andletthewomandrinkitveryhot,anditwillinalittletimebring
awaythedeadchild.
If,assoonassheisdeliveredofthedeadchild,youareindoubtthat
partoftheafterbirthisleftbehindinthebody(forinsuchcasesas
these many times it rots, and comes away piecemeal), let her
continuedrinkingthesamedecoctionuntilherbodybecleansed.
A decoction made of herbs, musterwort, used as you did the
decoctionofhyssop,workstheeffect.Letthemidwifealsotakethe
rootsofpollodumandstampthemwell;warmthemalittleandbind
themonthesidesofherfeet,anditwillsoonbringawaythechild
eitherdeadoralive.
The following medicines also are such as stir up the expulsive
faculty,butinthiscasetheymustbestronger,becausethemotionof
thechildceases.

Takesavine,roundbirthwort,trochisksofmyrrh,castor,cinnamon
andsaffron,eachhalfadrachm;makeapowder,giveadrachm.
Orshemaypurgefirst,andthenapplyanemollient,anointingher
aboutthewombwithoiloflilies,sweetalmonds,camomiles,hen
andgoosegrease.Alsofomenttogetoutthechild,withadecoction
of mercury, orris, wild cucumbers, saecus, broom flowers. Then
anointtheprivitiesandloinswithointmentofsowbread.Or,take
coloquintida,agaric,birthwort,ofeachadrachm;makeapowder,
addammoniacumdissolvedinwine,oxgall,eachtwodrachms.Or
makeafumewithanass'shoofburnt,orgallianum,orcastor,andlet
itbetakeninwithafunnel.
To take away pains and strengthen the parts, foment with the
decoctionofmugwort,mallows,rosemary,withwoodmyrtle,St.
John's wort, each half an ounce, spermaceti two drachms, deer's
suet,anounce;withwaxmakeanointment.Ortakewaxsixounces,
spermacetianounce;meltthem,dipfluxtherein,andlayitallover
herbelly.
Ifnoneofthesethingswilldo,thelastremedyistotrysurgery,and
thenthemidwifeoughtwithoutdelaytosendforanexpertandable
manmidwife,todeliverherbymanualoperation,ofwhichIshall
treatmoreatlargeinthenextchapter.

FOOTNOTES:
[10]
Horseparsley.

CHAPTERVI

OfUnnaturalLabour.
Inshowingthedutyofamidwife,whenthechildbearingwoman's
labourisunnatural,itwillberequisitetoshow,inthefirstplace,
whatImeanbyunnaturallabour,forthatwomendobringforthin
painandsorrowisnaturalandcommontoall.Therefore,thatwhich
Icallunnaturalis,whenthechildcomestothebirthinacontrary
posturetothatwhichnatureordained,andinwhichthegeneralityof
thechildrencomeintotheworld.
Therightandnaturalbirthiswhenthechildcomeswithitshead
first;andyetthisistooshortadefinitionofanaturalbirth;forifany
partoftheheadbutthecrowncomesfirst,sothatthebodyfollows
notinastraightline,itisawronganddifficultbirth,eventhough
theheadcomesfirst.Therefore,ifthechildcomeswithitsfeetfirst,
orwiththesideacross,itisquitecontrarytonature,ortospeak
moreplainly,thatwhichIcallunnatural.
Now, there are four general ways a child may come wrong. (1)
Whenanyoftheforepartsofthebodyfirstpresentthemselves.(2)
Whenbyanunhappytransposition,anyofthehinderpartsofthe
bodyfirstpresentthemselves.(3)Wheneitherofthesides,or,(4)
the feet present themselves first. To these, the different wrong
posturesthatachildcanpresentitselfin,maybereduced.

SECTIONI.HowtodeliveraWomanofaDead
ChildbyManualOperation.
Whenmanualoperationisnecessary,lettheoperatoracquaintthe
womanoftheabsolutenecessitythereisforsuchanoperation;and
that,asthechildhasalreadylostitslife,thereisnootherwayleft
forthesavinghers.Lethimalsoinformher,forherencouragement,

thathedoubtsnot,withthedivineblessing,todeliverhersafely,and
thatthepainsarisingtherefromwillnotbesogreatasshefears.
Thenlethimstirupthewoman'spainsbygivinghersomesharp
clyster,toexciteherthroestobeardown,andbringforththechild.
Andifthisprevailsnot,lethimproceedwiththemanualoperation.
First,therefore,letherbeplacedacrossthebedthathemayoperate
theeasier;andletherlieonherback,withherhipsalittlehigher
than her head, or at least the body equally placed, when it is
necessarytoputbackorturntheinfanttogiveitabetterposture.
Beingthussituated,shemustfoldherlegssoasherheelsbetowards
her buttocks, and her thighs spread, and so held by a couple of
strongpersons,theremustbeothersalsotosupportherunderher
arms,thatthebodymaynotslidedownwhenthechildisdrawn
forth;forwhichsometimesgreatstrengthisrequired.Letthesheets
andblanketscoverherthighsfordecency'ssake,andwithrespectto
theassistants,andalsotopreventhercatchingcold;theoperator
hereingoverninghimselfaswellwithrespecttohisconvenience,
andthefacilityandsuretyoftheoperation,astootherthings.Then
lethimanointtheentrancetothewombwithoilorfreshbutter,if
necessary,thatwithsomoreeasehemayintroducehishand,which
mustalsobeanointed,andhavingbythesignsabovementioned,
received satisfaction that the child is dead, he must do his
endeavourstofetchitawayassoonashepossiblycan.Ifthechild
offertheheadfirst,hemustgentlyputitbackuntilhehathlibertyto
introducehishandquiteintothewomb;thenslidingitalong,under
thebelly,tofindthefeet,lethimdrawitforthbythem,beingvery
carefultokeeptheheadfrombeinglockedintothepassage;andthat
itbenotseparatedfromthebody;whichmaybeeffectedthemore
easily, because the child being very rotten and putrefied, the
operator need not be so mindful to keep the breast and face
downwardsasheisinlivingbirths.Butifnotwithstandingallthese
precautions,byreasonofthechild'sputrefaction,theheadshouldbe
separated and left behind in the womb, it must be drawn forth

according to the directions which have been given in the third

sectionofthischapter.Butwhenthehead,comingfirst,issofar
advancedthatitcannotwellbeputback,itisbettertodrawitforth
so,thantotormentthewomantoomuchbyputtingitbacktoturnit,
andbringitbythefeet;buttheheadbeingapartroundandslippery,
itmayalsohappenthattheoperatorcannottakeholdofitwithhis
fingersbyreasonofitsmoisture,norputthemuptothesideofit,
becausethepassageisfilledwithitsbigness;hemust,therefore,
take a proper instrument, and put it up as far as he can without
violence,betweenthewombandthechild'shead(forthechildbeing
deadbefore,therecanbenodangerintheoperation),andlethim
fastenitthere,givingitholdupononeofthebonesoftheskull,that
it may not slide, and after it is well fixed in the head, he may
therewithdrawitforth,keepingtheendsofthefingersofhisleft
handflatupontheoppositeside,thebettertohelptodisengageit,
andbywaggingitalittle,toconductitdirectlyoutofthepassage,
untiltheheadbequiteborn;andthen,takingholdofitwithhis
hands only, the shoulders being drawn into the passage, and so
slidingthefingersofbothhandsunderthearmpits,thechildmaybe
quite delivered, and then the afterburden fetched, to finish the
operation,beingcarefulnottopluckthenavelstringtoohardlestit
break,asoftenhappenswhenitiscorrupt.
If the dead child comes with the arm up to the shoulders so
extremelyswelledthatthewomanmustsuffertoogreatviolenceto
haveitputback,itisthen(beingfirstwellassuredthechildisdead)
besttotakeitoffbytheshoulderjoints,bytwistingthreeorfour
timesabout,whichisveryeasilydonebyreasonofthesoftnessand
tendernessofthebody.Afterthearmissoseparated,andnolonger
possessesthepassage,theoperatorwillhavemoreroomtoputup
hishandintothewomb,tofetchthechildbythefeetandbringit
away.
Butalthoughtheoperatorissurethechildisdeadinthewomb,yet

hemustnot therefore presentlyuse instrumentsbecause theyare

nevertobeusedbutwhenhandsarenotsufficient,andthereisno
otherremedytopreventthewoman'sdanger,ortobringforththe
childanyotherway;andthejudiciousoperatorwillchoosethatway
whichistheleasthazardous,andmostsafe.

SECT.II.HowaWomanmustbeDeliveredwhenthe
Child'sFeetcomefirst.
Thereisnothingmoreobvioustothosewhosebusinessitistoassist
labouringwomen,thanthattheseveralunnaturalposturesinwhich
childrenpresentthemselvesatthebirtharetheoccasionsofmostof
the bad labours and ill accidents that happen to them in that
condition.
Andsincemidwivesareoftenobliged,becauseoftheirunnatural
situations,todrawthechildrenforthbythefeet,Iconceiveittobe
mostproperfirsttoshowhowachildmustbebroughtforththat
presentsitselfinthatposture,becauseitwillbeaguidetoseveralof
therest.
I know indeed in this case it is the advice of several authors to
changethefigure,andplacetheheadsothatitmaypresenttothe
birth,andthiscounselIshouldbeverymuchinclinedtofollow,
couldtheybutalsoshowhowitmaybedone.Butitwillappearvery
difficult,ifnotimpossibletobeperformed,ifwewouldavoidthe
dangerthatbysuchviolentagitationsboththemotherandthechild
mustbeputinto,andthereforemyopinionis,thatitisbettertodraw
forth by the feet, when it presents itself in that posture, than to
ventureaworseaccidentbyturningit.
Assoon,therefore,asthewatersarebroken,anditisknownthatthe
childcomethusandthatthewombisopenenoughtoadmitthe

midwife'soroperator'shandintoit,orelsebyanointingthepassage
withoilorhog'sgrease,toendeavourtodilateitbydegrees,using
herfingerstothispurpose,spreadingthemonefromtheother,after
they are together entered, and continue to do so until they be
sufficientlydilated,thentakingcarethathernailsbewellpared,no
ringsonherfingersandherhandswellanointedwithoilorfresh
butter,andthewomanplacedinthemannerdirectedintheformer
section,lethergentlyintroduceherhandintotheentranceofthe
womb,wherefindingthechild'sfeet,letherdrawitforthinthe
manner I shall presently direct; only let her first see whether it
presentsonefootorboth,andifbutonefoot,sheoughttoconsider
whetheritbetherightfootortheleft,andalsoinwhatfashionit
comes;forbythatmeansshewillsooncometoknowwheretofind
theother,whichassoonassheknowsandfinds,letherdrawitforth
withtheother;butofthisshemustbespeciallycareful,viz.,thatthe
secondbenotthefootofanotherchild;forifso,itmaybeofthe
utmostconsequence,forshemaysoonersplitbothmotherandchild,
thandrawthemforth.Butthismaybeeasilypreventedifshebut
slidethehandupbythefirstlegandthightothewaist,andthere
findingboththighsjoinedtogether,anddescendingfromoneand
thesamebody.Andthisisalsothebestmeanstofindtheotherfoot,
whenitcomesbutwithone.
Assoonasthemidwifehasfoundboththechild'sfeet,shemay
drawthemforth,andholdingthemtogether,maybringthemlittle
by little in this manner, taking afterwards hold of the arms and
thighs,assoonasshecancomeatthem,drawingthemsotillthe
hipscomeforth.Whilethisisdoing,letherobservetowrapthe
partsinasinglecloth,sothatherhandsbeingalwaysgreasyslide
not in the infant's body, which is very slippery, because of the
vicioushumourswhicharealloverit;whichbeingdone,shemay
takeholdunderthehips,soastodrawitforthtothebeginningof
thebreast;andletheronbothsideswithherhandbringdownthe
child'shandalongitsbody,whichshemayeasilyfind;andthenlet

hertakecarethatthebellyandfaceofthechildbedownwards;forif
theyshouldbeupwards,therewouldbethesamedangerofitsbeing
stoppedbythechin,overthesharebone,andtherefore,ifitbenot
soshemustturnittothatposture;whichmayeasilybedoneifshe
takesaproperholdofthebodywhenthebreastsandarmsareforth,
inthemannerwehavesaid,anddrawit,turningitinproportionon
that side it most inclines to, till it be turned with the face
downwards,andso,havingbroughtittotheshoulders,letherlose
notime,desiringthewomanatthesametimetobeardown,thatso
drawing the head at that instant may take its place, and not be
stoppedinthepassage,thoughthemidwifetakesallpossiblecareto
preventit.Andwhenthishappens,shemustendeavourtodrawforth
thechildbytheshoulders(takingcarethatsheseparatenotthebody
fromthehead,asIhaveknownitdonebythemidwife),discharging
itbylittleandlittlefromthebonesinthepassagewiththefingersof
eachhand,slidingthemoneachsideoppositetheother,sometimes
aboveandsometimesunder,tilltheworkbeended;endeavouringto
dispatchitassoonaspossible,lestthechildbesuffocated,asitwill
unavoidablybe,ifitremainlonginthatposture;andthisbeingwell
andcarefullyeffected,shemaysoonafterfetchawaytheafterbirth,
asIhavebeforedirected.

SECT.III.HowtobringawaytheHeadoftheChild,
whenseparatedfromtheBody,andleftbehindinthe
Womb.
Thoughtheutmostcarebetakeninbringingawaythechildbythe
feet, yet if it happen to be dead, it is sometimes so putrid and
corrupt,thatwiththeleastpulltheheadseparatesfromthebodyand
remainsaloneinthewomb,andcannotbebroughtawaybutwitha
manualoperationandgreatdifficulty,itbeingextremelyslippery,
byreasonoftheplacewhereitis,andfromtheroundnessofits

figure,onwhichnoholdcanwellbetaken;andsoverygreatisthe
difficulty in this case that sometimes two or three very able
practitioners in midwifery have, one after the other, left the
operation unfinished, as not able to effect it, after the utmost
industry,skillandstrength;sothatthewoman,notbeingabletobe
delivered, perished. To prevent which fatal accident, let the
followingoperationbeobserved.
Whentheinfant'sheadseparatesfromthebody,andisleftalone
behind,whetherowingtoputrefactionorotherwise,lettheoperator
immediately,withoutanydelay,whilethewombisyetopen,direct
uphisrighthandtothemouthofthehead(fornootherholecan
therebehad),andhavingfounditlethimputoneortwoofhis
fingersintoit,andthethumbunderitschin;thenlethimdrawit
littlebylittle,holdingitbythejaws;butifthatfails,assometimesit
willwhenputrefied,thenlethimpullofftherighthandandslideup
hisleft,withwhichhemustsupportthehead,andwiththeright
handlethimtakeanarrowinstrumentcalledacrochet,butletitbe
strong and with a single branch, which he must guide along the
insideofhishand,withthepointofittowardsit,forfearofhurting
thewomb;andhavingthusintroducedit,lethimturnittowardsthe
headtostrikeeitherinaneyehole,ortheholeoftheear,orbehind
thehead,orelsebetweenthesutures,ashefindsitmostconvenient
andeasy;andthendrawforththeheadsofastenedwiththesaid
instrument,stillhelpingtoconductitwithhislefthand;butwhenhe
hath brought it near the passage, being strongly fastened to the
instrument, let him remember to draw forth his hand, that the
passagenotbeingfilledwithit,maybelargerandeasier,keeping
stillafingerortwoonthesideofthehead,thebettertodisengageit.
Thereisalsoanothermethod,withmoreeaseandlesshardshipthan
theformer;lettheoperatortakeasoftfilletorlinenslip,ofabout
fourfingers'breadth,andthelengthofthreequartersofanellor
thereabouts,takingthetwoendswiththelefthand,andthemiddle

withtheright,andlethimsoputitupwithhisright,asthatitmay
be beyond the head, to embrace it as a sling does a stone, and
afterwardsdrawforththefilletbythetwoendstogether;itwillthus
be easily drawn forth, the fillet not hindering the least passage,
becauseittakesuplittleornospace.
Whentheheadisfetchedoutofthewombcaremustbetakenthat
nottheleastpartofitbeleftbehind,andlikewisetocleansethe
womboftheafterburden,ifyetremaining.Iftheburdenbewholly
separatedfromthesideofthewomb,thatoughttobefirstbrought
away,becauseitmayalsohinderthetakingholdofthehead.Butif
itstilladherestothewomb,itmustnotbemeddledwithtillthehead
bebroughtaway;forifoneshouldendeavourtoseparateitfromthe
womb,itmightthencauseaflooding,whichwouldbeaugmented
bytheviolenceoftheoperation,thevesselstowhichitisjoined
remainingforthemostpartopenaslongasthewombisdistended,
which the head causeth while it is retained in it, and cannot be
closed until this strange body be voided, and this it doth by
contractingandcompressingitselftogether,ashasbeenmorefully
beforeexplained.Besides,theafterbirthremainingthuscleavingto
the womb during the operation, prevents it from receiving easily
eitherbruiseorhurt.

SECT.IV.HowtodeliveraWomanwhenthechild's
headispresentedtothebirth.
Thoughsomemaythinkitanaturallabourwhenthechild'shead
comefirst,yet,ifthechild'sheadpresentnottherightway,eventhat
isanunnaturallabour;andtherefore,thoughtheheadcomesfirst,
yet if it be the side of the head instead of the crown, it is very
dangerous both to the mother and the child, for the child's neck
would be broken, if born in that manner, and by how much the

mother'spainscontinuetobearthechild,whichisimpossibleunless
the head be rightly placed, the more the passages are stopped.
Therefore,assoonasthepositionofthechildisknown,thewoman
mustbelaidwithallspeed,lestthechildshouldadvancefurther
than this vicious posture, and thereby render it more difficult to
thrustitback,whichmustbedone,inordertoplacetheheadrightin
thepassage,asitoughttobe.
Tothispurpose,therefore,placethewomansothatherbuttocks
maybealittlehigherthanherheadandshoulders,causingherto
leanalittletotheoppositesidetothechild'sillposture;thenletthe
operatorslideuphishand,wellanointedwithoil,bythesideofthe
child'shead;tobringitrightgently,withhisfingersbetweenthe
headandthewomb;butiftheheadbesoengagedthatitcannotbe
donethatway,hemustthenputuphishandtotheshoulders,thatby
sothrustingthembackalittleintothewomb,sometimesontheone
side, and sometimes on the other, he may, little by little, give a
naturalposition.Iconfessitwouldbebetteriftheoperatorcouldput
backthechildbyitsshoulderswithbothhands,buttheheadtakes
upsomuchroom,thathewillfindmuchadotoputupone,with
which he must perform this operation, and, with the help of the
fingerends of the other hand put forward the child's birth as in
naturallabour.
Some children present their face first, having their hands turned
back,inwhichpostureitisextremelydifficultforachildtobeborn;
andifitcontinuessolong,thefacewillbeswelledandbecome
blackandblue,sothatitwillatfirstappearmonstrous,whichis
occasionedaswellbythecompressionofitinthatplace,asbythe
midwife's fingers in handling it, in order to place it in a better
posture.Butthisblacknesswillwearawayinthreeorfourdays'
time,byanointingitoftenwithoilofsweetalmonds.Todeliverthe
birth,thesameoperationmustbeusedasintheformer,whenthe
childcomesfirstwiththesideofthehead;onlyletthemidwifeor

operatorworkverygentlytoavoidasmuchaspossiblethebruising
theface.

SECT.V.HowtoDeliveraWomanwhentheChild
presentsoneorbothHandstogetherwiththeHead.
Sometimestheinfantwillpresentsomeotherparttogetherwithits
head;whichifitdoes,itisusuallywithoneorbothofitshands;and
thishindersthebirth,becausethehandstakeuppartofthatpassage
whichislittleenoughfortheheadalone;besidesthat,whenthis
happens, they generally cause the head to lean on one side; and
thereforethispositionmaybewellstyledunnatural.Whenthechild
presentsthus,thefirstthingtobedoneafteritisperceived,mustbe,
topreventitfromcomingdownmore,orengagingfurtherinthe
passage;andtherefore,theoperatorhavingplacedthewomanonthe
bed,withherheadlowerthanherbuttocks,mustguideandputback
theinfant'shandwithhisownasmuchasmaybe,orbothofthem,if
theybothcomedown,togivewaytothechild'shead;andthisbeing
done,iftheheadbeononeside,itmustbebroughtintoitsnatural
postureinthemiddleofthepassage,thatitmaycomeinastraight
line,andthenproceedasdirectedintheforegoingsection.

SECT.VI.HowaWomanoughttobedelivered,
whentheHandsandFeetoftheInfantcometogether.
Therearenonebutwillreadilygrant,thatwhenthehandsandfeet
ofaninfantpresenttogether,thelabourmustbeunnatural,because
itisimpossibleachildshouldbeborninthatmanner.Inthiscase,
therefore,whenthemidwifeguidesherhandtowardstheorificeof
thewombshewillperceiveonlymanyfingersclosetogether,andif
itbenotsufficientlydilated,itwillbeagoodwhilebeforethehands

andfeetwillbeexactlydistinguished;fortheyaresometimesso
shutandpressedtogether,thattheyseemtobeallofoneandthe
sameshape,butwherethewombisopenenoughtointroducethe
handintoit,shewilleasilyknowwhicharethehandsandwhichare
thefeet;andhavingtakenparticularnoticethereof,letherslideup
herhandandpresentlydirectittowardstheinfant'sbreast,whichshe
willfindverynear,andthenlethergentlythrustbackthebody
towardsthebottomofthewomb,leavingthefeetinthesameplace
whereshefoundthem.Andthen,havingplacedthewomanina
convenientposture,thatistosay,herbuttocksalittleraisedabove
herbreast(andwhichsituationoughtalsotobeobservedwhenthe
childistobeputbackintothewomb),letthemidwifeafterwards
takeholdofthechildbythefeet,anddrawitforth,asisdirectedin
thesecondsection.
Thislabour,thoughsomewhattroublesome,yetismuchbetterthan
whenthechildpresentsonlyitshands;forthenthechildmustbe
quiteturnedaboutbeforeitcanbedrawnforth;butinthistheyare
ready,presentingthemselves,andthereislittletodo,buttoliftand
thrustbacktheupperpartofthebody,whichisalmostdoneofitself,
bydrawingitbythefeetalone.
Iconfesstherearemanyauthorsthathavewrittenoflabours,who
wouldhaveallwrongbirthsreducedtoanaturalfigure,whichis,to
turnitthatitmaycomewiththeheadfirst.Butthosethathave
writtenthus,aresuchasneverunderstoodthepracticalpart,forif
theyhadtheleastexperiencetherein,theywouldknowthatitis
impossible; at least, if it were to be done, that violence must
necessarilybeusedindoingit,thatwouldprobablybethedeath
bothofmotherandchildintheoperation.Iwould,therefore,lay
downasageneralrule,thatwheneverachildpresentsitselfwrong
tothebirth,inwhatposturesoever,fromtheshoulderstothefeet,it
istheway,andsoonestdone,todrawitoutbythefeet;andthatitis
bettertosearchforthem,iftheydonotpresentthemselves,thanto

try and put them in their natural posture, and place the head
foremost;forthegreatendeavoursnecessarytobeusedinturning
thechildinthewomb,dosomuchweakenboththemotherandthe
child,thatthereremainsnotafterwardsstrengthenoughtocommit
theoperationtotheworkofnature;for,usually,thewomanhasno
morethroesorpainsfitforlabouraftershehasbeensowrought
upon;forwhichreasonitwouldbedifficultandtediousatbest;and
the child, by such an operation made very weak, would be in
extremedangerofperishingbeforeitcouldbeborn.Itis,therefore,
muchbetterinthesecasestobringitawayimmediatelybythefeet,
searching for them as Ihave already directed, when they donot
presentthemselves;bywhichthemotherwillbepreventedatedious
labour, and the child be often brought alive into the world, who
otherwisecouldhardlyescapedeath.

SECT.VII.HowaWomanshouldbedeliveredthat
hastwins,whichpresentthemselvesindifferent
postures.
We have already spoken something of the birth of twins in the
chapterofnaturallabour,foritisnotanunnaturallabourbarelyto
havetwins,providedtheycomeintherightpositiontothebirth.But
when they present themselves in different postures, they come
properlyunderthedenominationofunnaturallabours;andifwhen
one child presents itself in a wrong figure, it makes the labour
dangerousandunnatural,itmustneedsmakeitmuchmoresowhen
thereareseveral,andrenderitnotonlymorepainfultothemother
andchildren,buttotheoperatoralso;fortheyoftentroubleeach
otherandhinderboththeirbirths.Besideswhichthewombisso
filled with them, that the operator can hardly introduce his hand
withoutmuchviolence,whichhemustdo,iftheyaretobeturnedor
thrustback,togivethemabetterposition.

Whenawomanispregnantwithtwochildren,theyrarelypresentto
thebirthtogether,theonebeinggenerallymoreforwardthanthe
other;andthatisthereasonthatbutoneisfelt,andthatmanytimes
themidwifeknowsnotthattherearetwinsuntilthefirstisborn,and
thatsheisgoingtofetchawaytheafterbirth.Inthefirstchapter,
whereinItreatedofnaturallabour,Ihaveshowedhowawoman
shouldbedeliveredoftwins,presentingthemselvesbothright;and
beforeIclosethechapterofunnaturallabour,itonlyremainsthatI
showwhatoughttobedonewhentheyeitherbothcomewrongor
oneofthemonly,asforthemostpartithappens;thefirstgenerally
comingright,andthesecondwiththefeetforward,orinsomeworse
posture.Insuchacase,thebirthofthefirstmustbehastenedas
muchaspossibleandtomakewayforthesecond,whichisbest
broughtawaybythefeet,withoutendeavouringtoplaceitright,
because it has been, as well as the mother, already tired and
weakenedbythebirthofthefirst,andtherewouldbegreaterdanger
toitsdeath,thanlikelihoodofitscomingoutofthewombthatway.
Butif,whenthefirstisbornnaturally,thesecondshouldlikewise
offeritsheadtothebirth,itwouldthenbebesttoleavenatureto
finishwhatshehassowellbegun,andifnatureshouldbetooslow
inherwork,someofthosethingsmentionedinthefourthchapterto
acceleratethebirth,maybeproperlyenoughapplied,andif,after
that,thesecondbirthshouldbedelayed,letamanualoperationbe
delayed no longer, but the woman being properly placed, as has
beenbeforedirected,lettheoperatordirecthishandgentlyintothe
wombtofindthefeet,andsodrawforththesecondchild,which
will be the more easily effected, because there is a way made
sufficientlybythebirthofthefirst;andifthewatersofthesecond
childbenotbroke,asitoftenhappens,yet,intendingtobringitby
itsfeet,heneednotscrupletobreakthemembraneswithhisfingers;
forthough,whenthebirthofachildislefttotheoperationofnature,
itisnecessarythatthewatersshouldbreakofthemselves,yetwhen
thechildisbroughtoutofthewombbyart,thereisnodangerin

breaking them, nay, on the contrary it becomes necessary; for

withoutthewatersarebroken,itwillbealmostimpossibletoturn
thechild.
Buthereinprincipallyliesthecareoftheoperator,thathebenot
deceived, when either the hands or feet of both children offer
themselves together to the birth; in this case he ought well to
considertheoperation,ofwhethertheybenotjoinedtogether,or
anywaymonstrous,andwhichpartbelongstoonechildandwhich
totheother;sothattheymaybefetchedoneaftertheother,andnot
bothtogether,asmaybe,ifitwerenotdulyconsidered,takingthe
rightfoot ofoneandthe left ofthe other,andso drawing them
together,asiftheybothbelongedtoonebody,becausethereisaleft
andaright,bywhichmeansitwouldbeimpossibletodeliverthem.
Butaskilfuloperatorwilleasilypreventthis,if,afterhavingfound
twoorthreeofseveralchildrenpresentingtogetherinthepassage,
andtakingasidetwooftheforwardest,arightandaleft,andsliding
hisarmalongthelegsandthighsuptothewrist,ifforward,ortothe
buttocks,ifbackwards,hefindstheybothbelongtoonebody;of
whichbeingthusassured,hemaybegintodrawforththenearest,
withoutregardingwhichisthestrongestorweakest,biggerorless,
living or dead, having first put aside that part of the other child
whichofferstohavethemoreway,andsodispatchthefirstassoon
asmaybe,observingthesamerulesasiftherewerebutone,thatis
keepingthe breast andfacedownwards, witheverycircumstance
directedinthatsectionwherethechildcomeswithitsfeetfirst,and
notfetchtheburdentillthesecondchildisborn.Andtherefore,
whentheoperatorhathdrawnforthonechild,hemustseparateit
fromtheburden,havingtiedandcutthenavelstring,andthenfetch
theotherbythefeetinthesamemanner,andafterwardsbringaway
theafterburdenwiththetwostringsashathbeenbeforeshowed.If
thechildrenpresentanyotherpartbutthefeet,theoperatormay
followthesamemethodasdirectedintheforegoingsection,where
theseveralunnaturalpositionsarefullytreatedof.

CHAPTERVII
DirectionsforChildbearingWomenintheirLyingin.

SECTIONI.HowaWomannewlyDeliveredoughtto
beordered.
Assoonassheislaidinherbed,letherbeplacedinitconveniently
foreaseandrest,whichshestandsingreatneedoftorecoverherself
ofthegreatfatiguesheunderwentduringhertravail,andthatshe
mayliethemoreeasilyletherhandsandbodybealittleraised,that
shemaybreathemorefreely,andcleansethebetter,especiallyof
thatbloodwhichthencomesaway,thatsoitmaynotclot,which
beingretainedcausethgreatpain.
Havingthusplacedherinbed,lethertakeadraughtofburntwhite
wine, having a drachm of spermaceti melted therein. The best
vervain is also singularly good for a woman in this condition,
boilingitinwhatsheeithereatsordrinks,fortifyingthewombso
exceedinglythatitwilldoitmoregoodintwodays,thananyother
thingdoesindoublethattime,havingnooffensivetaste.Andthisis
nomorethanwhatshestandsinneedof;forherlowerpartsbeing
greatlydistendeduntilthebirthoftheinfant,itisgoodtoendeavour
thepreventionofaninflammationthere.Lettherealsobeoutwardly
applied,alloverthebottomofherbellyandprivities,thefollowing
anodyneandcataplasm:Taketwoouncesofoilofsweetalmonds,
and two or three new laid eggs, yolks and whites, stirring them
togetherinanearthenpipkinoverhotemberstilltheycometothe
consistenceofapoultice;whichbeingspreaduponacloth,mustbe
appliedtothosepartsindifferentlywarm,havingfirsttakenaway

theclosures(whichwereputtoherpresentlyafterherdelivery),and
likewisesuchclotsofbloodaswerethenleft.Letthislieonforfive
orsixhours,andthenrenewitagainwhenyouseecause.
Greatcareoughttobetakenatfirst,thatifherbodybeveryweak,
shebenotkepttoohot,forextremityofheatweakensnatureand
dissolvesthestrength;andwhethershebeweakorstrong,besure
thatnocoldaircomesnearheratfirst;forcoldisanenemytothe
spermaticparts;ifitgetintothewombitincreasestheafterpains,
causesswellinginthewombandhurtsthenerves.Astoherdiet,let
itbehot,andlethereatbutlittleatatime.Letheravoidthelightfor
the first three days, and longer if she be weak, for her labour
weakenshereyesexceedingly,byaharmonybetweenthewomband
them.Letheralsoavoidgreatnoise,sadnessandtroubleofmind.
Ifthewombbefoul,whichmayeasilybeperceivedbytheimpurity
oftheblood(whichwilltheneasilycomeawayinclotsorstinking,
orifyoususpectanyoftheafterburdentobeleftbehind,which
may sometimes happen), make her drink a feverfew, mugwort,
pennyroyal and mother of thyme, boiled in white wine and
sweetenedwithsugar.
Panadoandnewlaideggsarethebestmeatforheratfirst,ofwhich
shemayeatoften,butnottoomuchatatime.Andlethernurseuse
cinnamoninallhermeatsanddrinks,foritgenerallystrengthensthe
womb.
Letherstiraslittleasmaybeuntilafterthefifth,sixth,orseventh
dayafterherdelivery,ifshebeweak;andlethertalkaslittleas
possible,forthatweakensherverymuch.
If she goes not well to stool, give a clyster made only of the
decoctionofmallowsandalittlebrownsugar.
Whenshehathlaininaweekormore,letherusesuchthingsas

closethewomb,ofwhichknotgrassandcomfreyareverygood,
andtothemyoumayaddalittlepolypodium,foritwilldohergood,
bothleavesandrootbeingbruised.

SECT.II.HowtoremedythoseAccidentswhicha
LyinginWomanissubjectto.
I.Thefirstcommonandusualaccidentthattroubleswomenintheir
lyinginisafterpains.Theyproceedfromcoldandwindcontained
inthebowels,withwhichtheyareeasilyfilledafterlabour,because
thentheyhavemoreroomtodilatethanwhenthechildwasinthe
womb, by which they were compressed; and also, because
nourishment and matter, contained as well in them as in the
stomach,havebeensoconfusedlyagitatedfromsidetosideduring
thepainsoflabour,bythethroeswhichalwaysmustcompressthe
belly, that they could not be well digested, whence the wind is
afterwards generated and, by consequence, the gripes which the
womanfeelsrunningintoherbellyfromsidetoside,accordingas
the wind moves more or less, and sometimes likewise from the
womb, because of the compression and commotion which the
bowels make. This being generally the case, let us now apply a
suitableremedy.
1.Boilaneggsoft,andpourouttheyolkofit,withwhichmixa
spoonfulofcinnamonwater,andletherdrinkit;andifyoumixinit
twograinsofambergris,itwillbebetter;andyetvervaintakenin
anythingshedrinks,willbeaseffectualastheother.
2.Givealyinginwoman,immediatelyafterdelivery,oilofsweet
almondsandsyrupofmaidenhairmixedtogether.Somepreferoil
ofwalnuts,provideditbemadeofnutsthatareverygood;butit
tastesworsethantheotheratbest.Thiswilllenifytheinsideofthe
intestinesbyitsunctuousness,andbythatmeansbringawaythat

whichiscontainedinthemmoreeasily.
3.Takeandboilonionswellinwater,thenstampthemwithoilof
cinnamon,spreadthemonacloth,andapplythemtotheregionof
thewomb.
4.Letherbecarefultokeepherbellywarm,andnottodrinkwhatis
toocold;andifthepainproveviolent,hotclothsfromtimetotime
mustbelaidonherbelly,orapancakefriedinwalnutoilmaybe
appliedtoit,withoutswathingherbellytoostrait.Andforthebetter
evacuatingthewindoutoftheintestines,giveheraclyster,which
mayberepeatedasoftenasnecessityrequires.
5.Takebayberries,beatthemtoapowder,putthepowderupona
chafingdishofcoals,andletherreceivethesmokeofthemupher
privities.
6.Taketarandbear'sgrease,ofeachanequalquantity,boilthem
together,andwhilstitisboiling,addalittlepigeon'sdungtoit.
Spreadsomeofthisuponalinencloth,andapplyittotheveinsof
thebackofherthatistroubledwithafterpains,anditwillgiveher
speedyease.
Lastly, let her take half a drachm of bayberries beaten into a
powder,inadrachmofmuscadelorteat.
II. Another accident to which women in childbed are subject is
haemorrhoids or piles, occasioned through the great straining in
bringingthechildintotheworld.Tocurethis,
1.Letherbeletbloodinthesaphoenavein.
2. Let her use polypodium in her meat, and drink, bruised and
boiled.
3.Takeanonion,andhavingmadeaholeinthemiddle,ofit,fillit
fullofoil,roastitandhavingbruiseditalltogether,applyittothe

fundament.
4.Takeadozenofsnailswithoutshells,ifyoucangetthem,orelse
somanyshellsnails,andpullthemout,andhavingbruisedthem
withalittleoil,applythemwarmasbefore.
5.Ifshegonotwelltostool,lethertakeanounceofcassiafistula
drawnatnight,goingtobed;sheneedsnochangeofdietafter.
III.Retentionofthemensesisanotheraccidenthappeningtowomen
inchildbed,andwhichisofsodangerousaconsequence,that,if
nottimelyremedied,itprovesmortal.Whenthishappens,
1. Let the woman take such medicines as strongly provoke the
terms, such as dittany, betony, pennyroyal, feverfew, centaury,
juniperberries,peonyroots.
2.Lethertaketwoorthreespoonfulsofbrionywatereachmorning.
3.Gentianrootsbeaten into apowder, andadrachmof it taken
everymorninginwine,areanextraordinaryremedy.
4.Therootsofbirthwort,eitherlongorround,sousedandtakenas
theformer,areverygood.
5.Taketwelvepeonyseeds,andbeatthemintoaveryfinepowder,
andletherdrinktheminadraughtofhotcardusposset,andlether
sweatafter.Andifthelastmedicinedonotbringthemdownthe
firsttimeshetakesit,lethertakeasmuchmorethreehoursafter,
anditseldomfails.
IV. Overflowing of the menses is another accident incidental to
childbedwomen.Forwhich,
1.Takeshepherd'spurse,eitherboiledinanyconvenientliquor,or
driedandbeatenintoapowder,anditwillbeanadmirableremedy
tostopthem,thisbeingespeciallyappropriatedtotheprivities.

2.Theflowerandleavesofbramblesoreitherofthem,beingdried
and beaten into a powder, and a drachm of them taken every
morninginaspoonfulofredwine,orinadecoctionofleavesofthe
same(which,perhaps,ismuchbetter),isanadmirableremedyfor
theimmoderateflowingoftheterminwomen.
V.Excoriations,bruises,andrentsinthelowerpartofthewombare
often occasioned by the violent distention and separation of the
carunclesinawoman'slabour.Forthehealingwhereof,
Assoonasthewomanislaid,iftherebeonlysimplecontusionsand
excoriations,thenlettheanodynecataplasm,formerlydirected,be
appliedtothelowerpartstoeasethepain,madeoftheyolksand
whitesofnewlaideggs,andoilofroses,boiledalittleoverwarm
embers,continuallystirringituntilitbemixed,andthenspreadona
finecloth;itmustbeappliedverywarmtothebearingplaceforfive
orsixhours,andwhenitistakenaway,laysomefinerags,dipped
inoilofSt.John'sworttwiceorthriceaday;alsofomenttheparts
with barley water and honey of roses, to cleanse them from the
excrementswhichpass.Whenthewomanmakeswater,letthembe
defendedwithfinerags,andtherebyhindertheurinefromcausing
smartorpain.
VI.Thecurdingandclottingofthemilkisanotheraccidentthat
happenstowomeninchildbed,forinthebeginningofchildbed,
thewoman'smilkisnotpurifiedbecauseofthegreatcommotions
herbodysufferedduringherlabour,whichaffectedalltheparts,and
itisthenaffectedwithmanyhumours.Nowthisclottingofthemilk
does,forthemostpart,proceedfromthebreastsnotbeingfully
drawn,andthat,eitherbecauseshehastoomuchmilk,andthatthe
infantistoosmallandweaktosuckitall,orbecauseshedothnot
desiretobeanurse,forthemilkinthosecasesremaininginthe
breastsafterconcoction,withoutbeingdrawn,losesitssweetness
and the balsamic qualities it had, and by reason of the heat it

requires,andthetoolongstayitmakesthere,issours,curdsand
clots,inlikemannerasweseerennetputintoordinarymilktoturn
itintocurds.Thecurdingofthemilkmayalsobecausedbyhaving
takenagreatcold,andnotkeepingthebreastswellcovered.
Butfromwhatcausesoeverthiscurdingofthemilkproceeds,the
mostcertainremedyis,todrawthebreastsuntilitisemittedand
dried.Butinregardthattheinfantbyreasonofweakness,cannot
drawstrengthenough,thewomanbeinghardmarkedwhenhermilk
iscurded,itwillbemostpropertogetanotherwomantodrawher
breastsuntilthemilkcomesfreely,andthenshemaygiveherchild
suck.Andthatshemaynotafterwardsbetroubledwithasurplusof
milk,shemusteatsuchdietasgivebutlittlenourishment,andkeep
herbodyopen.
Butifthecasebesuchthatthewomanneithercannorwillbea
nurse,itisnecessarytoapplyotherremediesforthecuringofthis
distemper;forthenitwillbebestnottodrawthebreasts,forthat
willbethewaytobringmoremilkintothem.Forwhichpurposeit
willbenecessarytoemptythebodybybleedingthearms,besides
which, let the humours be drawn down by strong clysters and
bleedingatthefoot;norwillitbeamisstopurgegently,andto
digest,dissolveanddissipatethecurdedmilk,fourbransdissolved
inadecoctionofsage,milk,smallageandfennel,mixingwithitoil
ofcamomile,withwhichoilletthebreastsbewellanointed.The
followinglinimentisalsogoodtoscatteranddissipatethemilk.

ALinimenttoScatterandDissipatetheMilk.
Thatthemilkflowingbacktothebreastmaywithoutoffencebe
dissipated, you must use this ointment:"Take pure wax, two
ounces, linseed, half a pound; when the wax is melted, let the
liniment be made, wherein linen cloths must be clipped, and,

accordingtotheirlargeness,belaiduponthebreasts;andwhenit
shallbedispersed,andpainsnomore,letotherlinenclothsbelaid
inthedistilledwaterofacorns,andputuponthem.
Note.Thattheclothsdippedintodistilledwaterofacornsmustbe
usedonlybythosewhocannotnursetheirownchildren;butifa
swelling in the breast of her who gives such do arise, from
abundanceofmilk,threatensaninflammation,letherusetheformer
ointment,butabstainfromusingthedistilledwaterofacorns.

CHAPTERVIII
DirectionsfortheNurses,inorderingNewlybornChildren.
Whenthechild'snavelstringhathbeencutaccordingtotherules
prescribed,letthemidwifepresentlycleanseitfromtheexcrements
andfilthitbringsintotheworldwithit;ofwhichsomearewithin
thebody,astheurineinthebladder,andtheexcrementsfoundin
the guts; and the others without, which are thick, whitish and
clammy, proceeding from the sliminess of the waters. There are
sometimeschildrencoveredalloverwiththis,thatonewouldthink
theywererubbedoverwithsoftcheese,andsomewomenareofso
easyabelief,thattheyreallythinkitso,becausetheyhaveeaten
some while they were with child. From these excrements let the
child be cleansed with wine and water a little warmed, washing
everyparttherewith,butchieflytheheadbecauseofthehair,also
thefoldsofthegroin,andthecodsorprivities;whichpartsmustbe
gently cleansed with a linen rag, or a soft sponge dipped in
lukewarmwine.Ifthisclammyorviscousexcrementsticksoclose
thatitwillnoteasilybewashedofffromthoseplaces,itmaybe
fetchedoffwithoilofsweetalmond,oralittlefreshbuttermelted

withwine,andafterwardswelldriedoff;alsomaketentsoffine
rags,andwettingtheminthisliquor,cleartheearsandnostrils;but
fortheeyes,wipethemonlywithadry,softrag,notdippingitinthe
wine,lestitshouldmakethemsmart.
Thechildbeingwashed,andcleansedfromthenativebloodand
impuritieswhichattenditintotheworld,itmustinthenextplacebe
searchedtoseewhetherallthingsberightaboutit,andthatthereis
nofaultnordislocation;whetheritsnosebestraight,oritstongue
tied, or whether there be any bruise or tumour of the head; or
whetherthemoldbenotovershot;alsowhetherthescrotum(ifitbe
amale)benotblownupandswelled,and,inshort,whetherithas
suffered any violence by its birth, in any part of its body, and
whetherallthepartsbewellanddulyshaped;thatsuitableremedies
maybeappliedifanythingbefoundnotright.Norisitenoughto
seethatallberightwithout,andthattheoutsideofthebodybe
cleansed, but she must also observe whether it dischargeth the
excrementscontainedwithin,andwhetherthepassagebeopen;for
somehavebeenbornwithouthavingbeenperforated.Therefore,let
herexaminewhethertheconduitsoftheurineandstoolbeclear,for
want of which some have died, not being able to void their
excrements,becausetimelycarewasnottakenatfirst.Astothe
urineallchildren,aswellmalesasfemales,domakewaterassoon
astheyareborn,iftheycan,especiallyiftheyfeeltheheatofthe
fire,andalsosometimesvoidtheexcrements,butnotsosoonasthe
urine.Iftheinfantdoesnotordurethefirstday,thenputintoits
fundamentasmallsuppository,tostirituptobedischarged,thatit
maynotcausepainfulgripes,byremainingsolonginthebelly.A
sugaralmondmaybeproperforthispurpose,anointedalloverwith
alittleboiledhoney;orelseasmallpieceofcastilesoaprubbed
overwithfreshbutter;alsogivethechildforthispurposealittle
syrupofrosesorvioletsatthemouth,mixedwithsomeoilofsweet
almonds,drawnwithoutafire,anointingthebellyalso,withthe
sameoilorfreshbutter.

Themidwifehavingthuswashedandcleansedthechild,according
tothebeforementioneddirections,letherbegintoswaddleitin
swathingclothes,andwhenshedressesthehead,letherputsmall
ragsbehindtheears,todryupthefilthwhichusuallyengenders
there,andsoletherdoalsointhefoldsofthearmpitsandgroins,
andsoswatheit;thenwrapitupwarminabedwithblankets,which
thereisscarcelyanywomansoignorantbutknowswellenoughhow
todo;onlyletmegivethemthiscaution,thattheyswathenotthe
child too tightly in its blankets, especially about the breast and
stomach,thatitmaybreathethemorefreely,andnotbeforcedto
vomit up the milk it sucks, because the stomach cannot be
sufficientlydistendedtocontainit;thereforeletitsarmsandlegsbe
wrappedinitsbed,stretchedandstraightandswathedtokeepthem
so,viz.,thearmsalongitssides,anditslegsequallybothtogether
withalittleofthebedbetweenthem,thattheymaynotbegalledby
rubbingeachother;thenlettheheadbekeptsteadyandstraight,
withastayfastenedeachsideoftheblanket,andthenwrapthechild
upinamantleandblanketstokeepitwarm.Letnonethinkthis
swathingoftheinfantisneedlesstosetdown,foritisnecessaryit
should bethusswaddled, togive its littlebodyastraightfigure,
whichismostproperanddecentforaman,andtoaccustomhimto
keepuponhisfeet,whootherwisewouldgouponallfours,asmost
animalsdo.

CHAPTERIX
SECTIONI.OfGripesandPainsinthe,Belliesof
YoungChildren.
This I mention first, as it is often the first and most common

distemper which happens to little infants, after their birth; many

childrenbeingsotroubledtherewith,thatitcausesthemtocryday
andnightandatlastdieofit.Thecauseofitforthemostpartcomes
fromthesuddenchangeofnourishment,forhavingalwaysreceived
itfromtheumbilicalvesselwhilstinthemother'swomb,theycome
onasuddennotonlytochangethemannerofreceivingit,butthe
natureandqualityofwhattheyreceived,assoonastheyareborn;
forinsteadofpurifiedbloodonly,whichwasconveyedtothemby
meansoftheumbilicalvein,theyarenowobligedtobenourished
bytheirmother'smilk,whichtheysuckwiththeirmouths,andfrom
whichareengenderedmanyexcrements,causinggripesandpains;
andnotonlybecauseitisnotsopureasthebloodwithwhichitwas
nourishedinthewomb,butbecausethestomachandtheintestines
cannot make a good digestion, being unaccustomed to it. It is
sometimes caused also by a rough phlegm, and sometimes by
worms;forphysiciansaffirmthatwormshavebeenbredinchildren
evenintheirmother'sbelly.
Cure.Theremedymustbesuitedtothecause.Ifitproceedfromthe
toosuddenchangeofnourishment,theremedymustbetoforbear
givingthechildsuckforsomedays,lestthemilkbemixedwith
phlegm,whichistheninthestomachcorrupt;andatfirstitmust
suck but little, until it is accustomed to digest it. If it be the
excrementsintheintestines,whichbytheirlongstayincreasetheir
pains,givethematthemonthalittleoilofsweetalmondsandsyrup
ofroses;ifitbeworms,layaclothdippedinoilofwormwood
mixedwithoxgall,uponthebelly,orasmallcataplasm,mixedwith
thepowderofrue,wormwood,coloquintida,aloes,andtheseedsof
citronincorporatedwithoxgallandthepowderoflupines.Orgive
itoilofsweetalmondsandsyrupofroses;ifitbeworms,laya
cloth, dipped in oil of wormwood mixed with oxgall, upon the
belly, or a small cataplasm mixed with the powder of rue,
wormwood,coloquintida,aloes,andtheseedsofcitronincorporated
with oxgall and the powder of lupines. Or give it oil of sweet

almondswithsugarcandy,andascrupleofaniseed;itpurgethnew
bornbabesfromgreencholeraandstinkingphlegm,and,ifitbe
givenwithsugarpap,itallaysthegripingpainsofthebelly.Also
anointthebellywithoilofdill,orlaypelitorystampedwithoilof
camomiletothebelly.

SECT.II.OfWeaknessInNewlybornInfants.
Weaknessisanaccidentthatmanychildrenbringintotheworld
along with them, and is often occasioned by the labour of the
mother;bytheviolenceandlengthwhereoftheysuffersomuch,that
theyarebornwithgreatweakness,andmanytimesitisdifficultto
know whether they are alive or dead, their body appearing so
senseless,andtheirfacesoblueandlivid,thattheyseemtobequite
choked;andevenaftersomehours,thenshowinganysignsoflifeis
attendedwithweakness,thatitlookslikeareturnfromdeath,and
thattheyarestillinadyingcondition.
Cure.Laytheinfantspeedilyinawarmblanket,andcarryittothe
fire,andthenletthemidwifetakealittlewineinhermouthand
spoutitintoitsmouth,repeatingitoften,iftherebeoccasion.Let
herapplylinendippedinurinetothebreastandbelly,andletthe
facebeuncovered,thatitmaybreathethemorefreely;also,letthe
midwifekeepitsmouthalittleopen,cleansethenostrilswithsmall
linentents[11]diptinwhitewine,thatsoitmayreceivethesmellof
it;andletherchafeeverypartofitsbodywellwithwarmcloths,to
bringbackitsbloodandspirits,whichbeingretiredinwardsthrough
weakness, often puts him in danger of being choked. By the
application of these means, the infant will gradually recover
strength,andbegintostiritslimbsbydegrees,andatlengthtocry;
andthoughitbebutweaklyatfirst,yetafterwards,asitbreathes
morefreely,itscrywillbecomemorestrong.

SECT.III.OftheFundamentbeingclosedupina
newlybornInfant.
Anotherdefectthatnewborninfantsareliabletois,tohavetheir
fundamentsclosedup,bywhichtheycanneitherevacuatethenew
excrementsengenderedbythemilktheysuck,northatwhichwas
amassedintheirintestinesbeforebirth,whichiscertainlymortal
withoutaspeedyremedy.Therehavebeensomefemalechildren
whohavetheirfundamentsquiteclosed,andyethavevoidedthe
excrementsofthegutsbyanorificewhichnature,tosupplythe
defect,hadmadewithintheneckofthewomb.
Cure.Herewemusttakenotice,thatthefundamentisclosedtwo
ways;eitherbyasingleskin,throughwhichonemaydiscoversome
black and blue marks, proceeding from the excrements retained,
which,ifonetouchwiththefinger,thereisasoftnessfeltwithin,
andthereaboutitoughttobepierced;orelseitisquitestoppedbya
thick, fleshy substance, in such sort that there appears nothing
without,bywhichitstruesituationmaybeknown.Whenthereis
nothingbutthesingleskinwhichmakestheclosure,theoperationis
veryeasy,andthechildrenmaydoverywell;forthenanapertureor
openingmaybemadewithasmallincisionknife,crossways,thatit
maythebetterreceivearoundform,andthattheplacemaynot
afterwardsgrowtogether,takingcarenottoprejudicethesphincter
or muscle of the rectum. The incision being thus made, the
excrementswillcertainlyhaveissue.Butif,byreasonoftheirlong
stayinthebelly,theybecomesodrythattheinfantcannotvoid
them,thenletaclysterbegiventomoistenandbringthemaway;
afterwardsputalinententintothenewmadefundament,whichat
firsthadbestbeanointedwithhoneyofroses,andtowardstheend,
withadrying,cicatrizingointment,suchasunguentumalbumor
ponphilex,observingtocleansetheinfantofitsexcrement,anddry

it again as soon and as often as it evacuates them, that so the

aperturemaybepreventedfromturningintoamalignantulcer.
Butifthefundamentbestoppedupinsuchamanner,thatneither
marknorappearanceofitcanbeseenorfelt,thentheoperationis
muchmoredifficult,and,evenwhenitisdone,thedangerismuch
greaterthattheinfantwillnotsurviveit.Then,ifitbeafemale,and
itsendsforthitsexcrementsbythewayImentionedbefore,itis
better not to meddle than, by endeavouring to remedy an
inconvenience, run an extreme hazard of the infant's death. But
whenthereisnoventfortheexcrements,withoutwhichdeathis
unavoidable,thentheoperationisjustifiable.
Operation.Lettheoperator,withasmallincisionknifethathathbut
one edge, enter into the void place, and turning the back of it
upwards,withinhalfafinger'sbreadthofthechild'srump,whichis
theplacewherehewillcertainlyfindtheintestines,lethimthrustit
forward,thatitmaybeopenenoughtogivefreeventtomatterthere
contained,beingespeciallycarefulofthesphincter;afterwhich,let
thewoundbedressedaccordingtothemethoddirected.

SECT.IV.OftheThrush,orUlcersIntheMouthof
theInfant.
Thethrushisadistemperthatchildrenareverysubjectto,andit
arises from bad milk, or from foul humour in the stomach; for
sometimes,thoughtherebenoillhumourinthemilkitself,yetit
maycorruptthechild'sstomachbecauseofitsweaknessorsome
other indisposition; in which, acquiring an acrimony, instead of
beingwelldigested,therearisefromitthricebitingvapours,which
formingathickviscosity,dotherebyproducethisdistemper.
Cure.Itisoftendifficult,asphysicianstellus,becauseitisseatedin

hotandmoistplaces,wheretheputrefactioniseasilyaugmented;
andbecausetheremediesappliedcannotlodgethere,beingsoon
washed with spittle. But if it arises from too hot quality in the
nurse'smilk,caremustbetakentotemperandcool,prescribingher
cooldiet,bleedingandpurgingheralso,iftherebeoccasion.
Takelentils,husked,powderthem,andlayalittleofthemuponthe
child'sgums.Ortakebdelliumflowers,halfanounce,andwithoil
ofrosesmakealiniment.Alsowashthechild'smouthwithbarley
andplantainwater,andhoneyofroses,mixingwiththemalittle
verjuice of lemons, as well to loosen and cleanse the vicious
humourswhichcleavetotheinsideoftheinfant'smouth,astocool
thosepartswhicharealreadyoverheated.Itmaybedonebymeans
ofasmallfinerag,fastenedtotheendofalittlestick,anddipped
therein,wherewiththeulcersmaybegentlyrubbed,beingcareful
nottoputthechildintoomuchpain,lestaninflammationmakethe
distemperworse.Thechild'sbodymustalsobekeptopen,thatthe
humours being carried to the lower parts, the vapours may not
ascend,asisusualforthemtodowhenthebodyiscostive,andthe
excrementstoolongretained.
Iftheulcersappearmalignant,letsuchremediesbeusedasdotheir
workspeedily,thattheevilqualitiesthatcausethem,beingthereby
instantlycorrected,theirmalignitymaybeprevented;andinthis
case,touchtheulcerswithplantainwater,sharpenedwithspiritsof
vitriol; for the remedy must be made sharp, according to the
malignityofthedistemper.Itwillbenecessarytopurgetheseill
humoursoutofthewholehabitofthechild,bygivinghalfanounce
ofsuccoryandrhubarb.

SECT.V.OfPainsintheEars,Inflammation,
Moisture,etc.

Thebrainininfantsisverymoist,andhathmanyexcrementswhich
naturecannotsendoutattheproperpassages;theygetoftentothe
ears,andtherecausepains,fluxofblood,withinflammationand
matterwithpain;thisinchildrenishardtobeknownastheyhave
nootherwaytomakeitknownbutbyconstantcrying;youwill
perceivethemreadytofeeltheirearsthemselves,butwillnotlet
others touch them, if they can prevent; and sometimes you may
discernthepartsabouttheearstobeveryred.
Thesepains,ifletalone,areofdangerousconsequences,because
theymaybringforthwatchingsandepilepsy;forthemoisturebreeds
wormsthere,andfoulsthespongybones,andbydegreescauses
incurabledeafness.
Cure.Allaythepainwithallconvenientspeed,buthaveacareof
using strong remedies. Therefore, only use warm milk about the
ears,withthedecoctionofpoppytops,oroilofviolets;totakeaway
themoisture,usehoneyofroses,andletaquamollisbedroppedinto
theears;ortakevirginhoney,halfanounce;redwinestwoounces;
alum,saffron,saltpetre,eachadrachm,mixthematthefire;ordrop
inhempseedoilwithalittlewine.

SECT.VI.OfRednessandInflammationofthe
Buttocks,GroinandtheThighsofaYoungChild.
Iftherebenogreatcaretakentochangeandwashthechild'sbedas
soonasitisfouledwiththeexcrements,andtokeepthechildvery
clean, the acrimony will be sure to cause redness, and beget a
smartinginthebuttocks,groinandthighsofthechild,which,by
reason of the pain, will afterwards be subject to inflammations,
which follow the sooner, through the delicacy and tenderness of
theirskin,fromwhichtheoutwardskinofthebodyisinashorttime
separatedandwornaway.

Cure. First, keep the child cleanly, and secondly, take off the
sharpnessofitsurine.Astokeepingitcleanly,shemustbeasorry
nursewhoneedstobetaughthowtodoit;forifsheletsitbuthave
dry,warmandcleanbedsandcloths,asoftenandassoonasithas
fouledandwetthem,eitherbyitsurineoritsexcrements,itwillbe
sufficient.Andastotakingoffthesharpnessofthechild'surine,that
mustbedonebythenurse'stakingacooldiet,thathermilkmay
havethesamequality;and,therefore,sheoughttoabstainfromall
thingsthatmaytendtoheatit.
Butbesidesthese,coolinganddryingremediesarerequisitetobe
appliedtotheinflamedparts;thereforeletthepartsbebathedin
plantainwater,withafourthoflimewateraddedtoit,eachtimethe
child'sexcrementsarewipedoff;andifthepainbeverygreat,letit
onlybefomentedwithlukewarmmilk.Thepowderofaposttodry
it,oralittlemillduststreweduponthepartsaffected,maybeproper
enough,andisusedbymanywomen.Also,unguentumalbum,or
diapompholigos,spreaduponasmallpieceofleatherinformofa
plaster,willnotbeamiss.
Butthechiefthingmustbe,thenurse'stakinggreatcaretowrapthe
inflamedpartswithfineragswhensheopensthechild,thatthese
partsmaynotgatherandbepainedbyrubbingtogether.

SECT.VII.OfVomitinginYoungChildren.
Vomiting in young children proceeds sometimes from too much
milk,andsometimesfrombadmilk,andasoftenfromamoist,loose
stomach;forasdrynessretainssoloosenessletsgo.Thisis,forthe
mostpart,withoutdangerinchildren;fortheythatvomitfromtheir
birtharethelustiest;forthestomachnotbeingusedtomeat,and
milkbeingtakentoomuch,cruditiesareeasilybred,orthemilkis
corrupted;anditisbettertovomittheseupthantokeepthemin;but

ifvomitinglastlong,itwillcauseanatrophyorconsumption,for
wantofnourishment.
Cure.Ifthisbefromtoomuchmilk,thatwhichisemittedisyellow
andgreen,orotherwiseillcolouredandstinking;inthiscase,mend
themilk,ashasbeenshownbefore;cleansethechildwithhoneyof
roses,andstrengthenitsstomachwithsyrupofmilkandquinces,
madeintoanelectuary.Ifthehumoursbehotandsharp,givethe
syrupofpomegranates,currantsandcoral,andapplytothebellythe
plasterofbread,thestomachcerate,orbreaddippedinhotwine;or
takeoilofmastich,quinces,mint,wormwood,eachhalfanounce;
ofnutmegsbyexpression,halfadrachm;chemicaloilofmint,three
drops. Coral hath an occult property to prevent vomiting, and is
thereforehungabouttheneck.

SECT.VIIIOfBreedingTeethinYoungChildren.
Thisisaverygreatandyetnecessaryevilinallchildren,having
varietyofsymptomsjoinedwithit.Theybegintocomeforth,notall
atonce,butoneaftertheother,aboutthesixthorseventhmonth;the
foreteeth coming first, then the eyeteeth, and last of all the
grinders.Theeyeteethcausemorepaintothechildthananyofthe
rest,becausetheyhaveadeeproot,andasmallnervewhichhas
communicationwiththatwhichmakestheeyemove.

Inthebreedingoftheteeth,firsttheyfeelanitchingintheirgums,
thentheyarepiercedaswithaneedle,andprickedbythesharp
bones,whenceproceedgreatpains,watching,inflammationofthe
gums,fever,loosenessandconvulsions,especiallywhentheybreed
theireyeteeth.
Thesignswhenchildrenbreedtheireyeteetharethese:
1.Itisknownbythetime,whichisusuallyabouttheseventhmonth.
2.Theirgumsareswelled,andtheyfeelagreatheattherewithan
itching,whichmakesthemputtheirfingersintotheirmouthstorub
them;amoisturealsodistilsfromthegumsintothemouth,because
ofthepaintheyfeelthere.
3.Theyholdthenipplefasterthanbefore.
4.Thegumsarewhitewhentheteethbegintocome,andthenurse,
ingivingthemsuck,findsthemouthhotter,andthattheyaremuch
changed,cryingeverymoment,andcannotsleep,orbutverylittleat
atime.

The fever that follows breeding of teeth comes from choleric

humours,inflamedbywatching,painandheat.Andthelongerteeth
arebreeding,themoredangerousitis;sothatmanyinthebreeding
ofthem,dieoffeversandconvulsions.
Cure.Twothingsaretoberegarded:oneis,topreservethechild
fromtheevilaccidentsthatmayhappentoitbyreasonofthegreat
pain;theother,toassistasmuchasmaybe,thecuttingoftheteeth,
whentheycanhardlycutthegumsthemselves.
Forthefirstofthese,viz.,thepreventingofthoseaccidentstothe
child,thenurseoughttotakegreatcaretokeepagooddiet,andto
useallthingsthatmaycoolandtemperhermilk,thatsoafevermay
notfollowthepainoftheteeth.Andtopreventthehumourfalling
toomuchupontheinflamedgums,letthechild'sbellybealways
keptloosebygentleclysters,ifhebebound;thoughoftentimesthere
isnoneedofthem,becausetheyareatthosetimesusuallytroubled
withalooseness;andyet,forallthat,clystersmaynotbeimproper.
Astotheother,whichistoassistitcuttingtheteeth,thatthenurse
mustdofromtimetotimebymollifyingandlooseningthem,andby
rubbingthemwithherfingerdippedinbutterorhoney;orletthe
childhaveavirginwaxcandletochewupon;oranointthegums
withthemucilageofquincemadewithmallowwater,orwiththe
brains of a hare; also foment the cheeks with the decoction of
althoea,andcamomileflowersanddill,orwiththejuiceofmallows
andfreshbutter.Ifthegumsareinflamed,addjuiceofnightshade
andlettuce.Ihavealreadysaid,thenurseoughttotakeatemperate
diet;Ishallnowonlyadd,thatbarleybroth,watergruel,raweggs,
prunes,lettuceandendive,aregoodforher;butletheravoidsalt,
sharp,bitingandpepperedmeats,andwine.

SECT.IX.OftheFluxoftheBetty,orLoosenessin

Infants.
It is very common for infants to have the flux of the belly, or
looseness, especially upon the least indisposition; nor is it to be
wondered at, seeing their natural moistness contributes so much
thereto;andevenifitbeextraordinarilyviolent,suchareinabetter
state of health than those that are bound. The flux, if violent,
proceedsfromdiverscauses,as1.Frombreedingoftheteeth,andis
thencommonlyattendedwithafeverinwhichtheconcoctionis
hindered,andthenourishmentcorrupted.2.Fromwatching.3.From
pain.4.Fromstirringupofthehumoursbyafever.5.Whenthey
suck or drink too much in a fever. Sometimes they have a flux
withoutbreedingofteeth,frominwardcoldinthegutsorstomach
thatobstructsconcoction.Ifitbefromtheteeth,itiseasilyknown;
for the signs of breeding in teeth will discover it. If it be from
external cold, there are signs of other causes. If from a humour
flowing from the head there are signs of a catarrh, and the
excrementsarefrothy.Ifcrudeandrawhumoursarevoided,and
therebewind,belching,andphlegmaticexcrements,oriftheybe
yellow,greenandstink,thefluxisfromahotandsharphumour.It
isbestinbreedingofteethwhenthebellyisloose,asIhavesaid
before;butifitbetooviolent,andyouareafraiditmayendina
consumption, it must be stopped; and if the excrements that are
voidedbeblack,andattendedwithafever,itisverybad.
Cure.Theremedyinthiscase,isprincipallyinrespecttothenurse,
andtheconditionofthemilkmustbechieflyobserved;thenurse
mustbecautionedthatsheeatnogreenfruit,northingsofhard
concoction.Ifthechildsucknot,removethefluxwithsuchpurges
asleaveacoolingqualitybehindthem,assyrupofhoneyorroses,
oraclyster.Takethedecoctionofmillium,myrobolans,ofeachtwo
orthreeounces,withanounceortwoofsyrupofroses,andmakea
clyster.Aftercleansing,ifitproceedfromahotcause,givesyrupof

dried roses, quinces, myrtles and a little sanguis draconis. Also

anointwithoilofroses,myrtles,mastich,eachtwodrachms;with
oilofmyrtlesandwaxmakeanointment.Ortakeredrosesand
moulin,ofeachahandful;cypressrootstwodrachms;makeabag,
boilitinredwineandapplyittothebelly.Orusetheplasterbread
orstomachointment.Ifthecausebecold,andtheexcrementswhite
givesyrupofmastichandquinces,withmintwater.Useoutwardly,
mint, mastich, cummin; or take rose seeds, an ounce, cummin,
aniseed, each two drachms; with oil of mastich, wormwood and
wax,makeanointment.

SECT.X.OftheEpilepsyandConvulsionsin
Children.
This is a distemper that is often fatal to young children, and
frequently proceeds from the brain, originating either from the
parents,orfromvapours,orbadhumoursthattwitchthemembranes
ofthebrain;itisalsosometimescausedbyotherdistempersandby
baddiet;likewise,thetoothache,whenthebrainconsents,causesit,
andsodoesasuddenfright.Astothedistemperitself,itismanifest
andwellenoughknownwhereitis;andastothecausewhenceit
comes,youmayknowbythesignsofthedisease,whetheritcomes
frombadmilk,orworms,orteeth;iftheseareallabsent,itiscertain
that the brain is first affected; if it come with the smallpox or
measles, it ceaseth when they come forth, if nature be strong
enough.
Cure.Fortheremedyofthisgrievous,andoftenmortaldistemper,
givethefollowingpowdertopreventit,toachildassoonasitis
born:Take male peony roots, gathered in the decrease of the
moon,ascruple;withleafgoldmakeapowder;ortakepeonyroots,
adrachm;peonyseeds,mistletoeoftheoak,elk'shoof,man'sskull,

amber,eachascruple;musk,twograins;makeapowder.Thebest
partofthecureistakingcareofthenurse'sdiet,whichmustbe
regular,byallmeans.Ifitbefromcorruptmilk,provokeavomit;to
dowhich,holddownthetongue,andputaquilldippedinsweet
almonds,downthethroat.Ifitcomefromtheworms,givesuch
thingsaswillkilltheworms.Iftherebeafever,withrespecttothat
also,givecoralsmaragadandelk'shoof.Inthefit,giveepileptic
water,aslavenderwater,andrubwithoilofamber,orhangapeony
root,andelk'shoofsmaragad,aboutthechild'sneck.
Asto a convulsion, it is whenthe brain labours to cast out that
whichtroublesit;themarinerisinthemarrow oftheback,and
fountainofthenerves;itisastubborndisease,andoftenkills.
Washthebody,wheninthefit,withdecoctionofalthoea,lilyroots,
peonyandcamomileflowerets,andanointitwithman'sandgoose's
grease,oilsofworms,orris,lilies,foxes,turpentine,mastich,storax
andcalamint.Thesunflowerisalsoverygood,boiledinwater,to
washthechild.

FOOTNOTES:
[11]
Tent(surgical).Abunchofsomefibresuchasspongeorhorsehair
introducedintoanopening,naturalorartificial,tokeepitopen,or
increaseitscalibre.

PROPERANDSAFE
REMEDIESFORCURINGALL

THOSEDISTEMPERSTHAT
AREPECULIARTOTHE
FEMALESEXAND
ESPECIALLYTHOSE
OBSERVATIONSTO
BEARINGOFCHILDREN
BOOKII
Having finished the first part of this book, and wherein, I hope,
amplymadegoodmypromisetothereader,Iamnowcometotreat
onlyofthosedistemperstowhichtheyaremoresubjectwhenina
breedingcondition,andthosethatkeepthemfrombeingso;together
withsuchproperandsaferemediesasmaybesufficienttorepel
them.Andsinceamongstallthediseasestowhichhumannatureis
subject,thereisnonethatmorediametricallyopposestheveryend
ofourcreation,andthedesignofnatureintheformationofdifferent
sexes,andthepowertherebygivenusfortheworkofgeneration,
thanthatofsterilityorbarrennesswhich,whereitprevails,renders
themostaccomplishedmidwifebutauselessperson,anddestroys
thedesignofourbook;Ithink,therefore,thatbarrennessisaneffect
thatdeservesourfirstandprincipalconsideration.

CHAPTERI
OfBarrenness;itsseveralKinds;withtheproperRemediesforit;
andtheSignsofInsufficiencybothinMenandWomen.

SECTIONI.OfBarrennessinGeneral.
Barrennessiseithernaturalorartificial.
Natural barrenness is when a woman is barren, though the
instruments of generation are perfect both in herself and in her
husband,andnopreposterousordiabolicalcourseusedtoit,and
neither age, nor disease, nor any defect hindering, and yet the
womanremainsnaturallybarren.
Now this may proceed from a natural cause, for if the man and
womanbeofonecomplexion,theyseldomhavechildren,andthe
reasonisclear,fortheuniversalcourseofnaturebeingformedofa
compositionofcontraries,cannotbeincreasedbyacompositionof
likes;and,therefore,iftheconstitutionofthewomanbehotanddry,
as well as the man's there can be no conception; and if, on the
contrary,themanshouldbeofacoldandmoistconstitution,aswell
asthewoman,theeffectwouldbethesame;andthisbarrennessis
purelynatural.Theonlywaytohelpthisis,forpeople,beforethey
marry,toobserveeachothersconstitutionandcomplexion,ifthey
designtohavechildren.Iftheircomplexionsandconstitutionsbe
alike,theyarenotfittocometogether,fordiscordantnaturesonly,
makeharmonyintheworkofgeneration.
Anothernaturalcauseofbarrenness,iswantoflovebetweenman
and wife. Love is that vivid principle that ought to inspire each

organintheactofgeneration,orelseitwillbespiritlessanddull;
foriftheirheartsbenotunitedinlove,howshouldtheirseedunite
tocauseConception?Andthisissufficientlyevinced,inthatthere
neverfollowsconceptiononarape.Therefore,ifmenandwomen
designtohavechildren,letthemliveso,thattheirheartsaswellas
theirbodiesmaybeunited,orelsetheymaymisstheirexpectations.
Athirdcauseofnaturalbarrenness,isthelettingvirginsbloodinthe
armbeforetheirnaturalcoursesarecomedown,whichisusuallyin
thefourteenthandfifteenthyearoftheirage;sometimes,perhaps
before the thirteenth, but never before the twelfth. And because
usually,theyareoutoforder,andindisposedbeforetheirpurgations
come down, their parents run to the doctor to know what is the
matter;andhe,ifnotskilled,willnaturallyprescribeopeningavein
inthearm,thinkingfullnessofbloodthecause;andthussheseems
recoveredforthepresent:andwhentheyoungvirginhappenstobe
inthesamedisorder,themotherappliesagaintothesurgeon,who
usesthesameremedy;andbythesemeansthebloodissodiverted
fromitsproperchannel,thatitcomesnotdownthewombasusual,
andsothewombdriesup,andsheisforeverbarren.Toprevent
this,letnovirginbloodinthearmbeforehercoursescomedown
well;forthatwillbringtheblooddownwards,andbythatmeans
provokethemenstruatocomedown.
Another cause of natural barrenness, is debility in copulation. If
personsperformnotthatactwithallthebentandardourthatnature
requires,theymayaswellletitalone;forfrigidityandcoldness
neverproducesconception.Ofthecureofthiswewillspeakbyand
by,afterIhavespokenofaccidentalbarrenness,whichisoccasioned
bysomemorbificmatterorinfirmityinthebody,eitheroftheman
orofthewoman,whichbeingremovedtheybecomefruitful.And
since,asIhavebeforenoted,thefirstandgreatlawofcreation,was
toincreaseandmultiply,andbarrennessisindirectoppositionto
thatlaw,andfrustratestheendofourcreation,andoftencausesman

andwifetohavehardthoughtsoneofanother,Ishallhere,forthe
satisfactionofwellmeaningpeople,setdownthesignsandcauses
ofinsufficiencybothinmenandwomen;premisingfirstthatwhen
peoplehavenochildren,theymustnotpresentlyblameeitherparty,
forneithermaybeinfault.

SECT.II.SignsandCausesofInsufficiencyinMen.
Onecausemaybeinsomeviciousnessoftheyard,asifthesamebe
crooked,oranyligamentsthereofdistortedandbroken,wherebythe
waysandpassages,throughwhichtheseedshouldflow,cometobe
stoppedorvitiated.
Another cause may be, too much weakness of the yard, and
tendernessthereof,sothatitisnotstrongenougherectedtoinject
seedintothewomb;forthestrengthandstiffnessoftheyardvery
muchconducestoconception,byreasonoftheforcibleinjectionof
theseed.
Also, if the stones have received any hurt, so that they cannot
exercisethepropergiftinproducingseed,oriftheybeoppressed
withaninflammation,tumour,woundorulcer,ordrawnupwithin
thebelly,andnotappearingoutwardly.
Also,amanmaybebarrenbyreasonofthedefectofseed,asfirst,if
hecastforthnoseedatall,orlessinsubstancethanisneedful.Or,
secondly,iftheseedbevicious,orunfitforgeneration;asonthe
oneside,ithappensinbodiesthataregrossandfat,thematterofit
being defective; and on the other side, too much leanness, or
continualwastingorconsumptionofthebody,destroysseed;nature
turningallthematterandsubstancethereofintothenutrimentofthe
body.
Too frequent copulation is also one great cause of barrenness in

men;foritattracteththeseminalmoisturefromthestones,beforeit
is sufficiently prepared and concocted. So if any one, by daily
copulation,doexhaustanddrawoutalltheirmoistureoftheseed,
thendothestonesdrawthemoisthumoursfromthesuperiorveins
untothemselves;andso,havingbutalittlebloodinthem,theyare
forcedofnecessitytocastitoutrawandunconcocted,andthusthe
stonesareviolentlydeprivedofthemoistureoftheirveins,andthe
superior veins, and all the other parts of the body, of their vital
spirits; therefore it is no wonder that those who use immoderate
copulationareveryweakintheirbodies,seeingtheirwholebodyis
deprivedofthebestandpurestblood,andofthespirit,insomuch
thatmanywhohavebeentoomuchaddictedtothatpleasure,have
killedthemselvesintheveryact.
Gluttony,drunkenness,andotherexcesses,dosomuchhindermen
fromfruitfulness,thatitmakesthemunfitforgeneration.
Butamongothercausesofbarrennessofmen,thisalsoisone,and
makesthemalmostofthenatureofeunuchs,andthatistheincision
or the cutting of the veins behind their ears, which in case of
distempersisoftentimesdone;for,accordingtotheopinionsofmost
physiciansandanatomists,theseedflowsfromthebrainbythose
veinsbehindtheears,morethananypartofthebody.Fromwhence
itisveryprobable,thatthetransmissionoftheseedishinderedby
thecuttingoftheveinsbehindtheears,sothatitcannotdescendto
thetesticles,ormaycomethitherverycrudeandraw.

SECT.III.SignsandCausesofInsufficiencyor
BarrennessinWomen.
Althoughtherearemanycausesofthebarrennessofwomen,yetthe
chiefandprincipalareinternal,respectingeithertheprivyparts,the
wombormenstruousblood.

Therefore,Hippocratessaith(speakingaswellofeasyasdifficult
conceptioninwomen)thefirstconsiderationistobehadoftheir
species;forlittlewomenaremoreapttoconceivethangreat,slender
thangross,whiteandfairthanruddyandhighcoloured,blackthan
wan,thosethathavetheirveinsconspicuous,thanothers;buttobe
veryfleshyisevil,andtohavegreatswelledbreastsisgood.
Thenextthingtobeconsideredis,themonthlypurgations,whether
theyhavebeendulyeverymonth,whethertheyflowplentifully,are
ofagoodcolour,andwhethertheyhavebeenequaleverymonth.
Thenthewomb,orplaceofconception,istobeconsidered.Itought
tobecleanandsound,dryandsoft,notretractedordrawnup;not
proneordescendingdownward;northemouththereofturnedaway,
nortoocloseshutup.Buttospeakmoreparticularly:
Thefirstpartstobespokenofarethepudenda,orprivities,andthe
womb;whichpartsareshutandenclosedeitherbynatureoragainst
nature;andfromhence,suchwomenarecalled imperforate;asin
somewomenthemouthoftheirwombcontinuescompressed,or
closedup,fromthetimeoftheirbirthuntilthecomingdownoftheir
courses,andthen,onasudden,whentheirtermspressforwardto
purgation, they are molested with great and unusual pains.
Sometimesthesebreakoftheirownaccord,othersaredissectedand
opened by physicians; others never break at all, which bring on
disordersthatendindeath.
AlltheseAetiusparticularlyhandles,showingthatthewombisshut
threemannerofways,whichhindersconception.Andthefirstis
whenthe pudenda growandcleavetogether.Thesecondis,when
these certain membranes grow in the middle part of the matrix
within. The third is, when (though the lips and bosom of the
pudendamayappearfairandopen),themouthofthewombmaybe
quiteshutup.Allwhichareoccasionsofbarrenness,astheyhinder
theintercoursewithman,themonthlycourses,andconception.

Butamongstallcausesofbarrennessinwomen,thegreatestisinthe
womb,whichisthefieldofgeneration;andifthisfieldiscorrupt,it
isinvaintoexpectanyfruit,beiteversowellsown.Itmaybeunfit
forgenerationbyreasonofmanydistemperstowhichitissubject;
as for instance, overmuch heat and overmuch cold; for women
whose wombs are too thick and cold, cannot conceive, because
coldness extinguishes the heat of the human seed. Immoderate
moistureofthewombalsodestroystheseedofman,andmakesit
ineffectual, as corn sown in ponds and marshes; and so does
overmuchdrynessofthewomb,sothattheseedperishethforwant
of nutriment. Immoderate heat of the womb is also a cause of
barrennessforitscorchethuptheseedascornsowninthedrought
ofsummer;forimmoderateheatburnsallpartsofthebody,sothat
noconceptioncanliveinthewomb.
When unnatural humours are engendered, as too much phlegm,
tympanies,wind,water,worms,oranyotherevilhumourabounding
contrarytonature,itcausesbarrennessasdoalltermsnotcoming
downindueorder.
Awomanmayalsohaveaccidentalcausesofbarrenness(atleast
suchasmayhinderherconception),assuddenfrights,anger,grief
andperturbationofmind;tooviolentexercises,asleaping,dancing,
running,aftercopulation,andthelike.ButIwillnow addsome
signs,bywhichthesethingsmaybeknown.
Ifthecauseofbarrennessbeintheman,throughovermuchheatin
theseed,thewomanmayeasilyfeelthatinreceivingit.
Ifthenatureofthewomanbetoohot,andsounfitforconception,it
will appear by her having her terms very little, and the colour
incliningtoyellowness;sheisalsoveryhasty,cholericandcrafty;
herpulsebeatsveryswift,andsheisverydesirousofcopulation.
Toknowwhetherthefaultisinthemanorinthewoman,sprinkle

theman's urine uponalettuceleaf, andthewoman'surineupon

another,andthatwhichdriesawayfirstisunfruitful.Alsotakefive
wheatencornsandsevenbeans,putthemintoanearthenpot,andlet
thepartymakewatertherein;letthisstandsevendays,andifinthat
timetheybegintosprout,thenthepartyisfruitful;butiftheysprout
not,thenthepartyisbarren,whetheritbethemanorthewoman;
thisisacertainsign.
Therearesomethatmakethisexperimentofawoman'sfruitfulness;
take myrrh, red storax and some odoriferous things, and make a
perfumeofwhichletthewomanreceiveintotheneckofthewomb
throughafunnel;ifthewomanfeelsthesmokeascendthroughher
bodytothenose,thensheisfruitful;otherwisesheisbarren.Some
alsotakegarlicandbeer,andcausethewomantolieuponherback
uponit,andifshefeelthescentthereofinhernose,itisasignof
herbeingfruitful.
Culpepperandothersalsogiveagreatdealofcredittothefollowing
experiment.Takeahandfulofbarley,andsteephalfofitintheurine
ofaman,andtheotherhalfintheurineofthewoman,forthespace
oftwentyfourhours;thentakeitout,andputtheman'sbyitself,
andthewoman'sbyitself;setitinaflowerpot,orsomeotherthing,
whereletitdry;watertheman'severymorningwithhisownurine,
andthewoman'swithhers,andthatwhichgrowsfirstisthemost
fruitful;butiftheygrownotatall,theyarebothnaturallybarren.
Cure.Ifthebarrennessproceedsfromstoppageofthemenstrua,let
thewomansweat,forthatopenstheparts;andthebestwaytosweat
isinahothouse.Thenletthewombbestrengthenedbydrinkinga
draughtofwhitewine,whereinahandfulofstinkingarrach,first
bruised, has been boiled, for by a secret magnetic virtue, it
strengthensthewomb,andbyasympatheticquality,removesany
diseasethereof.Towhichaddalsoahandfulofvervain,whichis
verygoodtostrengthenboththewombandthehead,whichare

commonlyafflictedtogetherbysympathy.Havingusedthesetwoor
threedays,iftheycomenotdown,takeofcalamint,pennyroyal,
thyme, betony, dittany, burnet, feverfew, mugwort, sage, peony
roots,juniperberries,halfahandfulofeach,orasmanyascanbe
got;letthesebeboiledinbeer,andtakenforherdrink.
Takeonepartofgentianroot,twopartsofcentaury,distilthemwith
ale in an alembic after you have bruised the gentianroots and
infusedthemwell.Thiswaterisanadmirableremedytoprovokethe
terms.Butifyouhavenotthiswaterinreadiness,takeadrachmof
centaury, and half a drachm of gentianroots bruised, boiled in
possetdrink,anddrinkhalfadrachmofitatnightgoingtobed.
Seedofwildnavewbeatentopowder,andadrachmofittakenin
themorninginwhitewine,alsoisverygood;butifitanswersnot,
shemustbeletbloodinthelegs.Andbesureyouadministeryour
medicinesalittlebeforethefullofthemoon,bynomeansinthe
waneofthemoon;ifyoudo,youwillfindthemineffectual.
Ifbarrennessproceedfromtheoverflowingofthemenstrua,then
strengthenthewombasyouweretaughtbefore;afterwardsanoint
the veins of the back with oil of roses, oil of myrtle and oil of
quinceseverynight,andthenwrapapieceofwhitebaiseaboutyour
veins,thecottonsidenexttotheskinandkeepthesamealwaystoit.
Butaboveall,Irecommendthismedicinetoyou.Takecomfrey
leavesorroots,andclownwoundwort,ofeachahandful;bruise
themwell,andboiltheminale,anddrinkagooddraughtofitnow
and then. Or take cinnamon, cassia lignea, opium, of each two
drachms; myrrh, white pepper, galbanum, of each one drachm;
dissolvethegumandopiuminwhitewine;beattherestintopowder
andmakepills,mixingthemtogetherexactly,andletthepatient
taketwoeachnightgoingtobed;butletthepillsnotexceedfifteen
grains.
Ifbarrennessproceedfromafluxinthewomb,thecuremustbe

according to the cause producing it, or which the flux proceeds

from,whichmaybeknownbysigns;forafluxofthewomb,beinga
continualdistillationfromitforalongtimetogether,thecolourof
whatisvoidedshowswhathumouritisthatoffends;insomeitis
red,andthatproceedsfrombloodputrified,insomeitisyellow,and
thatdenotescholer;inotherswhiteandpale,anddenotesphlegm.If
purebloodcomesout,asifaveinwereopened,somecorrosionor
gnawingofthewombistobefeared.Alltheseareknownbythe
followingsigns:
Theplaceofconceptioniscontinuallymoistwiththehumours,the
faceillcoloured,thepartyloathesmeatandbreatheswithdifficulty,
theeyesaremuchswollen,whichissometimeswithoutpain.Ifthe
offendinghumourbepureblood,thenyoumustletbloodinthearm,
andthecephalicveinisfittesttodrawbacktheblood;thenletthe
juiceofplantainandcomfreybeinjectedintothewomb.Ifphlegm
beacause,letcinnamonbeaspiceusedinallhermeatsanddrinks,
andlethertakealittleVenicetreacleormithridateeverymorning.
Letherboilburnet,mugwort,feverfewandvervaininallherbroths.
Also,halfadrachmofmyrrh,takeneverymorning,isanexcellent
remedy against this malady. If choler be the cause, let her take
burrage, buglos, red roses, endive and succory roots, lettuce and
whitepoppyseed,ofeachahandful;boiltheseinwhitewineuntil
onehalfbewasted;letherdrinkhalfapinteverymorningtowhich
halfpintaddsyrupofchicoryandsyrupofpeachflowers,ofeach
anounce,withalittlerhubarb,andthiswillgentlypurgeher.Ifit
proceedfromputrifiedblood,letherbebledinthefoot,andthen
strengthenthewomb,asIhavedirectedinstoppingthemenstrua.
If barrenness be occasioned by the falling out of the womb, as
sometimesithappens,letherapplysweetscentstothenose,suchas
civet,galbanum,storax,calamitis,woodofaloes;andsuchother
thingsasareofthatnature;andletherlaystinkingthingstothe
womb,suchasasafoetida,oilofamber,orthesmokeofherown

hair,beingburnt;forthisisacertaintruth,thatthewombfliesfrom
allstinking,andtoallsweetthings.Butthemostinfalliblecurein
thiscaseis;takeacommonburdockleaf(whichyoumaykeepdry,
ifyouplease,alltheyear),applythistoherheadanditwilldrawthe
wombupwards.Infitsofthemother,applyittothesolesofthefeet,
and it will draw the womb downwards. But seed beaten into a
powder,drawsthewombwhichwayyouplease,accordinglyasitis
applied.
Ifbarrennessinthewomanproceedfromahotcause,lethertake
wheyandclarifyit;thenboilplantainleavesandrootsinit,and
drinkitforherordinarydrink.Letherinjectplantainjuiceintoher
wombwithasyringe.Ifitbeinthewinter,whenyoucannotgetthe
juice,makeastrongdecoctionoftheleavesandrootsinwater,and
injectthatupwithasyringe,butletitbebloodwarm,andyouwill
find this medicine of great efficacy. And further, to take away
barrennessproceedingfromhotcauses,takeofconserveofroses,
coldlozenges,makeatragacanth,theconfectionsoftrincatelia;and
use,tosmellto,camphor,rosewaterandsaunders.Itisalsogoodto
bleed the basilica or liver vein, and take four or five ounces of
blood,andthentakethispurge;takeelectuariumdeepithymode
succorosarum,ofeachtwodrachmsandahalf;clarifiedwhey,four
ounces;mixthemwelltogether,andtakeitinthemorningfasting;
sleepafteritaboutanhourandahalf,andfastforfourhoursafter;
andaboutanhourbeforeyoueatanything,drinkagooddraughtof
whey. Also take lilywater, four ounces; mandragore water, one
ounce;saffron,halfascruple;beatthesaffrontoapowder,andmix
itwithwaters,drinkthemwarminthemorning;usetheseeightdays
together.
SomeapparentRemedyagainstBarrennessandtocause
Fruitfulness.
Take broom flowers, smallage, parsley seed, cummin, mugwort,

feverfew,ofeachhalfascruple;aloes,halfanounce;Indiansalt,
saffron,ofeachhalfadrachm;beatandmixthemtogether,andput
ittofiveouncesoffeverfewwaterwarm;stopitup,andletitstand
anddryinawarmplace,andthisdo,twoorthreetimes,oneafter
theother;thenmakeeachdrachmintosixpills,andtakeoneofthem
everynightbeforesupper.
For a purging medicine against barrenness, take conserve of
benedicta lax, a quarter of an ounce; depsillo three drachms,
electuaryderosarum,onedrachm;mixthemtogetherwithfeverfew
water,anddrinkitinthemorningbetimes.Aboutthreedaysafter
thepatienthathtakenthispurge,letherbebled,takingfourorfive
ouncesfromthemedian,orcommonblackveininthefoot;andthen
giveforfivesuccessivedays,filedivory,adrachmandahalf,in
feverfewwater;andduringthetimelethersitinthefollowingbath
an hour together, morning and night. Take mild yellow sapes,
daucas,balsamwoodandfruit,ashkeys,ofeachtwohandfuls,red
and white behen, broom flowers, of each a handful; musk, three
grains; amber, saffron, of each a scruple; boiled in water
sufficiently;butthemusk,saffron,amberandbroomflowersmust
beputintothedecoction,afteritisboiledandstrained.
AConfectionverygoodagainstBarrenness.
Takepistachia,eringoes,ofeachhalfanounce;saffron,onedrachm;
lignum aloes, galengal, mace, coriophilla, balm flowers, red and
white behen, of each four scruples; syrup of confected ginger,
twelveounces;whitesugar,sixounces,decoctalltheseintwelve
ouncesofbalmwater,andstirthemwelltogether;thenputinit
muskandamber,ofeachascruple;takethereofthequantityofa
nutmegthreetimesaday;inthemorning,anhourbeforenoonand
anhouraftersupper.
Butifthecauseofbarrenness,eitherinmanorwoman,bethrough

scarcityordiminutionofthenaturalseed,thensuchthingsaretobe
takenasdoincreasetheseed,andincitetostiruptovenery,and
furtherconception;whichIshallheresetdown,andthenconclude
thechapterconcerningbarrenness.
Forthis,yellowrapeseedbakedinbreadisverygood;alsoyoung,
fatflesh,nottoomuchsalted;alsosaffron,thetailsofstincus,and
longpepperpreparedinwine.Butletsuchpersonseschewallsour,
sharp,doughyandslimymeats,longsleepaftermeat,surfeitingand
drunkenness, and so much as they can, keep themselves from
sorrow,grief,vexationandanxiouscare.
Thesethingsfollowingincreasethenaturalseed,stirupthevenery
andrecovertheseedagainwhenitislost,viz.,eggs,milk,rice,
boiledinmilk,sparrows'brains,flesh,bonesandall;thestonesand
pizzlesofbulls,bucks,ramsandbears,alsococks'stones,lambs'
stones, partridges', quails' and pheasants' eggs. And this is an
undeniableaphorism,thatwhateveranycreatureisaddictedunto,
theymoveorincitethemanorthewomanthateatsthem,tothelike,
and therefore partridges, quails, sparrows, etc., being extremely
addictedtovenery,theyworkthesameeffectonthosemenand
womenthateatthem.Also,takenotice,thatinwhatpartofthebody
thefacultythatyouwouldstrengthen,lies,takethatsamepartofthe
body of another creature, in whom the faculty is strong, as a
medicine.Asforinstance,theprocreativefacultyliesinthetesticles;
therefore, cocks' stones, lambs' stones, etc., are proper to stir up
venery.Iwillalsogiveyouanothergeneralrule;allcreaturesthat
arefruitfulbeingeaten,makethemfruitfulthateatthem,ascrabs,
lobsters,prawns,pigeons,etc.Thestonesofafox,driedandbeaten
toapowder,andadrachmtakeninthemorninginsheep'smilk,and
thestonesofaboartakeninlikemanner,areverygood.Theheartof
amalequailcarriedaboutaman,andtheheartofafemalequail
carried about a woman, causes natural love and fruitfulness. Let
them,also,thatwouldincreasetheirseed,eatanddrinkofthebest,

asmuchastheycan;for sineCerereelLibero,frigetVenus,isan
oldproverb,whichis,"withoutgoodmeatanddrink,Venuswillbe
frozentodeath."
Pottagesaregoodtoincreasetheseed;suchasaremadeofbeans,
peas,andlupins,mixedwithsugar.Frenchbeans,wheatsoddenin
broth,aniseed,alsoonions,stewedgarlic,leeks,yellowrapes,fresh
mugwort roots, eringo roots confected, ginger connected, etc. Of
fruits,hazelnuts,cyprusnuts,pistachio,almondsandmarchpanes
thereof.Spicesgoodtoincreaseseedarecinnamon,galengal,long
pepper,cloves,ginger,saffronandasafoetida,adrachmandahalf
takeningoodwine,isverygoodforthispurpose.
Theweaknessanddebilityofaman'syard,beingagreathindrance
toprocreationlethimusethefollowingointmenttostrengthenit:
Takewax,oilofbeavercod,marjoram,gentleandoilofcostus,of
eachalikequantity,mixthemintoanointment,andputittoalittle
musk,andwithitanointtheyard,cods,etc.Takeofhouseemmets,
threedrachms,oilofwhitesafannum,oiloflilies,ofeachanounce;
poundandbruisetheants,andputthemtotheoilandletthemstand
inthesunsixdays;thenstrainouttheoilandaddtoiteuphorbium
onescruple,pepperandrue,ofeachonedrachm,mustardseedhalf
adrachm,setthisaltogetherinthesuntwoorthreedays,thenanoint
theinstrumentofgenerationtherewith.

CHAPTERII
TheDiseasesoftheWomb.
Ihavealreadysaid,thatthewombisthefieldofgeneration;andif
thisfieldbecorrupted,itisvaintoexpectanyfruit,althoughitbe

eversowellsown.Itis,therefore,notwithoutreasonthatIintendin
thischaptertosetdowntheseveraldistemperstowhichthewombis
obnoxious,withproperandsaferemediesagainstthem.

SECTIONI.OftheHotDistemperoftheWomb.
Thedistemperconsistsinexcessofheat;forasheatofthewombis
necessaryforconception,soifitbetoomuch,itnourishethnotthe
seed, but it disperseth its heat, and hinders the conception. This
preternatural heat is sometimes from the birth, and causeth
barrenness,butifitbeaccidental,itisfromhotcauses,thatbringthe
heatandthebloodtothewomb;itarisesalsofrominternaland
externalmedicines,andfromtoomuchhotmeat,drinkandexercise.
Thosethataretroubledwiththisdistemperhavebutfewcourses,
andthoseareyellow,black,burntorsharp,havehairbetimeson
their privities, are very prone to lust, subject to headache, and
aboundwithcholer,andwhenthedistemperisstronguponthem,
theyhavebutfewterms,whichareoutoforder,beingbadandhard
toflow,andintimetheybecomehypochondriacal,andforthemost
partbarren,havingsometimesaphrenzyofthewomb.
Cure. The remedy is to use coolers, so that they offend not the
vesselsthatmostopenforthefluxoftheterms.Therefore,takethe
following inwardly; succory, endive, violets, water lilies, sorrel,
lettuce,saundersandsyrupsandconservemadethereof.Alsotakea
conserveofsuccory,violets,waterlilies,burrage,eachanounce;
conserveofroses,halfanounce,diamargationfrigid,diatriascantal,
eachhalfadrachm;andwithsyrupofviolets,orjuiceofcitrons,
makeanelectuary.Foroutwardapplications,makeuseofointment
of roses, violets, waterlilies, gourd, Venus navel, applied to the
backandloins.
Lettheairbecool,hergarmentsthin,andherfoodendive,lettuce,

succoryandbarley.Givehernohotmeats,norstrongwine,unless
mixedwithwater.Restisgoodforher,butshemustabstainfrom
copulation,thoughshemaysleepaslongasshepleases.

SECT.II.OftheColdDistempersoftheWomb.
Thisdistemperisthereverseoftheforegoing,andequallyanenemy
togeneration,beingcausedbyacoldqualityaboundingtoexcess,
and proceeds from a too cold air, rest, idleness and cooling
medicines.Itmaybeknownbyanaversiontovenery,andtakingno
pleasureintheactofcopulationwhentheseedisspent;theterms
arephlegmatic,thickandslimy,anddonotflowastheyshould;the
wombiswindyandtheseedcrudeandwaterish.Itisthecauseof
obstructionsandbarrenness,andishardtobecured.
Cure. Take galengal, cinnamon, nutmeg mace, cloves, ginger,
cububs,cardamom,grainsofparadise,eachanounceandahalf,
galengal, six drachms, long pepper, half an ounce, Zedoary five
drachms;bruisethemandaddsixquartsofwine,putthemintoa
cellarninedays,dailystirringthem;thenaddofminttwohandfuls,
andletthemstandfourteendays,pouroffthewineandbruisethem,
andthenpouronthewineagain,anddistilthem.Alsoanointwith
oiloflilies,rue,angelica,cinnamon,cloves,maceandnutmeg.Let
herdietandairbewarm,hermeatofeasyconcoction,seasonedwith
antseed,fennelandthyme;andletheravoidrawfruitsandmilk
diets.

SECT.III.OftheInflationoftheWomb.
Theinflationofthewombisastretchingofitbywind,calledby
someawindymole;thewindproceedsfromacoldmatter,whether
thickorthin,containedintheveinsofthewomb,bywhichtheheat

thereofisovercome,andwhicheitherflowsthitherfromotherparts,
orisgatheredtherebycoldmeatsanddrinks.Coldairmaybea
producingcauseofitalso,aswomenthatlieinareexposedtoit.
The wind is contained either in the cavity of the vessels of the
womb,orbetweenthetumicle,andmaybeknownbyaswellingin
theregionofthewomb,whichsometimesreachestothenavel,loins
and diaphragm, and rises and abates as the wind increaseth or
decreaseth.Itdiffersfromthedropsy,inthatitneverswellssohigh.
Thatneitherphysiciannormidwifemaytakeitfordropsy,letthem
observethesignsofthewomanwiththechildlaiddowninaformer
partofthiswork;andifanysignbewanting,theymaysuspectitto
beaninflation;ofwhichitisafurthersign,thatinconceptionthe
swelling is invariable; also if you strike upon the belly, in an
inflation, there will be noise, but not so in case there be a
conception.Italsodiffersfromamole,becauseinthatthereisa
weightandhardnessofthebelly,andwhenthepatientmovesfrom
onesidetotheothershefeelsagreatweightwhichmoveth,butnot
sointhis.Iftheinflationcontinuewithoutthecavityofthewomb,
the pain is greater and more extensive, nor is there any noise,
becausethewindismorepentup.
Cure.Thisdistemperisneitherofalongcontinuancenordangerous,
iflookedafterintime;andifitbeinthecavityofthewombitis
moreeasilyexpelled.Towhichpurposegiveherdiaphnicon,witha
littlecastorandsharpclystersthatexpelthewind.Ifthisdistemper
happentoawomanintravaillethernotpurgeafterdelivery,nor
bleed,becauseitisfromacoldmatter;butifitcomeafterchild
bearing,andhertermscomedownsufficiently,andshehasfullness
ofblood,letthesaphoenaveinbeopened,afterwhich,lethertake
thefollowingelectuary:takeconserveofbetonyandrosemary,of
eachanounceandahalf;candiederingoes,citronpeelcandied,each
halfanounce;diacimium,diagenel,eachadrachm;oilofaniseed,
sixdrops,andwithsyrupofcitronsmakeanelectuary.Foroutward
application make a cataplasm of rue, mugwort, camomile, dill,

calamint, new pennyroyal, thyme, with oil of rue, keir and

camomile.Andletthefollowingclystertoexpelthewindbeput
intothewomb:Takeagnuscastus,cinnamon,eachtwodrachms,
boiltheminwinetohalfapint.Shemaylikewiseusesulphur,Bath
andSpawaters,bothinwardandoutward,becausetheyexpelthe
wind.

SECT.IV.OftheStraitnessoftheWombandits
Vessels.
Thisisanothereffectofthewomb,whichisaverygreatobstruction
tothebearingofchildren,hinderingboththeflowofthemensesand
conception,andisseatedinthevesselofthewomb,andtheneck
thereof.Thecausesofthisstraitnessarethickandroughhumours,
thatstopthemouthsoftheveinsandarteries.Thesehumoursare
bredeitherbygrossortoomuchnourishment,whentheheatofthe
wombissoweakthatitcannotattenuatethehumours,whichby
reasonthereof,eitherflowfromthewholebody,oraregatheredinto
thewomb.Nowthevesselsaremadestraiterorcloserseveralways;
sometimesbyinflammation,scirrhousorothertumours;sometimes
bycompressions,scars,orbyfleshormembranesthatgrowaftera
wound.Thesignsbywhichthisisknownare,thestoppageofthe
terms,notconceiving,andconditiesaboundinginthebodywhich
areallshownbyparticularsigns,forifthereisawound,orthe
secundinebepulledoutbyforcephlegmcomesfromthewound;if
stoppageofthetermsbefromanoldobstructionofhumours,itis
hardtobecured;ifitbeonlyfromthedisorderlyuseofastringents,
itismorecurable;ifitbefromascirrhous,orothertumoursthat
compressorclosethevessel,thediseaseisincurable.
Cure.Forthecureofthatwhichiscurable,obstructionsmustbe
takenaway,phlegmmustbepurged,andshemustbeletblood,as

willbehereafterdirectedinthestoppageoftheterms.Thenusethe
following medicines: Take of aniseed and fennel seed, each a
drachm; rosemary, pennyroyal, calamint, betony flowers, each an
ounce;castus,cinnamon,galengal,eachhalfanounce;saffronhalfa
drachm,withwine.Ortakeasparagusroots,parsleyroots,eachan
ounce; pennyroyal, calamint, each a handful; wallflowers, gilly
flowers,eachtwohandfuls;boil,strainandaddsyrupofmugwort,
anounceandahalf.Forafomentation,takepennyroyal,mercury,
calamint, marjoram, mugwort, eachtwohandfuls, sage,rosemary
bays, camomileflowers, each a handful, boil them in water and
fomentthegroinandthebottomofthebelly;orlethersituptothe
navelinabath,andthenanointaboutthegroinwithoilofrue,lilies,
dill,etc.

SECT.V.OfthefallingoftheWomb.
This is another evil effect of the womb which is both very
troublesome, and also a hindrance to conception. Sometimes the
wombfallethtothemiddleofthethighs,nay,almosttotheknees,
andmaybeknownthenbyitshangingout.Now,thatwhichcauseth
thewombtochangeitsplaceis,thattheligamentsbywhichitis
bound to the other parts, are not in order; for there are four
ligaments,twoabove,broadandmembranous,roundandhollow;it
isalsoboundtothegreatvesselsbyveinsandarteries,andtothe
backbynerves;buttheplaceischangedwhenitisdrawnanother
way,orwhentheligamentsareloose,anditfallsdownbyitsown
weight.Itisdrawnononesidewhenthemensesarehinderedfrom
flowing,andtheveinsandarteriesarefull,namely,thosethatgoto
thewomb.Ifitbeamoleononeside,theliverandspleencauseit;
bytheliverveinontherightside,andthespleenontheleft,asthey
aremoreorlessfilled.Othersareofopinion,itcomesfromthe
solutionoftheconnexionofthefibrousneckandthepartsadjacent;

andthatitisfromtheweightofthewombdescending;thiswedeny
not,buttheligamentsmustbelooseorbroken.Butwomenwitha
dropsycouldnotbesaidtohavethewombfallendown,ifitcame
onlyfromlooseness;butinthemitiscausedbythesaltnessofthe
water,whichdriesmorethanitmoistens.Now,iftherebealittle
tumour, within or without the privities, it is nothing else but a
descentofthewomb,butiftherebeatumourlikeagoose'seggand
aholeatthebottomandthereisatfirstagreatpaininthepartsto
whichthewombisfastened,astheloins,thebottomofthebelly,
andtheossacrum,itproceedsfromthebreakingorstretchingofthe
ligaments; and a little after the pain is abated, and there is an
impediment in walking, and sometimes blood comes from the
breachofthevessels,andtheexcrementsandurinearestopped,and
then a fever and convulsion ensueth, oftentimes proving mortal,
especiallyifithappentowomenwithchild.
Cure.Forthecureofthisdistemper,firstputupthewombbefore
theairalterit,oritbeswollenorinflamed;andforthispurposegive
aclystertoremovetheexcrements,andlayheruponherback,with
herlegsabroad,andherthighsliftedupandherheaddown;then
takethetumourinyourhandandthrustitinwithoutviolence;ifit
beswelledbyalterationandcold,fomentitwiththedecoctionof
mallows,althoea,lime,fenugreek,camomileflowers,bayberries,
and anoint it with oil of lilies, and hen's grease. If there be an
inflammation,donotputitup,butfrightitin,byputtingaredhot
ironbeforeitandmakingashowasifyouintendedtoburnit;but
firstsprinkleuponitthepowderofmastich,frankincenseandthe
like;thus,takefrankincense,mastich,eachtwodrachms;sarcocol
steeped in milk, drachm; mummy, pomegranate flowers,
sanguisdraconis,eachhalfadrachm.Whenitisputup,letherlie
withherlegsstretched,andoneupontheother,foreightortendays,
andmakeapessaryintheformofapear,withcorkorsponge,and
putitintothewomb,dippedinsharpwine,orjuiceofacacia,with
powder of sanguis, with galbanum and bdellium. Apply also a

cuppingglass,withagreatflame,underthenavelorpaps,orboth
kidneys,andlaythisplastertotheback;takeopopanax,twoounces,
storaxliquid,halfanounce;mastich,frankincense,pitch,bole,each
twodrachms;thenwithwaxmakeaplaster;ortakelaudanum,a
drachmandahalf;mastich,andfrankincense,eachhalfadrachm,
woodaloes,cloves,spike,eachadrachm;ashcolouredambergris,
fourgrains:musk,halfascruple;maketworoundplasterstobelaid
oneachsideofthenavel;makeafumeofsnails'skinssalted,orof
garlic, and let it be taken in by the funnel. Use also astringent
fomentationsofbrambleleaves,plantain,horsetails,myrtles,each
twohandfuls;wormseed,twohandfuls;pomegranateflowers,half
an ounce; boil them in wine and water. For an injection take
comfrey root, an ounce; rupturewort, two drachms; yarrow,
mugwort,eachhalfanounce;boiltheminredwine,andinjectwith
asyringe.Tostrengthenthewomb,takehartshorn,bays,ofeach
halfadrachm;myrrhhalfadrachm;makeapowderoftwodoses,
andgiveitwithsharpwine.OryoumaytakeZedoary,parsnipseed,
crabs'eyesprepared,eachadrachm,nutmeg,halfadrachm;and
giveadrachm,inpowder;butastringentsmustbeusedwithgreat
caution,lestbystoppingthecoursesaworsemischieffollow.To
keepinitsplace,makerollersandligaturesasforarupture;andput
pessariesintothebottomofthewomb,thatmayforceittoremain.
Letthedietbesuchashasdrying,astringentandglueingqualities,
asrice,starch,quinces,pearsandgreencheese;butletthesummer
fruitsbeavoided;andletherwinebeastringentandred.

CHAPTERIII
OfDiseasesRelatingtoWomen'sMonthlyCourses.

SECTIONI.OfWomen'sMonthlyCoursesin
General.
ThatdivineProvidence,which,withawisdompeculiartoitself,has
appointedwomantoconceivebycoitionwithman,andtobearand
bringforthchildren,hasprovidedfornourishmentofchildrenduring
theirrecessinthewomboftheirmother,bythatredundancyofthe
blood which is natural to all women; and which, flowing out at
certainperiodsoftime(whentheyarenotpregnant)arefromthence
calledtermsandmenses,fromtheirmonthlyfluxofexcrementitious
and unprofitable blood. Now, that the matter flowing forth is
excrementitious, is to be understood only with respect to the
redundancy and overplus thereof, being an excrement only with
respecttoitsquantity;forastoitsquality,itisaspureandincorrupt
asanybloodintheveins;andthisappearsfromthefinalcauseofit,
which is the propagation and conservation of mankind, and also
fromthegenerationofit,beingsuperfluityofthelastalimentofthe
fleshyparts.Ifanyask,ifthemensesbenotofhurtfulquality,how
cantheycausesuchvenomouseffects;iftheyfallupontreesand
herbs,theymaketheonebarrenandmortifytheother:Ianswer,this
malignityiscontractedinthewomb,forthewoman,wantingnative
heattodigestthesuperfluity,sendsittothematrix,whereseating
itselftillthemouthofthewombbedilated,itbecomescorruptand
mortified;whichmayeasilybe,consideringtheheatandmoistness
of the place; and so this blood being out of its proper vessels,
offendsinquality.

SECT.II.OftheTermscomingoutoforder,either
beforeoraftertheusualTime.
Having,intheformerpartofthiswork,treated,ofthesuppression
andoverflowingofthemonthlyterms,Ishallcontentmyselfwith

referringthereaderthereto,andproceedtospeakoftheircomingout
oforder,eitherbeforeoraftertheusualtime.
Boththeseproceedfromanillconstitutionofbody.Everythingis
beautifulinitsorder,innatureaswellasinmorality;andifthe
orderofnaturebebroken,itshowsthebodytobeoutoforder.Of
eachoftheseeffectsbriefly.
When the monthly courses come before their time, showing a
depravedexcretion,andflowingsometimestwiceamonth,thecause
isintheblood,whichstirsuptheexpulsivefacultyofthewomb,or
elseinthewholebody,andisfrequentlyoccasionedbytheperson's
diet,whichincreasesthebloodtoomuch,makingittoosharportoo
hot.Iftheretentivefacultyofthewombbeweak,andtheexpulsive
facultystrong,andofaquicksense,itbringsthemforththesooner.
Sometimes they flow sooner by reason of a fall, stroke or some
violentpassion,whichthepartiesthemselvescanbestrelate.Ifitbe
fromheat,thinandsharphumours,itisknownbythedistemperof
thewholebody.Theloosenessofthevesselsandtheweaknessof
theretentivefaculty,isknownfromamoistandloosehabitofthe
body. It is more troublesome than dangerous, but hinders
conception,andthereforethecureisnecessaryforall,butespecially
suchasdesirechildren.Ifitproceedsfromasharpblood,lether
temperitbyagooddietandmedicines.Towhichpurpose,lether
usebathsofironwater,thatcorrectthedistemperofthebowels,and
then evacuate. If it proceeds from the retentive faculty, and
loosenessofthevessels,itistobecorrectedwithgentleastringents.
As to the courses flowing after the usual time, the causes are,
thicknessoftheblood,andthesmallnessofitsquantity,withthe
stoutnessofthepassage,andweaknessoftheexpulsivefaculties.
Eitherofthesesinglymaystopthecourses,butiftheyallconcur,
theyrenderthedistemperworse.Ifthebloodaboundsnotinsucha
quantity as may stir up nature to expel it, its purging must

necessarilybedeferred,tilltherebeenough.Andifthebloodbe
thick, the passage stopped, and the expulsive faculty weak, the
mensesmustneedsbeoutoforderandthepurgingofthemretarded.
Forthecureofthis,ifthequantityofbloodbesmall,letherusea
largerdiet,andaverylittleexercise.Ifthebloodbethickandfoul,
letitbemadethin,andthehumoursmixedtherewith,evacuated.It
isgoodtopurge,afterthecourseshavedoneflowing,andtouse
calamint,and,indeed,theoftenershepurges,thebetter.Shemay
also use fumes and pessaries, apply cupping glasses without
scarificationtotheinsideofthethighs,andrubthelegsandscarify
theankles,andholdthefeetinwarmwaterfourorfivedaysbefore
thecoursescomedown.Letheralsoanointthebottomofherbelly
withthingspropertoprovoketheterms.
RemediesforDiseasesinWomen'sPaps.
Makeacataplasmofbeanmealandsaladoil,andlayittotheplace
afflicted.Oranointwiththejuiceofpapilaris.Thismustbedone
whenthepapaareverysore.
Ifthepapsbehardandswollen,takeahandfulofrue,colewort
roots,horehoundandmint;ifyoucannotgetalltheseconveniently,
anytwowilldo;poundthehandfulinhoney,andapplyitonceevery
daytillhealed.
Ifthenipplesbestiffandsore,anointtwiceadaywithFlorenceoil,
tillhealed.Ifthepapsbeflabbyandhanging,bruisealittlehemlock,
andapplyittothebreastforthreedays;butletitnotstandabove
sevenhours.Or,whichissafer,rusaejuice,wellboiled,withalittle
sinapiosaddedthereto,andanoint.
Ifthepapsbehardanddead,makeaplateofleadprettythin,to
answerthebreasts;letthisstandninehourseachday,forthreedays.
Orsassafrasbruised,andusedinlikemanner.

ReceiptforProcuringMilk.
Drinkarpleui,drawnastea,fortwentyonedays.Oreatofaniseeds.
Alsothejuiceofarborvitae,aglassfulonceadayforelevendays,is
verygood,foritquickensthememory,strengthensthebody,and
causethmilktoflowinabundance.
DirectionsforDrawingofBlood.
Drawingofbloodwasfirstinventedforgoodandsalutarypurposes,
although often abused and misapplied. To bleed in the left arm
removes long continued pains and headaches.It is also good for
thosewhohavegotfallsandbruises.
Bleedingisgoodformanydisorders,andgenerallyprovesacure,
exceptinsomeextraordinarycases,andinthosecasesbleedingis
hurtful.Ifawomanbepregnant,todrawalittlebloodwillgiveher
ease,goodhealth,andalustychild.
Bleeding is a most certain cure for no less than twentyone
disorders,withoutanyoutwardorinwardapplications;andformany
morewithapplicationofdrugs,herbsandflowers.
Whenthemoonisontheincrease,youmayletbloodatanytime
dayornight;butwhensheisonthedecline,youmustbleedonlyin
themorning.
BleedingmaybeperformedfromthemonthofMarchtoNovember.
NobleedinginDecember,JanuaryorFebruary,unlessanoccasion
requireit.ThemonthsofMarch,AprilandNovember,arethethree
chiefmonthsoftheyearforbleedingin;butitmaybeperformed
withsafetyfromtheninthofMarchtothenineteenthofNovember.
Topreventthedangersthatmayarisefromsheunskilfuldrawingof
blood,letnoneopenabutapersonofexperienceandpractice.

Therearethreesortsofpeopleyoumustnotletdrawblood;first
ignorantandinexperiencedpersons.Secondly,thosewhohavebad
sightandtremblinghands,whetherskilfulorunskilled.Forwhen
thehandtrembles,thelanceisapttostartfromthevein,andthe
fleshbetherebydamaged,whichmayhurt,canker,andverymuch
tormentthepatient.Thirdly,letnowomanbleed,butsuchashave
gonethroughacourseofmidwiferyatcollege,forthosewhoare
unskilful may cut an artery, to the great damage of the patient.
Besides,whatisstillworse,thosepretendedbleeders,whotakeitup
attheirownhand,generallykeepunedgedandrustylancets,which
provehurtful,eveninaskilfulhand.Accordinglyyououghttobe
cautiousinchoosingyourphysician;amanoflearningknowswhat
veintoopenforeachdisorder;heknowshowmuchbloodtotakeas
soonasheseesthepatient,andhecangiveyousuitableadvice
concerningyourdisorder.

PARTIIIARISTOTLE'S
BOOKOFPROBLEMSWITH
OTHERASTROMER,
ASTROLOGERSAND
PHYSICIANS,CONCERNING
THESTATEOFMAN'S
BODY.

Q.Amongalllivingcreatures,whyhathmanonlyhiscountenance
lifteduptowardsHeaven.A.1.FromthewilloftheCreator.But
although this answer be true, yet it seemeth not to be of force,
becausethatsoallquestionsmightbeeasilyresolved.Therefore,2.I
answerthat,forthemostpart,everyworkmandothmakehisfirst
workworse,andthenhissecondbetter!soGodcreatingallother
animalsbeforemangavethemtheirfacelookingdowntotheearth;
andthensecondlyhecreatedman,untowhomhegaveanupright
shape,lifteduntoheaven,becauseitisdrawnfromdivinity,anditis
derivedfromthegoodnessofGod,whomakethallhisworksboth
perfect and good. 3. Man only, among all living creatures, is
ordained to the kingdom of heaven, and therefore hath his face
elevatedandlifteduptoheaven,becausethatdespisingearthlyand
worldlythings,heoughtoftentocontemplateonheavenlythings.4.
Thatthereasonablemanislikeuntoangels,andfinallyordained
towardsGod;andthereforehehathafigurelookingupward.5.Man
is a microcosm, that is, a little world, and therefore he doth
commandallotherlivingcreaturesandtheyobeyhim.6.Naturally
thereisuntoeverythingandeverywork,thatformandfiguregiven
which is fit and proper for its motion; as unto the heavens,
roundness,tothefireapyramidicalform,thatis,broadbeneathand
sharptowardsthetop,whichformismostapttoascend;andsoman
hashisfacetowardsheaventobeholdthewondersofGod'sworks.
Q.Whyaretheheadsofmenhairy?A.Thehairistheornamentof
thehead,andthebrainispurgedofgrosshumoursbythegrowingof
thehair,fromthehighesttothelowest,whichpassthroughthepores
oftheexteriorflesh,becomedry,andareconvertedintohair.This
appearstobethecase,fromthecircumstancethatinallman'sbody
thereisnothingdrierthanthehair,foritisdrierthanthebones;and
itiswellknownthatsomebeastsarenourishedwithbones,asdogs,
buttheycannotdigestfeathersorhair,butvoidthemundigested,
beingtoohotfornourishment.2.Itisanswered,thatthebrainis

purgedinthreedifferentways;ofsuperfluouswateryhumoursby
theeyes,ofcholerbythenose,andofphlegmbythehair,whichis
theopinionofthebestphysicians.
Q.Whyhavemenlongerhairontheirheadsthananyotherliving
creature? A. Arist. de Generat. Anim. says, that men have the
moistestbrainofalllivingcreaturesfromwhichtheseedproceedeth
whichisconvertedintothelonghairofthehead.2.Thehumoursof
menarefat,anddonotbecomedryeasily;andthereforethehair
groweth long on them. In beasts, the humours easily dry, and
thereforethehairgrowethnotsolong.
Q.Whydoththehairtakedeeperrootinman'sskinthaninthatof
any other living creatures? A. Because it has greater store of
nourishmentinman,andthereforegrowsmoreintheinwardpartsof
man.Andthisisthereasonwhyinothercreaturesthehairdothalter
andchangewiththeskin,andnotinman,unlessbyascarorwound.
Q.Whyhavewomenlongerhairthanmen?A.Becausewomenare
moisterandmorephlegmaticthanmen,andthereforethereismore
matterforhairtothem,and,byconsequence,thelengthalsooftheir
hair.And,furthermore,thismatterismoreincreasedinwomenthan
men from their interior parts, and especially in the time of their
monthlyterms,becausethematterdoththenascend,wherebythe
humour that breedeth the hair, doth increase. 2. Because women
wantbeards;sothematterofthebearddothgointothatofthehair.
Q.Whyhavesomewomensofthairandsomehard?A.1.Thehair
hathproportionwiththeskin;ofwhichsomeishard,somethick,
somesubtleandsoft,somegross;therefore,thehairwhichgrows
outofthick,grossskin,isthickandgross;thatwhichgrowethoutof
asubtleandfineskin,isfineandsoft;whentheporesareopen,then
comethforthmuchhumour,andthereforehardhairisengendered;
andwhentheporesarestrait,thentheredothgrowsoftandfinehair.
Thisdothevidentlyappearinmen,becausewomenhavesofterhair

thanthey;forinwomentheporesareshutandstrait,byreasonof
their coldness. 2. Because for the most part, choleric men have
harder and thicker hair than others, by reason of their heat, and
becausetheirporesarealwaysopen,andthereforetheyhavebeards
soonerthanothers.Forthisreasonalso,beaststhathavehardhair
are boldest, because such have proceeded from heat and choler,
examples of which we have in the bear and the boar; and
contrariwise, those beasts that have soft hair are fearful, because
theyarecold,asthehareandthehart.3.Fromtheclimatewherea
man is born; because in hot regions hard and gross hair is
engendered,asappearsintheEthiopians,andthecontraryisthe
caseiscoldcountriestowardthenorth.
Q.Whyhavesomemencurledhair,andsomesmooth?A.Fromthe
superiordegreeofheatinsomemen,whichmakesthehaircurland
growupward;thisisprovedbyaman'shavingsmoothhairwhenhe
goesintoahotbath,anditafterwardsbecomescurled.Therefore
keepers of baths have often curled hair, as also Ethiopians and
cholericmen.Butthecauseofthissmoothness,istheabundanceof
moisthumours.
Q.Whydowomenshowripenessbyhairintheirprivyparts,and
not elsewhere, but men in their breasts? A. Because in men and
womenthereisabundanceofhumidityinthatplace,butmostin
women,asmenhavethemouthofthebladderinthatplace,where
theurineiscontained,ofwhichthehairinthebreastisengendered,
andespeciallythataboutthenavel.Butofwomeningeneral,itis
said,thatthehumidityofthebladderofthematrix,orwomb,is
joined and meeteth in that lower secret place, and therefore is
dissolvedandseparatedinthatplaceintovapoursandfumes,which
arethecauseofhair.Andthelikedothhappeninotherplaces,asin
thehairunderthearms.
Q.Whyhavenotwomenbeards?A.Becausetheywantheat;which

isthecasewithsomeeffeminatemen,whoarebeardlessfromthe
samecause,tohavecomplexionslikewomen.
Q.Whydoththehairgrowonthosethatarehanged?A.Because
theirbodiesareexposedtothesun,which,byitsheatdothdissolve
allmoistureintothefumeorvapourofwhichthehairdothgrow.
Q.Whyisthehairofthebeardthickerandgrosserthanelsewhere;
andthemoremenareshaven,theharderandthickeritgroweth?A.
Because by so much as the humours or vapours of a liquid are
dissolved and taken away, so much the more doth the humour
remaining draw to the same; and therefore the more the hair is
shaven,thethickerthehumoursgatherwhichengenderthehair,and
causeittowaxhard.
Q. Why are women smooth and fairer than men? A. Because in
womenmuchofthehumidityandsuperfluity,whicharethematter
andcauseofthehairofthebody,isexpelledwiththeirmonthly
terms;whichsuperfluity,remaininginmen,throughvapourspasses
intohair.
Q.Whydothman,aboveallothercreatures,waxhoaryandgray?A.
Because man hath the hottest heart of all living creatures; and
therefore,naturebeingmostwise,lestamanshouldbesuffocated
throughtheheatofhisheart,hathplacedtheheart,whichismost
hot,underthebrain,whichismostcold;totheendthattheheatof
the heart may be tempered by the coldness of the brain; and
contrariwise,thatthecoldnessofthebrainmaybequalifiedbythe
heatoftheheart;andtherebytheremightbeatemperatureinboth.
Aproofofthisis,thatofalllivingcreaturesmanhaththeworst
breathwhenhecomestofullage.Furthermore,mandothconsume
nearly half his time in sleep, which doth proceed from the great
excessofcoldnessandmoistureinthebrain,andfromhiswanting
naturalheattodigestandconsumethatmoisture,whichheathehath
inhisyouth,andtherefore,inthatageisnotgray,butinoldage,

when heat faileth; because then the vapours ascending from the
stomach remain undigested and unconsumed for want of natural
heat,andthusputrefy,onwhichputrefactionofhumoursthatthe
whiteness doth follow, which is called grayness or hoariness.
Wherebyitdothappear,thathoarinessisnothingbutawhitenessof
hair,causedbyaputrefactionofthehumoursabouttherootsofthe
hair, through the want of natural heat in old age. Sometimes all
graynessiscausedbythenaughtinessofthecomplexion,whichmay
happen in youth: sometimes through over great fear and care as
appearethinmerchants,sailorsandthieves.
Q. Why doth red hair grow white sooner than hair of any other
colour? A. Because redness is an infirmity of the hair; for it is
engenderedofaweakandinfirmmatter,thatis,ofmattercorrupted
withtheflowersofthewoman;andthereforeitwaxeswhitesooner
thananyothercolour.
Q.Whydowolvesgrowgrisly?A.Tounderstandthisquestion,note
thedifferencebetweengraynessandgrisliness;graynessiscaused
throughdefectofnaturalheat,butgrislinessthroughdevouringand
heat. The wolf being a devouring beast, he eateth gluttonously
withoutchewing,andenoughatonceforthreedays;inconsequence
ofwhich,grossvapoursengenderedinthewolf'sbody,whichcause
grisliness.Graynessandgrislinesshavethisdifference;graynessis
onlyinthehead,butgrislinessalloverthebody.
Q.Whydohorsesgrowgrislyandgray?A.Becausetheyareforthe
most part in the sun, and heat naturally causes putrefaction;
thereforethematterofhairdothputrefy,andinconsequencethey
arequicklypeeled.
Q.Whydomengetbald,andtreesletfalltheirleavesinwinter?A.
Thewantofmoistureisthecauseinboth,whichisprovedbya
man'sbecomingbaldthroughvenery,becausebythatheletsforth
hisnaturalhumidityandheat;andbythatexcessincarnalpleasure

themoistureisconsumedwhichisthenutrimentofthehair.Thus,
eunuchsandwomendonotgrowbald,becausetheydonotpart
fromthismoisture;andthereforeeunuchsareofthecomplexionof
women.
Q.Whyarenotwomenbald?A.Becausetheyarecoldandmoist,
whicharethecausesthatthehairremaineth;formoistnessdothgive
nutrimenttothehair,andcoldnessdothbindthepores.
Q.Whyarenotblindmennaturallybald?A.Becausetheeyehath
moistureinit,andthatmoisturewhichshouldpassthroughbythe
substanceoftheeyes,dothbecomeasufficientnutrimentforthe
hairandthereforetheyareseldombald.
Q.Whydoththehairstandonendwhenmenareafraid?A.Because
intimeoffeartheheatdothgofromtheoutwardpartsofthebody
intotheinwardtohelptheheart,andsotheporesinwhichthehair
isfastenedareshutup,afterwhichstoppingandshuttingupofthe
pores,thestandingupofthehairdothfollow.

OftheHead.
Q. Whyis aman's head round?A.Because it contains in it the
moistestpartsofthelivingcreature:andalsothatthebrainmaybe
defendedthereby,aswithashield.
Q.Whyistheheadnotabsolutelylongbutsomewhatround?A.To
theendthatthethreecreeksandcellsofthebrainmightthebetterbe
distinguished;thatis,thefancyintheforehead,thediscoursingor
reasonablepartinthemiddle,andmemoryinthehindermostpart.
Q.Whydothamanliftuphisheadtowardstheheavenswhenhe
dothimagine?A.Becausetheimaginationisintheforepartofthe
headorbrain,andthereforeitliftethupitself,thatthecreeksorcells

oftheimaginationmaybeopened,andthatthespiritswhichhelp
theimagination,andarefitforthatpurpose,havingtheirconcourse
thither,mayhelptheimagination.
Q.Whydothaman,whenhemusethorthinkethofthingspast,look
towardstheearth?A.Becausethecellorcreekwhichisbehind,is
thecreekorchamberofthememory;andtherefore,thatlooketh
towardsheavenwhentheheadisboweddown,andsothecellis
open,totheendthatthespiritswhichperfectthememoryshould
enterit.
Q. Why is not the head fleshy, like other parts of the body? A.
Becausetheheadwouldbetooheavy,andwouldnotstandsteadily.
Also,aheadloadedwithflesh,betokensanevilcomplexion.
Q.Whyistheheadsubjecttoachesandgriefs?A.Byreasonthat
evilhumours,whichproceedfromthestomach,ascenduptothe
headanddisturbthebrain,andsocausepaininthehead;sometimes
itproceedsfromovermuchfillingthestomach,becausetwogreat
sinews pass from the brain to the mouth of the stomach, and
thereforethesetwopartsdoalwayssuffergrieftogether.
Q.Whyhavewomentheheadacheoftenerthanmen?A.Byreason
oftheirmonthlyterms,whichmenarenottroubledwith,andby
whichamoist,uncleanandvenomousfumeisproduced,thatseeks
passageupwards,andsocausestheheadache.
Q.Whyisthebrainwhite?A.1.Becauseitiscold,andcoldnessis
themotherofwhite.2.Becauseitmayreceivethesimilitudeand
likenessofallcolours,whichthewhitecolourcanbestdo,because
itismostsimple.
Q.Whyareallthesensesinthehead?A.Becausethebrainisthere,
on which all the senses depend, and are directed by it; and,
consequently,itmakethallthespiritstofeel,andgovernethallthe

membranes.
Q.Whycannotapersonescapedeathifthebrainorheartbehurt?
A.Becausethebrainandheartarethetwoprincipalpartswhich
concernlife;and,therefore,iftheybehurt,thereisnoremedyleft
forcure.
Q.Whyisthebrainmoist?A.Becauseitmayeasilyreceivean
impression, which moisture can best do, as it appeareth in wax,
whichdotheasilyreceivetheprintofthesealwhensoft.
Q.Whyisthebraincold?A.1.Becausethatbythiscoldnessitmay
cleartheunderstandingofmanandmakeitsubtle.2.Thatbythe
coldnessofthebrain,theheatoftheheartmaybetempered.

OftheEyes.
Q.Whyhaveyouonenoseandtwoeyes?A.Becauselightismore
necessarytousthansmelling;andthereforeitdothproceedfromthe
goodnessofNature,thatifwereceiveanyhurtorlossofoneeye,
theothershouldremain.
Q.Whyhavechildrengreateyesintheiryouth,whichbecomesmall
astheygrowup?A.Itproceedsfromthewantoffire,andfromthe
assemblageandmeetingtogetherofthelightandhumour;theeyes,
being lightened by the sun, which doth lighten the easy humour
thereof and purge them: and, in the absence of the sun, those
humoursbecomedarkandblack,andthesightnotsogood.
Q.Whydoestheblueishgreyeyeseebadlyinthedaytimeandwell
inthenight?A.Becausegreynessislightandshininginitself,and
the spirits with which we see are weakened in the daytime and
strengthenedinthenight.
Q.Whyaremen'seyesofdiversecolours?A.Byreasonofdiversity

ofhumours.Theeyehathfourcoveringsandthreehumours.The
firstcoveringiscalledconsolidative,whichistheoutermost,strong
and fat. The second is called a horny skin or covering, of the
likenessofahorn;whichisaclearcovering.Thethird,uvea,ofthe
likenessofablackgrape.Thefourthiscalledacobweb.Thefirst
humouriscalledalbuginous,fromitslikenessuntothewhiteofan
egg.Thesecondglarial;thatis,clear,likeuntocrystalline.Thethird
vitreous,thatis,clearasglass.Andthediversityofhumourscauseth
thediversityoftheeyes.
Q.Whyarementhathavebutoneeye,goodarchers?andwhydo
goodarcherscommonlyshutone?Andwhydosuchasbeholdthe
starslookthroughatrunkwithoneeye?A.Thismatterishandledin
theperspectivearts;andthereasonis,asitdothappearinTheBook
ofCauses,becausethateveryvirtueandstrengthunitedandknit
together,isstrongerthanwhendispersedandscattered.Therefore,
alltheforceofseeingdispersedintwoeyes,theonebeingshut,is
gatheredintotheother,andsothelightisfortifiedinhim;andby
consequence he doth see better and more certainly with one eye
beingshut,thanwhenbothareopen.
Q.Whydothosethatdrinkandlaughmuch,shedmosttears?A.
Becausethatwhiletheydrinkandlaughwithoutmeasuretheair
whichisdrawnindothnotpassoutthroughthewindpipe,andso
withforceisdirectedandsenttotheeyes,andbytheirporespassing
out, doth expel the humours of the eyes; which humour being
expelled,bringstears.
Q.Whydosuchasweepmuch,urinebutlittle?A.Becausethe
radical humidity of a tear and of urine are of one and the same
nature, and, therefore, where weeping doth increase, urine
diminishes.Andthattheyareofonenatureisplaintothetaste,
becausetheyarebothsalt.
Q.Whydosomethathavecleareyesseenothing?A.Byreasonof

theoppilationandnaughtinessofthesinewswithwhichwesee;for
the temples being destroyed, the strength of the light cannot be
carriedfromthebraintotheeye.
Q.Whyistheeyeclearandsmoothlikeglass?A.1.Becausethe
thingswhichmay beseenarebetterbeaten backfrom asmooth
thing than otherwise, that thereby the sight should strengthen. 2.
Because the eye is moist above all parts of the body, and of a
waterishnature;andasthewaterisclearandsmooth,solikewiseis
theeye.
Q.Whydomenandbeastswhohavetheireyesdeepintheirhead
bestseefaroff?A.Becausetheforceandpowerbywhichweseeis
dispersedinthem,andbothgodirectlytothethingwhichisseen.
Thus,whenamandothstandinadeepditchorwell,hedothseein
thedaytimethestarsofthefirmament;becausethenthepowerof
thenightandofthebeamsarenotscattered.
Q.Whereforedothosemenwhohaveeyesfaroutintheirheadnot
seefardistant?A.Becausethebeamsofthesightwhichpassfrom
theeye,arescatteredoneveryside,andgonotdirectlyuntothe
thingthatisseen,andthereforethesightisweakened.
Q.Whyaresomanybeastsbornblind,aslions'whelpsanddogs'
whelps.A.Becausesuchbeastsarenotyetofperfectripenessand
maturity,andthecourseofnutrimentdothnotworkinthem.Thus
the swallow, whose eyes, if they were taken out when they are
youngintheirnest,wouldgrowinagain.Andthisisthecasein
manybeastswhoarebroughtforthbeforetheirtimeasitweredead,
asbear'swhelps.
Q.Whydotheeyesofawomanthathathherflowers,stainnew
glass?Andwhydothabasiliskkillamanwithhissight?A.When
the flowers do run from a woman, then a most venomous air is
distilledfromthem,whichdothascendintoawoman'shead;and

she, having pain in her head, doth wrap it up with a cloth or

handkerchief; and because the eyes are full of insensible holes,
whicharecalledpores,theretheairseekethapassage,andinfects
theeyes,whicharefullofblood.Theeyesalsoappeardroppingand
fulloftears,byreasonoftheevilvapourthatisinthem;andthese
vapoursareincorporatedandmultipliedtilltheycometotheglass
beforethem;andbyreasonthatsuchaglassisround,clearand
smooth,itdotheasilyreceivethatwhichisunclean.2.Thebasilisk
isaveryvenomousandinfectiousanimal,andtherepassfromhis
eyesvapourswhicharemultiplieduponthethingwhichisseenby
him,andevenuntotheeyeofman;thewhichvenomousvapoursor
humoursenteringintothebody,doinfecthim,andsointheendthe
mandieth.Andthisisalsothereasonwhythebasilisk,lookingupon
ashieldperfectlywellmadewithfastclammypitch,oranyhard
smooththing,dothkillitself,becausethehumoursarebeatenback
fromthehardsmooththinguntothebasilisk,bywhichbeatingback
heiskilled.
Q.Whyisthesparklingincats'eyesandwolves'eyesseeninthe
darkandnot inthe light?A.Because that thegreaterlight doth
darken the lesser; and therefore, in a greater light the sparkling
cannotbeseen;butthegreaterthedarkness,theeasieritisseen,and
ismorestrongandshining.
Q.Whyisthesightrecreatedandrefreshedbyagreencolour?A.
Because green doth merely move the sight, and therefore doth
comfortit;butthisdothnot,inblackorwhitecolours,becausethese
coloursdovehementlystirandaltertheorganandinstrumentofthe
sight,andthereforemakethegreaterviolence;andbyhowmuchthe
more violent the thing is which is felt or seen the more it doth
destroyandweakenthesense.

OftheNose.

Q.Whydoththenosestandoutfurtherthananyotherpartofthe
body.A.1.Becausethenoseis,asitwere,thesinkofthebrain,by
whichthephlegmofthebrainispurged;andthereforeitdothstand
forth,lesttheotherpartsshouldbedefiled.2.Becausethenoseis
thebeautyoftheface,anddothsmell.
Q.Whyhathamantheworstsmellofallcreatures?A.Becauseman
hath most brains of all creatures; and, therefore, by exceeding
coldnessandmoisture,thebrainwantethagooddisposition,andby
consequence,thesmellinginstrumentisnotgood,yea,somemen
havenosmell.
Q.Whyhavevulturesandcormorantsakeensmell?A.Because
theyhaveaverydrybrain;and,therefore,theaircarryingthesmell,
isnothinderedbythehumidityofthebrain,butdothpresentlytouch
its instrument; and, therefore, vultures, tigers and other ravenous
beasts, have been known to come five hundred miles after dead
bodies.
Q.Whydidnaturemakethenostrils?A.1.Becausethemouthbeing
shut we draw breath in by the nostrils, to refresh the heart. 2.
Becausetheairwhichproceedethfromthemouthdothsavourbadly,
becauseofthevapourswhichrisefromthestomach,butthatwhich
webreathefromthenoseisnotnoisome.3.Becausethephlegm
whichdothproceedfromthebrainispurgedbythem.
Q.Whydomensneeze?A.Thattheexpulsivevirtueandpowerof
the sight should thereby be purged, and the brain also from
superfluities;because,asthelungsarepurgedbycoughing,soisthe
sightandbrainbysneezing;andthereforephysiciansgivesneezing
medicamentstopurgethebrain;andthusitis,suchsickpersonsas
cannotsneeze,diequickly,becauseitisasigntheirbrainiswholly
stuffedwithevilhumours,whichcannotbepurged.
Q.Whydosuchasareapoplecticsneeze,thatis,suchasaresubject

easilytobleed?A.Becausethepassages,orventriclesofthebrain
are stopped, and if they could sneeze, their apoplexy would be
loosed.
Q.Whydoestheheatofthesunprovokesneezing,andnottheheat
ofthefire?A.Becausetheheatofthesundothdissolve,butnot
consume, and therefore the vapour dissolved is expelled by
sneezing;buttheheatofthefiredothdissolveandconsume,and
thereforedothratherhindersneezingthanprovokeit.

OftheEars.
Q.Whydobeastsmovetheirears,andnotmen?A.Becausethereis
acertainmuscleneartheunderjawwhichdothcausemotioninthe
ear;andtherefore,thatmusclebeingextendedandstretched,mendo
notmovetheirears,asithathbeenseenindiversmen;butallbeasts
dousethatmuscleorfleshysinew,andthereforedomovetheirears.
Q.Whyisrainprognosticatedbytheprickingupofasses'ears?A.
Becausetheassisofamelancholicconstitution,andtheapproachof
rainproduceththateffectonsuchaconstitution.Inthetimeofrain
allbeastsprickuptheirears,buttheassbeforeitcomes.
Q. Why have some animals no ears? A. Nature giveth unto
everythingthatwhichisfitforit,butifshehadgivenbirdsears,
theirflyingwouldhavebeenhinderedbythem.Likewisefishwant
ears, because they would hinder their swimming, and have only
certainlittleholesthroughwhichtheyhear.
Q.Whyhavebatsears,althoughofthebirdkind?A.Becausethey
arepartlybirdsinnature,inthattheyfly,byreasonwhereofthey
havewings;andpartlytheyarehairyandseemtobeofthenatureof
mice,thereforenaturehathgiventhemears.

Q.Whyhavemenonlyroundears?A.Becausetheshapeofthe
wholeandofthepartsshouldbeproportionable,andespeciallyinall
thingsofonenature;forasadropofwaterisround,sothewhole
water: and so, because a man's head is round, the ears incline
towardsthesamefigure;buttheheadsofbeastsaresomewhatlong,
andsotheearsaredrawnintolengthlikewise.
Q.Whyhathnaturegivenalllivingcreaturesears?A.1.Because
with them they should hear. 2. Because by the ear choleric
superfluity is purged; for as the head is purged of phlegmatic
superfluitybythenose,sofromcholeric,bytheears.

OftheMouth.
Q.Whyhaththemouthlipstocompassit?A.Becausethelipscover
anddefendtheteeth;foritwouldbeunseemlyiftheteethwere
alwaysseen.Also,theteethbeingofacoldnature,wouldbesoon
hurtiftheywerenotcoveredwithlips.
Q.Whyhasamantwoeyesandbutonemouth?A.Becauseaman
shouldspeakbutlittle,andhearandseemuch.Andbyhearingand
thelightweseedifferenceofthings.
Q.Whyhathamanamouth?A.1.Becausethemouthisthegate
and door of the stomach. 2. Because the meat is chewed in the
mouth, and prepared and made ready for the first digestion. 3.
Because the air drawn into the hollow of the mouth for the
refreshingoftheheart,ismadepureandsubtle.
Q.Whyarethelipsmoveable?A.Forthepurposeofformingthe
voiceandwordswhichcannotbeperfectlydonewithoutthem.For
aswithout a,b,c,thereisnowriting,sowithoutthelipsnovoice
canwellbeformed.

Q.Whatcausesmentoyawnorgape?A.Itproceedsfromthethick
fumeandvapoursthatfillthejaws;bytheexpulsionofwhichis
causedthestretchingoutandexpansionofthejaws,andopeningof
themouth.
Q.Whydothamangapewhenheseethanotherdothesame?A.It
proceedsfromtheimagination.Andthisisprovedbythesimilitude
of the ass, who by reason of his melancholy, doth retain his
superfluityforalongtime,andwouldneithereatnorpissunlesshe
shouldhearanotherdoingthelike.

OftheTeeth.
Q.Whydotheteethonly,amongstalletherbones,experiencethe
senseoffeeling?A.Thattheymaydiscernheatandcold,thathurt
them,whichotherbonesneednot.
Q.Whyhavemenmoreteeththanwomen?A.Byreasonofthe
abundanceofheatandcoldwhichismoreinmenthaninwomen.
Q.Whydotheteethgrowtotheendofourlife,andnottheother
bones?A.Becauseotherwisetheywouldbeconsumedwithchewing
andgrinding.
Q.Whydotheteethonlycomeagainwhentheyfall,orbetaken
out,andotherbonesbeingtakenaway,grownomore?A.Because
otherbonesareengenderedofthehumiditywhichiscalledradical,
and so they breed in the womb of the mother, but the teeth are
engenderedofnutritivehumidity,whichisrenewedandincreased
fromdaytoday.
Q.Whydotheforeteethfallinyouth,andgrowagain,andnotthe
cheek teeth? A. From the defect of matter, and from the figure;
becausetheforeteetharesharp,andtheothersbroad.Also,itisthe

officeoftheforeteethtocutthemeat,andthereforetheyaresharp;
andtheofficeoftheotherstochewthemeat,andthereforetheyare
broadinfashion,whichisfittestforthatpurpose.
Q.Whydotheforeteethgrowsoonest?A.Becausewewantthem
soonerincuttingthantheothersinchewing.
Q.Whydotheteethgrowblackinhumancreaturesintheiroldage?
A.Itisoccasionedbythecorruptionofthemeat,andthecorruption
ofphlegmwithacholerichumour.
Q.Whyarecolts'teethyellow,andofthecolourofsaffron,when
theyareyoung,andbecomewhitewhentheygrowup?A.Because
horseshaveabundanceofwateryhumoursinthem,whichintheir
youtharedigestedandconvertedintogrossness;butinoldageheat
diminishes,andthewateryhumoursremain,whosepropercolouris
white.
Q.Whydidnaturegivelivingcreaturesteeth?A.Tosometofight
with,andfordefenceoftheirlives,asuntowolvesandbears,unto
sometoeatwith,asuntohorses,untosomefortheformingofthe
voices,asuntomen.
Q.Whydohornedbeastswanttheirupperteeth?A.Hornsandteeth
arecausedbythesamematter,thatis,nutrimentalhumidity,and
thereforethematterwhichpassethintothehornsturnethnotinto
teeth, consequently they want the upper teeth. And such beasts
cannotchewwell;therefore,tosupplythewantofteeth,theyhave
twostomachs,fromwhenceitreturnsandtheychewitagain,thenit
goesintotheothertobedigested.
Q.Whyaresomecreaturesbroughtforthwithteeth,askidsand
lambs; and some without, as men? A. Nature doth not want in
necessarythings,noraboundinthingssuperfluous;andtherefore,
becausethesebeasts,notlongaftertheyarefallen,doneedteeth,

theyarefallenwithteeth;butmen,beingnourishedbytheirmother,
foralongtimedonotstandinneedofteeth.

OftheTongue.
Q.Whyisthetonguefullofpores?A.Becausethetongueisthe
meanswherebywhichwetaste;andthroughthemouth,inthepores
of the tongue, doth proceed the sense of tasting. Again, it is
observed,thatfrothyspittleissentintothemouthbythetongue
from the lungs, moistening the meat and making it ready for
digestion.
Q.Whydothetonguesofsuchasaresickofaguesjudgeallthings
bitter? A. Because the stomachs of such persons are filled with
cholerichumours;andcholerisverybitter,asappearethbythegall;
therefore this bitter fume doth infect their tongues; and so the
tongue,beingfullofthesetastes,dothjudgeeverythingbitter.
Q.Whydoththetonguewaterwhenwehearsourandsharpthings
spokenof?A.Becausetheimaginativevirtueorpowerisofgreater
forcethanthepowerorfacultyoftasting;andwhenweimaginea
taste,weconceivethepoweroftastingasaswan;thereisnothing
feltbythetaste,butbymeansofthespittlethetonguedothwater.
Q.Whydosomepersonsstammerandlisp?A.Sometimesthrough
themoistnessofthetongueandbrain,asinchildren,whocannot
speakplainlynorpronouncemanyletters.Sometimesithappeneth
byreasonoftheshrinkingofcertainsinewswhichgotothetongue,
whicharecorruptedwithphlegm.
Q.Whyarethetonguesofserpentsandmaddogsvenomous?A.
Because of the malignity and tumosity of the venomous humour
whichpredominatesinthem.

Q.Whyisadog'stonguegoodformedicine,andahorse'stongue
pestiferous?A.Byreasonofsomesecretproperty,orthatthetongue
of a dog is full of pores, and so doth draw and take away the
viscosityofthewound.Itisobservedthatadoghathsomehumour
inhistongue,withwhich,bylickinghedothheal;butthecontrary
effectisthelickofahorse'stongue.
Q.Whyisspittlewhite?A.Byreasonofthecontinualmovingofthe
tongue, whereof heat is engendered, which doth make this
superfluitywhite;asseeninthefrothofwater.
Q.Whyisspittleunsavouryandwithouttaste?A.Ifithadacertain
determinatetaste,thenthetonguewouldnottasteatall,butonly
havethetasteofspittle,andcouldnotdistinguishothers.
Q.Whydoththespittleofonethatisfastinghealanimposthume?
A.Becauseitiswelldigestedandmadesubtle.
Q.Whydosomeaboundinspittlemorethanothers?A.Thisdoth
proceed of a phlegmatic complexion, which doth predominate in
them;andsuchareliabletoaquotidianague,whicharisethfromthe
predominance of phlegm; the contrary in those that spit little,
becauseheataboundsinthem,whichconsumesthehumidityofthe
spittle;andsothedefectofspittleisasignoffever.
Q.Whyisthespittleofamanthatisfastingmoresubtlethanofone
thatisfull?A.Becausethespittleiswithouttheviscosityofmeat,
whichiswonttomakethespittleofonewhoisfull,grossandthick.
Q.Fromwhenceproceedsthespittleofaman?A.Fromthefrothof
the lungs, which according to the physicians, is the seat of the
phlegm.
Q.Whyarebeastswhengoingtogetherforgenerationveryfullof
frothandfoam?A.Becausethenthelightsandheartareingreater
motionoflust;thereforethereisengenderedinthemmuchfrothy

matter.
Q.Whyhavenotbirdsspittle?A.Becausetheyhaveverydrylungs.
Q.Whydoththetonguesometimeslosetheuseofspeaking?A.Itis
occasionedbyapalsyorapoplexy,whichisasuddeneffusionof
blood,andbygrosshumours;andsometimesalsobyinfectionof
spiritusanimates inthemiddlecellofthebrainwhichhindersthe
spiritsfrombeingcarriedtothetongue.

OftheRoofoftheMouth.
Q.Whyarefruits,beforetheyareripe,ofabitterandsourrelish,
and afterward sweet? A. A sour relish or taste proceeds from
coldnessandwantofheatingrossandthickhumidity;butasweet
taste is produced by sufficient heat; therefore in the ripe fruit
humidity is subtle through the heat of the sun, and such fruit is
commonlysweet;butbeforeitisripe,ashumidityisgrossorsubtle
forwantofheat,thefruitisbitterorsour.
Q.Whyarewebetterdelightedwithsweettastesthanwithbitteror
anyother?A.Becauseasweetthingishotandmoist,andthrough
itsheatdissolvesandconsumessuperfluoushumidities,andbythis
humidityimmundicityiswashedaway;butasharp,eagertaste,by
reasonofthecoldwhichpredominatesinit,dothbindovermuch,
andprickandoffendthepartsofthebodyinpurging,andtherefore
wedonotdelightinthattaste.
Q.Whydothasharptaste,asthatofvinegar,provokeappetiterather
thananyother?A.Becauseitiscold,anddothcool.Foritisthe
natureofcoldtodesiretodraw,andthereforeitisthecauseof
appetite.
Q.Whydowedrawinmoreairthanwebreatheout?A.Because

muchairisdrawninthatisconvertedintonutriment,andwiththe
vital spirits is contained in the lungs. Therefore a beast is not
suffocatedaslongasitreceivesairwithitslungs,inwhichsome
partoftheairremainethalso.
Q.Whydoththeairseemtobeexpelledandputforth,seeingtheair
isinvisible,byreasonofitsvarietyandthinness?A.Becausetheair
whichisreceivedinus,ismingledwithvapoursandfumesfromthe
heart,byreasonwhereofitismadethick,andsoisseen.Andthisis
provedbyexperience,becausethatinwinter,weseeourbreath,for
thecoldnessoftheairdothbindtheairmixedwithfume,andsoitis
thickenedandmadegross,andbyconsequenceisseen.
Q.Whyhavesomepersonsstinkingbreath?A.Becauseoftheevil
fumesthatarisefromthestomach.Andsometimesitdothproceed
fromthecorruptionoftheairypartsofthebody,asthelungs.The
breathoflepersissoinfectedthatitwouldpoisonbirdsifnearthem,
becausetheinwardpartsareverycorrupt.
Q.Whyarelepershoarse?A.Becausethevocalinstrumentsare
corrupted,thatis,thelights.
Q. Why do persons become hoarse? A. Because of the rheum
descending from the brain, filling the conduit of the lights; and
sometimesthroughimposthumesofthethroat,orrheumgatheringin
theneck.
Q.Whyhavethefemalesofalllivingcreaturestheshrillestvoices,
thecrowonlyexcepted,andawomanashrillerandsmallervoice
thanaman?A.Byreasonofthecompositionoftheveinsandvocal
arteries thevoice isformed,as appearsbythissimilitude, that a
smallpipesoundsshrillerthanagreat.Alsoinwomen,becausethe
passagewherethevoiceisformedismadenarrowandstrait,by
reasonofcold,itbeingthenatureofcoldtobind;butinmen,the
passageisopenandwiderthroughheat,becauseitisthepropertyof

heat to open and dissolve. It proceedeth in women through the

moistness of the lungs, and weakness of the heat. Young and
diseasedmenhavesharpandshrillvoicesfromthesamecause.
Q.Whydoththevoicechangeinmenatfourteen,andinwomenat
twelve; in men they begin to yield seed, in women when their
breastsbegintogrow?A.Becausethenthebeginningofthevoiceis
slackenedandloosened;andthisisprovedbythesimilitudeofthe
stringofaninstrumentletdownorloosened,whichgivesagreat
sound, and also because creatures that are gelded, as eunuchs,
capons.,etc.,havesofterandslenderervoicesthanothers,bythe
wantoftheirstones.
Q.Whydosmallbirdssingmoreandlouderthangreatones,as
appearsinthelarkandnightingale?A.Becausethespiritsofsmall
birdsaresubtleandsoft,andtheorganconduitstrait,asappearethin
apipe;thereforetheirnotesfollowingeasilyatdesire,theysingvery
soft.
Q.Whydobees,wasps,locustsandmanyothersuchlikeinsects,
makeanoise,seeingtheyhavenolungs,norinstrumentsofmusic?
A.Becauseinthemthereisacertainsmallskin,which,whenstruck
bytheair,causethasound.
Q.Whydonotfishmakeasound?A.Becausetheyhavenolungs,
but only gills, nor yet a heart, and therefore they need not the
drawing in of the air, and by consequence they make no noise,
becauseavoiceisapercussionoftheairwhichisdrawing.

OftheNeck.
Q.Whyhathalivingcreatureaneck?A.Becausetheneckisthe
supporter of the head, and therefore the neck is in the middle
betweentheheadandthebody,totheintentthatbyit,andbyits

sinews,motionandsenseofthebodymightbeconveyedthroughall
thebody;andthatbymeansoftheneck,theheart,whichisveryhot,
mightbeseparatedfromthebrain.
Q.Whydosomecreatureswantnecks,asserpentsandfishes?A.
Becausetheywanthearts,andthereforewantthatassistancewhich
wehavespokenof;orelsetheyhaveaneckinsomeinwardpartof
them,whichisnotdistinguishedoutwardly.
Q.Whyistheneckfullofbonesandjoints?A.Thatitmaybearand
sustaintheheadthebetter.Also,becausethebackboneisjoinedto
thebrainintheneck,andfromthenceitreceivesmarrow,whichis
ofthesubstanceofthebrain.
Q.Whyhavesomecreatureslongnecks,ascranes,storksandsuch
like?A.Becausesuchbirdsseektheirfoodatthebottomofwaters.
And some creatures have short necks, as sparrows, hawks, etc.,
because such are ravenous, and therefore for strength have short
necks,asappearethintheox,whohasashortneckandstrong.
Q.Whyistheneckhollow,andespeciallybefore,aboutthetongue?
A.Becausetherearetwopassages,whereoftheonedothcarrythe
meat to the nutritive instrument, or stomach and liver, which is
calledbytheGreeksAesophagus;andtheotheristhewindpipe.
Q.Whyisthearterymadewithringsandcircle?A.Thebetterto
bowandgiveagoodsounding.

OftheShouldersandArms.
Q. Why hath a man shoulders and arms? A. To lift and carry
burdens.
Q.Whyarethearmsround?A.Fortheswifterandspeedierwork.

Q.Whyarethearmsthick?A.Thattheymaybestrongtoliftand
bearburdens,andthrustandgiveastrongblow;sotheirbonesare
thick,becausetheycontainmuchmarrow,ortheywouldbeeasily
corruptedandinjured.
Q.Whydothearmsbecomesmallandslenderinsomediseases,as
inmadmen,andsuchasaresickofthedropsy?A.Becauseallthe
partsofthebodydosuffertheonewiththeother;andthereforeone
memberbeingingrief,allthehumoursdoconcurandrunthickerto
givesuccourandhelptotheaforesaidgrief.
Q.Whyhavebrutebeastsnoarms?A.Theirforefeetareinsteadof
arms,andintheirplace.

OftheHands.
Q.Forwhatusehathamanhands,andanapealso,likeuntoaman?
A.Thehandisaninstrumentamandothespeciallymakeuseof,
becausemanythingsaredonebythehands,andnotbyanyother
part.
Q.Whyaresomemenambodexter,thatis,theyusethelefthandas
theright?A.Byreasonofthegreatheatoftheheart,andforthehot
bowingofthesame,foritisthatwhichmakesamanasnimbleof
thelefthandasoftheright.
Q.Whyarethefingersfullofjoints?A.Tobemorefitandaptto
receiveandkeepwhatisputinthem.
Q.Whyhatheveryfingerthreejoints,andthethumbbuttwo?A.
Thethumbhaththree,butthethirdisjoinedtothearm,thereforeis
strongerthantheotherfingers;andiscalledpollexorpolico,thatis,
toexcelinstrength.
Q.Whyarethefingersoftherighthandnimblerthanthefingersof

theleft?A.Itproceedethfromtheheatthatpredominatesinthose
parts,andcausethgreatagility.

OftheNails.
Q.Fromwhencedonailsproceed?A.Ofthetumosityandhumours,
whichareresolvedandgointotheextremitiesofthefingers;and
theyaredriedthroughthepoweroftheexternalair,andbroughtto
thehardnessofhorn.
Q.Whydothenailsofoldmengrowblackandpale?A.Because
theheatoftheheartdecayingcauseththeirbeautytodecayalso.
Q.Whyaremenjudgedtobegoodorevilcomplexionedbythe
colourofthenails?A.Becausetheygivewitnessofthegoodnessor
badnessoftheirheart,andthereforeofthecomplexion,foriftheybe
somewhatred,theybetokencholerwelltempered;butiftheybe
yellowishorblack,theysignifymelancholy.
Q.Whydowhitespotsappearinthenails?A.Throughmixtureof
phlegmwithnutriment.

OfthePapsandDugs.
Q.Whyarethepapsplaceduponthebreasts?A.Becausethebreast
istheseatoftheheart,whichismosthot;andthereforethepaps
growthere,totheendthatthemensesbeingconveyedthitheras
being near the heat of the heart, should the sooner be digested,
perfectedandconvertedwiththematterandsubstanceofthemilk.
Q. Whyare the paps below the breasts in beasts, andabove the
breastinwomen?A.Becausewomangoesupright,andhastwolegs
only;andthereforeifherpapswerebelowherbreasts,theywould

hinder her going; but beasts having four feet prevents that
inconveniency.
Q.Whetheraregreat,smallormiddlesizedpapsbestforchildrento
suck? A. In great ones the heat is dispersed, there is no good
digestion of the milk; but in small ones the power and force is
strong, because a virtue united is strongest; and by consequence
thereisagooddigestionforthemilk.
Q. Why have not men as great paps and breasts as women? A.
Becausemenhavenotmonthlyterms,andthereforehavenovessel
deputedforthem.
Q.Whydothepapsofyoungwomenbegintogrowaboutthirteen
orfifteenyearsofage?A.Becausethentheflowershavenocourse
totheteats,bywhichtheyoungoneisnourished,butfollowtheir
ordinarycourseandthereforewaxsoft.
Q.Whyhathawomanwhoiswithchildofaboy,therightpap
harderthantheleft?A.Becausethemalechildisconceivedinthe
rightsideofthemother;andthereforetheflowersdoruntotheright
pap,andmakeithard.
Q.Whydothitshowweaknessofthechild,whenthemilkdothdrop
outofthepapsbeforethewomanisdelivered?A.Becausethemilk
is the proper nutriment of the child in the womb of its mother,
therefore if the milk run out, it is a token that the child is not
nourished,andconsequentlyisweak.
Q.Whydothehardnessofthepapsbetokenthehealthofthechild
inthewomb?A.Becausetheflowersareconvertedintomilk,and
therebystrengthissignified.
Q.Whyarewomen'spapshardwhentheybewithchild,andsoftat
othertimes?A.Becausetheyswellthen,andarepuffed,andthe
greatmoisturewhichproceedsfromtheflowersdothrunintothe

paps,whichatotherseasonsremainethinthematrixandwomb,and
isexpelledbytheplacedeputedforthatend.
Q.Bywhatmeansdoththemilkofthepapscometothematrixor
womb?A.Thereisacertainknittingandcouplingofthepapswith
thewomb,andtherearecertainveinswhichthemidwivesdocutin
thetimeofthebirthofthechild,andbythoseveinsthemilkflows
inatthenavelofthechild,andsoitreceivesnourishmentbythe
navel.
Q.Whyisitasignofamalechildinthewombwhenthemilkthat
runnethoutofawoman'sbreastisthick,andnotmuch,andofa
femalewhenitisthin?A.Becauseawomanthatgoethwithaboy
hathagreatheatinher,whichdothperfectthemilkandmakeit
thick; but she who goes with a girl hath not so much heat, and
thereforethemilkisundigested,imperfect,wateryandthin,andwill
swimabovethewaterifitbeputintoit.
Q.Whyisthemilkwhite,seeingtheflowersarered,ofwhichitis
engendered?A.Becausebloodwhichiswellpurgedandconcocted
becomeswhite,asappearethinfleshwhosepropercolouriswhite,
andbeingboiled,iswhite.Also,becauseeveryhumourwhichis
engenderedofthebody,ismadelikeuntothatpartincolourwhere
itisengenderedasnearasitcanbe;butbecausethefleshofthe
papsiswhite,thereforethecolourofthemilkiswhite.
Q.Whydothacowgivemilkmoreabundantlythanotherbeasts?A.
Becausesheisagreateatingbeast,wherethereismuchmonthly
superfluityengendered,thereismuchmilk;becauseitisnothing
elsebutthebloodpurgedandtried.
Q.Whyisnotmilkwholesome?A.1.Becauseitcurdethinthe
stomach,whereofanevilbreathisbred.2.Becausethemilkdoth
growsourinthestomach,whereevilhumoursarebred,andinfect
thebreath.

Q.Whyismilkbadforsuchashavetheheadache?A.Becauseitis
easily turned into great fumosities, and hath much terrestrial
substanceinit,thewhichascending,dothcausetheheadache.
Q.Whyismilkfitnutrimentforinfants?A.Becauseitisanatural
andusualfood,andtheywerenourishedbythesameinthewomb.
Q.Whyarethewhitemeatsmadeofanewlymilkedcowgood?A.
Becausemilkatthattimeisveryspringy,expelsfumosities,and,as
itwere,purgesatthattime.
Q.Whyisthemilknaughtforthechild,ifthewomangivingsuck
usescarnalcopulation?A.Becauseintimeofcarnalcopulation,the
bestpartofthemilkgoestotheseedvessels,andtothewomb,and
theworstremaininthepaps,whichhurtsthechild.
Q.Whydophysiciansforbidtheeatingoffishandmilkatthesame
time? A. Because they produce a leprosy, and because they are
phlegmatic.
Q.Whyhavenotbirdsandfishmilkandpaps?A.Becausepaps
wouldhindertheflightofbirds.Andalthoughfishhaveneitherpaps
normilk,thefemalescastmuchspawn,whichthemaletoucheswith
asmallgut,andcausestheirkindtocontinueinsuccession.

OftheBack.
Q.Whyhavebeastsaback?A.1.Becausethebackisthewayand
mienofthebodyfromwhichareextendedandspreadthroughout,
allthesinewsofthebackbone.2.Becauseitshouldbeaguardand
defenceforthesoftpartsofthebody,asforthestomach,liver,lights
andsuchlike.3.Becauseitisthefoundationofallthebones,asthe
ribs,fastenedtothebackbone.
Q.Whyhaththebackbonesomanyjointsorknots,calledspondyli?

A.Becausethemovingandbendingit,withoutsuchjoints,could
notbedone;andthereforetheyarewrongwhosaythatelephants
havenosuchjoints,forwithoutthemtheycouldnotmove.
Q.Whydofishdieaftertheirbackbonesarebroken?A.Becausein
fishthebackboneisinsteadoftheheart;nowtheheartisthefirst
thingthatlivesandthelastthatdies;andwhenthatboneisbroken,
fishcanlivenolonger.
Q.Whydothamandiesoonafterthemarrowishurtorperished?A.
Becausethemarrowproceedsfromthebrain,whichistheprincipal
partofaman.
Q. Why have some men the piles? A. Those men are cold and
melancholy,whichmelancholyfirstpassestothespleen,itsproper
seat,buttherecannotberetained,fortheabundancyofblood;for
whichreasonitisconveyedtothebackbone,wheretherearecertain
veins which terminate in the back, and receive the blood. When
thoseveinsarefullofthemelancholyblood,thentheconduitsof
nature are opened, and the blood issues out once a month, like
women'sterms.Thosemenwhohavethiscourseofblood,arekept
frommanyinfirmities,suchasdropsy,plague,etc.
Q.WhyaretheJewsmuchsubjecttothisdisease?A.Becausethey
eat much phlegmatic and cold meats, which breed melancholy
blood, which is purged with the flux. Another reason is, motion
causesheatandheatdigestion;butstrictJewsneithermove,labour
norconversemuch,whichbreedsacoldnessinthem,andhinders
digestion,causingmelancholicblood,whichisbythismeanspurged
out.

OftheHeart.
Q.Whyarethelungslight,spongyandfullofholes?A.Thattheair

may be received into them for cooling the heart, and expelling
humours,becausethelungsarethefanoftheheart;andasapairof
bellowsisraisedupbytakingintheair,andshrunkbyblowingit
out,solikewisethelungsdrawtheairtocooltheheart,andcastit
out, lest through too much air drawn in, the heart should be
suffocated.
Q. Why is the flesh of the lungs white? A. Because they are in
continualmotion.
Q.Whyhavethosebeastsonlylungsthathavehearts?A.Because
thelungsbenopartforthemselves,butfortheheart,andtherefore,
itweresuperfluousforthosecreaturestohavelungsthathaveno
hearts.
Q. Why do such creatures as have no lungs want a bladder? A.
Becausesuchdrinknowatertomaketheirmeatdigestandneedno
bladderforurine;asappearsinsuchbirdsasdonotdrinkatall,viz.,
thefalconandsparrowhawk.
Q.Whyistheheartinthemidstofthebody?A.Thatitmayimport
lifetoall,partsofthebody,andthereforeitiscomparedtothesun,
whichisplacedinthemidstoftheplanets,togivelighttothemall.
Q.Whyonlyinmenistheheartontheleftside?A.Totheendthat
theheatoftheheartmaymitigatethecoldnessofthespleen;forthe
spleenistheseatofmelancholy,whichisontheleftsidealso.
Q.Whyistheheartfirstengendered;fortheheartdothlivefirstand
dielast?A.Becausetheheartisthebeginningandoriginaloflife,
andwithoutitnopartcanlive.Foroftheseedretainedinthematrix,
thereisfirstengenderedalittlesmallskin,whichcompassesthe
seed;whereoffirsttheheartismadeofthepurestblood;thenof
bloodnotsopure,theliver;andofthickandcoldbloodthemarrow
andbrain.

Q.Whyarebeastsboldthathavelittlehearts?A.Becauseinalittle
hearttheheatiswellunitedandvehement,andthebloodtouchingit,
dothquicklyheatitandisspeedilycarriedtotheotherpartsofthe
body,whichgivecourageandboldness.
Q.Whyarecreatureswithalargehearttimorous,asthehare?A.
Theheartisdispersedinsuchaone,andnotabletoheattheblood
whichcomethtoit;bywhichmeansfearisbred.
Q.Howisitthattheheartiscontinuallymoving?A.Becauseinit
thereisacertainspiritwhichismoresubtlethanair,andbyreason
of its thickness and rarefaction, seeks a larger space, filling the
hollow room of the heart; hence the dilating and opening of the
heart, and because the heart is earthly the thrusting and moving
ceasing,itspartsareatrest,tendingdownwards.Asaproofofthis,
takeanacorn,which,ifputintothefire,theheatdothdissolveits
humidity,thereforeoccupiesagreaterspace,sothattherindcannot
containit,butpuffsup,andthrowsitintothefire.Thelikeofthe
heart.Thereforetheheartofalivingcreatureistriangular,havingits
leastparttowardsitsleftside,andthegreatertowardstheright;and
dothalsoopenandshutintheleastpart,bywhichmeansitisin
continualmotion;thefirstmotioniscalleddiastole,thatisextending
theheartorbreast;theother systole,thatis,shuttingoftheheart;
andfromtheseallthemotionsofthebodyproceed,andthatofthe
pulsewhichthephysiciansfeel.
Q.Howcomesitthatthefleshoftheheartissocompactandknit
together? A. Because in thick compacted substances heat is
commonlyreceivedandunited.Andbecausetheheartwithitsheat
shouldmoderatethecoldnessofthebrain,itismadeofthatfatflesh
apttokeepastrongheat.
Q.Howcomesthehearttobethehottestpartofalllivingcreatures?
A.Itissocompactedastoreceivetheheatbest,andbecauseit
shouldmitigatethecoldnessofthebrain.

Q.Whyistheheartthebeginningoflife?A.Itisplainthatinitthe
vitalspiritisbred,whichistheheatoflife;andthereforetheheart
having two receptacles, viz., the right and the left the right hath
morebloodthanspirits;whichspiritisengenderedtogivelifeand
vivifythebody.
Q.Whyistheheartlongandsharplikeapyramid?A.Theround
figurehathanangle,thereforetheheartisround,forfearanypoison
orhurtfulmattershouldberetainedinit;andbecausethatfigureis
fittestformotion.
Q.Howcomesthebloodchieflytobeintheheart?A.Thebloodin
thehearthasitsproperorefficientplace,whichsomeattributetothe
liver;andthereforetheheartdothnotreceivebloodfromanyother
partsbutallotherpartsofit.
Q.Howhappensitthatsomecreatureswantaheart?A.Although
theyhavenoheart,yettheyhavesomewhatthatanswersforit,as
appearsineelsandfishthathavethebackboneinsteadoftheheart.
Q.Whydoestheheartbeatinsomecreaturesaftertheheadiscut
off,asinbirdsandhens?A.Becausetheheartlivesfirstanddies
last,andthereforebeatslongerthanotherparts.
Q.Whydoththeheatoftheheartsometimesfailofasudden,andin
those who have the falling sickness? A. This proceeds from the
defectoftheheartitself,andofcertainsmallskinswithwhichitis
covered,which,beinginfectedandcorrupted,theheartfailethona
sudden; sometimes only by reason of the parts adjoining; and
therefore,whenanyvenomoushumourgoesoutofthestomachthat
turnstheheartandpartsadjoining,thatcauseththisfainting.

OftheStomach.

Q.Forwhatreasonisthestomachlargeandwide?A.Becauseinit
thefoodisfirstconcoctedordigestedasitwereinapot,totheend
thatwhichispureshouldbeseparatedfromthatwhichisnot;and
therefore,accordingtothequantityoffood,thestomachisenlarged.
Q.Howcomesitthatthestomachisround?A.Becauseifithad
angles and corners, food would remain in them and breed ill
humours,sothatamanwouldneverwantagues,whichhumoursare
evacuatedandconsumed,andnothidinanysuchcorners,bythe
roundnessofthestomach.
Q.Howcomesthestomachtobefullofsinews?A.Becausethe
sinewscanbeextendedandenlarged,andsoisthestomachwhenit
isfull;butwhenemptyitisdrawntogether,andthereforenature
providesthesinews.
Q.Howcomesthestomachtodigest?A.Becauseoftheheatwhich
isinit,andcomesfromthepartsadjoining,thatis,theliverandthe
heart.Forasweseeinmetalstheheatofthefiretakesawaytherust
anddrossfromiron,thesilverfromtin,andgoldfromcopper;so
alsobydigestionthepureisseparatedfromtheimpure.
Q.Forwhatreasondoththestomachjointheliver?A.Becausethe
liverisveryhot,andwithitsheathelpsdigestion,andprovokes
appetite.
Q.Whyarewecommonlycoldafterdinner?A.Becausethenthe
heatgoestothestomachtofurtherdigestion,andsotheotherparts
growcold.
Q.Whyisithurtfultostudysoonafterdinner?A.Becausewhenthe
heat labours to help the imagination in study, it ceases from
digesting the food, which remains undigested; therefore people
shouldwalksometimesaftermeals.
Q.Howcomeththestomachslowlytodigestmeat?A.Becauseit

swimsinthestomach.Now,thebestdigestionisinthebottomof
thestomach,becausethefatdescendsnotthere;suchaseatfatmeat
areverysleepybyreasonthatdigestionishindered.
Q. Why is all the body wrong when the stomach is uneasy? A.
Becausethestomachisknitwiththebrain,heartandliver,whichare
theprincipalpartsinman;andwhenitisnotwell,theothersare
indisposed.Again,ifthefirstdigestionbehindered,theothersare
also hindered; for in the first digestion is the beginning of the
infirmityinthestomach.
Q.Whyareyoungmensoonerhungrythanoldmen?A.Youngmen
dodigestforthreecauses;1.Forgrowing;2.Forrestoringlife;and
3.Forconservationoflife.Also,youngmenarehotanddry,and
thereforetheheatdothdigestmore,andbyconsequencetheydesire
more.
Q.Whydophysiciansprescribethatmenshouldeatwhentheyhave
anappetite?A.Becausemuchhungerandemptinesswillfillthe
stomachwithnaughtyrottenhumours,whicharedrawnininsteadof
meat;for,ifwefastovernightwehaveanappetitetomeat,butnone
inthemorning;asthenthestomachisfilledwithnaughtyhumours,
andespeciallyitsmouth,whichisnotruefilling,butadeceitfulone.
And,therefore,afterwehaveeatenalittle,ourstomachcomestous
again; for the first morsel, having made clean the mouth of the
stomach,dothprovoketheappetite.
Q.Whydophysiciansprescribethatweshouldnoteattoomuchata
time,butlittlebylittle?A.Becausewhenthestomachisfull,the
meatdothswiminit,whichisadangerousthing.Anotherreasonis,
thatasverygreenwooddothputoutthefire,somuchmeatchokes
thenaturalheatandputsitout;andthereforethebestphysicisto
usetemperanceineatinganddrinking.
Q.Whydowedesirechangeofmealsaccordingtothechangeof

times;asinwinter,beef,mutton;insummerlightmeats,asveal,
lamb,etc.?A.Becausethecomplexionofthebodyisalteredand
changedaccordingtothetimeofyear.Anotherreasonis,thatthis
proceedsfromthequalityoftheseason:becausethecoldinwinter
dothcauseabetterdigestion.
Q.Whyshouldnotthemeatweeatbeashotaspepperandginger?
A.Becauseashotmeatdothinflametheblood,anddisposeittoa
leprosy,so,onthecontrary,meattoocolddothmortifyandchillthe
blood.Ourmeatshouldnotbeoversharp,becauseitwastesthe
constitution;toomuchsaucedothburntheentrails,andinclinethto
toooftendrinking;rawmeatdoththesame;andoversweetmeatsto
constipateandclingtheveinstogether.
Q.Whyisitagoodcustomtoeatcheeseafterdinner,andpearsafter
allmeat?A.Because,byreasonofitsearthlinessandthicknessit
tendethdowntowardsthebottomofthestomach,andsoputdown
themeat;andthelikeofpears.Note,thatnewcheeseisbetterthan
old,andthatoldsoftcheeseisverybad,andcauseththeheadache
andstoppingoftheliver;andtheoldertheworse.Whereofitissaid
thatcheesedigestethallthingsbutitself.
Q.Whyarenutsgoodaftercheese,astheproverbis,"Afterfish
nuts,andafterfleshcheese?"A.Becausefishisofharddigestion,
anddotheasilyputrefyandcorrupt;andnutsarearemedyagainst
poison.
Q.Whyisitunwholesometowaitlongforonedishafteranother,
andtoeatofdiverskindsofmeat?A.Becausethefirstbeginsto
digestwhenthelastiseaten,andsodigestionisnotequallymade.
Butyetthisruleistobenoted;disheslightofdigestion,aschickens,
kids,veal,softeggsandsuchlike,shouldbefirsteaten;because,if
theyshouldbefirstservedandeatenandweredigested,theywould
hinderthedigestionoftheothers;andthelightmeatsnotdigested
would be corrupted in the stomach and kept in the stomach

violently, whereof would follow belching, loathing, headache,

bellyacheandgreatthirst.Itisveryhurtfultoo,atthesamemealto
drinkwineandmilk,becausetheyareproductiveofleprosy.
Q. Whether is meat or drink best for the stomach? A. Drink is
soonerdigestedthanmeat,becausemeatisofgreatersubstance,and
morematerialthandrink,andthereforemeatishardertodigest.
Q.Whyisitgoodtodrinkafterdinner?A.Becausethedrinkwill
make the meat readier to digest. The stomach is like unto a pot
whichdothboilmeat,andthereforephysiciansdocounseltodrink
atmeals.
Q.Whyisitgoodtoforbearalatesupper?A.Becausethereislittle
movingorstirringaftersupper,andsothemeatisnotsentdownto
thebottomofthestomach,butremainethundigested,andsobreeds
hurts;thereforealightsupperisbest.

OftheBlood.
Q.Whyisitnecessarythateverylivingcreaturethathathblood
havealsoaliver?A.Becausethebloodisfirstmadeintheliver,its
seat,beingdrawnfromthestomachbycertainprincipalveins,and
soengendered.
Q.Whyisthebloodred?A.1.Itislikethepartinwhichitismade,
viz.,theliver,whichisred.2.Itislikewisesweet,becauseitiswell
digestedandconcocted;butifithathalittleearthlymattermixed
withit,thatmakesitsomewhatsalt.
Q. How is women's blood thicker than men's? Their coldness
thickens,binds,congeals,andjoinstogether.
Q.Howcomesthebloodtoallpartsofthebodythroughtheliver,
andbywhatmeans?A.Throughtheprincipalveins,astheveinsof

thehead,liver,etc.,tonourishthebody.

OftheUrine.
Q.Howdoththeurinecomeintothebladder,seeingthebladderis
shut?A.Somesaysweatings;others,byasmallskininthebladder,
whichopensandletsintheurine.Urineisacertainandnotdeceitful
messengerofthehealthorinfirmityofman.Menmakewhiteurine
inthemorning,andbeforedinnerred,butafterdinnerpale,andalso
aftersupper.
Q. Why is it hurtful to drink much cold water? A. Because one
contrarydothhinderandexpelanother;waterisverycold,andlying
sointhestomach,dothhinderdigestion.
Q.Whyisitunwholesometodrinknewwine?A.1.Itcannotbe
digested;thereforeitcauseththebellytoswell,andakindofbloody
flux.2.Ithindersmakingwater.
Q.Whydophysiciansforbidustolabourpresentlyafterdinner?A.
1.Becausethemotionhindersthevirtueandpowerofdigestion.2.
Becausestirringimmediatelyafterdinnercausesthedifferentparts
ofthebodytodrawthemeattothem,whichoftenbreedssickness.
3.Becausemotionmakesthefooddescendbeforeitisdigested.And
aftersupperitisgoodtowalkalittle,thatthefoodmaygotothe
bottomofthestomach.
Q.Whyisitgoodtowalkafterdinner?A.Becauseitmakesaman
welldisposed,andfortifiesandstrengthensthenaturalheat,causing
thesuperfluityofthestomachtodescend.
Q.Whyisitwholesometovomit?A.Itpurgesthestomachofall
naughtyhumours,expellingthem,whichwouldbreedagainifthey
shouldremaininit;andpurgestheeyesandhead,clearingthebrain.

Q.Howcomessleeptostrengthenthestomachandthedigestive
faculty? A. Because in sleep the heat draws inwards, and helps
digestion;butwhenweawake,theheatreturns,andisdispersed
throughthebody.

OftheGallandSpleen.
Q.Howcomelivingcreaturestohaveagall?A.Becausecholeric
humoursarereceivedintoit,whichthroughtheiracidityhelpsthe
gutstoexpelsuperfluities;alsoithelpsdigestion.
Q. How comes the jaundice to proceed from the gall? A. The
humourofthegallisbluishandyellow;thereforewhenitsporesare
stoppedthehumourcannotgointothesackthereof,butaremingled
withtheblood,wanderingthroughoutallthebodyandinfectingthe
skin.
Q.Whyhathahorse,mule,assorcowagall?A.Thoughthese
creatureshavenogallinoneplace,asinapurseorvessel,yetthey
haveonedispersedinsmallveins.
Q. How comes the spleen to be black? A. It is occasioned by
terrestrial and earthy matter of a black colour. According to
physicians,thespleenisthereceptacleofmelancholy,andthatis
black.
Q.Whyisheleanwhohathalargespleen?A.Becausethespleen
drawsmuchwatertoitself,whichwouldturntofat;therefore,men
thathaveasmallspleenarefat.
Q.Whydoesthespleencausementolaugh,assaysIsidorus;"We
laughwiththespleen,weareangrywiththegall,wearewisewith
theheart,welovewiththeliver,wefeelwiththebrain,andspeak
with the lungs"? A. The reason is, the spleen draws much

melancholy to it, being its proper seat, the which melancholy

proceedsfromsadness,andisthereconsumed;andthecausefailing,
theeffectdothsolikewise.Andbythesamereasonthegallcauses
anger,forcholericmenareoftenangry,becausetheyhavemuch
gall.

OfCarnalCopulation.
Q.Whydolivingcreaturesusecarnalcopulation?A.Becauseitis
mostnaturalinthemtogettheirlike.
Q.Whatiscarnalcopulation?A.Itisamutualactionofmaleand
female,withinstrumentsordainedforthatpurposetopropagatetheir
kind.
Q. Why is this action good in those that use it lawfully and
moderately?A.Becauseiteasesandlightensthebody,clearsthe
mind,comfortstheheadandsenses,andexpelsmelancholy.
Q. Why is immoderate carnal copulation hurtful? A. Because it
destroysthesight,driesthebody,andimpairsthebrain,oftencauses
feversandshortenslifealso.
Q.Whydothcarnalcopulationinjuremelancholicorcholericmen,
especiallythinmen?A.Becauseitdriesthebonesmuchwhichare
naturally so. On the contrary, it is good for the phlegmatic and
sanguine,becausetheyaboundwiththatsubstancewhichbynature,
isnecessarilyexpelled.
Q. Why should not the act be used when the body is full? A.
Becauseithindersdigestion;anditisnotgoodforahungrybelly,
becauseitweakens.
Q.Whyisitnotgoodsoonafterabath?A.Becausethenthepores
areopen,andtheheatdispersedthroughthebody:forafterbathing,

itcoolsthebodytoomuch.
Q.Whyisitnotproperaftervomitingorlooseness?A.Becauseitis
dangeroustopurgetwiceaday;forinthisacttheveinsarepurged,
andthegutsbythevomit.
Q.Whyistheresuchdelightintheactofvenery?A.Becausethis
actissuchacontemptiblethinginitself,thatallcreatureswould
naturallyabhoritweretherenopleasureinit;andthereforenature
readilyusesit,thatallkindsoflivingthingsshouldbemaintained
andkeptup.
Q.Whydosuchasuseitoftentakelessdelightinitthanthosewho
cometoitseldom?A.1.Thepassagesoftheseedareoverlargeand
wide;andthereforeitmakesnostaythere,whichwouldcausethe
delight. 2. Through often evacuation there is little seed left, and
thereforenodelight.3.Becausesuch,insteadofseedthereiscast
out blood, undigested and raw, or some other watery substance,
whichisnothot,andthereforeaffordsnodelight.

OftheSeedofManandBeasts.
Q. How, and of what cometh the seed of man? A. Some
philosophersandphysicianssay,itissuperfluoushumours;others
say,thattheseedispureblood,flowingfromthebrain,concocted
and whitened in the testicles; but sweat, urine, spittle, phlegm,
choler,andthelike,andblooddispersedthroughoutthewholebody,
comechieflyfromtheheart,liverandbrain,becausethosepartsare
greatly weakened by casting seed; and therefore it appears that
frequentcarnalcopulationisnotgood.
Q.Whyisaman'sseedwhite,andawoman'sred?A.Itiswhitein
men by reason of great heat and quick digestion, because it is
rarefiedinthetesticles;butawoman'sisred,becauseherterms

corrupttheundigestedblood,andithathitscolour.
Q.Howcomefemalestohavemonthlycourses?A.Becausethey
arecoldinrespectofmen,andbecausealltheirnourishmentcannot
be converted into blood, a great part of which turns to menses,
whicharemonthlyexpelled.
Q.Forwhatreasondothemensesnotcomedowninfemalesbefore
theageofthirteen?A.Becauseyoungwomenarehot,anddigestall
theirnourishment.
Q.Forwhatreasondotheyleaveoffataboutfifty?A.Because
natureisthensoexhausted,theycannotexpelthembyreasonof
weakness.
Q.Whyhavenotbreedingwomenthemenses?A.Becausethatthen
theyturnintomilk,andintothenourishmentofthechild:forifa
womanwithchildhavethem,itisasignthatshewillmiscarry.
Q.Whyaretheytermedmenstrua,fromthewordmensis,amonth?
A.Becauseitisaspaceoftimethatmeasuresthemoon,assheends
hercourseintwentyninedays,andfourteenhours.
Q. Why do they continue longer with some than others, as with
somesixorseven,butcommonlywithallthreedays?A.Thefirst
arecold,thereforetheyincreasemostinthem,andconsequentlyare
longerexpelling;otherwomenarehot,andthereforehavefewerand
aresoonerexpelled.
Q.Arethemenseswhichareexpelled,andthosebywhichthechild
isengendered,allone?A.No,becausetheoneareunclean,andunfit
forthatpurpose;buttheotherverypureandclear,thereforethe
fittestforgeneration.
Q.Whyhavenotwomentheirmensesalloneandthesametime,but
someinthenewmoon,someinthefull,andothersatthewane?A.

Fromtheirseveralcomplexions,andthoughallwomen(inrespect
ofmen)arephlegmatic,yetsomearemoresanguinethanothers,
somemorecholeric;andasthemoonhathherquarters,sohave
womentheircomplexions;thefirstsanguine,thesecondcholeric.
Q.Whydowomeneasilyconceiveaftertheirmenses?A.Because
thewombbeingcleansed,theyarebetterpreparedforconception.
Q.Whydowomenlookpalewhentheyfirsthavetheirmensesupon
them?A.Becausetheheatgoesfromtheoutwardpartsofthebody
totheinward,tohelpnaturetoexpeltheirterms,whichdeprivation
ofheatdothcauseapalenessintheface.Or,becausethatfluxis
caused of raw humours, which, when they run, make the face
colourless.
Q.Whydotheyatthattimeabhortheirmeat?A.Becausenature
laboursmoretoexpeltheirtermsthandigest;and,therefore,ifthey
shouldeat,theirfoodwouldremainrawinthestomach.
Q. Why are some women barren and do not conceive? A. 1. It
proceedssometimesfromthemanwhomaybeofacoldnature,so
thathisseedisunfitforgeneration.2.Becauseitiswaterish,andso
dothnotstayinthewomb.3.Byreasonthattheseedofthemboth
hath not a like proportion, as if the man be melancholy and the
womansanguine,orthemancholericandthewomanphlegmatic.
Q.Whydofatwomenseldomconceive?A.Becausetheyhavea
slippery womb, and the seed will not stay in it. Or, because the
mouthofthematrixisverystrait,andtheseedcannotenterit,or,if
it does, it is so very slowly that it grows cold and unfit for
generation.
Q.Whydothoseofahotconstitutionseldomconceive?A.Because
theseedinthemisextinguishedorputout,aswatercastintofire;
whereof we find that women who vehemently desire the flesh

seldomconceive.
Q.Whyarewhoresneverwithchild?A.Byreasonofdiversseeds,
whichcorruptandspoiltheinstrumentsofconception,foritmakes
themsoslippery,thattheycannotretainseed.Or,else,itisbecause
oneman'sseeddestroysanother's,soneitherisgoodforgeneration.
Q.Whydowomenconceivetwins?A.Becausetherearesevencells
orreceptaclesinthewomb;whereforetheymaynaturallyhaveso
manychildrenatonceastherefallsseedintothesecells.
Q.Whyaretwinsbuthalfmen,andnotsostrongasothers?A.The
seedthatshouldhavebeenforone,isdividedintotwoandtherefore
theyareweaklyandseldomlivelong.

OfHermaphrodites.
Q.Howarehermaphroditesbegotten?A.Naturedothalwaystendto
thatwhichisbest,andalwaysintendethtobegetthemaleandnot
thefemale,becausethefemaleisonlyforthemale'smate.Therefore
themaleissometimesbegotteninallitsprincipalparts;and,yet,
throughtheindispositionofthewombandobject,andinequalityof
theseeds,whennaturecannotperfectthemale,shebringsforththe
female too. And therefore natural philosophers say, that an
hermaphroditeisimpotentintheprivypartsofaman,asappearsby
experience.
Q.Isanhermaphroditeaccountedamanorawoman?A.Itistobe
consideredinwhichmemberheisfittestforcopulation;ifhebe
fittestinthewoman's,thenheisawoman;ifinaman's,thenheisa
man.
Q.Shouldhebebaptizedinthenameofamanorawoman?A.In
the name of a man, because names are given ad placitum, and

thereforeheshouldbebaptized,accordingtotheworthiestname,
becauseeveryagentisworthierthanitspatient.

OfMonsters.
Q.Dothnaturemakeanymonsters?A.Shedoth;ifshedidnot,then
wouldshebedeprivedofherend.Forofthingspossible,shedoth
alwaysproposetobringforththatwhichismostperfectandbest;
butintheend,throughtheevildispositionofthematter,notbeing
abletobringforththatwhichsheintended,shebringsforththat
whichshecan.AsithappenedinAlbertus'stime,wheninacertain
village,acowbroughtforthacalf,halfaman;thenthecountrymen
suspecting a shepherd, would have burnt him with the cow; but
Albertus,beingskilledinastronomy,saidthatthisdidproceedfrom
a certain constellation, and so delivered the shepherd from their
hands.
Q.Aretheyoneortwo?A.Tofindout,youmustlookintothe
heart,iftherebetwohearts,therebetwomen.
Q.Whyaresomechildrenliketheirfather,someliketheirmother,
sometobothandsometoneither?A.Iftheseedofthefatherwholly
overcomethatofthemotherthechilddothresemblethefather;but
ifthemother'spredominate,thenitislikethemother;butifhebe
likeneither,thatdothsometimeshappenthroughthefourqualities,
sometimesthroughtheinfluenceofsomeheavenlyconstellation.
Q.Whyarechildrenoftenerlikethefatherthanthemother?A.It
proceedsfromtheimaginationofthemotherintheactofcopulation,
asappearedinaqueenwhohadherimaginationonablackamoor;
andintheEthiopianqueenwhobroughtforthawhitechild,because
herimaginationwasuponawhitecolour;asisseeninJacob'sskill
incastingrodsofdiverscoloursintothewater,whenhissheepwent

toram.
Q.Whydochildrenbornintheeighthmonthforthemostpartdie
quickly, and why are they called the children of the moon? A.
Becausethemoonisacoldplanet,whichhasdominionoverthe
child,andthereforedothbinditwithcoldness,whichisthecauseof
itsdeath.
Q.Whydothachildcryassoonasitisborn?A.Becauseofthe
sudden change from heat to cold: which cold doth affect its
tenderness.Anotherreasonis,becausethechild'ssoftandtender
bodyiswringedandputtogethercomingoutofthenarrowandstrait
passageofthematrix,andespecially,thebrainbeingmoist,andthe
headbeingpressedandwrinkledtogether,isthecausethatsome
humours distil by the eyes, which are the cause of tears and
weeping.
Q.Whydoththechildputitsfingersintoitsmouthassoonasit
comethintotheworld?A.Becausethatcomingoutofthewombit
comethoutofahotbath,andenteringintothecold,putstheminto
itsmouthforwantofheat.

OftheChildintheWomb.
Q.Howisthechildengenderedinthewomb?A.Thefirstsixdays
the seed hath this colour ofmilk, but in the six following a red
colour,whichisnearuntothedispositionoftheflesh;andthenitis
changed into a thick substance of blood. But in the twelve days
following, this substance becomes so thick and round that it is
capableofreceivingshapeandform.
Q.Doththechildinthewombvoidexcrementsormakewater?No.
Becauseithathnotthefirstdigestionwhichisinthestomach.It
receivesnofoodbythemouth,butbythenavel;therefore,makesno

urinebutsweats,whichisbutlittle,andisreceivedinaskininthe
matrix,whichatthebirthiscastout.

OfAbortionandUntimelyBirth.
Q.Whydowomenthateatunwholesomemeats,easilymiscarry?A.
Becausetheybreedputrefiedseed,whichthemindabhorringdoth
castitoutofthewombasunfitfortheshapewhichisadaptedto
receivethesoul.
Q.Whydothwrestlingandleapingcausethecastingofthechild,as
somesubtlewomendoonpurpose?A.Thevapourisburning,and
dotheasilyhurtthetendersubstanceofthechild,enteringinatthe
poresofthematrix.
Q.Whydothmuchjoycauseawomantomiscarry?A.Becausein
thetimeofjoy,awomanisdestituteofheat,andsoamiscarriage
dothfollow.
Q.Whydowomeneasilymiscarrywhentheyarefirstwithchild,
viz.,thefirst,secondorthirdmonth?A.Asapplesandpearseasily
fallatfirst,becausetheknotsandligamentsareweak,soitiswitha
childinthewomb.
Q.Whyisithardtomiscarryinthethird,fourth,fifthandsixth
month?A.Becausetheligamentsarestrongerandwellfortified.

OfDiversMatters.
Q.Whyhasnotamanataillikeabeast?A.Becausemanisanoble
creature, whose property is to sit; which a beast, having a tail,
cannot.

Q.Whydoeshotwaterfreezesoonerthancold?A.Hotwateris
thinner,andgivesbetterentrancetothefrost.
Q.Whyiseverylivingcreaturedullaftercopulation?A.Byreason
thattheactisfilthyandunclean;andsoeverylivingcreatureabhors
it.Whenmendothinkuponit,theyareashamedandsad.
Q.Whycannotdrunkenmenjudgeoftasteaswellassobermen?A.
Becausethetongue,beingfullofporesandspongy,receivesmore
moistureintoit,andmoreindrunkenmenthaninsober;therefore,
thetongue,throughoftendrinking,isfullofbadhumours,andso
the faculty of tasting is rendered out of order; also, through the
thickening of the taste itself, drink taken by drunkards is not
presentlyfelt.Andbythismayalsobeunderstoodwhydrunkards
havenotaperfectspeech.
Q. Why have melancholy beasts long ears? A. The ears proceed
fromadryandcoldsubstance,calledgristle,whichisapttobecome
bone;andbecausemelancholybeastsdoaboundwiththiskindof
substance,theyhavelongears.
Q.Whydoharessleepwiththeireyesopen?A.1.Theyhavetheir
eyesstandingout,andtheireyelidsshort,therefore,neverquiteshut.
2.Theyaretimorous,andasasafeguardtothemselves,sleepwith
theireyesopen.
Q.Whydonotcrowsfeedtheiryoungtilltheybeninedaysold?A.
Because seeing them of another colour, they think they are of
anotherkind.
Q.Whyaresheepandpigeonsmild?A.Theywantgalls,thecause
ofanger.
Q.Whyhavebirdstheirstonesinward?A.Becauseifoutward,they
wouldhindertheirflyingandlightness.

Q.Howcomesitthatbirdsdonotpiss?A.Becausethatsuperfluity
whichwouldbeconvertedintourine,isturnedintofeathers.
Q.Whydowehearbetterinthenightthanbyday?A.Becausethere
isagreaterquietnessinthenightthanintheday,forthesundoth
notexhalethevapoursbynight,butitdothintheday,thereforethe
moonismorefitthanintheday;andthemoonbeingfit,themotion
isbetterreceived,whichissaidtobecausedbyasound.
Q.Forwhatreasondothamanlaughsoonerwhentouchedinthe
armpitsthaninanyotherpartofthebody?A.Becausethereisin
thatplaceameetingofmanysinews,andthemeanwetouch,which
istheflesh,ismoresubtlethaninotherparts,andthereforeoffiner
feeling. Whena man is moderately and gently touched there the
spiritsthataredispersedrunintothefaceandcauseslaughter.
Q.Whydosomewomenlovewhitemenandsomeblackmen?A.1.
Somehaveweaksight,andsuchdelight inblack, becausewhite
dothhurtthesightmorethanblack.2.Becauselikedelightinlike;
butsomewomenareofahotnature,andsucharedelightedwith
black,becauseblacknessfollowethheat;andothersareofacold
nature,andthosearedelightedwithwhite,becausecoldproduces
white.
Q.Whydomeninclinetosleepafterlabour?A.Because,through
continualmoving,theheatisdispersedtotheexternalpartsofthe
body,which,afterlabour,isgatheredtogetherintheinternalparts,
theretodigest;andfromdigestion,vapoursarisefromtheheartto
thebrain,whichstopthepassagebywhichthenaturalheatshould
bedispersedtotheexternalpart;andthen,theexternalpartsbeing
coldandthick,byreasonofthecoldnessofthebrainsleepiseasily
procured.Bythisitappeareththatsuchaseatanddrinktoomuch,
dosleepmuchandlong,becausetherearegreatstoreofhumours
andvapoursbredinsuchpersonswhichcannotbeconsumedand
digestedbythenaturalheat.

Q.Whyaresuchassleepmuch,evildisposedandillcoloured?A.
Because in too much sleep moisture is gathered together, which
cannot be consumed, and so it doth covet to go out through the
superficialpartsofthebody,andespeciallyitresortstotheface,and
thereforeisthecauseofbadcolours,asappearethinsuchasare
phlegmaticandwhodesiremoresleepthanothers.
Q.Whydosomeimagineintheirsleepthattheyeatanddrinksweet
things?A.Becausethephlegmdrawnupbythejawsdothdistiland
droptothethroat;andthisphlegmissweetafterasoresweat,and
thatseemethsotothem.
Q.Whydosomedreamintheirsleepthattheyareinthewaterand
drowned,andsomethattheywereinthewaterandnotdrowned;
especiallysuchasarephlegmatic?A.Becausewhenthephlegmatic
substancedothturntothehighpartsofthebody,thenmanythink
theyareinthewateranddrowned;butwhenthatsubstancedraweth
intotheinternalparts,thentheythinktheyescape.Anotherreason
maybe,overmuchrepletionanddrunkenness:andtherefore,when
menareovermuchfilledwithmeat,thefumesandvapoursascend
andgathertogether,andtheythinktheyaredrownedandstrangled;
butiftheycannotascendsohighthentheyseemtoescape.
Q.Mayamanprocureadreambyanexternalcause?A.Itmaybe
done.Ifamanspeaksoftlyinanotherman'searandawakehimnot,
thenofhisstirringofthespiritstherearethunderingsandbuzzings
inthehead,whichcausedreamings.
Q.Howmanyhumoursarethereinaman'sbody?A.Four,whereof
every one hath its proper place. The first is choler, called by
physicians flavabilis,whichisplacedintheliver.Thesecondis
melancholy,calledatrabilis,whoseseatisinthespleen.Thethird
isphlegm,whoseplaceisinthehead.Thefourthisblood,whose
placeisintheheart.

Q. What condition and quality hath a man of a sanguine

complexion?A.Itisfairandbeautiful;hathhishairforthemost
part smooth; is bold; retaineth that which he hath conceived; is
shamefaced,giventomusic,aloverofsciences,liberal,courteous,
andnotdesirousofrevenge.
Q.Whatpropertiesdofollowthoseofaphlegmaticcomplexion?A.
Theyaredullofwit,theirhairnevercurls,theyareseldomvery
thirsty,muchgiventosleep,dreamofthingsbelongingtowater,are
fearful,covetous,giventoheapupriches,andareweakintheactof
venery.
Q.Whatarethepropertiesofacholericman?A.Heisbrownin
complexion, unquiet, his veins hidden, eateth little and digesteth
less, dreameth of dark and confused things, is sad, fearful,
exceedinglycovetous,andincontinent.
Q.Whatdreamsdofollowthesecomplexions?A.Pleasant,merry
dreamsdofollowthesanguine;fearfuldreams,themelancholic;the
cholericdreamofchildrenfightingandfire;thephlegmaticdreamof
water. This is the reason why a man's complexion is said to be
knownbyhisdreams.
Q.Whatisthereasonthatifyoucoveraneggoverwithsalt,andlet
itlieinitafewdays,allthemeatwithinisconsumed?A.Agreat
drynessofthesaltconsumesthesubstanceoftheegg.
Q.Whyisthemelancholiccomplexiontheworst?A.Becauseit
proceeds from the dregs of the blood, is an enemy to mirth and
bringethonagedappearanceanddeath,beingcoldanddry.
Q.Whatisthecausethatsomemendiejoyful,andsomeinextreme
grief?A.Overgreatjoydothovermuchheattheinternalpartsofthe
body;andovermuchgriefdothdrownandsuffocatetheheart,which
failing,amandieth.

Q.Whyhathamansomuchhaironhishead?A.Thehaironhis
headproceedsfromthevapourswhicharisefromthestomach,and
ascendtothehead,andalsoofthesuperfluitieswhichareinthe
brain; and those two passing through the pores of the head are
convertedintohair,byreasonoftheheatanddrynessofthehead.
Andbecauseman'sbodyisfullofhumours,andhehathmorebrains
thananyotherlivingcreatures.
Q.Howmanywaysisthebrainpurgedandotherhiddenplacesof
thebody?A.Four;thewateryandgrosshumoursarepurgedbythe
eyes,melancholybytheears,cholerbythenose,andphlegmbythe
hair.
Q.Whatisthereasonthatsuchasareveryfatintheiryouth,arein
dangerofdyingonasudden?A.Suchhaveverysmallandclose
veins,byreasonoftheirfatness,sothattheairandthebreathcan
hardly have free course in them; and thereupon the natural heat
wantingtherefreshmentofair,isputout,andasitwere,quenched.
Q.Whydogarlicandonionsgrowaftertheyaregathered?A.It
proceedethfromthehumiditythatisinthem.
Q.Whydomenfeelcoldsoonerthanwomen?A.Becausemen,
being more hot than women, have their pores more open, and
thereforeitdothsoonerenterintothemthanwomen.
Q.Whyarenotoldmensosubjecttotheplagueasyoungmenand
children?A.Theyarecold,andtheirporesarenotsoopenasin
youth;andthereforetheinfectingairdothnotpenetratesosoonby
reasonoftheircoldness.
Q.Whydowecastwaterinaman'sfacewhenheswooneth?A.
Becausethroughthecoldnessofwatertheheatmayruntotheheart,
andsogivestrength.
Q.Whyarethosewatersbestandmostdelicatewhichruntowards

the rising sun? A. Because they are soonest stricken with the
sunbeams,andmadepureandsubtle,thesunhavingthemunderit,
andbythatmeanstakingoffthecoldnessandgrossvapourswhich
theygatherfromthegroundtheyrunthrough.
Q.Whyhavewomensuchweakandsmallvoices?A.Becausetheir
instrumentsandorgansofspeaking,byreasonoftheircoldness,are
smallandnarrow;andtherefore,receivingbutlittleair,causethe
voicetobeeffeminate.
Q.Whereofdothitproceedthatwantofsleepdothweakenthebrain
andbody?A.Muchwatchingdothengendercholer,thewhichbeing
hotbothdryupandlessenthehumourswhichservethebrain,the
head,andotherpartsofthebody.
Q.Whereforedothvinegarsoreadilystaunchblood?A.Fromits
coldvirtue,forallcoldisnaturallybinding,andvinegarbeingcold,
haththelikeproperty.
Q.Whyisseawatersalterinsummerthaninwinter?A.Fromthe
heatofthesun,seeingbyexperimentthatasaltthingbeingheated
becomethmoresalt.
Q.Whydomenlivelongerinhotregionsthanincold?A.Because
theymaybemoredry,andbythatmeansthenaturalheatisbetter
preservedinthemthanincoldcountries.
Q.Whyiswellwaterseldomor evergood?A.All waterwhich
standethstillinthespringandisneverheatedbythesunbeams,is
veryheavy,andhathmuchmatterinit,andthereforewantingthe
heatofthesun,isnaught.
Q.Whydomensleepbetterandmoreateaseontherightsidethan
ontheleft?A.Becausewhentheybeontheleftside,thelungsdo
lieuponandcovertheheart,whichisonthatsideunderthepap;
nowtheheart,thefountainoflife,beingthusoccupiedandhindered

withthelungs,cannotexerciseitsownproperoperation,asbeing
overmuchheatedwiththelungslyinguponit,andthereforewanting
the refreshment of the air which the lungs do give it, like the
blowingofapairofbellows,ischokedandsuffocated,butbylying
ontherightside,thoseinconveniencesareavoided.
Q.Whatisthereasonthatoldmensneezewithgreatdifficulty?A.
Becausethatthroughtheircoldnesstheirarteriesareverynarrow
andclose,andthereforetheheatisnotofforcetoexpelthecold.
Q.Whydothadrunkenmanthinkthatallthingsabouthimdoturn
round?A.Becausethespiritswhichservethesightaremingledwith
vapours and fumes, arising from the liquors he has drunk; the
overmuchheatcauseththeeyetobeincontinualmotion,andthe
eyebeinground,causethallthingsaboutittoseemtogoround.
Q.Whereforedothitproceed,thatbreadwhichismadewithsaltis
lighterthanthatwhichismadewithoutit,consideringthatsaltis
veryheavyofitself?A.Althoughbreadisveryheavyofitself,yet
thesaltdriesitandmakesitlight,byreasonoftheheatwhichit
hath;andthemoreheatthereisinit,thebetterthebreadis,andthe
lighterandmorewholesomeforthebody.
Q.Whyisnotnewbreadgoodforthestomach?A.Becauseitisfull
ofmoistness,andthick,hotvapours,whichdocorrupttheblood,
andhotbreadisblackerthancold,becauseheatisthemotherof
blackness,andbecausethevapoursarenotgoneoutofit.
Q.Whydolettucesmakeamansleep?A.Becausetheyengender
grossvapours.
Q.Whydothedregsofwineandoilgotothebottom,andthoseof
honeyswimuppermost?A.Becausethedregsofwineandoilare
earthly,andthereforegotothebottom;buthoneyisaliquidthat
comethfromthestomachandbellyofthebee;andisthereinsome

sortputrefiedandmadesubtle;onwhichaccountthedregsaremost
lightandhot,andthereforegouppermost.
Q.Whydocats'andwolves'eyesshineinthenight,andnotinthe
day?A.Theeyesofthesebeastsarebynaturemorecrystallinethan
theeyesofotherbeasts,andthereforedososhineindarkness;but
thebrightnessofthesundothhinderthemfrombeingseeninthe
daytime.
Q.Whatisthereasonthatsomemen,iftheyseeothersdance,dothe
likewiththeirhandsandfeet,orbyothergesturesofthebody?A.
Becausethesighthavingcarriedandrepresenteduntothemindthat
action, and judging the same to be pleasant and delightful, and
thereforetheimaginationdraweththelikeofitinconceitandstirs
upthebodybythegestures.
Q.Whydoesmuchsleepcausesometogrowfatandsomelean?A.
Thosewhoareofillcomplexion,whentheysleep,doconsumeand
digest the superfluities of what they have eaten, and therefore
becomefat.Butsuchasareofgoodcomplexion,whentheysleep
aremorecold,anddigestless.
Q.Howmuch,andfromwhatcausedowesufferhungerbetterthan
thirst? A. When the stomach hath nothing else to consume, it
consumeththephlegmandhumourswhichitfindethmostreadyand
most at hand; and therefore we suffer hunger better than thirst,
becausetheheathathnothingtorefreshitselfwith.
Q. Why doth the hair fall after a great sickness? A. Where the
sicknessislong,asintheague,thehumoursoftheheadaredriedup
through overmuch heat, and, therefore, wanting nourishment, the
hairfalls.
Q.Whydoththehairoftheeyebrowsgrowlonginoldmen?A.
Becausethroughtheiragethebonesarethinthroughwantofheat,

andthereforethehairdothgrowthere,byreasonoftherheumofthe
eye.
Q.Whereofproceedethgaping?A.Ofgrossvapours,whichoccupy
thevitalspiritsofthehead,andofthecoldnessofthesensescausing
sleepiness.
Q.Whatisthereasonthatsomeflowersdoopenwiththesunrising,
andshutwiththesunsetting?A.Colddothcloseandshut,ashath
been said, but the heat of the sun doth open and enlarge. Some
comparethesuntothesoulofthebody;forasthesoulgivethlife,
sothesundothgivelife,andvivificateallthings;butcoldbringeth
death,witheringanddecayingallthings.
Q. Why doth grief cause men to grow old and grey? A. Age is
nothingelsebutdrynessandwantofhumoursinthebody;griefthen
causeth alteration, and heat dryness; age and greyness follow
immediately.
Q.Whyaregeldedbeastsweakerthansuchasarenotgelded?A.
Because they have less heat, and by that means less force and
strength.

THEPROBLEMSOFMARCUS
ANTONINUSSANCTIPERTIAS
Q.Whyisitesteemed,inthejudgmentofthemostwise,thehardest
thingtoknowaman'sself?A.Becausenothingcanbeknownthatis
ofsogreatimportancetomanfortheregulationofhisconductin
life. Without this knowledge, man is like the ship without either
compassorruddertoconducthertoport,andistossedbyevery

passionandprejudicetowhichhisnaturalconstitutionissubjected.
Toknowtheformandperfectionofman'sself,accordingtothe
philosophers,isatasktoohard;andaman,saysPlato,isnothing,or
ifhebeanything,heisnothing,buthissoul.
Q.Whyisaman,thoughendowedwithreason,themostunjustof
alllivingcreatures?A.Becauseonlymanisdesirousofhonour;and
soithappensthateveryonecovetstoseemgood,andyetnaturally
shunslabour,thoughheattainnovirtuebyit.
Q.Whydothimmoderatecopulationdomorehurtthanimmoderate
letting of blood? A. The seed is full of nutriment, and better
preparedforthenurtureofthebody,thantheblood;forthebloodis
nourishedbytheseed.
Q.Whatisthereasonthatthosethathavelongyardscannotbeget
children?A.Theseed,ingoingalongdistance,dothlosethespirit,
andthereforebecomescoldandunfit.
Q.Whydosuchasarecorpulentcastforthbutlittleseedintheact
ofcopulation,andareoftenbarren?A.Becausetheseedofsuch
goethtonourishthebody.Forthesamereasoncorpulentwomen
havebutfewmenses.
Q.Howcomewomentobepronetoveneryinthesummertimeand
meninthewinter?A.Insummertheman'stesticleshangdownand
are feebler than in winter, or because hot natures become more
livelyinthecoldseason;foramanishotanddry,andawomancold
andmoist;andthereforeinsummerthestrengthofmendecays,and
thatofwomenincreases,andtheygrowlivelierbythebenefitofthe
contraryquality.
Q.Whyismantheproudestofalllivingcreatures?A.Byreasonof
hisgreatknowledge;or,asphilosopherssay,allintelligentbeings
having understanding, nothing remains that escapes man's

knowledgeinparticular;oritisbecausehehathruleoverallearthly
creatures,andallthingsseemtobebroughtunderhisdominion.
Q.Whyhavebeaststheirheartsinthemiddleoftheirbreasts,and
manhisincliningtotheleft?A.Tomoderatethecoldonthatside.
Q. Why doth the woman love the man best who has got her
maidenhead?A.Byreasonofshamefacedness;Platosaith,shame
facednessdothfollowlove,or,becauseitisthebeginningofgreat
pleasure, which doth bring a great alteration in the whole body,
wherebythepowersofthemindaremuchdelighted,andstickand
restimmoveableinthesame.
Q.Howcomehairypeopletobemorelustfulthananyother?A.
Becausetheyaresaidtohavegreaterstoreofexcrementsandseed
asphilosophersassert.
Q. What is the cause that the suffocation of the matrix, which
happenstowomenthroughstrifeandcontention,ismoredangerous
thanthedetainingoftheflowers?A.Becausethemoreperfectan
excrementis inits natural disposition,the worse it is whenitis
alteredfromthatdisposition,anddrawntothecontraryquality;asis
seeninvinegar,whichissharpestwhenitismadeofthebestwine.
Andsoithappensthatthemoremenloveoneanotherthemorethey
fallintovarianceanddiscord.
Q. How come women's bodies to be looser, softer and less than
man's;andwhydotheywanthair?A.Byreasonoftheirmenses;for
withthemtheirsuperfluitiesgoaway,whichwouldproducehair;
andtherebythefleshisfilled,consequentlytheveinsaremorehidin
womenthaninmen.
Q.Whatisthereasonthatwhenwethinkuponahorriblething,we
are stricken with fear? A. Because the conceit or imagination of
thingshasforceandvirtue.ForPlatosaith,thefancyofthingshas

some affinity with things themselves; for the image and

representationofcoldandheatissuchasthenatureofthingsare.Or
itisthis,becausewhenwecomprehendanydreadfulmatter,the
bloodrunnethtotheinternalparts;andthereforetheexternalparts
arecoldandshakewithfear.
Q.Whydotharadishroothelpdigestionandyetitselfremaineth
undigested?A.Becausethesubstanceconsistethofdiversparts;for
therearesomethinpartsinit,whicharefittodigestmeat,thewhich
beingdissolved,theredothremainsomethickandclosesubstancein
it,whichtheheatcannotdigest.
Q.Whydosuchascleavewood,cleaveiteasierinthelengththan
athwart?A.Becauseinthewoodthereisagrain,whereby,ifitbe
cutinlength,intheverycutting,onepartnaturallyseparatethfrom
another.
Q.Whatisthereason,thatifaspearbestrickenontheend,the
soundcomethsoonertoonewhostandethnear,thantohimwho
striketh?A.Because,ashathbeensaid,thereisacertainlonggrain
inwood,directlyforward,filledwithair,butontheothersidethere
isnone,andthereforeabeamorspearbeingstrickenontheend,the
airwhichishiddenreceivethasoundintheaforesaidgrainwhich
servethforitspassage;and,seeingthesoundcannotgoeasilyoutof
itiscarriedintotheearofhimwhoisopposite;asthosepassagesdo
notgofromsidetoside,asoundcannotbedistinctlyheardthere.
Q.Whyarethethighsandcalvesofthelegsofmenflesh,seeingthe
legs of beasts are not so? A. Because men only go upright; and
thereforenaturehathgiventhelowerpartscorpulency,andtakenit
away from the upper; and thus she hath made the buttocks, the
thighs,andcalvesofthelegsfleshy.
Q.Whyarethesensiblepowersintheheart;yetifthehinderpartof
thebrainbehurt,thememorysufferethbyit;iftheforepart,the

imagination;ifthemiddle,thecogitativepart?A.Itisbecausethe
brainisappointedbynaturetocoolthebloodoftheheart;whereofit
is,thatindiversofitspartsitserveththepowersandinstruments
withtheirheart,foreveryactionofthesouldothnotproceedfrom
onemeasureofheat.

THEPROBLEMSOFALEXANDER
APHRODISEUS
Q.Whydoththesunmakeamanblackanddirtwhite,waxsoftand
dirthard?A.Byreasonofthedispositionofthesubstancethatdoth
suffer.Allhumours,phlegmexcepted,whenheatedabovemeasure,
doseemblackabouttheskin;anddirt,beingfulleitherofsaltpetre,
orsaltliquor,whenthesunhathconsumeditsdregsandfilth,doth
becomewhiteagain.Whenthesunhathstirredupanddrawnthe
humidityofthewax,itissoftened;butinthedirt,thesundoth
consumethehumidity,whichisverymuchandmakesithard.
Q.Whyareroundulcershardtobecured?A.Becausetheyarebred
ofasharpcholer,whicheatsandgnaws;andbecauseitdothrun,
droppingandgnawing,itmakesaroundulcer;forwhichreasonit
requiresdrymedicines,asphysiciansassert.
Q.Whyishoneysweettoallmen,buttosuchashavejaundice?A.
Becausetheyhavemuchbittercholerallovertheirbodies,which
aboundsinthetongue;whenceithappenswhentheyeathoneythe
humoursarestirred,andthetasteitself,bythebitternessofcholer,
causesanimaginationthatthehoneyisbitter.
Q.Whydothwatercastonserpents,causethemtofly?A.Because
theyaredryandcoldbynature,havingbutlittleblood,andtherefore

flyfromexcessivecoldness.
Q.Whydothaneggbreakifroasted,andnotifboiled?A.When
moisturecomesnearthefire,itisheatedverymuch,andsobreeds
wind,which beingput upinlittle room, forcesits wayout, and
breakstheshell:thelikehappensintubsorearthenvesselswhen
newwineisputintothem;toomuchphlegmbreakstheshellofan
egginroasting;itisthesamewithearthenpotstoomuchheated;
whereforesomepeoplewetaneggwhentheyintendtoroastit.Hot
water,byitssoftness,dothdissipateitshumiditybylittleandlittle,
anddissolvesitthroughthethinnessandpassagesoftheshell.
Q. Why do men wink in the act of copulation, and find a little
alterationinallothersenses?A.Because,beingovercomebythe
effectofthatpleasure,theydocomprehenditthebetter.
Q.Whyhavechildrengravelbreedingintheirbladders,andoldmen
in their kidneys and veins? A. Because children have straight
passagesintheirkidneys,andanearthlythickhumouristhrustwith
violencebytheurinetothebladder,whichhathwideconduitsor
passages,thatgiveroomfortheurineandhumourwhereofgravelis
engendered,whichwaxesthick,andseatsitself,asthemannerofit
is.Inoldmenitisthereverse,fortheyhavewidepassagesofthe
veins, back and kidneys, that the urine may pass away, and the
earthly humour congeal and sink down; the colour of the gravel
showsthehumourwhereofthestonecomes.
Q.Whyisit,ifthestonedocongealandwaxhardthroughheat,we
usenotcontrarythingstodissolveitbycoldness,butlightthings,as
parsley, fennel and the like? A. It is thought, to fall out by an
excessivescorchingheat,bywhichthestonesdocrumbleintosand,
as in the manner of earthen vessels, which, when they are
overheatedorroasted,turntosand.Andbythismeansithappens
thatsmallstonesareavoided,togetherwithsand,inmakingwater.
Sometimes cold drink thrusts out the stone, the kidneys being

stretchedandcastingitoutbyagreateffort;thuseasingthebellyof
itsburden.Besides,itoftenhappensthatimmoderateheatofthe
kidneys,oroftheveinsoftheback(throughwhichthestonedoth
grow)isquenchedwithcoldness.
Q.Whyisthecuringofanulcerorbileinthekidneysorbladder
veryhard?A.Becausetheurinebeingsharp,dothulceratethesore.
Ulcersareworsetocureinthebladderthaninthekidneys,because
urinestaysintheformer,butrunsawayfromthelatter.
Q.Whydochaffandstrawkeepwaterhot,butmakesnowcold?A.
Because the nature of chaff wants a manifest quantity; seeing,
therefore that of its own nature, it can easily be mingled, and
consumedbythatwhichitisannexedonto,iteasilyassumesthe
samenature,andbeingputintohotthings,itiseasilyhot,heats
again,andkeepshot;andonthecontrary,beingmadecoldbythe
snow,andmakingthesnowcolditkeepsinitscoldness.
Q.Whyhaveweoftentimesapaininmakingwater?A.Because
sharpcholerissuingout,andprickingthebladderoftheurine,doth
provokeandstirupthewholebodytoeasethepartoffended,andto
expelthehumourmoderately.Thisdothhappenmostofallunto
children, because they have moist excrements by reason of their
oftendrinking.
Q. Why have some medicines of one kind contrary effects, as
experienceproves;formastichdothexpel,dissolveandalsoknit;
and vinegar cools and heats? A. Because there are some small
invisiblebodiesinthem,notinconfusion,butbyinterposition;as
sandmoisteneddothclogtogetherandseemtobebutonebody,
thoughindeedtherearemanysmallbodiesinsand.Andsincethisis
so,itisnotabsurdthatthecontraryqualitiesandvirtuesshouldbe
hiddeninmastich,andthatnaturehathgiventhatvirtuetothese
bodies.

Q.Whydonursesrockandmovetheirchildrenwhentheywould
rockthemtosleep?A.Totheendthatthehumoursbeingscattered
bymoving,maymovethebrains;butthoseofmoreyearscannot
endurethis.
Q.Whydothoil,beingdrunk,causeonetovomit,andespecially
yellowcholer?A.Becausebeinglight,andascendingupwardsit
provokeththenutrimentinthestomach,andliftethitup;andso,the
stomachbeinggrieved,summoneththeejectivevirtuetovomit,and
especiallycholer,becausethatislightandconsistethofsubtleparts,
andthereforethesoonercarriedupward;forwhenitismingledwith
anymoistthing,itrunnethintothehighestroom.
Q.Whydothnotoilminglewithmoistthings?A.Because,being
pliant,softandthickinitself,itcannotbedividedintoparts,andso
cannotbemingled;neitherifitbeputontheearthcanitenterintoit.
Q. Whyare water andoil frozen in cold weather, andwine and
vinegarnot?A.Becausethatoilbeingwithoutquality,andfittobe
compoundedwithanything,iscoldquicklyandsoextremelythatit
ismostcold.Waterbeingcoldofnature,dotheasilyfreezewhenit
ismadecolderthanitsownnature.Winebeinghot,andofsubtle
parts,sufferethnofreezing.
Q.Whydocontrarythingsinqualitybringforththesameeffect?A.
Thatwhichismoistishardenedandboundalikebyheatandcold.
Snowandliquiddofreezewithcold;aplasterandgravelinthe
bladderaremadedrywithheat.Theeffectindeedisthesame,but
bytwodiversactions;theheatdothconsumeandeattheabundance
ofmoisture;butthecoldstoppingandshuttingwithitsovermuch
thickness,dothwringoutthefilthyhumidity,likeasaspongewrung
withthehanddothcastoutthewaterwhichithathintheporesand
smallpassages.
Q.Whydothashakingorquiveringseizeusoftentimeswhenany

fearfulmatterdothhappen,asagreatnoiseoracrackmade,the
suddendownfallofwater,orthefallofalargetree?A.Becausethat
oftentimesthehumoursbeingdigestedandconsumedbytimeand
madethinandweak,alltheheatvehemently,suddenlyandsharply
flying into the inward part of the body, consumeth the humours
whichcausethedisease.Sotreaclehaththiseffect,andmanysuch
like,whicharehotanddrywhentakenafterconnexion.
Q.Whydosteelglassesshinesoclearly?A.Becausetheyarelined
intheinsidewithwhitelead,whosenatureisshining,andbeingput
toglass,whichislucidandtransparent,dothshinemuchmore;and
castsitsbeamsthroughitspassages,andwithoutthebodyofthe
glass;andbythatmeanstheglassisveryshiningandclear.
Q.Whydoweseeourselvesinglassesandclearwater?A.Because
thequalityofthesight,passingintothebrightbodiesbyreflection,
dothreturnagainonthebeamoftheeyes,astheimageofhimwho
lookethonit.
Q.What is thereason that ifyoucastastone instanding water
whichisnearthesurfaceoftheearth,itcausesmanycircles,andnot
ifthewaterbedeepintheearth?A.Becausethestone,withthe
vehemenceofthecast,dothagitatethewaterineverypartofit,until
itcometothebottom;andiftherebeaverygreatvehemenceinthe
throw,thecircleisstillgreater,thestonegoingdowntothebottom
causingmanycircles.For,firstofall,itdothdividetheoutermost
and superficial parts of the water in many parts, and so, always
going down to the bottom, again dividing the water, it maketh
anothercircle,andthisisdonesuccessivelyuntilthestoneresteth;
andbecausethevehemenceofthestoneisslackened,stillasitgoes
down,ofnecessitythelastcircleislessthanthefirst,becauseby
thatandalsobyitsforcethewaterisdivided.
Q.Whyaresuchasaredeafbynature,dumb?A.Becausethey
cannot speak and express that which they never hear. Some

physiciansdosay,thatthereisoneknittingandunitingofsinews
belongingtothelikedisposition.Butsuchasaredumbbyaccident
arenotdeafatall,forthentherearisethalocalpassion.
Q. Why doth itching arise when an ulcer doth wax whole and
phlegmceases?A.Becausethepartwhichishealedandmadesound
dothpursuetherelicofthehumourswhichremainedthereagainst
nature, and which was the cause of the bile, and so going out
throughtheskin,anddissolvingitself,dothoriginallycausetheitch.
Q.Howcomesamantosneezeoftenerandmorevehementlythana
beast? A. Because he uses more meats and drinks, and of more
differentsorts,andthatmorethanisrequisite;thewhich,whenhe
cannotdigestashewould,hedothgathertogethermuchairand
spirit, by reason of much humidity; the spirits then very subtle,
ascendingintothehead,oftenforceamantovoidthem,andso
provoke sneezing. The noise caused thereby proceeds from a
vehementspiritorbreathpassingthroughtheconduitofthenostrils,
asbelchingdothfromthestomachorfartingbythefundament,the
voicebythethroat,andasoundbytheear.
Q.Howcomethehairandnailsofdeadpeopletogrow?A.Because
thefleshrotting,witheringandfallingaway,thatwhichwashidden
abouttherootofthehairdothnowappearasgrowing.Somesaythat
itgrowsindeed,becausecarcassesaredissolvedinthebeginningto
manyexcrementsandsuperfluitiesbyputrefaction.Thesegoingout
attheuppermostpartsofthebodybysomepassages,doincreasethe
growthofthehair.
Q.Whydoesnotthehairofthefeetsoongrowgrey?A.Forthis
reason,becausethatthroughgreatmotiontheydisperseanddissolve
thesuperfluousphlegmthatbreedsgreyness.Thehairofthesecrets
growsverylate,becauseoftheplace,andbecausethatincarnal
copulationitdissolvesthephlegmalso.

Q.Why,ifyouputhotburntbarleyuponahorse'ssore,isthehair
whichgrowsuponthesorenotwhite,butliketheotherhair?A.
Because it hath the force of expelling; and doth drive away and
dissolvethephlegm,aswellasallotherunprofitablematterthatis
gatheredtogetherthroughtheweaknessoftheparts,orcondityof
thesore.
Q.Whydoththehairnevergrowonanulcerorbile?A.Because
manhathathickskin,asisseenbythethicknessofhishair;andif
thescarbethickerthantheskinitself,itstopsthepassagesfrom
whencethehairshouldgrow.Horseshavethinnerskins,asisplain
bytheirhair;thereforeallpassagesarenotstoppedintheirwounds
andsores;andaftertheexcrementswhichweregatheredtogether
havebrokenapassagethroughthosesmallporesthehairdothgrow.
Q.WhyisFortunepaintedwithadoubleforehead,theonesidebald
and the other hairy? A. The baldness signifies adversity, and
hairinessprosperity,whichweenjoywhenitpleasethher.
Q.Whyhavesomecommendedflattery?A.Becauseflatterysetteth
forthbeforeoureyeswhatweoughttobe,thoughnotwhatweare.
Q. Wherefore should virtue be painted girded? A. To show that
virtuous men should not be slothful, but diligent and always in
action.
Q.Whydidtheancientssayitwasbettertofallintothehandsofa
raventhanaflatterer?A.Becauseravensdonoteatustillwebe
dead,butflatterersdevourusalive.
Q.Whyhavecholericmenbeardsbeforeothers?A.Becausethey
arehot,andtheirporeslarge.
Q.Howcomesitthatsuchashavethehiccupsdoeasethemselves
byholdingtheirbreath?A.Thebreathretaineddothheattheinterior
partsofthebody,andthehiccupsproceedsfromcold.

Q.Howcomesitthatoldmenrememberwellwhattheyhaveseen
anddoneintheiryouth,andforgetsuchthingsastheyseeanddoin
their old age? A. Things learned in youth take deep root and
habitudeinaperson,butthoselearnedinageareforgottenbecause
thesensesarethenweakened.
Q. What kind of covetousness is best? A. That of time when
employedasitoughttobe.
Q.Whyisourlifecomparedtoaplay?A.Becausethedishonestdo
occupytheplaceofthehonest,andtheworstsorttheroomofthe
good.
Q.Whydodolphins,whentheyappearabovethewater,denotea
stormortempestapproaching?A.Becauseatthebeginningofa
tempest there do arise from the bottom of the sea, certain hot
exhalationsandvapourswhichheatthedolphins,causingthemto
riseupforcoldair.
Q. Why did the Romans call Fabius Maximus the target of the
people, and Marcellus the sword? A. Because the one adapted
himselftotheserviceofthecommonwealth,andtheotherwasvery
eagertorevengetheinjuriesofhiscountry;andyettheywereinthe
senate joined together, because the gravity of the one would
moderatethecourageandboldnessoftheother.
Q.Whydoththeshiningofthemoonhurtthehead?A.Becauseit
moves the humours of the brain, and cannot afterwards dissolve
them.
Q.Ifwaterdonotnourish,whydomendrinkit?A.Becausewater
causeththenutrimenttospreadthroughthebody.
Q.Whyissneezinggood?A.Becauseitpurgeththebrainasmilkis
purgedbythecough.

Q.Whyishotwaterlighterthancold?A.Becauseboilingwaterhas
lessventosityandismorelightandsubtle,theearthlyandheavy
substancebeingseparatedfromit.
Q.Howcomesmarshandpondwatertobebad?A.Byreasonthey
arephlegmatic,anddocorruptinsummer;thefinenessofwateris
turnedintovapours,andtheearthinessdothremain.
Q.Whyarestudiousandlearnedmensoonestbald?A.Itproceeds
fromaweaknessofthespirits,orbecausewarmthofdigestioncause
phlegmtoaboundinthem.
Q.Whydothmuchwatchingmakethebrainfeeble?A.Becauseit
increasescholer,whichdriesandextenuatesthebody.
Q.Whyareboysapttochangetheirvoicesaboutfourteenyearsof
age? A. Because that then nature doth cause a great and sudden
changeofvoice;experienceprovesthistobetrue;foratthattime
wemayseethatwomen'spapsdogrowgreat,doholdandgather
milk,andalsothoseplacesthatareabovetheirhips,inwhichthe
youngfruitwouldremain. Likewisemen's breasts andshoulders,
whichthencanbeargreatandheavyburdens;alsotheirstonesin
which their seed may increase and abide, and in their privy
members,toletouttheseedwithease.Furtherallthebodyismade
biggeranddilated,asthealterationandchangeofeverypartdoth
testify,andtheharshnessofthevoiceandhoarseness;fortherough
artery,thewindpipe,beingmadewideinthebeginning,andthe
exteriorandoutwardpartbeingunequaltothethroat,theairgoing
outtherough,unequalandunevenpipedoththenbecomeunequal
andsharp,andafter,hoarse,somethinglikeuntothevoiceofagoat,
wherefore it has its name called Bronchus. The same doth also
happentothemuntowhoserougharterydistillationdothfollow;it
happensbyreasonofthedroopinghumiditythataslightsmallskin
filledunequallycausestheunevengoingforthofthespiritandair.
Understand, that the windpipe of goats is such by reason of the

abundanceofhumidity.Thelikedothhappenuntoallsuchasnature
hathgivenaroughartery,asuntocranes.Aftertheageoffourteen
they leave off that voice, because the artery is made wider and
reachethitsnaturalevennessandquality.
Q. Why do hard dens, hollow and high places, send back the
likenessandsoundofthevoice?A.Becausethatinsuchplacesalso
byreflectiondoreturnbacktheimageofasound,forthevoicedoth
beattheair,andtheairtheplace,whichthemoreitisbeatenthe
more it doth bear, and therefore doth cause the more vehement
soundofthevoice;moistplaces,andasitwere,soft,yieldingtothe
stroke,anddissolvingit,givenosoundagain;foraccordingtothe
quantityofthestroke,thequalityandquantityofthevoiceisgiven,
whichiscalledanecho.Somedoidlyfablethatsheisagoddess;
somesaythatPanwasinlovewithher,whichwithoutdoubtis
false.Hewassomewiseman,whodidfirstdesiretosearchoutthe
causeofthevoice,andastheywholove,andcannotenjoythatlove,
aregrieved,soinlikemannerwasheverysorryuntilhefoundout
thesolutionofthatcause;asEndymionalso,whofirstfoundoutthe
courseofthemoon,watchingallnight,andobservinghercourse,
andsearchinghermotion,didsleepinthedaytime,andthatshe
came to him when he was asleep, because she did give the
philosopherthesolutionofthecourseherself.Theysayalsothathe
wasashepherd,becausethatinthedesertandhighplaces,hedid
mark the course of the moon. And they gave him also the pipe
becausethatthehighplacesareblownwithwind,orelsebecausehe
soughtouttheconsonancyoffigures.Prometheusalso,beingawise
man,soughtthecourseofthestar,whichiscalledtheeagleinthe
firmament, his nature and place; and when he was, as it were,
wasted with the desire of learning, then at last he rested, when
Herculesdidresolveuntohimalldoubtswithhiswisdom.
Q.Whydonotswinecrywhentheyarecarriedwiththeirsnouts
upwards?A.Becausethatofallotherbeaststheybendmoretothe

earth.Theydelightinfilth,andthattheyseek,andthereforeinthe
suddenchangeoftheirface,theybeasitwerestrangers,andbeing
amazed with so much light do keep that silence; some say the
windpipedothclosetogetherbyreasonofthestraitnessofit.
Q.Whydoswinedelightindirt?A.Asphysiciansdosay,theyare
naturallydelightedwithit,becausetheyhaveagreatliver,inwhich
desireit,asAristotlesaith,thewidenessoftheirsnoutisthecase,
forhethathathsmellingwhichdothdissolveitself,andasitwere
strivewithstench.
Q.Whydomanybeastswhentheyseetheirfriends,andalionanda
bullbeattheirsideswhentheyareangry?A.Becausetheyhavethe
marrowoftheirbacksreachingtothetail,whichhaththeforceof
motioninit,theimaginationacknowledgingthatwhichisknownto
them,asitwerewiththehand,ashappenstomen,dothforcethem
tomovetheirtails.Thisdothmanifestlyshowsomesecretforceto
bewithinthem,whichdothacknowledgewhattheyought.Inthe
anger of lions and bulls, nature doth consent to the mind, and
causethittobegreatlymoved,asmendosometimeswhentheyare
angry,beatingtheirhandsonotherparts;whenthemindcannotbe
revengedonthatwhichdothhurt,itpresentlyseeksoutsomeother
source,andcuresthemaladywithastrokeorblow.
Q.Howcomesteelglassestobebetterforthesightthananyother
kind? A. Because steel is hard, and doth present unto us more
substantiallytheairthatreceiveththelight.
Q. How doth love show its greater force by making the fool to
becomewise,orthewisetobecomeafool?A.Inattributingwisdom
tohimthathasitnot;foritishardertobuildthantopulldown;and
ordinarilyloveandfollyarebutanalterationofthemind.
Q.Howcomesmuchlabourandfatiguetobebadforthesight?A.
Becauseitdriesthebloodtoomuch.

Q.Whyisgoat'smilkreckonedbestforthestomach?A.Becauseit
isthick,notslimy,andtheyfeedonwoodandboughsratherthanon
grass.
Q.Whydogriefandvexationbringgreyhairs?A.Becausetheydry,
whichbringethongreyness.
Q. How come those to have most mercy who have the thickest
blood?A.Becausethebloodwhichisfatandthickmakesthespirits
firmandconstant,whereinconsiststheforceofallcreatures.
Q.Whetheritishardest,toobtainaperson'slove,ortokeepitwhen
obtained?A.Itishardesttokeepit,byreasonoftheinconstancyof
man,whoisquicklyangry,andsoonwearyofathing;hardtobe
gainedandslipperytokeep.
Q.Whydoserpentsshuntheherbrue?A.Becausetheyarecold,dry
andfullofsinews,andthatherbisofacontrarynature.
Q.Whyisacaponbettertoeatthanacock?A.Becauseacapon
losesnothismoisturebytreadingofthehens.
Q.Whyisoursmelllessinwinterthaninsummer?A.Becausethe
airisthick,andlessmoveable.
Q.Whydoeshairburnsoquickly?A.Becauseitisdryandcold.
Q.Whyislovecomparedtoalabyrinth?A.Becausetheentryand
cominginiseasy,andthegoingoutalmostimpossibleorhard.

PARTIVDISPLAYINGTHE
SECRETSOFNATURE

RELATINGTO
PHYSIOGNOMY
CHAPTERI
SECTION1.OfPhysiognomy,showingwhatitis,
andwhenceitisderived.
Physiognomyisaningeniousscience,orknowledgeofnature,by
which the inclinations and dispositions of every creature are
understood,andbecausesomeofthemembersareuncompounded,
andentireofthemselves,asthetongue,theheart,etc.,andsomeare
ofamixednature,astheeyes,thenoseandothers,wethereforesay
thattherearesignswhichagreeandlivetogether,whichinforma
wisemanhowtomakehisjudgmentbeforehebetoorashtodeliver
ittotheworld.
Norisittobeesteemedafoolishoridleart,seeingitisderivedfrom
thesuperiorbodies;forthereisnopartofthefaceofmanbutwhat
isunderthepeculiarinfluenceorgovernment,notonlyoftheseven
planetsbutalsoofthetwelvesignsofZodiac;andthedispositions,
vices, virtues and fatality, either of a man or woman are plainly
foretold,ifthepersonpretendingtotheknowledgethereofbean
artist,which,thatmyreadersmayherebyattainitIshallsetthese
thingsinaclearerlight.
ThereadershouldrememberthattheforeheadisgovernedbyMars;
therighteyeisunderthedominationofSol;theleftisruledbythe

Moon;therightearisunderJupiter;theleft,Saturn,theruleofthe
noseisclaimedbyVenus,which,bytheway,isonereasonthatin
allunlawfulvenerealencounters,thenoseistoosubjecttobearthe
scars that are gotten in those wars; and nimble Mercury, the
significatorofeloquenceclaimsthedominionofthemouth,andthat
veryjustly.
Thushavethesevenplanetsdividedthefaceamongthem,butnot
withsoabsoluteawaybutthatthetwelvesignsoftheZodiacdo
alsocomeinwithapart(seetheengraving)andthereforethesign
Cancerpresidesintheupperpartoftheforehead,andLeoattends
upontherighteyebrow,asSaggittariusdoesupontherighteye,and
Libra upon the right ear, upon the left eyebrow you will find
Aquarius;andGeminiandAriestakingcareoftheleftear;Taurus
rulesinthemiddleoftheforehead,andCapricornthechin;Scorpio
takes upon him the protection of the nose; Virgo claims the
precedenceoftherightcheek,Piscestheleft.Andthusthefaceof
maniscantonedoutamongstthesignsandplanets;whichbeing
carefullyattendedto,willsufficientlyinformtheartisthowtopassa
judgment.Foraccordingtothesignorplanetrulingsoalsoisthe
judgment to be of the part ruled, which all those that have
understandingknoweasilyhowtoapply.

Inthejudgmentthatistobemadefromphysiognomy,thereisa
greatdifferencebetwixtamanandawoman;thereasonis,because
inrespectofthewholecompositionmenmorefullycomprehendit
thanwomendo,asmayevidentlyappearbythemannerandmethod

we shall give. Wherefore the judgments which we shall pass in

every chapter do properly concern a man, as comprehending the
wholespecies,andbutimproperlythewoman,asbeingbutapart
thereof,andderivedfromtheman,andtherefore,whoeveriscalled
togivejudgmentonsuchaface,oughttobewaryaboutallthelines
andmarksthatbelongtoit,respectbeingalsohadtothesex,for
whenwebeholdamanwhosefaceislikeuntoawoman'sandwe
passajudgmentuponit,havingdiligentlyobservedit,andnoton
thefaceonly,butonotherpartsofthebody,ashands,etc.,inlike
mannerwealsobeholdthefaceofawoman,whoinrespecttoher
fleshandbloodislikeuntoaman,andinthedisposurealsoofthe
greatest part of the body. But does physiognomy give the same
judgmentonher,asitdoesofamanthatislikeuntoher?Byno
means,butfarotherwise,inregardthattheconceptionofthewoman
ismuchdifferentfromthatofaman,eveninthoserespectswhich
aresaidtobecommon.Nowinthosecommonrespectstwopartsare
attributedtoaman,andathirdparttoawoman.
Wherefore it being our intention to give you an exact account,
accordingtotheruleofphysiognomyofallandeverypartofthe
membersofthebody,wewillbeginwiththehead,asithathrelation
onlytomanandwoman,andnottoanyothercreature,thatthework
maybemoreobvioustoeveryreader.

CHAPTERII
OftheJudgmentofPhysiognomy.
Hairthathangsdownwithoutcurling,ifitbeofafaircomplexion,
thinandsoftwithal,signifiesamantobenaturallyfainthearted,
andofaweakbody,butofaquietandharmlessdisposition.Hair

thatisbig,andthickandshortwithal,denotesamantobeofa
strong constitution, secure, bold, deceitful and for the most part,
unquietandvain,lustingafterbeauty,andmorefoolishthanwise,
thoughfortunemayfavourhim.Hewhosehairispartlycurledand
partlyhangingdown,iscommonlywiseoraverygreatfool,orelse
asveryaknaveasheisafool.Hewhosehairgrowsthickonhis
templesandhisbrow,onemaycertainlyatfirstsightconcludethat
suchamanisbynaturesimple,vain,luxurious,lustful,credulous,
clownish in his speech and conversation and dull in his
apprehension.Hewhosehairnotonlycurlsverymuch,butbushes
out,andstandsonend,ifthehairbewhiteorofayellowishcolour,
heisbynatureproudandbold,dullofapprehension,soonangry,
andaloverofvenery,andgiventolying,maliciousandreadytodo
anymischief.Hewhosehairarisesinthecornersofthetemples,and
is gross and rough withal, is a man highly conceited of himself,
inclinedtomalice,butcunninglyconcealsit,isverycourtlyanda
loverofnewfashions.Hewhohathmuchhair,thatistosay,whose
hairisthickalloverhishead,isnaturallyvainandveryluxurious,of
agooddigestion,easyofbelief,andslowofperformance,ofaweak
memoryandforthemostpartunfortunate.Hewhosehairisofa
reddish complexion, is for the most part, if not always, proud,
deceitful, detracting and full of envy. He whose hair is
extraordinarily fair, is for the most part a man fit for the most
praiseworthyenterprises,aloverofhonour,andmuchmoreinclined
todogoodthanevil;laboriousandcarefultoperformwhatsoeveris
committed to his care, secret in carrying on any business, and
fortunate. Hair of a yellowish colour shows a man to be good
conditioned, and willing to do anything, fearful, shamefaced and
weakofbody,butstrongintheabilitiesofthemind,andmoreaptto
remember,thantoavengeaninjury.Hewhosehairisofabrownish
colour,andcurlednottoomuchnortoolittle,isawelldisposed
man,inclinedtothatwhichisgood,aloverofpeace,cleanlinessand
goodmanners.Hewhosehairturnsgreyorhoaryinthetimeofhis

youth, is generally given to women, vain, false, unstable, and

talkative.[Note.Thatwhateversignificationthehairhasinmen,it
hasthesameinwomenalso.]
Theforeheadthatrisethinaround,signifiesamanliberallymerry,
ofagoodunderstanding,andgenerallyinclinedtovirtue.Hewhose
foreheadisfleshy,andtheboneofthebrowjuttingout,andwithout
wrinkles,isamanmuchinclinedtosuitsoflaw,contentious,vain,
deceitful,andaddictedtofollowillcourses.Hewhoseforeheadis
verylowandlittle,isofagoodunderstanding,magnanimous,but
extremely bold and confident, and a great pretender to love and
honour. He whose forehead seems sharp, and pointed up in the
cornersofhistemples,sothattheboneseemstojutforthalittle,isa
mannaturallyweakandfickle,andweakintheintellectuals.He
whosebrowuponthetemplesisfullofflesh,isamanofagreat
spirit,proud,watchfulandofagrossunderstanding.Hewhosebrow
is full of wrinkles, and has as it were a seam coming down the
middle of the forehead, so that a man may think he has two
foreheads,isonethatisofagreatspirit,agreatwit,voidofdeceit,
andyetofahardfortune.Hewhohasafull,largeforehead,anda
littleroundwithal,destituteofhair,oratleastthathaslittleonitis
bold, malicious, full of choler and apt to transgress beyond all
bounds,andyetofagoodwitandveryapprehensive.Hewhose
forehead is long and high and jutting forth, and whose face is
figured,almostsharpandpeakedtowardsthechin,isonereasonably
honest,butweakandsimple,andofahardfortune.
Thoseeyebrowsthataremucharched,whetherinmanorwoman,
andwhichbyfrequentmotionelevatethemselves,showtheperson
to be proud, highspirited, vainglorious, bold and threatening, a
loverofbeauty,andindifferentlyinclinedtoeithergoodorevil.He
whoseeyelidsbenddownwhenhespeakstoanotherorwhenhe
looksuponhim,andwhohasakindofskulkinglook,isbynaturea
penuriouswretch,closeinallhisactions,ofaveryfewwords,but

fullofmaliceinhisheart.Hewhoseeyebrowsarethick,andhave
butlittlehairuponthem,isbutweakinhisintellectuals,andtoo
credulous,verysincere,sociable,anddesirousofgoodcompany.He
whose eyebrows are folded, and the hair thick and bending
downwards, is one that is clownish and unlearned, heavy,
suspicious,miserable,envious,andonethatwillcheatandcozen
you if he can. He whose eyebrows have but short hair and of a
whitishcolourisfearfulandveryeasyofbelief,andapttoundertake
anything.Those,ontheotherside,whoseeyebrowsareblack,and
thehairofthemthin,willdonothingwithoutgreatconsideration,
and are bold and confident of the performance of what they
undertake;neitheraretheyapttobelieveanythingwithoutreason
forsodoing.
Ifthe spacebetweenthe eyebrows beofmore thanthe ordinary
distance, it shows the person to be hardhearted, envious, close,
cunning, apprehensive, greedy of novelties, of a vain fortune,
addictedtocrueltymorethanlove.Butthosemenwhoseeyebrows
areatalesserdistancefromeachother,areforthemostpartofa
dullunderstanding;yetsubtleenoughintheirdealings,andofan
uncommonboldness,whichisoftenattendedwithgreatfelicity;but
thatwhichismostcommendableinthemis,thattheyaremostsure
andconstantintheirfriendship.
Greatandfulleyesineithermanorwoman,showthepersontobe
forthemostpartslothful,bold,envious,abadconcealerofsecrets,
miserable, vain, given to lying, and yet a bad memory, slow in
invention,weakinhisintellectuals,andyetverymuchconceitedof
thatlittleknackofwisdomhethinkshimselfmasterof.Hewhose
eyesarehollowinhishead,andthereforediscernswellatagreat
distance,isonethatissuspicious,malicious,furious,perverseinhis
conversation, of an extraordinary memory, bold, cruel, and false,
both in words and deeds, threatening, vicious, luxurious, proud,
enviousandtreacherous;buthewhoseeyesare,asitwere,starting

outofhishead,isasimple,foolishperson,shameless,veryfertile
andeasyto bepersuadedeitherto viceor virtue. Hewholooks
studiously and acutely, with his eyes and eyelids downwards,
denotestherebytobeofamaliciousnature,verytreacherous,false,
unfaithful,envious,miserable,impioustowardsGod,anddishonest
towardsmen.Hewhoseeyesaresmallandconvenientlyround,is
bashfulandweak,verycredulous,liberaltoothers,andeveninhis
conversation.Hewhoseeyeslookasquint,istherebydenotedtobea
deceitful person, unjust, envious, furious, agreat liar, and as the
effectofallthatismiserable.Hewhohathawanderingeyeand
whichisrollingupanddown,isforthemostpartavain,simple,
deceitful,lustful,treacherous,orhighmindedman,anadmirerof
thefairsex,andoneeasytobepersuadedtovirtueorvice.Heorshe
whoseeyesaretwinkling,andwhichmoveforwardorbackward,
show the person to be luxurious, unfaithful and treacherous,
presumptuous, and hard to believe anything that is spoken. If a
personhasanygreennessmingledwiththewhiteofhiseye,suchis
commonlysilly,andoftenveryfalse,vainanddeceitful,unkindto
hisfriends,agreatconcealerofhisownsecrets,andverycholeric.
Thosewhoseeyesareeverywayrollingupanddown,ortheywho
seldommovetheireyes,andwhentheydo,asitwere,drawtheir
eyesinwardlyandaccuratelyfastenthemuponsomeobject,such
are by their inclinations very malicious, vainglorious, slothful,
unfaithful, envious, false and contentious. They whose eyes are
addictedtobloodshot,arenaturallyproud,disdainful,cruel,without
shame,perfidiousandmuchinclinedtosuperstition.Buthewhose
eyes are neither too little nor too big, and inclined to black, do
signify a man mild, peaceable, honest, witty, and of a good
understanding;andonethat,whenneedrequires,willbeserviceable
tohisfriends.
Alongandthinnose,denotesamanbold,furious,angry,vain,easy
tobepersuadedeithertogoodorevil,weakandcredulous.Along
noseextended,thetipofitbendingdownwards,showsthepersonto

bewise,discreet,secretandofficious,honest,faithfulandonethat
willnotbeoverreachedinbargaining.
A bottlenose is what denotes a man to be impetuous in the
obtaining of his desires, also a vain, false, luxurious, weak and
uncertainman;apttobelieveandeasytobepersuaded.Abroad
nose in the middle, and less towards the end, denotes a vain,
talkativeperson,aliar,andoneofhardfortune.Hewhohathalong
andgreatnoseisanadmirerofthefairsex,andwellaccomplished
forthewarsofVenus,butignorantoftheknowledgeofanything
thatisgood,extremelyaddictedtovice;assiduousintheobtaining
whathedesires,andverysecretintheprosecutionofit;andthough
veryignorant,wouldfainbethoughtveryknowing.
Anoseverysharponthetipofit,andneithertoolongnortooshort,
toothicknortoothin,denotestheperson,ifaman,tobeofafretful
disposition,alwayspiningandpeevish;andifawoman,ascold,or
contentious,weddedtoherownhumours,ofamoroseanddogged
carriage,andifmarried,aplaguetoherhusband.Anoseveryround
attheendofit,andhavingbutlittlenostrils,showsthepersontobe
munificent and liberal, true to his trust, but withal, very proud,
credulousandvain.Anoseverylongandthinattheendofit,and
somethinground,withal,signifiesoneboldinhisdiscourse,honest
inhisdealings,patientinreceiving,andslowinofferinginjuries,but
yetprivatelymalicious.Hewhosenoseisnaturallymoreredthan
any other part of his face, is thereby denoted to be covetous,
impious,luxurious,andanenemytogoodness.Anosethatturnsup
again,andislongandfullatthetipofit,showsthepersonthathasit
tobebold,proud,covetous,envious,luxurious,aliaranddeceiver,
vain,glorious,unfortunateandcontentious.Hewhosenoseriseth
high in the middle, is prudent and polite, and of great courage,
honourableinhisactions,andtruetohisword.Anosebigattheend
showsa person to beof a peaceable disposition, industrious and
faithful,andofagoodunderstanding.Averywidenose,withwide

nostrils,denotesamandullofapprehension,andinclinedmoreto
simplicitythanwisdom,andwithalvain,contentiousandaliar.
Whenthenostrilsarecloseandthin,theydenoteamantohavebut
littletesticles,andtobeverydesirousoftheenjoymentofwomen,
butmodestinhisconversation.Buthewhosenostrilsaregreatand
wide,isusuallywellhungandlustful;butwithalofanenvious,bold
andtreacherousdispositionandthoughdullofunderstanding,yet
confidentenough.
Agreatandwidemouthshowsamantobebold,warlike,shameless
andstout,agreatliarandasgreatatalker,alsoagreateater,butas
to his intellectuals, he is very dull, being for the most part very
simple.
Alittlemouthshowsthepersontobeofaquietandpacifictemper,
somewhatreticent,butfaithful,secret,modest,bountiful,andbuta
littleeater.
Hewhosemouthsmellsofabadbreath,isoneofacorruptedliver
and lungs, is oftentimes vain, wanton, deceitful, of indifferent
intellect,envious,covetous,andapromisebreaker.Hethathasa
sweetbreath,isthecontrary.
Thelips,whentheyareverybigandblubbering,showapersonto
be credulous, foolish, dull and stupid, and apt to be enticed to
anything. Lipsof adifferentsizedenote apersonto bediscreet,
secretinallthings,judiciousandofagoodwit,butsomewhathasty.
Tohavelips,wellcolouredandmorethinthanthick,showsaperson
to be goodhumoured in all things and more easily persuaded to
good than evil. To have one lip bigger than the other, shows a
varietyoffortunes,anddenotesthepartytobeofadull,sluggish
temper, but of a very indifferent understanding, as being much
addictedtofolly.

Whentheteetharesmall,andbutweakinperformingtheiroffice,
and especially if they are short and few, though they show the
persontobeofaweakconstitution,yettheydenotehimtobeofa
meek disposition, honest, faithful and secret in whatsoever he is
intrustedwith.Tohavesometeethlongerandshorterthanothers,
denotesapersontobeofagoodapprehension,butbold,disdainful,
enviousandproud.Tohavetheteethverylong,andgrowingsharp
towardstheend,iftheyarelonginchewing,andthin,denotesthe
person to be envious, gluttonous, bold, shameless, unfaithful and
suspicious.Whentheteethlookverybrownoryellowish,whether
they be long or short, it shows the person to be of a suspicious
temper,envious,deceitfulandturbulent.Tohaveteethstrongand
closetogether,showsthepersontobeofalonglife,adesirerof
novelties,andthingsthatarefairandbeautiful,butofahighspirit,
andonethatwillhavehishumourinallthings;helovestohear
news,andtorepeatitafterwards,andisapttoentertainanythingon
hisbehalf.Tohaveteeththinandweak,showsaweak,feebleman,
andoneofashortlife,andof aweakapprehension; butchaste,
shamefaced,tractableandhonest.
Atonguetobetooswiftofspeechshowsamantobedownright
foolish,oratbestbutaveryvainwit.Astammeringtongue,orone
thatstumblesinthemouth,signifiesamanofaweakunderstanding,
andofawaveringmind,quicklyinarage,andsoonpacified.Avery
thickandroughtonguedenotesamantobeapprehensive,subtleand
fullofcompliments,yetvainanddeceitful,treacherous,andprone
to impiety. A thin tongue shows a man of wisdom and sound
judgment, very ingenious and of an affable disposition, yet
somewhattimorousandtoocredulous.
Agreatandfullvoiceineithersexshowsthemtobeofagreat
spirit,confident,proudandwilful.Afaintandweakvoice,attended
withbutlittlebreath,showsapersontobeofgoodunderstanding,a
nimblefancy,alittleeater,butweakofbody,andofatimorous

disposition.Aloudandshrillvoice,whichsoundsclearlydenotesa
person provident, sagacious, true and ingenious, but withal
capricious,vain,gloriousandtoocredulous.Astrongvoicewhena
mansingsdenoteshimtobeofastrongconstitution,andofagood
understanding,animblefancy,alittleeater,butweakofbody,and
ofatimorousdisposition.
Astrongvoicewhenamansings,denoteshimtobeofastrong
constitution,andofagoodunderstanding,neithertoopenuriousnor
tooprodigal,alsoingeniousandanadmirerofthefairsex.Aweak
andtremblingvoiceshowstheownerofittobeenvious,suspicious,
slowinbusiness,feebleandfearful.Aloud,shrillandunpleasant
voice,signifiesoneboldandvaliant,butquarrelsomeandinjurious
andaltogetherweddedtohisownhumours,andgovernedbyhis
owncounsels.Aroughandhoarsevoice,whetherinspeakingor
singing,declaresonetobeadullandheavyperson,ofmuchguts
and little brains. A full and yet mild voice, and pleasing to the
hearer,showsthepersontobeofaquietandpeaceabledisposition
(whichisagreatvirtueandraretobefoundinawoman),andalso
verythriftyandsecret,notpronetoanger,butofayieldingtemper.
Avoicebeginningloworinthebass,andendinghighinthetreble,
denotesapersontobeviolent,angry,boldandsecure.
Athickandfullchinaboundingwithtoomuchflesh,showsaman
inclinedtopeace,honestandtruetohistrust,butslowininvention,
andeasytobedrawneithertogoodorevil.Apeakedchinand
reasonably full of flesh, shows a person to be of a good
understanding, a high spirit and laudable conversation. A double
chinshowsapeaceabledisposition,butdullofapprehension,vain,
credulous,agreatsupplanter,andsecretinallhisactions.Acrooked
chin,bendingupwards,andpeakedforwantofflesh,isbytherules
ofphysiognomy,accordingtonature,averybadman,beingproud,
imprudent, envious, threatening, deceitful, prone to anger and
treachery,andagreatthief.

The hair of young men usually begins to grow down upon their
chins at fifteen years of age, and sometimes sooner. These hairs
proceedfromthesuperfluityofheat,thefumeswhereofascendto
theirchin,likesmoketothefunnelofachimney;andbecauseit
cannotfindanopenpassagebywhichitmayascendhigher,itvents
itselfforthinthehairswhicharecalledthebeard.Therearevery
few,oralmostnowomenatall,thathavehairsontheircheeks;and
thereasonis,thatthosehumourswhichcausehairtogrowonthe
cheeksofamanarebyawomanevacuatedinthemonthlycourses,
whichtheyhavemoreorless,accordingtotheheatorcoldnessof
theirconstitution,andtheageandmotionofthemoon,ofwhichwe
havespokenatlargeinthefirstpartofthisbook.Yetsometimes
womenofahotconstitutionhavehairtobeseenontheircheeks,but
morecommonlyontheirlips,orneartheirmouths,wheretheheat
mostaboundeth.Andwherethishappens,suchwomenaremuch
addicted to the company of men, and of a strong and manly
constitution.Awomanwhohathlittlehaironhercheeks,orabout
her mouth and lips, is of a good complexion, weak constitution,
shamefaced,mildandobedient,whereasawomanofamorehot
constitutionisquiteotherwise.Butinaman,abeardwellcomposed
andthickofhair,signifiesamanofgoodnature,honest,loving,
sociableandfullofhumanity;onthecontrary,hethathathbuta
little beard, is for the most part proud, pining, peevish and
unsociable. They who have no beards, have always shrill and a
strangekindofsqueakingvoices,andareofaweakconstitution,
which is apparent in the case of eunuchs, who, after they are
deprivedoftheirvirilityaretransformedfromthenatureofmeninto
theconditionofwomen.
Greatandthickearsareacertainsignofafoolishperson,orabad
memoryandworseunderstanding.Butsmallandthinearsshowa
persontobeofagoodwit,grave,sweet,thrifty,modest,resolute,of
agoodmemory,andonewillingtoservehisfriend.Hewhoseears
are longer than ordinary, is thereby signified to be a bold man,

uncivil,vain,foolish,serviceabletoanothermorethantohimself,
andamanofsmallindustry,butofagreatstomach.
Afaceapttosweatoneverymotion,showsapersontobeofavery
hotconstitution,vainandluxurious,ofagoodstomach,butofabad
understanding,andaworseconversation.Averyfleshyfaceshows
the person to be of a fearful disposition, but a merry heart, and
withalbountifulanddiscreet,easytobeentreated,andapttobelieve
everything.Aleanface,bytherulesofphysiognomy,denotesthe
persontobeofagoodunderstanding,butsomewhatcapriciousand
disdainful in his conversation. A little and round face, shows a
persontobesimple,veryfearful,ofabadmemory,andaclownish
disposition.Aplumpface,fullofcarbuncles,showsamantobea
greatdrinkerofwine,vain,daring,andsoonintoxicated.Afacered
orhighcoloured,showsamanmuchinclinedtocholer,andonethat
willbesoonangryandnoteasilypacified.Alongandleanface,
showsamantobebothbold,injuriousanddeceitful.Afaceevery
wayofadueproportion,denotesaningeniousperson,onefitfor
anythingandverymuchinclinedtowhatisgood.Oneofabroad,
full,fatfaceis,bytherulesofphysiognomy,ofadull,lumpish,
heavyconstitution,andthatforonevirtuehasthreevices.Aplain,
flatface,withoutanyrisingshowsapersontobeverywise,loving
and courtly in his carriage, faithful to his friend and patient in
adversity.Afacesinkingdownalittle,withcrossesinit,incliningto
leanness, denotes a person to be very laborious, but envious,
deceitful, false, quarrelsome, vain and silly, and of a dull and
clownish behaviour.A faceofahandsomeproportion, andmore
incliningtofatthanlean,showsapersonjustinhisactions,trueto
his word,civil, and respectful in his behaviour, ofan indifferent
understanding, and of an extraordinary memory. A crooked face,
longandlean,denotesamanenduedwithasbadqualitiesasthe
faceiswithillfeatures.Afacebroadaboutthebrows,andsharper
and less as it grows towards the chin, shows a man simple and
foolishinmanaginghisaffairs,vaininhisdiscourse,enviousinhis

nature,deceitful,quarrelsomeandrudeinhisconversation.Aface
wellcoloured,fullofgoodfeatures,andofanexactsymmetry,and
ajustproportioninallitsparts,andwhichisdelightfultolookupon,
iscommonlytheindexofafairermindandshowsapersontobe
welldisposed;butwithaldeclaresthatvirtueisnotsoimpregnably
seatedthere,butthatbystrongtemptations(especiallybythefair
sex) it may be supplanted and overcome by vice. A pale
complexion, shows the person not only to be fickle, but very
malicious,treacherous,false,proud,presumptuous,andextremely
unfaithful. A face wellcoloured, shows the person to be of a
praiseworthy disposition anda soundcomplexion, easy of belief,
andrespectfultohisfriend,readytodoacourtesy,andveryeasyto
bedrawntoanything.
Agreathead,andround,withal,denotesthepersontobesecret,and
ofgreatapplicationincarryingonbusiness,andalsoingeniousand
ofalargeimaginativefacultyandinvention;andlikewiselaborious,
constantandhonest.Theheadwhosegulletstandsforthandinclines
towardstheearth,signifiesapersonthrifty,wise,peaceable,secret,
ofaretiredtemper,andconstantinthemanagementofhisaffairs.A
longheadandface,andgreat,withal,denotesavain,foolish,idle
andweakperson,credulousandveryenvious.Tohaveone'shead
alwaysshakingandmovingfromsidetoside,denotesashallow,
weak person, unstable in all his actions, given to lying, a great
deceiver,agreattalker,andprodigalinallhisfortunes.Abighead
andbroadface,showsamantobeverycourageous,agreathunter
afterwomen,verysuspicious,boldandshameless.Hewhohatha
verybighead,butnotsoproportionateasitoughttobetothebody,
ifhehathashortneckandcrookedgulletisgenerallyamanof
apprehension,wise,secret,ingenious,ofsoundjudgment,faithful,
trueandcourteoustoall.Hewhohathalittlehead,andlong,slender
throat,isforthemostpartamanveryweak,yetapttolearn,but
unfortunateinhisactions.Andsomuchshallsufficewithrespectto
judgmentfromtheheadandface.

CHAPTERIII
OfJudgmentsdrawnfromseveralotherpartsofMan'sBody.
Inthebodyofmantheheadandfeetaretheprincipalparts,being
theindexwhichheavenhaslaidopentoeveryone'sviewtomakea
judgmenttherefrom,thereforeIhavebeenthelargerinmyjudgment
fromtheseveralpartsthereof.Butastotheotherparts,Ishallbe
muchmorebriefasnotbeingsoobvioustotheeyesofmen;yetI
wouldproceedinorder.
Thethroat,ifitbewhite,whetheritbefatorlean,showsamanto
bevainglorious,timorous,wanton,andverymuchsubjecttocholer.
Ifthethroatbesothinandleanthattheveinsappear,itshowsaman
tobeweak,slow,andadullandheavyconstitution.
Alongneckshowsonetohavealongandslenderfoot,andthatthe
personisstiffandinflexibleeithertogoodorevil.Ashortneck
showsonetobewittyandingenious,butdeceitfulandinconstant,
wellskilledintheuseofarms,andyetcaresnottousethem,butisa
greatloverofpeaceandquietness.
A lean shoulder bone, signifies a man to be weak, timorous,
peaceful,notlaborious,andyetfitforanyemployment.Hewhose
shoulderbonesareofagreatbignessiscommonly,bytheruleof
physiognomy,astrongman,faithfulbutunfortunate;somewhatdull
ofunderstanding,verylaborious,agreateateranddrinker,andone
equallycontentedinallconditions.Hewhoseshoulderboneseems
to be smooth, is by the rule of nature, modest in his look, and
temperate in all his actions, both at bed and board. He whose
shoulderbonebends,andiscrookedinwardly,iscommonlyadull

personanddeceitful.
Longarms,hangingdownandtouchingtheknees,thoughsucharms
are rarely seen, denotes a man liberal, but withal vainglorious,
proudandinconstant.Hewhosearmsareveryshortinrespecttothe
statureofhisbody,istherebysignifiedtobeamanofhighand
gallantspirit,ofagracefultemper,boldandwarlike.Hewhosearms
arefullofbones,sinewsandflesh,isagreatdesirerofnoveltiesand
beauties,andonethatisverycredulousandapttobelieveanything.
Hewhosearmsareveryhairy,whethertheybeleanorfat,isforthe
most part a luxurious person, weak in body and mind, very
suspiciousandmaliciouswithal.Hewhosearmshavenohairon
them at all, is of a weak judgment, very angry, vain, wanton,
credulous,easilydeceivedhimself,yetagreatdeceiverofothers,no
fighter,andveryapttobetrayhisdearestfriends.

CHAPTERIV
OfPalmistry,showingthevariousJudgmentsdrawnfromtheHand.
Beingengagedinthisfourthparttoshowwhatjudgmentmaybe
drawn, according to physiognomy, from the several parts of the
body,andcominginordertospeakofthehands,ithasputmeunder
the necessity of saying something about palmistry, which is a
judgmentmadeoftheconditions,inclinations,andfortunesofmen
and women, from the various lines and characters nature has
imprintedintheirhands,whicharealmostasseriousasthehands
thathavethem.
Thereadershouldrememberthatoneofthelinesofthehand,and
whichindeedisreckonedtheprincipal,iscalledthelineoflife;this

lineenclosesthethumb,separatingitfromthehollowofthehand.
Thenexttoit,whichiscalledthenaturalline,takesitsbeginning
fromtherisingoftheforefinger,nearthelineoflife,andreachesto
the table line, and generally makes a triangle. The table line,
commonlycalledthelineoffortune,beginsunderthelittlefinger,
and ends near the middle finger. The girdle of Venus, which is
anotherlinesocalledbeginsnearthefirstjointofthelittlefinger,
andendsbetweentheforefingerandthemiddlefinger.Thelineof
deathisthatwhichplainlyappearsinacounterlinetothatoflife,
andiscalledthesisterline,endingusuallyastheotherends;for
whenthelineoflifeisended,deathcomes,anditcangonofarther.
Therearelinesinthefleshyparts,asintheballofthethumb,which
iscalledthemountofVenus;undereachofthefingersarealso
mounts,whicharegovernedbyseveralplanets;andthehollowof
thehandiscalledtheplainofMars.
Iproceedtogivejudgmentfromtheseseverallines:Inpalmistry,
thelefthandischieflytoberegarded,becausethereinthelinesare
mostvisible,andhavethestrictestcommunicationwiththeheart
andbrain.Inthenextplace,observethelineoflife,andifitbefair,
extendedtoitsfulllength,andnotbrokenwithanintermixtureof
crosslines,itshowslonglifeandhealth,anditisthesameifa
doublelineappears,astheresometimesdoes.Whenthestarsappear
inthisline,itisasignificationofgreatlossesandcalamities;ifonit
therebethefiguresoftwoO'soraQ,itthreatensthepersonwith
blindness;ifitwrapsitselfaboutthetableline,thendoesitpromise
wealthandhonourtobeattendedbyprudenceandindustry.Ifthe
linebecutandjaggedattheupperend,itdenotesmuchsickness;if
thislinebecutbyanylinescomingfromthemountofVenus,it
declaresthepersontobeunfortunateinloveandbusinessalso,and
threatenshimwithsuddendeath.Acrossbelowthelineoflifeand
thetableline,showsthepersontobeveryliberalandcharitable,one
ofanoblespirit.Letusnowseethesignificationofthetableline.

Thetableline,whenbroadandofalivelycolour,showsahealthful
constitution,andaquietcontentedmind,andacourageousspirit,but
ifithascrossestowardsthelittlefinger,itthreatensthepartywith
muchafflictionbysickness.Ifthelinebedouble,ordividedinto
threepartsatanyoftheextremities,itshowsthepersontobeofa
generoustemper,andofagoodfortunetosupportit;butifthisline
beforkedattheend,itthreatensthepersonshallsufferbyjealousies
anddoubts,andlossofrichesgottenbydeceit.Ifthreepointssuch
asthese***arefoundinit,theydenotethepersonprudentandliberal,
aloveroflearning,andofagoodtemper,ifitspreadstowardsthe
foreandmiddlefingerandendsblunt,itdenotespreferment.Letus
now seewhatissignifiedbythemiddleline.Thislinehasinit
oftentimes(forthereisscarceahandinwhichitvariesnot)divers
verysignificantcharacters.Manysmalllinesbetweenthisandthe
tablelinethreatenthepartywithsickness,andalsogiveshimhopes
ofrecovery.Ahalfcrossbranchingintothisline,declarestheperson
shallhavehonour,riches,andgoodsuccessinallhisundertakings.
Ahalfmoondenotescoldandwaterydistempers;butasunorstar
uponthisline,denotesprosperityandriches;thisline,doubleina
woman,showsshewillhaveseveralhusbands,butnochildren.

The line of Venus, if it happens to be cut or divided near the

forefinger,threatensruintotheparty,andthatitshallbefallhimby
meansoflasciviouswomenandbadcompany.Twocrossesuponthe
line,onebeingontheforefingerandtheotherbendingtowardsthe
littlefinger,showthepartytobeweak,andinclinedtomodestyand
virtue,indeeditgenerallydenotesmodestyinwomen;andtherefore
thosewhodesiresuch,usuallychoosethembythisstandard.
Theliverline,ifitbestraightandcrossedbyotherlines,showsthe
persontobeofasoundjudgment,andapiercingunderstanding,but
ifitbewinding,crookedandbendingoutward,itdrawsdeceitand
flattery,andthepartyisnottobetrusted.Ifitmakesatriangleor
quadrangle, it shows the person to be of a noble descent, and
ambitiousofhonourandpromotion.Ifithappensthatthislineand
themiddlelinebeginneareachother,itdenotesapersontobeweak
inhisjudgment,ifaman;butifawoman,indangerbyhardlabour.
TheplainofMarsbeinginthehollowofthehand,mostofthelines
passthroughit,whichrendersitverysignificant.Thisplainbeing
crookedanddistorted,threatens theparty tofall byhisenemies.
When the lines beginning at the wrist are long within the plain,
reachingtothebrawnofthehand,thatshowsthepersontobemuch
giventoquarrelling,ofteninbroilsandofahotandfieryspirit,by
whichhesuffersmuchdamage.Ifdeepandlongcrossesbeinthe
middleoftheplain,itshowsthepartyshallobtainhonourbymartial
exploits;butifitbeawoman,sheshallhaveseveralhusbandsand
easylabourwithherchildren.
ThelineofDeathisfatal,whencrossesorbrokenlinesappearinit;
fortheythreatenthepersonwithsicknessandashortlife.Aclouded
moonappearingtherein,threatensachildbedwomanwithdeath.A
bloodyspotintheline,denotesaviolentdeath.Astarlikeacomet,
threatensruinbywar,anddeathbypestilence.Butifabrightsun
appearstherein,itpromiseslonglifeandprosperity.

Asforthelinesofthewristbeingfair,theydenotegoodfortune;but
ifcrossedandbroken,thecontrary.

CHAPTERV
JudgmentsaccordingtoPhysiognomy,drawnfromtheseveralparts
oftheBody,fromtheHandstotheFeet.
Alargeandfullbreast,showsamanvaliantandcourageous,but
withal proud and hard to deal with, quickly angry, and very
apprehensiveofaninjury;hewhosebreastisnarrow,andwhich
risethalittleinthemiddleofit,is,bythebestruleofphysiognomy,
of a clear spirit, of a great understanding, good in counsel, very
faithful,cleanbothinmindandbody,yetasanenemytothis,heis
soon angry, and inclined long to keep it. He whose breast is
somewhathairy,isveryluxurious,andserviceabletoanother.He
whohathnohairuponhisbreast,isamanweakbynature,ofa
slender capacity and very timorous, but of a laudable life and
conversation,inclinedtopeace,andmuchretiredtohimself.
Thebackofthechinbone,ifthefleshbeanythinghairyandlean,
and higher than any other part that is behind, signifies a man
shameless,beastlyandwithalmalicious.Hewhosebackislarge,big
andfat,istherebydenotedtobeastrongandstoutman,butofa
heavydisposition,vain,slowandfullofdeceit.
Heorshewhosebellyissoftoverallthebody,isweak,lustful,and
fearfuluponlittleornooccasion,ofagoodunderstanding,andan
excellentinvention,butlittleeaters,faithful,butofvariousfortune,
andmeetwithmoreadversitythanprosperity.Hewhosefleshis
roughandhard,isamanofstrongconstitutionandverybold,but

vain,proudandofacrueltemper.Apersonwhoseskinissmooth,
fatandwhite,isaperson,curious,vainglorious,timorous,shame
faced,malicious,false,andtoowisetobelieveallhehears.
Athigh,fullofstrong,bristlyhair,andthehairinclinedtocurl,
signifiesonelustful,licentious,andfitforcopulation.Thighswith
butlittlehair,andthosesoftandslender,show thepersontobe
reasonablychaste,andonethathasnogreatdesiretocoition,and
whowillhavebutfewchildren.
Thelegsofbothmenandwomenhaveafleshysubstancebehind,
whicharecalledcalves,whichnaturehathgiventhem(asinour
bookoflivingcreatureswehaveobserved),inlieuofthoselong
tailswhichothercreatureshavependantbehind.Nowagreatcalf,
andhewhoselegsareofgreatbone,andhairwithal,denotesthe
persontobestrong,bold,secure,dullinunderstandingandslowin
business,inclinedtoprocreation,andforthemostpartfortunatein
hisundertakings.Littlelegs,andbutlittlehaironthem,showthe
persontobeweak,fearful,ofaquickunderstanding,andneither
luxuriousatbednorboard.Hewhoselegsdomuchaboundwith
hair,showshehasgreatstoreinanotherplace,andthatheislustful
andluxurious,strong,butunstableinhisresolution,andabounding
withillhumours.
Thefeetofeithermenorwomen,ifbroadandthickwithflesh,and
longinfigure,especiallyiftheskinfeelshard,theyarebynatureof
a strong constitution, and gross nutriment, but of weak intellect,
whichrenderstheunderstandingvain.Butfeetthatarethinandlean,
andofasoftskin,showthepersontobebutweakofbody,butofa
strongunderstandingandanexcellentwit.
Thesolesofthefeetdoadministerplainandevidentsigns,whereby
thedispositionandconstitutionofmenandwomenmaybeknown,
asdothepalmsoftheirhands,asbeingfulloflines,bywhichlines
allthefortunesandmisfortunesofmenandwomenmaybeknown,

andtheirmannersandinclinationsmadeplainlytoappear.Butthis
ingeneralwemaytakenotice,asthatmanylonglinesandstrokes
dopresagegreataffliction, andaverytroublesome life,attended
withmuchgriefandtoil,care,poverty,andmisery;butshortlines,if
theyarethickandfullofcrosslines,areyetworseineverydegree.
Those,theskinofwhosesolesisverythickandgross,are,forthe
most part, able, strong and venturous. Whereas, on the contrary,
thosetheskinofwhosesolesoftheirfeetisthin,aregenerallyweak
andtimorous.
Ishallnow,beforeIconclude(havinggivenanaccountofwhat
judgmentsmaybemadebyobservingtheseveralpartsofthebody,
fromthecrownoftheheadtothesolesofthefeet),giveanaccount
ofwhatjudgmentsmaybedrawnbytheruleofphysiognomyfrom
thingsextraneouswhicharefounduponmany,andwhichindeedto
themarepartsofthebody,butaresofarfrombeingnecessaryparts
thattheyarethedeformityandburdenofit,andspeakofthehabits
ofthebody,astheydistinguishpersons.

OfCrookedandDeformedPersons.
Acrookedbreastandshoulder,ortheexuberanceoffleshinthe
bodyeitherofmanorwoman,signifiesthepersontobeextremely
parsimoniousandingenious,andofagreatunderstanding,butvery
covetousandscrapingafterthethingsoftheworld,attendedalso
withaverybadmemory,beingalsoverydeceitfulandmalicious;
they are seldom in a medium, but either virtuous or extremely
vicious. But if the person deformed hath an excrescence on his
breastinsteadofontheback,heisforthemostpartofadouble
heart,andverymischievous.

OfthediversMannersofgoing,andparticularPosture

bothofMenandWomen.
He or she that goes slowly, making great steps as they go, are
generallypersonsofbadmemory,anddullofapprehension,givento
loitering,andnotapttobelievewhatistoldthem.Hewhogoes
apace, and makes short steps, is most successful in all his
undertakings,swiftinhisimagination,andhumbleinthedisposition
ofhisaffairs.Hewhomakeswideandunevensteps,andsidelong
withal, is one of a greedy, sordid nature, subtle, malicious, and
willingtodoevil.

OftheGaitorMotioninMenandWomen.
Everymanhathacertaingaitormotion,andsoinlikemannerhath
everywoman;foramantobeshakinghishead,orusinganylight
motionwithhishandsorfeet,whetherhestandsorsits,orspeaks,is
always accompanied with an extravagant motion, unnecessary,
superfluous and unhandsome. Such a man, by the rule of
physiognomy is vain, unwise, unchaste, a detractor, unstable and
unfaithful.Heorshewhosemotionisnotmuchwhendiscoursing
withanyone,isforthemostpartwiseandwellbred,andfitforany
employment, ingenious and apprehensive, frugal, faithful and
industrious in business. He whose posture is forwards and
backwards, or, as it were, whisking up and down, mimical, is
therebydenotedtobeavain,sillyperson,ofaheavyanddullwit,
and very malicious. He whose motion is lame and limping, or
otherwiseimperfect,orthatcounterfeitsanimperfectionisdenoted
tobeenvious,malicious,falseanddetracting.

JudgmentdrawnfromtheStatureofMan.

Physiognomydrawsseveraljudgmentsalsofromthestatureofman,
whichtakeasfolloweth;ifamanbeuprightandstraight,inclined
rathertoleannessthanfat,itshowshimtobebold,cruel,proud,
clamorous, hard to please, and harder to be reconciled when
displeased,veryfrugal,deceitful,andinmanythingsmalicious.To
beoftallstatureandcorpulentwithit,denoteshimtobenotonly
handsomebutvaliantalso,butofnoextraordinaryunderstanding,
and which is worst of all, ungrateful and trepanning. He who is
extremely tall and very lean and thin is a projecting man, that
designsnogoodtohimself,andsuspectseveryonetobeasbadas
himself, importunate to obtain what he desires, and extremely
wedded to his own humour. He who is thick and short, is vain,
envious, suspicious, and very shallow of apprehension, easy of
belief,butverylongbeforehewillforgetaninjury.Hewhoislean
andshortbutuprightwithal,is,bytherulesofphysiognomy,wise
andingenious,boldandconfident,andofagoodunderstanding,but
ofadeceitfulheart.Hewhostoopsashegoes,notsomuchbyage
as custom, is very laborious, a retainer of secrets, but very
incredulousandnoteasytobelieveeveryvainreporthehears.He
thatgoeswithhisbellystretchingforth,issociable,merry,andeasy
tobepersuaded.

CHAPTERVI
OfthePoweroftheCelestialBodiesoverMenandWomen.
Having spoken thus largely of Physiognomy, and the judgment
giventherebyconcerningthedispositionsandinclinationsofmen
andwomen,itwillbeconvenientheretoshowhowallthesethings
cometopass;andhowitisthatthesecretinclinationsandfuture
fateofmenandwomenmaybeknownfromtheconsiderationofthe

severalpartsofthebodies.Theyarisefromthepoweranddominion
ofsuperiorpowerstounderstandthetwelvesignsoftheZodiac,
whosesigns,charactersandsignificationsareasfollows:

Aries,theRam,whichgovernstheheadandface.
Taurus,theBull,whichgovernstheneck.
Gemini,theTwins,whichgovernsthehandsandarms.
Cancer,theCrab,governsthebreastandstomach.
Leo,theLion,governsthebackandheart
Virgo,theVirgin,governsthebellyandbowels.
Libra,theBalance,governstheveinsandloins.
Scorpio,theScorpion,governsthesecretparts.
Sagittary,theCentaur,governsthethighs.
Capricorn,theGoat,governstheknees.
Aquarius,theWaterBearer,governsthelegsandankles.
Pisces,theFish,governsthefeet.
It is here furthermore necessary to let the reader know, that the
ancients have divided the celestial sphere into twelve parts,

accordingtothenumberofthesesigns,whicharetermedhouses;as
inthefirsthouse,Aries,inthesecondTaurus,inthethirdGemini,
etc. And besides their assigning the twelve signs of the twelve
houses,theyallottoeachhouseitsproperbusiness.
Tothefirsthousetheygivethesignificationoflife.
The second house has the signification of wealth, substances, or
riches.
Thethirdisthemansionofbrethren.
Thefourth,thehouseofparentage.
Thefifthisthehouseofchildren.
Thesixthisthehouseofsicknessordisease.
Theseventhisthehouseofwedlock,andalsoofenemies,because
oftentimesawifeorhusbandprovestheworstenemy.
Theeighthisthehouseofdeath.
Theninthisthehouseofreligion.
Thetenthisthesignificationofhonours.
Theeleventhoffriendship.
Thetwelfthisthehouseofafflictionandwoe.
Now, astrologically speaking, a house is a certain place in the
heavenorfirmament,dividedbycertaindegrees,throughwhichthe
planetshavetheirmotion,andinwhichtheyhavetheirresidence
andaresituated.Andthesehousesaredividedbythirtydegrees,for
every sign has so many degrees. And these signs or houses are
calledthehousesofsuchandsuchplanetsasmaketheirresidence
therein,andaresuchasdelightinthem,andastheyaredepositedin

suchandsuchhousesaresaidtobeeitherdignifiedordebilitated.
Forthoughtheplanetsintheirseveralrevolutionsgothroughallthe
houses,yettherearesomehouseswhichtheyaremoreproperlysaid
todelightin.Asforinstance,AriesandScorpioarethehousesof
Mars;TaurusandLibraofVenus;GeminiandVirgoofMercury;
Sagittarius and Pisces are the houses of Jupiter; Capricorn and
AquariusarethehousesofSaturn;LeoisthehouseoftheSun;and
CanceristhehouseoftheMoon.
Now to sum up the whole, and show how this concerns
Physiognomy,isthis:asthebodyofman,aswehaveshown,is
not only governed by the signs and planets, but every part is
appropriatedtooneoranotherofthem,soaccordingtotheparticular
influenceofeachsignandplanet,sogoverningisthedisposition,
inclination,andnatureofthepersongoverned.Forsuchandsuch
tokensandmarksdoshowapersontobebornundersuchandsucha
planet; so according to the nature, power and influences of the
planets,isthejudgmenttobemadeofthatperson.Bywhichthe
reader may see that the judgments drawn from physiognomy are
groundeduponacertainverity.

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