The Works of Sir Thomas Browne Volume II Part 11

Thirdly, The Stars have not only varied their longitudes, whereby their ascents have altered; but have also changed their declinations, whereby their rising at all, that is, their appearing hath varied. [SN: _What the declination of a Star is._] The declination of a Star we call its distance from the Equator. Now though the Poles of the world and the Equator be immovable, yet because the Stars in their proper motions from West to East, do move upon the poles of the Ecliptick, distant 23 degrees and an half from the Poles of the Equator, and describe circles parallel not unto the Equator, but the Ecliptick; they must be therefore sometimes nearer, sometimes removed further from the Equator. All Stars that have their distance from the Ecliptick Northward not more then 23 degrees and an half (which is the greatest distance of the Ecliptick from the Equator) may in progression of time have declination Southward, and move beyond the Equator: but if any Star hath just this distance of 23 and an half (as hath Capella on the back of Ericthonius) it may hereafter move under the Equinoctial; and the same will happen respectively unto Stars which have declination Southward. And therefore many Stars may be visible in our Hemisphere, which are not so at present; and many which are at present, shall take leave of our Horizon, and appear unto Southern habitations. And therefore the time may come that the Dog star may not be visible in our Horizon, and the time hath been, when it hath not shewed it self unto our neighbour lat.i.tudes. So that canicular daies there have been none, nor shall be; yet certainly in all times some season of the year more notably hot then other.

Lastly, We multiply causes in vain; and for the reason hereof, we need not have recourse unto any Star but the Sun, and continuity of its action. For the Sun ascending into the Northern signs, begetteth first a temperate heat in the air; which by his approach unto the solstice he intendeth; and by continuation increaseth the same even upon declination. [SN: _Why the Dog-daies be so hot._] For running over the same degrees again, that is, in Leo, which he hath done in Taurus, in _July_ which he did in _May_; he augmenteth the heat in the latter which he began in the first; and easily intendeth the same by continuation which was well promoted before. So it is observed, that they which dwell between the Tropicks and the Equator, have their second summer hotter and more maturative of fruits then the former. So we observe in the day (which is a short year) the greatest heat about two in the afternoon, when the Sun is past the Meridian (which is his diurnal solstice) and the same is evident from the Thermometer or observations of the weather-gla.s.s. So are the colds of the night sharper in the Summer about two or three after midnight, and the frosts in Winter stronger about those hours. So likewise in the year we observe the cold to augment, when the daies begin to increase, though the Sun be then ascensive, and returning from the Winter Tropick. And therefore if we rest not in this reason for the heat in the declining part of Summer, we must discover freezing Stars that may resolve the latter colds of Winter; which whoever desires to invent, let him study the Stars of _Andromeda_, or the nearer constellation of _Pegasus_, which are about that time ascendent.

It cannot therefore seem strange, or savour of singularity that we have examined this point; since the same hath been already denied by some, since the authority and observations of the Ancients rightly understood, do not confirm it, since our present computes are different from those of the Ancients, whereon notwithstanding they depend; since there is reason against it, and if all were granted, yet must it be maintained with manifold restraints, far otherwise then is received. And lastly, since from plain and natural principles, the doubt may be fairly salved, and not clapt up from pet.i.tionary foundations and principles unestablished.

But that which chiefly promoted the consideration of these daies, and medically advanced the same, was the doctrin of _Hippocrates_; a Physitian of such repute, that he received a testimony from a Christian, that might have been given unto Christ. [SN: Qui nec fallere potest nec falli.] The first in his book, _de Acre, Aquis, et locis_. _Syderum ortus_, etc. That is, we are to observe the rising of Stars, especially the Dog-star, Arcturus, and the setting of the Pleiades or seven Stars.

From whence notwithstanding we cannot infer the general efficacy of these Stars, or co-efficacy particular in medications. Probably expressing no more hereby then if he should have plainly said, especial notice we are to take of the hottest time in Summer, of the beginning of Autumn and Winter; for by the rising and setting of those Stars were these times and seasons defined. [SN: _Diseases commonly determined, by what seasons._] And therefore subjoyns this reason, _Quoniam his temporibus morbi finiuntur_, because at these times diseases have their ends; as Physitians well known, and he elsewhere affirmeth, that seasons determine diseases, beginning in their contraries; as the Spring the diseases of Autumn, and the Summer those of Winter. Now (what is very remarkable) whereas in the some place he adviseth to observe the times of notable mutations, as the Equinoxes, and the Solstices, and to decline Medication ten daies before and after; how precisely soever canicular cautions be considered, this is not observed by Physitians, nor taken notice of by the people. And indeed should we blindly obey the restraints both of Physitians and Astrologers, we should contract the liberty of our prescriptions, and confine the utility of Physick unto a very few daies. For observing the Dog-daies, and as is expressed, some daies before, likewise ten daies before and after the Equinoctial and Solsticial points; by this observation alone are exempted an hundred daies. Whereunto if we add the two _Egyptian_ daies in every month, the interlunary and plenilunary exemptions, the Eclipses of Sun and Moon, conjunctions and oppositions Planetical, the houses of Planets, and the site of the Luminaries under the signs (wherein some would induce a restraint of Purgation or Phlebotomy) there would arise above an hundred more; so that of the whole year the use of Physick would not be secure much above a quarter. Now as we do not strictly observe these daies, so need we not the other; and although consideration be made hereof, yet must we prefer the nearer indications before those which are drawn from the time of the year; or other caelestial relations.

The second Testimony is taken out of the last piece of his Age, and after the experience (as some think) of no less then an hundred years, that is, his book of Aphorisms, or short and definitive determinations in Physick. The Aphorism alleadged is this, _Sub Cane et ante Canem difficiles sunt purgationes._ _Sub Cane et Anticane_, say some including both the Dog-stars; but that cannot consist with the Greek: ?p? ???a ?a?

p?? ?????, nor had that Criticism been ever omitted by _Galen_. Now how true this sentence was in the mouth of _Hippocrates_, and with what restraint it must be understood by us, will readily appear from the difference between us both, in circ.u.mstantial relations.

And first, Concerning his time and Chronology: [SN: _When_ Hippocrates _lived_.] he lived in the reign of _Artaxerxes Longima.n.u.s_, about the 82 Olympiade, 450 years before Christ; and from our times above two thousand. Now since that time (as we have already declared) the Stars have varied their longitudes; and having made large progressions from West to East, the time of the Dog-stars ascent must also very much alter. For it ariseth later now in the year, then it formerly did in the same lat.i.tude; and far later unto us who have a greater elevation; for in the daies of _Hippocrates_ this Star ascended in Cancer, which now ariseth in Leo: and will in progression of time arise in Virgo. And therefore in regard of the time wherein he lived, the Aphorism was more considerable in his daies then in ours, and in times far past then present, and in his Countrey then ours.

The place of his nativity was _Coos_, an Island in the _Myrtoan_ Sea, not far from _Rhodes_, described in Maps by the name of _Lango_, and called by the _Turks_ who are Masters thereof, _Stancora_; according unto _Ptolomy_ of Northern lat.i.tude 36 degrees. That he lived and writ in these parts, is not improbably collected from the Epistles that pa.s.sed betwixt him and _Artaxerxes_; as also between the Citizens of _Abdera_, and _Coos_, in the behalf of _Democritus_. Which place being seated from our lat.i.tude of 52, 16 degrees Southward, there will arise a different consideration; and we may much deceive our selves if we conform the ascent of Stars in one place unto another, or conceive they arise the same day of the month in _Coos_ and in _England_. For as _Petavius_ computes in the first _Julian_ year, at _Alexandria_ of lat.i.tude 31, the Star arose cosmically in the twelfth degree of Cancer, Heliacally the 26, by the compute of _Geminus_ about this time at _Rhodes_ of lat.i.tude 37, it ascended cosmically the 16 of Cancer, Heliacally the first of Leo; and about that time at _Rome_ of lat.i.tude 42, cosmically the 22 of Cancer, and Heliacally the first of Leo. For unto places of greater lat.i.tude it ariseth ever later; so that in some lat.i.tudes the cosmical ascent happeneth not before the twentieth degree of Virgo, ten daies before the Autumnal Equinox, and if they compute Heliacally, after it, in Libra.

Again, Should we allow all, and only compute unto the lat.i.tude of _Coos_; yet would it not impose a total omission of Physick. For if in the hottest season of that clime, all Physick were to be declined, then surely in many other none were to be used at any time whatsoever; for unto many parts, not only in the Spring and Autumn, but also in the Winter, the Sun is nearer, then unto the clime of _Coos_ in the Summer.

The third consideration concerneth purging medicines, which are at present far different from those implied in this Aphorism, and such as were commonly used by _Hippocrates_. [SN: _Three degrees of purgations._] For three degrees we make of purgative medicines: The first thereof is very benign, nor far removed from the nature of Aliment, into which, upon defect of working, it is oft-times converted; and in this form do we account _Manna_, _Ca.s.sia_, _Tamarindes_, and many more; whereof we find no mention in _Hippocrates_. This second is also gentle having a familiarity with some humor, into which it is but converted if it fail of its operation: of this sort are _Aloe_, _Rhabarb_, _Senna_, etc. Whereof also few or none were known unto _Hippocrates_. The third is of a violent and venemous quality, which frustrate of its action, a.s.sumes as it were the nature of poison; such as are Scammoneum, Colocynthis, Elaterium, Euphorbium, t.i.thymallus, Laureola, Peplum, etc. Of this sort _Hippocrates_ made use, even in Fevers, Pleurisies and Quinsies; and that composition is very remarkable which is ascribed unto _Diogenes_ in _aetius_[SN: Tetrab. lib. 1. Serm.

3.]; that is, of Pepper, Sal Armoniac, Euphorbium, of each an ounce, the Dosis whereof four scruples and an half; which whosoever should take, would find in his bowels more then a canicular heat, though in the depth of Winter; many of the like nature may be observed in _aetius_, or in the book _De Dinamidiis_, ascribed unto _Galen_, which is the same _verbatim_ with the other.

Now in regard of the second, and especially the first degree of Purgatives, the Aphorism is not of force; but we may safely use them, they being benign and of innoxious qualities. And therefore _Lucas Gauricus_, who hath endeavoured with many testimonies to advance this consideration, at length concedeth that lenitive Physick may be used, especially when the Moon is well affected in Cancer or in the watery signs. But in regard of the third degree the Aphorism is considerable: purgations may be dangerous; and a memorable example there is in the medical Epistles of _Crucius_, of a _Roman_ Prince that died upon an ounce of Diaphaenicon, taken in this season. From the use whereof we refrain not only in hot seasons, but warily exhibit it at all times in hot diseases. Which when necessity requires, we can perform more safely then the Ancients, as having better waies of preparation and correction; that is, not only by addition of other bodies, but separation of noxious parts from their own.

But beside these differences between _Hippocrates_ and us, the Physitians of these times and those of Antiquity; the condition of the disease, and the intention of the Physitian, hold a main consideration in what time and place soever. For Physick is either curative or preventive; Preventive we call that which by purging noxious humors, and the causes of diseases, preventeth sickness in the healthy, or the recourse thereof in the valetudinary; this is of common use at the spring and fall, and we commend not the same at this season.

Therapeutick or curative Physick, we term that, which restoreth the Patient unto Sanity, and taketh away diseases actually affecting. [SN: _Diseases Chronical and Acute what they be._] Now of diseases some are cronical and of long duration, as quartane Agues, Scurvy, etc. Wherein because they admit of delay we defer the cure to more advantagious seasons; Others we term acute, that is, of short duration and danger, as Fevers, Pleurisies, etc. In which, because delay is dangerous, and they arise unto their state before the Dog-daies determine, we apply present remedies according unto Indications; respecting rather the acuteness of the disease, and precipitancy of occasion, then the rising or setting of Stars; the effects of the one being disputable, of the other a.s.sured and inevitable.

And although Astrology may here put in, and plead the secret influence of this Star; yet _Galen_ in his Comment, makes no such consideration; confirming the truth of the Aphorism from the heat of the year; and the operation of Medicines exhibited. [SN: _Strong purgations not so well given in the heat of summer, and why._] In regard that bodies being heated by the Summer, cannot so well endure the acrimony of purging Medicines; and because upon purgations contrary motions ensue, the heat of the air attracting the humours outward, and the action of the Medicine retracting the same inward. But these are readily salved in the distinctions before alleadged; and particularly in the const.i.tution of our climate and divers others, wherein the air makes no such exhaustion of spirits. And in the benignity of our Medicines; whereof some in their own natures, others well prepared, agitate not the humors, or make sensible perturbation.

[Sidenote: _A Problem._]

Nor do we hereby reject or condemn a sober and regulated Astrology; we hold there is more truth therein then in Astrologers; in some more then many allow, yet in none so much as some pretend. We deny not the influence of the Stars, but often suspect the due application thereof; for though we should affirm that all things were in all things; that heaven were but earth celestified, and earth but heaven terrestrified, or that each part above had an influence upon its divided affinity below; yet how to single out these relations, and duly to apply their actions is a work oft times to be effected by some revelation, and _Cabala_ from above, rather then any Philosophy, or speculation here below. What power soever they have upon our bodies, it is not requisite they should destroy our reasons, that is, to make us rely on the strength of Nature, when she is least able to relieve us; and when we conceive the heaven against us, to refuse the a.s.sistance of the earth created for us. [SN: _Upon the biting of a mad Dog there ensues an hydrophobia or fear of water._] This were to suffer from the mouth of the Dog above, what others do from the teeth of Dogs below; that is, to be afraid of their proper remedy, and refuse to approach any water, though that hath often proved a cure unto their disease. There is in wise men a power beyond the Stars; and _Ptolomy_ encourageth us, that by foreknowledge, we may evade their actions; for, being but universal causes, they are determined by particular agents; which being inclined, not constrained, contain within themselves the casting act, and a power to command the conclusion.

Lastly, If all be conceded, and were there in this Aphorism an unrestrained truth, yet were it not reasonable from a caution to inferr a non-usance or abolition, from a thing to be used with discretion, not to be used at all. Because the Apostle bids us beware of Philosophy, heads of extremity will have none at all; an usual fallacy in vulgar and less distinctive brains, who having once overshot the mean, run violently on, and find no rest but in the extreams.

Now hereon we have the longer insisted, because the error is material, and concerns oft-times the life of man; an error to be taken notice of by State, and provided against by Princes, who are of the opinion of _Solomon_, that their riches consists in the mult.i.tude of their subjects. An error worse then some reputed _Heresies_; and of greater danger to the body, then they unto the soul; which whosoever is able to reclaim, he shall salve more in one summer then _Themison_[SN: _A Physitian._ Quot Themison aegros Autumno occiderit uno. _Juvenal._]

destroyed in any Autumn; he shall introduce a new way of cure, preserving by Theory, as well as practice, and men not only from death, but from destroying themselves.

THE FIFTH BOOK

Of many things questionable as they are commonly described in Pictures.

CHAPTER I

Of the Picture of the Pelecan.

And first in every place we meet with the picture of the Pelecan, opening her breast with her bill, and feeding her young ones with the blood distilling from her. Thus is it set forth not only in common Signs, but in the Crest and Schucheon of many n.o.ble families; hath been a.s.serted by many holy Writers, and was an Hierogliphick of piety and pitty among the _aegyptians_; on which consideration, they spared them at their tables.

Notwithstanding upon enquiry we find no mention hereof in Ancient Zodiographers, and such as have particularly discoursed upon Animals, as _Aristotle_, _aelian_, _Pliny_, _Solinus_ and many more; who seldom forget proprieties of such a nature, and have been very punctual in less considerable Records. Some ground hereof I confess we may allow, nor need we deny a remarkable affection in Pelecans toward their young; for _aelian_ discoursing of Storks, and their affection toward their brood, whom they instruct to fly, and unto whom they re-deliver up the provision of their Bellies, concludeth at last, that Herons and Pelecans do the like.

As for the testimonies of Ancient Fathers, and Ecclesiastical Writers, we may more safely conceive therein some Emblematical than any real Story: so doth _Eucherius_ confess it to be the Emblem of Christ. And we are unwilling literally to receive that account of _Jerom_, that perceiving her young ones destroyed by Serpents, she openeth her side with her bill, by the blood whereof they revive and return unto life again. By which relation they might indeed ill.u.s.trate the destruction of man by the old Serpent, and his restorement by the blood of Christ: and in this sense we shall not dispute the like relations of _Austine_, _Isidore_, _Albertus_, and many more: and under an Emblematical intention, we accept it in coat-armour.

As for the Hieroglyphick of the _Egyptians_, they erected the same upon another consideration, which was parental affection; manifested in the protection of her young ones, when her nest was set on fire. For as for letting out her blood, it was not the a.s.sertion of the _Egyptians_, but seems translated unto the Pelecan from the Vulture, as _Pierius_ hath plainly delivered. _Sed quod Pelicanum (ut etiam aliis plerisque persuasum est) rostro pectus dissecantem pingunt, ita ut suo sanguine filios alat, ab aegyptiorum historia valde alienum est, illi enim vulturem tantum id facere tradiderunt._

And lastly, as concerning the picture, if naturally examined, and not Hierogliphically conceived, it containeth many improprieties, disagreeing almost in all things from the true and proper description.

For, whereas it is commonly set forth green or yellow, in its proper colour, it is inclining to white; excepting the extremities or tops of the wing feathers, which are brown. [SN: _The bigness of a Pelecan._]

It is described in the bigness of a Hen, whereas it approacheth and sometimes exceedeth the magnitude of a Swan. It is commonly painted with a short bill; whereas that of the Pelecan attaineth sometimes the length of two spans. The bill is made acute or pointed at the end; whereas it is flat and broad, though somewhat inverted at the extream. It is described like fissipedes, or birds which have their feet or claws divided; whereas it is palmipedous, or fin-footed like Swans and Geese; according to the method of nature, in latirostrous or flat-bild birds; which being generally swimmers, the organ is wisely contrived unto the action, and they are framed with fins or oars upon their feet; and therefore they neither light, nor build on trees, if we except Cormorants, who make their nests like Herons. [SN: _Of her Crop._]

Lastly, there is one part omitted more remarkable than any other, that is, the chowle or crop adhering unto the lower side of the bill, and so descending by the throat: a bag or sachel very observable, and of a capacity almost beyond credit; which notwithstanding, this animal could not want; for therein it receiveth Oysters, Cochels, Scollops, and other testaceous animals; which being not able to break, it retains them until they open, and vomiting them up, takes out the meat contained. This is that part preserved for a rarity and wherein (as _Sanctius_ delivers) in one dissected, a _Negro_ child was found.

A possibility there may be of opening and bleeding their breast; for this may be done by the uncous and pointed extremity of their bill: and some probability also that they sometimes do it, for their own relief, though not for their young ones; that is by nibling and biting themselves on their itching part of their breast, upon fullness or acrimony of blood. And the same may be better made out; if (as some relate) their feathers on that part are sometimes observed to be red and tincted with blood.

CHAPTER II

Of the Picture of Dolphins.

That Dolphins are crooked, is not only affirmed by the hand of the Painter, but commonly conceived their natural and proper figure; which is not only the opinion of our times, but seems the belief of elder times before us. For, beside the expressions of _Ovid_ and _Pliny_, their Pourtraicts in some ancient Coyns are framed in this figure, as will appear in some thereof in _Gesner_, others in _Goltsius_, and _Laevinus Hulsius_ in his discription of Coyns, from _Julius Caesar_ unto _Rhodulphus_ the second.

Notwithstanding, to speak strictly in their natural figure they are streight, nor have their spine convexed, or more considerably embowed, than Sharks, Porposes, Whales, and other Cetaceous animals, as _Scaliger_ plainly affirmeth: _Corpus habet non magis curvum quam reliqui pisces._ As ocular enquiry informeth; and as unto such as have not had the opportunity to behold them, their proper pourtraicts will discover in _Rondeletius_, _Gesner_, and _Aldrovandus_. And as indeed is deducible from pictures themselves; for though they be drawn repandous, or convexedly crooked in one piece, yet the Dolphin that carrieth Arion is concavously inverted, and hath its spine depressed in another. And answerably hereto may we behold them differently bowed in medalls, and the Dolphins of _Tarus_ and _Fulius_ do make another flexure from that of _Commodus_ and _Agrippa_.

And therefore what is delivered of their incurvity, must either be taken Emphatically, that is, not really but in appearance; which happeneth, when they leap above water, and suddenly shoot down again; which is a fallacy in vision, whereby straight bodies in a sudden motion protruded obliquely downward, appear unto the eye crooked; and this is the construction of _Bellonius_. Or if it be taken really, it must not universally and perpetually; that is, not when they swim and remain in their proper figures, but only when they leap, or impetuously whirl their bodies any way; and this is the opinion of _Gesnerus_. Or lastly, It may be taken neither really nor emphatically, but only Emblematically: for being the Hieroglyphick of celerity, and swifter than other animals, men best expressed their velocity by incurvity, and under some figure of a bow: and in this sense probably do Heralds also receive it, when from a Dolphin extended, they distinguish a Dolphin embowed.

And thus also must that picture be taken of a Dolphin clasping an Anchor: that is, not really, as is by most conceived out of affection unto man, conveighing the Anchor unto the ground: but emblematically, according as _Pierius_ hath expressed it, The swiftest animal conjoyned with that heavy body, implying that common moral, _Festina lente_: and that celerity should always be contempered with cunctation.

CHAPTER III

Of the Picture of a Grashopper.

There is also among us a common description and picture of a Grashopper, as may be observed in the pictures of Emblematists, in the coats of several families, and as the word _Cicada_ is usually translated in Dictionaries. Wherein to speak strictly, if by this word Grashopper, we understand that animal which is implied by t?tt?? with the _Greeks_, and by _Cicada_ with the _Latines_; we may with safety affirm the picture is widely mistaken, and that for ought enquiry can inform, there is no such insect in _England_. Which how paradoxical soever, upon a strict enquiry, will prove undeniable truth.

For first, That animal which the _French_ term _Sauterelle_, we a Grashopper, and which under this name is commonly described by us, is named ????? by the _Greeks_, by the _Latines Locusta_, and by our selves in proper speech a Locust; as in the diet of John _Baptist_, and in our Translation [SN: Prov. 30.], the _Locusts_ have no King, yet go they forth all of them by bands. Again, Between the _Cicada_ and that we call a Grashopper, the differences are very many, as may be observed in themselves, or their descriptions in _Matthiolus_, _Aldrovandus_ and _m.u.f.fetus_. For first, They are differently cucullated or capuched upon the head and back, and in the _Cicada_ the eyes are more prominent: the Locusts have _Antennae_: or long horns before, with a long falcation or forc.i.p.ated tail behind; and being ordained for saltation, their hinder legs do far exceed the other. The Locust or our Grashopper hath teeth, the _Cicada_ none at all; nor any mouth according unto _Aristotle_: the _Cicada_ is most upon trees; and lastly, the fritinnitus or proper note thereof, is far more shril than that of the Locust; and its life so short in Summer, that for provision it needs not have recourse unto the providence of the Pismire in Winter.

And therefore where the _Cicada_ must be understood, the pictures of Heralds and Emblematists are not exact, nor is it safe to adhere unto the interpretation of Dictionaries; and we must with candour make out our own Translations: for in the Plague of _aegypt_, _Exodus_ 10. the word ????? is translated a Locust, but in the same sense and subject, _Wisdom_ 16. it is translated a Grashopper; For them the bitings of Grashoppers and flies killed: whereas we have declared before, the _Cicada_ hath no teeth, but is conceived to live upon dew; and the possibility of its subsistence is disputed by _Licetus_. Hereof I perceive _m.u.f.fetus_ hath taken notice, dissenting from _Langius_ and _Lycostenes_, while they deliver, the _Cicada's_ destroyed the fruits in _Germany_, where that insect is not found; and therefore concludeth, _Tam ipsos quam alios deceptos fuisse autumo, dum locustas cicadas esse vulgari errore crederent._

And hereby there may be some mistake in the due dispensation of Medicines desumed from this animal; particularly of Diatettigon commended by _aetius_ in the affections of the kidnies. It must be likewise understood with some restriction what hath been affirmed by _Isidore_, and yet delivered by many, that Cicades are bred out of Cuccow spittle or Woodsear; that is, that spumous, frothy dew or exudation, or both, found upon Plants, especially about the joints of Lavender and Rosemary, observable with us about the latter end of May.

For here the true _Cicada_ is not bred, but certain it is, that out of this, some kind of Locust doth proceed; for herein may be discovered a little insect of a festucine or pale green, resembling in all parts a Locust, or what we call a Grashopper.