The Works of Sir Thomas Browne Volume II Part 4

That all Animals of the Land, are in their kind in the Sea, although received as a principle, is a tenent very questionable, and will admit of restraint. For some in the Sea are not to be matcht by any enquiry at Land, and hold those shapes which terrestrious forms approach not; as may be observed in the Moon-fish, or Orthragoriscus, the several sorts of Raia's, Torpedo's, Oysters, and many more, and some there are in the Land which were never maintained to be in the Sea, as Panthers, Hyaena's, Camels, Sheep, Molls, and others, which carry no name in Icthyology [SN: _History of fishes._], nor are to be found in the exact descriptions of _Rondoletius_, _Gesner_, or _Aldrovandus_.

Again, Though many there be which make out their nominations, as the Hedg-hog, Sea-serpents and others; yet are there also very many that bear the name of animals at Land, which hold no resemblance in corporal configuration; in which account we compute _Vulpecula_, _Canis_, _Rana_, _Pa.s.ser_, _Cuculus_, _Asellus_, _t.u.r.dus_, _Lepus_, etc. Wherein while some are called the Fox, the Dog, the Sparrow or Frog-fish: and are known by common names with those at Land; yet as their describers attest, they receive not these appellations from a total similitude in figure, but any concurrence in common accidents, in colour, condition or single conformation. As for Sea-horses which much confirm this a.s.sertion; in their common descriptions, they are but Crotesco deliniations which fill up empty s.p.a.ces in Maps, and meer pictorial inventions, not any Physical shapes: sutable unto those which (as _Pliny_ delivereth) _Praxiteles_ long ago set out in the Temple of _Domitius_. For that which is commonly called a Sea-horse, is properly called a Morse, and makes not out that shape. That which the Ancients named _Hippocampus_ is a little animal about six inches long, and not preferred beyond the cla.s.sis of Insects. That which they termed _Hippopotamus_ an amphibious animal, about the River _Nile_, so little resembleth an horse, that as _Mathiolus_ observeth, in all except the feet, it better makes out a swine. That which they termed a Lion, was but a kind of Lobster: that which they called the Bear, was but one kind of Crab: and that which they named _Bos marinus_, was not as we conceive a fish resembling an Ox, but a Skait or Thornback, so named from its bigness, expressed by the Greek word _Bous_, which is a prefix of augmentation to many words in that language.

And therefore although it be not denied that some in the water do carry a justifiable resemblance to some at Land, yet are the major part which bear their names unlike; nor do they otherwise resemble the creatures on earth, then they on earth the constellations which pa.s.s under animal names in heaven: nor the Dog fish at Sea much more make out the Dog of the Land, then that his cognominal or name-sake in the heavens. Now if from a similitude in some, it be reasonable to infer a correspondence in all, we may draw this a.n.a.logy of animals upon plants; for vegetables there are which carry a near and allowable similitude unto animals. [SN: Fab. column. de stirp. rarioribus, Orchis, Cercopithecophora, Anthropophora.] We might also conclude that animal shapes were generally made out in minerals: for several stones there are that bear their names in relation to animals or their parts, as _Lapis anguinus_, _Conchites_, _Echinites_, _Encephalites, aegopthalmus_, and many more; as will appear in the Writers of Minerals, and especially in _Btius_ and _Aldrovandus_.

Moreover if we concede, that the animals of one Element, might bear the names of those in the other, yet in strict reason the watery productions should have the prenomination: and they of the land rather derive their names, then nominate those of the Sea. For the watery plantations were first existent, and as they enjoyed a priority in form, had also in nature precedent denominations: but falling not under that Nomenclature of _Adam_, which unto terrestrious animals a.s.signed a name appropriate unto their natures: from succeeding spectators they received arbitrary appellations: and were respectively denominated unto creatures known at Land; who in themselves had independent names and not to be called after them, which were created before them.

Lastly, By this a.s.sertion we restrain the hand of G.o.d, and abridge the variety of the creation; making the creatures of one Element, but an acting over those of another, and conjoyning as it were the species of things which stood at distance in the intellect of G.o.d; and though united in the Chaos, had several seeds of their creation. For although in that indistinguisht ma.s.s, all things seemed one; yet separated by the voice of G.o.d, according to their species, they came out in incommunicated varieties, and irrelative seminalities, as well as divided places; and so although we say the world was made in six days, yet was there as it were a world in every one; that is, a distinct creation of distinguisht creatures; a distinction in time of creatures divided in nature, and a several approbation and survey in every one.

CHAPTER XXV

Concerning the common course of Diet, in making choice of some Animals, and abstaining from eating others.

Why we confine our food unto certain Animals, and totally reject some others; how these distinctions crept into several Nations; and whether this practice be built upon solid reason, or chiefly supported by custom or opinion; may admit consideration.

For first there is no absolute necessity to feed on any; and if we resist not the stream of Authority, and several diductions from holy Scripture: there was no _Sarcophagie_ before the flood; [SN: _Eating of Flesh._] and without the eating of flesh, our fathers from vegetable aliments, preserved themselves unto longer lives, then their posterity by any other. For whereas it is plainly said, [SN: Gen. 1. 29.] I have given you every herb which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, to you it shall be for meat; [SN: _The natural vertue of vegetables impaired by the deluge._] presently after the deluge, when the same had destroyed or infirmed the nature of vegetables, by an expression of enlargement, it is again delivered: [SN: Gen. 9. 3.] Every moving thing that liveth, shall be meat for you, even as the green herb, have I given you all things.

And therefore although it be said that _Abel_ was a Shepherd, and it be not readily conceived, the first men would keep sheep, except they made food thereof: great Expositors will tell us, that it was partly for their skins, wherewith they were cloathed, partly for their milk, whereby they were sustained; and partly for Sacrifices, which they also offered.

And though it may seem improbable, that they offered flesh, yet eat not thereof; and _Abel_ can hardly be said to offer the firstlings of his flock, and the fat or acceptable part, if men used not to tast the same, whereby to raise such distinctions: some will confine the eating of flesh unto the line of _Cain_, who extended their luxury, and confined not unto the rule of G.o.d. That if at any time the line of _Seth_ eat flesh, it was extraordinary, and only at their sacrifices; or else (as _Grotius_ hinteth) if any such practice there were, it was not from the beginning; but from that time when the waies of men were corrupted, and whereof it is said, that the wickedness of mans heart was great; the more righteous part of mankind probably conforming unto the diet prescribed in Paradise, and the state of innocency. [SN: _Eating of Flesh (probably) not so common before the flood._] And yet however the practice of men conformed, this was the injunction of G.o.d, and might be therefore sufficient, without the food of flesh.

That they fed not on flesh, at least the faithful party before the flood, may become more probable, because they refrained the same for some time after. For so was it generally delivered of the golden age and reign of _Saturn_; which is conceived the time of _Noah_, before the building of _Babel_. And he that considereth how agreeable this is unto the traditions of the _Gentiles_; that that age was of one tongue: that _Saturn_ devoured all his sons but three; that he was the son of _Ocea.n.u.s_ and _Thetis_; that a Ship was his Symbole; that he taught the culture of vineyards, and the art of husbandry, and was therefore described with a sickle, may well conceive, these traditions had their original in _Noah_. Nor did this practice terminate in him, but was continued at least in many after: as (beside the _Pythagoreans_ of old, _Bannyans_ now in _India_, who upon single opinions refrain the food of flesh) ancient records do hint or plainly deliver. Although we descend not so low, as that of _aesclepiades_ delivered by _Porphyrius_ [SN: pe?? ?p????.], that men began to feed on flesh in the raign of _Pygmaleon_ brother of _Dido_, who invented several torments, to punish the eaters of flesh.

Nor did men only refrain from the flesh of beasts at first, but as some will have it, beasts from one another. And if we should believe very grave conjecturers, carnivorous animals now, were not flesh devourers then, according to the expression of the divine provision for them. [SN: Gen. 1. 36.] To every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, I have given every green herb for meat, and it was so. As is also collected from the store laid up in the Ark; wherein there seems to have been no fleshly provision for carnivorous Animals. For of every kind of unclean beast there went but two into the Ark: and therefore no stock of flesh to sustain them many days, much less almost a year.

But when ever it be acknowledged that men began to feed on flesh, yet how they betook themselves after to particular kinds thereof, with rejection of many others, is a point not clearly determined. As for the distinction of clean and unclean beasts, the original is obscure, and salveth not our practice. For no Animal is naturally unclean, or hath this character in nature; and therefore whether in this distinction there were not some mystical intention: [SN: _How_ Moses _might distinguish beasts into clean and unclean before the flood_.] whether _Moses_ after the distinction made of unclean beasts, did not name these so before the flood by antic.i.p.ation: whether this distinction before the flood, were not only in regard of sacrifices, as that delivered after was in regard of food: (for many were clean for food, which were unclean for sacrifice) or whether the denomination were but comparative, and of beasts less commodious for food, although not simply bad, is not yet resolved.

And as for the same distinction in the time of _Moses_, long after the flood, from thence we hold no restriction, as being no rule unto Nations beside the _Jews_ in dietetical consideration, or natural choice of diet, they being enjoyned or prohibited certain foods upon remote and secret intentions. Especially thereby to avoid community with the Gentiles upon promiscuous commensality: or to divert them from the Idolatry of _Egypt_ whence they came, they were enjoyned to eat the G.o.ds of _Egypt_ in the food of Sheep and Oxen. Withall in this distinction of Animals the consideration was hieroglyphical; in the bosom and inward sense implying an abstinence from certain vices symbolically intimated from the nature of those animals; as may be well made out in the prohibited meat of Swine, Cony, Owl, and many more.

At least the intention was not medical, or such as might oblige unto conformity or imitation; For some we refrain which that Law alloweth, as Locusts and many others; and some it prohibiteth, which are accounted good meat in strict and Medical censure: as (beside many fishes which have not finns and scales,) the Swine, Cony and Hare, a dainty dish with the Ancients; as is delivered by _Galen_, testified by _Martial_ [SN: Inter quadrupedes mattya prima Lepus.], as the popular opinion implied, that men grew fair by the flesh thereof: by the diet of _Cato_, that is Hare and Cabbage; and the _Jus nigrum_, or Black broath of the _Spartans_, which was made with the blood and bowels of an Hare.

And if we take a view of other Nations, we shall discover that they refrained many meats upon the like considerations. For in some the abstinence was symbolical; so _Pythagoras_ enjoyned abstinence from fish: that is, luxurious and dainty dishes; So according to _Herodotus_, some _Egyptians_ refrained swines flesh, as an impure and sordid animal: which whoever but touched, was fain to wash himself.

Some abstained superst.i.tiously or upon religious consideration: So the _Syrians_ refrained Fish and Pigeons; the _Egyptians_ of old, Dogs, Eeles and Crocodiles; though _Leo Africa.n.u.s_ delivers, that many of late, do eat them with good gust: and _Herodotus_ also affirmeth, that the _Egyptians_ of _Elephantina_ (unto whom they were not sacred,) did eat thereof in elder times: and Writers testify, that they are eaten at this day in _India_ and _America_. And so, as _Caesar_ reports, [SN: Lib.

3. de bello Gall.] unto the ancient _Britains_ it was piaculous to tast a Goose, which dish at present no table is without.

Unto some Nations the abstinence was political and for some civil advantage: So the _Thessalians_ refrained Storks, because they destroyed their Serpents; and the like in sundry animals is observable in other Nations.

And under all these considerations were some animals refrained: so the _Jews_ abstained from swine at first symbolically, as an Emblem of impurity; and not for fear of the Leprosie, as _Tacitus_ would put upon them. The _Cretians_ superst.i.tiously, upon tradition that _Jupiter_ was suckled in that countrey by a Sow. Some _Egyptians_ politically, because they supplyed the labour of plowing by rooting up the ground. And upon like considerations perhaps the _Phnicians_ and _Syrians_ fed not on this Animal: and as _Solinus_ reports, the _Arabians_ also and _Indians_. A great part of mankind refraining one of the best foods, and such as _Pythagoras_ himself would eat; who, as _Aristoxenus_ records [SN: _Aul. Gell._ lib. 4.], refused not to feed on Pigs.

[Sidenote: _Certain dishes in great request with the Ancients, not so much esteemed now._]

Moreover while we single out several dishes and reject others, the selection seems but arbitrary, or upon opinion; for many are commended and cryed up in one age, which are decryed and nauseated in another.

Thus in the dayes of _Mecenas_, no flesh was preferred before young a.s.ses; which notwithstanding became abominable unto succeeding appet.i.tes. At the table of _Heliogabalus_ the combs of c.o.c.ks were an esteemed service; which country stomacks will not admit at ours. The Sumen or belly and dugs of swine with Pig, and sometimes beaten and bruised unto death: the womb of the same Animal, especially that was barren, or else had cast her young ones, though a tough and membranous part, was magnified by Roman Palats; whereunto nevertheless we cannot perswade our stomacks. How _Alec_, _Muria_, and _Garum_, would humour our gust I know not; but surely few there are that could delight in their _Cyceon_; that is, the common draught of Honey, Cheese, parcht Barley-flower, Oyl and Wine; which notwithstanding was commended mixture, and in high esteem among them. We mortifie our selves with the diet of fish, and think we fare coursly if we refrain from the flesh of other animals. But antiquity held another opinion hereof: When _Pythagoras_ in prevention of luxury advised, not so much as to tast on fish. Since the _Rhodians_ were wont to call them clowns that eat flesh: and since _Plato_ to evidence the temperance of the n.o.ble _Greeks_ before _Troy_, observed, that it was not found they fed on fish, though they lay so long near the _h.e.l.lespont_[SN: Odyss. 4.]; and was only observed in the companions of _Menelaus_, that being almost starved, betook themselves to fishing about _Pharos_.

Nor will (I fear) the attest or prescript of Philosophers and Physitians, be a sufficient ground to confirm or warrant common practice, as is deducible from ancient Writers, from _Hippocrates_, _Galen_, _Simeon_, _Sethi_: and the later tracts of _Nonnus_ [SN: _Non_ de re cibaria.] and _Castella.n.u.s_. [SN: _Cast._ de esu carnium.] So _Aristotle_ and _Albertus_ commend the flesh of young Hawks: _Galen_ [SN: _Gal._ Alim. fac. lib. 3.] when they feed on Grapes: but condemneth Quails, and ranketh Geese but with Ostriches; which notwithstanding, present practice and every table extolleth. Men think they have fared hardly, if in times of extremity they have descended so low as Dogs: but _Galen_ delivereth [SN: _Gal._ Simpl. fac. lib. 3.] were the food of many Nations: and _Hippocrates_ [SN: _Hip._ de morbis de superfit.] ranketh the flesh of Whelps with that of Birds: who also commends them against the Spleen, and to promote conception. The opinion in _Galens_ time, which _Pliny_ also followeth, deeply condemned Horse-flesh, and conceived the very blood thereof destructive; but no diet is more common among the _Tartars_, who also drink their blood. And though this may only seem an adventure of _Northern_ stomacks, yet as _Herodotus_ tells us, in the hotter clime of _Persia_, the same was a convivial dish, and solemnly eaten at the feasts of their nativities: whereat they dressed whole Horses, Camels and a.s.ses; contemning the Poverty of _Grecian_ feasts, as unfurnish'd of dishes sufficient to fill the bellies of their guests.

Again, While we confine our diet in several places, all things almost are eaten, if we take in the whole earth: for that which is refused in one country, is accepted in another, and in the collective judgment of the world, particular distinctions are overthrown. Thus were it not hard to shew, that Tigers, Elephants, Camels, Mice, Bats and others, are the food of several countries; and _Lerius_ with others delivers, that some _Americans_ eat of all kinds, not refraining Toads and Serpents: and some have run so high, as not to spare the flesh of man: a practise inexcusable, nor to be drawn into example, a diet beyond the rule and largest indulgence of G.o.d.

As for the objection against beasts and birds of prey, it acquitteth not our practice, who observe not this distinction in fishes: nor regard the same in our diet of Pikes, Perches and Eels; Nor are we excused herein, if we examine the stomacks of Mackerels, Cods, and Whitings. Nor is the foulness of food sufficient to justifie our choice; for (beside that their natural heat is able to convert the same into laudable aliment) we refuse not many whose diet is more impure then some which we reject; as may be considered in hogs, ducks, puets, and many more.

Thus we perceive the practice of diet doth hold no certain course, nor solid rule of selection or confinement; Some in an indistinct voracity eating almost any, others out of a timorous pre-opinion, refraining very many. Wherein indeed necessity, reason and Physick, are the best determinators. Surely many animals may be fed on, like many plants; though not in alimental, yet medical considerations: Whereas having raised Antipathies by prejudgement or education, we often nauseate proper meats, and abhor that diet which disease or temper requireth.

[Sidenote: _A problem._ ]

Now whether it were not best to conform unto the simple diet of our fore-fathers; whether pure and simple waters were not more healthfull then fermented liquors; whether there be not an ample sufficiency without all flesh, in the food of honey, oyl, and the several parts of milk: in the variety of grains, pulses, and all sorts of fruits; since either bread or beverage may be made almost of all? whether nations have rightly confined unto several meats? or whether the common food of one countrey be not more agreeable unto another? how indistinctly all tempers apply unto the same, and how the diet of youth and old age is confounded: were considerations much concerning health, and might prolong our days, but must not this discourse.

CHAPTER XXVI

Of Sperma-Ceti, and the Sperma-Ceti Whale.

What Sperma-Ceti is, men might justly doubt, since the learned _Hofmannus_ in his work of Thirty years, [SN: De medicamentis officin.]

saith plainly, _Nescio quid sit_. And therefore need not wonder at the variety of opinions; while some conceived it to be _flos maris_, and many, a bituminous substance floating upon the sea.

That it was not the sp.a.w.n of the Whale, according to vulgar conceit, or nominal appellation Phylosophers have always doubted, not easily conceiving the Seminal humour of Animals, should be inflamable; or of a floating nature.

That it proceedeth from a Whale, beside the relation of _Clusius_ and other learned observers, was indubitably determined, not many years since by a Sperma-Ceti Whale, cast on our coast of _Norfolk_ [SN: _Near_ Wells.]. Which, to lead on further inquiry, we cannot omit to inform. It contained no less then sixty foot in length, the head somewhat peculiar, with a large prominency over the mouth; teeth only in the lower Jaw, received into fleshly sockets in the upper. The Weight of the largest about two pound: No gristly substances in the mouth, commonly called Whale-bones; Only two short finns seated forwardly on the back; the eyes but small, the pizell large, and prominent. A lesser Whale of this kind above twenty years ago, was cast upon the same sh.o.r.e. [SN: _Near_ Hunstanton.]

The discription of this Whale seems omitted by _Gesner_, _Rondeletius_, and the first Editions of _Aldrovandus_; but describeth the latin impression of _Pareus_, in the Exoticks of _Clusius_, and the natural history of _Nirembergius_; but more amply in Icons and figures of _Johnstonus_.

Mariners (who are not the best Nomenclators) called it a _Jubartas_, or rather _Gibbartas_. Of the same appellation we meet with one in _Rondeletius_, called by the _French_ Gibbar, from its round and Gibbous back. The name _Gibbarta_ we find also given unto one kind of _Greenland_ Whales: But this of ours seemed not to answer the Whale of that denomination; but was more agreeable unto the _Trumpa_ or Sperma-Ceti Whale: according to the account of our _Greenland_ describers in _Purchas_. And maketh the third among the eight remarkable Whales of that Coast.

Out of the head of this Whale, having been dead divers days, and under putrifaction, flowed streams of oyl and Sperma-Ceti; which was carefully taken up and preserved by the Coasters. But upon breaking up, the Magazin of Sperma-Ceti, was found in the head lying in folds and courses, in the bigness of goose eggs, encompa.s.sed with large flakie substances, as large as a mans head, in form of hony-combs, very white and full of oyl.

Some resemblance or trace hereof there seems to be in the _Physiter_ or _Capidolio_ of _Rondeletius_; while he delivers, that a fatness more liquid then oyl, runs from the brain of that animal; which being out, the Reliques are like the scales of _Sardinos_ pressed into a ma.s.s; which melting with heat, are again concreted by cold. And this many conceive to have been the fish which swallowed _Jonas_. Although for the largeness of the mouth, and frequency in those seas, it may possibly be the _Lamia_.

Some part of the Sperma-Ceti found on the sh.o.r.e was pure, and needed little depuration; a great part mixed with fetid oyl, needing good preparation, and frequent expression, to bring it to a flakie consistency. And not only the head, but other parts contained it. For the carnous parts being roasted, the oyl dropped out, an axungious and thicker parts subsiding; the oyl it self contained also much in it, and still after many years some is obtained from it.

_Greenland_ Enquirers seldom meet with a Whale of this kind: and therefore it is but a contingent Commodity, not reparable from any other. It flameth white and candent like Camphire, but dissolveth not in _aqua fortis_, like it. Some lumps containing about two ounces, kept ever since in water, afford a fresh and flosculous smell. Well prepared and separated from the oyl, it is of a substance unlikely to decay, and may out last the oyl required in the Composition of _Mathiolus_.

Of the large quant.i.ty of oyl, what first came forth by expression from the Sperma-Ceti, grew very white and clear, like that of Almonds or Ben.

What came by decoction was red. It was found to spend much in the vessels which contained it: It freezeth or coagulateth quickly with cold, and the newer soonest. It seems different from the oyl of any other animal, and very much frustrated the expectation of our soap-boylers, as not incorporating or mingling with their lyes. But it mixeth well with painting Colours, though hardly drieth at all. Combers of wooll made use hereof, and Country people for cuts, aches and hard tumors. It may prove of good Medical use; and serve for a ground in compounded oyls and Balsams. Distilled, it affords a strong oyl, with a quick and piercing water. Upon Evaporation it gives a balsame, which is better performed with Turpentine distilled with Sperma-Ceti.

Had the abominable scent permitted, enquiry had been made into that strange composure of the head, and hillock of flesh about it. Since the Work-men affirmed, they met with _Sperma-Ceti_ before they came to the bone, and the head yet preserved, seems to confirm the same. The Sphincters inserving unto the Fistula or spout, might have been examined, since they are so notably contrived in other cetaceous Animals; as also the Larynx or Throtle, whether answerable unto that of Dolphins and Porposes in the strange composure and figure which it maketh. What figure the stomack maintained in this Animal of one jaw of teeth, since in Porposes, which abound in both, the ventricle is trebly divided, and since in that formerly taken nothing was found but Weeds and a Loligo. The heart, lungs, and kidneys had not escaped; wherein are remarkable differences from Animals of the land, likewise what humor the bladder contained, but especially the seminal parts, which might have determined the difference of that humour; from this which beareth its name.

In vain it was to rake for Ambergreece in the panch of this _Leviathan_, as _Greenland_ discoverers, and attests of experience dictate, that they sometimes swallow great lumps thereof in the Sea; insufferable fetour denying that enquiry. And yet if, as _Paracelsus_ encourageth, Ordure makes the best Musk, and from the most fetid substances may be drawn the most odoriferous Essences; all that had not _Vespasians_ Nose [SN: Cui dulcis odor lucri ex re qualibet.], might boldly swear, here was a subject fit for such extractions.