Anatomical exercitations concerning the generation of living creatures to which are added particular discourses of births and of conceptions, &c. / by William Harvey ...

What the Efficient cause of Animals is; and what its Conditions. (Book 50)

EXERCIT. L. (Book 50)

THat therefore we may in some proportion dive into the knowledge of the efficient cause, (so far forth as concerns our present contempla∣tion) we must take notice first of the Instruments or Mediums which pertain to the efficient or for∣ming cause: and into this rank is the Male and Female for to be reduced, likewise the Geniture, and the egg, and its first rudiment. For some males (and females too) are barren, or unfruitful. And like∣wise the males geniture is sometimes more, and sometimes less fertile: for the Semen Virile as it is barely conteined in the Seminal Vesicles (except it be rarified into froth by the spirits, and force∣ably leap out) is unfruitful. And this too, possi∣bly is not always successful. Nor are the Papulae, or Yolks bred in the Cluster of the Ovary, or the Egges conteined in the Womb, all presently fruit∣full.

Now I call that fruitful, which (except some im∣pediment happen from without) will attaine its designed end, by the efficient power implanted in it, and compass that, for whose sake it is ordai∣ned. So that Cock is reputed fertile, who causes his Hens to lay oftner, and more constantly, and also renders their egges generative.

So likewise that Hen is fruitful, which is use∣ful in laying egges, and hath a good retention in order to the prolifical vertue imparted to her from

the Cock. So the Cluster of the Papulae, and Ovary it self are counted fertile, when they are well fraught with store of rudiments and foundations of egges, and those mature.

Likewise that egge is fertile, which is farthest from being subventaneous or addle, and doth less faile in producing a Chicken, howsoever you dis∣pose of it, either to Incubation, or any other foste∣ring-heat.

Therefore such an efficient of the Chicken is re∣quired, as may impart virtue to all these, by which they may be fructified, and obtain an effi∣cient power; for the same thing, or at least some∣thing proportionable to it, is in them all, be∣stowing fecundity upon them. And the Inquiry is the same, namely, what it is in the Egge, that ren∣ders it fertile: what in the Ovary, and what in the Papula; likewise what in the female, and last∣ly in the seed and Cock himself, &c. What in the Blood, and Punctum saliens, or first genital particle, from whence afterwards the rise, fabrick, and order of all the other parts is derived: as also, what is it in the Chicken it self, from whence it grows sturdy and active, attains its youth and maturity, lives a healthy life, and a long.

Nor is that inquiry unlike this, which de∣mands, what both male, and female (Cock and Hen) confer to the fertile egge; or what it is which proceeds from both, towards the perfection and si∣militude of the chicken; as whether the egge, con∣ception, matter, and nutriment proceed from the female, and the Operative virtue from the male; whe∣ther a certain contagion sent forth by coition, or cre∣ated by it, or received from it, remaining in the Hen or Egges, work upon the matter of the egge; or attract a nutriment from the Hen, concocting

and distributing it, to the encrease of the egge, and afterwards to the production of the chicken: Or lastly, whether all that which relates to the form, soul, and fecundity, do proceed from the male; but from the female, whatever relates to the matter, constitution, place, and sustenance. For in animals (whose Sexes are distinct) it is so contrived, that because the female cannot alone generate, nourish, & protect the foetus, the male is joined as yoke-fel∣low in the task (as the Superior, and more emi∣nent progenitor) to supply her failings; and so to correct the infirmity of the Subventaneous eggs, and inspire them with fertility.

For as a chicken born of an egge, is indebted to that egge for his body, soul, and principal or genital part: So is the egge for all it has, to the Henne; and the Henne also for her fecundity to the Cock.

But whether the male be the first and principal cause of the progeny, or whether the male and the female are intermediate and Instrumental causes set awork by nature, or the first and Supreme Genitor, we have here an occasion offered to enquire; and it is a very worthy and necessary one, because all perfect science depends upon the knowledge of all causes: and therefore to the plenary comprehen∣sion of Generation, we must ascend from the last and lowest efficient to the very first and most su∣preme, and know them all.

But as for the first and highest Efficient of the chicken, we shall determine what that is after∣wards, (when we treat of the Efficient of all other Animals) but what kind of one it is, we will here declare.

The first condition, or qualification, of the first and primary Efficient properly so called, is, that

it be the first & principal fructifier, from whence all intermediate causes assume their derived fecundity. For instance, the chicken is derived from the Punctum saliens in the egg, not only in regard of its bulk, but also, and that chiefly in regard of its soul; the Pun∣ctum saliens, or Heart is derived from the egg, the egg from the Hens, and the Hens fertility from the Cock.

Another requisite or condition of the primary Ef∣ficient is desumed ex opere facto, from the production it self, viz. the Chicken: because that is the prime ef∣ficient, in which the reason of the effect doth chiefly appear. But because every Generative efficient doth generate its like, and the issue is of a mixt nature; the first efficient must needs be mixt too.

Now I therefore pronounce their issue to be of a mixt nature, because, the mixture of both parents is refulgent in it, both in the figure and lineaments of the body, and all its parts; as in complexion or colors, moles or spots, diseases, and other accidents of the bo∣dy. Likewise in the soul and actions, and functions (as in like manners, docility, gate, and voice) such a kinde of temperature is discoverable. For as we say that a similar mixt body is made of the Elements, because their virtues, heat, cold, moisture, and s••ccity, are found compounded in the same similar body: so likewise the paternal and maternal handy-work may be tracked and pointed out both in the body, soul, and other accidents of the Chicken: (which fol∣low the temperature, or happen unto it) for in∣stance; In a Mule, the soul, body, manners, and voice of both parents; (viz. of the Mare, and the Ass) are apparent. So also in those Chickens which are the Ofspring of the dunghill-hen, and Cock-Pheasant: and in that mungrel Curre, which is produced by the sodomie of a Wolf and a Bitch.

Since therefore the Chicken resembles both pa∣rents,

and is a mixt Effect: the generant primary cause (which it resembles) must needs be mixt likewise. Therefore that which frames the Chicken in the Egge is a mixt nature (as being united, or compounded of both) and the work of both pa∣rents. And if any contagion do arise or remain in the female upon coition, (in which they two are mixt, and become as it were one Animal) that al∣so will be of a mixt nature or power, by which the egge shall afterwards become fertile, and at∣chieve a plastical virtue, which is an Agent of a mixt nature, or a mixt efficient-Instrument, produ∣cing a Chicken of a mixt nature also.

The contagion, I say; because Aristotles perswa∣sion is altogether refractory to experience her self: namely, where he saith, that some part of the Foetus is instantly made upon coition. Nor is that true neither, which some of the Moderns averre, namely, that the soul of the future chicken is in the egge: for that is no whit the chickens soul, which is in no part of the chickens body. Nor can the soul be said either to be begotten, or left behind presently upon coition: for otherwise there should be two souls in a Woman with child. Therefore till it be determined what the efficient of the egge is, which is of a mixt nature, and ought to remaine present upon coition: give me leave to call it con∣tagium, Contact, or contagion.

But where the contagion lurks in the female after coition, and how it is communicated and derived to the egge, requires a more exact Disquisition: and we will afterwards fall upon it, when we treat generally of the conception of females. It shall suf∣fice, in the mean time to have taken notice, that it must needs be the fate of the first efficient (in which the reason of the future off-spring doth a∣bide)

that, since its off-spring is mixt, to be of a mixt nature it selfe; and either to proceed from both Parents, or from something which makes use of both (as animate Instruments, cooperative, and mixt, and moulded into one by coition.)

The third condition of the Primary Efficient is, that either it impart motion successively to all its in∣termediate instruments, or else employ them other∣wise, but that it selfe be subservient to none: whence a doubt arises, whether the Cock be the Primary Efficient in the Generation of the chicken, or have any before, or superior to him. For all genera¦tion seems to be derived from Heaven, and issue from the motion of the Sun, and Moon. But we wil be positive in this matter, when we have first declared, what an instrument, or the instrumental efficient cause is, and how divided.

Now Instrumental Efficients are of diverse kinds; some, according to Aristotle, are factiva, Making, and some, activa, Doing; some do not operate, but when they are conjoyned with a prior efficient, as the hand, foot, and genital parts; others operate, disjoined, as the Geniture and the Egge: some Instruments have not motion or action, but what is given them by the first Efficient; others have pro∣per internal principles of their own, to which na∣ture affords no motion in generation, but yet em∣ploys their faculties, and sets them the rule, and law of their performances; as the Cook employes fire, and the Physitian herbs, and the vertues of medicines to cures.

Sennertus, to maintain his conceipt, concerning the soul in the Seed, and the formative faculty in the Egge, affirms, that not onely the Egge, but the Cocks seed also, is indowed with the soul of the fu∣ture Chicken, and is not the Instrumental Agent, but

the principal; absolutely denying that any sepa∣rate Efficient, is Instrumental: but pronouncing, that onely that is to be reckoned an Instrument in propriety of speech, which is conjoined with the pri∣mary efficient: and that, that onely is an Instru∣mental efficient, which hath no other motion, or action, then that which is immitted, or continu∣ally and successively received from the primary ef∣ficient, by whose power it acts. And upon that account, he rejects the instance concerning things cast or hurled, which receiving their force from the thing that doth hurle, do yet notwithstanding move, even when they are separated from it. As if the Sword and Speare were to be counted Instru∣ments of War, but not Arrows, and Bullets. Hee also rejects the instance drawn from a Republick, and denies that the Magistrates, Counsellors, or Officers of a Common-wealth, are the Instruments of a Nation: And yet Aristotle reckons a Counsellor for * 1.1 an Efficient, and calls on Officer an Instrument, in plain termes. He likewise decries the instance of the Automata, and many other things, that so he may ratifie the seed (or egge) to be Animals, and not an Instrumental, but a Principal Agent. And yet (as if he were enforced by the truth) he laies down such conditions for a Principal Agent, as do absolutely prove contrary to his own fore-menti∣oned opinion. Whatsoever produceth a work, or ef∣fect more noble then it selfe; or else an effect lake to it selfe, is not an Efficient, but an Instrumental cause. Which being granted, who will not conclude, that Seed and an Egge, are Instruments? Since a chicken is an effect nobler then the egge, and nei∣ther like an Egge, nor Seed. Wherefore, when this most Learned Man denies the Seed or Egge, to be an Instrument, because they are separated from

the Primary Agent, he stands upon a false bottom. For since the first generant produceth its off-spring by several mediums, whether any of those mediums be conjoined to it, as the Hand to the Artist; or whether it be separated from it, as the Arrow shot from the Bow; yet both are called Instruments.

From these recited Conditions of the Instrumen∣tal cause, it may seem to insue, that the cock, or at least the cock with the hen, are the Primary ef∣ficients in the Generation of the chicken: for the chicken is like them; nor can it be thought to be more noble then its Efficients or Parents. I shall therefore adde one condition more to the Prima∣ry efficient, by which perhaps it may appear that the Male is not the Primary, but the Instrumentall cause; namely, that it is required of the Primary efficient in the fabrick of the Chicken, that he em∣ploy Skill, Providence, Wisdome, Goodness, and Understanding, far above the capacity of our rati∣onal soules; as that, in which the Reason or Idea of the future work, ought to consist, and which ought likewise to act for some destinated end, dis∣posing and perfecting all parts, forming the smallest and most inconsiderable appendixes of the Chicken for some use, and employment: not pro∣viding onely for the structure of the creature, but for its wellfare, ornament, and defence.

Now the male, or his seed, either in, or after coition, is not so qualified, that Art, Understan∣ding, and Providence, may be attributed to it.

Which things being pondered, the Male seems to be an Instrumental efficient, as well as his seed, and the Hen likewise as well as the Egge she laies. And therefore we must take our flight to a more Primary, Superior, and more excellent cause; to which we may justly attribute Providence, Understanding,

Art, and Goodness; and such a one as is as much superiour to its effects and Workmanship, as an Architect is better then a Barn he sets up; a Prince then his Officers, or an Artist, then his owne hands.

And therefore both Male and Female are but In∣strumental efficients, subservient to the high Creator, or Protogenitor. And in this sense it is truly said, that the Sun, and Man, beget an Animal, because the Spring and Autumn do insue upon the Ap∣proaching and Receding Sun, at which times com∣monly, the generation and corruption of Animals happen. So the chiefest of Philosophers. The first * 1.2 Movers motion is not the cause of generation and corruption, but the motion of the Oblique circle: for that is continual, and hath also two Motions: for if generation and corruption were to be always continual, it were necessary that something should be always mo∣ved, least those mutations should fail; but yet it must have two motions, least one onely of the two mutations should succeed. The cause therefore of the continuity is the motion of the Universe, but the declivity it selfe is the cause of the Approach, and the Recesses. For it comes to pass, that He, (namely the Sun) is some∣times neerer, and sometimes farther from the earth. And when the Interval is inequal, the motion must be inequal too. If then he therefore generate because he approaches neerer: and cause corruption, because he remotes and recedeth farther from the earth: Then it follows that if he often do generate, it is because he often approacheth: and if he often cause corruption, it is because he often recedeth. For contraries have contrary causes.

And therefore in the Spring all things flourish and grow; (namely, from the Approach of the Sun, who is the Common Father, and Parent: or

at least the immediate and Common Instrument in Generation imployed by the high Creator) and that not Vegetables onely, but Animals too: nor they onely which are Spontaneous issues, but those also which are generated by Male and Female. As if at the approach of this noble Planet, soft Venus did descend from the Skie, with Cupid and the Graces entertained for her Retinue, inciting and provoking all living things, by their Allegeance to Love, to propagate their kind. Or (as it is in the Fable) as if Saturne did then become an Eunuch, and threw his masculine evidences into the Sea, to raise a Foam, which might give birth to Venus: For in the Generation of Animals, Superat tener omnibus humor; A gentle dew doth moisten all (as the Poet hath it) and the genital parts doe foam and strut with Seed.

And therefore the cock and Hen are chiefly fruit∣full in Spring, as if the Sun, or Heavens, Nature, the Soul of the Universe, or the Omnipotent Deity (for these are Synonoma's) were a Superiour and Diviner cause of Generation then they. So, Sol & homo generant hominem; The Sun, and Man beget a Man (that is to say) the Sun by Man as its Instru∣ment. And so, the Creator of all things, and the cock, beget an egge, and out of an egge a chicken: namely, by the constant approach and recesse of the Sun: who according to the will, and decree of the Almighty, is emploied in the generation of all things.

We conclude therefore that the male (though he be a Primary and more excellent efficient then the female) is only an Instrumental Efficient: and doth himselfe, no less then the Female, owe his fecundity, or generative Virtue to the Sun his Cre∣ditour: and therefore the artifice and providence

(which we discover in his workmanship) doth not proceed from him, but God. For the Male uses neither counsel, nor understanding in generati∣on: nor doe Men generate by any part of their reasonable soule, but by a faculty of their vegeta∣tive: which is not inrouled amongst the primary, and more devine powers of the soule, but the meanest, and basest.

Since therefore in the structure of a chicken, Art and Providence are no less visible, then in the Fa∣brick of Man himselfe, and the creation of the U∣niverse: we must needs acknowledge, that in the generation of Man, there is an Efficient cause more excellent then man himselfe: or else that the ve∣getative faculty, or that part of the soule, which raiseth this pile of man, and doth conserve it, is much more divine and excellent, and doth more personate the Image of God, then the Rational part it selfe: whose worth and dignity we more cry up, then all the faculties of the soule beside; though she were Regent and Empress of the rest, and held them all as Tributaries to her. Or at least wee must confess, that there is neither prudence, nor skill, nor understanding in the workes of Nature, but they seem such onely to our apprehensions, who iudge of the divine productions of nature, by our owne Arts, and Faculties, (or copies drawne by our own fancies) as if the active principles of Nature did so produce their effects, as we do our artificial issues: namely by consultation, and rules desumed from the Minde and Intellect. But Na∣ture, which is the Principle of Motion and Rest, in all those things wherein she is: and the vege∣tative soule, which is the primary Efficient cause of every generation, doe move and act by no acqui∣red faculty (as we doe) which may be distinguish∣ed

by the name of Art, or Providence, but work by a certain Destiny, and Mandat according to rule, after the same manner, and constraint, as light things fly up, and heavy press downwards. The Vegetative faculty of Parents doth generate, and the seed arrives at last at the forme of the foetus, after the same manner as the Spider spreads her Net, the Bees and Ants build their Cottages, and furnish their store-houses for future exigences, Birds compile their Nests, hatch, and protect their young: namely, Naturally, and by their Mother∣wit, not by any discursive providence, discipline, or consultation. For that which is in us the Principle of Artificial operations, & is called Art, Understand∣ing, or Prudence: is in those naturall effects, Nature, (which is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, her own Tutor, and taught by no man) and what is acquired, and a purchase in us, is in them inbred, and a Birth∣right. And therefore they who look back to Art, are incompetent and partial Judges of natu∣ral things: for we are rather to judge of the con∣trary, and compare artificial productions to their Sampler in Nature. For all Arts are attained by an imitation and personating of Nature; and our Reason, or Intellect is derived from the divine un∣derstanding, exercised in its works. And when it is rooted in us by a compleat habit, like ano∣ther adventitious acquired soul, reflecting a resem∣blance of the highest and divinest Agent, it produ∣ceth like effects and operations.

Wherefore (in my opinion) he is the right and pious Philosopher, who deduceth the generations of all things from that eternal and Omnipotent Deity, upon whose pleasure the Universe dependeth. Nor do I think we ought to contend, by what notion we call, or adore this first Agent, (to whom all

the names of veneration are most due) whether that of Deus, or Natura naturans, or Anima mun∣di. For all men understand him to be that Begin∣ning and End of all things, which is Omnipotent, and everlasting, the Author and Creator of all things, preserving, and perpetuating the fluxibility of mortall creatures, by the several vicissitudes of generations: which being every where present, is no less assistant to the particular operations of natural things, then of the whole Universe; that so he may propagate all Animals by his Deity, Providence, Art, and divine Understan∣ding. Whereof some are spontaneous births, with∣out any Univocal efficient; some born by the asso∣ciat operations of male and female, some from one Sex onely; others by other intermediate Instru∣ments, which Instruments are sometimes fewer, sometimes more, sometimes univocal, and some∣times equivocal, and ex accidenti casual.

But all natural bodies whatever are both the pro∣ductions, and Instruments of that Great God; and are either onely natural, as Heat, Spirit, the tepidi∣ty or warmth of the Air, or Putrefaction, &c. or ani∣mate also; for he makes use in some sort of the motions, faculties, and souls of animals themselves, in order to the perfection of the Universe, and pro∣creation of Animals.

It appears therefore in some proportion, what the males contribution is towards generation; namely, the cock brings that same virtue to the egg, by which of a subventaneous it becomes a fertile one, as vegetable Fruits borrow from the Summer heat to ripen themselves, and fructifie their seeds; and which induceth fertility into spontaneous produ∣ctions, by which from worms they become a Can∣ker-worm, and from a Canker-worm, they be∣come the worm called Aurelia, and from an Aure∣lia,

Butterflies, common Flies, and Bees, &c.

And in this manner the Sun by his access to the earth, is the Beginning of the motion and transmu∣tation in the Increase of Fruits; and the End also, when he becomes the author of the fertility of their Seeds. And as in the early Spring he is the primary efficient of Leaves, Blossoms, and Fruits, so is he the last compleater of the maturity and fecundity of the Seed in the strength of Summer. For confirma∣tion of which, amongst many other observations, I shall insert this one: There are some amongst us who manure their Orange-trees with a great deal of care and husbandry; so that the Oranges which the first year grew to the bigness of the top of ones thumb, are the next Summer mature and complete, save onely that they have no kernels, or seeds. While my thoughts were bent upon this contem∣plation, I fanfied these Oranges to be a Specimen of the Subventaneous eggs, which are produced by the Hen, without the Cocks assistance, having all the sensible appearances or requisites of fruitful eggs, bating onely the fecundity, or propagating seed. As if the same thing were conferred by the Cock upon a subventaneous egg, to make it fruitful, which the Sun contributes in hotter climats, whereby the fruit of their trees are produced with kernels. And as if the English Summer were no farther usefull to some fruit, then the simple Hen to the Egge, and were onely like the female, an impotent progeni∣tress: which Summer in other Countries, where they enjoy a greater bounty from the Suns pre∣sence, were a masculine Summer, and did complete her productions.

This, by the by, that by the eggs example it might appear, what qualifications are required to a primary efficient in the generation of Animals.

For it is clear, that there is in an egg an operator (and also in every conception, and rudiment) which is not only infused into it from the fentale, but is first communicated from the male by the gemture in coition, but yet first of all contributed to the Male, from the Heavens, the Sun, or the Almighty Creator. It is likewise manifest, that this Operator or Agent, which is existent in the egge, and in e∣very seed, is so inspired with power from the Pa∣rents, that it fashions the chicken to the like∣ness of the Parents, not of it self; and that a mixt likeness too, as proceeding from them both united in coition: and since all things are trans∣acted with an admirable providence and wisdom, the presence of the divine Deity is clearly implyed.

But of this we shall more largely treat else∣where, when we shall endeavour to shew, what re∣maines in the Female presently after coition, and where it abideth: and likewise (because nothing at all is discoverable in the cavity of the womb af∣ter coition) what that prolifical contagion, or first conception is? Whether it be any corporeal thing, any where reserved in the female, or something incorporeal? And whether the conception of the womb be like the conception of the Brain, and so Fecundity be attained, as Science is? (for there are arguments not wanting to prove it) and as Motion, and Animal operations, do take their rise from the conception of the Brain (which we call the desire, or appetite) so whether do Natural motions likewise, and the Operations of the Vegetative faculty (especi∣ally Generation) depend upon the conception of the womb? Again, how that prolifical contagion is of a mixt nature, and transferred from the Male into the Female, and from her into the Egge? And lastly, how the contagion, or infection of all preter∣natural

diseases, and distempers do spread, and propagate insensibly.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Polit. l. 1. c. 4.
• * 1.2

  De Gen. & Corr. l. 2. c. 10.