A memorial for the learned, or, Miscellany of choice collections from most eminent authors in history, philosophy, physick, and heraldry / by J.D., Gent.

CHAP. V. Of the right and left Hand.

THAT men naturally make use of the right, and that the use of the other is a digression or aberration from that way, which Nature generally intendeth; though it is preferred before the other in almost all Parts of the World, yet in submission to future Information, we are unsatisfied to great dubitation.

For did it arise from a constant Root in Nature, we might expect the same in other Animals, wherein we can discover no com∣plying account.

Again, Were it so, why have they not the same difference in their Senses, which we find equal on both sides? As for their dextral Activity, it proceeds only from the more use.

And likewise that a Woman upon a mas∣culine Conception advanceth her right Leg, will not be found to answer strict Ob∣servation and that Males are conceived in the right side of the Womb, Females on the left, (though supported by ancient Testimo∣ny) will make no infallible account. It is also suspicious what is delivered concern∣ing the right and left Testicle, That Males are begotten from one, and Females from the other: and therefore that way which

is delivered for masculine Generation, to make a strait Ligature about the left Testi∣cle, thereby to intercept the Evacuation of that Part, deserveth Consideration.