The workes of that famous chirurgion Ambrose Parey translated out of Latin and compared with the French. by Tho: Johnson. Whereunto are added three tractates our of Adrianus Spigelius of the veines, arteries, & nerves, with large figures. Also a table of the bookes and chapters.

CHAP. XI. Of the Adjuncts of things Natural.

SEX is no other thing than the distinction of Male and Female; in which this is most observa∣ble, that for the parts of the body, and the site of these parts, there is little difference be∣tween them; but the Female is colder than the Male. Wherefore their spermatical parts are more cold, soft, and moist; and all their natural actions less vigorous and more depraved.

The Nature of Eunuchs is to be referred to that of women, as who may seem to have degene∣rated into a womanish nature, by deficiency of heat; their smooth body, and soft and shrill voyce do very much assimilate women. Notwithstanding you must consider, that there be some Manly wo∣men, which their manly voice, and chin covered with a little hairiness, do argue: and on the contra∣ry, there are some womanizing, or womanish men, which therefore we term dainty and effeminate.

The Hermaphrodite is of a doubtful nature, and in the middle of both sexes seems to partici∣pate of both Male and Female.

The Colour which is predominant in the habit and superficies of the body, and lies next under the skin, shews the Temperament of what kind soever it be; for, as Galen notes in Comment. ad Aphor. 2. sect. 1. Such a colour appears in us, as the contained Humor hath. Wherefore if a ro∣sie hew colour the cheeks, it is a sign the body abounds with blood, and that it is carryed abroad by the plenty of Spirits. But if the skin be dyed with a yellow colour, it argues Choler is predo∣minant; if with a whitish and pallid hue, Phlegm; with a sable and duskie, Melancholy. So the colour of the Excrements which are according to Nature, is not of the least consideration. For thus, if an Ulcer being broken send forth white matter, it argues the soundness of the part from whence it flows; but if sanious or bloody, green, blackish, or of divers colours, it shews the weakness of the solid part, which could not assimilate by concoction the colour of the excremen∣titious humor. The like reason is of unnatural Tumors: For, as the colour, so the dominion of the Humor causing or accompanying the Swelling commonly is.

The conformity and integrity of the Organical parts is considered by their figure, greatness, number, situation, and mutual connexion. We consider the figure, when we say, almost all the external parts of the body are naturally round, not only for shew, but for necessity, that being smooth and no way cornered, they should be less obnoxious to external injuries. We speak of Greatness, when we say, some are large and thick, some lank and lean. But we consider their Number, when we observe some parts to abound, some to want, or nothing to be defective or wanting. We insinuate Site and Connexion, when we search, whether every thing be in its pro∣per place, and whether they be decently fitted, and well joined together.

We have handled the varieties of the four seasons of the Year, when we treated of Tempera∣ments. But the consideration of Region (because it hath the same judgment that the Air) shall be referred to that disquisition or enquiry which we intend to make of the Air, amongst the things Not-natural.

The manner of life, and order of Diet, are to be diligently observed by us, because they have great power either to alter, or preserve the Temperament. But because they are of almost infinite variety, therefore they scarce seem possible to fall into Art, which may prosecute all the diffe∣rences

of Diet and Vocations of life. Wherefore if the Calling of Life be laborious, as that of Husbandmen, Mariners, and other such trades, it strengthens and dries the parts of the body. Although those which labour much about Waters, are most commonly troubled with cold and moist diseases, although they almost kill themselves with labour.

Again, those which deal with Metals, as all sorts of Smiths, and those which cast and work brass, are more troubled with hot diseases, as Feavers. But if their Calling be such, as they sit much, and work all the day long sitting at home, as shoomakers; it makes the body tender, the flesh effeminate, and causeth great quantity of excrements. A life as well idle and negligent in body, as quiet in mind, in all riotousness and excesses of Diet, doth the same. For from hence the body is made subject to the Stone, Gravel, and Gout.

That calling of life which is performed with moderate labour, clothing, and diet, seems very fit and convenient to preserve the natural temper of the body. The ingenious Chirurgion may frame more of himself that may more particularly conduce to the examination of these things. Therefore the things natural, and those which are near or neighbouring to them being thus brief∣ly declared; the Order seems to require, that we make enquiry of things Not-natural.

Notes

• What sex is.
• The nature of women.
• Of Eunuchs.
• Of Herma∣phodites.
• Colour the bewrayer of the Temperament.
• The perfection of the organi∣cal parts, con∣sists in four things.
• Diet.
• The commo∣dities of an indifferent Diet.