Mikrokosmographia a description of the body of man. Together vvith the controuersies thereto belonging. Collected and translated out of all the best authors of anatomy, especially out of Gasper Bauhinus and Andreas Laurentius. By Helkiah Crooke Doctor of Physicke, physitian to His Maiestie, and his Highnesse professor in anatomy and chyrurgerie. Published by the Kings Maiesties especiall direction and warrant according to the first integrity, as it was originally written by the author.

CHAP. XVII. Of the Membrane of the Tympane or head of the Drumme.

THe Membrane of the Tympane which Hippocrates first of al men, in his book de earnibus, made mention of vnder the name of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, of a skin in the hole of hearing, is called by Aristotle in the 83. text of his second booke de anima 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Galen in the sixth chapter of his eight booke de vsu partium, * 1.1 calleth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a lid, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a couering. Some call it Tym∣panum, because it is stretched ouer the first cauity as a peece of Vellam ouer the head of a Drumme, or because as a Drumme being beaten with a sticke maketh a great sound, so this membrane being beaten vppon by the ayre, communicateth this sound vnto the

nerue of sense. But it may most properly bee called not the Tympane or drumme, but the membrane or head of the drumme, because it is stretched vpon the bony circle wee shall speake of afterward and receiuing the impression of the sound returneth the same a∣gaine vnto the sense. [Tab. 10. fig 3. and 4. p. Tab. 11. d.] It is scituated betwixt the hole of * 1.2 hearing, at whose inward end it is set, and the first cauity of the inside of the stony bone, which cauity we properly call Tympanum. It is extended ouer the cauity obliquely forward * 1.3 and vpward, as if a man should couer the sloping cut of a writing pen with a filme: and the reason of this scituation is, because it might more directly respect the first cauity which is somewhat higher then the hole of hearing. Againe, that the violence of the ayre, of water or of any such like that might by accident fall into the eare, should not directly or by a right line attaine vnto the membrane to offer it violence.

The figure of it is round [Tab. 10. fig, 6. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Tab. 11. d:] curued a little inward in the midst * 1.4 like that herbe which we call Pennigrasse or Venus nauell, the better to receiue the sound which commeth from without, because that which is concauous or hollow doth more perfectly, and fully receiue the sound.

Concerning the substance and originall of this membrane, there are almost as many o∣pinions * 1.5 as there be writers. Some think it ariseth from the Brain, some frō the dura meninx, some from the periostium, some from the pericranium, some from the nerues of the fift con∣iugation, some from the Pia mater. But if it may bee lawfull for vs to interpose our opi∣nion, we perswade our selues, saith Bauhine, that it ariseth from the seede it selfe, as beeing generated in the first conformation as we sayd before the membrane of the Cristalline hu∣mour was generated; and the reason that perswadeth vs thereto, is, because the very sub∣stance of it differs from the substance of the other membranes in the body. But if this o∣pinion should not please, we next of all incline to them who produce it from the periostium because if you dissect the head of an infant, you shall finde this membrane to cleaue to the periostium, [Tab. 11. kk.] where it couereth the scaly bone and the neighbour parts: as also that at the hole of hearing the periostium is dilated, where there breaketh or riseth out of the stony bone a little oblique and round processe much like a quill, when the first oblique incision is made in it toward the framing of a pen, which processe was ordayned that this membrane might be connected with the stony bone.

This processe is called the ring or the bony circle [Tab. 10. fig. 3. *. Tab. 11. e.] out of * 1.6 whose circumference the hole of hearing beginneth. This processe hath a double origi∣nall [Tab. 11. n.] the lower groweth out of the scaly bone and resembleth a knub or knot, which bending a little obliquely inward is placed before the doore or entrance of the first cauity, where on the inside it hath a round furrow, or is lightly excauated in the middest round about the circumference with two bony brims or edges swelling out on either side, in which furrow the membrane groweth very fast round about, that it might bee secu∣red frō the violent motions either of the external Ayre entring in, or the internal ayre bea∣ting outward, as it happeneth in oscitations or yawnings when wee hold our breath long, or when we blow our Noses.

Wherefore it is most like that circle in a Drumme to which the Vellam is fastened. [Tab. 10. fig. 3. & 4. q. Tab. 11. d.] And this bony ring in infants is easily separated from the Temple bone, but in growne bodyes it is so close ioyned on one side to the stony bone on the other side to the hole of hearing, that a man would not thinke it had beene euer separated from them: neither indeed can it bee separated in growne bodyes without brea∣king. Yet the furrow remaineth still to be seene. And thus the membrane of the Tympane seemeth to be separated in the circumference from the Pericranium. But let vs heare what Galen can say of this membrane.

Galen inquiring into the substance of this membrane, and instituting a comparison betwixt the couering or coate of the Opticke and the first nerue of hearing, and afterward * 1.7 of the instrument of smelling, sheweth; That it was not fit these Nerues should be left naked, because then they would haue bene exposed to all outward iuiuries. Seeing then they needed a co∣uering, either it must be crasse and thight as that of the eye; or rare & porous, or in a meane be∣twixt both. It behooued not it should bee crasse and thight, because such a couering would haue hindered the accesse of the Ayre when it was mooued, especially if the motion were but easie, as it is when we speake ordinarily one to another. Neither ought it to haue beene rare and porous, for then the Ayre would haue peirced through it and so the nerues should easily haue bene offended and the Braine it selfe refrigerated.

[illustration]

Tab. 10. sheweth the eares and the diuers internal parts thereof.

[illustration]

Figure 1. sheweth the whole externall eare, with a part of the Temple bone.

[illustration]

Figure 2. sheweth the left bone of the Temple diuided in the middest by the instrument of hearing, where about on either side there are certaine passages heere parti∣cularly described.

[illustration]

Fig. 3 & 4. Sheweth the three little Bones.

[illustration]

Fig. 5. sheweth a portion of the bone of the temples which is seene nere the hole of Hearing diuided through the middest, whereby the Nerues, Bones & Membrans may appeare as Vesalius conceyueth of them.

[illustration]

Fig. 6. sheweth the Vessels, Membranes, Bones & holes of the Organ of Hearing, as Platerus hath described thē.

[illustration]

Fig. 7, and 8. sheweth the little bones of the hearing of a man and of a Calfe both ioyned and separated.

[illustration]

Fig. 9. sheweth the Muscle found out by Aquapendens.

[illustration]

TABVLA. X.

[illustration]

FIG. I.

[illustration]

III.

[illustration]

II.

[illustration]

V.

[illustration]

VII.

[illustration]

VI.

[illustration]

IX.

[illustration]

VIII.

• a. The lower eare or the lap of the eare.
• bb. The circumference of the eare cald in Greeke Helix.
• cc, the interior protuberation or swelling of the eare called Anthelix.
• d, The boate of the outward eare.
• e, the Goates beard called Tragus, wherein are haires growing.
• f, The place against the Goats beard called Anti∣tragus. Figure 2.
• A. A part of the yoke bone.
• B. The sinus or bosome whereinto the lower iaw is articulated.
• CC, the stony bone swelling within the Scull.
• D. The second hole of the bone of the Temples for the passage of the sleepy Artery.
• E, A little scale or thin bone betwixt this hole and the first cauity.
• FFF, the porosity or spongines of the stony bone.
• aa, The externall hole of the eare.
• bb, The bony canale of that passage.
• c, the Tympane or Drumme is here placed at the passage.
• d, the interiour hole into which the nerue is in∣serted.
• ef. Heere also is the stony bone perforated.
• ggg. A canale of the auditory Nerue from e to g. in the bone of the Temples, yet this Canale is described by it selfe at the side of the bone a∣boue the fift Figure.
• α, β, Two holes in the beginning and ending of this Canale.
• γ, ♌. Two other holes in the externall and inter∣nall part.
• h. The first cauity, according to some the second, reaching from c to E.
• ii, two canals or pipes of the first cauity.
• k, the higher hole which is shut with the stirrop∣bone
• l. The lower hole alwayes open.
• mm, The second cauity in the bone.
• 1, 2, 3. Three litle burrows or holes of the second cauity described apart.
• n, the third cauity lying vnder this superficies.
• Fig: 3. 4. o 3. A long bone representing a pyrami∣dal Figure
• p 3, 4. the membrane of the drum.
• q 3, 4. A bony ring at the Tympane described also by it selfe. r, 4. the Mallet or hammer.
• s, The Anuile. t. the Stirrop. Figure 5.
• A, A part of the hole of hearing.
• B. A membrane couering the hole ouerthwart.
• C. The bone of hearing likened to a hammer.
• D. the auditory Nerue.
• G, His distribution through the great hole of hearing.
• E. A branch of this nerue going through a darke hole vnto the Temples.
• F. Another branch falling through the hole wher by a veine doth enter in.
• H, I. A round cauity in the fore-part whereof is placed, the bone noted with I. Fig. 6.
• αα The fyrst hole of the Organ of hearing.

β The auditory Nerue diuided into two partes, where it passeth through the fourth hole. γ the iugular vein with a part of a nerue passing through the first cauity. ♌, where it passeth through his second hole neere to ♌. εε An artery entring that cauitie thorough the third hole, and a nerue falling through the same hole. H, the same artery falling through the fift hole. u, the lower part of the 5. nerue reaching vnto the 2 & 3. cauity. θθ, A higher part of the 5. nerue broght through the scruing canale or pipe vnto θ where it falleth out. x, the Tympane or Drum shutting the first cauity. λ, the three little bones of hearing ioyned together. μ, the third cauity or the Trumpet of the or∣gan of hearing. V the second cauity or the mettall mine running out with three burroughs. ξ, π, Th•• Canale or watercourse carrying a Nerue and an artery, opening it selfe with two holes. Figu: 7 & 8, •• The Hammer σ, the Anuile, τ, The Stirrop.

Wherefore Nature framed a Muniment or defence, to helpe the security of the Instrument, of a moderate Consistence. And thus hee concludeth: Nature therefore foreseeing that if shee had made the construction of that Nerue with a strong Maniment, it would indeede haue beene fitte to beare off offences: but the Instrument of the Sense must of necessity haue beene Deafe. A∣gaine, if the construction of the Nerue had had no defence, it would haue beene very subiect to outward iniuries: and therefore shee tooke a way betwixt them both, and made for the construc∣tion of this Nerue a helpe, neither too stiffe to hinder the Sense of Hearing: nor too rare, that the ayre should penetrate through it, but of a moderate Consistence, which might not onely secure the Instrument from violence, but also receiue and returne the impressions of sounds.

Againe, the same Galen writing of the couering of the Instrument of Smelling, sayeth, that it needed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a Defence more rare then that of the Instrument of Hearing which is fast and thight, because the obiect of the Sense of Smelling is thicker then the obiect of the Sense of Hearing: for the obiect of Smelling is a vaporous substance wherein the odour doeth exhale, but the obiect of Hearing is ayre altered only by an impression of Sounds.

By this wee may see that Galen was not vtterly ignorant of this membrane, and wee haue the rather inserted this passage out of him, because many late Anatomistes haue a∣uouched that Galen made no mention thereof at all, but was vtterly ignorant of it. VVe re∣turne now vnto the membrane.

The substance therefore of this membrane is thinne, fast, dry, translucide and of exqui∣site sence: * 1.8 so thinne and fine that Hipocrates compares it to a Spiders webbe, the better to transmit an easie voice or soft sound (for it was necessary vnto the act of Hearing or if you wil vnto the passion of Hearing, that the sound should be communicated with the In bred Ayre although the substances of the outward and inward ayres are not mingled) and yet so strong withall that it might be able to beare a pulsation which might affect the instrument of Hearing.

Wherefore Bony it behoued not to be, for then the instrument of Sense would haue beene deafe, because the in bred Ayre would not haue receiued the Sound and alteration * 1.9 of the externall ayre, and if the bone had beene so thin that it could haue transmitted the affection of the ayre, then also would it haue bin in danger of breaking.

It was not fit this couering or instrument should be fleshy, because if that which recei∣ued * 1.10 the sound had beene laxe or loose it would not so well haue transmitted the impressi∣on, for wee see that the strayter a drumme is braced the shriller sound it yeelds. Againe, if it had beene fleshy it would haue bin soft and full of moysture, and by that meanes would haue admitted of many things to cleaue or sticke vnto it which now doe fall away from it, because it is membranous.

This partition therefore or muniment, or couering, call it what you will, is membra∣nous and thinne withall: for if in the first conformation it bee produced a thicke and fast membrane then is the party deafe incurably, as Arantius and Laurentius haue well remem∣bred.

But wee finde sometimes before this membrane on the outside that there groweth a certaine thicke coate beside the intent of Nature, of which Aegineta maketh mention in * 1.11 the 23. Chapter of his 2. booke, and Aquapendens saith he found it twice, but Aegineta tea∣cheth also the way how to cure it; yet it is much to be doubted that if it grow from the Na∣tiuity such children will become deafe and dumbe; Deafe because this coate hindreth the appulsion of the sound vnto the membrane; Dumbe because they are not able either to conceiue with their minds or to vtter with their voices, that they are altogither ignorāt of.

And as such a coate or filme before the membrane doth cause deafnesse, so it sometime hapneth that immediatly behinde the membrane there is a collection of mucous matter, or an affluence of some humour from whence proceedeth a great difficulty of Hearing hard to be cured: but if the humour be thinne then the Hearing is not so much impeached as the patient is vexed with ringings, singings, whistlings and hissing murmures in his Eares. Furthermore this membrane is thight and fast, hauing in it no conspicuous pores but neruous & strong, the better to resist outward iniuries & violent incusions of the ayre.

It is also very dry that it might more readily receiue the Sound, and more distinctly * 1.12 make represetation of the same. For we imagine that the image of the Sound is receiued in this membrane without the matter, euen as the images of colours are receiued in the horny membrane of the eye. Beside Hippocrates sayth that drynesse is a great helpe to the conception or reception of Sounds, because that which soundeth shrillest is farthest hard,

as we haue experience in small bells which are made of thin and fast Lattin plate.

This membrane is also translucide and pollished like a Looking-glasse both within & without, sauing that on the inside the processe of the bone cald the Mallet or Hāmer is extended vpward vnto the middest thereof like as we see in the tayle of a drumme there is a chord stretched ouerthwart through the midst.

The vse of this membrane is to close vp the hole of Hearing in a round compasse, & like a hedge or wall to distinguish it from the fourth cauity of the Stony-bone, and there∣fore * 1.13 Laurentius calleth it septum, the partition. It serueth also to distinguish the externall from the internall parts of the care; but especially to separate the In-bred ayre, whose duty it is to receiue the impressions of Sounds from the externall or the ayre that cometh from without, for if these two ayres had beene mixed and confounded, the outward ayre being oftentimes foggy and thicke, must needes haue made the inward ayre also more vnfit for sensation. Neither doeth it only keep the inward ayre from permixtion with the outward but also containeth it that it should not vanish of it owne accord, or be dispersed and dissi∣pated in vehement noyses or sounds. Adde hereto that it keepeth out the externall aire so that neither the cold nor heate thereof can offend the nerues of the braine. Finally it de∣fendeth the inward parts from outward wrongs, so that if a man be ouer head and eates in the water, yet the water cannot passe beyond the Membrane: In like maner it keepeth out flies and other such busie creatures, dust and whatsoeuer else should happen to fall into the hole of hearing.

But because the thinnesse of this membrane made it subiect to bee violated or indan∣gered by such outward accidents, Nature for more security hath placed on the inside ther∣of three bones, a chord or string and two muscles wherby this membrane is made better a∣ble to endure the force of the ayre when it is beaten against it.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The names of the mēbrane of the Tym∣pane.
• * 1.2

  Situation.
• * 1.3

  The reason thereof. The second reason.
• * 1.4

  The figure of it.
• * 1.5

  Diuers opini∣ons concer∣ning his ori¦ginall.
• * 1.6

  The bony ring.
• * 1.7

  A passage out of Galen proo∣uing that hee knew this membrane.
• * 1.8

  The substāce of the mem∣brane.
• * 1.9

  Why not bo∣nie.
• * 1.10

  Why not fle∣shie.
• * 1.11

  How children become deafe and dumbe.
• * 1.12

  Why the mē∣brane is dry.
• * 1.13

  The diuers vses of the membrane.