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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-25 09:50:35 -0800 |
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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-25 09:50:35 -0800 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..093c0e7 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #69818 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69818) diff --git a/old/69818-0.txt b/old/69818-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 71a2edd..0000000 --- a/old/69818-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13414 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of An essay towards a natural history of -serpents, by Charles Owen - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: An essay towards a natural history of serpents - -Author: Charles Owen - -Release Date: January 16, 2023 [eBook #69818] - -Language: English - -Produced by: deaurider, Barry Abrahamsen, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by The - Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN ESSAY TOWARDS A NATURAL -HISTORY OF SERPENTS *** - - - - AN - _ESSAY_ - TOWARDS A - NATURAL HISTORY - OF - _SERPENTS_: - IN TWO PARTS. - -I. The First exhibits a general View of SERPENTS, in their various - Aspects; such as their Kinds, Bulk, Food, Motion, Propagation, - Coverture, Colours. In which is inserted a short Account of Vegetable, - Mineral, and Animal Poison, particularly that of the SERPENT; and its - Cure in various Nations; where also the SERPENT is used as Food and - Physick. - - -II. The Second gives a View of most SERPENTS that are known in the - several Parts of the World; described by their various Names, - different Countries, and Qualities. - - Illustrated with COPPER-PLATES, Engraved by the BEST HANDS. - -III. To which is added a Third Part; containing Six DISSERTATIONS upon - the following Articles, as collateral to the Subject. - - 1. Upon the PRIMEVAL SERPENT in PARADISE. - 2. The FIERY SERPENTS that infested the Camp of ISRAEL. - 3. The BRAZEN SERPENT erected by MOSES. - 4. The DIVINE WORSHIP given to SERPENTS by the NATIONS. - 5. The ORIGIN and REASON of that MONSTROUS WORSHIP. - 6. Upon the ADORATION of different Kinds of BEASTS by the EGYPTIANS, - with divers Instances of the same Stupidity in other Nations. - - The whole intermix’d with Variety of ENTERTAINING DIGRESSIONS, - PHILOSOPHICAL and HISTORICAL. - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - By CHARLES OWEN_ D. D. - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - _LONDON:_ - Printed for the AUTHOR. - Sold by JOHN GRAY, at the _Cross-Keys_ in the _Poultry_, near - _Cheapside_. - M.DCC.XLII. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - -[Illustration] - - - _TO_ - Sir _Hans Sloane_ Bar^t. - -_SIR_, - -The Serpent [_Subject_ of the following Sheets,] being one part of your -celebrated and expensive Collection of Rarities, naturally leads me to -beg the Honour of your Name to grace its Entrance into the publick -World. - -I can’t enter into the vanity of thinking, that the Book can be any -improvement to one who has been so long and laborious an Enquirer after -Truth, and penetrated so far into the Empire of Nature: but as in -Divinity, a willing Mind; so in Learning, the best Endeavour will be -accepted. And tho’ the Book cannot recommend it self to you, your Name -may recommend it to others. - -Happy are the Times, when Knowledge is the study of those who have -superior Abilities for it: Happy therefore is the present Age, that has -you, among many other Learned, so eminent an Encourager of it. - -Tho’ elevated Minds direct all their concern to what they _should be_, -and not to any Applause for what they _really are_; yet, if to delineate -their Excellency be offensive to Modesty, the Sincerity with which it is -done, will, it is hoped, secure their Pardon. - -Now, what is it that makes the great Character, but Knowledge in all its -diversity, a Sollicitousness for the Spread of Arts and Sciences, -excelling in one’s particular Station of Life, and being divinely -forward to all the high Offices of Humanity? This is the Picture of real -Worth, and what can forbid to say, that Sir HANS SLOANE is the Life? - -That you may long continue the Restorer of Health, the Ornament of the -Day, and in triumph over all the deadly Power of the _Old Serpent_, at -last possess eternal Health, are the most sincere Wishes of him, who -with a just Sense of Obligation, and the greatest Regards, is, - - _SIR_, - - _Your most humble_, - - _and devoted Servant_, - - WARRINGTON, - _March 1, 1741-2_. - - Cha. Owen. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - -[Illustration] - - - - - _TO THE_ - _READER_. - -_The Divine Wisdom so variously displayed in the Works of Nature, even -the lowest Order of them, entertains the human Eye with Prospects -exquisitely beautiful and pleasurable: As our Knowledge is defective, we -are at a loss how to account perfectly for the particular Ends of their -Formation, and Manner of their Subserviency to the Whole of the Eternal -Design._ - -_However, by Observation and Improvements in Natural Philosophy, we are -assured thus far; that as the Almighty Creator made nothing in vain, so -all his Works are good, and admirably fitted to answer the Purposes of -his Will, and that his Wisdom, like his tender Mercies, shines through -all the Systems of his Creatures._ - -_That there is not a wise Purpose in every thing that is made, because -we do not understand it, is as absurd as for a Man to say, there is no -such thing as Light, because he is blind, and has no Eyes to see it._ - -_For the Illustration of this, we may take a short View of Creatures, in -vulgar account too diminutive and despicable a Species, to deserve a -close Attention: And among these, if we consider the Noxious, we shall -find, if not an Argument why they should be made, yet we shall be able -to discern no Reason why they should not, because their Noxiousness is -not so unavoidable, but that we may, and almost every one does avoid -it._ - -_General Histories of these Kinds we have been furnished with in the -Writings of the Learned: Here I apply myself to the Discussion of one_ -particular Species, _viz._ the Serpent: _in which I don’t pretend to new -Discoveries, but only to collect, and bring into one View, what has been -said by different Persons, which is not to be found by any without_ many -Books, _and_ much Time; _and which, without the present_ English _Dress, -would not be understood by others at all_. - -_In accounting for some things relative to the Subject, I have always -chosen the Words of the Learned in the Physical Profession._ _The -Subject being like_ Dust, _the_ Food of the Serpent, very dry, _I have -endeavoured to give it some Agreeableness, by a Variety of Passages from -History, and Reflections of many kinds; which, though they may not -always naturally arise from the Subject, yet being intended for the -Reader’s Entertainment and Instruction (as he goes along in the -principal Design of the Book) I hope they will find a favourable -Judgment_. - -_Give me leave, upon this occasion, to adopt Sir_ William Temple’_s -Words_, viz. “It is not perhaps amiss, _says he_, to relieve or enliven -a busy Scene sometimes with such _Digressions_, whether to the Purpose -or no.”[1] - -Footnote 1: - - _Temple_’s Memoirs from 1672 to 1679. _Second Edit^n. p._ 57, 58, 59. - -_I shall only add, that in cultivating this Subject, I have attempted to -give a short Display of the Divine Perfections, which, as they appear -eminent in the System of the Creation in general, so in the Serpent they -may be seen in particular; and if it produces in the Reader a more -exquisite Perception of God in all his Works, I have my End; who am_ - - Your Humble Servant. - - -[Illustration] - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - Directions for the Binder, where to put the Plates, - - Plate I. after p. - 54. - - Plate II. after p. - 70. - - Plate III. after p. - 78. - - Plate IV. after p. - 86. - - Plate V. after p. - 94. - - Plate VI. after p. - 142. - - Plate VII. after p. - 152. - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - Pag. ERRATA[TN]. - - 25 Read _Bocca_, instead of _Baca_. - - 25 Four Lines from bottom, after _honor_, - r. _other_. - - 34 Line 2. r. _tho’ the Venom may_. - - 53 After _Dauphiny_, r. _and instead of - or_. - - 58 Quotation, r. _Natural History of - Lancashire_. - - 74 L. 14. instead of _Amphisbænick Animals_, r. - _Whether there be two-headed Serpents - or not_. - - 76 L. 14. from bottom, for _Tython_, r. _Python_. - - 95 L, 5. r. _made_, for _move_. - - 109 L. 3. for _could_, r. _would_. - - 112 L. 1. r. _Quinquennian._ - - 114 L 17. for _emits_, r. _emit_. - - 115 L. 2. for _if they_, r. _the wounded_. - - 122 Head r. _Americina_. - LXXXIV. - - 132 Head r. _Agnasen_. - CXI. - - 134 —— CXIV. r. _Attaligatus_. - - 141 Head for _Navigation_, r. _Natation_. - CXXVI. - - 147 —— r. _Reptiles and Insects_. - CXXXIV. - - 148 Head for _it_, r. _them_. - IId. - - 162 Instead of _Dæmon_, r. _Damon_. L. 4. - from bottom, in Quotation, r. _ποιημα_ - - 171 L. 9. r. _their other Faculties were_. - - 195 r. _Verdegrease_. - - 196 r. _Nehushtans_. - - 211 r. _Gades_. - - 231 Dele 3. - - 237 L. 14. a Comma should be after _adore_. - -_N. B._ In the Story of the Elephant, pag. 86. it is a mistake, to place -the Action at _Newcastle_; the Scene of it being in the _East-Indies_, -according to a Book called _Hamilton’s Travels_. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - -[Illustration] - - - A - - - LIST of the SUBSCRIBERS. - - - A. - - _Lady_ Abney, B. 4. - _Mr._ Eliz. Abney. - _The Reverend Mr._ Acres, _R. of_ Newbury. - Joseph Adams _Esq._ - _Mr._ Cornelius Adams. - _Mr._ James Adams. - John Adams _Esq_; of Whitland. - _Mr._ William Adair, _Merchant_. - _Mr._ Edward Addicot, _Apothecary at_ Exeter. - _Mr._ John Adkin. - _The Rev. Mr._ Aldred, _of_ Morley, Yorkshire. - _The Rev._ John Allen, M. D. - _Mr._ —— Allen, _deceased_. - _Miss_ Alcock, _of_ Nottingham. - _Mr._ William Ambrose. - _The Rev. Mr._ Amory of Taunton. - _Mr._ Robert Anbury, _Surgeon_. - Joseph Andrews _Esq._; F.R.S. - _Mrs._ Andrews. - John Andrews, M. D. _at_ Exeter. - _Rev. Mr._ Mordecai Andrews. - _Rev. Mr._ Antelby. - _Mr._ Joseph Archer. - _Mr._ Jeremiah Armiger. - _Mr._ William Arnold. - _Mrs._ Sarah Ashurst. - Thomas Ashurst _Esq._ - _Rev. Mr._ B. A. Atkinson. - Benjamin Avery, LL. D. - - - B. - - _Mr._ Sam. Bagnal, _of_ Chester. - _Mr._ Bakewell. - _Mrs._ Bakewell. - _Mr._ Geo. Baker. - Joshua Baker _Esq._ - _Mr._ Edmund Baker. - _Mr._ Dan. Bailey, _of_ Manchester. - _Mr._ Samuel Bailey, _of_ ditto. - _Mr._ Bance, _of_ Newbury. - _Rev. Mr._ Rich. Banon, _of_ Leeds. - _Mr._ James Bankhead, _of_ ditto. - _Rev. Mr._ John Barker. - _Mr._ Edward Barnard. - _Mr._ Francis Barkstead. - John Barron, M. D. _of_ Haverford-West. - _Mr._ John Baring _Jun._ _of_ Exeter. - _Mrs._ El. Barns, _of_ Warrington. - _Mr._ John Barns, _of_ ditto. - _Mr._ William Barns, _of_ ditto. - Roger Barnston _Esq._; _of_ Chester. - _Rev. Mr._ Roger Barnston, _Prebendary of_ Chester. - _Mr._ Joseph Baron, _of_ Bury. - _Mr._ Joseph Barret, B. 2. - _Mr._ N. Basnet. - _Rev. Mr._ Joshua Bayes. - _Mr._ Beech. - _Rev. Mr._ William Benson. - _Mr._ Nathaniel Bentley. - _Mr._ William Bentley. - _Rev. Mr._ John Bent, _of_ Chorley. - Francis Beyer _Esq._ - William Bilbie _Esq._; _Alderman of_ Nottingham. - _Mr._ William Bilbie, _of_ ditto. - _Mr._ Jos. Bilbie, _of_ ditto. - _Mr._ Robert Birch, _of_ Manchester. - _Mr._ Geo. Bird, _of_ Warrington. - _Mr._ Elliot Bishop. - _Rev. Mr._ Mal. Blake, _of_ Blandford. - _Mr._ William Blakesly, _of_ Leicester. - _Rev. Mr._ Blackmore, _of_ Coventry. - _Mr._ William Blinkhorn, _of_ Manchester. - _Mr._ Nic. Blowing. - _Mr._ Nic. Blunt. - _Rev. Mr._ Blythe. - _Mr._ James Boddington. - _Mr._ George Boddington. - _Mr._ Samuel Boler. - Benjamin Bond _Esq._ - _Miss_ Bond. - _Miss_ Eliz. Bond. - _Mr._ Nathan Booth, _of_ Warrington. - _Mr._ Daniel Booth. - _Mr._ John Bostock, _of_ Liverpool, _Merchant_. - _Rev. Mr._ Bourchier, M. A. _Minister of_ All-Saints, _at_ Hertford. - _Rev. Mr._ Bourn, _of_ Knowesly. - _Mr._ Thomas Bowles. - _Mr._ John Bowles. - _Mr._ Boydal, _of_ Coventry. - _Rev. Mr._ Braddock, _at_ Bury. - _Rev. Mr._ Thomas Bradbury. - Thomas Brereton _Esq._; _Member of Parliament_, B. 2. - George Bridges _Esq._; _Member of Parliament_, B. 2. - _Mrs._ Bridges, B. 2. - _Mr._ William Brinton. - _Mr._ James Bristow. - _Mr._ Jos. Brixy. - _Miss_ Brooke. - _Miss_ M. Brooke. - _Mr._ John Brooks, _of_ Liverpool. - _Mr._ William Brock. - _Mr._ Robert Brodribb. - _Rev. Mr._ Brooksbank, _of_ Elland. - _Mr._ Andrew Bruen, _of_ Chester. - _Rev. Mr._ Buck, _of_ Bolton. - _Mr._ Jonathan Buckerfield. - _Mr._ Thomas Budgen, at Croydon. - _Mr._ Benjamin Bull. - Daniel Burgess _Esq_. B. 2. - _Rev. Mr._ James Burgess, _of_ Bolton le Sands. - Alexander Burden _Esq._; _at_ Nottingham. - _Mr._ Alexander Burden, _of_ Nottingham. - James Burrow _Esq._ - _Mrs._ Jane Burrow. - _Mr._ John Burne, _Surgeon_, _at_ Croydon. - _Mr._ John Burton. - _Mr._ Busk, _of_ Leeds. - _Mr._ Thomas Butterworth, _of_ Manchester. - _Mr._ William Butterworth, _of_ ditto. - _Mr._ Edward Butler. - - - C. - - _Mr._ Thomas Cadel, _Bookseller_, _in_ Bristol. - _Rev._ Edmund Calamy, B. D. - _Mr._ Adam Calamy, _Attorney at Law_. - _Rev. Mr._ Jos. Cappe, _of_ Leeds. - _Rev. Mr._ Paul Cardale, _of_ Evesham. - Geo. Carlyle, M. D. - _Mr._ Charles Carleton. - _Mr._ Zech. Carleton. - _Mr._ John Carruthers, _of_ Nottingham. - _Mr._ James Castel. - _Mr._ Catcott, _of_ Bristol. - _Mr._ John Causton. - _Mr._ Peter Chaffont. - _Mrs._ Mary Chandler, _of_ Bath. - _Mr._ Richard Chandler, _of_ Gloucester. - _Mr._ William Chandler, _of_ ditto. - _Rev. Mr._ Samuel Chandler. - _Mr._ Benjamin Champion. - _Mr._ Christopher Cheesborough. - _Mr._ Jacob Chitty. B. 7. - _Mr._ Cholmley. - _Mrs._ Cholmley. - _Revd. Mr._ Choppin, _of_ Dublin, B. 7. - _Mr._ Edward Chorlton. - _Rev. Mr._ Samuel Clarke, _of_ St. Albans. - Matthew Clark, M. D. - _Mr._ Edward Clarke, _of_ Bury. - _Mr._ Richard Clarke, Alderman _of_ Hertford. - Jos. Clay _Esq._ - _Mr._ Isaac Clegg, _of_ Manchester. - _Mr._ Samuel Cleuer. - _Mr._ George Clifford, _Merchant_, _in_ Amsterdam. - John Coe _Esq._ - _Mr._ William Coe. - Thomas Coe, M. D. - _Rev. Mr._ Thomas Coad, _of_ Bere. - _Mr._ Robert Fowler Coad, _Merchant_ _in_ Lyme. - _Mr._ John Coles. - _Miss_ Collyer, _of_ Tooting. - _Miss_ Hester Collyer, _of_ d^o. B. 2. - _Mr._ Joseph Collyer. - —— Collett, M. D. _at_ Uxbridge. - James Colebrooke _Esq._ - James Colebrooke _Junior_ _Esq._ - _Mr._ James Collier, _Sollicitor in Chancery_. - _Mrs._ Collibee, _at_ Bath. - Peter Colthurst, M. D. _at_ Knutsford. B. 2. - _Mr._ Benjamin Cooke, _of_ Hallifax. - _Mr._ Richard Cooke, _of_ ditto. - Richard Coope _Esq._ - _Mr._ William Cooper, _Apothecary at_ Leicester. - _Mr._ Cooper, _at_ Nottingham. - _Mr._ Thomas Cooper, B. 3. - _Mr._ James Cooper _Jun._ - John Copeland _Esq._ - _Mr._ Peter Copeland. - _Mr._ Samuel Corner. - _Mr._ John Corner. - _Mr._ Costard _Jun._ _of_ Frodsham. - _Mr._ John Cox. - _Mr._ Cox. - _Mr._ John Cox. - _Mr._ Henry Crane, _of_ Kidderminster. - Peter Creffield _Esq._ - _Mrs._ Crisp, _of_ Bloomsbury-Square. - _Mrs._ Eliz. Crisp, _of_ Warrington. - _Mr._ Thomas Crisp. - _Mr._ Nicholas Crisp. - _Mr._ John Anthony Crop, _Merchant in_ Amsterdam. - _Mr._ Daniel Cropper, _Merchant at_ Liverpool. - _Mr._ James Crosby, _Merchant at_ ditto. - _Mr._ George Crosby. - _Mr._ Cha. Croughton, _of_ Chester. - _Mr._ Jo^n. Cruikshank, _Merchant_. - _Rev. Mr._ Culcheth, _at_ Macclesfield. - _Mr._ Daniel Cuningham, _Attorney at Law_. - _Mr._ James Cuninghame, _Merchant in_ Amsterdam. - _Mr._ David Curry, _of_ Kirkudbright. - - D. - - Richard Daniel, M. D. - Samuel Daniel, M. D. - _Mr._ Sam. Darbyshire, _of_ Bolton. - _Mr._ William Darbyshire, _near_ Warrington. - _Mr._ Thomas Darling. - _Rev. Mr._ Ev. Davies, _of_ Haverford-West, B. 8. - _Rev. Mr._ Rees Davies, _of_ Abergavenny. - _Rev. Mr._ Tim. Davies, _of_ Cardiganshire. - John Davison, M. D. - _Rev. Mr._ Abraham Dawson, _of_ Rivington. - _Mr._ Dawson, _of_ Leeds. - _Mr._ Samuel Day. - _Rev. Mr._ Day, _of_ Lancaster. - _Mr._ James Deane. - _Rev. Mr._ Dell, _of_ Canterbury. - _Rev. Mr._ Jos. Denham. - _Mr._ Nathaniel Denison, _Merchant in_ Leeds. - John Derby _Esq._ - _Rev. Mr._ Diaper, _of_ Bristol. - Michael le Dicker, M. D. _of_ Exon. - Michael Dickson, M. D. _of_ Taunton. - _Mr._ William Dickson, _of_ Newport-Pagnel. - _Mr._ Richard Dickinson, _of_ Ware. - _Mr._ Rivers Dickinson, B. 3. - _Mr._ Thomas Dimsdale, _Surgeon at_ Hertford. - Robert Dinwoody, M. D. B. 2. - _Mr._ Edward Dixon. - _Rev. Mr._ Dobson, _at_ Cocky-Moor. - _Rev._ Ph. Doddridge, D. D. - _Mr._ John Dodsworth. - _Mrs._ Margaret Dolins. - Daniel Dolins _Esq._ - Mr. John Dove. - Mr. John Drinkwater. - _Sir_ William Dukinfield _Bart._ - John Duer _Esq._ _of_ Exon. - Mr. John Dunn. - Mr. William Duncomb. - _Rev._ —— Dunster, D. D. _Prebendary of_ Sarum. - Mrs. Sarah Dyson. - Mr. Jeremiah Dyson. - Mr. Ely Dyson. - - - E. - - Mr. John Eames, F. R. S. - _Rev._ Jabez Earle, D. D. - Peter Eaton, _Esq._ - _Rev. Dr._ Eaton, _of_ Nottingham. - Mr. William Eaton, _Surgeon at_ Warrington. - Tim. Edwards, _Esq._; _of_ Carnarvanshire. - _Rev._ Mr. William Edwards. - Mr. Stephen Egginton. - Mr. John Ellicot, F. R. S. - _Sir_ Richard Ellis _Bart._ _dec^d._ - _Rev._ Mr. John Enty, _of_ Exon, B. 3. - _Rev._ Mr. David Evans, _in_ Cardiganshire, B. 6. - Mr. John Evans, _Salt-Merchant in_ Exon, B. 2. - - - F. - - Mrs. Eliz. Fagg, _of_ Mystole, Kent. - _Rev._ Mr. Faner, _of_ Elland, Yorkshire. - Mr. Jos. Farrer, _near_ Hallifax. - John Farringdon _Esq._ - _Rev._ Mr. Hugh Farmer. - Mr. Benjamin Farrow. - _Rev._ Mr. Fawcet, _of_ Taunton. - Mr. Jonathan Fawconer, F.R.S. - Mr. Fellows, _of_ Nottingham. - Mr. Fentham. - _Rev._ Mr. Ferne, _of_ Avington, Hants. - Matthew Fetherstone _Esq._ - Mr. William Field. - Mr. James Figgins. - Mr. Nathaniel Firmin. - _Rev._ Mr. E. Fisher. - Mr. James Fleetwood, _of_ Liverpool. - Mr. Robert Fleetwood, _of_ ditto, _Bookseller_. - _Rev._ Mr. Fletcher, _of_ Ware, B. 2. - Mr. Thomas Fletcher, _of_ ditto. - Mrs. Jane Fletcher. - Litchford Flitcroft _Esq._; _of_ Manchester. - Martin Folkes _Esq._; _President of the R. S._ - _Rev._ Mr. William Ford. - Mr. Gilbert Ford. - Mr. William Forrest, _of_ Liverpool. - _Rev._ Mr. James Foster. - Mr. Joseph Foster. - Mr. Jacob Foster. - Mr. Simon Foster. - _Rev._ Mr. Jac. Fowler, M. A. - Mr. Foxcroft, _of_ Nottingham. - Mr. Franceway, _of_ ditto. - Mr. William Frone, _of_ Croft. - _Rev._ Mr. Freeland, _of_ Bromsgrove. - Mrs. Delicia Fryer. - Mr. Benjamin Fuller. - - - G. - - Samuel Gale _Esq._ - Nathaniel Garland _Esq._ - Mr. John Garmston. - _Rev._ Mr. Gardner, _of_ Chester. - Mr. Robert Gaskhill, _of_ Warrington. - Mr. Thomas Gaskhill, _of_ Burtonwood. - Mr. Benjamin Gaskell. - Mr. Jonathan Gee, _of_ Coventry. - Mrs. Grace Gellibrand, _of_ Ashford. - Mr. Thomas Gibbs, _Apothecary_. - Mr. James Gibson. - Mr. William Gifford, _of_ Exon. - _Rev._ Mr. Robert Gilbert, _at_ Okeham. - _Rev._ Mr. William Gillespie. - Richard Gildart _Esq._; _Member of Parliament_. - Mr. William Gillison, _of_ Lancaster. - Mr. John Girle, _Surgeon_. - Mr. James Glover, _of_ Croydon. - Mr. Alexander Glover, _of_ Sutton. - Mr. Edward Godfrey. - _Rev._ Mr. Edward Godwin. - John Goldham _Esq._ - Mr. Abraham Goodwin. - Mr. John Goodwin. - Mr. Nicolaus van Goer, _Merchant in_ Amsterdam. - Mr. John Grace. - Mr. James Green, _of_ Manchester. - Mr. Godfrey Green, _of_ Dublin, _Merchant_. - Mr. Anthony Green, _of_ d^o. d^o. - William Green, _Esq._ - Mr. George Green, _Surgeon at_ Croydon. - Mr. Young Green, _at_ Poole. - Mrs. Aldress Green. - Mr. Gregg. - Charles Grey _Esq._ - _Rev._ Mr. Jonathan Griffith, _of_ Bettus. - _Rev._ Mr. Joshua Griffith, _of_ Frenchay. - Mr. Evan Griffith, _in_ Pembrokeshire. - Mrs. Rebecca Griffith. - Mr. Samuel Griffiths. - _Rev._ Mr. Grimshaw. - _Rev._ Benjamin Grosvenor, D. D. - John Grundy, _Esq_; _of_ Thornton. - Mr. Nicholas Grundy, _of_ ditto. - Mr. Grundy, _of_ Nottingham. - _Rev._ John Guyse, D. D. - _Rev._ Mr. William Guyse. - Mr. Richard Gynes. - - - H. - - Mr. John Haddock. - Mr. Jos. Hall. - Mr. Francis Hall. - _Rev._ Mr. Thomas Halley. - Mrs. Hallows. - _Rev._ Mr. Jos. Hallet, _of_ Exon. - William Hallet, M. D. _of_ ditto. - _Rev._ Mr. John Halford. - _Rev._ Mr. Corn. Handcock, _of_ Uxbridge. - Mr. Matt. Handcock, _of_ Nottingham. - Mr. John Hardman, _Merchant at_ Liverpool. - Mr. James Hardman, _Merchant at_ Rochdale. - _Rev._ Mr. George Hardy, _at_ Farnham. - Mr. Richard Harper. - Mr. Robert Harris. - Mr. Nathaniel Harris. - Mr. John Harrison. - Mr. Robert Harrison. - Mr. Amos Harrison. - Mr. James Harrop. - _Rev._ Mr. Thomas Harrop, _of_ Nottingham. - _Sir_ John Hartopp, _Bart._ - Mr. John Hart, _of_ Warrington. - Mr. George Hart, _Apothecary at_ Chard. - _Rev._ Mr. Samuel Harward. - Mr. Oxenbridge Harward, B. 3. - Samuel Haswel _Esq._ - _Rev._ Mr. Farnham Haskul. - Mr. Thomas Hatton. - _Rev._ Mr. Haynes, _of_ Nantwich, B. 2. - Mr. William Hazel. - Mrs. Sarah Henry, _of_ Chester. - _Rev._ Mr. John Henson. - Mr. William Henderson. - Mr. Richard Hett, _Bookseller_, B. 6. - _Rev._ Mr. Heskith, _of_ Eastwood. - Mr. Hewish, _at_ Nottingham. - Mr. John Hewitt, _at_ Knutsford, _Bookseller_. - Mr. Arthur Heywood, _Merchant at_ Liverpool. - _Rev._ Mr. Eli. Heywood. - Mr. Robert Hibbert _Junior_, _of_ Manchester. - —— —— Higgs, M. D. _at_ Birmingham. - Mr. John Higham, _Apothecary_. - Mr. Thomas Hinks, _Merchant at_ Chester. - Mr. William Hocker. - _Rev._ Mr. Hodge, _at_ Gloucester. - Mr. Hodges, _Surgeon_. - Mr. John Hodshon, _Merchant in_ Amsterdam. - _Rev._ Mr. Holt. - John Holloway, _Esq._; _at_ Farnham. - Mr. Timothy Hollis. - Mr. Philip Hollingworth. - Mr. Edward Holbrook, _at_ Manchester. - Mr. Richard Holland, _at_ ditto. - Mr. John Holland, _at_ Mobberly. - Mr. John Holland, _Merchant in_ Chester. - _Rev._ Mr. Holden, _at_ Rochdale. - Fraser Honywood _Esq._ - _Rev._ Mr. Hool, _at_ Manchester. - Mr. John Hood. - Mrs. Mary Hood. - Mr. John Hope. - Mrs. Hopkins, B. 4. - Mrs. Mary Hopkins. - Mrs. Elizabeth Hopkins. - _Rev._ Mr. Hopkins, _at_ Northwich. - Mr. John Horsman. - _Sir_ Henry Houghton, _Bart._ - Mr. John Howe. - Mr. Edward Howse, _Apothecary in_ Bath. - Mr. Andrew Howard, B. 6. - Mr. Thomas Huckle. - _Rev._ Obadiah Hughes, D. D. B. 16. - Mrs. Ph. Hughes. - Mr. John Hughes. - _Rev._ Mr. Ob. Hughes, _at_ Clifton. - _Rev._ Mr. William Hunt. - Phineas Huffey _Esq._ - _Miss_ Huthwait, _at_ Nottingham. - - - I. - - Mr. Richard Iles, _at_ Hertford. - Mrs. Anne Iles, _at_ ditto. - Mr. Samuel Inglesant, _at_ Nottingham. - Joshua Iremonger _Esq._ - Mr. Matthew Iremonger, _at_ St. Albans. - Mr. John Ives, _at_ Ware. - - - J. - - _Rev._ Mr. John Jackson, _Prebend. of_ Wherwel, _&c._ _at_ - Leicester. - Henry Jacomb _Esq._ B. 2. - Mr. George James, _in_ Pembrokeshire. - Mr. Thomas Jee. - Mr. John Jee _Junior_. - Bartholom. Jeffery _Esq. of_ Exon. - _Rev._ Mr. Jo^n. Jennings, _at_ St Ives. - Mr. Obadiah Jones. - _Rev._ Mr. Sam Jones, _at_ Pentwyn. - Mr. John Jones, _Merchant_. - _Rev._ Mr. Griff. Jones, _R. of_ Llandowror. - _Rev._ Mr. Griff. Jones, _V. of_ Llandewey-Velfrey. - Mr. Richard Jones, _Surgeon at_ Coventry. - _Rev._ Mr. William Johnston. - - - K. - - —— Kay, M. D. _at_ Manchester. - Mr. Richard Kay, _near_ Bury. - Mr. John Kennedy, _Merchant in_ Exon. - Mr. John Kershaw, _near_ Hallifax. - _Rev._ Mr. George Kilby. - Mr. King, _Apothec. at_ Newbury. - _Rev._ H. Knight, M. A. _at_ Manchester. - - - L. - - James Lamb _Esq._ - Mrs. Lamb. - Mrs. Mary Lamb. - Tho. Lane _Esq. Counsel. at Law_. - _Rev._ Mr. William Langford. - Mr. Jos. Langford. - Jos. Langford _Esq. of_ Basford. - _Rev._ Mr. N. Lardner. - Mr. Jac. Larwood _Jun. Merchant in_ Amsterdam. - Mr. Sam. Latham, _Apothecary_. - _Rev._ Mr. Lavington, _of_ Exon, B. 2. - Mr. Wm. Lavington, _of_ ditto. - Andr. Lavington, M. D. _of_ ditto. - _Rev._ Samuel Lawrence, M. D. - Mr. Edward Lawrence. - Mr. Leckonby, _Merc. in_ Chester. - —— Legh, D.D. _V. of_ Halifax. - Thomas Legh _Esq. of_ Booths. - Mr. Jonath. Lees, _at_ Manchester. - Mr. Thomas Lees. - _Rev._ Mr. Leigh, _Archd. of_ Salop. - Mr. James Leigh, _at_ Leeds. - Mr. Daniel Legg. - Mr. Pet. Legrand, _at_ Canterbury. - _Rev._ John Leland, D. D. - Mr. James Lemon, _Jun._ - Sam. Lessingham _Esq. Treasurer of_ St. Thomas’s _Hospital_. - Mr. Thomas Lessingham. - Mrs. Lethieullier. - Mrs. Sarah Lethieullier _Jun._ - James Lever _Esq._ - Mr. John Lewin. - _Rev._ Mr. Lewis, M. A. _of_ Mergate. - _Rev._ Mr. Benjamin Lewis, _at_ Leominster. - Mrs. Lewis. - Mr. John Lingard, _at_ Manchester. - Mr. Ralph Lingham. - Mr. George Lisle. - _Rev._ Mr. William Lister. - Mr. Littlefear, _Apothecary_. - Alexander Littlejohn, M. D. - Mr. Richard Llewhelyn, _in_ Pembrokeshire. - Mrs. Lloyd. - Mr. H. Lloyd. - Mr. Benjamin Lomas. - _Rev_. Mr. Dav. Longueville, M.A. - _Pastor of the_ English _Church in_ Amsterdam. - _Rev._ Mr. Lord, _at_ Knutsford. - _Rev._ Mr. Lowe, _of_ Losco. - Mr. Robert Lowe. - _Rev_. Mr. Moses Lowman. - Roger Lyde _Esq.; of_ Bristol. - Lionel Lyde _Esq.; of_ ditto. - Mr. John Lyde, _of_ ditto. - - - M. - - _Rev._ Mr. Daniel Mace, _of_ Newbury. - Mr. Mackin _Junior, at_ Warrington. - _Rev._ Mr. Makant, _at_ Chorley. - Mrs. Marshal. - Mr. William Marshal, _of_ Treby. - Mr. Thomas Marsden, _of_ Chorley. - Thomas Mather, M. D. _at_ Nottingham. - Mr. Isaac Mather, _Apothecary_. - William Matson _Esq.; at_ Kendale. - Mr. Hugh Matthews. - Mr. Henry Maundy. - Mr. William Maundy, _at_ Sandwich. - _Rev._ Mr. William Maurice, _in_ Pembrokeshire. - _Rev._ Mr. Thomas Maurice, _in_ Cardiganshire. - _Rev._ Mr. William May. - Mr. John Meakin. - Mr. Nathaniel Meakin. - Richard Mead, M.D. _and_ F.R.S. _Physician in Ordinary to his - Majesty_, B. 2. - Benjamin Mee _Esq._ B. 4. - Mr. Rob. Merry, _at_ Liverpool. - Mr. John Merriman, _at_ Newbury. - _Rev._ Mr. H. Miles, _at_ Tooting. - Mr. James Miller. - _Rev._ Mr. Mills, _at_ Maidstone, B. 7. - Mr. Samuel Milnar. - _Rev._ John Milner, D. D. - John Mitchel, M. D. - Mr. Thomas Mitchel. - Mr. David Mitchel. - Mr. John Moore, _Apothecary in_ Bath. - Mr. Thomas Moore, _of_ Knutsford, _Singing-Master_. - Mrs. Morley, _at_ Nottingham. - William Morehead _Esq._ - Mr. Robert Morgan, _Surgeon_, B. 7. - Mr. Morgan Morse, _Attorney at Law_. - _Rev._ Mr. Moss. - _Rev._ Mr. William Moth, _at_ Basingstoke. - _Rev._ Mr. Mottershead, _at_ Manchester. - Mr. Thomas Moult, _at_ Manchester. - Mr. James Moulton. - Mr. John Moulson, _in_ Chester. - Mr. William Mount, B. 2. - Mrs. Sarah Mount. - Mrs. Anne Mount. - Mrs. Eliz. Mount. - Mr. Peter Schout Muilman, _Merchant in_ Amsterdam. - Mr. Nicolaus Muilman, ditto _in_ ditto. - Mr. Dionis Muilman, d^o. _in_ d^o. - Mr. Daniel Roelof Muilman, d^o. _in_ d^o. - Mr. John Murray, _Merchant in_ Chester. - - - N. - - Richard Nangreave, _of the_ Inner Temple, _Esq._ - Mr. Iliff Narborough. - _Rev._ Mr. Daniel Neal, M. A. B. 5. - Mr. Nathaniel Neal. - Mr. David Nesbet, _of_ Glasgow, B 7. - —— Nettleton, M. D. _of_ Halifax. - Mrs. Anne Newey. - Mr. William Newham, _at_ Nottingham. - Mr. John Newdigate. - Mr. John Newman. - _Rev._ Mr. Thomas Newman, B. 2. - Mr. Nathaniel Newnham _Jun._ - _Miss_ Eliz. Newnham. - Mr. John Newton. - Mr. Thomas Nicholas. - Mr. John Nicholson, _Merchant at_ Liverpool. - —— Nicholson, M. D. - Mr. John Nicholson. - Mr. Benj. Noble. - Mr. Samuel Noble, _Attorney at_ Taunton. - _Rev._ Mr. Norris, _at_ Newbury. - Mr. William Norris. - Mr. Francis Norris. - Mr. John North, _at_ Ware. - - - O. - - _The Right Rev._ Thomas _Lord Bishop of_ Oxford. - _The Right Hon._ Arthur Onslow _Esq.;_ _Speaker of the House of - Commons_. - Mr. Samuel Ogden, _Merchant at_ Liverpool. - Mr. John Oldham. - Denzil Onslow _Esq.;_ _Member of Parliament_. - Mr. Orchard. - _Rev._ Mr. Job Orton, _of_ Salop. - Mrs. Osborne. - Mr. Thomas Osgood. - _Rev._ Mr. Osland, _of_ Bewdley. - Mr. Josiah Owen, _of_ Widdens. - _Rev._ Mr. Josiah Owen, at Rochdale. - - - P. - - Mr. Thomas Page, B. 2. - Mr. William Paget. - Nathaniel Paice _Esq._ B. 2. - _Rev._ Mr. Geo. Palmer, _at_ Swanzey, B. 7. - _Rev._ Mr. H. Palmer, _in_ Pembrokeshire. - Mr. Thomas Pangbourne. - Mr. Bartholomew Par, _Surgeon in_ Exon. - John Par, M. D. _at_ Knutsford. - Mr. Edw. Clark Parish. - Mrs. Anne Parker, _at_ Bath. - _Rev._ Mr. John Partington, M. A. - Mr. Thomas Parsons, _in_ Bristol. - Mr. John Patch, _Surgeon in_ Exon. - Mr. Paul, _Surgeon_. - Mr. Nathaniel Peacock, _of_ High-Legh. - _Rev._ Thomas Pearce, M. D. - Mr. John Pearless. - Mr. Thomas Peck _Junior_. - _Rev._ Mr. John Peirce, _at_ Mere. - Mr. Jos. Peirce. - Mr. James Peirce, _at_ Newbury. - Mrs. Aldress Pennel. - Mr. H. Pennel, _at_ Knutsford. - Mr. Thomas Penny, _at_ Bathwick. - _Rev._ Mr. John Penny, _V. of_ Ashton. - Thomas Percival, M. 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Mr._ Thomas. - _Rev. Mr._ Thomas Thorburn, _at_ Keighley. - _Mr._ William Thornhill, _Sen._ - _Mr._ Thomas Tipping, _at_ Manchester. - _Mr._ John Tomlins. - _Rev. Mr._ Isaac Toms. - _Mr._ John Toms. - _Rev. Mr._ Matt. Toogood. - _Mr._ Richard Tottie, _at_ Leeds. - _Mr._ Cha. Totterdel, _Surgeon_. - _Mr._ Thomas Touchet, _at_ Manchester. - _Mr._ John Touchet, _at_ ditto. - _Mr._ Peter Touchet. - _Mrs._ Jane Trimnell. - _Mr._ Eben. Tristram, _at_ Chester. - _Mr._ Jonathan Tucker, _Merchant in_ Exon. - _Mrs._ Turner, _in_ Canterbury. - _Mr._ Thomas Turner, _at_ Warrington. - _Mr._ John Twells. - Thomas Tylston, M. D. _in_ Chester. - - - U. - - _Mr._ Jonathan Underwood. - - - V. - - _Rev. Mr._ Thomas Valentine, _at_ Epsom. - _Mr._ Vawdry. - _Rev. Mr._ Venables, _at_ Oswestry. - _Mr._ William Venables, _in_ Chester. - _Mr._ Mason Victor. - _Mr._ Jos. 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Mr._ James Wood, Lancashire, B. 7. - _Mr._ John Wood. - _Mr._ Nathaniel Wood, _at_ St. Albans. - William Woodhouse, M. D. _at_ Leicester. - John Godden Woolfe _Esq.;_ - Wight Woolley _Esq.;_ - Houlton Woolley _Esq.;_ - _Mr._ Tho. Woolrich, _at_ Leeds. - _Mr._ John Worsley, _at_ Hertford, B.3. - _Rev. Mr._ Hugh Worthington, _in_ Cheshire. - _Rev. Mr._ Hugh Worthington, M. A. _at_ Leicester. - _Rev. Mr._ Samuel Wreyford. - _Rev._ Samuel Wright, D.D. B. 2. - Henry Wright _Esq.; of_ Mobberly. - _Mr._ Samuel Wright. - _Rev. Mr._ Witter, _at_ Hull. B. 20. - _Mr._ Tim. Wylde, _Merchant_. - _Rev. Mr._ Wylde, _at_ Nottingham. - _Mr._ Isaac Wylde, _at_ ditto. - - - Y. - - _Mr._ William Yarnold. - _Rev. Mr._ Rob. Yates, _at_ Darwen. - Jos. Yates _Esq.;_ _of_ Manchester. - _Rev. Mr._ Geo. Lewis Young. - ────────── - _Mr._ Edmund Atkinson. - _Mrs._ Fletcher _Junior_. - _Mr._ William Foster. - - -[Illustration] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - -[Illustration] - - - A - - NATURAL HISTORY - - _OF_ - - _SERPENTS_ - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - PART I. - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - SECTION I. - -I begin with the Division of Serpents, which I distribute into -_Terrestrial_, that live upon Land only; _Aquatick_, that live in Water; -and _Amphibious_, that inhabit both Elements. Under these I comprehend -all the Relatives to the venomous Tribe. But how can Land-Serpents live -in Water? I answer, their Bodies are equally formed for both Places. - -Among Animals, some breathe by _Lungs_, and others by _Gills_, as all -sanguineous Fish, (excepting the _Whale_.) By _Gills_, I mean those -membranous cartilaginous Parts on both sides the Head, whereby they hear -and respire: What we call _Gills_ in Fish, are properly their _Lungs_. -Respiration (which is an involuntary Motion of the Breast, whereby Air -is alternately taken in and thrown out) is as necessary to Fish as to -Land-Animals: In Water, is a great Quantity of Air inclosed, and it is -that Air they respire, and by their _Gills_ they separate the Air from -the Water, and present it to the _Blood_, after the same manner as ’tis -presented to the Lungs of Land-Animals. - -The _Gills_ of Fish have an alternate Motion of Dilatation and -Compression; when they _dilate_ their _Gills_, the Water is taken in; -when they _contract_ them, ’tis expelled again. Thus the Water is -carried in by the Mouth, and carried off again (stript of its Air) by -the _Gills_, which perform the Office of Lungs. Their sucking Water is -Breathing, and their Food as little of Water, perhaps, as other -Creatures use. - -_SERPENTS_ will swim in all Liquids; this appears in the Experiment made -by a _learned Italian_, who put a Serpent into a large Glass-Vessel of -Wine, where it lived swimming about six Hours: and when it was by force -immersed and kept under that Liquid, it lived only about an Hour and a -half. He put another in common Water, where it lived three Days; but -when it was kept under Water, it lived only about twelve Hours[2]. - -Footnote 2: - - _Fr. Redi Exper. circa res nat._ p. 170. - -Some Serpents are reptitious, creep on the Belly, and some have Feet; -the Form of their Legs is peculiar and different in divers Species, -whence the slow Motion of some, and wonderful Agility and Swiftness in -others: Their Feet are some cloven (as it were) into Hoofs, others -divided into Claws, with Variety of different Nails to answer the -several Purposes of Life; among them are _Flying Serpents_: for which -purpose, they are furnished with Wings to buoy themselves up in the -fluid Air, whereby they keep their Bodies on a due Balance in their -Motion. - -Serpents are provided with Tails of different Length and Size; these -also are necessary to adjust their Motion, and guard them against -Stimulation of Flies. In winged Serpents, the Tail serves as a Rudder to -govern them in flying through the Air; and, in the marine Serpents, they -serve as Oars. But another says, the flying of a Bird, in effect, is -quite a different Motion from the sailing of a Ship: Birds don’t vibrate -their Wings towards the Tail, as Oars are struck towards the Stern, but -waft them downward; nor does the Tail of the Bird cut the Air at right -Angles as the Rudder does the Water, but it is disposed horizontally, -and preserves the same Situation what way soever the Bird turns[3]. - -Footnote 3: - - _Borelli._ - -They are painted with variety of Colours, as red, black, white, brown, -green; the Composition of these, in some of their Garnitures, forms -Beauties exquisitely fine. Some of them have very little Eyes, others -large ones: Some wound with their Teeth, others with the Tail that -terminates in a Sting, which is an Apparatus in the Body of certain -Insects like a little Lance, serving them as a Weapon of Offence. -Mention is made by Historians of harmless Serpents, and of Persons who -have tamed Serpents, and whose Hair has been kissed by a tame Dragon, -and which, with its Tongue, gently lick’d its Master’s Face[4]. - -Footnote 4: - - _Raii Synopsis. Ælian. Hist._ - -The Serpent seems to be one of the distinguished Favourites of the Air, -seeing it subsists by aerial Food all Winter; that is, in those Regions -where it dare not turn Ranger. Sleep is the Nurse of Nature, a Nurse -that greatly indulges the animal Spirits, and, by arresting voluntary -Motion, prevents their daily Consumption, and, at the same time, allows -the perpetual Motion of the Arteries, Veins, Heart. We know but little -of the real peculiar Nature of what we call Air, only that it is the -most heterogeneous Body in the World, a kind of secondary Chaos, being a -Compound of minute Particles of various Kinds, Earth, Water, Minerals, -Vegetables, Animals, _&c._ collected either by solar or artificial Heat. - -These Particles together constitute an Appendage to our Earth, called -Atmosphere; or that thin, elastick, fluid Mass, wherein we live, move, -and have our being; which Air we continually receive, and expel by -Respiration, and no Animal can live, or Vegetable grow without it. - -Thus Serpents inclosed in the Receiver, are immediately (I may say) -starved when deprived of Air, which is their only Winter-Food.—_N. B._ -Whatever is put in a Receiver so exhausted, is said to be put _in -Vacuo_: Animals that have two Ventricles, and no _Foramen Ovale_, as -Birds, Dogs, Cats, Mice, die in it in less than half a Minute; a Mole -died in one Minute; a Bat lived seven or eight; Insects, as Wasps, Bees, -Grashoppers, seem dead in two Minutes[5]. - -Footnote 5: - - _Derham._ - -Nor will any Vegetation proceed _in Vacuo_, or without Air: Seeds -planted will not grow. OBJECTION. _Beans grow in Vacuo._ I answer, they -grow a little tumid, but that kind of Vegetation is only owing to the -Dilatation of the Air within them; they swell a little by the Expansion -of the Air, but they never bud. - -Among the Ancients were very strange Notions about the _Original_ of -Serpents, and other Animals: _Bees_, says a certain Orator, Historian, -and Philosopher, were bred from the Carcass of Oxen; _Wasps_ from the -Corruptions of Horses; _Beetles_ from Asses; and _Serpents_ from human -Marrow: Hence they consecrated a Dragon to Kings and Princes, as a -Creature peculiar to Man[6]. - -Footnote 6: - - _Plutarch_’s Lives of _Cleomenes_ and _Agis_. - -I don’t know how to form an Apology for the old Philosophers, whose -Account of spontaneous Generation is perfectly romantick: What can be -more so, than to say Frogs are engendered of Slime, or in the Clouds, -and dropt down in the Showers of Rain? So the _Egyptians_ said, that -Mice were produced from the Mud of _Nilus_, and Insects from putrified -Matter animated by the Sun. The Principle of this equivocal Generation, -was the old Doctrine of _Egypt_, and now justly exploded, as contrary to -Reason and common Sense, as well as to the Design of the Creator in -making Animals Male and Female; the End of which Difference in Sexes, -all Animals exactly answer, as if they were endued with human Reason. No -Woman more tender of her Babe, or careful in providing for it, than -Animals are of their Young Ones. - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - SECTION II. - -The knowledge of mere Animals (who have no School for Arts and Sciences) -is most surprising; these without visible Instructors, know how to -perpetuate their Species to the End of the World; and how to order their -Eggs, as those, who are apprized, their Successors were contained in -them, and that it was in their power to produce them, and to perpetuate, -or keep up the Name of their Family. - -The Serpentine Animals are thus taught by Nature; these differ in the -Mode of Propagation; some of them are _viviparous_, an Epithet applied -to such Animals, who lay their Eggs within their Bellies, who bring -forth their Young Ones alive and perfect, as Vipers, Sheep, Hares; -others are _oviparous_, and bring forth their Young from Eggs, as -Serpents, Snakes, Lizards, Frogs, Salmon, Tortoise, Herrings, _&c._[7] - -Footnote 7: - - _Omnia ab ovo animalia._ - -In this Contrivance of Male and Female, and different Method of -Multiplication for perpetuating the Species, we may see an admirable -Instance of divine Wisdom: But for this Difference in Sexes, there would -be no Increase of Serpents nor other Animals. The oviparous and -viviparous Manner of Propagation is as wonderful; for, - -Were they all _viviparous_, that is, brought forth living Births, there -would be but a small Number, and not sufficient to support the whole -animal Body: Corn, Grass, Fruits, _&c._ are no Production of the Sea, -therefore can be no Food for Fish: The Almighty Creator so ordained it, -that they should feed one upon another; and this made it necessary that -they should be _oviparous_, that they might increase in great Plenty, -which they could not do, if they were of the _viviparous_ Kind; that is, -brought forth their living Offspring, as Vipers, Sheep, Hares, Cows do. - -But Fish being _oviparous_, propagating their Kind by Eggs, which, for -Number, are infinite, their Progeny is innumerable, and sufficient to -support all the Branches of the Marine Family; even the lesser Kind of -Fish send forth an incredible Number of Spawn. - -On the other hand, if four-footed Beasts were propagated by Eggs, they -would soon cover the Face of the Earth, without a daily Destruction of -them, which would take up no little time, tho’ an _Army of Nimrods_ were -employed. Birds increase by Eggs, and bring forth great Numbers; and -perhaps, for this reason, that Birds of Prey and Serpents, Kitchens, -_&c._ might not want proper Supplies. Now, if a Female Bird was great -with six or twelve Young Ones at once, the Burden would be intolerable, -her Wings would fail, and she would become an easy Prey to her Enemies. - -But you will say, what if they brought forth only one or two at a time, -till they amounted to the usual Number of their Eggs? I answer, that -then they would be troubled all the Year long with feeding their Young, -or bearing them in their Womb. - -This Production of Creatures by Eggs, is a wonderful Phænomenon in the -animal World; the Eggs are shelly and hard, to preserve the included -Embryo from Accidents, and to contain suitable Nutriment for it. ’Tis -observable that Chickens, while in their dark embryotick State, are -nourished by the _White_ alone, till grown big, and then feed on the -_Yolk_, as the stronger Diet; and, when that is consumed, the Shell -opens, and lets out the Prisoners. - -Though all Fowl are hatched from Eggs, yet it is not always by the -Parent’s Incubation, or Brooding, but by some other Warmth: The -_Tortoise_ is said to lay no less than fifteen hundred Eggs, which she -covers in the Sand, and leaves the Sun to hatch them. The Eggs of the -_Ostrich_[8] are hatched after the same manner; so the Serpent lays, and -leaves her Eggs in the Dunghill. - -Footnote 8: - - _Job_ xxxix. 14, 15. _Willoughby’s Ornithol._ _lib._ ii. _cap._ 8. - -The _Eggs_ of Serpents, and certain other Animals, are Parts formed in -the Ovaries of the Female, covered with a Shell, which includes an -Embryo of the same Species. In the days of old, the Egg was the Symbol -of the World; the World, by Tradition, being made of an _Egg_: Hence -Eggs became of singular Importance in the Sacrifices of _Cybele_ the -Mother of the Gods. Some of the Pagan Deities were said to be produced -from Eggs. - -In some Parts of _Asia_, and at _Grand Cairo_ in _Egypt_, they hatch -their Chickens in Ovens; each Oven contains several thousand Eggs which -the Country brings in, and have their Eggs returned in Chickens. - -By this Method, they generally want some integral Part, as an Eye, a -Claw, _&c._ which may be owing to a Want of equal Impression of Heat, -tho’ the artificial Warmth be continued. There are thousands, yea -Millions at a Batch, thus produced in _Egyptian Ovens_;—and may as well -be in _Europe_, if our Bakers had the knack on’t. An Experiment has been -made by a _Duke of Tuscany_, who having built such Ovens, did produce -living Chickens in the same manner. - -Under this _Section_, I shall consider the wonderful Sagacity of -Serpents, in chusing their Paths for Deambulation, and finding out -proper Receptacles for their Repose and Security in Winter; and that in -Climates that are Opposites in their Nature. - -In Summer, generally speaking, they are found in solitary and -unfrequented dry Situations; others delight in moorish fenny Grounds; -and in hot Countries, near to Groves, Rivulets—These, like other -Animals, strictly adhere to the Constitutions of their Family, without -Deviation. - -They take up their Winter-Quarters in Caverns, hollow Places, Burrows, -Rocks, old Hedges, and under the Roots of Vegetables, especially the -Birch, others say Beech-Trees, which were consecrated by the Pagans to -the supreme Numen. - -In these lonesome Habitations they repose themselves during the Winter, -in a kind of sleepy State, as half dead, with _open Eyes_[9]. In this -Solitude they lie dormant, indulg’d with a little humid Air, till the -Sun, by its Entrance into the northern Constellations, restores them to -the active Life; without some Air they could not live. Mr. _Boyle_ made -the experiment, by putting Vipers into the exhausted Receiver, which -soon died upon pumping out the Air. - -Footnote 9: - - _Apertis Oculis._ Conrad. Gesner. pag. 3. _de Serp._ - -It argues no little Penetration, that they know when and how to shelter -themselves in Places of Safety in all Seasons; and what is yet more -astonishing, is, that they live there so many Months without Food and -without Action; and when released from their hybernal Confinement, how -soon do they find out their appointed Food? Taken in this light, they -are not singular; for ’tis believed, there are other Animals that pass -the Winter-Season in a state of Indolence and Inactivity, as Cuckows and -Swallows, making way by their Retreat for Woodcocks and Fieldfares, -which visit us in Winter, and then return northwards: They are said to -breed in colder Countries, as _Norway_, _Russia_, _Sweden_, and the -_Islands of Orcades_, the most northern Parts of _Scotland_; which -Islands were formerly in possession of the _Norwegians_, and given and -annex’d to _Scotland_ by _Christiern_ I. King of _Denmark_ and _Norway_, -on the Marriage of his Daughter _Margaret_, with _James_ III. King of -_Scotland_, about the Year 1474. - -It is probable, that when these northern Countries are buried in Snow, -and their Rivers are frozen up, these Birds take their Flight hither, -and such like Places, where they have access to Water, _&c._ But as to -Cuckows and Swallows, as intimated above, ’tis generally allow’d that -they sleep in Winter, having, as ’tis said, been found in hollow Trees -and Caverns. Nor is this at all unlikely; tho’ on the other hand, I can -see no Absurdity in supposing that these should go upon a Summer, as the -other do upon a Winter Pilgrimage; that these pursue a lesser Heat, as -well as the others fly from a greater Cold. Yea, _Vegetables_ are said -to _sleep in Winter_, and to be awake and lively in Summer: During the -Months of their Rest, a quantity of Oil is laid up in them for their -Defence against the Cold, and in proportion to the Degrees of it, which -they are to sustain; whence it is, that the Trees of the northern -Climates so much abound with Oil. - -On the other hand, there are _Reptiles_ and _Insects_ that have Sense -enough to lay up Winter-Store in Summer, as the _Bee_, _Wasp_, -_Field-Mouse_, _&c._ a Property foreign to the ancient House of -Serpents. - -In Summer, the _Bees_ labor hard for Winter Provision: As soon as the -Air grows mild and warm, they are out betimes, and gather their Harvest -from the Simples of the Fields, which they suck into their Bodies, and -upon their Return to the Hive they disgorge it, as Pigeons do their Food -wherewith they feed their Young. When the Bees have fill’d their -Storehouse with the Delicacies of Nature, they lock the Doors, which -they seal up with delicate white Wax, to prevent the Emanation of the -Honey, which is a vegetable Juice: The Combs in which their Treasure is -lodg’d, are geometrically nice, and exceed the most exquisite Art of -Man. - -The Ants also in this respect, are remarkable for Penetration and -Foresight. In _America_ are Ants which raise Hillocks four or five Foot -high, and have such a way of cementing the Earth about them, that ’tis -as firm as Lime and Stone, which protects them against the _Ant-Bears_, -or Pismire-eaters; _i. e._ a kind of Creatures as big as Dogs, that feed -on these Insects. - -One observes, that the _Spaniards_ left _Jamaica_, and went to _Cuba_, -for this Reason among others, because their Childrens Eyes were eaten by -these Ants, when left by themselves in the Cradle[10]. - -Footnote 10: - - Sir _Hans Sloan_’s _Introduction to his Voyage_, p. 68. - -Ceylon in the _East-Indies_ produces several sorts of remarkable Ants, -particularly a large red kind, which make their Nests on the Boughs of -great Trees, with Leaves wrapt together in Clusters, in which they lay -their Eggs: And another sort call’d _Vacos_, whose Hinder-part is white, -and the Head red; these swarm over the Land and devour every thing, but -Stone and Iron: They creep on House-walls, and always build an Arch over -themselves; on these their Poultry live chiefly; some of them bite -desperately. - -To these I might add the _Wasps_, that have their Winter-Treasures in -subterranean Cells, and the Field-mice that know the proper Season to -gather Acorns, which they carefully hide in hollow Places, (as -Mole-runs) in the Earth. Thus we see no Creatures so mean in our View, -but a Ray of divine Wisdom shines in their Foresight and Contrivance: -When we consider how wonderfully these inferior Creatures are conducted -in their Operations, how punctually they obey the Laws of their Creator, -how solicitously every one propagates his Kind, and makes proper -Provisions for his Family; it looks as if it were done by some Principle -that’s more perfect than the common Reason of Man. Nevertheless ’tis -past doubt, that Brutes of the highest Order, and most refin’d, are but -Brutes, _i. e._ irrational, and it’s well for us they are so. - -This is call’d _Instinct_, a natural Disposition, or Sagacity wherewith -Animals are endued; by virtue whereof they are enabled to provide for -themselves, know what is good for them, and are determin’d to propagate -and preserve their Species. _Instinct_ bears some Analogy to Reason or -Understanding, and supplies the Defect of it in Brutes. The Narrative of -_Eve_’s Temptation begins with affirming, _The Serpent was more subtle -than any Beast of the Field_. And _Christ_ recommends the Wisdom of the -Serpent, but not without the Innocence of the Dove. - -The Proofs of its Subtilty are not so obvious; some produce such as -these, telling us, that the Serpent _Cerastes_ hides itself in the Sand, -with a view to bite the Horse’s Foot that he might throw the Rider. -_Jacob_ seems to allude to this, in the Blessing he gave to _Dan_, of -whom ’tis said, _Dan shall be a Serpent by the Way, an Adder in the -Path, that bites the Horse’s Heels, so that his Rider shall fall -backward_. Gen. xlix. 17. But more in Part third. - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - SECTION III. - -Serpents are supposed to have many Enemies, besides Man, as the _Eagle_, -_Hawk_, _Stork_, _Ibis_, _Ichneumon_, _Magaure_, _&c._ I shall only -touch upon some of these: _Ibis_ is a Bird of _Egypt_, and a faithful -Ally in the War against Serpents; vast Numbers of winged Serpents are -annually bred in _Arabia_, from whence, at certain Seasons, Swarms of -them take their flight across the _Red-Sea_ into _Egypt_: Upon the first -notice of their Arrival, the _Ibidian_ Birds assemble in Troops, and -immediately fly upon the Invaders, and soon destroy them. In the same -manner they execute Vengeance upon the Serpents of _Ethiopia_, when they -molest the Land[11]. - -Footnote 11: - - _Conradus Gesn._ p. 55. _Ray. Gyllius._ - -The _Storks_ destroy all Serpents that fall in their way, and are so -greatly regarded in _Thessaly_ for this kind office, that it is counted -a capital Crime to kill a _Stork_, and the Criminal is punished as in -the case of Man-slaughter. - -[12]The Stork’s Bill is very long and sharp, with which it makes a -rattling kind of Noise: It is said, the Chirurgeons have learn’d the -Clysterick Art from these Birds. - -Footnote 12: - - _Pliny’s Nat. Hist._ Tom. i. B. 10. - -The _Storks_ also are esteemed the Clergy’s Friends, for the Author of -the _Book of Nature_ says, they will not inhabit any City in _Germany_, -where no Tythes are paid to the Priest. An Orthodox Brood of Birds! - -When _Moses_ conducted the _Egyptian_ Army against the _Ethiopians_, he -was to pass through a Country full of Serpents, and to secure his Forces -from them in their March, he carried with him several of these _Ibidian_ -Birds, before whose Fury they fell or fled[13]. - -Footnote 13: - - _Josephus_, B. ii. Cap. v. p. 65. - -_ICHNEUMON_ is a little Animal of bold Spirit, and a great Destroyer of -Serpents, and therefore the _Egyptians_ keep it in their Houses, as we -do Cats; and the young ones are commonly sold for that end at -_Alexandria_. In form it resembles an overgrown Rat, and is called the -_Indian-Rat_, and _Pharaoh’s Rat_; and by its mighty Atchievements, it -must be of some considerable Bulk; for in its Encounters with great -Dogs, Crocodiles, Serpents, _&c._ it generally comes off victorious: -Upon their Approach it bunches up, and bristles up its Hair, in token of -Defiance: It couches on the Ground, and leaps like a Bull-dog at its -Prey. - -By some it is call’d the _Egyptian Otter_; ’tis of a dun Colour, has -round Ears, black Legs, and long Tail: It cannot endure the Wind, and -runs for Shelter, when it rises, sometimes thrusting its Head between -its hinder Legs, in a round Form like a Hedge-hog. - -Those who have examined into Kites Nests, have found Vipers in them, -which are supposed to be Food for their young ones. In _China_ is a -little Creature like a Weezel, called _Magaure_, that is a mortal Enemy -to Serpents, which it kills by striking its Teeth into their Heads. The -_Chameleon_ trembles at the Sight of this little Furioso[14]; whose Ears -are short and round, its Nose like that of a Ferret, its Tongue and -Teeth like a Cat, which is a Creature it destroys in a Minute, though -not the easiest to be killed. The _Argoli Serpents_ in _India_ destroy -Asps; therefore by _Alexander_ the Great’s Command, they were -transported to _Alexandria_[15]. - -Footnote 14: - - _L. Le Comte’s Memoirs_, p. 504. - -Footnote 15: - - _Johnstonus_, p. 16. - -Whether the Serpent hates Man more than other Creatures, is with me a -question; be that as it will, it is wonderful to think, that -notwithstanding Man’s and other Creatures invincible Hatred of Serpents, -yet hitherto they have been able to support themselves in a State of War -against all the World. - -Even among Vegetables are found Enemies to Serpents; as the _Dittany_ of -_Virginia_, or the _wild Penny-royal_; the Leaves of which, says my -Author, being bruised, we tied in the Cleft of a long Stick, and held -them to the Nose of the _Rattle-Snake_, who by turning and wriggling, -laboured hard to avoid it, and in half an hour’s time was kill’d by it: -This was done _July_ 1657, at which Season those Creatures are computed -to be in the greatest Vigour of their Poison; it is also remarkable, -that in those Places where the _wild Penny-royal_ grows, no -Rattle-Snakes are observed to come[16]. - -Footnote 16: - - _Philos. Transact._ abridg’d by _Lowthorp_, p. 811. - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - SECTION IV. - -That _Dust_ was not the original Food of the Serpent, seems evident from -the Sentence passed upon the Paradisaic Serpent, but the necessary -Consequence of the Change made in the manner of its Motion, _i. e._ the -prone Posture of its Body, by which it’s doomed to live upon Food -intermix’d with Earth, dried to a Powder; _Dust shalt thou eat_, is one -part of the Curse. It’s true, Serpents eat Flesh, Birds, Frogs, Fish, -Fruits, Grass, but as they continually creep on the Earth, ’tis -impossible but their Food must be often defiled with Dirt; some of them -may eat Earth out of Necessity, or at least Earth-Worms, which they -cannot swallow without some Dirt with them. No Animal but has its proper -Food; even the most minute Insects; those that seemingly feed upon Dust, -in reality feed only upon some nutritive Particles therein. Insects have -been seen through a Microscope to eat some Particles of Dust, and reject -many others, having accurate Organs of Sight, Smelling, and Feeling, as -well accommodated to Dust, as the Organs of Ducks and Hogs are to find -their Food in Dirt. - -And here it may be observed, that what the Serpent does through a -Necessity from the Divine Sentence, the earthly Man does from his own -Will; the Serpent only by the Will of another, Man eats it from his own -Inclination to it; the Serpent would have better Food if it could, Man -might have better and will not: This shews that Man has a mind to be -Companion with the Serpent, and to carry on the Acquaintance, that was -begun in Paradise; the Serpent licks the Dust materially, the earthly -Person licks it morally; the one has its Tongue upon it, the other has -his Heart. The earthly Man is only a Man in shape, but a Serpent in -Practice: What is the Punishment of the Serpent, is made the Happiness -of the earthly Mind. - -Some Serpents are _carnivorous_, and feed on Flesh; others are -_verminivorous_, and feed on Reptiles: Their Sustenance is various, -suited to their several Constitutions, and Nature of the Climates, where -they inhabit. Vipers and Adders feed on Herbs, Weeds, Dews, as well as -upon Lizards, Mice, Frogs.—When they take Food into their Mouths, they -raise up their Bodies a little, that they may swallow their Prey with -less difficulty. They swallow those little Animals whole without -chewing. In a Viper dissected by a certain Gentleman, he found three -large Mice, intire, without any Change of their Form by hard -Compressure. _Scorpions_ live chiefly upon Locusts, and other winged -Insects. In _Arabia_, ’tis said, they feed upon _Balsam-Juices_, and -seem to delight much in the Shadow of that Tree[17]. - -Footnote 17: - - _Conrad, Gesner._ 85. - -It is remarkable, that Nature has provided young Vipers with poisonous -Teeth grown to Perfection, commensurate to their Bulk, that so they may -immediately feed themselves, by being able, in some measure, to kill -their Prey as soon as they are born. Some of these Animals have -temporary Parts, as the _Lacerta Aquatica_, a little Water-Serpent, -which, when young, has four ramified Fins, to poise and keep its Body -upright, (which gives it the Resemblance of a young Fish) and these fall -off when the Legs are grown: So Frogs and Toads, in their _Tadpole -State_, have Tails, which fall off when their Legs are grown out[18]. -These pass through various Transmigrations, before they arrive at their -perfect State. - -Footnote 18: - - _Derham’s Phys. Theol._ B. IV. - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - SECTION V. - -As Serpents differ in Kind, so in Size; the Length to which some of them -grow is most surprizing. A certain Number is sent out with little -Bodies; others are of monstrous Bulk, and capable of making the -strongest Efforts against all the Attempts made to destroy them; yea, -are strong enough to contend with _Elephants_, the greatest of Animals, -and conquer them. _e. gr._ - -_ATTILIUS REGULUS_, the _Roman_ General in _Africa_, is said to -encounter a Serpent in that Country, of vast Strength and Stature, near -the River _Bagrada_, 120 Feet long, which he and his Army could not -subdue, without discharging all their Engines of War against it; and, -when conquered and flea’d, its Skin was conveyed to _Rome_ in -Triumph[19]. This is the more credible, says _Pliny_, because, in -_Italy_, we see other Serpents, called _Boæ_, so large that in the Reign -of _Claudius_, there was one of them killed in the _Vatican_, within -whose Belly was found an Infant whole[20]. - -Footnote 19: - - _Prœlium grands & acre eumque magna totius exercitus conflictatione, - balistis atque catapultis diu oppugnatum—Ejusque interfecti longum - corium pedes 120. Aul. Gellii Noct. Att._ _Liber_ VI. _Cap._ iii. - -Footnote 20: - - _Nat. Hist._ B. VIII. _Cap._ xiv. - -Among the _Andes_ in _America_, are Serpents of prodigious Magnitude, -from 25 to 30 Foot long[21]. In the Province of _Caria_, are Serpents -ten Yards long, and Ten Hands broad, and their Eyes as large as two -small Loaves. In _Brasil_, are found Serpents 30 Foot long. In -_Gresham-College, London_, is a Snake preserved in Spirits, that is near -two Yards long. - -Footnote 21: - - _De Le Vega._ - -In _Norway_, we read of two Serpents of very large Proportion: One of -two hundred Foot long, and lives in Rocks and desolate Mountains, near -the Sea, about _Bergen_; which in Summer-Nights ranges about in quest of -Plunder, devouring Lambs, Calves, Swine, and other Animals, that fall in -its way. In a calm Sea, it ransacks the Superficies of the Water, and -devours the _Polypus_ (_i. e._ a little Fish of many Feet) and all sorts -of Sea-Crabs.——Upon the Approach of a Ship, this Serpent lifts up its -Head above Water, and snatches at the Mariners. My Author adds, that it -rolls itself round about the Ship, the more effectually to secure its -Prey[22]. The Representation of this you have in _C. Gesner._ - -Footnote 22: - - _Olaus Magn._ B. xxi. c. 27. p. 23. _Gesner ex Scalig._ - -The other Serpent is in the Diocess of _Hammer_, about fifty Cubits -long, by Conjecture. In _Bothnia_, on the _Livonian_ Sea, we read of -monstrous Serpents, with which the Shepherds of that Country were in -constant War. Wonderful Things are reported of the large Serpents that -infest the _Helvetian Mountains_. From the Instances above, ’tis evident -that the Northern Climates breed Serpents as well as the South; but with -this Difference, that they are not so venomous as those in _Africa_, -tho’ _Olaus Magnus_, Archbishop of _Upsal_, seems to except the -Shrew-Serpent. _Ibid._ - -There are _Marine_, as well as _Land-Dragons_, of uncommon Bigness: Some -in _Ethiopia_ of 30 Paces long, and in _Phrygia_ ten Paces long.——_N. -B._ A geometrical Pace is five Foot; but if it be the lesser Pace only, -_viz._ the Measure of two Foot and a half, it must be a monstrous -Animal[23].——In the Reign of _Philadelphus_, two _Live-Dragons_ were -brought from _Ethiopia_ to _Alexandria_, one 13, the other 14 Cubits -long. In the Reign of King _Euergetes_, they took three Dragons, one -seven Cubits, the other nine Cubits long. The third was carefully nursed -in the Temple of _Esculapius_, and no Creature so highly reverenced[24]. - -Footnote 23: - - _Gesner_, p. 44. - -Footnote 24: - - _Ælian_, l. 16. c. 39. p. 957. - -On the _Pellonæon Hill_ in _Chius_, was a _Dragon_ whose hideous Noise -filled the Vicinity with Horror and Dread; so terrible, that none durst -approach so near as to take its Dimensions. It happened, the Wilderness -wherein it lived, took fire in a Storm; and being involved in the Smoke -and fire, it perished, and, upon viewing its Bones, ’twas concluded to -be of a monstrous Bulk. _Ibid._ - -The _Ethiopian Dragons_ just mentioned, have no proper Name, and are -only known by a Periphrasis, _viz._ _Killers of Elephants_. The Method -is, by winding themselves about the _Elephants_ Legs, and then thrusting -their Heads up their Nostrils, sting them, and suck their Blood till -they are dead. - -_ALEXANDER_, in his Tour thro’ the _Red-Sea_, says, he saw Serpents of -incredible Magnitude, some about 30 Cubits long[25]. - -Footnote 25: - - _Ælian_, lib. 17. cap. 1. - -We read of monstrous Dragons, particularly two Draconic Monsters -mentioned by _Alexander_’s Ambassadors, seen by them in their Return -from the Kingdom of _Abisaris_, one of 80 Cubits long, the other -140[26]. - -Footnote 26: - - _Strabo_, de situ orbis, lib. 15. βιασαρου χωρα _Bisari_, alias - _Abisari Regio_. - -In places adjacent to _Batavia_, a _Dutch_ Settlement in the -_East-Indies_, we read of Serpents 50 Feet long; and the Skin of one, -which was 20 Feet long, that swallowed an _Infant_, is shewn in -_Batavia_, the _Metropolis_ of the _Dutch_ Empire in the _East-Indies_. -In _America_ also are Serpents of prodigious Bulk, from 25, to 30 Feet -long[27]; but this Subject will be further considered in the _Second -Part_ of this Book. - -Footnote 27: - - Atlas American. - -On the other hand, there are Serpents, as remarkably little as the -_Amphisbæna_, _Gallic_ Viper, and some of the Lizards, that are not -above four or six Inches long. Most of these Minutillos vary in outward -Form. - -And here, I can’t but observe that as the Magnitude of some other -Animals is very wonderful, so, on the contrary, the Minuteness of some -is equally astonishing, if not more so: There are some very _little -Insects_ that are conspicuous to the Eye, but more that are _invisible_ -without the Help of a _Microscope_, which is an optical Instrument, that -magnifies Objects, and makes them bigger than really they are; it helps -to discover minute Particles, of which Bodies are composed, and the -curious Contexture of them. - -To those who are not used to a rigid mathematic Proof, this may be -illustrated by the Smallness of many organized Bodies. There is a Plant -called _Harts-Tongue_, ten thousand Seeds of which hardly make the Bulk -of a Pepper-Corn. Now the Cover of the true Body of each Seed, the -parenchymous and ligneous Parts of both; the Fibres of those Parts, the -Principles of those Fibres, and the homogeneous Particles or Atoms of -each Principle, being moderately multiplied one by another, afford a -hundred thousand Millions of formed Atoms in the space of a Pepper-Corn, -says the learned Dr. _Grew_[28]. - -Footnote 28: - - _Cosmologia Sacra_, B. i. chap. 3. - -The same is yet more evident from the Stupendous Smallness of some -Animals, especially in the Sperm of smaller Insects; which have been -observed by Mr. _Leeuwenhoek_, to be some Millions of times smaller than -a grain Sand. This learned Gentleman has observed more of them in the -Spawn of a Cod-fish, than there are People living on the Face of all the -Earth at once[29]. - -Footnote 29: - - _Numerum animalculorum ex unius asselli majoris lactibus - provenientium, plus decies superare homines in universo terrarum orbe - viventes._—_Epistola ad Dom. N. Grew_, p. 1. - - _N. B._ It is the infinite Number of these little invisible - Animals that makes stagnating Waters or Pools appear of so many - different Colours, as green, reddish, brown,—according to the - several Natures of these little Animals that live therein. - -Thus, among Men, we find big and little; _Giants_ and _Pygmies_: Whether -that Disproportion be from meer natural Causes, or by Designation of -Providence, I determine not. It is very questionable whether there be a -particular Nation of _Pygmies_; but no doubt is made about the Existence -of _Dwarfs_ in many Places as well as Giants. _Julia_, the Niece of -_Augustus_, had a Dwarf called _Canopas_, that was about two feet in -height. _Philippa French_, born at _Milcomb_ in _Staffordshire_, aged -about 36, being then married, wanted something of three Feet in -height[30]. - -Footnote 30: - - Dr. _Plot_’s Natural History.—_Oxford_ 16. - -On the other hand, we are not without Instances of Men, that were of a -_gigantick Stature_, after, as well as before the Deluge, as _Goliah_ -and the Sons of _Anak_. - -In the Days of _Claudius_ the Emperor, _Pliny_ tells us, that one called -_Gabara_, brought out of _Arabia_, was nine Feet and nine Inches high: -He tells us also, of two others in the days of _Augustus Cæsar_, -_Iducio_ and _Secundilla_, that were half a Foot taller than -_Gabara_[31]. _Maximinus_ the Emperor, was eight Foot and a half in -height. But to come near home: - -Footnote 31: - - _Nat. Hist._ B. vii. cap. 16. - -_WILLIAM EVANS_ born in _Monmouthshire_, and Porter to King _Charles_ I. -was two Yards and a half high. _Walter Parsons_, Porter to King _James_ -I. was about the same height. “Some say, _William Evans_ exceeded -_Walter Parsons_ two Inches in height, but was far beneath him in -proportion of Body. Tho’ he halted a little, and going out squalling -with his Feet, yet made a shift to dance in an _Antimasque_ at Court, -where he drew _Little Jeffrey_, the _Dwarf_, out of his _Pocket_, first -to the Wonder, then to the Laughter of the Spectators[32].” - -Footnote 32: - - Fuller’_s Worthies of_ Engl. Monmouthshire, _p._ 54. - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - SECTION VI. - -The Apparatus in Serpents for their Motion is admirable. How curious the -Structure of their Muscles, and their Junction to every Point, whereby -they are prepared for their different Motions, and enabled to move -according to their different Nature and Situation! - -In those that go upon their Bellies, the Movement is very singular, -which is in a Form curvilineal, different winding of their Bodies. The -Serpentine Line, among Mathematicians, is borrowed from the Foldings of -a Serpent in its Motion. - -The Learned observe, there is a great deal of geometrical Niceness in -the sinuous Motion of Snakes, Vipers, and other Serpents; to assist them -in the right Management of it, the annular Scales under their Bodies are -very remarkable, lying cross the Belly, contrary to what those in the -Back, and the rest of the System do; which Contrivance facilitates their -Motion. This tortuous creeping Motion of the Reptile Species is very -curious: The whole Body of a Worm is, as it were, but a Chain of annular -or spiral Muscles, whose round Fibres, by contracting, make each Ring -more strong. The Back-Bones of Serpents are a wonderful Composition: How -thick are they with Joints? How numerous and strong are their -co-operating Muscles? By this curious Articulation of the Joints, they -can turn and wind their Bodies any way without any difficulty. - -The Outside of their Skin is a most elegant Composition: to a common -Eye, their Tegument has a rugged uneven Aspect; but, to a proper Judge, -the Scales of Vipers are found to be a most exquisite Piece of -Mechanism; the Symmetry of the whole is geometrically exact, and vastly -beautiful; not imitable by human Skill: Some of them are guarded by a -coverture not penetrable by a human Arm, which is their Security in a -perilous Situation; yea, a greater Security than many innocent -Inhabitants of the Field are privileged with. Among Serpents, some are -clothed as with a Coat of Mail, _i. e._ an Armature of strong Scales; -and such of them as want that crustaceous Covering, have either a Sting -in the Tail, or a Tooth in their Mouth, that bids the Assailant keep -off, and observe his Distance. - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - SECTION VII. - -What is Poison? I answer, that, generally speaking, ’tis taken to be a -malignant Quality in some Vegetables, Minerals, and Animals, a small -Quantity of which is hurtful, and even mortal, _&c._ - -The Learned in the Faculty tell us, _Poisons_ operate in various -manners; some by dissolving the Blood, others by coagulating it, and -some by corroding and destroying the Solids. The Learned Sir _Hans -Sloane_ says, “Some attack equally all Parts, some only a particular -one. Thus the _Lepus Marinus_ is an Enemy to the Lungs, _Cantharides_ to -the Bladder[33].” - -Footnote 33: - - _His Voyage._ - -Some Vegetables again, which prove Poison to Man, serve for Food to -other Animals. Thus, says that learned Gentleman, _Mandragora_ and -_Jusquiamnus_ that feed Hogs, kill Man. - -_HEMLOCK_, that is hurtful to Man, is wholesome for Goats; yea, the -_Cassavi Plant_ poisons unprepared; but prepared, is the very Bread of -the _West-Indians_, particularly _Jamaica_ and the hotter Parts, with -which they victual Ships. _Ibid._ Tea is said to be poisonous before it -is cured. - -This perhaps may serve to obviate an Objection made against the Goodness -of the Deity, in planting a Tree in Paradise that had such malignant -Influences; because, supposing that it had any Properties, which might -tend to the Dissolution of the human System, yet the same Tree might be -very salutary and useful to other Beings in the Creation. - -Having divided _Poison_ into _Three Parts_, I shall, in the next Place -consider them distinctly. - - -I. _This Contrivance of Divine Wisdom is so universal, that we find, in -the vegetable Kingdom, something more than what is merely analogous to -Poison, both in Land and Water-Plants_; as the _Napellus_, _Cassivi_, -_Nux Vomica_, _Aconite_, _Cicuta Aquatica_, _Solanum Lethale_, _Aconitum -Hyemale_. Some Poisons are of a Narcotic Quality, as Poppy and -Henbane—being taken in too great a Quantity, become poisonous. I shall -only add some Instances of Persons kill’d by eating poisonous Plants, -Roots, and Herbs. The Wife of _W. Matthews_, near _Salop_, who having -gathered a Quantity of _Dog-Mercury_, which she took to be another Herb, -boiled it for their Supper, which very sensibly affected the whole -Family. One of the Children slept from _Thursday_ Night till _Monday_ -Evening, then just opened her Eyes, and died immediately. The other two -Children slept about 24 Hours, and, upon their awakening, fell a -vomiting and purging, which, ’tis thought, saved their Lives[34]. A -certain Woman near _Kilkenny_ in _Ireland_, eating by mistake, a -_Hemlock-Root_ among _Parsnips_, was immediately seized with a Raving -and Madness. _Ibid._ - -Footnote 34: - - _Lowthorp_’s Abridg. Vol. II. - -Eight young Lads went a fishing to a Brook near _Clonmel_ in _Ireland_, -and there meeting with a great Parcel of _Oenanthe Aquatica succo -viroso_, they mistook the Roots of it for _Sium Aquaticum_ Roots, and -did eat heartily of them. About four or five hours after coming home, -the eldest of them, on a sudden, fell down backwards, and lay kicking -and sprawling on the Ground, foaming at the Mouth; soon after, four more -were seized the same way, and they all died before Morning: not one of -them having spoken a Word from the Moment in which the venenate -Particles surprised the _Genus nervosum_[35]. Of the other three, one -ran stark-mad, but recovered; another had his Hair and Nails fallen off; -the third alone escaped: perhaps it might be owing to a strong -Constitution, and eating less of that fatal Root; or perhaps it might be -attributed to his speedy running above two Miles home (after he saw one -young Man fall) together with his drinking a very large Draught of warm -Milk from the Cow, in his midway, and a violent Sweating, which might -expel many of those venemous Particles. _Ibid._ - -Footnote 35: - - _Ibid._ p. 641. - -An Experiment has been made upon a Dog, by giving him the _Nux Vomica_, -which soon poisoned him. The _American Physick Nut_ is said to be so -poisonous, that no Animals make a near Approach to it. Wormwood in -_Persia_ is so venemous, that if Horses, or any other Creatures, eat -thereof, they die immediately; upon which account, say the Duke of -_Holstein_’s Ambassadors, we durst not unbit that day[36]. The _Indians_ -have what they call _Juico Juice_ among them, which deprives such as -drink of it of their Reason, and renders them perfect Idiots; tho’ at -the same time it leaves them in the perfect Enjoyment of their Health -and natural Powers. - -Footnote 36: - - Their Voyages and Travels to _Muscovy_ and _Persia_, p. 228. A. D. - 1637. - -_CHARCOALS_ prepared from _Vegetables_, have a poisonous Quality; for, -when kindled, they exhale a Vapour, which, if it be kept up, and -confin’d to a close Place, proves fatal. ’Tis said, Charcoal made in -_Cornwal_ affords a manifest arsenical and sulphurous Smell beyond -others; and yet Charcoal is a _commodious_ Fuel. - -Even when the sharp Points of Nettles pierce the Flesh, they instil a -kind of venemous Juice into the Wound, which gives a painful Sensation. -The Leaf of a Nettle has some relation to a Sting; ’tis covered with -very sharp Prickles, whose Base, which is a Bladder of a flexible -Substance, has a Hole in the middle, by which this venemous Liquor runs -into the wounded Part, and excites Pain. - -This may be easily perceived with a Microscope; if a Man press with the -Finger, the End of those Prickles against its _Base_: for then, thro’ -these Prickles which are transparent, this Liquor is manifestly seen to -mount, and to descend, as the ingenious Mr. _Hook_ assures us, he had -often made the Experiment. - -In _Carmania Deserta_, towards the _Persian_ Gulph, they have two sorts -of dangerous Shrubs, one called _Gulbad-Samour_, i. e. the Flower that -poisons the Wind, where there are many of these _Shrubs_. The Wind that -passes thro’ them, kills those who are near it. The other is _Kerzehre_, -the _Gall_ of _Asses_, because it kills those Creatures, and others that -eat of it; yea, the Water that falls from it is poisonous. They say, -that Part of its Root which spreads to the East is Poison: for which, -that on the South-side is an Antidote[37].——_N. B._ Is not our Author -mistaken? for can any Poison grow in the delicious Plains of the East, -consecrated to the Service of the Altar and Knee? - -Footnote 37: - - _Tavernier_, in _Atl. Geo._ p. 349, and 396. - -An Overdose of Opium, which is the condensed Juice of Poppies, is -poisonous. The _Turks_ take _Opium_, which they call _Affion_, without -any Preparation, it being merely the Juice of black Poppy, dried in the -Sun, without any purification. It is wonderful, _that use should make -that Liquid which is Poison to us, a Cordial to them_[38]. - -Footnote 38: - - _Wheeler_’s Voyages, p. 203. - -The Vapour arising from vegetable Liquors during their Fermentation, -ought not to be approached too near, because it is poisonous: We have -Accounts in the _French_ and _German Transactions_, of People who were -immediately struck dead, by receiving at the Nose the Fumes that issued -from large Vessels of Wine in the State of Fermentation[39]. - -Footnote 39: - - _Boerhaave_, p. 120, 130. - -“I think, says a learned Physician, that God made no Poison, but all -things in the World were made for the Use of Man; their chiefest -_Deleterium_ is either in the Quantity, or some other Circumstance, as -in Lettice, Leeks,—whose _Integra_ are Aliments, the Juices mortiferous. -Those things that are pernicious, by their external Form, as beaten -Glass, Sponges, have not deserved the Brand of Poison; those that are -really lethiferous, are but the Excrescences of Sin, and came in with -the Thorns. The Serpent was rather destructive to the Soul than the -Body.” - -Among the Ancients was a Plant that killed Mice with its bare smell, -according to _Pliny_: The Poets feign it to have sprung from the Foam of -the Dog _Cerberus_, when _Hercules_ dragg’d him out of Hell. - -The _Aconite Plants_ also are extremely caustic and acrimonious, in -virtue whereof they have produced terrible Inflammations, that end in -Mortification. So great was the People’s Dread of this Plant, for its -venemous Quality, that they durst not touch it and yet, ’tis said, they -made use of it against the Sting of _Scorpions_, which is supposed to be -deadned by the Touch of the Aconite, and restored to its Vigour by that -of _Hellebore_. - - _N. B._ The Root of the Plant is said to cure all Diseases - proceeding from Melancholy, as Disaffections from the - _Hypochondria_, _Herpes_ or cutaneous Inflammations. - -It is also reported that Arrows dipped in the Juice of _Aconite Plants_, -proved mortal wherever they wounded. - - -II. _The Globe we inhabit, abounds with Variety of Minerals, of a very -mischievous Nature_; as _Arsenic_, found in Copper-mines; _Orpiment_, a -Mineral found among Copper-mines, in Stones of different Bigness, Colour -and Figure. These, and others of the same venemous Nature, are less or -more dangerous, according as their Salts receive a different Force from -the metallic Particles. - -The Mineral Kingdom is very subject to Damps, or noxious Streams, and -often found in Mines, Pits,——and in Kinds various. There are also -Exhalations, a sort of Fumes issuing from Body, and diffusing themselves -in the Atmosphere. Some make difference between Vapours and Exhalations: -The Term _Vapour_, they say, is appropriated to the moist Fumes raised -from Water, and _Exhalation_, to the dry ones emitted from solid Bodies, -as Earth, Fire, Minerals, Sulphur. The nocuous Effluvia sent forth from -them may infect the Air, and cause epidemical Distempers, and even new -Diseases. About Mines and deep Caverns, are frequently found copious -Exhalations continually streaming out, which, in a Moment, destroy any -Animal that comes within their reach; so much as the very Insects -themselves not escaping: Therefore these Places were by the Ancients -called _Gehennæ_, _Averni_,—intimating thereby, that a _Mineral Pit_ was -_Hell_, and that _Subterraneous Exhalations_ were _Steams_ from the -_Fiery Lake_. - -_STRABO_ takes notice of a _Cave_ or _Grotto_ in _Natolia_, from whence -issue pestilential Vapours that infect the Air: No sooner is any Animal -put in, but it immediately dies. Bulls have been put in, and suddenly -taken out dead. Sparrows that have been thrown in, dropt down dead -instantly. - -The _Turks_ fancy it to be haunted by evil Spirits, because those who -had the Curiosity to enter it, have either _died_ or fallen desperately -_sick_[40]. - -Footnote 40: - - _Strabo Geograph._ - -Mineral Poisons are more or less dangerous, as their Salts receive a -greater or less Force from the metallic Particles: And hence, as the -most virulent may be mitigated by breaking the Points of the saline -Crystals, the most innocent Minerals may become corrosive, by combining -them with Salts, as is seen in the Preparations of Silver, Antimony, -Iron. - -Nothing more fatal than mineral Poison, which often brings swift -Destruction without remedy. To a large Dog, says the learned Dr. _Mead_, -was given a Drachm of _Mercury Sublimate_, mixt with a little Bread, who -after violent Evacuations, died next Morning. The same Gentleman -observes, that in _Arsenic_ is a very noxious quality: the factitious -white is the most violent of all kinds, superior in force to _Mercury -sublimate_. - -These mortiferous Steams that flow from the Earth, are called -_Mephites_, _poisonous Damps_; and are very common in Countries fruitful -of Minerals and Mines: _Damps_ happen in most of the _Hungarian-Mines_, -not only in the direct Passages, where they walk on horizontally, but -also in the perpendicular Descents. Now, to guard themselves against the -fatal Effects of these Exhalations, they sometimes clear their way by -Fire and the Bellows, but generally by long Tubes or Pipes, reaching -from top to bottom, thro’ which they let the Air in and out; and by this -Circulation of the Air, they carry on their Work for some time without -Danger. - -_CREMNITS_ in _Hungary_ (a small Town, reckon’d the chief of the Berg, -or Mine-Towns) is famous for its Gold-Mine which has been work’d on 900 -Years, where the Workmen sometimes are troubled with pernicious Damps, -and many are kill’d by them; and so it happens in the Mines at -_Schemnits_, the fairest of the seven Mine-Towns[41]. - -Footnote 41: - - _Atl. Geograph._ p. 1640, —1, —2, —3. - -Among the Minerals known to us, there are many more noxious than -wholesome and the Power of the former to do mischief, is more -efficacious than the Power of the latter to do good; which is evident -from the little Benefit the Miner’s Health receives from any mineral -Effluvia, compar’d with the great and sudden Damps, that are often -caused by the Expirations of _Orpiment_, _Sandarac_, and _white -Arsenic_, which is a deadly Poison, and most fatal of the whole Tribe of -Fossils. Hence the Refiners dread nothing so much as _Arsenic_ in their -Metals; for its Fumes taken into the Lungs kill instantly, and the -oftner ’tis sublim’d, the ranker it grows[42]. - -Footnote 42: - - _Boerhaave’s Theory of Chemistry._ - -_MERCURY_ is extremely volatile, being convertible into Fumes, even by a -Sand-heat. Those who practise the Art of Gilding, are but too well -acquainted with these mercurial Fumes, which frequently render them -epileptic and paralytic, and sometimes throw them into a Salivation. -This kind of Poison is found in _Friuli_, a Province in _Italy_, -belonging to the Emperor, and also in _Spain_, _Hungary_, _&c._ - -The miserable People condemn’d, or hired to work in these Mines, all die -in a little time: they are so affected with those venemous Fumes, that -from Tremors they proceed to salivate, then their Teeth drop.—One of -them who had been there six Years, was so full of _Mercury_, that -holding a Piece of _Gold_ in his Mouth a little while, it became of a -_Silver Colour_, and when taken out, it was found heavier than before, -_ibid._ p. 74. - -_COPPER_ is another poisonous Mineral, difficult of Fusion, and when -fused, if a single Drop of Water do but fall upon it; or any Vessel it -be cast in, be ever so little moist, it flies into innumerable -Fragments, with incredible Noise, and destroys all the Persons near it. -_Ibid._ - -_TIN_, the lightest of all Metals, when urged by an easy Fire, it shines -exceedingly; but this Splendor is succeeded by a sulphurous Steam, very -destructive to the Lungs, and throws the Body into a Consumption. -_ibid._ - -At _Mendip_ in _Somersetshire_, those who are employ’d in melting -_Lead-ore_, if they work in the Smoke, are subject to killing Diseases. -There is a Flight (or Steam) in the Smoke, which falling on the Grass, -poisons the Cattle that eat it. Those who live very near where Lead-ore -is wash’d, can’t keep either Dog or Cat, or any sort of Fowl, but they -all die in a short time[43]. - -Footnote 43: - - _Lowthorp_’s _Abr._ vol. ii. p. 576. - -Such are the _mephitical_ Exhalations in a little Cavern in _Italy_, -call’d _Bacca Venosa_, the poisonous Mouth, not far from _Naples_, but -more generally known by _Grotto de Cani_, the _Dog’s Cave_; because the -Experiment of its poisonous Nature is frequently made upon Dogs; tho’ it -be fatal as to any other Creatures that come within the Reach of its -venemous Fumes. This wonderful Cave is (situated at the Bottom of a -Hill) in Dimension, about eight Foot high, twelve long, and six broad. - -From the Ground within it, arises _a thin warm Fume_ (visible to the -Eye) which is one continued Steam covering the whole Surface of the -Bottom of the Cave; it does not disperse itself into the Air like Smoke, -but quickly after its Rise, falls back again into the Earth. The Fumes -rise about a Foot high and never higher, and hurt no Creature whose Head -is above that height; but when a little Dog, or the Head of any other -Creature is forcibly held in the Steam, it falls down dead, the Limbs -convuls’d, and trembling; and if left there a little while, it dies, but -if taken out soon, and laid in the open Air, comes to Life again, and -sooner, if thrown into the adjacent Lake. - -_CHARLES_ the Great, King of _France_, and Emperor of the _West_ (a -Title of Honour other _Gallick Monarchs_ have had in full view for some -time) made the Experiment upon an _Ass_, whose Head was held in the -Fume, and was soon destroy’d. _Two Slaves_ put in with their Heads kept -down to the Earth, were both soon kill’d. To this, I shall add some -Experiments made by the ingenious Mr. _Addison_, who says—— - - —“A Dog that has his Nose held in the Vapour (within the Cave) - loses all the Signs of Life in a very little time.” Then he - observes, how long a Dog was expiring the first time, and after - his Recovery, and found no sensible Difference. “A _Viper_ put - in, adds he, bore it nine Minutes the first time we put it in, - and ten the second. When we brought it out after the first - Trial, it took such a vast quantity of Air into its Lungs, that - it swell’d almost twice as big as before, and it was perhaps, on - this Stock of Air, that it lived a Minute longer. - - “A Torch, Snuff and all, goes out in a moment, when dipt into - the Vapours or Steams of that Cave——A Pistol can’t fire in it. I - split a Reed, and laid in the Channel of it a Train of - Gun-powder, so that one end of the Reed was above the Vapour, - and the other at the bottom of it; and I found, tho’ the Steam - was strong enough to hinder a Pistol from taking fire in it—that - it could not intercept the Train of Fire, when it once begun - flashing, nor prevent it from running to the very end—fire will - live in it no longer than in Water, because it wraps itself in - the same manner about the Flame, and by its Continuity hinders - any quantity of Air, or Nitre from coming to its succour[44].” - -Footnote 44: - - _His Works_, vol. iii. p. 8, 97. - -Nor are our Mines in _Great-Britain_ altogether free from these fatal -Damps, that have turn’d Coal-pits into Graves. In a Coal-pit belonging -to Lord _Sinclair_ in _Scotland_, seven or eight Men intending to work -in a Place where they had been the Day before, but stepping a little -further, they all fell down dead, as if they had been shot. The Wife of -one of them, venturing to see her Husband, fell down dead as soon as she -came near the Corps[45]. - -Footnote 45: - - _Lowthorp_’s _Abridgment_, vol. ii. p. 373. - - -III. We come now to the sensible Region, where animal Poisons reign; -that is, Poison drawn from Animals, as the Viper, Asp, Scorpion, Lepus -Marinus: and here we are to encounter with an Army of Serpents, and -their formidable Train. - -When we speak of the Poison of Serpents, we must not suppose it diffused -thro’ the whole Body, as some have imagined. Many Errors about the -particular Situation of it, have been happily removed by the Learned Dr. -_Redi_, and Dr. _Mead_, who observes the Viper has always been so -notorious for its Poison, that the most remote Antiquity, made it an -Emblem of what is hurtful and destructive, but were not agreed from -whence the Poison proceeded, whether from the _Saliva_, the _Teeth_, the -_Gall_, _&c._ which leads me to a Passage in the _noble Italian_, who -says: - -... That as a certain Learned Society in _Italy_ were debating this -Point, one _Jacobus Sozzi_ (_audiendi gratiâ_) who was allow’d to be -present, stationed himself in a corner of the Place, and hearing some of -them affirm that the Poison was in the Gall-bladder, fell a smiling; and -being ask’d the Reason, he answer’d, that the Serpent’s _Gall_ was an -innocent Part: Whereupon, in their Presence, he drank a Glass of Wine, -mixt with the _Gall of a Viper_, without any ill Effect. - -One of the Company said, he came thither with his Body prepared by -Alexipharmicks. He, to convince them of the contrary, try’d the -Experiment upon Dogs, and other Animals, by giving them the _Gall_ of -Vipers to drink in abundance, without any Danger ensuing[46]. - -Footnote 46: - - _Redi nobilis Aretini Experim. in Res Naturales_, pag. 163, 164, 165. - -In the Debate about the Seat of the Poison, the famous _Italian_ -maintains, that all the _Venom_ of a Serpent consists in a _yellow -Liquor_ contain’d in a Bladder, at the bottom of its Tooth, which -Liquor, upon its biting, by the Pressure of the Bladder, is forced thro’ -a Tube within the Tooth, into the Wound, and thence ensue direful -Effects. This Hypothesis he supports by a good number of Experiments -upon various Animals, which were bit by a Viper, after those venemous -Bags were taken out, without any Signs of Poison, or any ill Consequence -at all[47]. - -Footnote 47: - - _Seignior Redi._ - -Another _celebrated Physician_ maintains, that this _yellow Liquid_ is -not poisonous, that he had given it to Pigeons as Food, without their -being at all disorder’d thereby.—That the Viper’s Bite, he had always -found mortal to Animals, even after the venemous Bag was taken out, as -well as before.—That therefore the Poison must lie in the _irritated -Spirits of the Viper_, which it exhales in the Ardor of its biting, and -which are so cold that they curdle the Blood, and stop the -Circulation[48]. - -Footnote 48: - - _Monsieur Charras._ - -Both these are ingenious Men; their Systems are opposite, yet both -maintain’d by well-attested Experiments. The Publick, however, give into -the Sentiments of _Seignior Redi_, as answering the best to the -Mechanism of the Parts. - -Seignior _Vigani_ has in some measure reconciled these two Learned -Combatants, who alledges, that the _yellow Liquor_ wherewith Dr. _Redi_ -kill’d Pullets, _&c._ after the death of the Viper, was either saturated -with the Spirits of the enraged Viper, by whipping it before, or else -(as ’tis probable) in the hot and dry Climates of _Italy_, those -Creatures are more venemous than in colder Countries. - -This Poison of Vipers seems to lie in their hollow Teeth, because the -Mountebanks of old, to impose on the People, used to stop those -Cavities, or hollow Places in the Teeth, with some kind of _Paste_, -before they suffered the Vipers to bite them in sight of Spectators; -which was commonly done, and succeeded according to their wish;—and -sometimes, with a Needle scratch’d the Gums, and press’d out the -Poison[49]. _Pliny_ says, they have but one venemous Tooth. - -Footnote 49: - - _Lowthorp_’s _Abridg._ vol. ii. p. 815. - -Dr. _Mead_, having given the various Symptoms attending venemous Wounds, -proceeds to the Remedies; and in particular, mentions the _volatile Salt -of Vipers_, as alone sufficient to do the Work, if given in due time, in -proper quantities, and duly repeated[50]. - -Footnote 50: - - _Mechanical Account._ - -Mr. _Robert Burdet_, an _English_ Merchant at _Aleppo_ (in _Turkish -Asia_) was bit by a Serpent about ten in the Morning, and died about -three in the Afternoon. The People of that Country say, the only Cure in -that Case, is immediately to suck the Wound; but they must rub first -their Gums and Teeth with Oil, that none of the Poison may touch any -place where the Skin is broken, and spit out immediately what they -suck[51]. - -Footnote 51: - - _Lowthorp_’s _Abridg._ vol. ii. p. 814. - -The Learned _Batavian_ observes, as a present and effectual Remedy in -the Case of the Bite of a mad Dog, or other venemous Animal, immediately -to burn the affected Part with a hot Iron, or rather thrust deep into -the Wound; for by this means, the Juices about the Part being -coagulated, and an Escar produced, all Communication of the Poison to -any other Vessels is stopt, and thus the Cure may be easily effected. -Not that the hot Iron draws out the Poison, as is vulgarly imagined, but -renders the Parts uncapable of being penetrated, or affected -thereby[52]. - -Footnote 52: - - _Boerhaave_’s _new Method of Chemistry_, part. iii. _proces._ 104. p. - 213. - -But to come nearer home, and to a cheap and easy Antidote against the -serpentine and canine Venom, by a certain Experiment lately made in -_England_, which was thus, _viz._ - -... One _William Oliver_, and his Wife from _Bath_, who follow the -Business of catching and selling Vipers, offer’d themselves—to be bit by -any Viper, that should be procured, trusting to the Virtue of a certain -Remedy they had found out by chance in trying things, when the Woman was -once accidentally bitten.——The usual known Medicine, even the _Oil of -Vipers_, having no Effect in assuaging her Pains, they had recourse to -the _common Oil of Olives_, which proved an effectual Remedy. The -Circumstances of the Case were—— - -On the first of _June 1735,_ in the Presence of a great number of -Persons, the said _William Oliver_ was bit by an old black Viper, or -Adder, (brought by one of the Company) upon the Wrist, and Joint of the -Thumb of the Right-Hand, so that Drops of Blood came out of the Wounds: -He immediately felt a violent Pain, both at the top of his Thumb, and up -his Arm, even before the Viper was loosen’d from his Hand: Soon after he -felt a Pain resembling that of Burning, trickle up his Arm; in a few -Minutes, his Eyes began to look red and fiery, and to water much. - -In less than half an Hour, he perceived the Venom seize his Heart, with -a prickling Pain, which was attended with Faintness, Shortness of -Breath, cold Sweats: In a few Minutes after this, his Belly began to -swell, with great Gripings, and Pains in his Back, which were attended -with violent Vomitings, and Purgings. - -During the Violence of these Symptoms, his Sight was gone for several -Minutes; but he could hear all the while: He said, that in his former -Experiments, he had never defer’d making use of his Remedy longer than -he perceived the Effects of the Venom reaching his Heart; but this time, -being willing to satisfy the Company throughly, and trusting to the -_speedy Effects of the Oil_, which had never fail’d him, he forbore to -apply any thing till he found himself exceeding ill, and quite giddy. -About an Hour and Quarter after the first of his being bit, a -Chafing-dish of glowing Charcoals was brought in, and his naked Arm was -held over it as near as he could bear it, while his Wife rubb’d in with -her Hand the _Sallad Oil_, turning his Arm continually round, as if she -wou’d have roasted it over the Coals. - -He said the Pain soon abated, but the Swelling did not diminish much; -most violent Purgings and Vomitings soon ensued, and his Pulse became so -low and so often interrupted, that it was thought proper to order him a -Repetition of Cordial Potions. He said he was not sensible of any great -Relief from these, but that a Glass or two of _Olive Oil_ drank down -seemed to give him ease: Continuing in this dangerous Condition, he was -put to Bed, where his Arm was again bath’d over a Pan of Charcoal, and -rubb’d with _Sallad Oil_ heated in a Ladle over the Charcoal, by Dr. -_Mortimer_’s Direction.——Whereupon he declared he found immediate Ease, -as tho’ by some Charm——then fell into a profound Sleep, and after about -nine Hours found Rest, awak’d, about six the next Morning, and found -himself very well; but in the Afternoon, on Drinking some Rum and strong -Beer, so as to be almost fuddled, the Swelling return’d with much Pain -and cold Sweats; which abated soon on bathing the Arm as before, and -wrapping it up in a brown Paper soaked in the Oil. - -The learned Dr. _Mortimer_, relates the Success of this simple Medicine, -tried afterwards on other Animals, who were purposely bitten, both by -the same, and by fresh Vipers, to experience the Efficacy of it[53]. - -Footnote 53: - - Dr. _Cromwell Mortimer_ R. S. Secr. his _Narrative_ relating to the - Viper-catchers. - -In the Sequel, he has occasion to mention a Remedy for the Bite of a mad -Dog, under the Title of _Dampier’s Powder_, the Composition of which is, -_viz._ _ash Colour Groundwort and black Pepper_. It was first published -by Sir _Hans Sloane_, in _Numb. 237_ of _the Transactions_, A. D. 1720, -under the Name of _Pulvis Antilyssus_; where the Manner of giving it, -not only to Men, but to Dogs and Cattle, is accurately set down. The -Doctor says, the _Lichen Cinereus Terrestris_ is accounted exceedingly -efficacious in curing Dogs bitten by mad Dogs; then adds, _viz._ - -That King _James_, when Duke of _York_, caused this _Lichen Cinereus -Terrestris_ to be given to a whole Kennel of Dogs bit by a mad one, -which were all cured, except one of them, to whom none of it was -given[54]. - -Footnote 54: - - _Philosophical Transact._ Numb. 443, for _Oct. 1736_. - -In _Norway_, and on a great Moss near _Warrington_, are many Serpents; -and their Wounds are cured by _Venice-Treacle_. - -In _Africa_, they have an odd Way of curing Persons hurt by Poison; they -rub the Venom of Snakes with their own Spittle, between two Stones and -having mixed them well, they scratch upon the Wings of the Stomach, and -to the Part so scratch’d, which is bloody, they apply a small Part of -the Mixture; the rest they take inwardly.——This never fails to expel the -Poison in the Wound, or in any other Part affected with it: In about a -Month’s time a perfect Cure is made; in order to which, when they judge -the Poison is expell’d, they cleanse the Wound, and apply to it the -leaves of _Buchu_, _Dacha_, and other _salutiferous_ Herbs: But they -say, the least Neglect of such a Wound, (be it by a poisonous Arrow, or -any other way) is dangerous[55]. - -Footnote 55: - - _Peter Kolben_’s present State of the Cape of _Good Hope_, and of the - _Hottentots_, writ in _High-German_, and translated by Mr. _Guido - Medley_, p. 304-5. - -Snake-wood is very common in the Island of _Ceylon_, (suppos’d to be the -_Taprobane_ of _Ptolemy_) which is much esteem’d by the _East-Indians_, -who, with the Powder of it taken in Water or Wine, cure many Distempers, -and among others, the Stings of Serpents, which abound in that Country. - -Their Naturalists say, the Virtue of it was first discovered by a small -Creature, like our Ferrets, which when stung by Serpents, runs and eats -of the Snake-wood, and is cur’d. - -Father _Regnault_, speaking of Poisons, mentions several Methods of -Cure, as Incisions, Ligatures, Caustics, Vomits, Oil of Olive, Baths, -Treacle, Juice of Citron. - -By a Ligature, which hinders the Poison from spreading. - -By Caustics, or red-hot Iron brought within a certain Distance of the -Wound; because Heat attenuates the Poison by its action, and dissipates -it. - -This Effect of Poison has some Analogy with that which happens upon -syringing (thro’ Curiosity) some acid Liquor into the Veins of a living -Dog, or other Creature; for in a short time he falls into Convulsions, -and dies. A Decoction of _white Hellebore_ injected into the jugular -Vein of a Dog, as soon as it enter’d the Heart, kill’d as suddenly as if -shot thro’ the Heart with a Bullet. On _January 4, 1679_, a Drachm and a -half of _Spirit of Salt_, diluted in an Ounce and half of Water, and -injected into the jugular Vein of a Dog, kill’d him immediately. We -kill’d a Dog almost in a Moment by injecting into his jugular Vein an -Ounce of _Spirit of Wine_, in which was dissolved a _Drachm of -Camphire_: The same Day we injected warm into the crural Vein of a Cat, -50 Grains of _Opium_, dissolved in an Ounce of Water, which was soon -seized with convulsive Motions, and died within a Quarter of an Hour. We -injected an _Ounce of Oil of Olives_ into the jugular Vein of a Dog, -which suffocated him the same Moment. - - _N. B._ In all that were suffocated by Oil, we found their - Lungs fill’d with a very thick Froth[56]. - -Footnote 56: - - Mr. _Benj. Motte_’s Philosophical Transact. abridg. Vol. 1. Part. ii. - p. 220, 221, where you may find many Instances of the same Nature. - - * * * * * - - The Remarkables here are, - - -I. _That a small Portion of this venemous Liquid should in so short a -time do such terrible Executions_: That it should so soon infect so -great a Quantity of Fluid, as the whole Mass of Blood in the wounded -Animal. A very learned Physician accounts for it thus, _viz._ - - “That in the Drop of Poison are pungent Salts, by which little - Bladders in the Blood are prickt, and the elastick Matter in - them being let out, carries those acute Salts thro’ the whole - Region of Fluids; upon which follows a Coagulation[57].” - -Footnote 57: - - Dr. _Mead_’s Mechanical Account. - -All venemous Creatures hurt, by instilling a liquid Poison into the -Wound, suppose the Wound to be given by the Tooth or Tail. The aforesaid -ingenious Physician says, _viz._ “This venemous Juice it self is of so -_inconsiderable a Quantity, that it is no more than one good Drop that -does the Execution_.”——In order, adds he, to examine the Texture of the -Liquor, I enrag’d a Serpent till it bit upon something solid, so as to -void its Poison; whose Parts I view’d with a Microscope as nicely as I -could. - - “Upon the first Sight, I could discover nothing but a Parcel of - small Saks nimbly floating in the Liquor, which soon shot out, - as it were, into _Crystals_ of incredible Tenuity and Sharpness, - with something like Knots here and there, from which they seemed - to proceed; so that the whole Texture in a manner represented a - Spider’s Web, tho’ infinitely finer, and more minute; and yet - withal so rigid were these pellucid _Spicula_ or Darts, that - they remain’d unalter’d upon my Glass for several Months[58]”. - - ——_N. B._ These saline Particles appeared to be Acids. - -Footnote 58: - - _Ibid._ p. 5-6. - -Most surprising this! to see an Army of Flesh and Blood, tremble and -fall before a single Atom of Matter! to see the _Cedars of Lebanon_ -demolish’d by the single Stroke of a contemptible Worm. So in the Moral -World. Even in the Paradisaical State, how malignant the Poison of -forbidden Fruit that spread Mortality over the whole human Race, and -will affect Millions; dreadful Effects of once eating forbidden Fruit! -What a World of Evils flows from one Disease or Disorder in the human -Nature! _It was by one false Step the unquenchable Fire was first -kindled._ - - -II. _That Poison is not so dangerous, if it does not mix with the -Blood._ Even that venemous Liquid may be tasted, yea, and swallow’d -without mortal Effects, say some of the Learned. Hence it is, wounded -Persons have been directed to get the Venom immediately suck’d out, -which has been practis’d without ill Consequences to the Sucker. - -For this Method of curing venemous Wounds by Suction, _Avicenna_, an old -_Arabian_ Philosopher and physician, is quoted; who says, that those who -suck out the Poison are in no danger, so their Teeth be sound and -perfect, and their Mouths be free from all Ulcers. At _Rome_ was an -Order of Servants whose Office was to suck venemous Wounds, which they -did with Safety and Applause[59]. - -Footnote 59: - - Sr. _Redi_, p. 185. - - “Many _acid Substances_ taken into the Stomach, are, by its - action turned into _Alcalious_; so there is no question but - these _saline Spicula_ are, partly by the muscular Motion of the - Fibres, partly by the salival Juice, all broken and dissolved; - or if any escape into the Intestines, the Balsam of the Bile - will be an Antidote for them. _p. 14._” - -Creatures reputed venemous, are indeed no Poisons when swallowed, tho’ -the Venom may prove so when put into Wounds. - -The Venom that falls upon the Skin, is not so mischievous as that which -enters into the Stomach, or is communicated by a Wound. “Yea, the Venom -of a Viper, in itself, is not mortal to a robust and strong Body; and -tho’ very unhappy and mischievous Accidents attend it, as Convulsions, -Vomitings, _&c._” yet in eight or ten Days at most, these are over; tho’ -the Patient may be very ill, yet he recovers, while the Poison having -run thro’ divers Parts of the Body, at last always throws itself into -the _Scrotum_, and is discharg’d by a great Quantity of Urine: This -Evacuation being the ordinary and most certain Crisis of the -Disease[60]. - -Footnote 60: - - Philosoph. Transactions abridged by _Lowthorp_, Vol. II. p. 814. - _Noxia Serpentum est admisso sanguine partis._ Lucani Pharsalia. - Amstelod. Edit. p. 266. - -The Water—which amphibious Serpents frequent, receives no venemous -Tincture from them. When _Marcus Cato_ commanded in _Africa_ (the -Element of poisonous Animals) he had in his Army a Number of those -Natives called _Psylli_ and _Marci_, the supposed Aversion of Serpents, -and who suck’d the Wounds of those hurt by them. It is said, these -_Psyllians_ inchanted Serpents, who fled at the sight of them, as if -their Bodies exhaled some _corpuscular Effluviums_ that were most -offensive to Serpents, and put them into such pain that made them run. -To these, the General added another Set of Persons, famous for curing -the wounded by other Methods; and all little enough, Serpents being the -Lords of the Country through which they were to pass[61]. - -Footnote 61: - - _Auli Gellii Noctes Atticæ_, lib. 16. c. 11. p. 161. _Herodot._ lib. - 4. _Plutarch in Cato._ - -The Author of the Description of _Cato_’s marching the Remains of -_Pompey_’s Army through the _Lybian Deserts_, observes, how the Army -being almost choak’d with Thirst, and coming to a Brook full of -Serpents, durst not drink for fear of being poisoned, till convinced by -their Superiors, that their being in the Water, did by no means infect -it: Upon which they refreshed themselves with Water from the Serpentine -River[62]. - -Footnote 62: - - _Redi_, 178. Lucan_’s_ Pharsal.—_Pocula morte carent_—lib. 9. - -Add to this, the Example of Queen _Cleopatra_, who, to prevent her being -carried to _Rome_ in Triumph, ’tis said, poisoned herself, by holding a -Serpent to her own Breast. _Galen_ mentioning this Story, relates from -Authors, that she killed herself, by pouring the Poison of an Asp into a -Wound made in her Arm by her own Teeth; as if under Conviction, that the -Poison would not effectually answer the End, without touching the Blood. -_Ibid._ Of which more in the _Second Part_ of this Discourse. - - -III. _In Serpents is an inexhaustible Store of Poison._ If they -discharge all their Artillery to-day, their Arsenal will be full -to-morrow. ’Tis true, by a speedy repeated Emission of Poison at one -time, the Viper loses its force, probably by a Diminution in Quantity; -but is recruited in a Short space. Thus, one Viper cannot poison six -Creatures, one immediately after another; the Truth of which is -confirmed by uncontestable Facts.——An Experiment was made by Dr. -_Areskine_, when he was at _Paris_.—Having got a large female Viper, he -made it bite six Pigeons, one immediately after another. The first and -second that were bit, died within half an Hour; one a little before the -other; the third lived about two Hours; the fourth seem’d to be very -sick for a while, but recover’d; the fifth and sixth that were bitten, -were no more hurt than if prick’d with a Pin. _Ibid._ - -The learned _Italian_, Seignior _Redi_, says, that having, at the -Entrance of Winter, a Scorpion sent him to _Rome_ from _Tunis_ in -_Africa_, he irritated it to sting Pigeons and Pullets, without any bad -Effects; but upon the approach of warm Weather, after eight Months -fasting it was provoked to sting two Pigeons successively, which soon -died; but the third and fourth received no hurt from its Wound. The -Author of the _Natural History of Carolina_, speaking of the -_Rattle-Snakes_, says, they can’t renew their Poison as oft as they -will; for he had seen a Person bit by one of them, who never rightly -recovered, and very hardly escaped with Life; and another Person -immediately after being bit by the same Snake, received no more Hurt -than if bit by a Rat. _p._ 129.[63] - -Footnote 63: - - New Collection of Voyages, printed A. D. 1711. - - _N. B._ Poison in different Countries, is more or less dangerous - according as it is exalted and heighten’d by various Degrees of - Heat; for by Increase of Heat, that venemous Quality is - increased. - - - OBJECTION. - -_How is it consistent with Divine Goodness to create such venemous -Animals, that are so dangerous and destructive to their -Fellow-Creatures?_ I answer, - - -I. _That as the Power of God shines in the Formation of all Creatures, -so does his Goodness in their natural Perfections, which is the Goodness -of their Being._ Every Creature is good, and if any Branch of the -Creation be hurtful to another, ’tis the Effect of moral Evil, and not -any necessary Consequence arising from their Creation. - -This noxious Quality in Serpents, is God’s Creature, and must answer -some valuable Purpose, tho’ concealed from an Eye blinded by the Venom -of Sin. Nor must we forget that they seldom hurt their Fellow-Creatures, -but when they are provok’d; and when they hurt, they present us with a -healing Remedy, that is, _the volatile Salt of Vipers, which if rubbed -into the Wound, has been generally applied with Success_. - - -II. _Their poisonous Liquid must some way be beneficial to themselves._ -We are not told what their original Food was; but now they live by -Plunder, and by their Venom they are enabled to make sure of their Prey, -which otherwise might escape, or grow too strong for them, and so they -might starve for want of proper Means to support Life; and what they -take by their venemous Fangs and Stings, is good Nourishment. - -Their Poison also, is to them as a Life-Guard. Were there not something -terrible in their Weapons of War, every one would trample upon them. Add -to this, that perhaps their Constitution may be so modify’d and framed, -that this venemous Liquid may be as useful to digest their Food, as our -_Saliva_ is to us in that respect. - - -III. _SERPENTS, tho’ venemous, are of special Use to Mankind, as they -are Part of the_ Materia Medica, _and bear a great Share in some of the -best Antidotes, or Remedies against Poison_. Vipers make a considerable -Article in Medicine; their Flesh either roasted or boiled, the -Physicians unanimously prescribe as an excellent Restorative, -particularly in Consumptions, Leprosy.—— - -The learned Dr. _Mead_ recommends the Broth or Jelly of Vipers; or, as -the Antients did, to boil and eat them as a Fish, or at least to drink -Wine, wherein they have been long infused: The Apothecaries sell the -_Pulvis Viperinus_, which is only _dried Vipers pulverized_, Heart, -Liver, and all other Parts, and past through a fine Sieve. Some call it, -_Animal Bezoard_. - -_BEZOAR_ is a _Persian_ Word, _Pazahar_, primarily denotes -_Counter-Poison_, and is applied to several chymical Compositions of -that Intention. _Theriaca_, or Treacle, a Name given by the Antients to -various Compositions, is reckoned good against Poison.—The Basis or -Foundation of the Composition is Viper’s Flesh[64]. - -Footnote 64: - - _Cyclopædia._ - -Even in _Tartary_, an uncultivated Nation, the Viper’s Flesh is reckoned -to be wonderful good Physick. In some of the Rivers of _Siam_, are many -Crocodiles, which the _Siamese_ call _Cayman_, and use them as good -Physick with Success[65]. - -Footnote 65: - - _Struys_’s Voyages, _ad annum_ 1657. I. c. III p. 29. - -It is supposed, when Viper-Catchers were hurt, they immediately cured -themselves by rubbing this _volatile Salt_ of Vipers into the wounded -Part. An Experiment was made by enraging a Viper to bite the Nose of a -young Dog: The Part began to swell; to which was applied this _volatile -Salt_, and the Dog was very well next day. The Viper was made to bite -the Dog again in the Tongue, and no Application being made, he died -within a few Hours[66]. - -Footnote 66: - - Dr. _Mead_’s Mechanical Account, p. 17. - -One of the first that made use of the Viper in medicinal Purposes, was -(as my learned Author thinks) _Antonius Musa_, the famous Physician to -_Octavius Cæsar_; of whom _Pliny_ tells, _that when he met with -incurable Ulcers, he ordered the eating of Vipers; and by this means -they were quickly healed_. The same Author adds from _Porphyrius_, that -the great _Greek_ Physician _Craterus, very happily cured a miserable -Slave, whose Skin in a strange manner fell off from his Bones_, by -advising him to _feed upon Vipers, drest after the manner of Fish_. -Ibid. - -A late eminent Physician, speaking of Vipers, says,——’Tis certain, very -noble Medicines are prepared from them, and a Wine from their Flesh, -singular in consumptive, leprous, and scorbutick Cases: They afford also -a _volatile Salt, the most generous Cordial in Nature_[67]. - -Footnote 67: - - Dr. _Charles Leigh_’s Natural History of —— p. 148. - -In _Italy_ is a subterraneous Cavern, called _Grotto de i Serpi_, large -enough to hold two Persons, perforated like a Sieve; out of which, in -the Spring, issues a numerous Brood of young Snakes, of divers Colours. -In this Cave they expose their leprous, paralytic, arthritick Patients, -where the Warmth of the Steams resolving them into Sweat, and then -Serpents clinging variously all around, licking their naked Bodies, they -are soon restored to Health, by repeating the Operation. This -_Serpentine Cave_ was visited by _Kircher_, the celebrated Philosopher -and Mathematician; who says, he saw the Holes, and heard a murmuring -hissing Noise in them, tho’ he did not see the Serpents, it not being -their Season to creep out; yet he saw a great Number of their _Exuviæ_, -or _Sloughs_, and an Elm at a small distance laden with them. The -Discovery was by the Cure of a Leper going from _Rome_, who losing his -way, and being benighted, happen’d upon this Cave, and finding it very -warm, pull’d off his Clothes; and being weary and sleepy, had, says my -Author, the Good-fortune not to feel the Serpents about him, till they -had wrought his Cure. _Musæum Wormian. in Cyclopædia._ - - -IV. _Serpents are not only Physick, but common Food in many Parts of the -World, and esteemed a most delicious Entertainment._ Formerly, nothing -more terrible to Men than these veneniferous Animals, but now (Men being -better acquainted with their natural Qualities) are very familiar to -many People; insomuch that there are but few Persons of Distinction, in -_France_, and other Places, where they may be had, but make use of them, -as _a good and most agreeable Diet_; and the ingenious Virtuoso makes -living Vipers his Domestick Divertisement. - -The _Italian_ and _French Physicians_ do commonly prescribe the _Broth_ -and _Jelly_ of _Vipers_, to purify and invigorate the Mass of Blood, -exhausted with Age and chronical Diseases. - -We read of the _Ophiophagi_, a People so called because they are -_Serpent-Eaters_. It is observed from _Aristotle_, that the -_Troglodytes_, who are _Africans_, not far from the _Arabian Gulph_, -leading a pastoral Life, lived by hunting—and fed on Serpents[68]. - -Footnote 68: - - _Strabo_, lib. 16. Βιος νομαδιχος—_Cluverii Introduct._ - -Among the _Andesian_ Mountains in _America_, is a Serpent called -_Juanna_, big as a Rabbit, has a spotted Skin, four Feet, and is never -observed to have any Voice, is much eaten by the Inhabitants, and -counted better Meat than Rabbits, as it is prepared by the -_Barbarians_[69]. - -Footnote 69: - - _Ray_, p. 329. _Atl. Geograph. America_, p. 129. - -The _Kanina Serpent_ that feeds upon Birds, is eaten by the Inhabitants, -the _Brasilians_, and their _Negro-Labourers_, after they cut off the -Head and Tail. _Ibid._ The _Dutch_, _Portuguese_, and others in that -Country, feed upon the _Lyboya Serpent_; ’tis of a prodigious, large -Bulk, and described in another Place. _Ibid._ In old _Mexico_, we read -how the _Indians_ took a certain Serpent that carried thirty Young’s, -which were each a Finger long, and crept about immediately; and the old -one being above 20 Foot long, served the Natives for Venison[70]. - -Footnote 70: - - _Atl. Geograph. for America_, from _Laet._ p. 628. - -_AMERICUS Vespusius_, (a _Florentine_, who was the first, after -_Columbus_, that discover’d _America_, and wrote the History of his four -Years Voyages) says, he saw some Serpents in _America_, which the -Inhabitants commonly feed upon: They were of diverse Colours, and as big -as Kids. In the History of that Country, we find the Natives of the Land -fed upon Adders, Serpents, Toads,——without any Scruple of Mind, or -Injury to their Health. - -The Natives of _Tonquin_, a large Kingdom of _India_, beyond the -_Ganges_, in treating their Friends, give them _Arrack_, a rich Cordial, -in which Snakes and Scorpions have been infus’d; and is esteem’d an -Antidote against all Poisons. - -_INDIA_ breeds Serpents in abundance of all Sizes, and Variety of most -charming Colours: The People of _Siam_ catch prodigious Numbers of them -in the Woods, and expose them to Sale in the Markets, as Eels in -_England_, for Animal Food[71]. - -Footnote 71: - - _Le Comte_’s Memoirs, p. 504. - -Experiments have been made upon Animals, as Pigeons, Chickens—that were -bit by Serpents, which have been eaten without any manner of Hurt, or -painful Sensation; yea, Serpents that were slain have been given to -Dogs, who fed upon them without danger, or any uneasiness[72]. - -Footnote 72: - - Sr. _Redi_, p. 178. - -The _Circulatores_, or Dealers in Serpents, devour’d at their Tables -even their Heads, and pour’d the Gall into their Cups when they drank, -laughing at their Neighbours Timidity, who transform their Imaginations -into Bug-bears. - -The Inhabitants of Mount _Athos_, between _Macedonia_ and _Thracia_, are -called _Macrobii_, that is _Long-livers_, or long-liv’d; and their -Longevity is attributed to their feeding on Viper’s Flesh, which is a -most elegant Nutritive[73]. - -Footnote 73: - - _C. Gesner_, p. 76. - -The _Ethiopians_ are number’d among those who feed upon Serpents, as one -valuable Branch of their sustenance. - -In the Kingdom of _Congo_ in _Africa_, the _Negroes_ roast the Adders, -and not only greedily feed upon them, but esteem them as a most -delicious Food[74]. - -Footnote 74: - - _Purchas Pilgrim_, Part ii. l. 7. - -_ST. HELENA_, one of the _African_ Islands, abounds with Serpents which -the _Dutch_ eat as a greater Dainty than Eels[75]. We read of a Man who -liv’d at _Colonia Agrippina_ in _Germany_, that fed upon Spiders, as the -most delicate Dish.—_N. B._ This _Cologne_ is called _Agrippina_ from -_Agrippina_ the Mother of _Nero_ (who poison’d _Claudius_ her own -Husband, to make _Nero_ her Son Emperor) and would have the Town -honoured with a _Roman_ Colony, as being the Place of her Birth[76]. - -Footnote 75: - - _Atl. Afric._ p. 741. - -Footnote 76: - - _Tacitus_’s Annals, Vol. 1. B. iv. - -In _Cuba_, an _American_ Island, they were pester’d with many sorts of -Serpents, not so much from the ill Condition of the Soil, as by an old -superstitious Whim of the Savages, who in former Times were not suffered -to kill them, (this being a royal game, and a nice Dish reserved for the -Higher Powers) and were not able afterwards to destroy them, when it -would have been suffered[77]. - -Footnote 77: - - _Heylin_’s Cosmography, B. iv. p. 151. - -The _Kalmuck Tartars_ feed very much upon Snakes, Adders and Foxes——The -_Syrians_ eat Crocodiles, which live on the Land only. - -_MITHRIDATE_, formerly one of the Capital Medicines in the Shops, has -the Name from the Inventor, _viz._ _Mithridates_ King of _Pontus_, who -being overcome by _Pompey_, would have poison’d himself; but no Poison -would work upon him, having accustom’d himself to eat Poison; thus -described in an old Doggrel Rhyme, _viz._ - - _King_ Mithridates _cou’d not poison’d be, - He drinking Poison oft, grew Poison-free_. - -After King _Mithridates_ was vanquish’d, _Cneus Pompeius_ found in his -Closet the following Receipt, against Poison, writ with his own Hand, in -this Manner, _viz._ - -_TAKE two dry Walnut-kernels, as many Figs, of Rue twenty Leaves, stamp -all these together into one Mass, with a Grain of Salt._——Under this -Receipt was writ——_Whoever eats this Confection in the Morning fasting, -no Poison shall hurt him that Day_[78]. In _America_, where Lizards are -very good, they eat them, and so large, that one Lizard is enough to -satisfy four Men. ’Tis very probable that they were eaten in _Arabia_ -and _Judea_, since _Moses_ ranks them among the unclean Creatures[79]. - -Footnote 78: - - _Pliny_’s Natural Hist. Tom. ii. B. 23. - -Footnote 79: - - _Calmet in verbum——Hieronym. contra Jovinian._ lib. ii. - -Though the Flesh of venemous Creatures be nutrimental, and eaten with a -good Relish, in many Places, yet it must be allow’d our old -Historiographers in some Things hyperbolize upon the Subject. Thus -_Avicenna_, the great _Arabian_ Doctor, and others, speak of a young -Maid, who was fed with the Flesh of poisonous Creatures, from her tender -Age; by which her Breath became venemous to those who stood by her. And -thus _Porus_, a certain _Indian_ King, is said to use Poison every Day, -that he might kill others. It is a known History, adds he, of a young -Woman, fed with Poison, with which the _Persian_ Kings destroy’d whom -they pleas’d. - -Add to this another traditional Opinion, _viz._ that some particular -Persons have an evil Eye, which affects Children and Cattle; yea, that -some have this unhappy Faculty, tho’ at the same Time void of any ill -Design. This has been an old Tradition, as appears from that of the -Poet[80]. - -Footnote 80: - - _Nescio quis teneros oculus mihi fascinat agnos._ See _Martin_ on the - Western Islands, _p._ 122, 123. - -On the Mountains of _Ceylon_ in the _East-Indies_, are Serpents of such -vast Size, that they swallow young Cattle: Their Flesh is very delicate, -and has a most pleasing Taste; therefore is very much eaten. - -This Island of _Ceylon_ is one of the most charming Situation on the -Earth, the Key and Glory of the _Indies_; the Air so temperate, that, -properly speaking, they feel neither Heat nor Cold; the Vales and Hills -are always covered with Flowers, the Fields cover’d with Fruits of all -Sorts; and in the Woods are Serpents call’d _Lizards_, full three Hands -long, whose Flesh is excellent Meat[81]. - -Footnote 81: - - _Ribeyro_’s History of _Ceylon_, presented to the King of _Portugal_, - 1685, translated out of _Portuguese_ into _French_, printed at - _Trevoux_, 1701. - -In the second Part is a more ample Description of _Ceylon_. - -The _Iguana_ Serpent is amphibious, lays numerous Eggs, grateful to the -Taste, is very good Nourishment, preferable to _Spanish_ Rabbits; and in -the City of _Mexico_ these Serpents are brought to the Markets, -especially in the quadragesimal Days. - -A _Spanish_ Historian says, the _Iguanas_ are shap’d like the -_Alligators_, very ugly, as big as Lap-dogs, of several Colours; the -_Spaniards_ observe, that their Flesh tastes like the Pheasants, and -feed upon it with pleasure[82]. - -Footnote 82: - - _Herrera_’s Hist. Vol. ii. p. 14. - -The learned _Ray_, speaking of the _Liboya_, that monstrous _American_ -Serpent, says, that after it has swallow’d a large Animal, its Head -grows heavy and sleepy, that it can neither run nor fight; the Hunters -finding it in this stupid Posture, soon strangle him with a Rope; and -being kill’d, cut the Carcass into Parcels, and sell the Flesh for Food, -which is reckon’d a delightful Entertainment[83]. The same Author adds, -that both _Africans_ and _Americans_ having cut off the Head and Tail of -the _Kanina_ Serpent, eat the Body as part of their constant Repast. -_Ibid._ 328. - -Footnote 83: - - _Raii Synopsis_, p. 334,—_Solo reste_—_caroque ejus pro cibo - gratissimo venditur_. - -_BRASILIAN_ Serpents call’d _Lizards_ are slay’d, broil’d as little -Fishes, and eaten by the Negroes or Blackmoors that are transported into -that Country from _Africa_. - -I am inform’d of a Gentleman of the Law at _Ludlow_, who having prick’d -a living Toad in various Parts, sucks its Moisture, and leaves it as -must a Skeleton as the Purse of a Client. - -Thus we see that the Almighty is so far from being chargeable with -Defect of Wisdom and Goodness, in forming of Serpents, that both as Food -and Physick, they may be equally improv’d to our Advantage. - -I shall only add one Remark here, that if Serpents, and other venemous -Creatures, are hurtful to us, ’tis only by Accident, that is, they are -not vexatious to us, of Necessity, but through our own Ignorance, -Carelessness, or Mistake; _e. gr._ - - “The Birds we call _Stares_, safely feed upon _Hemlock_; - _Storks_ feed on Adders, and Slow-Worms; which, and other - hurtful Creatures, would be as harmless to ourselves, had we - always Caution enough to avoid them, or Wit enough to use them - as we should. Thus _Aloes_ has the Property of promoting - Hæmorrhages; but this Property is good or bad, as ’tis used: if - by one that has the _Green Sickness_, it will prove a good - Medicine; if by one subject to a _Dysentery_, or to spitting of - Blood, a pernicious Poison.”[84] - -Footnote 84: - - Dr. _Neh. Grew_’s _Cosmologia Sacra_, B. iii. cap. 2. p. 103. - -And it is very probable, that the most dangerous Poisons skilfully -managed, may be made, not only innocuous, but, of all other Medicines, -the most effectual. Opium corrected, loses its narcotic Quality, and is -safely given in great Doses, in Fluxes, Catarrhs, and convulsive Cases. - -It is generally agreed, there is no Part of a Viper, not even the Gall -itself, but may be swallowed without harm; accordingly the Ancients, -and, as several Authors of Credit assure us, the _Indians_ and others at -this day, both of the East and West, eat them, as we do, Eels. - -Spontaneous Productions of the Earth were the first Food, and still are -the Sustenance of numerous Nations. It was some time before they came to -the Juices of Cattle, as Milk, and longer before they commenced -carnivorous, and devoured their Fellow-Animals. - -Some think the Fruits of the Earth were intended as Man’s sole Food, and -that nothing but Necessity or Luxury first prompted to feed upon Flesh: -And indeed, by the Structure of Man’s Teeth, it looks as if they were -not proper to devour Flesh; and that Nature had rather intended and -prepared them for cutting Herbs, Roots,——than, for tearing of Flesh. -Yea, Children don’t affect Animal Food, till their Palates be vitiated -by Custom; and, further, when we feed upon Flesh, it must be prepared by -roasting or boiling, which makes it harder of Digestion, than all other -Animal Food; and therefore forbid in Fevers, and other Distempers. - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - SECTION VIII. - -_That venemous Creatures have been made Instruments of divine and human -Vengeance, is most evident._ The romantic Account given in Antiquity, of -strange Feats done by a poisonous Breath—does not affect the Truth of -this Proposition. - -The Antients divided Serpents, into good and evil Ministers; thus the -_Egyptians_ looked upon some of them to be Administrators of Mercy, and -others to be Messengers of Justice. _Osiris_[85] one of their Gods, is -said to send out Serpents, to chastise Evil-Doers[86]. - -Footnote 85: - - ——δρακων επι νωτα δαφωινος - Σμερδαλεος, του ῥ’ αυτος ολυμπιος ηκε φοως δε. - Hom. Iliad. B. - -Footnote 86: - - _Ælian. Hist. Animalium._ - -When the Church of _Israel_ murmured against God in the Wilderness, and -censured the Conduct of Providence, he employs an Army of Serpents as -his Agents, to correct the Rebels.——Plagues, and other pestilential -Diseases, were, in old times, reputed to be the Messengers of the Gods, -and commissioned by them, to execute Wrath upon the Wicked. - -Some of the Heathens had exalted Notions of Virtue, and believed Men of -Virtue to be the Favourites of the Gods, and that a vicious Life, being -opposite to the Sanctity of their Nature, they could not let it pass -with Impunity. - -An Instance to this purpose we have in the History of the Apostles, -_Acts_ xxviii. 1-6. The _Island_ was called _Melita_. _And when Paul had -gathered a Bundle of Sticks, and laid them on the Fire, there came a -Viper out of the Heat, and fastened on his Hand. And when the Barbarians -saw the venemous Beast hang on his Hand; they said among themselves, No -doubt this Man is a Murderer, tho’ he has escaped the Sea, yet -Vengeance_ (δικη, _Justice_) _suffers not to live——They looked when he -should have swoln, or faln_ _down—And when they saw no harm come to him, -they changed their Mind, and said he was a God._ _How_ came they to -alter their Opinion? Because, according to their Divinity, none else -could thus command, and controul a venemous Serpent, which was one of -the _Messengers of the Gods_. - -“No venemous Beasts, according to the fabulous Tradition, will live in -the Island, which they ascribe to St. _Paul_’s Blessing, when he was -shipwreck’d there.” They shew the Cave where they pretend he resided, -and reckon the Earth of it, an Antidote against Poison. - -From this historical Passage, ’tis evident, that these Barbarians did -believe a _Providence_, and the Doctrine of _Divine Justice_, which -_Justice_ they openly adored, under the Name of _Vindicta_, or -_Nemesis_, which was the _Goddess_ of _Revenge_, whose Province was to -inspect the moral Conduct of all Men, and distribute Rewards and -Punishments as the Case required. It was painted in the same manner as -_Justice_, with a Pair of _Scales_ in one hand, and a _Sword_ in the -other. - -In _Ethiopia_, we read of a large Country, this side the _Cynamolgi_, -that was laid waste, and entirely depopulated by Scorpions, before whom, -the Inhabitants not being able to stand, fled for their Lives. The same -Desolation was made by the Scorpions at _Salamin_, an island not far -from _Athens_, called the _Island of Dragons_, for which _Lycophron_ is -quoted[87]. - -Footnote 87: - - _Conrad. Gesner. de Scorp._ - -The Inhabitants of _Amyclæ_, a Town in _Italy_, were destroyed by -Serpents, being, as ’tis said, of the _Pythagorean Race_, whose Laws -forbid to kill Animals, and by suffering these venemous Creatures to -multiply without Controul, they became insufferable[88]. - -Footnote 88: - - _Ibid._ - -The Inhabitants of _Pescara_, an antient City in _Africa_, were -constrained to forsake their Habitations in _Summer_, by reason of -_Scorpions_ that were very numerous, and in that Season, their Sting -most dangerous: In Winter, when their Wounds were less dangerous, the -Refugees turned to their Houses[89]. - -Footnote 89: - - _Atl. Geogr._ p. 319. - -_DIODORUS SICULUS_ observes how many Regions have been deserted, for -this reason; both People and Cattle being driven away by an Army of -_Scorpions_, and their Allies. - -In the _Canary-Islands_, these venemous Animals are more dreaded than -the Pestilence. ’Tis said they are hunted and taken by the _Turks_, who -prepare the _Oil_ of _Scorpions_ from them[90]. In _India_, about the -_Arrahban-Lake_, the Country has been intirely dispeopled by these -mischievous Creatures. _Ibid._ - -Footnote 90: - - _Conrad. Gesner._ p. 29. - -In Times of War, Serpents have been prest into the Service. Thus -_Heliogabalus_ (Emperor of _Rome_, so called because he was _Priest_ of -the _Sun_ before his Election) having, by his _Sacerdotal Incantators_, -or sacred Conjurers, gathered together several Serpents, contrived a -Method to turn them loose, before day, among his Enemies, which soon put -them into a terrible Hurry, and a Motion, that was a Trial for their -Lives; the Sight of the crooked Serpent being far more dreadful, than -the Whizzing of a straight Arrow[91]. The same Author informs us of -Snakes thrown by a Sling-Staff into the Camp of the Barbarians, which -did great Execution. - -Footnote 91: - - _Gesner. de Scorp._ - -King _Prusias_ being overcome by King _Eumenes_, by Land, and intending -to try his Fate by Sea, _Hannibal_, by a new Invention, made him -victorious. The Stratagem was this: _Hannibal_ having procured a great -Number of Serpents, put them into earthen Vessels; and by another -Device, and in midst of the Engagement, convey’d them into _Antiochus_’s -Fleet, which proved more dreadful than Fire-balls, and feather’d -Weapons, that flew amongst them. At first, it seemed ridiculous to the -_Romans_, that they should arm themselves, and fight with _earthen -Pots_; but when they were broken, an Army of Snakes rush’d out, which so -terrified the Marines, that they immediately yielded the Victory to -_Prusias_, the _Carthaginian_ Hero’s Friend[92]. - -Footnote 92: - - _Justini Hist._ lib. xxxii. ad finem. - -We read in History, how _Juno_, out of her hatred to _Hercules_, sent -two dreadful Serpents to devour him in the Cradle, which he soon crush’d -with his Infant-Hands. - -It was common among the _Antient Swedes_, to send out certain Flies -(which they pretended to be their Familiars) to plague their Enemies. -They also made _Magical Balls_ for the same purpose, boasting how they -thereby conveyed Serpents into their Enemies Bodies. - -The _Laplanders_ had their _Magical Tyre_, which was a Ball about the -Bigness of a small Apple, (made of Moss, or Hair of Beasts) which, they -say, is quickned and moved by a particular Art; they persuade -themselves, that by this _Tyre_, they can send Serpents, or what they -please, into any Man, to torment him. When this _Ball_ is thrown, it -goes like a Whirlwind, and as swift as a pointed Arrow[93]. - -Footnote 93: - - _Schefferus_’s History of _Lapland_, cap. xi. p. 60. - -In the Book of _Daniel_, mention is made of several kinds of Magicians -in _Chaldea_, under King _Nebuchadnezzar_; one is _Mecasphim_, a word -which by St. _Jerome_, and the _Greeks_ is translated _Malefici_, -_Inchanters_, such People as make use of noxious Herbs and Drugs, the -Blood of Victims, and Bones of the Dead, for their superstitious -Operations[94]. - -Footnote 94: - - _Calmet_’s Hist. Crit.—Dictionary. - - “The Tyrants of _Japonia_ invented a strange Punishment for - those who confessed Christ.——They hung them with their Heads - downwards, half their Bodies into a large Hole digged in the - Earth, which they filled with _Snakes_, _Lizards_, and other - poisonous Vermin; but even those (says my Right Reverend Author, - the learned and pious Bishop _Taylor_) were better Companions - than those infernal Dragons in the Pit of Hell[95].” - -The _Romans_, when they punish’d any for _Parricide_, to express their -Abhorrence of so heinous a Murder, they shut him up in a Sack, with a -Serpent, an Ape, and a Cock. - -Footnote 95: - - _Contemplations_, Book ii. chap. 6. - -To these Instances, I shall add, that the Attendants of _Pluto_, Prince -of the Infernal Regions, are represented in a _Serpentine Habit_, viz. -the _Furies_, _Harpies_—— - -In his Train, are three _Diræ_, _Eumenides_, or Furies, _viz._ _Alecto_, -_Megæra_, and _Tysiphone_, whose Heads are covered with long and -dreadful Snakes, instead of Hair, with Whips, Chains, and flaming -Torches, in their Hands, to punish the Guilty. These also attended the -Throne of _Jove_, and were accounted to be Messengers of the Gods, whose -Office it was to execute their Decrees in the Infliction of Calamities -upon Mortals. - -These _Furies_ had their Temples and Worshippers, and were described in -Figures of so frightful a Form, that they durst scarce mention their -Names without Horror. - -_TYSIPHONE_, one of them, enraged at an innocent Youth, pluck’d off one -of her Snakes, and threw it at him, which wound about his Body, and -immediately strangled him. Some say, that we see these three Furies on a -Medal of the Emperor _Philip_, struck at _Antioch_, on whose Reverse are -represented three Women, arm’d with a Key, burning Torches, Poniards, -and Serpents. - -The Daffodil was sacred to the Furies, and such as offered Sacrifice to -them were crowned with it[96]. - -Footnote 96: - - From _Eustathius_, on the first Book of the _Iliad_. - -As soon as departed Souls had been examined by _Minos_, _Radamanthus_, -and _Æacus_, and found guilty, and Sentence past, they were delivered to -the Furies, who cast them down headlong into _Tartarus_, the Place of -Torment,—and all those who had lived well, were conducted to the -_Elysian_ Fields. - -_HOMER_ speaks of them as the Executioners of Justice upon false -Swearers, among other Instances: - - _Infernal Furies, and Tartarean Gods, - Who rule the Dead, and horrid Woes prepare - For perjur’d Kings, and all who falsly swear._ - -The _Harpies_[97] were monstrous and cruel Birds describ’d with Women’s -Faces, and _Dragons Tails_, to render them more formidable to Mankind: -The Ancients looked upon them as Dæmons or Genii, which last _Homer_ -calls _Podarge_. About _Kaskan_ in _Persia_, is a fine and fertile -Country, but plagued with Multitudes of _Scorpions_, which haunt the -Inhabitants, especially in that Town (one of the most populous and -eminent Marts in that Empire) where the Inhabitants, for fear of that -venemous Animal, dare not sleep upon the Floor (as in other Places, -where they only throw a Quilt upon the Tapestry) but have light Couches, -hanging down from the Roof, like Seamens Hammocks, or hanging Beds on -ship-board. - -Footnote 97: - - _Aello_, _Ocypete_, and _Celæno_, Virg. Æneid. lib. 3. - -They have indeed a ready Help against its venemous Wounds, which is made -of the Filings of Copper, tempered with _Vinegar_ and _Honey_, which -proves a speedy Cure; but if neglected, the Patient is in danger of his -Life. This, says the Historian, I presume, has been first found out by -the antipathetick Quality, which seems to be between _Scorpions_ and -_Copper_; for not far from the City is the Copper-Mine, where, as -before, if one of these Animals be brought, it dies immediately. _Q. -Whether this be not_ Herbert_’s_ Parthian? - -Yea, to render a future State terrible to Mortals, the Heathens, -speaking of departed Souls, feigned, that at their Descent from -_Charon_’s Boat (who was the Ferryman of Hell) they met _Cerberus_, a -monstrous Dog, with three Heads, who was covered all over with -_Serpents_, instead of Hair. There was the Monster _Chimæra_ that -vomited Fire, her Head like a _Lion_, Middle like a _Goat_, and her Tail -like a furious _Dragon_; so sings the Poet: - - ——Cerberus, _who soon began to rear - His crested Snakes—he gapes with three enormous Mouths_. - - Dryden’s Virgil. - -So another: - - _For as the_ Pope _that keeps the Gate - Of Heaven, wears three Crowns of State; - So he, that keeps the Gates of Hell, - Proud_ Cerberus, _wears three Heads as well. - And, if the World have any Troth, - Some have been canoniz’d in both_. - - Hudibras. - -But further, we may observe, that besides this frightful Appearance of -Serpents to salute their Entrance into Hell, there was Variety of -Punishments for them when there. Thus the _Danaides_ were condemned to -_Tartarus_ by the Poets, to be continually employed in filling a Cask -perforated at the bottom; _Phlegas_, condemned by _Apollo_ to Hell, -where he sat upon a rolling Stone, in constant danger of falling into a -Pit of greater Misery; _Tityus_, adjudged to Hell, where a Vultur feeds -on his Liver, and the Liver always grows with the Moon: Nay, such were -the horrible Preparations in Hell, that _Virgil_[98], after a Survey of -it, declares, that had he a hundred Mouths and Tongues, they would not -suffice to recount all the Plagues of the Tortured: so that it is no -wonder to see them represent the infernal Prison in Figures the most -frightful. - -Footnote 98: - - _Æneid._ lib. vi. ver. 638. - -And as the Heathen had their terrible Place for bad Men, so, to prompt -them to Virtue, they had their _Elysium_, i. e. a Place of Pleasure in -_Hades_, furnished with most pleasant Fields, agreeable Woods, Groves, -Shades, Rivers; whither the Souls of good People were supposed to go -after this Life. These are finely described by the Poet: - - ——_locos lætos & amœna virenta - Fortunatorum nemorum sedesque beatas_. - - -[Illustration] - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - -[Illustration] - - - A - - NATURAL HISTORY - - OF - - _SERPENTS_ - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - PART II. - -_Which gives a View of most Serpents that are known in the several Parts - of the World, describ’d by their various Names, different Countries, - Qualities_, _&c._ - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - -The Serpents are a numerous Tribe, and their Dominions of large Extent, -lying both in Sea and Land: No part of the World but what is replenish’d -with them, more or less, in some form or other. In describing them, I -shall begin with, - - -I. The _Viper_, or _Adder_, a subtle and poisonous Creature, slender in -Body, about a Foot and half long, with fiery and flaming Eyes, a long -and cloven Tongue, which when irritated, it darts forth with Violence, -and looks like a glowing Firebrand; has a big Head, and flattest of the -serpentine kind. - -It is slow in its motion, and does not leap like other Serpents, but is -very nimble to bite when provok’d. The Scales under the Body resemble -that of well-polish’d Steel. They appear in divers Colours, yellow, ash, -green; and others of _Libya_, like the Inhabitants, of a blackish Hue; -its Front not unlike that of a Hog. - -_VIPERS_ of other Nations, are supposed to be larger than the -_European_, especially the _Troglodite-Viper_[99], which is said to be -above fifteen Cubits long: and the Historian adds, viz. _That there are -no domestick Vipers_. I presume, he means they are not brought up among -the Children of the Family, as some Serpents are said to have been; this -little venemous Reptile being of a more mischievous Nature[100]. - -Footnote 99: - - _Ælian de Nat. Animal._ - -Footnote 100: - - _Conrad. Gesner. Hist._ p. 75. - -The _Viper_ differs from the _Snake_ in bulk, being not so large, and -their Scales more sharp, and Head more large: They also differ in this, -_viz._ Snakes lay their Eggs, twenty, thirty, sixty, and a hundred -sometimes, in one Nest, not quite so large as that of a Magpye (which -are inclosed with a whitish Skin, but not with Scales) in Dunghills and -other warm Situations, where they are hatch’d by adventitious Heat, -commonly call’d Adders in this Country; whereas Vipers make use of their -own Matrix, and bring forth live Vipers: Their young ones come forth -wrapt up in thin Skins, which break on the third day, and set the little -venemous Creatures at liberty, therefore rank’d among the viviparous -Animals. - -Their Births are much like young Snigs for Bulk; they generally bring -forth about twenty young ones, but only one each day. It is observ’d of -the Viper, that its Internals are not fetid, like those of some other -Serpents, that are intolerable. The Eggs of _Lizard-Serpents_, which are -so much esteem’d in the _French-Islands_ of _America_, are of the same -Size and Figure as those of Pigeons, and are generally used in all sorts -of Sauces: When the Females lay their Eggs, they make a Hole in the -Sand, and cover them with it, and the Heat of the Sun is sufficient to -hatch them[101]. - -Footnote 101: - - _Fevillee’s Journal of the Phil. Math. and Bot. Obs._ - -_ALBERTUS_ is quoted for a Battle between a Viper and a Magpye, -occasioned by her creeping up into a Magpye’s Nest, and devouring her -Brood in the Mother’s absence, who upon her Return made a hideous -clattering, which soon brought in its Mate; whereupon both, with united -Beaks, fell upon the Plunderer, and after a sharp Engagement demolish’d -the Enemy. - - Father _Fevillee_ in the Woods of the Island _Martinique_, - “being frighted by a large Serpent, which he could not well - avoid, his Dog immediately fell on, and took the Serpent by the - Head: The Serpent surrounded him and press’d him so violently, - that the Blood came out of his Mouth; and yet the Dog never - ceased till he had entirely tore it to pieces. The Dog was not - sensible of his Wounds during the Fight, but soon after, his - Head prick’d by the Serpent swell’d prodigiously, and he lay on - the ground as dead; but his Master having found hard by a - _Bananier_, which is a very watry Tree, he cured him with the - Juice of it, and some Treacle[102].” - -Footnote 102: - - _Fevillee’s Journal of the Phil. Math. and Bot. Obser._ - -The _Viper_ is common in some parts of _France_, especially in -_Dauphiny_ and in _Poictou_, from whence all the Vipers come that are -sold in _Paris_. They are usually taken with wooden Tongs, or by the end -of the Tail, which may be done without danger; for while held in that -Position, they can’t wind themselves up to hurt their Enemy. The -Viper-Catchers have their Specificks, in which they can safely confide, -as not to be afraid of being bitten; which they say is _the Fat of a -Viper_, immediately rubb’d into the Wound, which is one of the most -venemous in the animal World. - -These Vipers are usually put and kept in a Box with Bran or Moss; not -that these Ingredients serve to feed upon, as some may fancy; because -’tis said, _they never eat after they are taken_ and confin’d, but live -on the Air, and will live so, many Months: But more hereafter. _The -Destruction_ of Vipers by human Spittle, the Coition of the Marine with -Lampreys, the pregnant Viper biting off her Companion’s Head, and the -Revenge of it by the Younglings——I place among vulgar Errors. - - -II. The _Amodytes_ is a Serpent very venemous and fierce, of a sandy -Colour, black Spots, and of about a Cubit long. The Wound given by the -Female, the weaker Vessel, is said to be most dangerous: Its Jaws are -larger than the common Vipers, and from some Eminencies upon the Head, -like a Tuft of Flesh, is called _Cornutus_. Its Wounds prove fatal -without a speedy Cure. It is found in _Lybia_, a Limb of _Africa_, and -also in _Illyricum_, and in some parts of _Italy_[103]. - -Footnote 103: - - _Comitatu imprimis Goritiensi invenitur._—_Ray._ - -This Serpent is called _Cornutus_, a horned Beast[104]. Of this Form, is -a numerous Herd; we read, that in the _Roman_ Army was a Band of Foot -Soldiers called _Cornuti_. - -Footnote 104: - - _Lucan. Pharsal._ lib. ix. - -Upon the Continent of _America_ are Bulls and Cows, that have no Horns, -says Dr. _Ch. Leigh_——who adds, - - “The Defect of _Horns_ in these Beasts, brings into my mind a - remarkable Phenomenon of one _Alice Green_, whose Picture I have - seen in _Whalley-Abby_, in _Lancashire_. This Woman had _two - Horns_ which grew out of the back-part of her Head; they grew - backwards like those of Rams, and were about three Inches long; - these she cast once in three Years, and had always intolerable - Pains, before the Horns broke out[105].” - -Footnote 105: - - His _Natural History of Lancashire_, Book ii. p.3. - -He might have mentioned another innocent Creature, on whose Head a -treacherous Companion inoculates a Scion, which intitles him to the -Title of Cuckold, a word derived from _Cuckows_, who having no Beds of -their own, invade their Neighbour’s. Of the _Cuckow_ ’tis said, that -having no Nest, she takes possession of some other Bird’s Nest, destroys -the Eggs, and lays in it an Egg of her own, which the innocent Bird -brings forth and nurses for its own[106]. - -Footnote 106: - - Dr. _Willoughby_, who writ the History of Birds, affirms this Account - of the Cuckow to be true upon his own Knowledge, according to Mr. - _Ray_. - - -III. The _Cerastes_ is a Serpent of the viperine Kind; its Head -resembles the _Cornigerous_; it belongs to the _Libyan_ and _Nubian_ -Family: Its Teeth are like those of the Viper, and it brings its -Successors into the World after the same manner. - -Its Constitution is very dry, which refines and exalts its Poison, and -makes it more dangerous; the Wound is generally attended with -Distraction, and continual pricking as with Needles. Some say, ’tis of a -whitish Colour, others arenaceous; it loves sandy Habitations, where it -often surprises the unwary Traveller: And all agree ’tis of a most cruel -Nature; and therefore in some Places ’twas made the Executioner of -Malefactors[107], as the Juice of the _Cicuta_, (an Herb like our -_Hemlock_) was among the _Athenians_. - -Footnote 107: - - _Nunc potes actutum insidiatoremque Cerasten—Non is corpus habet, sed - quatuor aut duo profert Cornua._ Nicander in Ther. - -[Illustration: - - _Plate 1^{st}_ -] - -Some say ’tis of the aspick kind, as the _Arabians_; in length a Cubit -or more, with two Horns on the Head, resembling Snail-Shells: It lies -perdue near travelling Paths, and is very crafty in decoying little -Birds into the Snare. - -Its Wounds soon kill, if one of the _Psyllian_ People be not immediately -called in. _N. B._ These _Psylli_ are a noted People of _Syrenaica_ in -_Africa_, endued with a natural Faculty of destroying Serpents upon -sight, and curing their Wounds by a Touch of the Hand of whom we have -this Account, _viz._ ... _Crates_ of _Pergamus_ says, that about -_Parium_ in the _Hellespont_, there were Men, named _Ophiogenes_, who -cured those wounded by Serpents with a Touch. _Varro_ testifies there -were some of them in his time. - -_AGATHERCIDES_ writes, that in _Africa_ the _Psyllians_ (a People so -called from King _Psyllus_, from whom they were descended, and whose -Sepulchre is to be seen at this day in the greater _Syrtes_) did in the -same manner heal People wounded by Serpents. ’Tis said they had some -extraordinary Quality in their Nature, that would suddenly kill all -Serpents. - -It was by these they tried the Chastity of their Wives, thus, _viz._ -When a Child was born, and its Legitimacy questionable, they laid it in -a _great Vessel_ full of these _cerastick Serpents_, that immediately -breathed Destruction; but when they came near the Child, their Rage -soften’d, and they immediately fled from it; which proved the Legitimacy -of the Child, that he was a true _Psyllian_, born in lawful Wedlock, -because Serpents could not poison it, nor endure its Presence[108]. - -Footnote 108: - - _In dolium cerastarum plenum infantem conjicere_, Ælian. lib. i. cap. - 57. Gyllii Accessio, cap. 37. _N. B._ If the Child was begotten by a - Stranger, ’twas killed by Poison; if lawfully begotten, the Privilege - of his Father’s Blood protected him against the Venom. - -However this romantic Account may appear, it may doubtless be -philosophically accounted for by Effluviums emitted from their Bodies, -that proved fatal to Serpents. - -The _English_ Annotator upon _Lucan_, who was Nephew to _Seneca_, -observes much to the same purpose, when he says, These _Psylli_ (a -People inhabiting those parts of _Africa_ called _Marmarica_, bordering -on the _Nile_) are fortify’d by Nature with an incredible Privilege -against the Strength of Poison, and sustain no Harm by the biting of -Serpents. - -The Serpents, says _Pliny_, are afraid of them, and when others are -bitten by them, these _Psyllians_ by sucking the Wounds, cure them. - -The _Marsians_ in _Italy_, ’tis said, are still in possession of this -natural Power against Serpents, and are supposed to descend from the Son -of _Circe_, the famous Enchantress. - -The Trial of Childrens Legitimacy by Serpents, puts me in mind of -Hereditary Right; whose Title was try’d by the _Fatal-Stone_, on which -the _Irish Monarchs_ used to be inaugurated on the Hill of _Tarah_; and -which being inclosed in a _Wooden-Chair_, was made to emit a Sound under -the rightful Candidate, when he sat in it; but was quite silent under -one who had no Title, or not a good one; that is, one who was not for -the Druidick Priest’s Turn. - - “This Stone was sent to confirm the _Irish_ Colony in - _Scotland_, where it continued to be the Coronation-Chair till - in the Year 1300, _Edward_ I. of _England_ brought it from - _Scoon_, and placed it under the Coronation-Chair at - _Westminster_[109]; and there it still remains, is used in the - Coronation, the antientest respected Monument in the World[110]. - The Vulgar call it _Jacob_’s Stone, as if this had been his - Pillow at _Bethel_.” - -_Note_, Antique Appearances often give birth to popular Superstitions. - -Footnote 109: - - Ni fallat fatum Scoti quocunque locatum - Invenient lapidem, regnare tenentur ibidem. - -Footnote 110: - - _Island_’s _Colect._ A. D. 1726. - -Such natural Power against _Diseases_ did in our Days appear in the -celebrated Mr. _Greatrix_, before _whose Hand they fled_. In the -Philosophical Transactions we have the following Account of it, received -from Eye-Witnesses,—_e. g._ - - “... My own Brother, _John D——n_, was seized with a violent Pain - in his Head and Back: Mr. _Greatrix_ (coming by accident to our - House) gave present Ease to his Head, by only stroaking it with - his Hands. He then rubb’d his Back, which he most complain’d of, - and the Pain immediately fled from his Hand to his right Thigh; - then he pursued it with his Hand to his Knee, from thence to his - Leg, Ancle and Foot; and at last to his great Toe. As it fell - lower, it grew more violent; and when in his Toe, it made him - roar out, but upon rubbing it there, it vanish’d. - - “A young Woman being seiz’d with a great Pain and Weakness in - her Knees when a Girl, used divers Means to no effect: After six - or seven years time, Mr. _Greatrix_ coming to _Dublin_, he - stroak’d both her Knees, and gave her present Ease, the _Pain_ - flying downward from his _Hand_, till he drove it out of her - Toes; the Swelling that always attended it, did in a short time - wear away, and never troubled her after. - - “... A certain Gentlewoman being much troubled with a Pain in - her _Ears_, and very _deaf_, Mr. _Greatrix_ put some of his - Spittle into her Ears; which, after chafing them, soon cured - her, both of the Pain and Deafness.... Her Uncle was cured by - him of the same Malady, and in the same manner. - - “... A Child, being extremely troubled with the King’s-Evil, was - touch’d by King _Charles_ II. and was nothing better; but was - soon and perfectly cured by Mr. _Greatrix_.[111]” - -Footnote 111: - - _Lowthorp_’s _Philosoph. Transactions abridged_, vol. iii. p. - 10, 12. Edit. 2. Communicated by Mr. _Thoresby_, N. 256. p. - 332. 1699. In Page 10. an account is given of the wonderful - Effects of Touch and Friction. - - -IV. The _Hemorrhous_ Serpent is an _Egyptian_ of the viperine kind; of -sandy and bright Colour, enamel’d with black and white Rays on the Back; -flaming Eyes, corniculated Brows, and is defended by an Armature of -rough and sharp Scales; which by one is given as the Reason of making -some Noise as it goes, which another denies, because it wants the -_Sonalia_[112]. - -Footnote 112: - - _Caret Sonalibus._ _Nierembergius_, p. 269. - -This Creature is little in Body, but great and terrible in its -Executions; for when it wounds any Persons, all the Blood in the Body -flows out, at all the Apertures of it, which is immediately follow’d -with Convulsions and Death[113]. - -Footnote 113: - - _Gyllius_, p. 261. _Raii Synopsis Meth._ 8vo. A. D. 1693. _Invenitur - in Ægypto & aliis locis quibus Thonis imperavit._ _ibid. & in agris - Jucatensibus_. - - At non stare suum miseris passura cruore - Squamiferos ingens Hæmorhois. - -The _Atlas_ from _Ribeyro_ mentions an _Indian Serpent_ of the same -malignant Nature, whose Poison operates with such Violence, that the -Person wounded by it bleeds at the Eyes, Nostrils, Ears, and all the -Pores of the Body, and the miserable Patient is irrecoverable. - -The Poet laments the Death of the _brave and noble Tullus_[114], by this -bloody Serpent; which is also found in _India_ (according to _Diodorus -Siculus_) in that part where _Alexander_ the _Great_ conquer’d _Porus_, -the _Great_ King of the _Indies_. The Conqueror bid _Porus_ ask of him -whatever he desired; who answered, _That he only desired to be treated -as a Prince_: with which _Alexander_ was so charm’d, that he not only -gave him his Kingdom again, but some of the Provinces he had conquered -in that Vicinity. - -_N. B._ On the Bank of the River _Hydaspis_, _Alexander_ built a Town, -which he call’d _Bucephala_, in remembrance of _Bucephalus_ his great -Horse, which died and was buried there. - -Footnote 114: - - _Lucan_, lib. ix. p. 269. _Impressit dentes Hemorhois aspera Tullo - magnanimo Juveni._ - -V. The Serpent _Seps_, which by some is said to be the same with -_Sepedon_, is about two Cubits long, the Head broad, and of divers -Colours. Both these are of the smaller Species, but most venemous, and -therefore are rank’d in the second Class of Serpents. The Virulency of -the Poison is not in proportion to their diminutive Stature. - -When any are wounded by these venemous Animals, the Hair of the Head -immediately falls off, the whole Body turns scurfy, leprous and putrid; -yea, the very Bones, as well as the Flesh, putrify and corrupt; -therefore some call it the _putrid Serpent_[115]. The Poet accounts for -the Symptoms of its Poison[116]. - -Footnote 115: - - _Nonnulli ex Scoligero, non male putriam vocare._ _Jonstonus_, p. 14. - -Footnote 116: - - _Mors est ante oculos Seps stetit exiguus—Parva modo Serpens, sed qua - nonnulla cruentæ. Fugit rupta cutis._ Lucan Pharsal. lib. ix. p. 271. - -These Serpents are _Asiaticks_, Inhabitants of the Rocks in _Syria_; -_Syria_, the supposed western _Porch_ of _Paradise_. These resemble the -_Hemorrhous_ in Colour and external Figure: According to _Ælian_, they -change into the Similitude of the Things they light upon. He might, I -think, as well have said, they chang’d their _Notes_ on different Trees, -since there is a kind of relation between _Musick_ and _Colour_, as the -Learned _Newton_ observes. - - -VI. _KOKOB_ Serpent, is between three and four Foot long, of a dusky -Colour, and made beautiful by Spots of red and light Blue. Its Wounds -are terrible, and the Effects not very dissimilar to those of the -_Hemorrhous_. _Nierembergius_ observes, that it resides among Stones; -and when it rambles out, and hears any Noise, makes towards it like a -mighty Hero. Thus the _Gallic_ Monarch, upon Debates among Princes, -marches out as sovereign Umpire of _Europe_, and never returns home but -by way of _Lorrain_, _Corsica_, _Palatine_, or _Spanish Flanders_. - - -VII. The _Asp_, so called from the _Asperity_ of its Skin, as -_Arnoldus_, or from _aspiciendo_, because of the Acuteness of its Eyes. -A Serpent well known, but not accurately describ’d, says the Learned Mr. -_Ray_: Some make it a small Serpent, others say ’tis several Feet long; -and both may judge right, for according to _Ælian_, there are various -Species of Asps; some a Foot and half long, and others six. - -Among these different Proportions, the least of them is said to be most -hurtful, and kills the soonest. Its Poison is so dangerous and quick in -its Operation, that it kills almost in the very Instant that it bites, -without a Possibility of applying any Remedy: They die within three -Hours, says my learned Author[117]; and the manner of their dying by -Sleep and Lethargy, without Pain, made _Cleopatra_ chuse it as the -easiest way of dispatching herself. (More of this further on.) - -Footnote 117: - - _Calmet in Verbum_, p. 213. - -These Aspick Serpents, are the Growth of several Climates: _Olaus_ -observed some of them in the northern Parts, of rugged and rough Skins, -ash Colour, sparkling Eyes, three or four Cubits long[118]; tho’ Lovers -of warm Situations, yet delight in shady Retirements[119]. Many of them -are found in the _Spanish_ Islands[TN]; but _Egypt_, _Libya_, and other -Places in _Africa_ claim the greatest Right to them, for there they are -most numerous and venemous. - -Footnote 118: - - _Jonstonus Hist. de Serp._ p. 15. - -Footnote 119: - - Ideo _Seneca_, ad umbram exsurgere dixit. - -When provok’d, the Neck of this Creature swells, and the Wound then -given, is most dangerous. Its Teeth are of considerable length, growing -out of the Mouth like the Tusks of a Boar. The Historian says, that two -of the longest Teeth have little Cavities in them, covered with a thin -Skin, that slides up when it bites, by which means the poisonous Liquid -runs out, and drops into the Puncture; after which, it recovers its -Station. - -In _America_, says a celebrated Historian, are found _Asps_ with Stings -in the Tail, wherewith they strike and kill[120]. - -Footnote 120: - - _Jonstonus Hist. Nat. de Serpentibus._ p. 15. - -The Banks of _Nilus_ abound with _Asps_, who have Sagacity enough to -remove their Habitations to a place of Safety, several days before that -River overflows the Rising-Grounds about it: ’Tis also said the -_Crocodile_ and _Tortoise_ recede with their Eggs, to a Situation not -accessible by that mighty Flood; a Flood that makes the Land of _Egypt_, -a Region of Fertility, a Flood dreaded by these Animals, and ador’d by -the _Egyptians_, those Sons of Contradiction, who consecrated their -Animals to the Gods, and then worshipped them, and upon Occasions kill’d -them. (Can we behold such Instincts in the _Crocodile_, _&c._ without -acknowledging the Divine Wisdom that ordain’d ’em!) No Nation more -knowing, and more sottish, _e. g._ Upon the Statue of _Minerva_, or the -Goddess _Isis_, was this Inscription, _viz._ _I was she that was, that -am, and shall be, and that am every thing_. Which being an exact -Interpretation of the Word _Jehovah_, and the same Definition the -Almighty appropriates to himself, I can’t, says the Learned _Jurieu_, -conceive, how a Nation that was arrived to such a high Degree of -Knowledge, should have worship’d _Bullocks—as Gods_. - -_PLUTARCH_ gives a strange relation of them, _viz._ that in case of any -extraordinary Calamity, as War, Plague, Famine, the _Egyptian_ Priests -used to threaten the _sacred Beasts_ most horribly: If they failed to -help them, they whipt them till the Blood follow’d; and if the Calamity -did still continue, they kill’d those sacred Beasts by way of -Punishment[121]. The Reverse of this is given us in a _Clan_ of -_Tartars_, who, when exposed to any imminent Calamity, sacrifice their -Priests, in order to intercede for them with the Gods in the other -World. - -Footnote 121: - - _Jurieu_ from _Plut. de Is. & Osir._ - -It has been said, that the _Asp_, when exasperated, did, with an erected -Head, cast out of its Mouth liquid Poison; but it now appears, it darts -it only by its Bite, or by Poison taken from it by Force, and poured -into a Wound made by another; and both the Wounds so made, soon -terminate in an _easy pleasant Exit_; which is supposed to be the reason -why Queen _Cleopatra_ chose this kind of Death, that is, to poison -herself by an Aspick Dose. This reminds me of a certain Herb I have read -of, in _Arabia_, which (according to the Tradition) _if a Man slept -upon_, he died in his Sleep without any Pain. - -A certain learned Pen, makes this Remark upon _Cleopatra_’s Case, _viz._ -that she was not bit by an _Asp_, as some have asserted, but did that -which was more secret and sure; that is, after she had bit her own Arm, -infused Poison into the Wound, expressed before-hand from an _Asp_ by -Irritation, and preserved in a Phial for that purpose: Or, as _Dio_ -says, she wounded her Arm with a Needle, or Dressing-pin, and then -poured the Poison into the bleeding Wound. This seems probable, because -no Serpent was found in her Chamber or near it. - -The _Queen_, in order to find the most easy Passage out of this Life, -made an Experiment upon Criminals by various kinds of Poison, and -Application of diverse sorts of Serpents, and found nothing came up to -_Aspick Poison_, which throws Persons into a pleasant Sleep, in which -they die[122]. - -Footnote 122: - - _Plutarch_’s _Lives of Marc Anton._ and _Cleopatra_, and _Fr. Redi - Nobilis Aretini Experiment_. p. 170, -1, -2, -3. - -_Obj._ If it be said, that in the Triumphs of _Augustus_, Queen -_Cleopatra_ is _drawn with an Asp in her Hand_: - -I answer, That I apprehend that Device might only be -_Pictorial-Licence_, or a Flourish of the Painter to affect the People, -by _displaying the Heroism_ of a Woman, who to prevent the Disgrace of -Captivity, _embraced Death at the hands of a Serpent_, a terrible -Creature, to which none has so great an Aversion as the female Sex. -Excuse a poetick Digression. - - - On the ASP and its POISON. - - ——_Welcome thou kind Deceiver, - Thou best of Thieves! who with an easy Key - Dost open Life, and unperceiv’d by us, - Even steal us from our selves; discharging so, - Death’s dreadful Office, better than himself. - Touching our Limbs so gently into Slumber, - That Death stands by, deceiv’d by its own Image, - And thinks himself asleep[123]._—— - -Footnote 123: - - _Dryden_, _All for Love_. - -Some are of Opinion, that the _Asp_ is _David_’s _deaf Adder_, Psal. -lviii. 45. _They are like the deaf Adder that stops her Ear, which will -not hearken to the Voice of Charmers, charming never so wisely._ They -are like the _deaf Asp_, says the _Hebrew_ and the _Septuagint_. The -word in the Original is [124] _Pethen_, q. d. _Unpersuadedness_; hence, -wicked Men are called Απειθεις in the _New Test._ unpersuadable, which -the _English_ Translation renders _Disobedient_, Tit. i. 16. - -Footnote 124: - - פתן . ωσουι ασπιδος κωφης. - -The common Tradition is, that when Men by Inchantments and Charms have -attempted to take these Serpents, they stopt one Ear with the Tail, and -the other was either deaf, or made so by laying it close to the Ground. -Some are of Opinion, that there is a sort of _Asp_ that really is deaf, -which of all others is the most dangerous, and is meant by the _Royal -Prophet_ here. - -That there was a Practice of charming Serpents by some Art or other, so -that they could neither _bite_ nor _sting_, seems evident from the -sacred Writings, _e. g._ Eccl. x. 11. _Surely the Serpent will bite -without Inchantment._ Jer. viii. 17. _I’ll send Serpents, Cockatrices, -among you, that will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, says the -Lord._ - -Among other Things the word _Charmer_, some say, signifies _one_ that -conjoins and consociates; that is, that by Sorcery gather’d Serpents -together, and made them tame and familiar; or the _Person_ may be so -call’d, because by _Magick Art_, he associated with _Demons_, the Lords -of Serpents. - -We are inform’d by History, of some, who have summoned together a -hundred Serpents at once; but by what method, I leave the Reader to -judge. _Montanus_, a famous Physician, and Professor at _Padua_ in -_Italy_, says he saw this Coadunation of Serpents. - -The learned Doctor _Casaubon_ tells us, he had seen a Man, who from the -Country around him, wou’d draw Serpents into the Fire, which was -inclos’d in a magical Circle: When one of them, bigger than the rest, -would not be brought in, upon repeating the aforesaid Charms, it -submitted to the Flames. - -We read of a famous Charmer at _Saltsburgh_ in the Circle of _Bavaria_; -that, when (in sight of the People) he had charm’d a great Number of -Serpents into a Ditch, where he kill’d them; there came a Serpent of -great Bulk, supposed to be the Devil, that leapt upon the Charmer, and -immediately slew him[125]. - -Footnote 125: - - Doctor _More_’s Antidote. - -Answer me, says _Paracelsus_, (the celebrated _Swiss_ Physician, who did -wonderful Cures by Liquids extracted from Vegetables) from whence is it, -that a Serpent of _Helvetia_, _Algovia_, or _Suevia_, does understand -the _Greek_ Idiom, _Osy, Osya, Osy_; that they should, at the first -Sound of these Words, _stop their Ears_, remain immoveable, and do us no -hurt with their Poison? From whence he infers, there was a Power in -Words to operate upon the Ear, without Superstition. The Antients seem -to have entertain’d some favourable Thoughts of the _Power of Spells_ -upon Serpents: Their Poets speak often of these Charms and Incantations. - - _Frigidus in pratis cantando rumpitur anguis._ Virgil. - _Vipereas rumpo verbis, & carmine fauces._ Ovid. - _Ingue pruinoso coluber distenditur arvo - Viperes coëunt abrupto corpore nodi - Humanoque cadit serpens afflata veneno._ Lucan. - -_PHILOSTRATUS_ describes particularly how the _Indians_ charm -Serpents—they take a Scarlet-Coat embroider’d with golden Letters, and -spread it before the Serpent’s Hole; and these golden Letters have a -fascinating Power over it, and therewith its Eyes are overcome and laid -asleep[126]. - -Footnote 126: - - His Life of _Apollonius Tyanæus_, writ at the Desire of the Empress - _Julia_, lib. 3. cap 2. - -If we consider the strange Things done by _Force of Words_, so much -extoll’d in Antiquity, it will be no wonder to see _Letters_, out of -which _Words are form’d, made the Rudiment and first Study of human -Life_: But as to the _Mode of Operation_ by _Words_, the Learned are not -agreed. - -Some say, there is a natural Virtue and Efficacy in Words, and appeal to -the _notable Feats_ done by _Force of Eloquence_. This was the favourite -Study and View of _Orators_; in this they triumph’d, and never wanted -Acclamations and loud Applauses. - -In _Plutarch_, we have, among others, one remarkable Instance, _viz._ -_Cæsar_, upon the Accusations brought in by _Tubero_ against _Quintus -Ligarius_ (_Pompey_’s Friend) he was resolved to sacrifice that Rebel, -till he was charm’d by the _Words_ of the _Orator_ that pleaded in his -favour—No sooner did _Cicero_ begin his Oration in his defence, but -_Cæsar_’s Countenance chang’d, and his Indignation begun to soften ... -but when the Orator touch’d upon the Battle of _Pharsalia_ (where -_Cæsar_ was Conqueror) _Cæsar_’s Heart tender’d, his Body trembled with -Joy, and certain Papers in his Hands dropt to the ground.—And when -_Cicero_ had finish’d his Oration, _Cæsar_’s Wrath against his Enemy was -intirely extinguish’d; and _Ligarius_ was set at liberty[127]. The same -Orator, by the Dint of Eloquence, overthrew the Constitution of the -_Decemviri_. - -Footnote 127: - - _Plutarch_’s Life of _Cicero_. - -Others say, there is a mighty Force in Words in such a _Tone_, and -_Talismanical Characters_, rightly-adapted Figures, and Images _under -certain Constellations_[128]. - -Footnote 128: - - _Paracelsus_, _C. Agrippa_, Life of Mr. _Duncan Campbell_, _A. D. - 1720_, page 256. _Gaffarel._ - -Some affirm that _Magick_ consists in the _Spirit of Faith_, for _Faith_ -is the _Magnet of Magicians_, by which they draw Spirits to them, and by -which Spirits they do wonderful Things, that to vulgar Eyes appear like -Miracles. No doubt but several extraordinary Effects have been ascrib’d -to the Devil, that in reality were natural, and artfully disguised: The -Story of Sieur _Brioche_, a famous Puppet-player, is well known, who in -a Town in _Switzerland_, where that _Show_ had never been seen before, -he was apprehended as a Warlock or Magician, and ran the hazard of being -punish’d as such[129]. - -Footnote 129: - - _De Saint Andre_’s Letters. - -Others affirm, that _Charms by Words_ are but means to heighten the -Imagination; and the strange Effects produced by ’em, flow’d only from -the Activity of an exalted Thought, or Fancy of heated Brains. In proof -of this ’tis said, that if a Woman at a certain Season, strongly fix her -Imagination upon any particular Object, the Child will bear the Image -thereof. - -I think ’tis pretty obvious, that those extraordinary Impressions made -by _Pagan Sophists_ upon the Minds of their Audience by the Charms of -Rhetorick, past for a _divine Afflatus_ or _Inspiration_; and therefore -in such Cases, we shall find this _Formula_ (_Aliquis nescio quis Deus_) -frequently used by Enthusiastical _Orators_, as well as their _Poets_: -Thus _Cicero_, speaks of himself, that he was mov’d by a certain -_Impetus_ or Ardour[130]: _Apollonius Tyanæus_, who was looked upon by -the Christians as a notorious Magician, being ask’d by the Governor of -_Rome_ under _Nero_, what was his Profession? he answer’d, θειασμος, an -Enthusiast, _q. d._ Fanatic, Conjurer. - -Footnote 130: - - _Nulla ingenti, sed magna vis animi inflamantis ut me ipse non - teneam._ - -’Tis true, that wonderful Things have been done by Words, but how -_verbal Charms_ operated upon _Serpents_, wants Explication: Of some -Inchanters ’tis said, that by vocal and instrumental Sounds, they have -charm’d Rats, Mice and Serpents, some into a stupid State, and others -into a flexible submissive State. - -A remarkable Instance in _Rats_ we have in the publick Records of -_Hamelen_, (an antient City on the River _Weser_ in _Germany_, about 28 -Miles S. E. of _Hanover_) where the following strange Account is -register’d, _viz._ - -That in _June 26. 1284_, a certain Stranger undertook to destroy an Army -of Rats with which the Town had been long pester’d, on promise of such a -Reward; and immediately playing on his _Pipe_ and _Tabret_, the _Rats_ -march’d out, and follow’d the Musick to the River, where they were all -drown’d: But being denied the Reward, he threaten’d Revenge; and next -day he went about with the same Musick, and most Children in the Town -follow’d the Piper to the Mouth of a great Cave on a neighbouring Hill -call’d _Koppelberg_, where he and they entered, and were never heard of -after. - -In remembrance of this _sad Catastrophe_, the Citizens for many Years -after, dated all their publick Writings _from the Day they lost their -Children_, as appears by their old Deeds and Records: They still call -the _Street_ thro’ which the Children went out, _Tabret-street_; and at -the Mouth of the Cave there is a Monument of Stone, with a _Latin_ -Inscription, giving the Particulars of this tragical Story. - -As to the other Instance, _viz._ Serpents charm’d into a ductile -manageable State, ’tis thus accounted for; _viz._ Serpents, they say, -are strangely influenced by the Smell of those Emanations, proceeding -from the _Cornus_, or Dog-tree (why not the _Cornelian-Cherry_, -antiently dedicated to _Apollo_?) and that by a Wand or Rod taken from -it, they are thrown into an obsequious Temper— - - “When touch’d by a Rod from that Tree, they are immediately - intoxicated, but so as to be able to follow the Motion of the - Rod; but whether by reason of some great Disproportion or - Incompossibility, between these subtile Effluvia and the - Temperament of the vital, spiritual Substance of the Serpent, or - by what other way, we are not told[131]. The Sassafras-tree, a - Native of _America_, is call’d _Cornus_ also, whose Wood is very - odorous and fragrant.” - -Now, say these Gentlemen why should it seem impossible, that he who -understands this invincible Enmity, and how to manage a Rod of the -_Cornus_ with Cunning and Dexterity (having first intoxicated a Serpent -by the Touch thereof) should during that Fit make it observe, and -readily conform to all the various Motions of the Wand, so as that the -unlearned Spectators, perceiving the _Serpent_ to approach the -_Inchanter_, as he moves the Wand near to himself, or to retreat from -him, as he put the Wand from him, or turn round and dance as the Rod is -mov’d to and fro, or lie still as in a Trance, as the Rod is held still -over it; and all this Time, the People knowing nothing of the Virtue in -the Rod, are easily deluded into a Belief, that the whole Scene is -supernatural, and the main Energy radiated in those Words or Charms, -which the Impostor with great Ceremony and Gravity of Aspect mutters -forth, the better to disguise his Legerdemain, and dissemble Nature in -the colour of a Miracle. - -Footnote 131: - - _Charlton._ - -The Rattle-snakes in _America_ are said to secure their Prey by -Incantation; for they have the Power or Art, (I know not which to call -it, says my Author) to charm Squirrels, Hares, Partridges, or any such -Thing, in such a manner, that they run directly into their Mouths: This -I have seen, adds he, by a Squirrel and one of the Rattle-snakes; and -other Snakes have in some measure the same Power[132]. - -Footnote 132: - - Natural History of _Carolina, A. D. 1711_. page 129. - -It is allowed indeed, that there are _dumb Creatures_ that do exceed Man -in some _sensible Perceptions_, particularly in that of _Smelling_, as -the _Harriers_, and other Dogs. How strange, that Odours from the Hare’s -Body, Should so affect the Nose of a Hound, as to raise in him that -Sensation or Scent, by which he follows her all the Day (tho’ he never -had a Sight of her) thro’ a Cloud of Opposition, from perplexing -intricate Places, and Effluviums proceeding from other Animals! - -These Emanations are exceeding fine Effluvia, or Particles flying off -odorous Bodies in all Directions; and as they float in the Air on the -Surface of the Earth (within their Atmosphere) strike against the Dog’s -Nose, and produce that Sensation of Smell.—_N. B._ The Intensity of -Smell in all Creatures, is in proportion to the Density or Thickness -where we are: This Density is always diminish’d in proportion to the -Squares of the Distances from the odorous Body. - -Yea, a little Cur, by the Power of Smelling, can find out his Master -among Thousands, will trace his Steps thro’ Crouds in Fairs and Markets; -yea, throughout a whole Country. Our Histories inform us of Dogs in some -parts of this Island, that being put upon the Scent, would pursue a -Thief and a Murderer; and if he cross’d a River, would smell where he -entered, and swim after him; and when arrived at t’other side, would -hunt about till they found where he landed, and then run on, till they -overtook the Criminal. - -In Animals is a sulphurous or oily Matter, so attenuated and subtiliz’d -as to become volatile, which is denominated a Spirit: Now that there is -such a Spirit in Man, and a peculiar one too in every Man, is evident -from these Dogs, which will pursue the Game by their Nose, and follow -their Master’s Track, and distinguish it precisely; yea, tho’ a thousand -other Persons had past the same way. - -It must be by meer Force of Smelling, that the Dog is able to do this, -that is, to distinguish his Master from all Men by the Instrumentality -of his Nose. - -Therefore there must be some specifick Matter exhaled from the Master’s -Body, which the Dog can perfectly distinguish from the various Effluvia -flowing from all other Persons. - -The Dog must exceed us, in that he can thus exactly discern his Master, -by these subtile, oily, or sulphurous Effluvia, which no human Nose was -ever able to do. - -We find the like Spirit in the Hound, who when put in the Track which a -Deer has lately been in, will follow the Steps of that Deer thro’ all -cross Paths of a thousand others, and at last single out that individual -Deer among a whole Herd of those Animals. - -In _Scotland_ are a sort of Dogs (in Colour generally red and spotted -with black, or black with red) of extraordinary Sagacity, being, as ’tis -said, put upon the Scent, will pursue Thieves with Success; and the Use -of them has been authorised by the Magistrate——_Nullus perturbet aut -impediat canem trasantem, aut homines transentes cum ipso ad sequendum -latrones aut ad capiendum malefactores_. - - _N. B._ _Trasantem_ is a Word latiniz’d from the old _French_ - _Tracer_ or _Trasser_, signifying to follow by the Track. - -If any shou’d suggest, That this derogates from the Wisdom and Goodness -of the Creator, who has given to some Beasts stronger Perceptions, -Nerves more exquisitely fine and delicate than he has bestow’d upon Man: - -I answer, this is so far from derogating from divine Wisdom and -Goodness, that it is an admirable Instance and Illustration of both; for -were our olfactory Nerves susceptible of such quick Sensations as Dogs -and some other Animals, we shou’d be continually annoy’d with -pestiferous Fumes and Exhalations, so as not only to render most -Situations troublesome, but even Life it self miserable and wretched. - -Such quick Sensations may be very useful to carnivorous Animals, so as -to direct them to their Prey, but to human Beings it wou’d be very -vexatious, if not pestiferous and deadly. I shall only add to this -Digression, a short Hint about the _Magic Art_, the most surprising of -all Arts, and in its first Appearance most innocent and useful. - -Among the antient _Chaldeans_, _Babylonians_, and _Persians_, where the -Art-magic was first and principally cultivated, it signified no more -than _Wisdom_ and hence the _Sophi_, or Wisemen of the _Greeks_ were by -them call’d μαγοι that is, _Magicians_; who being acquainted with many -of the hidden Powers of Nature, directed them in such manner, as to -produce Effects, whose Causes being unknown to the _Vulgar_, were -attributed to _Dæmons_. - -Hence the Art in process of Time came into Disrepute, and Magicians have -been censur’d, as working by Compact with the Devil: But this is -invidious; for in the Gospel we find, the _Magi_ or _Magicians_, are -said to come _from the East to_ Jerusalem, _saying, where is he that is -born King of the_ Jews? _for we—are come to worship him_. No body can -imagine this to be understood of those that have been called -_Sorcerers_, _Wizards_, _Conjurers_, _Witches_ or _Magicians_, in the -modern Sense of that Word[133]; for those who were familiar with the -Devil, would scarce come to enquire after him, who came to destroy his -Works. - -Footnote 133: - - _Matt._ ii. 1, 2. - -The Notion of Witches in the Days of Ignorance and Superstition, was -very prevailing in this Island, but of late Years has undergone a -parliamentary Excommunication; though the _Lancashire_ Witches, who are -constituted of the fairer Part of the fairer Sex, triumph even over our -Senators, and will maintain their fascinating Charms, while their rival -Beauties, the Sun and Stars endure. - -We read of a certain King of _Egypt_, who having assembled his _Magical -Priests_ without the City _Memphis_, caus’d them to enter where the -People were gather’d, by Beat of Drum: All of them made some miraculous -Discovery of their Magic and Wisdom. _One_ had his Face surrounded with -a Light, like that of the Sun, so bright that none could look earnestly -upon him. - -Another seem’d as if enrob’d with precious Stones of diverse Colours, -red, green, yellow, or wrought with Gold. - -A third came mounted on a _Lion_, compass’d with _Serpents_, like -Girdles. - -The next came in with a Pavilion, or Canopy of Light, distended over his -Head. - -Another entered surrounded with Flames of Fire, turning about him; so -that none durst come near him. - -After _him_ appeared one with dreadful Birds, perching about his Head, -and shaking their Wings like Vulturs and black Eagles. - -The _last_ made his Appearance with an Army in the Air, marching before -him, of winged Serpents and terrible Personages.——In fine, every one did -what was taught him by the Star he served; and, after all, the whole -Scene was but an Apparition and Illusion, according to their own -Confession to the King, when the Farce was over[134].——Something -analogous to this are the Magick Lanthorns in our days. - -Footnote 134: - - This Passage is taken out of the _Egyptian_ History of the Pyramids—by - _Murtadi_ the _Arabian_, printed at _Tibe_, a City in _Arabia_, 14th - of _Regebe_, 992; which corresponds to _July_ 22d, 1584; about 156 - Years ago; translated into _French_, and into _English_, 1672. - -In antient times, the Word _Magician_ generally signified _Men of Wisdom -and Learning_, i. e. of superior Knowledge in Things natural and divine, -and more especially in that sort of Learning relative to the Sun, Moon, -and Stars, as we learn from _Porphyry_, _Apuleius_, and others. And -seeing the inspired Apostle gives them that Name (_Magicians_) not as a -Mark of Infamy, but a Title of Honour, therefore does the _English_ -Translation stile them _Wisemen_, such as the old _Greeks_ called σοφοι, -_Sages of their Time_[135]. How, and how far this Art is degenerated, I -refer to the Judgment of the Learned: We see there are Revolutions in -Words, as well as in Families and Kingdoms; a _Magician_ being formerly -a _Wise-man_, as well as a Knave an honest one. _Sed tempora mutantur._ - -Footnote 135: - - _Boerhaave_’s New Theory, p. 211. - -I shall only add to the _Aspick Subject_, the Tribute of Veneration paid -to this poisonous Animal in the Land of _Egypt_. The Historian speaks of -a certain Person, who, in digging, happened unawares to cut an Asp with -his Spade, and went mad upon it,—was taken into the House of _Serapis_, -an _Egyptian_ Idol,—the Relatives of the Patient praying the _Spectrum_ -of that Serpent might be destroyed,——which being accordingly done by -Magick Art, the Man was cured.——By this we see, how highly _Asps_ were -venerated among the _Egyptians_, who not only suffer’d them to live, but -to live in their Houses, where they were carefully fed, as Favourites of -the Family[136]. And Queen _Cleopatra_’s Case was not singular, for the -_Persian_ Kings kept an exquisite Poison by them, made of the Dung of an -_Indian_ Bird, which would kill without putting them to pain, that they -might use it themselves in case of any Disaster[137]. - -Footnote 136: - - _Circurantur cibo, cum infantibus vivunt, & crepitum digitorum vocata - ex cavi prodeunt._ Jonstonus, p. 16. - -Footnote 137: - - _Atlas, Asia._ - -_DEMOSTHENES_, who slew his Soldier, when he was asleep, was a merciful -Executioner; a kind of Punishment the Mildness of no Law has yet -invented. It is strange that _Lucan_ and _Seneca_ made no discovery of -it. - -Sleep is a kind of _Death_, by which we may literally be said to _die -daily_; and in this Sense, _Adam_ may be said to die before his final -Exit. - - -VIII. I now proceed to the Serpent _Scytale_; the Name is borrowed from -the _Greek_ Word σκυταλη, a Staff, or any thing like a Cylinder, of a -long smooth round Form; the Body of this Serpent being in shape equally -round, like a Rolling-Stone, with very little Variation in the -Extremities of it. - -[Illustration: - - _Plate 2^d._ -] - -It forms a beautiful Prospect, being an Aggregate of most charming -Colours, (therefore call’d the Painted Serpent by _Mantuanus_.) It may -be view’d without danger, because slow in its Motion. ’Tis an Error in -_Lucan_ to attribute its Slowness to a Design of enticing Spectators, if -it be not _Poetica Licentia_. - -When released from its Winter-Confinement, the first thing she does, -says the Historian, is to refresh her languid Body with Fennel-Leaves; -but does not tell us what is done, in case that Herb can’t be readily -found. It must indeed be allowed, that wild Fennel is a common Herb of -the Field, and well known and of Use in Physick[138]. The Poet observes, -that no Snake casts her Coat in Winter, but the _Scytale_[139]. - -Footnote 138: - - _Ælian_, _Gyllii Accessio_. - -Footnote 139: - - _Et Scytale sparsis etiam nunc sola pruinis Exuvias positura - suas._—Lucan’s Phars. - -This Serpent being adorned with beautiful Colours, excuse a short -Digression upon the Doctrine of Colours in Natural Bodies. Know then, -Colours are the Children of Fire and Light. - - -I. _Where there is Light, there is Fire_; and Fire shews itself to be -present by Light. The Sensation of Light is produced when the Particles -of Fire, directed by the Action of the Sun, reach the Eye in right -Lines. Now, Fire thus entering the Eye, gives a Motion to the optic -Fibres at the bottom of the Eye, and thus excites the Idea of Light. - - -II. _FIRE discovers itself by Colour_; for all Colours depend upon -Light, and Light depends upon Fire; and different Colours appear in -Natural Bodies, as their Surfaces are disposed to reflect this or that -sort of coloured Rays more than others. Colour is a Property inherent in -Light. - -Colours therefore are not connate with Natural Bodies, which are all of -the same Hue in the dark. To this the Poet alludes, when he makes -_Darkness the Destruction of Colours_[140].—Colours are only in the Rays -of the Sun: In Natural Bodies is a Quality or Power to reflect the Light -falling upon them, which striking the Eye, produces in the Spectator the -Sensation of Colour. - -Footnote 140: - - _Rebus nox abstulit atra colores._—Virgil. - -Clouds often appear very beautifully coloured; they consist of aqueous -Particles, between which Air is interspersed; therefore, according to -the various Thickness of those aqueous Particles, the Cloud will be of a -different Colour[141]. - -Footnote 141: - - _Boerhaave_, _Gravesand_. - - -IX. _AMPHISBÆNA_ Serpent, so called from αμφι _&_ βαινω _Biceps_, a -Monster with two Heads. This is a small and weak Creature, equal in Bulk -to a little Finger, and about a Foot long, of a whitish or terraceous -Colour; of the oviparous Family, of small Eyes, no otherways visible -than the Prick of a little Needle; lives much under ground, and is often -found by digging; feeds upon Ants. Under this Head, the Historian -mentions three Serpents, _viz._ - -The _Brasilian_, that has two Heads, and moves as a Crab[142]. - -Footnote 142: - - _Acosta._ - -The _Taprobanensian_, with four Heads; and he who believes it must have -a four-headed Faith. - -The _Hungarian_; of which elsewhere. - -The same Historian adds, that the marine _Amphisbæna_, taken in the -_English_ Sea, has two Heads. _Ibid._ _Pliny_, _Ælian_, _Lucan_, -_Mantuan_,—affirm it has two Heads; _Matthiolus_ denies it, _Hesychius_ -is doubtful. Mention is made of a Serpent found near _Chipping-Norton_, -not far from _Oxford_, having two Heads, and Faces like Women; one being -shaped after the new Tyre of that Time; the other was habited after the -old Fashion, and had great Wings resembling those of the Flinder-Mouse -or Bat[143]. This happened in the Reign of _Edward_ III. - -Footnote 143: - - _Stow_’s Annals, _London_, printed, 1631. - -A _Spanish_ Author says, that in _Chiapa_ he found a two-headed Serpent, -18 Inches long, in the Form of a _Roman_ T, and very venemous; it does -not only kill, adds he, by its Bite, but if any tread upon that part of -the Ground over which ’twas just gone, it proves fatal[144]. The Poet -also subscribes to two Heads[145].——If this two-headed Serpent has slain -its Thousands, there is a certain metaphorical three-headed Serpent on -the Banks of _Tyber_, that has slain its Ten Thousands. - -Footnote 144: - - _Antonio de Herrera_’s History of _America_. - -Footnote 145: - - _Et gravis ingenium surgens caput Amphisbæna._—Lucan, p. 270. - -Perhaps the Reason of ascribing two Heads to this Serpent, might be, -because it is said to poison by the Tail and Teeth. Others say, both -Ends are so like in Figure and Bulk, that they are not easily -distinguished. - -It seems probable to me, that this Serpent, like some Insects or Worms, -has a double Motion, _antrorsum & retrorsum_, which made some of the -Antients conclude it had two Heads; one in the usual Situation, the -other in the Extremity of the _Cauda_. Its Body is of equal Thickness, -and recommended to the View by various and delightful Spots[146]. - -Footnote 146: - - _Conrad. Gesner._ _Ælian._ _Columella_, lib. vi. - -We read of this Serpent in _Gothland_, where it comes forth in the -Spring before all other Serpents, being more able to encounter the cold -Air[147]. Some Authors tell us, that its Skin wrapt about a Stick, -drives away all Serpents; which I place among the Tales of Antiquity. - -Footnote 147: - - _Olaus Magnus Hist._ B. xxi. - -This Serpent is found in the _Lybian Deserts_, and also in the Island of -_Lemnos_, in the _Ægean_ Sea. The Puncture made by its Wounds is so -small, that it can scarcely be discerned, yet terminates in a dreadful -Inflammation and a lingering Death. - -_ERASMUS_ was puzzled about the Sense of that _Greek_ Proverb ὑδρος εν -φιθω, _hydrus in dolio_, a Serpent in the Hogshead: The Meaning of it, -said an Interpreter of Dreams, is this: A certain Person had a Vessel of -Wine, that was constantly diminishing, tho’ carefully lock’d up; the -Reason of which he could not account for, till he empty’d the Vessel, at -the bottom of which he found a Serpent rioting in Wine[148]. - -Footnote 148: - - _Conradus Gesner._ - -Perhaps as good an Interpretation may be this, that there was Venom in -the Cask (of which the Serpent was an Emblem) to all those who rioted in -the Bowls of Excess. Not so, says a Son of _Bacchus_; for - - _The thirsty Earth soaks up the Rain, - And drinks, and gapes for Drink again. - The Sea itself, which one would think, - Should have but little need of Drink, - Drinks Ten thousand Rivers up._—— - _The busy Sun, and one would guess - By’s drunken fiery Face no less, - Drinks up the Sea.—— - Fill up the Bowl then, fill it high, - Fill all the Glasses there, for why, - Should every Creature drink, but I? - Why, Man of Morals, tell me why?_[149] - -Footnote 149: - - _Cowley_’s Anacreon. - -Some of the Poets have thought this _Amphisbæna_ to be the _Hydra -Lernæa_, the many-headed Serpent, that was very terrible to the adjacent -Country, and slain by _Hercules_: When one Head was cut off, many others -sprung up; so that there was no way to destroy the Monster, but by -cutting off all the Heads with one Stroke. - -Tho’ there be no _Amphisbænick_ Animals, there is some Resemblance of it -in Plants, whose _Cotyledon_ is always double, and in the common Centre -of the two, is a Point or Speck, which is the Plantule, or the Tree in -Embryo; which Plantule being acted on by the Earth, warmed by the Sun, -begins to expand, and shoots its Root both upward and downward. Thus, in -a Bean committed to the Ground, we soon see it to cleave into two Parts, -and in the Fissure appears a little Speck, which sends out a Root -downwards, and a Bud upwards.—A remarkable Phænomenon, says the Note on -_Boerhaave_’s Theory. - -X. Among Serpents, Authors place _Dragons_; Creatures terrible and -fierce in Aspect and Nature. They are divided into _Apodes_ and -_Pedates_, some with Feet, and some without them; some are privileged -with Wings, and others are destitute of Wings and Feet: Some are covered -with sharp Scales, which make a bright Appearance in some Position. Some -have observed, that about the _Ganges_, are Dragons whose Eyes sparkle -like precious Stones. - -They differ in external Form: The _Draconopades_ are represented by a -human Face, and sightly Countenance; the rest of the Body in a tortuous -winding Shape. In one of Dr. _Johnson_’s Figures, a Dragon is made to -appear like a Man’s Face, with a Grenadier’s Cap on the Head. Some -differ in Colour, some are black in the upper Part of the Body, -according to _Philostratus_; red, according to _Homer_; yellow, -according to _Pausanias_; and _Lucan_ makes it a golden Colour[150]. - -Footnote 150: - - _Philostratus de Vita Apol._ lib. iii. cap. 2. _Homer._ _Iliad_, lib. - 12. _Lucan._ _Pharsal. in Jonstoni Historia Serpentum_, p. 33, 34. - -The same Historian observes, that in the _Atlantick_ Mountains, they -kill where they touch, and those that are in the Kingdom of _Narsinga_, -and dwell in the Woods, kill all they meet. _Ibid._[151] - -Footnote 151: - - _Unde quidam in arbores & chamo dracones distinxere._ - -I presume, the Author means _Narsinga_, a potent Kingdom, bounded on the -East with the Bay of _Bengal_, that noble Part of _India_, says -_Herbert_[152]; where the Monarch is always attended with 1000 for his -Guards, has 5 or 6000 Jesters, and reckons it one of his chief Titles to -be the Husband of a Thousand Wives. - -Footnote 152: - - His Travels into _Africa_ and _Asia_, the famous Empires of _Persia_ - and _Indostan_,—Oriental Islands. - -Dragons are Inhabitants of _Africa_ and _Asia_; those of _India_ exceed -most in Largeness and Longitude: In the Tower of _London_, is the Skin -of one, which is of vast Bulk. In _Æthiopia_, they have no Name for -_Dragons_, but _Killers of Elephants_, which is supposed to be the -largest of Land-Animals. - -Over the Water-gate in the City of _Rhodes_, there is set up the Head of -a _Dragon_, which was 33 Foot long, that wasted all the Country, till it -was slain by _Deodate de Gozon_, one of the _Knights of St. John -Baptist_[153]. The _Knights of that Order_ had frequently attack’d it, -but in vain; for its Scales being proof against all their Arms, it -destroyed so many of them, that the Grand-Master forbad them to engage -the Monster any more. - -Footnote 153: - - _Atlas Geog. Anatolia_, p. 43, -4. From _Tavernier_ and _Du Mont._ - -_GOZON_, who, after several dangerous Onsets escaped with his Life, -resolved to make another Trial by Stratagem; perceiving it was no where -vulnerable but in the Eyes and Belly, contrived the Resemblance of a -Dragon by a Machine of Pastboard, of equal Bulk with the Dragon, and by -certain Springs made it leap like a true Dragon: Having trained up a -Couple of fierce Dogs to attack it at the _Belly_, he went out privately -one Morning, well-armed on a managed Horse with his Dogs, and rode up to -the Den, from whence the Dragon leaped furiously at him: In the -Encounter, the Dogs laid hold on his Belly, and forced him to lie down; -upon which the valiant Knight alighted, thrust his great Sword several -times into his Throat, and soon killed him: Upon which the Spectators -drew near, and with great difficulty sever’d the Head from the Body, and -lugged it into the Town in Triumph. - -The Conqueror was degraded for the sake of Form, because he had violated -the Grand-Master’s Order; but was immediately restored, and soon after -was elected Grand-Master himself; he died in the Year 1335, and on his -Tomb were engraven these Words, _Draconis Extinctor_; _The Destroyer of -the Dragon_. - -In the Life of _Attilius Regulus_ (the _Roman_ General in the War -against the _Carthaginians_) is described a Dragon of prodigious Bulk -near the River _Bagrada_, that annoyed all the Country round, without -Remedy. Several Devices were formed to destroy it, but without effect, -till the Military _Possé_ was called in, who discharged the _Engines of -War_ against it with Success: And so great was this Deliverance, that an -_Ovation_, or a small Triumph, was publickly made at _Rome_ for the -Victory. - - -XI. The _Pythian_ Dragon, so called from its being the Guardian of the -_Delphick_ Oracle: Its Eyes are large and sharp, and the Body painted -with Variety of Colours, as red, yellow, green and blue, and furnished -with Scales that are resplendent, well compacted and hard. It has been -called _Deucalionæus_, because in the Language of Ignorance, it was -produced from the Mud left by the _Deucalionian_ Deluge: a Serpent of -prodigious Bulk.[154] - -Footnote 154: - - _Jonstonus._ - -_PYTHON_ is also taken for a prophetick Demon, by St. _Luke_[155].—_As -we went to Prayer, a certain Damsel possest with a Spirit of -Divination_, (having the Spirit of _Pytho_, according to the _Greek_) -_which brought her Masters much Gain by Sooth-saying_, that is, by -Predictions, telling of Fortunes. _Python_ of the _Greeks_ is supposed -the _Typhon_ of the _Phenicians_, and the _Phœnician Typhon_ to be _Ogg_ -King of _Bashan_, and _Apollo_ that slew it, to be _Joshua_. _Apollo_ is -called _Pythius_ from this Serpent, or from some notorious Tyrant of -that Name, slain by him, as the antient Geographer observes. So _Gesner_ -from _Pausanias_. The Priestess of _Apollo_, that delivered the Sacred -Oracles, was called _Pythia_ and _Pythonissa_. This _Pythonick_ Spirit -among the Gentiles, was esteemed as a God, and by _Juvenal_ is styled -_Vates_, a Prophet. - -Footnote 155: - - _Act._ xvi. 16.—Πνευμα Πυθωνος. - -The Priestess that delivered the Sacred Oracles, was called _Pythia_, -from _Apollo Pythius_, and must be a pure Virgin. Most of the Fathers of -the Church were of opinion, that it was the Devil gave the Answers, -which were generally dubious, a Sign of his Ignorance about Futurity. - -One _Œnomaus_, a certain Pagan Philosopher, highly resenting it, that he -had been so often befooled by the Oracles, speaks to _Apollo_ thus— - - “When we come to consult thee, either thou knowest Things to - come or not. If thou knowest them, why dost not thou speak so as - to be understood? If thou knowest not, why dost thou pretend to - it? If Things necessarily come to pass, why dost thou amuse us - with Ambiguities?[156]” - -Footnote 156: - - _Eusebius._ - -_F. BALTHUS_, a learned Jesuit, and _F. Bouchet_, say there were real -Oracles, and such that can never be attributed to Priests and -Priestesses; and that the Devil still gives Oracles in the _Indies_, and -that not by Idols, which would be liable to Imposture, but by the Mouths -of Priests, and By-Standers; and that the Devil becomes mute, in -proportion as the Gospel prevails.—— - - “It is generally believed among the more Learned, that the Pagan - Oracles were mere Frauds and Impostures, and calculated to serve - the political Views of Princes, and covetous Ends of Pagan - Priests.” - -According to the learned _Bayle_, they were meer human Artifices; and he -is seconded by _Vandale_ and _Fontenelle_. But to return to the Oracle -at _Delphos_, which was very antient and much in vogue before the -_Trojan_ War: The Situation of the Place, where People were made to -believe God spoke, was at the Mouth of a certain Cavern, whence they -received their Intelligence. The Prophetess sat upon a _Tripodium_, a -three-footed Stool, assisted in her Function by divers Priests. - -Under her Seat, ’tis said, that some time there appeared a Dragon, -through whose Throat Responses were audibly deliver’d, with a loud and -strong Voice: According to _Eusebius_, a Serpent rolled itself about the -Tripod, on which the Priest sat. - -Of all Oracles, that of _Apollo Pythius_ at _Delphos_, in the _Ægean_ -Sea, was the most celebrated, and consulted as the _dernier Resort_ by -the Princes of those Times; yea, all the _Greeks_ resorted thither for -Counsel in Matters of Importance. At the first opening of that _Oracular -Office_, Answers were given to the Querist in Verse; but upon People’s -ridiculing the Poorness of the Verification, the Oracle fell to Prose. -’Tis strange, that what they made a _God_, could not make a _good -Verse_, but not strange to see the old Serpent adhering to its first -Scheme of Politicks, by making the weaker Vessel the Vehicle to convey -his strong Delusions to the World. - -Some of these Draconick Serpents excel in the Sensations of Hearing and -Seeing, as well as in the Art of Killing; and therefore a _Dragon_ was -made the _Conservator_ of their _Treasures_ and _Curiosities_; e. g. -_Mauritania_ in _Africa_, was famous for the Gardens of the _Hesperides_ -(so called from three Sisters and Daughters of King _Hesperius_) that -produced _Golden Apples_, and were guarded by a _Dragon_, which -_Hercules_ having killed or charm’d into a profound Sleep, he robbed the -Golden Orchard. - -The Rod of _Moses_, ’tis said, _was turned into a Serpent_. The -_Syriack_, _Arabick_, and _Septuagint_ Translations, say, twas turned -into a _Dragon_; and so the Rods of the Magicians became _Dragons_. - - -XII. The _Basilisk_ or _Cockatrice_, is a Serpent of the Draconick Line, -the Property of _Africa_, says _Ælian_, and denied by others: In shape, -resembles a Cock, the Tail excepted. Authors differ about its -Extraction; the _Egyptians_ say, it springs from the Egg of the Bird -_Ibis_; and others, from the Eggs of a Cock: Other Conjectures about its -Descent, being as ridiculous, I forbear to mention them. Nor are they -agreed whether it more inclines to the black or yellow Colour; nor are -their Sentiments less various about its Stature. - -It is gross in Body, of fiery Eyes, and sharp Head, on which it wears a -Crest, like a Cock’s Comb; and has the Honour to be stiled _Regulus_ by -the _Latins_, the _Little King of Serpents_; and ’tis generally supposed -to be terrible to them. The Sight of this Animal, and Sound of his -Voice, puts them to flight, and even to over-run their Prey[157]: Yea, -Tradition adds, that his Eyes and Breath are killing; that is, I -presume, when he grasps the Spoil. Several dreadful things are -attributed to his venemous Qualities, so sing the Poets[158]. - -Footnote 157: - - _Sibilo ejus reliquos terreri & prædam derelinquere._ - -[Illustration: - - _Plate 3^d._ -] - -Footnote 158: - - Tam teter vacuas odor hinc exhalat in auras, - Atque propinquantes penetrant non segniter artus. - - _Nican._ - - - Ante venena nocens, late sibi submovet omne - Vulgus, & in vacua regnat Basiliscus arena. - - _Lucan._ 270. - -According to _Pliny_ and other antient Historians, this Serpent in its -Motion, inclines to the Erect; it goes half upright, the middle and -posterior parts of the Body only touching the Ground. The Venom of the -Basilisk is said to be so exalted, that if it bites a Staff, ’twill kill -the Person that makes use of it; but this is Tradition without a -Voucher[159]. - -Footnote 159: - - _Ælian. Gyllii Accessio_, cap. xviii. p. 247. _Jonstoni Historia - Natural. Serp._ p. 34, 35. - -The reason why this Serpent is dubb’d _King_, is not because ’tis larger -in bulk than others of the Fraternity, or because it wears a Crown, or -because that Title seems to be recognized by a divine Prophet, who -speaking of _Ahaz_ and his Son _Hezekiah_, says, _Out of the Serpent’s -Root shall come forth a Cockatrice, and his Fruit shall be a fiery -flying Serpent_. The _Hebrew_ expresses it by a word, that Signifies a -_Prince_ or _King_, but not with a View to Empire over the serpentine -Race. - -But ’tis most probable, that the royal Stile is given to this Serpent, -because of its _majestic Pace_, which seems to be attended with an Air -of Grandeur and Authority. It does not, like other Serpents, creep on -the Earth; which if it did, the sight of it would not be frightful, but -moving about, in a sort of an erect Posture, it looks like a Creature of -another Species, therefore they conclude ’tis an Enemy. Serpents are for -Uniformity, therefore can’t endure those that differ from them in the -Mode of Motion. - -’Tis said of this Creature, that its Poison infects the Air to that -Degree, that no other Animal can live near it, according to the -Tradition of the Elders famous for magnificent Tales. These little -Furioso’s are bred in the Solitudes of _Africa_, and are also found in -some other Places, and every where are terrible Neighbours. - -The crown’d Basilisk leads me to _Ovid_, who, speaking of Man’s erect -Posture, says ’tis a Mark of Distinction due to the Excellencies of the -human Mind: - - _A Creature of a more exalted kind - Was wanting yet; and then was Man design’d, - Conscious of Thought, of more capacious Breast._—— - -2. And partly as an Ensign of Royalty, some Characters whereof -Naturalists have observed in some other petty Principalities; such as -the Crown on the Dolphin, Diadem on the Basilisk, the Lion’s stately -Mane, which serves as a Collar of Honour.—— - -But Man, being vested with an universal Monarchy, walks upon the Earth, -like a Master in his own House. - - -XIII. The _Cæcilia_ or _Typhlinus_, the blind Worm, as the _Greek_ word -imports; not that it wants Eyes, but because they are so little, that he -must be furnish’d with good Optics that can discern them: And the Ear -also is as remarkably dull, therefore call’d by the _Greeks_ -κωφιας[160]; of a brown Colour, full of Spots, variegated: The Belly is -blackish, the Neck sky-colour’d, garnish’d with certain black Spots: -Head like a Lamprey, and is as free from Poison: Little Teeth, a forked -Tongue, and may be handled without hurt[161]. - -Footnote 160: - - _Quasi surdaster, quod hebetis sit auditus._ - -Footnote 161: - - _Nicander_ calls it απημαντον, quod nullam noxam inferat. _Jonstonus_, - p. 19. - -This Serpent seems to resemble those People which we call _Myops_, _i. -e._ Mouse-eyed, or purblind, which happens when the Eye is so _convex_, -that the Rays of Light unite, before they come to the _Retina_, which -makes the Eye also look small, whence the Name[162]. - -Footnote 162: - - From τυφλοω excæco, κωφοω, exsurdo. - -The _Cæcilian Serpent_ is about a Foot long, and distinguishable from -our common Serpents by the Form of its Body, which is almost of the same -Crassitude, excepting two or three Inches at the extremity of the Tail. -_Conradus Gesner_ tells us, his Wife struck one of these Serpents on the -Head, when ’twas pregnant, and it immediately cast forth its young[163]. - -Footnote 163: - - _Gesner_, p. 36. _Ælian._ - - -XIV. The _Cencris_, or _Cencrina_ is a spotted Serpent, and very -venemous; denominated from _Milium_, a small Grain call’d Millet-feed; -to which Historians compare the Spots wherewith this Serpent is adorn’d: -For the same reason, a certain Species of the _Herpes_, that is, a -cutaneous Distemper, which is a kind of spreading Inflammation, (and is -like Millet-feed on the Skin) is called _Miliary_: And by some, this is -called the _Miliary Serpent_[164]. - -Footnote 164: - - _Ab aliquibus Miliaris appellatur._ Jonstonus, p. 20. - -This Serpent is compared by _Nicander_ to a _Lion_; either for _Cruelty_ -in thirsting after Blood, or for its _Courage_, which appears in all its -Attacks. How furious in all its Wars, offensive and defensive! always -fighting, Lion-like, with an _erected Tail_: Which leads me to a -Digression about the _Turkish Standard_, which is a _Horse-Tail -erected_: The Original of that Custom was this, _viz._ One of the -_Turkish Generals_ having his Standard taken in a Battle with the -_Christians_, and perceiving his Men discouraged by the loss of it, he -cut off a _Horse-Tail_, and fastening it to the top of a _Half-pike_, -advanced it on high, crying out, _This is the great Standard, let those -that love me follow it_: Upon which his Men rallied, fought like -_Lions_, and obtained the Victory[165]. - -Footnote 165: - - _Tavernier._ - -But to return to the Serpent, which moving in a direct Line, goes fast, -but being of great Bulk, can’t suddenly wind about[166]: Circumvolution -is the way to avoid its Menaces. ’Tis commonly found in the Island of -_Lemnos_ (the old _Dipolis_, and now the _Stalimene_ of the _Turks_) and -also in _Samothracia_, an Island in the _Archipelago_, a Province -anciently famous for the _Dii Cabiri_, that is, _certain Gods_ -worshipped by the _Samothracians_ and _Phenicians_, and had in such high -Veneration, that it was a Crime to mention Names so sacred among the -People[167]. Some say they were God’s Ministers, others think they were -Devils. - -Footnote 166: - - _Et semper recto lapsurus limite cencris._ Lucan. Pharsal. p. 269. - -Footnote 167: - - _Bochart Geogr. Sacra_, lib. i. cap. 12. - - -XV. The _Acontia_[168], called by the _Latins_, _Serpens Jacularis_, and -by some, the Flying Serpent, because of the Celerity of its Motion. In -_Lemnos_ ’tis call’d _Sagittarius_, the Bowman or Archer. By the modern -_Greeks_, _Saeta_, a Dart; for it flies like an Arrow at its Prey[169]. -A certain Person in _Cato_’s Army call’d _Paulus_, was slain, not by the -Poison, but the Violence of its Blow[170]: Probably on the lateral part -of the Scull. - -Footnote 168: - - Απο του ακοντος, quod, jaculi instar, se vibret. - -Footnote 169: - - Rumpat & Serpens iter institutum - Si per obliquum similis sagittæ - Terruit mannos. - -Footnote 170: - - ——immisit (jaculum vocat Africa,) serpens - Perque caput Pauli transacta tempora fugit - Nil ibi virus egit: rapuit cum vulnere fatum. - - _Lucani Pharsalia_, lib. ix. p. 273. - -Authors are not agreed about its Dimensions. _Ambrosinus_ speaking of -one he had seen in the _Bononian Musæum_, says, ’tis about the thickness -of a Staff, and about three Foot long: It is found in _Egypt_, its -Wounds are dreadful, being attended with Putrefaction and Defluxion of -the Flesh. - -That which _Bellonius_ saw, was three Palms long, or sixteen Inches and -a Finger’s Breadth. _N. B._ _Palmus_ stands for two different Measures; -_Palmus major_ contains twelve Fingers; _Palmus minor_, four Inches. - -It lies in wait under Bushes, from whence it rushes out unawares, and -flies like an Arrow at Passengers: Before it leaps at the Prey, it lies -on the Ground, and turns itself round, to give the greater spring to the -Motion, by which she’ll do execution at twenty Cubits distance[171]. - -Footnote 171: - - _Jonstonus_, p. 20, 21. - -These nimble Leapers are found among the _West-Indians_, especially in -_Hispaniola_, where there are little Serpents in green Apparel, that -hang by the Tail on the Branches, from whence they suddenly leap upon -their Prey. Among the _Sabæans_ are some cloathed in red, four Inches -long, that thus leap upon Men unawares; and hurt, not only by striking, -but touching. - -This Serpent resembles the Ash in Colour, inclining to the white. It -traverses the _Lybian_ Provinces, where it makes travelling dangerous: -It is also found in the Island of _Rhodes_; an Island on which, the -Poets tell us, _Golden Showers are rain’d_, and where the Air is never -so clouded, as to hinder the Light of the Sun. It appears also in -_Norway_, according to _Olaus Magnus_. - -One tells us, that he was inform’d by one _John Vitus_, a learned -_Hungarian_, that there were in that Country _little Serpents_ about six -Inches long, and without a Tail, therefore called by the Vulgar, the -_curtail’d Serpent_, the whole Body is much of an equal Thickness; and -these, upon View of their Prey, leap upon it with the Swiftness of an -Arrow[172]. - -Footnote 172: - - _Conrad. Gesner. in Verbum._ - - -XVI. The _Druina Serpent_ from δρυς, an Oak, by _Scaliger_ called -_Querculus_; it takes its Name from the Oak, in whose hollow places it -seems to reside; and to which, it retires for Refuge, when assaulted by -Hornets.——Some credulous Authors have said, that these Serpents take up -their hybernal Lodgings about the Roots of the _Beach-trees_, and by -Virtue of the Warmth, which those Roots derive from them, that Tree, so -enhappy’d, flourishes all Winter. - -This Serpent is of the amphibious kind, and a most venemous Creature, -therefore rang’d with the first Order of the serpentine Race. ’Tis of -monstrous bulk[173], guarded by a rough squammatick Armour, in the -Cavities of which, ’tis said, little Flies build their Nests. Whether it -appears in white or blue Habit, is not material, nor do I see what -Honour it gets by wearing a Coronet on its Head. - -Footnote 173: - - It is a Load for a Porter. - -In the Language of Tradition, to tread upon it, will cause an -Excoriation in the Foot, (tho’ no Wound be given) and a Tumor in the -Leg; yea, adds the Traditionist, the Hands that attend the Patient, will -be in danger of losing their Skin: But he who believes all the Fables of -Antiquity, is in more danger of losing his Reason. - -The Druinical Serpent goes under various Denominations. ’Tis said to -follow the _Acontia_ in Authors, because its Figure exactly quadrates -with _Bellonius_’s dart Serpent; and _Scaliger_ was in the same -Sentiment[174]. - -Footnote 174: - - _Jonstonus_, Articul. xiii. p. 21. - -But I shall only mention that of _Chersydrus_, from _Nicander_ in -_Jonstonus_, p. 28. or _Chelydrus_, called by some a _Sea-Snail_; which -the learned Sir _Hans Sloane_ describes thus—— - - “That it is more flat than most of the cochlean Marines, - consisting only of Circumvolutions, round the Axis of the Shell; - of a fine purple Colour.” - -He calls it _Cochlea Marina_[175], and not without reason, because of -their difference in Magnitude. - -Footnote 175: - - His Voyage to _Jamaica_, vol. i. p. 34. - -The terrestrial _Druina_ lives upon Frogs, and other Insects; many of -them are found in _Africa-Interior_, and the _Hellespont_ by -_Constantinople_. It is a fetid Animal, and sends forth an ill Scent, -especially when its Body is wounded[176]. - -Footnote 176: - - _Ælian._ _Gyllius._ _Gesner._ - -This Serpent exceeds most in bulk, and loudness in hissing, which -resembles the Cry of _Sheep_ and _Goats_, ibid. _Gyllius_ makes the -_Druina_ to be the _Chelydrus_, described by the Poet, who makes it a -_Calabrian_[177]: Of which, more in another place. - -Footnote 177: - - ——_Nidore chelydros - Est etiam ille malus colubris in saltibus anguis - Postquam exhausta palus._—Virg. Georg. l. iii. This is applied also - to the _Hydrus_. - - -XVII. The _Elops_ or _Elaphis_ of the Antients, which some confound with -the _Cæcilia_, as _Jonstonus_ observes: It is of the amphibious Sort, -and known at _Lemnos_, where ’tis call’d _Laphiati_ by the Natives. In -_Aldrovandus_’s Study, _Ambrosinus_ saw the Picture of this Serpent, -which was about three Foot long; the Belly is of a yellow Colour, the -Back is brown, and distinguishable by three black Lines[178]. - -Footnote 178: - - _Ray._ - -There is a _marine Elope_, an Animal counted sacred by the Poets, a Set -of merry Mortals, famous for turning every thing into a _God_, or -_Ridicule_. The Historian mentions a certain Fish so called, that upon -any loud Noise made on Land near the Shore, would immediately hasten -towards the Place, as if it would see who durst rival _Triton_ in Sound; -_Triton_, Herald of _Neptune_, Sovereign of the Sea. - - -XVIII. The _Pareas_ or _Parvas_, is a Serpent of a fiery Colour, sharp -Eyes, wide Mouth, two Feet situated near the Tail, by which its Motion -is guided[179]: It is called the Serpent of _Esculapius_, being of a -gentle, innocent, friendly Nature. In _Italy_ they frequent Houses, and -are no more dangerous than common Eels; and if provoked to exercise -their Teeth, there is nothing venemous in the Bite. This is supposed by -some to be the _Italian Baron_: One of its commendable Properties is, -that it devours poisonous Serpents; and therefore is sacred to the -Mysteries, and highly esteem’d in the Temple of _Dionysius_. - -Footnote 179: - - _Et contentus, iter cauda sulcare Pareas._ Lucan. Phars. 270. - -_Gesner_[180], from _Albertus_ says, it goes as it were upright, on its -Tail, not perpendicularly upon the sharp End, but on that Part of the -Body joined to the Tail: It is bred in _Syria_, _Alexandria_, and in the -East, _&c._ These Serpents are known also in _Spain_ and other temperate -Regions, and every where esteemed Enemies to hurtful Serpents, and -Friends to Mankind; therefore were consecrated to the divine -_Esculapius_, that great and glorious Exemplar of Humanity. - -Footnote 180: - - _Quasi totus erectus graditur super caudam._ l. v. p. 65. - - -XIX. The _Dipsas_ or _Dipsacus_ is a little venemous Reptile of the -Aspick kind[181], less than a Viper, but kills sooner; and is most -remarkable in this, that when it bites, the Poison brings an -unquenchable Thirst on the Person affected, who finding no Relief, runs -to the Water, and drinks till he bursts asunder[182]. - -Footnote 181: - - Some make it of the viperine Sort. One calls it, _Vipera siticulosa. - Vipera sitem facientes._ Avicenna. Conrad. Gesner, p. 42. _Inter - aspidem & viperam_, says another. _Ibid._ - -Footnote 182: - - _Accessio Gyllii_, cap. 47. - -The Poetick Historian observes, how _Aulus_, an Ensign-bearer in the -_Roman_ Army in _Africa_, was slain by this Serpent; at first he felt -little or no Pain from the Bite, but as soon as it began to operate, he -was immediately scorch’d to death[183]. _Galen_ calls this Serpent -_Diabetes_, and _Ægineta Dipsacus_, from the incurable Thirst that -accompanies its Bite: By others ’tis called _Situla_, because of the -burning Heat caused by the Wound. - -Footnote 183: - - ——_Sanguinis Aulam. - Torta caput retro Dipsas calcata momordit. - Vix dolor_—— p. 270. - -It is about a Cubit in Length, lives in salt Marshes and shallow Waters; -it dwells in _Arabia_, _Rhodes_, _Africa_, especially in _Lybia_, where -some Branches of the venemous Family live on Camel’s Flesh, and Locusts -dried in the Sun. The more hot the Climate, the more terrible the Wound, -as it is in that hot Country, where they have no Springs, but a few salt -Wells, which increase the animal Appetite of Thirst. The learned -_Venetian_ makes the Serpent _Dipsas_ an _Hieroglyphick of illicit -Love_, the Poison of which will, without timely Repentance, excite the -Thirst of _Dives_, who wanted a Drop of Water to cool his scorched -Tongue[184]. - -Footnote 184: - - _Joannis Pierii Valeriani Bellunensis Hieroglyphica, inter - Collectanea_, p. 34. _Titulus_, _Amoris ignes_. - - -XX. _Common Snake._ These Serpents in their Summer-rambles haunt among -Bushes, mossy Grounds, uliginous and unfrequented Situations. In a -sultry Day they may be seen basking themselves in the Sun, near their -Apartments: The Sight of a Person puts them to flight; and upon a close -Pursuit of them, they make a Stand, raise up their Heads to a -considerable Height, and oppose the Enemy with a loud and angry Hiss. No -Danger is apprehended from their Bite, and they are handled with -Impunity. - -This Species of Serpents resembles the _Esculapian_, that has been fed -in some Families; and when provoked to use the Teeth, the Danger is no -more than that from a Bee, whose Weapons are defensive, and not employed -without Provocation: In Winter they retire into subterraneous Spaces, -where they lie dormant, till the vernal Sun invites them out. - -Though they propagate as Vipers, it does not appear that they sit on -their Eggs, as most oviparous Animals do; for we often find a Brood of -young Serpents in old Hedges and Dunghills, and no visible Sign of a -common Passage to and from the Nest. - - -XXI. The _Elephantia Serpents_ are those whose Wounds cast People into a -Leprosy or Roughness of Skin, like that of an Elephant: Hence Leprosy -proceeding from inward Disorders, is call’d _Elephantia_ or -_Elephantiasis_, which is a cutaneous Disease, makes the Skin scurfy and -rough, in Colour resembling that of an Animal, that in Bulk and -Intelligence is superior to all four-footed Beasts. - -_Elephants_ in _India_ are said to be about 12 Foot high, and of a -Mouse-colour, the Skin not only rough, but hard, so hard, that it is not -penetrable by a Sword; their Eyes like those of Swine; two Teeth hang -out beyond the rest, which are Ivory. - -A memorable Instance of this gigantick Creature’s Understanding, we had -a few Years ago at _Newcastle_ in _Staffordshire_, where a Man -travelling with an _Elephant_ for a Show, one Morning conducting that -Creature to water, happened to pass by a Taylor’s Shop, that was working -at an open Window, and so near it, that the _Taylor_ had the _Courage_ -to prick him with his Needle: The Beast did not then seem to resent the -Affront, but when he returned from the Water, which he having artfully -muddled, took into his Trunk; as he came back by the Taylor’s Window, -spouted it in his Face, which very much disobliged a Piece of -Scarlet-cloth on his Table. - -[Illustration: - - _Plate 4^{th}._ -] - -That Elephants are subject to Wrath and Revenge, is evident from other -Instances: _e. g._ We read of an Elephant, that when he was brought into -a certain Theatre, saw, as he pass’d along, a Keeper of wild Beasts, -sitting in the Market-place, whom he suddenly killed: And that the -occasion of this Revenge was, because the said Keeper about ten Years -before had struck him with a Sword in that same Place[185]. - -Footnote 185: - - _Michael Glycas_’s Annal. par. 1. in the Memoirs of the Royal Society, - vol. v, vi. p. 280, 281. _ibid._ p. 281. - -And _Acosta_ writes, that a Soldier in the Town of _Cochine_, had thrown -the Kernel of a Nut at an Elephant, which the Animal took up and -carefully hid: Some Days after, the Elephant seeing the said Soldier -pass by, threw it in his Face, and went away leaping and dancing. -_Ibid._ - -In that same Town, another Soldier, meeting an Elephant and his Keeper, -would not give way to them: Whereupon the Keeper complained to the -Elephant of the Affront, who some days after, standing on the River -_Mangata_, which runs through the Town, and seeing that sturdy Soldier -stand idle, ran hastily towards him, lifted him upon his Trunk, and -plunged him several Times in the River; after which, he drew him out, -and left him where he found him. _Ibid._ - - -XXII. The _Scorpion_ is one of the Inhabitants of the World in -Miniature; though a little Insect, yet is reckoned to be one of the -chiefest among stinging Animals, whose Poison in different Regions is -less or more dangerous, as it is exalted by various Degrees of Heat. It -has eight Legs, and two large Claws, resembling those of a Lobster, and -a Body like a Crab or Craw-fish: They are of various Colours, as red, -white, yellow, black: They differ also in their Size and Kinds, as the -marine, terrestrial, reptile, winged, hurtful and innocent. - -Some are of the Bigness and Length of a Man’s Finger, not much longer -than a _Beetle_ or a black Fly: Those known to us are of a brown Colour, -the Back composed of Joints resembling those of a Crab, but more -crustaceous. - -Authors differ about the Tail, whether it be knotty or not; but all -agree, that it is furnished with a terrible Sting, worse than the -knotted Whip. Many Places produce _Scorpions_ of the minute Sort, not -much exceeding the Length of a large Bean. - -Others are more bulky, as those at _Jerusalem_, and all about _Syria_, -not unlike our little fluvial Crabs for Bigness, which they call -_Gambari_. - -In the _East-Indies_ are large Scorpions of the winged Kind; so in -_Egypt_, where it is reported they are armed with two Stings[186]. - -Footnote 186: - - _Conradus Gesner in Verbum_, p. 4. - -It is observable, these large Scorpions taking their Flight against the -Wind, sometimes drop down, and so are taken by the Country People, and -perhaps sent to scorpionize other Kingdoms. - -The _Sea-scorpion_ is a flying Animal, and of a red Colour, whose Flesh -is good, and much better than what they call _Scorpœna_, that affects -muddy Water and moorish Habitations. - -There is a vast Spread of these venemous Animals over the World, both of -the winged and creeping Kind, in the Eastern and Southern Climates. Some -of them move with Tails somewhat erected, others trailing on the ground; -and are thought to be more dangerous than the former: The Coal-black -Scorpion is accounted the most hurtful; ’tis said, that in many Places -in _Persia_, the Inhabitants dare not sleep in Ground-rooms, for fear of -these little plaguy Creatures, the most terrible of all Night-walkers: -Of which more elsewhere. - -A certain Historian informs us of stimulating Scorpions that infest -_Cashan_ in _Parthia_: They are of small Size, not strong in Body, but -very terrible in their Wounds, there being the greatest Malignity in -their Stings; upon which is grafted this proverbial Curse in that -Nation, _May a Scorpion of_ Cashan _sting thee_[187]: But _Chardin_, -_Tavernier_, and others, place _Cashan_ in _Persia_, - - “where they are very much infested with Scorpions at all - Seasons, but especially when the Sun is in that Sign, which is - one of the twelve Signs in the _Zodiack_; so that ’tis become, - says another Historian, a Curse, _May the Scorpions of_ Cashan - _sting thy Gulls_.” - -This occasions every one to be provided with _sovereign Remedies_ -against them, which is a Piece of _Copper-money_ they put upon the -Wound, take it off 24 Hours after, and apply a Plaister of Honey and -Vinegar. The _Holstein_ Ambassadors say they are very black, of the -Length and Thickness of a Man’s Finger, and run faster than Crab-fishes, -with their Tails always erected[188]. - -Footnote 187: - - _Herbert_’s Travels, Book ii. p. 13. - -Footnote 188: - - Duke of _Holstein_’s Ambassadors Travels into _Persia_, _sparsim_. - -We read of a certain Emperor of _Persia_, who designing to make a Tour -into _Media_, durst not undertake the Journey, for the vast Quantity of -_Scorpions_ lying in the Road: So that he was obliged to detach a great -Number of stout Fellows to destroy those pestiferous Animals, promising -a superior Reward to them that kill’d most: Till this Execution was -over, he durst not venture his dignified Carcass abroad. The _Scythian -Scorpions_ are of the large Size, and terrible when they shoot their -Stings. - -In _Madagascar_, a large _African_ Island, are several Sorts of -Scorpions, particularly _Water-Scorpions_, that lie in the Marshes and -standing Waters, which are very mischievous, killing Dogs and Beasts, -and then sucking their Blood. There is another Sort of Scorpions with a -great round black Belly, that are very dangerous; for those whom they -strike immediately swoon, and some for two Days are weak, and cold as -Ice. The only Remedy they have, is that used against Serpent’s Wounds, -_viz._ to set the Patient by a great Fire, and giving him Antidotes to -expel the Poison, which proves a Cure[189]. - -Footnote 189: - - _Atlas Geograph. Asia_, from _La Croix_. - -In _Italy_, _Land-Scorpions_ are call’d _Scurtificio_, because they have -their Poison _nel-pizzo_, in the Extremity of their Tail. Among the -_Germans_, _pizzo_ is _sharp_, as _spits als een naalde_, pointed as a -Needle: The Country people bring them in Sack-fuls to _Florence_, and -take them out with naked Hands, as if they were so many Eels, which -supposes them to be of the innocent Kind, like those _white Scorpions_ -in _Pharos_, a little Island in the Mouth of _Nilus_, where there is -plenty of these pacifick Animals, who offer no Violence to their -Neighbours. Mention is made of other Provinces where they live and hurt -no body[190]. - -Footnote 190: - - _Fran. Redi opusculorum, pars prior._ - -By the _Spaniards_ the _Scorpion_ is call’d _Alaicran_, from an Island -in _America_, called the _Island of Scorpions_, for the numerous -Multitude that ravage the Place. In _Brasil_ is a vast Number of -_Scorpions_, and some four or five Foot long, in Shape like those of -_Europe_; but not so venemous: Some of them chuse to kill themselves -rather than die by the Hands of an Enemy. A certain Gentleman who made -the Trial observes, that a Scorpion being surrounded with a Circle of -burning Coals, chose to sting itself to Death rather than be burnt. - -In _Ceylon_ in the _East-Indies_, they have many Species of Serpents; -as, - - -XXIII. The _Pimbera Serpent_, whose Body is said to be as big as a Man’s -Middle, and in Length proportionable. The Creatures of this Kind secure -their Prey, even horned Beasts (which sometimes are pretty large) by a -sort of a Peg, or _pointed Hook_, that grows upon the Extremity of the -Tail: They are slow in Motion, and therefore skulk in hollow Places; and -when they have taken the Spoil, tho’ horned, they swallow it alive, and -whole; which often proves fatal, because the Horns may gore the Belly. -More, further on. - - -XXIV. The _Noya Serpent_ is another ill-natur’d _Indian_, about four -Foot long, will stand with its Body half upright two or three Hours -together, thereby displaying an Air of Majesty: The Inhabitants call it -the _King’s Snake_. - -Their Poison in that Part of the Country operates variously: Some after -they are bitten, fall into a profound Sleep, and without speedy Help die -in about six Hours time: Others grow distracted, and if neglected die in -twenty-four Hours, and bleed at all the Pores of the Body, and are -irrecoverable: Of which before[191]. - -Footnote 191: - - _Atlas Geogr. Asia._ - - -XXV. The _Polonga Serpent_ is five or six Foot long, and a most venemous -Creature, destroying all manner of Animals that fall within its Circuit, -as well as Men, Women and Children. When the _Noya_ and _Polonga_ -Serpents happen to meet, a bloody Battle ensues; they fight till one be -kill’d, and then the Conqueror eats up the slain. - - -XXV. The _Cobres Capellos_, Sea-serpents from eight to ten Yards long, -are most dangerous Beasts and frequently kill People in that -Country[192]. - -Footnote 192: - - _Ibid._ from _Baldeus_. - -When _Alexander_ was in the _East-Indies_, he and his _Macedonians_ were -strangely alarm’d by an Army of Serpents that sallied upon ’em from the -Woods, which would soon have destroy’d them, but for the Humanity of a -_Native_, who directed them to a certain Herb that cured their Wounds, -and saved them from Ruin[193]. The same Historian adds, that in those -great Deserts, frequent and terrible Scuffles happened between Elephants -and Serpents about Water, when they met at a Spring, and it so fell out -some time, that both perish’d; for the Serpent roll’d it self about the -Elephant’s Leg by several Folds, who finding himself wounded, falls -down, and in falling often crushes his Enemy to death. _Ibid._ - -Footnote 193: - - _Diodor. Siculus._ - -In _America_ is a vast variety of Serpents, and some of prodigious -Dimensions; in particular, they are very numerous and large in -_Cordillera_, i. e. _Andes_, or high Mountains of _Chile_, which -Mountains, _Antonio de Herrera_ calls a Prodigy of Nature, not to be -match’d in the kind: They are two Chains of high Mountains, about 1500 -Leagues in length: In that spacious Region are Adders red as blood, -seven or eight Foot long, which in the Night appear like burning Coals, -but not so dangerous as other Serpents, that are Imps of Darkness. -_Acosta_ and other Writers tell us, that the Devil appear’d among the -_Americans_ in the shape of a Serpent. - -There are so many Sorts, says _Nieuhoff_, that the _Brasilians_ reckon -up no less than thirty-two, most of which are here accounted for. - - -XXVII. The _Caudisonant_, or _Rattle-snake_, is a large Species of the -Viper, and in its exterior Form every way similar, the rustling Tail -excepted; it moves with as much Agility as if supply’d with Wings, -called therefore the _Flying-snake_: It has small Eyes, and four Teeth -longer than the rest, of white Colour, and sharp, like Thorns; the Head -is guarded with small Scales, the Back with larger and thicker Armour; -the Tail is composed of several loose bony Articulaments that make a -roaring Sound, loud enough to be heard at a distance; and therefore -called the _Bell-Snake_. - -It is common in _Virginia_, where it appears to be from three to four -Foot long, and reckoned to be very poisonous; but scarcely hurts any, -unless provoked; and when offended, like the God of War, makes directly -at the Enemy, without dread of Consequences. - -In the History of _Peru_, an Account is given of a young Woman who was -wounded by a Rattle-snake, and died on the Spot, before any Relief could -be had; and when they came to take up the Corpse, the Flesh came off her -Bones; so speedily did the violence of the Poison dissolve the structure -of the Body. - -The method of killing this Snake, is thus given by Captain _Silas -Taylor_, _viz._ Of the Leaves of _Dittany_ of _Virginia_ (_i. e._ wild -Penny-royal) bruis’d, we took, says he, and having fasten’d them at the -end of a cloven Stick, we held it to the Nose of the _Rattle-snake_, who -by turning and wriggling, labour’d hard to avoid it; but was kill’d with -it in less than half an Hour’s time, and as is supposed by the meer -Scent of that Vegetable[194]. This was done _A. D._ 1657, in _July_, at -which Season those Creatures are reputed to be in the greatest Vigour -for their Poison: It is also remarkable, that in those Places where this -wild Penny-royal grows, none of these Snakes are observed to come[195]. - -Footnote 194: - - _Regnault_, vol. ii. from _Journ. des Scav._ 1666. p. 113. - _Lowthorp_’s Abridg. of Philos. Transact. vol. ii. p. 811. - -Footnote 195: - - _Ibid._ - -The bruised Leaves of the _Virginian_ Dittany are very hot, and biting -upon the Tongue: Probably the strong Smell of it might stop the Passages -of Respiration in those Animals, or ferment with the Blood, so as to -suffocate them. In _Gresham_ College at _London_ may be seen fifteen -Skins of Rattle-snakes checker’d——Some appear in ash colour: Several -Rattles of those Snakes, most of them composed of above ten Joints. - - -XXVIII. The _Salamander_ is an amphibious Serpent, very much spotted; -superior in Bulk to common Lizards. The _Land-Salamander_ is a little -poisonous Reptile, that resembles the green Lizard, but more gross in -Body; and is found in _Germany_ and other Places. - -_CONRADUS Gesner_, says he saw one of ’em on the _Alps_ perfectly black, -with a short Tail: When wounded, a kind of milky Liquid runs out. In -_Germany_, are several great Woods, where _black Salamanders_ have been -seen; _Teste Matthiolo_[196]. - -Footnote 196: - - _Jonstonus de Quadrupedibus_, p. 137. - -This little strange Animal affects moist, cold and solitary Habitations. -In some parts of _Germany_ great numbers of them have been found in a -Body piled up, one upon another: They are of the oviparous kind, and -propagate their Species by Eggs, the common Semen of Fowls and Insects. - -They are Enemies to Frogs and the Tortoise, and feed on little small -Insects; and when they have Access to Honey and Milk, they never want a -Feast. - -It is of a poisonous Nature, and many have suffer’d by its Biting; so -says _Pliny_, with whom agree _Nicander_, _Aëtius_, and _Abensinæ_. - -_GESNER_ is in a contrary Sentiment, and says he had domestick -_Salamanders_, that offered no violence with their Teeth without -Provocation. _Jonstonus_ adds, that in _Germany_ there appeared no ill -Effects of its Bite; but in _France_ its Wounds were of a most deadly -Nature, as appears by a Saying in that Kingdom. _viz._ _That a Man bit -by a Salamander, should have as many Physicians to cure him, as the -Salamander has Spots, which are numerous_[197]. - -Footnote 197: - - ——_tot medicis indigere quot maculas bestia habet, proverbio jactant_. - Jonstonus de Quadrupedibus, p. 137. - -The _Aquatic Salamander_ is not very unlike the former, unless it be in -Colour and Figure; some with a Tail turn’d up, others with a flat Tail, -prominent in the middle: There are various sorts of them; one of which -appears in the form of a Turbot, whose Eggs are as large as -Garden-pears. - -When upon Land their Mouth will not open, unless it be by Force, or they -be cast into a Vessel of Water: When put upon Salt, they move the Tail -and die; their Skin is close compacted, and not penetrable by a Sword; -and ’tis said that Swine’s Flesh is Poison to them[198]. - -Footnote 198: - - _Jonstonus de Quadruped._ p. 138. - -The common Report is, that the _Salamander_ is able to live in the Fire, -which is a vulgar Error: The Hieroglyphick Historian observes, that upon -Trial made, it was so far from quenching it, that it consum’d -immediately[199]. It is true, that _Newts_ (or Water-lizards) Frogs, -Snails, and such icy Animals, will endure the Fire for a longer time -than others will, by reason of an extraordinary degree of Coldness, -which dissipates and scatters the Flame for a little time. - -Footnote 199: - - _Joannis Pierii Hierogl._ cap. 21-26. p. 195-6, 7. - -I have read an Experiment made upon a _Salamander_, that was thrown into -the Fire, and there came from it a sort of gelid, moist, viscous Humour, -which resisted the Power of Fire for a little time; but those -Exhalations being dried up, was soon consum’d. In the _Philosophical -Transactions_, we have another Instance, which seems to carry the matter -further. - -M. _STENO_ writes from _Rome_, that a Knight called _Corvini_, had -assured him, that having cast a _Salamander_ (brought to him out of the -_Indies_) into the Fire, the Animal thereupon swelled presently, and -then vomited store of thick slimy Matter, which did put out the -neighbouring Coals, to which the _Salamander_ retired immediately, -putting them out also in the same manner as they rekindled; and by this -means saved his Life about two Hours, and afterwards lived nine Months; -that he had kept it eleven Months, without any other Food but what it -took by licking the Earth, on which it moved, and on which it had been -brought out of the _Indies_, which at first was cover’d with a thick -Moisture, but being dried afterwards, the Urine of the Animal served to -moisten the same: Being put upon _Italian Earth_, it died within three -days after[200]. - -Footnote 200: - - _Lowthorp_’s _Abridgement_, v. ii. p. 816. - -As to the Possibility of the thing; I make no doubt but he, who made -_Water_ the Habitation of Fish, can make _Fire_ to be the Residence of -another sort of Beings. The Sun, which is the Centre of our planetary -System, for aught we know, may be the Seat of glorious Inhabitants; or, -as others conjecture, the Place of future Misery. - -Upon the whole, the _Salamander_ being of a mucous, slimy, and cold -Body, will, like Ice, soon extinguish a little Fire, but will be as soon -consum’d by a great Fire; therefore it was no Absurdity in _Galen_, -when, as a _sceptical Medicine_, he recommended the _Ashes of a -Salamander_. - -The like Humidity is observable in Water-Lizards, especially if their -Skins be prick’d: Yea, Frogs, Snails, White of Eggs, will soon quench a -lesser Coal. We read of _incombustible Cloth_, (_Linnen Paper_,) made -from a Flaxen-Mineral, call’d Ασβεστος by the _Greeks_, and _Linum -vivum_ by the _Latins_. - -[Illustration: - - _Plate 5^{th}_ -] - -This _Asbestos_, or Matter out of which this wonderful Cloth ... is -made, is a Fossil, a mineral stony Substance, of a whitish Colour, and -woolly Texture (call’d _Salamander’s-Wool_) the downy Fibres, separable -into short Filaments of Threads, capable of being spun, and made into a -sort of Cloth, which will endure the Fire without consuming. When foul, -instead of washing, they throw it into the Fire, which cleanses without -burning it. Whole Webs and Coats, Napkins, Handkerchiefs, Towels, have -been made of it; which were so far from being consumed by Fire, that -they were only cleansed from their Dross, and came out purified into a -greater Lustre than if wash’d with Water. - -Its principal use, according to _Pliny_[201], was for making of Shrouds, -in which the Corps of their Kings were usually burnt, lest their royal -Ashes should be blended with common Dust. The Princes of _Tartary_ use -it to this day in burning the Dead[202]. _Nero_ had a Napkin or Towel -made of it. The _Brachmans_ among the _Indians_, are said to make -Clothes of it. The Wicks for their perpetual Candles were made of -it[203]; and some to this day use it for Lamp-Wicks. - -Footnote 201: - - Book xix. cap 1. - -Footnote 202: - - _Philos. Transact._ - -Footnote 203: - - Dr. _Lister_. - -The Emperor _Constantine_ ordered an incombustible sort of Linnen to be -made of _Lapis Amianthus_, the growth of _Cyprus_, that might burn in -his Lamps, which were in his _Baths_ at _Rome_. The Commentator on St. -_Augustin_ says, that he saw several Lamps at _Paris_, which would never -be consumed: and at a Feast at _Louvain_, there was a Napkin thrown into -the Fire, which was restored to the Owner clearer and brighter than if -it had been rinsed in Water[204]. - -Footnote 204: - - _Ludovicus Vives, in his Scholia—de Civitate Dei. Pancirol. Historia - rerum deperdit._ - -The _incombustible Paper_ is made of this lanuginous Mineral, viz. -_Asbestine-Stone_, which will bear burning without being injured. -Whoever would be further informed about this wonderful incombustible -Stone, may peruse Dr. _Bruckman_, Professor at _Brunswick_, who has -publish’d _a natural History of the Asbestos,_ or _incombustible Paper_; -and what is most remarkable, has printed four Copies of his Book on -_this_ Paper, which are deposited in the _Library_ of _Wolfembuttle_. -The manner of making this extraordinary Paper is described by Mr. -_Lloyd_, in _Philosoph. Transactions_, N^o. 166. - -_N. B._ The _Salamander_ is said to live in the Fire, and has power to -extinguish it: “From which Conjuncture was taken the _Device_ of Great -King _Francis_, the first of the Name, (Father of Arts and Sciences) -_Nutrisco & Extinguo_, I Feed and Extinguish[205].” - -Footnote 205: - - _Pedro Mexia_ and M. _Francesco Sansovinio_, the famous _Italian_. - - -XXIX. The _Cameleon_ belongs to the Class of Quadrupedes, and is a -little Animal resembling a Lizard, but of a larger and longer Head: Its -Eyes stand out of its Head above one half of their Globe, which he turns -so obliquely, that he sees every thing behind him: Nature perhaps has -given it this Advantage, because its Legs (by the slowness of its -motion) are of no use to avoid his Enemy, by running away. There is yet -something more extraordinary, in the motion of his Eyes, for when one of -them moves, the other has no motion at all; one looks upward, the other -downwards[206]. - -Footnote 206: - - A Journal of the Philosoph. Mathematical and Botanic Observ. by _Lewis - Feuillée_, A. D. 1725. - -The length of these Creatures does not exceed twelve Inches, and they -have a proportionable bigness. The Skin is plaited and very fine, -transparent, jagged like a Saw, and thin; and must be very compact and -hard, since, according to the Historian[207], ’tis not penetrable by the -Teeth of Serpents. It has four Feet, and on each Foot three Claws; its -Tail is long and flat, with which, as well as with its Feet, it fastens -itself to the Branches of Trees: its Nose long, and ends in an obtuse -point: In other respects it is made like a Fish; that is to say, it has -no Neck[208]: Reckoned by _Moses_, _among the unclean_—Numb. xi. 30. - -Footnote 207: - - _Ælian,_ iv. 33. - -Footnote 208: - - _Calmet,_ p. 351. - -The _Cameleon_ is said to transform itself into variety of Colours; -perhaps this change may arise from the different reflections of the Rays -of Light: Thus they may put on a brown or whitish Habit, from Trees of -that Colour, on which they sit. Others observe, that its Colour is -changeable, according to the various Passions that agitate the Creature; -_e. g._ When affected with Joy, ’tis of an emerald Green, mixt with -Orange, etch’d with little grey and black Strokes: Anger gives it a -livid and dusky Colour: Fear makes it pale, and like faded yellow[209]. -All these Colours compose such a pretty Medley of Shadow and Light, that -Nature does not afford a finer Variety of Shadowing, nor our finest -Pictures more lively, sweet, and proportionable Drawing. - -Footnote 209: - - _Le Compte’s Memoirs_, p. 502. - -For the further Illustration of this Subject, I shall add something from -the Philosophical Transactions about a female Cameleon, the Skin of -which appear’d mixt of several Colours, like a Medley-cloth. The Colours -discernable are green, a sandy yellow: And indeed one may discern, or at -least fancy, some mixture of all, or most Colours in the Skin, whereof -some are more predominant, at different times: There are some permanent -black Spots on the Head, and Ridge of the Back. But our modern -Naturalists assure us, that its common Colour, when it is at rest, and -in the Shade, is a bluish grey; when ’tis exposed to the Sun, this grey -changes into a darker grey, inclining to a dun Colour: If ’tis put on a -black Hat, it appears to be of a violet Colour. - -... Upon Excitation or warming, she becomes suddenly full of little -black Spots, equally dispersed on the sides, with small black Streaks on -the Eyelids; all which afterward do vanish. The Skin is grain’d with -globular Inequalities, like the Leather call’d Shagreen. The grossest -Grain is about the Back and Head, then on the Legs; on the Sides and -Belly, finest; which, perhaps, in several Postures, may shew several -Colours; and when this Animal is in full Vigour, may also have in some -sort, _Rationem Speculi_, and reflect the Colours of Bodies adjacent; -which, together with the mixture of Colours in the Skin, may have given -occasion to the old Tradition, _of changing into all Colours_[210]. - -Footnote 210: - - _Lowthorp_’s _Abridg._ vol. ii, p. 816. - -A certain curious Gentleman, made the following Experiment, when he -lived at _Smyrna_, in _Asia-minor_: He bought some _Cameleons_, to try -how long they could be preserved alive under Confinement; he kept them -in a large Cage, and allowed them the Liberty to take the fresh Air, -which they suck’d in with Pleasure, and made them brisker than ordinary. -He never saw them either eat or drink, but seem’d to live on the Fluid -in which we breathe. - -The Antients were persuaded that _Cameleons_ fed upon the Air, for which -reason one of the Fathers calls it a _living Skin_[211]; but now it -appears by Experience, that they feed upon different Insects, as -Palmer-worms, Locusts, Beetles, Flies, and also Leaves of Vegetables. -Father _Feuillée_[212], in a Journey into _Asia-minor_, opened one of -these Animals, and found in its Belly Peach-Leaves, which were not then -digested.——_N. B._ Digestion is very slow in _Cameleons_, which is the -reason why they take so little Nourishment. - -Footnote 211: - - _Pellicula vivit. Tertull. de Pallio_, cap. 3. - -Footnote 212: - - _Feuillée_’s _Journal. Franckf._ 1597. p. 3. - -The same Father mentions a small Lizard, which he saw in _Peru_, that -was not above an Inch thick, which he calls _Chameleontides_, because he -changed his Colour, like the _Cameleons_; being in a certain Situation, -he saw it of a dun Colour; in another, ’twas green.... This little -Creature, he says, had the same Figure and Proportion as the _Great -Lizard_; nam’d by the _Spaniards_, _Iquanna_; and _Senembi_, by -_Marcgravius_; and he makes that _Lizard_ a fourth kind of _Cameleon_, -and to be added to the two kinds of _Bellonius_, one of which is to be -found in _Arabia_, and the other in _Egypt_, and to that mention’d by -_Faber_, _Lynceus_, which may be seen in _Mexico_. - -Their Tongue is somewhat peculiar, it being as long as their Body, with -which they catch Flies, and other Insects, which settle on their -Tongues, to suck the viscous slimy Matter, adherent to them. The -_Cameleon_ puts out his Tongue to draw them upon it, and when ’tis full -of these Insects, he pulls it in with wonderful Agility. Others think, -it encloses its Prey with the tip of its Tongue, which is made in a form -proper for that purpose. - -The _Cameleon_ is an oviparous Animal. _J. Jonstonus_ says, it has above -a hundred Eggs, from _Piereskius_, who nursed a Female on purpose to -make Observations upon the Subject[213]. After all the Gentleman’s Care -about ’em at _Smyrna_, all of them died within five Months; and having -opened the Female, found thirty Eggs in her, fasten’d one to another in -the form of a Chain. _Ibid. supra._ - -Footnote 213: - - _Jonstonus de Animalib. inter Quadrupedes_, p. 141. - -The _Atlas_[214] calls the _Cameleon_, the _Indian Salamander_[215]; -that goes there by the Name of _Gekho_, from the Noise it makes after -hissing, and is thus describ’d, _viz._ ’tis about a Foot long and -spotted, has large Eyes starting out, the Tail has several white Rings -round it, and its Teeth sharp, and strong enough to penetrate an Armour -of Steel: it has a slow Motion, but where it fastens, ’tis not easily -disengaged. This Creature is found in _Arabia_, _Egypt_, _Madagascar_, -_Java_, and other parts of _India_. _Bellonius_ saw several of them -among the Shrubs of _Attica_[216]: He says it frequents _Cairo_, and -other Places, is found among Hedges and Bushes; mutes like a Hawk; -swallows every thing whole. It moves the Feet of each side alternately, -but runs up Trees very fast, and lays hold on the Boughs with its Tail. -_Leo_ and _Sandys_ say, the Neck is inflexible, and it can’t turn -without moving its whole Body: the Back is crooked, the Skin is spotted -with little Tumours: the Tail long and slender, like that of a Rat, when -it sucks in the Air, its Belly swells, whence some think that the Air is -part of its Food. One Author says, it subsists only upon Air; another -says, ’tis a vulgar Error.—— - -Footnote 214: - - _Africa._ - -Footnote 215: - - For _America_. - -Footnote 216: - - _Jonstonus de Quadrupedibus._ - -’Tis said, that if a Serpent lurks near the Tree, where it sits, it -throws a Thread out of its Mouth, with a little shining Drop at the end, -which falls upon the Serpent’s Head, and kills it[217]. - -Footnote 217: - - _Atl. Afric._ p. 49, 50. - -In _America_ are Serpents, some of whom are so poisonous, that if -touch’d but with a little Stick, the Venom runs up the Hand; and such as -are touch’d with the Blood of dead Serpents, die a lingering Death: This -is Tradition: I shall begin with the first of them, _viz._ - - -XXX. _KUKURUKI_, a Serpent of _Brasil_ in _South-America_, which is -under the torrid Zone, where their Winter begins in _March_ and ends in -_August_; and is like our Summer. This Serpent is of an ash Colour, and -in its Scales resembles the _Bocinga_, or Rattle-Snake, but is more -gross; on the Back, variegated with yellow, and large black Spots. ’Tis -represented as a very venemous Animal, eight or nine Foot long[218]; and -when prepared, the Inhabitants feed upon it. - -Footnote 218: - - _9 & interdum 12 pedes longus est._ Ray. - - -XXXI. The _Ibiara_ is a _Brasilian_ Adder, about a Foot and half long; -an Inch and half in thickness. Serpents of this kind are very numerous -in that Country, and nothing more poisonous than their Wounds, tho’ not -incurable, if proper Remedies be applied in time. - -In Seasons of Danger, they shelter themselves in Cavities under Ground, -and feed upon Pismires, which are very large in that Country, and in -such prodigious Quantities, that the _Portuguese_ call them, _Kings of -Brasil_. - - -XXXII. In _Chiapa_, in _Old-Mexico_, now call’d _New-Spain_, is a -noxious Animal call’d _Teuthlacokauqui_, or _Fortress of the Serpents_, -whose Head is like an Adder, thick Belly, glittering Scales, the Ridge -of the Body black, with an Interspersion of white Crosses; the Teeth -poisonous, and the biting kills in twenty-four hours, unless the wounded -part be held in the Earth so long, till the Pain be over. - -It has a frightful Aspect; when it moves it makes a Noise with its Tail, -that sounds an Alarm of Danger. The _Americans_, who have the Art of -taking it by the Tail, carry it home, and by degrees make it tame: ’tis -maintain’d at a cheap rate, for it can subsist a whole Year without any -visible Food. - -_JOHNSTONUS_ calls this Serpent the _Bocininga_, and describes it from -_Marcgravius_ and _Piso_. The former says, ’tis four Foot and three -Fingers long, Belly smooth, small Eyes, forked Tongue, rattling Tail. -The other observes, the _Spaniards_ call it _Cascavel_, and _Tangedor_, -because its Tail emits the sound of a Ball; in thickness, as a Man’s -Arm; in length, about five Foot; a cloven Tongue, long and sharp Teeth; -of a dark Colour, inclining to the yellow[219]. - -Footnote 219: - - _Jonstonus_, Articulus xvii. p. 23. - -According to _Nierembergius_, this Serpent is called the _Queen of -Serpents_, which they suppose to be like the Viper, in its Poison, and -Shape of the Head[220]. By the Definitions of several Authors, this -Serpent seems to be the _Caudisonant_; and the _Dutch_ in _America_ call -it, the _Ratel-Stange_, _i. e._ Rattle-Snake. - -Footnote 220: - - _Historia Naturæ Maximè Peregrinæ_, p. 268-9. - -Now we are in _Mexico_, excuse me in giving you two Instances of -monstrous Cruelty; one in the Natives, the other in the _Spaniards_. - -When the _Mexicans_ were disposed to do signal Honour to their Idols, -they sent out Armies to bring in Prisoners for a Sacrifice, whose Flesh -they did afterwards eat; and _Montezuma_ the Emperor, commonly -sacrificed 20000 Men, one year with another, and no less than 50000 some -years. The Priests thought it dishonourable to sacrifice less than 40 or -50 Captives at a time to one _Idol_. At a certain Festival, they ript up -the Breast of a manumitted Slave, pull’d out his Heart, which they -offer’d to the Sun, and then eat up his Body. - -Their Priests were bloody Men, a Brood of Vipers, and had such an -Ascendant over their Princes, that they made them believe _their Gods -were angry_, and not to be appeased without 4000 or 5000 Men to -sacrifice in a day; so that, right or wrong, they must make War on their -Neighbours, to procure those Victims to keep their Priests in Humour. - -The next, is an Instance of _Spanish Cruelty_, in this Country, that -could have no Original but Hell, the Seat of the old Serpent. It runs -thus, _viz._ _Barthol. de las Casas_ Bishop of _Chiapa_, in a Letter to -the _Emperor Charles V._ gives this account of the Barbarity of the -_Spaniards_ towards the poor Inhabitants, Natives of the Land. - - ... “Their Kings and Princes, says the Bishop, the _Spaniards_ - scorch’d to death, or tore in pieces with Dogs: The poor People - they burnt in their Houses, and dash’d out the Brains of their - Children: Those that were spared, they forced to carry greater - Burdens than they were able to bear, by which thousands of them - were destroy’d: Others who escap’d, died of Famine in the Woods, - after they had kill’d their own Wives and Children, and eat them - for hunger. In this one Province they murder’d above two - Millions of Men, not sparing those of Quality, who had civilly - entertain’d them. They tortured the Natives with the most - hellish Inventions, to make them discover their Gold. _Diego de - Valesco_, in particular, spared none that fell into his hands, - so that in a Month’s time he murder’d ten thousand: He hang’d - thirteen Noblemen. - - “Some they starved to death, by thrusting their Heads betwixt - Pieces of cloven Timber: Others they buried alive, leaving their - Heads above Ground, at which they bowl’d with large - Iron-Bullets: They also forced them to eat one another.—— - -Besides other hellish Cruelties too dreadful to be related[221].” _N. -B._ This _Barth. de las Casas_ had been a _Friar_, and afterwards made -Bishop of _Chiapa_, was a Man of more Piety and Justice than is commonly -found among _Friars_. It was he, who procur’d the _Indians_ their -Liberty from being Slaves to the _Spaniards_, which they enjoy to this -day, so that they are paid for what they do, about half a Crown a Week. - -Footnote 221: - - _Acosta_, _Gage_—The Civil and Moral History of the _Spanish - West-Indies_, in _Atlas Geogr. America_. - - -XXXIII. The _Ibitobaca_ is a Serpent of _Chiapa_, near four Foot long, -and of a crimson Colour, adorn’d with a pleasing Diversity of black and -white Specks; wearing its Bones as a Necklace, or the Ruff in Queen -_Elizabeth_’s Reign, who destroy’d the Invincible Armada, and made good -old _England_ a Terror to _Spaniards_. - - -XXXIV. The _Iquanna_ is the Birth of _Mexico_, a Serpent like the Pope’s -Anathema, of a terrible Front, but harmless; a glittering Comb on the -Head, with a Bag under the Chin; a long Tail, and sharp Bones on its -Back, standing up in the form of a Saw. - -This Iquannatick Serpent is of the amphibious kind, equally fitted to -live by Land or Water; a Privilege which no Son of _Adam_ can boast of. -It is of the oviparous Tribe, and a great Breeder, laying about fifty -Eggs at the Season as big as Acorns, which are of a very good Taste, and -good Food when boiled, and so is the Serpent itself; but the -Land-_Iquanna_ is a more pleasant Food, and preferable to _Spanish_ -Ragous[222]. - -Footnote 222: - - _Nierembergii Historia Naturalis_, p. 271. - - -XXXV. The _Ibiboboca_ is a Serpent beautiful to the Eye, but of a -venemous Nature; ’tis about three Foot long. The _Icon_ of it in -_Gresham-College_ is above three Yards[223], white as Snow, decorated -with Particles of various Colours, especially black and red. The Wound -it gives operates gradually, and if neglected, proves fatal. - -Footnote 223: - - _Curzon_’s _Catalogue of Rarities_, p. 445. - - -XXXVI. The _Guaku_ or _Lyboya_ Serpent, is one of the largest of all the -serpentine Brood, some of which being from eighteen to thirty Foot long, -call’d by the _Portuguese_, _Hobre de Hado_, or the _Roebuck Serpent_, -because it can swallow a whole Buck at once. After swallowing it down, -it generally falls asleep, and in that Posture is frequently taken, -while digesting its Supper. My Author says, he saw one of this kind, -which was 30 Foot long, of a greyish Colour, but others incline more to -the brown[224]. A ravenous Animal, and so voracious, that it leaps out -of the Woods to seize its Prey; and, if disturb’d, will fight, or -wrestle, with Man or Beast, standing upright upon the Butt-end of his -Tail. - -Footnote 224: - - _Nieuhoff in Atl. America,_ p. 263. - - -XXXVII. The _Jararaka Serpent_, is another _Brasilian_, no longer than a -Man’s Arm to the Elbow; it has swelling Veins on its Head; the Skin is -covered with red and black Spots; the rest is of an Earth Colour: Its -Wounds are dangerous, and attended with the usual Symptoms. There are -three Sorts of these venemous Snakes besides this, _viz_. _One_ sort is -about ten Spans long, with two terrible Tusks, or great Teeth, which -they stretch out to a great length, and strike them into their Prey. The -venemous Liquid, which is very yellow, works with a Violence, that kills -in a few Hours. The _second_ sort resembles the _Spanish Viper_ in -Colour and Form, and is equally dangerous. The _third_ and worst sort -very much resembles the _first_. - - -XXXVIII. The _Biobi_, called _Gabro Verde_ by the _Portuguese_ in -_Brasil_, i. e. the _Green Serpent_, because its Colour is porraceous, a -shining Green like the Leek; it is between three and four Foot long, and -about the Thickness of a Man’s Thumb; a large Mouth, and black Tongue, -and has this good Property, that it hurts nobody unless irritated; but -when provoked, no Poison more dangerous. We read of a _Soldier_, who -accidentally treading on this Serpent, was wounded by it in the Thigh, -and died a few Hours after, tho’ the Remedies that proved successful on -the like occasions, had been diligently applied[225]. - -Footnote 225: - - _Raii Synopsis_, p. 328. - - -XXXIX. The _Caninana Serpent_, is another Inhabitant of _Brasil_, green -on the back, and yellow on the Belly, about two Foot long, and reckoned -not to be so venemous, as the rest of that mischievous Tribe. It feeds -upon Eggs and Birds, at last becomes the common Entertainment of the -_American_ and _African_ Tables[226]. We read of other _green Serpents_ -in the _Indies_, that are indulged with little Cottages made of Straw, -where they spend their solitary Hours, till the time of eating invites -them out, then they repair to the House, where they fawn upon their -Masters, and eat what is set before them, and then retire to the Huts of -Indulgence. - -Footnote 226: - - _Raii Synopsis_, p. 328. - - -XL. The _Tetzawhcoatl_, is another Production of _Brasil_, a Serpent of -about three Foot long, and slender Body, whose Strokes are pestilent: -The Head is black, nether Part of the Tail reddish, and the Belly dash’d -with black Spots. The Cure is by Suction. - -Now we are travelling among the Inhabitants of _Brasil_, we may be -allowed to take notice of Prince _Maurice_’s _Rational Parrot_, -mentioned by Sir _William Temple_ and Mr. _Locke_, which the _former_ -had from the Prince’s own Mouth. His Words were, - - ... “That he had heard of such an _old Parrot_, when he came to - _Brasil_, and tho’ he believed nothing of it, and it was a good - way off; yet he had so much Curiosity as to send for it: that it - was a very great and a very old one; and when it came first into - the Room, where the Prince was with a great many Dutchmen about - him, it said presently, _What a Company of White-men are here!_ - They ask’d it, what he thought that Man was, pointing at the - Prince? it answered, _Some General or other_. The Prince asked - it, Whence come ye[227]? The Parrot answered, _From Marinnan_. - To whom do you belong, said the Prince? it answered, _To a - Portuguese Prince_. The Prince ask’d, What do you there? Parrot - answered, _I look after the Chickens_. The Prince laugh’d, and - said, You look after the Chickens! The Parrot answered, _Yes, I; - and I know well enough how to do it_, and made the _Chuck_ four - or five times, that People use to make to Chickens, when they - call them....” - -Footnote 227: - - D’où venes vous? De Marinnan. A qui estes vous? A un Portugais. Que - fais tu-la? Je garde les poulles. Vous gardez les poulles? Ouy moy, & - je sçai bien faire.—_Sir_ William Temple’s _Memoirs_, and _Mr._ - Locke’s _Essay_, Book II. _chap._ 27. - - ... “I could not but tell this odd Story, because it is so much - out of the way, and from the first hand, and what may pass for a - good one; for I dare say, this Prince at least believed himself - in all he told me, having ever past for a very honest and pious - Man. I leave it to Naturalists to reason, and to other Men to - believe as they please upon it; however, it is not perhaps amiss - to relieve or enliven a busy Scene sometimes with such - Digressions, whether to the purpose or no.” So far Sir _William - Temple_. - -Wonder not then, if you meet in this History with some romantick -Sentiments entertained by learned Men concerning Serpents, when two such -illustrious Pillars of the Commonwealth of Letters, give way to a -Relation that has so much of the Marvellous in it. - - -XLI. These Historians inform us of many more Serpents, and some of great -bulk, that infest those _American_ Regions; whose Looks are ruddy, of -blood-red Colour, that shine in the Night, like so many glittering -Stars. - -A modern Author writes, that in _America_ are some Snakes that were -eight Foot long, and as red as Blood, which in the Night look’d like -Fire[228]. - -Footnote 228: - - _Anton. Herrera_’s History of _America_, Vol. II. in his Account of - _Darien_, p. 72. - -The former black, and these shining Serpents, remind me of the -_Obsidian_ Stones, that are very black and transparent; they have their -Names from one _Obsidius_, who first found them in _Æthiopia_. - -There is a sort of natural _Obsidian_ Glass, which is rather to be -ranked among Stones than Metals; ’tis as passive as the former, enduring -the Graving-Tool, is diaphanous and pellucid, receiving Images, and, -like artificial Glass, transmitting all Forms and Shapes. - -This is found in _Æthiopia_, where the Sepulchres of the Nobles are -usually made of it, and after this manner; _viz._ They take a large -Stone, and make it hollow, and in the Cavity include the Corps, where it -is not only preserved, but, as if entomb’d in Glass, is apparently -visible to Spectators, and sends forth no ungrateful Scent. - -Out of these _Obsidian_ Stones, Looking-Glasses are wont to be made, and -are also found on the Coasts of _Arabia_. These shining Stones were -inserted into Rings, and in one of them was cut the entire Image of -_Augustus_, who being much taken with these Stones of Glass, caused four -Elephants to be made of them,—See the _Commentary_ upon _Pancirollus_, -B. i. of _Jet_; and _Pliny_, B. xxxvi. c. 26. - - -XLII. _Boiguacu_, another venemous Production of _Brazil_, thick in the -middle, and declining towards the Extremities of the Body; ’tis covered -with large Scales on the Back, and lesser ones on the Belly, which is -common in all Serpents. - -The whole is adorned with elegant Variegations.... The Back and Sides -set off with black Spots, inclining to the round; about three Inches -distant from each other, and in the Centre a round white Spot. These -beautiful Appearances, says _Jonstonus_, have a Grandeur in them more -than rivals Imperial Majesty. - -He saw several Serpents of this kind: On _August_ 7th, 1638, one that -was eight Foot long. Another, _August_ 13th, 1638, above five Foot long, -its Flesh fat, and very white; the Heart being taken out, lived about 15 -Minutes. _October_ 16th, 1638, he saw another, that was near nine Foot -long, and he was a Witness to its swallowing a She-Goat whole[229]. By -the Description, this Serpent must be the _Lyboia_, so famous for the -Knack of Deglutition of Animals. - -Footnote 229: - - _Jonstoni Historia Naturalis_, p. 25, 26. - - -XLIII. The _Brasilian Serpent_, called the _Ibiracoan_, makes its -Appearance in a Habit of various Colours, trimmed with red, black and -white Spots. Under this fine Dress, is a poisonous Spring; the Wound it -gives, infallibly kills without immediate Assistance. - -Before the Poison reaches the Heart, the common Practice is, to secure -that Serpent, and boil the Flesh of it with certain Roots, and give it -the Patient in Wine, or any other proper Liquid, and it will answer the -Intention. - - -XLIV. The _Tarciboya_, and _Kakaboya_, are two Serpents much of the same -Nature, and therefore I put them together: They are occasional -Inhabitants of the Water and Land; in Colour black, and about six Hands -in Length. If they hurt any Creature, it is only in Defence of -themselves, and the Wound is easily cured by Remedies well known in -those Countries. They are great Devourers of Birds. - -Here the Learned _Ray_, from _Piso_, mentions ten other Serpents, whose -particular Characters he considers in his Description of Fishes; then -refers his Reader to those described by _Joan. de Laet_.[230] - -Footnote 230: - - _Raii Synopsis Animal._ p. 329. _Londini_ 1693. - - -XLV. The _Bibera_ is a venemous Lizard of _Brazil_. If you ask, What are -these _Brasilian Lizards_? I answer, They are creeping Serpents, of -various Colours, and different Sizes: Some are the length of a Finger, -others many Feet; have sparkling Eyes. There is only one sort of them -that is venemous, among which is this _Bibera_: they are like the -others, but lesser, and are most mischievous. They are of an ash Colour, -inclining to the white; the Body and Limbs seem thick, but the Tail is -short and broad. - -The Wounds given by these Serpents, are full of a thin stinking Matter, -attended with blue Swellings, and Pain in the Heart and Bowels. _N. B._ -Great Things have been frequently done by little Things. - - -XLVI. The _Ambua_, so the Natives of _Brazil_ call the _Millepedes_ and -the _Centipedes_ Serpents. Those Reptiles of thousand Legs bend as they -craul along, and are reckoned very poisonous. Those Lizards of hundred -Legs are commonly found in the Woods, where they destroy the Fruit, and -also do mischief both to Men and Cattle. - -In these _Multipedes_, the Mechanism of the Body is very curious; in -their going, it is observable, that on each side of their Bodies, every -Leg has its Motion, one regularly after another; so that their Legs, -being numerous, form a kind of Undulation, and thereby communicate to -the Body a swifter Progression than one could imagine, where so many -short Feet are to take so many short Steps, that follow one another, -rolling on, like the Waves of the Sea. - -The _Palmer-Worm_ is also called _Millepes_, because of its many Feet, -which are as Bristles under its Body: It is about six Inches long, and -moves with incredible Swiftness. The upper part of the Body is cover’d -with hard swarthy Scales, and it has a sort of Claws both in its Head -and Tail, of rank Poison, as the Historian says. - - -XLVII. The _Jebeya_ is another _Brazilian_, and a Serpent very ravenous -and destructive: It has four Legs, and a long Tail like a _Crocodile_; -it lies flat and close on the Ground, artfully concealing itself, ’till -the Prey comes within reach, and then darts out a couple of sharp Fins -from its Fore-quarters, and kills whatever it strikes. - - -XLVIII. The _Giraupiagara_ is an _American_ Serpent, so call’d, because -of its being a great Devourer of Eggs. ’Tis of a Negro-Colour, but a -yellow Breast, and of great Length and Agility. It glides (as if -swimming) on the tops of Trees, faster than any Man can run on the -Ground.[231] - -Footnote 231: - - _Nieuhoff in Atlas, America._ - -It lives upon Birds, whose Nests it constantly plunders. ’Tis -observable, that the _Cuckow_ feeds very much upon _Eggs_, which -accounts for the vulgar Notion, that it always has one or more little -Birds, as Menials to attend it, these being some of those, whose Houses -it plundered. There is another Charge preferred against the Cuckow, -_viz._ The Contempt it puts upon our Vegetables, by spitting upon them; -whereas in those Dobs of frothy Dew, we find little Green Insects, that -are Grashoppers in the Embryo. - - -XLIX. The _Caminana_ is another _Brazilian Serpent_, of a great length. -The Body is all over green, and very beautiful in prospect. This also -runs up the Trees, not so much because of the green Leaves, as in -pursuit of Birds of all Colours; and having devoured the Contents of the -Nest, seizes the Dam, and drinks her Blood. - -The pleasing Appearance made by this Serpent in _Green_, puts me in mind -of the _Turks_, who have so great a _Superstition for the green Colour_ -(because it was consecrated to _Mahomet_) that they forbid Christians to -wear it on pain of Death; but the _Persians_ (who are _Mahometans_ as -well as the _Turks_) allow it to every body, and laugh at this -Superstition; so that when _Sultan Amurath_ sent an Ambassador to -_Sha-Abbas_ of _Persia_, to complain that he suffer’d that _venerable -Colour_ to be prophaned by Christians, he scoffingly said, that he would -forbid the _green Colour_ to be prophaned by Christians, as soon as -_Amurath_ would hinder the _green Meadows_ to be prophaned by his -_Turkish Cattle_[232]. The Eastern _Turks_ abhor the _blue Colour_, -because the _Jews_, they say, threw _Indigo_ into _Jordan_ to hinder the -Baptism of _Christ_, but the Angels brought Water from _Jordan_ to -baptize him, before it was polluted. _Atlas._ - -Footnote 232: - - _Holstein Ambassadors._—_Herbert._—_Atl. Asia._ - - -L. _BOYTIAPUA_, is a Serpent so called by the _Brazilians_ for its long -Snout, though I don’t find it exceeds others in smelling, by the -extension of its Nose; it is of a long slender Body, and feeds upon -Frogs, amphibious Animals and Insects. - -This Serpent is in high Esteem among the Natives of _Brazil_, who -practise the Art of Conjuration by it; and if any of them have a barren -Wife, and are desirous of Children, they lash this Serpent over her -Hips, pretending that such Exercise will make her fruitful: And if this -Device should take effect, must not we conclude the Offspring to be a -_Generation of Vipers_? - - -LI. The _Gaytiepua_ is a large Snake, smells rank like a Fox, and, -according to a learned Author, the Smell is intolerable[233], as is that -of the Serpent _Boyana_, which is very long and slender, and of black -Colour; of which one of the _Latin_ Poets takes notice[234]. - -Footnote 233: - - _Fætor illius nullatenus—possit tolerari._ Raii Synopsis. - -Footnote 234: - - Quod vulpis fuga, vipere cabile - Mallem quam quod oles, olere, Bassa. - _Martial._ - -If the loathsome Smell of these Creatures offend the Nose, it serves as -a friendly Alarm of Danger, to those who have the use of a Nose, that -they may avoid a more terrible Stroke. - -Nothing so constituted in Nature, but a superficial Observer may -construe as a Blemish to the Creation; but to a more penetrating Eye, -those imaginary Blemishes have their Convenience and Use, and appear to -be the Product of perfect Intelligence and Wisdom. - - -LII. The _Bom-Snake_, is another _Brazilian_ Reptile, call’d _Bom_ from -the Noise it makes in its Motion. It is of a prodigious large Size, but -is class’d among the Innocent, that do no manner of hurt to Persons, -_viz._ that can endure a little Sound, arising from a Propagation of the -Pulse of the Air. - -An innocent Serpent, no Contradiction. There is good among the bad in -the moral World. - - _Virtue——needs no Defence; - The surest Guard is Innocence: - None knew, till Guilt created Fear, - What Darts and poison’d Arrows were. - Integrity undaunted goes - Thro’_ Lybian _Sands, and_ Scythian _Snows_. - -In _Paraguay_, or _La Plata_ in _America_, is a famous _white Bird_, -which, though it has a very small Body, has a Voice like a _Bell_, and -therefore the Natives call it _Guirapo_, that is, the _Sounding-Bird_. - -How many Animals of the same kind in the moral Creation, that wear gaudy -Feathers and Plumes, whose Sound, in the Assemblies of Saints and -Sinners, proves to be _vox & præterea nihil_. - - -LIII. The _Boicupecanga_ is a Serpent, so called because its Back looks -as if it were overgrown with Briers and Thorns, the Ridge being sharp -pointed, which makes the Beast look as if he were guarded by little -Spears: This prickle-back’d Serpent is of a monstrous Extension, very -frightful, and venemous, the very sight of which strikes Terror into Man -and Beast. - - -LIV. The _Cucurijuba_ is a Water-Snake of twenty-five or thirty Foot -long, and three Foot in Compass, will swallow a Hog or a Stag at once; -has Teeth like those of Dogs, but makes no use of them as Instruments of -Mastication. _HARRIS_ in the _Atlas America_, mentions one kill’d when -asleep, that was twelve Yards and a half long, and proportionably big, -in whose Belly they found two wild Boars. This Creature I take to be the -_Lyboya_, (or a near Relative) a gigantick Serpent, already described, -therefore I dismiss the Monster, and proceed to the - - -LV. _MANIMA_, another Water-Snake, of the same Proportion with the -former, if not more bulky: The sight is terrible; the Monstrosity of -Dimensions is sufficient to render it so; but we are told, the Terror -vanishes in some Degree upon a view of the Skin, which is exquisitely -painted, and the _Brazilians_ not only love to see so spruce an Animal, -but reckon it an Omen of a long Life. - -If you ask, What a long Life is? I answer, ’Tis nothing but a lingering, -slow Consumption: Life itself, what is it, but a meer practical -Tautology, a Repetition of the same things over and over, and looks more -like a Penance imposed upon Mankind than Pleasure. - - -LVI. The _Terpomongo_ is another Serpent, which in the _Brazilian_ -Dialect, signifies to _stick close_, so close to whatever it touches, -that it is not to be parted. It is about the bigness of a Cable-Rope, -which being fasten’d to the Anchor, holds the Ship fast when it rides. - -This Property in the Serpent, may be an Hieroglyphick; or Symbol of true -Friendship, which is a sacred Mixture: My Friend and I are as two Rivers -joined in one, not to be separated; we stick close and fast, traversing -the Wilderness hand-in-hand: He who strikes one, wounds the other—No -Schism in true Friendship. - - -LVII. _JACORE Lizard_; some of these Serpents are as big as Dogs, and -resemble them in the Nose; their Teeth large and long, and their Skin -impenetrable. They do no harm to their Neighbours, and therefore are -generally allow’d to live. They make a loud Noise, by which their Haunts -are discovered, and their Liberty hazarded. - -They lay Eggs as large as those of a Goose, of an elastick Nature, so -hard, that when one is struck against another, they ring like Iron: they -frequent both Land and Water. - -It’s observable here, that this Animal is obstreporous, and by its Noise -invites Danger; whereas Silence would be his Security: yea, its Eggs are -as so many roaring Bells. This may serve for a Document to the unruly -Member: _Thersites_, in _Homer_, was counted a Fool for babbling. A -talkative Tongue is the Spring, Ringleader, and Head of Faction in all -places. - -The first Rudiments in _Pythagoras_’s School, was _Quinquennian_, -_Silence_. The Scholars were not allow’d to talk for five Years, that -is, till they had learned the _Art of Silence_. _Harpocrates_ was the -_God of Silence_, therefore painted with his Finger on his Lip, and was -worshipped in _Egypt_ with _Isis_ and _Serapis_. - -_ANGERONA_ was the Goddess of Silence at _Rome_, and painted with a -Cloth about her Mouth. Nor is it less venerable at _Venice_, where after -they come out of the Senate-house, they are as silent about what was -said and done, as if they had power to forget all that was said and -done. - -To the above-mention’d Serpents, the learned Mr. _Ray_ adds, by way of -Supplement, a Catalogue of fifteen _East-Indian Serpents_, which he had -from the Learned Dr. _Tancred Robinson_, whose Descriptions he had from -the College at _Leyden_, which I shall annex to the foregoing[235]. - -Footnote 235: - - _Ray_’s _Synopsis Animalium_, p. 330. - - -LVIII. _SERPENS Indicus Coronatus_, an _Indian_ Serpent, that makes its -Appearance with a crowned Head, which it holds up on high, as if proud -of the Honour. This is an Emblem of Pride, that Dropsy of the Mind; to -yield to its Thirst, is to swallow the Bait, that turned the _Seraph_ -into a _Devil_. - -The Remedy used by the _Indians_ for its Wounds, is what they call the -_Serpent-Stone_, which, according to _Thevenot_ and others, is an -artificial Composition, and not taken out of this Serpent’s Head. - - -LIX. _VIPERA Indica tricolor major_, a Serpent remarkable for a Body -decorated with three fine Colours, the Liveries of Summer’s Pride, but -living much under ground, the Glories of its Attire are buried in the -Earth, _the World’s material Mould_. - - -LX. _VIPERA Zelanica minor maculis eleganter variegata_, a Serpent -elegantly garnished with a Variety of charming Colours: It is an -Inhabitant of _Ceylon_, an Island in the _East-Indies_, called by the -Inhabitants _Tenarisain_, that is the _Land of Delights_, and not -without reason is this Island so called, since it is the most fruitful -place in _India_, producing Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, plenty of -Rice, Ananas, Cocoas, best Oranges, Lemons, Figs, Pomegranates, Ginger, -Grapes, Pepper, Cardamum, Tobacco, Nutmegs, Sugar; Mulberry, which yield -much Silk; Palm-trees, which afford a Liquor for their constant Drink, -_&c._ But in midst of these pleasing Varieties, they are haunted with -various sorts of venemous Serpents; an Emblem of our present State, -which is a Compound of Pleasure and Pain. - - _The Gods will frown, wherever they do smile; - The Crocodile infests the fertile_ Nile. - -_CEYLON_ is an Emblem of Man, to whom _Pleasure_ is as a delightful -Situation; but in it dwells a Serpent, called _Pain_. Pleasure is the -principal Intendment of Nature, and the great Object of our Inclination, -without which Life would be no Blessing, but a Mortification: Yea, ’tis -Pleasure reconciles us to Pain; for who would submit to nauseous -Medicines, and Tortures of the Surgeon’s Knife, but for hope of the -Pleasure of Ease that succeeds it. - -No Serpent so terrible as Pain, which is a strange domineering -Perception, that keeps off Ease when wanted, and destroys Ease when we -are in possession of it. - - -LXI. The _Malcarabeta_ of _Ceylon_ is a Serpent painted by Nature in a -Garb blue and white; the last of these two Colours shew best by -Candle-light. This leads us to the Excommunication by Inch of Candle; -that is, while a little Candle continues burning, the Sinner is allow’d -to come to Repentance; but after it burns out, he remains excommunicated -to all Intents and Purposes. - - -LXII. The _Ethetulla_ is a _Ceylonick_ Serpent; of a little slender -Body, and sharp-pointed Head. This is a kind of Ranger, delights in -Groves and Forests, and may be known by a white and green Vesture, in -which it rambles among the Trees. - - -LXIII. _MALPOLON_ is another Serpent of that celebrated Island, and of a -vermilion Hue, imbroider’d with curious fine red Spots, which shine like -so many Stars. - - -LXIV. _SERPENS Putorius_, so denominated, probably because of its filthy -Smell; by which it resembles the _Putorius_, a little Animal call’d -_Fitchet_, that smells ill, especially when enraged[236]. _Jonstonus_ -and _Gesner_ make it to be the _Druinus_, which has been already -describ’d. - -Footnote 236: - - _A putorio, quia valdè fœtet._ - - -LXV. The _Anacandia_, a _Ceylonick_ Serpent, of monstrous Corpulence, -being in longitude about 25 Foot. _D. Cleyerus_, who accounts for this -gigantick Serpent, says, he saw one of them open’d, in whose Belly was -found a whole Stag, with all his integral Parts: In another they found a -wild Goat; and in a third, a Porcupine arm’d with all its Darts and -Prickles[237]. Serpents of this nature have often fallen in our way, by -which we may imagine, that there is a vast spread of them over the -Earth. Mr. _Ray_ from _Cleyerus_ gives this account of the Monster——Tho’ -the Throat seems narrow, yet ’tis very extensible, and the Facts have -been confirm’d by Experience. When the Prey is catch’d, he wraps himself -about it, takes it by the Nose, sucks the Blood, and soon reduces it to -a Hodge-podge; after he has broken the Bones in pieces, that emit a -Sound like a Gun, _ibid._ And in doing all this he spends two days. - -Footnote 237: - - _De octavo genere merentur legi, quæ D. Cleyerus in Ephemer. German._ - Anno 12. Observ. 7. cui titulas, _De Serpente magno Indiæ Orientalis. - Urobubalum deglutiente Narrat. Raii Synopsis Animalium_,—p. 333, 334. - - -LXVI. The _Ghalghulawa_ is another _Ceylonite_, that goes by the Name of -_Serpens Indicus Saxatilis_, describ’d by whitish Lines, that run across -one another: Whether the Poet refers to this, as a Serpent affecting -stony and gravelly Situations, or to a certain Fish, I determine -not[238]. - -Footnote 238: - - Tum viridis squamis, parvo saxatilis ore. _Ovid._ - - -LXVII. The _Manballa_ is another _Indian_, and from its Name we may -conclude it has something of the canine Nature, for it flies with great -Fury at Passengers, as some Dogs usually do. ’Tis of a light red (or -bright bay, as we call it in Horses) spotted with white. - - -LXVIII. The _Nintipolonga_, an _Indian_ Serpent, whose Skin is checker’d -with white and black Spots. Its Bite is accompanied with mortiferous -Sleep, therefore call’d _Serpens hypnoticus_, _soporiferous Serpent_, -whose Wounds are as an _Opiate_, or _Medicines_ that induce sleep, in -which they die. _Q._ Why may not we suppose this narcotic Poison to be -the same with that, which _Cleopatra_ used in executing the Sentence -that _Heroine_ past upon herself? - - -LXIX. The _Wepelon_ Serpent: Nothing is said of it, but that it -resembles an _Indian_ Reed or Cane in form. - - -LXX. _SERPENS Fluviatilis_, seems to be the _Water-Snake_. - - -LXXI. _SERPENS Spadiceus_, a Serpent of light red Colour. - - -LXXII. Then follows the _Ceylonic Hotambœia_. Dr. _Robinson_’s Account -of this Serpent, he had from the learned _Hermannus_’s Library. - -_N. B._ Some of these Eastern Serpents may coincide and agree in -Character with those in _America_, and other Regions. Where there is -such an infinite Variety of them, and delineated by so many different -hands, ’tis difficult to give an exact Description of every individual -Serpent. - -Other parts of the _East-Indies_ (Continent and Islands) are infested -with Serpents of various kinds and sizes, and he must be more than a -Conjurer in History, that can charm them to make their Appearance in one -Place, and all in their proper Habiliments. - - -LXXIII. The _hooded_ or _Monk Serpent_, found in an Island near -_Batavia_ (a _Dutch_ Settlement in the _East-Indies_) which differs from -other Serpents in the _uncouth Shape of its Head_, that looks as if it -were cover’d with a large long _Hood_, like a _Monk’s Cowl_, or the -Widow’s Veil, therefore called the _hooded Serpent_, which is a very -dangerous Animal. Upon a view of its Prey, it immediately advances -towards it, with terrible Rage and Hissing. - -When the _Sieur de la Case_ was hunting one day in the Woods adjacent to -_Batavia_, he saw one of these Serpents descending from a Tree, making a -fearful Noise: It was about the thickness of a Man’s Arm, and in length -about eight Foot. - -This venemous Creature was no sooner on the Ground, but it made towards -him with the greatest Fury; but having a Gun ready charg’d, he very -happily shot it dead, and made off hastily for fear of a second -Attack[239]. - -Footnote 239: - - _Fr. Leguat_’s _Voyages_, in _Atl._ for _Asia_. - -_LEGUAT_, who gives this Account, and was in _Batavia_, _A.D._ 1697, -says, he saw a Serpent in that Country about fifty Foot long. _N. B._ -The Skin of one that was 20 Foot long, is shewn in _Batavia_, that -swallow’d an Infant, _ibid._ - - -LXXIV. The _Musk Serpent_, so term’d from its musky or sweet Scent. -These sweet-scented Animals are Inhabitants of the _East_, between -_Calicut_, the second Kingdom of _Malabar_, and _Candahor_. In _Ceylon_ -are Musk-Rats, where the Inhabitants eat all Rats, but this kind. - -These Musk-Rats are in all things shaped like our Water-Rats, only -something larger; and in other respects differ only in that musky Scent. -A Gentleman, who kept one of them in a wooden Chest, observed that two -days before it died, ’twas most odoriferous, and scented the Room above -what was common[240]. In _Muscovy_ is a Water-Rat, which smells like -Musk; and also a great number of _Musk-Cats_, which look like young -_Bucks_ without Horns, and therefore call’d _Musk-Harts_ by the -_Chinese_, because they resemble those Creatures. The Musk is contain’d -in a little Excrescence near the Navel[241]. - -Footnote 240: - - _Lowthorp_’s _Abridg._ vol. iii. p. 594. - -Footnote 241: - - This Animal is described by _Philip Martinus_ in his _Chinese Atlas_. - -In _America_ also, are found Woods abounding with Musk-Rats, that are as -big as Rabbits, and have Burrows in the Ground. Their Skins are black, -Bellies white, and smell exceeding strong of Musk[242]. The vegetable -World also, entertains us with Musk-Pears, Musk-Roses, single and -double, and the Ever-green, _&c._ _N. B._ Musk-Rats frequent fresh -Streams, and no other. - -Footnote 242: - - _History of the Antilles._ - -The word _Musk_ comes from the _Arabic_, _Moscha_, a Perfume of strong -Scent, only agreeable when moderated by the Mixture of some other -Perfume, by which it becomes an agreeable artificial Odour.... Musk is -found in a little Swelling, like a præternatural Tumor, or Bag growing -(about the Bigness of a Hen’s Egg) under the Belly of a wild Beast, of -the same Name; and appears to be nothing else, but a kind of bilious -Blood there congeal’d. - -This _Musk-Animal_ is common in the _East-Indies_, as in the Kingdoms of -_Boutan_, _Cochin China_, but the most esteem’d are those of _Tibet_. -When the Bladder under the Belly is taken out, they separate the -congeal’d Blood, and dry it in the Sun. - -Sir _John Chardin_[243] says, _Musk_ is also produced in _Persia_ from -an Impostume in the Body of a Beast, that resembles a _Goat_, and grows -near the Navel, and is better than that of _China_. The Scent of it, -adds he, is so strong, that it many times kills those who hunt the -Beast, when they first open the Bag, except they stop their Mouths and -Noses with Linnen: ’Tis easily counterfeited, and the best way to try -it, is by drawing a _Thread_, dipt in the Juice of Garlick, thro’ the -_Bag_ with a Needle; and if the Garlick loses its Scent, the Musk is -good. _Atl._ 397. - -Footnote 243: - - _His Travels._ - - -LXXV. The _Boitiapo_ (that should have been mention’d before with its -_Brazilian_ Relatives) is a large Serpent, about seven Foot long, not -quite so thick as a Man’s Arm, of an olive Colour, yellow Belly, in Body -round, cloath’d with Scales that make an elegant Appearance in a sort of -triangular form. ’Tis very venemous, and its Wounds not curable without -timely and proper Applications. - -The _Lacertan Snakes_ or Lizards come next under Consideration, and in -the same order as laid down by the learned Mr. _Ray_[244]. Previous to -that, I beg leave to observe, that _Moses_ places two sorts of _Lizards_ -among unclean Creatures, the _Stellio_ and _Lacerta_. These Lizards -differ vastly in Bulk; some a Finger’s length; in _Arabia_, some of a -Cubit long; in the _Indies_, twenty-four Feet in length. Several sorts -of _Lizards_ are mention’d in Scripture, _Lev._ xi. 30. the two former -are translated _Stellio_ and _Lacerta_; the third is translated a -_Mole_, but _Bochart_ maintains, it is a _Cameleon_; the fourth is -describ’d _Prov._ xxx. 28. and there, _Spider_ is render’d _Stellio_, a -Lizard. Mr. _Ray_ begins with - -Footnote 244: - - _Synopsis Animal. de Lacertis._ - - -LXXVI. The _Crocodile_, the largest of the _Lacertan_ Race, a Name which -is supposed to come from a word[245] that signifies _afraid of Saffron_, -because this Creature abhors the Smell of _Saffron_, as a learned Author -observes[246]. It is an amphibious Beast, noisome and voracious, and one -of the Wonders of Nature; for, from an Egg no bigger than that of a -Goose, proceeds an Animal which increases to eight or ten Yards in -length. - -Footnote 245: - - Κροκοδειλος δειλος. _Græcis timidus._ - -Footnote 246: - - _Calmet._ - -His Mouth is very wide, and is extended to the Ears; his Snout and Eyes -like those of Swine; the Teeth, which are ingrail’d, are white, acute, -strong and numerous; the Feet arm’d with sharp Claws; the Skin of the -Belly is tender and may be easily penetrated, but the other parts of the -Body are not penetrable by Swords and Arrows: It defies even the Wheels -of a loaded Cart, as well as Darts and Spears: It is of a yellow Colour, -say some; but _Wormius_ in Mr. _Ray_’s _Synopsis_ says, that those he -had seen, were inclin’d to the grey or ash Colour. - -The Tail is near as long as the Body, upon which are Fins of a Fish, -whereby he is capacitated to swim. When he strikes with his Claws, he -tears with his Teeth, and grinds the very Bones of what he kills into -Powder. In Winter he lives much without Food, but in Summer, his -Sustenance is of the animal kind, but is most fond of human Flesh; and -as he is an amphibious Creature, plunders both Elements[247]. - -Footnote 247: - - _Jonstonus_, 141. - -The Crocodile, when prest with Hunger, swallows Stones, which have been -found worn round about, and the wasted parts reduced to such minute -Particles, as were fit to circulate with the Mass of Blood[248]. - -Footnote 248: - - _Nierembergius._ - -In _Egypt_ the _Crocodile_ is made the Object of religious Adoration, -but not by all the Nation; for the Inhabitants of _Tentyra_ (an Island -form’d by the River _Nilus_) were so far from worshipping that hateful -Monster, that they despised it, and often brought them to the _Roman_ -Shews for Diversion.——This Aversion to _Crocodiles_ caused a War between -the _Tentyrians_ and the other _Egyptians_, who worship’d those -Creatures; of which People _Job_ seems to speak in the following Words: -_Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their -Mourning_, Job iii. 8. Some read it, to raise up the _Leviathan_, or to -awake the _Crocodile_; of which _Job_ gives an admirable Description, -under the Name of _Leviathan_, _Job_ xli. 1, 2, 3, 4.... So the -Psalmist, _Thou breakest the Heads of Leviathan in pieces, and gavest -him to be Meat to the People inhabiting the Wilderness_. - -When I think of the superstitious _Egyptians_ warring against the People -of _Tentyra_, I can’t but observe how the same kind of Spirit (the more -the pity) too often reigns among Christians: Those who have ridicul’d -Superstition, and endeavour’d to propagate Truth, have always had -Vengeance and Wrath breath’d out against them, and have been exposed to -the same Fate as the _Tentyrians_. - -The Habitations of Crocodiles are generally in great Rivers, as the -_Ganges_ in _Asia_, one of the greatest Rivers in the World, and which -is accounted sacred: Its Water is clear and sweet, weighs an Ounce in a -Pint lighter than any other Water in the Country: The _Great Mogul_’s -Court drink none else with their Wine. These monstrous Animals are also -found in the _Nile_ and _Niger_, two of the greatest Rivers in _Africa_; -and also in the great Rivers of _America_, especially those of the -_Amazons_, which abound with Crocodiles of vast Bigness, that very much -annoy the Inhabitants. - -_GEMELLI_ in the _Atlas_, says the _Crocodile_ is hatch’d of an Egg no -bigger than that of a Turkey, but grows to thirty Foot long, the Back -arm’d with impenetrable Scales, the Mouth wide enough to swallow an -Heifer, and only moves the upper Jaw; it sees better by Water than Land, -is cowardly, and generally flies from those that attack it, but daring -enough otherwise; for which reason the _Egyptians_ made it the -Hieroglyphick of Impudence.—They have no Tongue, and eat nothing in all -the autumnal Quarter[249]. - -Footnote 249: - - For _Africa_, p. 47. - -This Animal has a great Dexterity in catching Wild-fowl, which always -abound in those great Rivers, and along Sea-shores, as Ducks, Teals, and -other Water-fowls: When in want of Food, he goes into the Sea, where he -lies in such a manner, that the upper Part of his Back appears above the -Water, and looks like a piece of Timber floating; the wild Fowls -mistrusting nothing, come so near it, that he immediately devours them: -They lurk among Reeds and Bushes, on the Banks of Rivers and great -Pools, from whence they suddenly leap out, and eat up their Prey, which -sometimes happens to be People that come to drink or fetch Water. - -The Inhabitants of _Madagascar_, an _African_ Island, look upon -Crocodiles as Devils, and swear by them: When Differences happen among -them, they go to a River, where he that is to swear throws himself into -the Water, and conjures the Crocodiles to be Arbitrators betwixt him and -his Adversary, and to let him live if he speaks Truth, but if otherwise, -to destroy him[250]. Among the Rarities in _Gresham-College, London_, is -a Crocodile about two Yards and a half long. Crocodiles are little known -in _Europe_, but common in the _Indies_. - -Footnote 250: - - _Dellon on Madagascar, in Atl. Afr._ - -The _Land Crocodile_, call’d _Seincus_, is variously described. In the -_Molucca_ Islands they are accounted the fiercest of Monsters, contrary -to those of the _Nile_, according to some Writers[251]. _Harris_[252] -says, that they are very harmless, and in some places so tame, that -Children play with them. _Le Comte_ says, what are called _small -Crocodiles_, are _huge Lizards_, found all over the Woods in _Siam_, as -also in Houses and Fields[253]. - -Footnote 251: - - _Barth. Leonardo de Argensola_’s Discovery of the _Molucca_ and - _Philippine_ Islands. - -Footnote 252: - - _Atlas Amer._ 263. - -Footnote 253: - - _Memoirs_, 2d Edit. p. 502. - -This Land Crocodile is indeed an amphibious Animal, lives partly in the -Water and partly upon dry Ground: It has four slender Legs like a -Lizard; its Snout is sharp, and its Tail short, cover’d with small -Scales of a silver Colour. ’Tis hatch’d in _Egypt_, near the Red-Sea, in -_Libya_, and the _Indies_. - -In _Leviticus_ there’s mention made of a kind of _Crocodile_, in the -_Hebrew_ called _Choled_, which the Septuagint translates κροκοδειλος -χερσαιος, a land Crocodile, which is a kind of Lizard, that feeds upon -the sweetest Flowers it can find; this makes its Intrails to be very -much valued for their agreeable Smell. _Bellonius_ says, it has four -Feet, and a round knotty Tail, and is as big as the _Salamander_. - -There’s scarce any way to manage him by Land, unless it be by a Wile, as -they do on the Bank of _Nilus_, where little Huts are erected, from -whence the Watchmen, upon the Approach of a Crocodile, spring out with -long Branches in their Hands, which they, with great Dexterity, thrust -into its Throat; and not being able to extricate itself, it falls down, -upon which others of them discharge their Arrows at his Belly, which -being a tender part, he is soon killed; but in Water he is quickly -noosed, because for want of a Tongue, he can’t safely open his wide -Mouth, without being suffocated. - -This terrestrial Crocodile comes to us by way of _Alexandria_ and -_Venice_, and is very useful in physical Prescriptions. - - -LXXVII. The _Cordylus_ is a little noxious Reptile, supposed by some to -be the _Land Crocodile_, because upon first sight it looks like the -_Nilotic_; but upon a stricter view, the Fallacy appears. The Back is -cover’d with close compacted Scales, as a House with Tiles, by which -’tis distinguish’d. - -Its Tail is rough, and like a Club, wherewith it strikes whatever it -meets, therefore is called _Caudiverbera_, that is, one that strikes -with the Tail; a Tail prominent with War[254]. - -Footnote 254: - - _Raii Synopsis Animalium Quadrupedum_, p. 263. - - -LXXVIII. The _Tapayaxin_ is a Lizard of _New Spain_, and of a round -form; and, _Spaniard_-like, is slow in Motion, and as loth to change its -Seat, as the _Spaniards_ their old Fashions and Customs. This little -Creeper is of the northern Tribe, being generally found in the Mountains -of cold Regions. It is observable, that if its Head be comprest or -squeezed, it will throw out drops of Blood with a Force that will carry -them several Yards off[255]. - -Footnote 255: - - See _Dr. Plot’s History of Staffordsh._ p. 252. - - -LXXIX. The _Lacertus Viridis_, or green Lizard, is found in _Italy, &c._ -lives in Meadows, and being of the harmless kind, little is said of it. -There are many Lizards of other Colours, but none so beautiful as the -green ones; tho’ very small, they are pretty: Many make themselves very -familiar with them, and put them in their Bosom[256]. - -Footnote 256: - - _Nat. History of Carolina_, 131, 2. _N. B._ These are found in - _Ireland_. - - -LXXX. The _Tejuguacu_ is a _Brazilian Lizard_, of black Colour, -beautified with elegant white Spots, which renders it pleasing to the -Eye: Its Tongue is long and cloven, smooth and red. ’Tis a little -Creature, and moves its little Body with great Celerity; is patient in -Want, and will for six or seven Moons, live without any kind of -Sustenance, but Air, the Fluid in which we all breathe. - - -LXXXI. The _Taraguira_ is another _Brazilian_, of about a Foot long, -whose Body is smooth, and naturally guarded by an Armour of a strong -squamatick Skin, and the Scales situated in a kind of triangular form: -It affects to reside in Underwoods, and Places inclosed, and near to -Houses. - - -LXXXII. The _Americina_ Serpent, which is not much different from the -former, except it be in its forked Tail, which terminates in two -different Points; and in this Article seems to differ from all other -sanguineous Animals, among whom, says the learned _Ray_, I have never -heard of any else furnish’d with two Tails: This looks like something -anomalous in Nature, and contrary to its common Rules, if the -Description be true. - - -LXXXIII. The _Taraquico Aycuraba_ is another venemous Offspring of -_Brazil_, a Species of the former, but differs from it in the Tail, -which is single. This Animal is covered with little rough triangulated -Scales, the Extremity of which is decked with brown Spots, and the Back -with various dusky Specks, ranged in the form of Waves. - - -LXXXIV. The _Americina_ is a little venemous Creeper, whose Body -inclines to the square, about three Fingers long, in Crassitude as the -Quill of a Swan; bright to the Eye, and smooth to the Hand: The Back is -made strong by whitish Scales; the Head, Shanks, and Sides with brown -ones: The Tail is of a fine azure Colour; its Claws are setigerous, -resembling the Bristles of a Hog. - - -LXXXV. _CARAPOBEBA_ is another minim Serpent of _America_, and -veneniferous, four or five Fingers long: The Body, that in Colour -resembles a Liver, is adorn’d with white Marks, (and the Tail with white -Lines) and is illuminated with glaring Eyes, like Globes of Glass. - - -LXXXVI. _TEJUNHANA_ is a little Serpent, whose Head is sharp-pointed: -The Tail is about six Fingers long, smooth and round, and ends like a -Needle; the Head is cover’d with rough Scales, like _Milford_ Oysters; -the Back and Sides are cloath’d with a Skin, that is finely painted with -green and brown Colours, and when touched, feels soft like Velvet. - - -LXXXVII. To these _Americans_ I add the _Stellio_, which Mr. _Ray_ calls -the _swift_, or _spotted Lizard_, whose Body makes a glorious -Appearance, by glittering Spots, that when it makes its Parade, looks -like a little moveable Firmament of Stars: This Serpent is pretty common -in _Thrace_, _Sicily_, and _Syria_[257]. - -Footnote 257: - - _Ray_, p. 265. - -’Tis said of this Animal, that it casts its Skin and eats it again; and -if so, ’tis a proper Emblem of desultory Creatures, who leave their -Vices for a time, and return to them afterwards[258]. - -Footnote 258: - - _Grew’s Cosmologia Sacra._ - -Among Serpents is such Variety of charming Colours, and Figures, that if -it were not for the natural Antipathy that we have for them, perhaps -there is not one thing that the Eye could take greater Delight in. - -Besides the above Lacertick Serpents of _Brazil_, _Rochefort_[259], a -_French_ Author, mentions other Serpents different from these, which -come next under Consideration. - -Footnote 259: - - _History of the Antilles-Islands._ - - -LXXXVIII. The _Les Anoles_, a Serpent in bigness like the _Gallick_ -Lizards, but of a longer Head; of a yellow Skin, like a Sun-burnt -_Roussilonite_, or the _Savage Man_ in the Isle of _Borneo_; Russet -Back, channel’d with green; of an ashy or cineraceous Colour; a -boisterous noisy Animal. It’s generally in motion by Day, and by Night, -lodges in hollow places, where it joins with the Brotherhood, in -disturbing the Neighbours with hideous Croakings: by the loudness of its -Noise, it should seem that it had but an empty Noddle. - - -LXXXIX. _LES ROQUET_, a Serpent of a ruddy Colour, intermix’d with black -and yellow Points: of sparkling Eyes, and majestick Mien, walking in a -stately manner with Head erect; and skipping about like a Bird, or a -_French Beau_, who was said to make a _Solecism_ with his Hand, when he -made a false Gesture on the Stage. - - -XC. The _Maboujas_, a word that signifies a Devil in the _Indian_ -Language, and given to this Serpent, because in its Nature it is most -malignant and mischievous: It lives in fenny Ground, and shaded Valleys, -dreadful in Appearance, and more so in its Executions. - -This cruel Serpent is an Emblem of the old Serpent, that great fiery -Dragon, that in a few Hours reduced _Job_, a wealthy Prince, into the -lowest Ebb of Poverty, converted his Palace into a Dunghill, and his -Body into an Hospital of Diseases; and if permitted, he would -immediately turn the Earth into a Scene of Blood and Destruction; -therefore he is called απολλυωνορ, the _Destroyer_, _Rev._ ix. 11. the -Murderer, and Shedder of Blood. _N. B._ The tutelar Deity of the -_Cæsars_ was _Apollo_, that is, the—_Destroyer_. The like kind of bloody -Deity has presided in the Temples of Tyranny ever since. - - -XCI. The _Gobe Moujes_, so denominated by the _French_, from its -_gobbling_ all kinds of Flies, which it constantly hunts, and swallows -in a voracious manner. It commonly frequents Houses where it suffers no -little Insects to live, no not upon Garments: It is of the stellionick -form, and the least of all the Quadrupeds in those _Antilles_, which our -_English_ call, the _Leeward-Islands_. - -May not this Animal serve to represent those gobbling Sots, who brush -off the Flies of Melancholy, and drown them in the inchanted Cup? Thus -likewise the Sons of _Mammon_ hunt for _golden Flies_, as Entertainments -most delicious. - - -XCII. _BROCHET DE TORRE_, or the _Land-Pike_, is a Serpent of about -fifteen Inches long, so termed from its Likeness in Figure and Skin to -that Fish. Instead of Fins, it has four Feet, too weak to support the -Body, therefore crawls on its Belly, after an odd unusual manner, -winding its Body about like a Pike newly taken out of the Water; which -kind of Motion being strange, strikes Terror into Spectators. _Tetre_ -denies it to have the perfect Shape, Head and Skin of the common Pike, -and treats _Sieur Rochefort_ with some Roughness, according to Mr. -_Ray_. - -In the Night, these Serpents are found under the Rocks, where they make -a frightful Noise, more hideous than the croaking of Frogs and Toads. In -_Antigua_ is a Fish called _Cane_, like our _Pike_ in figure, seven or -eight Foot long, and big in proportion: It preys like the _Shark_, and -especially on human Flesh; and the least Bite of its Teeth proves mortal -Poison, without immediate Application of some sovereign Antidote[260]. - -Footnote 260: - - _History of the Antilles._ - - -XCIII. The last he mentions, is a _little Serpent_, about seven Fingers -in length, and terrible to the Eye. The Skin is embroider’d with black -Scales, that look smooth and sleek as if it were a Surface of Oil: It is -furnish’d with very sharp Teeth, small Eyes, but so weak that they can’t -long face the Light, no more than a _Frenchman_ can look Truth in the -face, or a _Spaniard_ the Field of Battle. - -When this little venemous Animal apprehends any Danger, it immediately -digs into the Earth, with its five crooked and strong Claws, that soon -penetrate the Ground: ’tis guilty not only of Evils among Beasts, but of -great Devastations in Orchards and Gardens[261]. - -Footnote 261: - - _Ray._ - -I have wondered, says a learned Author, to see with what great -Quickness, Art, and Strength, many _Vespæ, Ichneumons, wild Bees and -Beetles_,—perforate the Earth, yea, even Wood itself; but the most -remarkable in this way, is the _Mole-Cricket_[262]. Swine, who dig in -the Earth for their Food, have all parts of their Head adapted for that -Service, but rather more remarkable in the _Mole_, whose Neck, Eyes, -Nose and Ears are all fitted in the nicest manner, to its subterraneous -way of Life. - -Footnote 262: - - _Derham_ _Phys. Theol._ - - -XCIV. The _Ground Rattle-Snake_, so called, only because it resembles -the real Rattle-Snake in Colour, but is somewhat darker: It never grows -above twelve or sixteen Inches long; ’tis reckon’d among the worst of -Snakes, and of a hardy Nature, because it keeps out of its -Winter-Quarters the longest of any. N. B. _This Serpent and some of the -following are taken out of the natural History of_ Carolina[263], a part -of _America_ belonging to _England_. The Natives of that Country were of -a larger Size than _Europeans_, and accounted so faithful in their -Promises, and so just in their Dealings, that they had no Words to -express _Dishonesty_, _Fraud_, or _Cheating_,—What contributed chiefly -to their honest Simplicity, and plain Method of living, was their -Contempt of Riches; were content with plain Food and Raiment, without -being anxiously sollicitous for to-morrow. - -Footnote 263: - - In the new _Collection of Voyages_, 4to, printed 1713. - - -XCV. The _Horn-Snake_, very venemous, hisses exactly like a Goose, upon -any body’s Approach. Serpents of this Class strike at the Enemy with -their Tail, which is arm’d at the end with a horny Substance, like a -Cock-Spur, that kills whatever is wounded with it. ’Tis said, that in -_Virginia_, they only shoot their Tongues, and shake them at the -Enemy[264]. - -Footnote 264: - - _Lowthorp._ vol. iii, p. 599. - - -XCVI. The _Hydrus_, _Natrix_, or _Water-Snake_, of these are various -sorts, and all in some degree amphibious. When the _Coluber Aquaticus_ -wounds any, ’tis attended with a most disagreeable Odour, and so strong, -that it forbids a near Approach to the unhappy Sufferer, who immediately -falls into a Tremor and Distraction, and soon expires (the third day, -says _Ælian_) without timely Relief[265]. - -Footnote 265: - - _Ælian._ lib. iv. cap. 57. _Accessio Gyllii._— - -Its common Residence is in shallow Waters, and when they are dried up, -it goes upon dry Ground, where its Wound is more dangerous than in -Water: But more of this elsewhere. - - -XCVII. In that Country they have what they call _Swamp-Snakes_; three -sorts of which are near a-kin to the Water-Snakes, and may be rank’d -among them. The Belly of the first is of the carnation Colour, the Back -is dark: the next, which is of a brown Colour, always abides in the -Marshes: the third is of a motley Colour, and very poisonous. - -They dwell on the sides of Swamps, _i. e._ Bogs, Marshes, and Ponds, -have a prodigious large Mouth, and they arrive to the thickness of the -Calf of a Man’s Leg. Among these I place the black _Truncheon-Snakes_, -that live on the Banks of Rivers, which, when disturbed, shoot into the -Water, like an Arrow out of a Bow. I fancy the Name is borrow’d from a -certain Weapon call’d Truncheon, which we call _Battoon_, or Tipstaff, -of a cylindrical form, used by principal Officers of State, Generals, -and sometimes by Constables, when they go upon secret Expeditions. - - -XCVIII. The _Red-belly-Snake_, this is so called from its ruddy Colour, -which inclines to an Orange-red. Of these are two sorts; one, like -_Abel_ the Innocent; the other, like _Cain_ the Cruel: An Emblem of the -World, humane, angelic Animal, and Vegetable, in which is a Mixture of -Good and Evil. - - -XCIX. The _Red-back-Snake_, so named from that Colour; a long, slender -Snake, but not very common. A certain Surveyor of Lands in _Carolina_ -happen’d to step over one of these, which he did not see till his -Servant spy’d it: The Surveyor inquired of the _Indian_ that was along -with him, _Whether it was a very venemous Serpent?_ Who answer’d, _That -if he had been wounded by it, even the_ Indians _themselves, tho’ expert -in the Art of curing serpentine Wounds, could not have saved his -Life_[266]. - -Footnote 266: - - _Natural History of Carolina._ - -Red, which is one of the primary Colours, proceeding from the least -refrangible Rays of Light, is a lively Emblem of Fire, or the fiery -Venom in this Serpent, whose principal Quality is to draw Blood. - - -C. The _Scorpion-Lizard_; ’tis commonly called so, but is no more like -it than a Hedge-Hog: It is indeed of the Lizard Colour, but much larger: -Its Back of a dark copper Colour; the Belly, in Orange; quick in its -Motion on the Ground, and very nimble in running up Trees; has several -Rows of Teeth, and is reckoned to be of a very poisonous Nature. - - -CI. The _Long Black-Snake_, is a land Animal, and very common. _I have_, -says my Author, _kill’d several of them, full six Foot in length_. Its -Bite, tho’ painful in its Consequences, is not deem’d commonly mortal: -the wounded Part swells, and turns to a running Ulcer. No living -Creature more nimble in Motion, or a greater Enemy to Mice, for it -leaves not one of that Vermin alive, wherever it comes. This Serpent -kills the Rattle-Snake, by twisting its Head about the Neck of that -Snake, and whipping her to death with its Tail. - -This Serpent very much haunts Dairy-houses in those Countries, and makes -very free with unguarded Milk-Pans, and Cream-Pots: It delights to be -among Hens, whose Eggs it does not suck, but swallows them whole, as all -Snakes do their Sustenance. It will often swallow the Egg under a -sitting Hen, and then lie in the Nest in the form of a Ring. - -Allow here a few Remarks upon the Nature of Milk and Eggs. - -In all kinds of Vegetables is an oily Substance, which is a Fluid that -Animals take in with their Food, and no vegetable Food is nutrimental, -without some Proportion of this Oil; even Grass, especially in its Seed, -abounds therewith, which being thoroughly mixt with the _Saliva_, it -turns _milky_ in the Stomach: Which differs from the _Chyle_, only as -having been more concocted, and containing a large degree of Salt, which -renders it convertible into Curd. - -_MILK_ therefore is an _oily vegetable Matter_, circulated first in -Plants, then in Animals, and capable of being reduced into a caseous and -watry Substance, (or Cheese and Whey, if you please.) If _Milk_ finds no -opportunity of passing off in its own natural form, it turns to _Fat_, -or goes away by Urine and Sweat, which commonly is the case in Men, for -they generate Milk as well as Women, _&c._ - -An Egg is from a certain animal Liquid, which by repeated Circulations -in the Body, arrives at a perfect animal State; this Fluid comes from -the oviparous Class, which is the White wherein the Yolk appears to -swim. The White and Yolk of Eggs are neither alkaline nor acid. - -The White dissolves by _a gentle Heat_, till it totally liquifies, (thus -the Hen’s Heat gradually dissolves the White of a prolific Egg into -Nourishment for the Chicken) but if you expose the White to the _Heat of -boiling Water_, it will immediately harden, into a viscous, dry Mass. - -The White of an Egg is a surprizing Menstruum, for if it be first boiled -hard in the Shell, and afterwards suspended in the Air by a Thread, it -will resolve and drop down into an insipid Liquor; which is that -heterogeneous Menstruum so much used by _Paracelsus_, and will make a -thorough _Solution of Myrrh_, which is more than Water, Oils, or Fire -itself can effect[267]. _N. B._ The White of an Egg, by a strong -Distillation, will afford an alkaline Spirit, and will putrify by -Digestion; and a single Grain of this putrify’d Substance taken, will, -like Poison, presently cause a Nausea, Vomit, Diarrhœa, Fever ... as -_Bellini_ tells us he has tried. And the learned _Boerhaave_ himself, -had seen those terrible Effects of it, which however are immediately -stopt by drinking any acid Liquor, as Vinegar, Juice of Lemons. From -Milk I proceed to give an account of an odd Custom about Cheese in -Antiquity, _viz._ Among the _Romans_, one of their _Tabernæ_ was called -_Casearia_, _a Caseo i. e._ from Cheese; not because Cheese was made or -sold in it, but because it was wont to be smoaked there: It being a -Custom among the old _Romans_ and other _Italians_, to make a great -Smoke with Reeds and green Wood, on purpose to dry and colour their -Cheese; hence the Poet _Martial_. - - _Non quemcunque focum, nec fumum caseus omnem, - Sed velabrensem, qui bibit ille sapit._—— - -_i. e._ That Cheese only is pleasant and grateful, which does not suck -in every Fume, but which is smoak’d only, _velabro_, in Tents or Booths. - -Footnote 267: - - _Boerhaave’s Process_, p. - - -CII. The _King’s Snake_, is the longest of all others; but not common. -It is said to be terrible to other Serpents, though not very venemous -and gross: the _Indians_, Men and Women, in _Carolina_, make _Girdles_ -and _Sashes of their Skins_, as Signs of Conquest, and wear them as -Trophies of Honour. - -This puts me in mind of _Hippocrates_, the Prince of Physicians, who -tells us that in the Eastern Parts of _Europe_, there is a _Scythian -People_, called _Sauromatæ_, bordering on the _Palus Mæotis_, where the -Women ride on Horse-back, draw the Bow, throw the Javelin as they ride, -and fight in their Battles, so long as they remain Virgins; and were not -allow’d to marry, _till they had killed three Enemies in the Wars_[268]. -Of my Author ’tis said, He neither knew how to _deceive_, nor be -_deceived_[269]. - -Footnote 268: - - _Hippocrates upon Air, Water, and Situation; upon Epidemical - Diseases_, _&c._ translated into _English_, by the learned Dr. - _Clifton_. - -Footnote 269: - - Of _Hippocrates_ ’tis said,——_Qui tam fallere quam falli nescit_. - -Macrobii Opera, p. 27. - -_N. B._ These were the Women called _Amazons_, descended from the -_Scythians_, whose Women were as warlike as the Men, and joined with -them in their Wars. - - -CIII. The _Corn-Snake_, is most like the _Rattle-Snake_ of all others in -Colour, but the Chequers are not so regular; neither has it any Rattles. -They are frequently found in _Corn-fields_, from whence, I presume, they -have their Appellation. In their Qualities they resemble the -_Green-Snakes_, that are innocent by Nature, and in form admirably -pretty, if I may be allow’d by the Ladies, to call a Serpent so. - - -CIV. The _Blowing-Serpent_, which is a Species of the Viper, but larger -than the _European_, is so called, because it seems to blow, to spread -its Head, and swell very much, before it bites; which Bite is very -poisonous, and seems to receive some additional Malignity from the -Enlargement of its Head beyond the common Proportion. - - -CV. The _Brimstone-Snake_, so denominated from the Similitude of Colour: -They might as well call it, the _Glass-Snake_, for if any Credit be -given to the Historian, ’tis as brittle as a Glass-Tube, or a -Tobacco-Pipe, so that upon the touch of a Twig, it immediately breaks -into several Pieces, which some say, and nobody believes, are capable of -Re-union. - -Its component Parts may be weak and frail, but it is questionable, -whether so brittle as represented: ’Tis true indeed there are hard -Bodies, that would not be affected with a Twig, yet are very brittle. -Thus _Iron_, which is one of the hardest Metals and yet _most brittle_, -and by fusing, it becomes harder and more brittle. Now this great -Brittleness of Iron, arises from the great quantity of Sulphur-Brimstone -intermixed with it. The abundance of _Sulphur_ in _Iron_, is apparent -from the _Sparks_ it emits from under the Smith’s Hammer; those fiery -Sparks being only the Sulphur of the heated Iron, nothing of which is -seen in any other Metal[270]. _N. B._ Roll-Brimstone sold in the Shops -comes from the native Sulphur, which _Helmont_ always preferred to that -purified. - -Footnote 270: - - _Boerhaave’s Method of Chemistry._ - - -CVI. The _Yellow-Snake_ is in length about seven or eight Foot; the Neck -is small, rather less than its Body, which grows bigger, till it be as -big as one’s Wrist, and continues so large to the _Anus_; from whence it -diminishes by degrees to the Tail. Its Head (which is not very large) is -of a dark Colour, and so are the Scales all over the Body, with some -yellow Streaks here and there. The Belly is all yellow, like Marygold, -whose Flowers are cordial. - -These Serpents are for the most part to be found in the woody Mountains -of _America_, coil’d up in the Paths, as Ropes in a Ship: they are not -hurtful, unless irritated; they feed on Birds, Rats, _&c._ which they -swallow whole, and therefore Nature has given them such a folded, -rugous, inward Tunicle of the Stomach, that it may extend, and receive -things of large Dimensions. Many of them have been killed with thirteen -or fourteen Rats in their Bellies[271]. - -Footnote 271: - - _Sir Hans Sloan’s Voyages to Madeira, Barbad._ vol. ii. Lond. 1725. - -It has been observed, that the Heart of this Serpent was beating an Hour -after the Head was cut off, and that it would turn and twist its Body -strangely in its Dissection, for a long time after the Bowels were out: -The Lungs were very membranaceous, being nothing but Blood-Vessels and -Air-Bladders. So a very learned Author. _ibid._ - - -CVII. The _Chicken-Snake_, so called because of its Executions in the -Poultry-yard, where it devours all Eggs, and lesser Birds that come in -its way. These Serpents are of a sooty Colour, and will very readily -roll themselves round a smooth-bark’d Pine-tree, eighteen or twenty Foot -high, where there is no manner of hold, and there sun themselves, and -sleep all the pleasurable part of the Day, reserving the hours of -Darkness for rambling[272]. There is no great matter of Poison in them. -Here the Historian mentions the _Eel-Snake_, improperly so called, I -think, because it is nothing but a _Leach_, that only sucks, and can’t -sting nor bite, so as to do any Damage. - -Footnote 272: - - _Natural History of Carolina_, p. 134. - - -CVIII. The _Vectis_, whose Head, strictly speaking, is neither round, -flat, nor pointed, but looks like a Swelling on both sides, one -stretching transversly, like a Bar that guards a Door, or, if you -please, a _Bettee_, an Engine to break open Doors. Though this Sense be -not intended here, yet ’tis true, that _Serpents_ do make _forcible -Entries_, but it is always with Teeth and Tail, by which they often -throw down the whole Fabrick, and drive out the Inhabitant. - - -CIX. The _Agnasen_ Serpent, called the _Mother of Ants_, because it -lodges in their Apartments, and other warm Situations. We read of _Ants_ -in the _East-Indies_ that build their Houses above Ground, and with the -_finest Clay_, of which the People make their _Idols_; their little -Houses are like strong _Butts_, hollow within, where they dwell, and -breed in Nests like Honey-combs. - -The _Butts_ present to my view the _Bow and Arrows_ in the Hands of the -_Parthians_, who were esteemed the best _Archers_ in the world, and very -deservedly, _having the Art of shooting backwards_, and making their -_Retreat more terrible than their Charge_: Whence that of _Seneca_[273], -_The_ Parthians _Flight does most affright_. The manner of their Fight -is describ’d by the Poet, who says, _They were better Soldiers when they -run away, and fought best when furthest off, trusting most to the -Bow_[274]. - -Footnote 273: - - Terga conversi metuenda Parthi. - -Footnote 274: - - Pugna levis, bellumque fugax, turmæque fugaces, - Et melior cessisse loco quam pellere miles. - - _Lucan._ - -_M. CRASSUS_, in his Expedition against them, being told by an -_Astrologer_ it would be unprosperous, because of some ill Aspect in -_Scorpio_: _Hush Man_, quoth he, _I fear not_ Scorpio, _but_ -Sagittarius.—But to return to the _Motherly Serpent_, which is about a -Foot and a half long, the Body slender, adorn’d with red and white -Streaks. Another Author says, ’tis of a red Colour, distinguish’d by -black Lines, intermix’d with white Spots: The _Indians_ play with this -Serpent (as _Ladies_ with their _Lap-dogs_) and for Diversion, wear this -little innocent and pretty Animal (as a Necklace of Pearls) about their -Necks[275]. - -Footnote 275: - - _Joan. Euseb. Nierembergii Historia Naturæ_, p. 272,-3. - - -CX. The _Macacoatl_, or _Anguis Cervinus_, so called from its horned -Head, which resembles that of a Deer, as thick as a Man’s Thigh, in -length about twenty Foot, sprinkled with dusky Spots inclining to the -black and yellow.—This seems to be a Member of the gigantick Family, -already described. _Ibid._ 273. Therefore I dismiss it, and proceed to -the - - -CXI. _AQUASEN_ Serpent, which seems to be the Birth of the -_Philippines_, and very venemous: Its Wound proves fatal in a few -Minutes, which is preceded by the Putrefaction of the Flesh, next to the -affected part. It is about two Spans long, of a brown Colour, and a -large Head[276]. - -Footnote 276: - - _Nascitur in Philippicis._ ibid. p. 273. Nierembergius. - - -CXII. The Serpent _Otus_ is one of the Plagues of _America_, and very -poisonous, there being but few hours distance between the Wound it gives -and Death. It is about an Inch thick, and three Foot long, a little Head -and whitish Belly, and may be farther distinguish’d from others, by -white and black Spots, and three red Lines running across; slow in -Motion, and fond of Shade; found in _Cuba_, a famous Island, where the -antient Inhabitants went naked, tho’ they might have been cloath’d in -Gold. The Historian speaking of _Spanish Cruelty_, observes, that a -certain _Indian Prince_ having fled to _Cuba_ for Shelter, was taken by -the _Spaniards_, and condemned by them to be burnt alive. When they were -tying him to the Stake, a _Priest_ told him if he would embrace the -_Spanish Religion_, he should go to Heaven; but if not, he must burn for -ever in Hell. Upon this, the poor distressed Prince ask’d him, if there -were any _Spaniards in Heaven_, and the Priest answering, Yes; _Hathuey_ -the Prince replied, _viz._ - -_THAT if it be so, I’ll rather go to the Devils in Hell, than go with -the_ Spaniards _to Heaven; for their Cruelty is such, that none can be -more miserable than where they are_. _N. B._ This account is given by -one of their own Bishops[277]. - -Footnote 277: - - _Barthol. de las Casas_, Bishop of _Chiapa_. Hist. of _Antilles_. - - -CXIII. The _Dopon_ is reckoned to be a most dangerous Serpent; ’tis -about an Inch round, and four or five Foot long. The vulgar Opinion is, -that the whole Body is all over tinged with Poison, the Tail excepted. -Its Head is very large, and of an octangular form, so far as the Eyes, -from which it grows less and less to the Mouth, which is oblong and -flat, arm’d with six Teeth in the upper Jaws, and six in the lower, -besides lesser ones: The Tongue is slender, and of a black Colour. - -Its Wounds are terrible, allowing the Patient only about twenty-four -hours to live. No sooner is the Wound given, but all parts of the Body -begin to swell, and soon extend beyond their due Proportion; that they -are soon disabled from performing their Operations[278]. - -Footnote 278: - - _Remedio est Alexiterium pangagausen._ Nierembergii Historia, cap. - xiii. p. 274. - -Thus Pride, the malignant Tumour of the Mind, was the fatal Wound, by -which the Angelic Serpent, the first in Dignity among created Beings, -was transformed into a Devil. Sin, a Poison so strong, that by the first -taste of it, the whole human Nature was infected. _Adam_ and _Eve_ -tasted the forbidden Fruit, and lo! we must all die for it, at the -distance of so many thousand Years. - - -CXIV. The _Attaligatus_ is a small slender Serpent, not exceeding the -Quill of a Goose in proportion; not poisonous in its Nature, yet very -mischievous; for these little Creatures are an united Body, and live in -community, and never separate: they are a Society without Schism, which -is more than can be affirmed of all human Societies, civil or -ecclesiastick. - -When these small harmonious Reptiles go abroad, they travel in Company, -a hundred strong or more, and where they find any asleep, they -immediately seize the Body, and with a Force united and irresistable, -they devour it[279]. Behold! a Conquest by an Army of Worms! - -Footnote 279: - - _Nierembergii Historia_, cap. xiii. p. 274. - -Thus _Herod_ the _Great_, the Proud, the Cruel, when upon the _Throne_, -was attack’d by an Army of Worms, that quickly devoured him. His Body -became _worm-eaten_ like a piece of rotten Wood[280]. Of the Executions -done by Worms, we have divers Instances in the human World. No part of -Man’s Body, whether inward or outward, but is subject to Worms, and have -been tormented with them. - -Footnote 280: - - γενομενος σχωληχοβρωτος, Act. xii. - -Man’s Body, if rightly understood, would appear to be a Granary for -Worms, of divers Colours and Sizes: In the inward Parts, as Stomach, -Guts, Liver, Blood, Gall, Bladder, have been found swarms of Vermin, -sapping the Foundation of the animal Structure. We have Instances of -Worms bred in the human Brains, and were discovered in the Brain of the -_Paris-Girl_ when opened—probably laid, by some Insect, in the Laminæ of -the Nostrils, from whence it gnawed its way into the Brain[281]. So in -the outer parts. - -Footnote 281: - - _Derham_ from _Bartholinus_. - -_GALEN_ in _Jonstonus_ says, that in _Ethiopia_, _India_, and the -mountainous part of _Egypt_, the Inhabitants were tormented with Worms, -that bred in their Legs and Arms, called _Dracunculi_, whose Motion in -the Flesh was conspicuous to the Eye. - -_LUCIUS CORNELIUS SYLLA_, _Consul_ and _Dictator_ of _Rome_, (the -Glories of whose Valour were obscured by barbarous Cruelties) died of a -φθιριασις a wormy or lousy Disease: Thus _Aliman_[282], a renowned -_Greek_ Poet, and _Pherecydes_ the Philosopher, and Master to -_Pythagoras_, died of the same loathsome Distemper. - -Footnote 282: - - _Pliny._ Part. i. - - Sed quis non paveat pherecydos fata tragœdi: - Qui nimio sudore fluens, animalia tetra, - Eduxit turpi miserum qua morte tulerunt. - Sylla quoque infelix tali languore peresus - Corruit, & sœdo se vidit ab agmine vinci. - - _Sic testatur Serenus medicus._ - -In _Persia_ there are very long slender Worms bred in the Legs and other -Parts of Men’s Bodies, six or seven Yards long. Those who live upon the -Red-Sea, and feed upon Locusts, are, in the last Stage of Life, subject -to a sort of Flying-Worms, like what is called a Tyke, spread over all -the Body, arising at first from a Scab, by scratching of which they tear -their Flesh. _Nieremberg._ Some relate divers Examples of Worms taken -out of the Tongue, Gums, Nose, and other Parts by a Woman at -_Leicester_, which they were Eye-witnesses of. N. B. _Mr._ Dent _and -Mr._ Lewis, _in the_ Philosoph. Trans. _in_ Lowthorp_’s_ Abridg. _where -these and divers others may be seen_. If it did not extend the -Digression too far, I might add here, That there are no Animals, as -Sheep, Wolves, Goats, Deers, Cows, Horses, Swine; yea, no Vegetables, as -Trees, Herbs, Plants, Flowers, but abound with Worms; and all these have -Worms peculiar to themselves. By the help of microscopical Glasses, we -may discover Legions of Worms in Vinegar, human Blood, and other -Liquids. - - -CXV. The _Ecatotl_, _Anguis-Venti_, _Serpent-of-the-Wind_, and very -innocent, and perhaps the Name may be borrowed from a gentle salutary -Gale; it is about six Spans long, and two Inches in Crassitude; the Eyes -are black, Teeth small, the Belly bright, like Silver. The Back and -Sides illustrated with white Streaks, alternately painted with Yellow -and Azure: the Tongue is of a black Colour, small, long, and cloven, and -most nimble in its Vibrations[283]. - -Footnote 283: - - _Nierembergius_, cap. xv. p. 274. - - -CXVI. _DE Angue-Laqueo_, the Ensnaring-Serpent. In the Province of -_Vera-Pas_, west of the _Honduras_; they are much infected with several -Insects, as _Muskettoes_, _Fire-Flies_, and _Serpents_. Among the last -is one Serpent of great Bulk, and excels in Craftiness, being very -subtle and sharp in laying hold of its Prey. The Method is surprizing; -for it wraps up itself in the Form of a Ginn, and so decoys the Game -into the Snare: It bites like a Dog, and is very mischievous, tho’ not -of the venemous Order. _Ibid._ - - -CXVII. The _stupid_ Serpent, which they call _Canaucoatl_, in Character -is contradictious; for, as represented in History, ’tis dull and in a -manner destitute of Sensation, and yet a Creature full of Vitality and -Spirit; and indeed is only remarkable for its Mettle. It is of the Tribe -of Innocents, and very strong, and fears no Assault. In Dimension, -monstrous; for Thickness, equal to a Man’s Body, and twice the Length. -’Tis said, some have sat upon it, apprehending it to be only the Trunk -of an old Tree. Some other fabulous Things are reported of it. - -It lives in the Shadow of Woods, often concealing itself under Branches -and Leaves of Trees, where it surprizes the Prey, which, to speak with -the Vulgar, it draws to him, by the Force of its Breath, as a Loadstone -does Iron. The Authors of the _Atlas_ mention a Serpent of this -attractive Power in the _Philippine Islands_; Birds and other Animals -are drawn into the Trap by the Charms of the Breath; yea, Partridges, -Weasels——are made to run into its devouring Jaws. _Ibid._ - -If this Serpent be endued with this magnetic Property, it is a _living -Loadstone_, and more extensive in its Attractions than the real one; for -this draws all animal Bodies to it, whereas the real Loadstone only -attracts Iron. Attraction in the gross, is so complex a thing, that it -may solve a thousand different things alike. This Creature is called -_Ibitin_ in _America_; and probably the same with the following, though -distinctly considered by the Historian. - - -CXVIII. The Serpent _Bitin_, an Inhabitant of the Mountains and Woods in -the Island of _Cuba_, _&c._ of great Bulk, and Length about four Ells; -and in Shape terrible to the Eye. The Head, which resembles that of a -Calf, grows large to the Eyes, which sparkle with the bright and black, -and are incircled with Rays of Green; it has wide Jaws, armed with many -sharp Teeth, among which are four of the _canine_ sort. - -_CANINI Dentes_, that is _Dog’s-Teeth_, are two Teeth in each Jaw, so -called, because they end like those of a Dog in a sharp Point, whose -particular Office is to pierce the Aliments, therefore are buried in -their Sockets, by which they are more able to resist all lateral -Pressures, than the _Molares_, or the common Grinders. - -This _Bitinian_ Serpent hangs by the Tail on Trees, devouring Men and -Beasts that pass by, and come within its Reach, by the dint of halituous -Attraction, as the _stupid_, and some of the _Philippine_ Serpents are -said to do; but if it be so, the Philosophy of it is not yet accounted -for. - - -CXIX. The _Monoxillo_, or _Mucronated-Serpent_, so called because its -Termination is sharp-pointed. It has something of the Fierce and -Terrible in its Appearance, but is more dreadful in Aspect than Nature; -for its Wounds, though painful, are not mortal. ’Tis of the Lacertan -Kind and Colour; the Tail long, and Legs of small length; the Body about -two Spans long, the Tongue large and forked and of red Colour. ’Tis -tedious in Motion; the whole Compound is crustaceous, like Shell-Fishes, -adorned with white and yellow Spots, resembling little Pearls, or Seed -of Grummel or Gray-Mile. - -_N. B._ The Seed of Vegetables consists of an Embryo, in which is -contained the whole Plant in Miniature. A compleat Oak is visible in an -Acorn by a Microscope. - - -CXX. The _Tapayaxin_, a little wonderful Serpent; some say of the -Lacertan Kind, others say of an orbicular Form, not above four Inches -Long. The Body is cartilaginous, or gristly, smooth and solid. This kind -of Coverture is harder than a Ligament, and softer than a Bone, but is -not covered over with any Membrane to make it capable of Sensation. - -It moves slowly, and recommends itself by Diversity of Colours: when -touched, the Body appears to be cold. Now, Bodies are said to be cold or -hot, as their Particles are in a greater or lesser Motion, than those of -the sensitory Organs. All Changes in the created Globe, are the Effects -of Motion, without which all Bodies would become unactive Masses[284]. - -Footnote 284: - - _Newton_’s _Opticks_, p. 375. - -This little Animal, is said to be pleased, or rather unconcerned, when -taken up by human Hands; called on that account, the _Friend of Man_; -that is, _he who is not against us, is for us_; therefore merits our -Smiles. His Situation corresponds with his natural Disposition, for it -is an Inhabitant of cold Regions. When its Head is comprest, Drops of -Blood gush out of his Eyes, which he casts to a great distance from him; -which agrees with a former Description, _&c._ - - -CXXI. _DE Haro coloti genere._ The Serpent _Harus_, according to the -Historian[285], is a Native of the _Philippines_, and of the Lacertan -Tribe: a very long Head (like the _Philippine_ Queen) on a bulky Body, -terminating in a sharp Point. It resembles the _Quaquetzall_, is in -_Mexico_, and agrees therewith in most things, and of which it seems to -be a Species. - -Footnote 285: - - _Nierembergius_, cap. xxiv. p. 276. _Nascitur in Philippicis._ - -It chuses its Habitation among Shrubs adjacent to clear Streams, and -never defiles a Body, so prettily coloured, with muddy Water, till -constrained to make the Bulrush its Shelter against the excessive Heat -of the Sun[286]. - -Footnote 286: - - _Ibid._ p. 276. - - -CXXII. The _Tamacolin_, or a Serpent called _Rubeta_, of the Lineage of -the red Toad: This kind is made up of Variety, differing only one from -another in Magnitude, Colour, and Poison. The lesser kind not so -venemous as the larger. Some are green, some are brown, and others -black. In showery Weather they make an open Appearance, and in such -Numbers, that none walk abroad without running the risk of a poisonous -Touch. - -_NEW-SPAIN_ abounds with them, where they affect watry Habitations. In -_Peru_ are _Toads_ as large almost as _Cats_ or _Dogs_, but not so -poisonous as those of _Brazil_, where they have a Fish called _Amyacu_, -i. e. _Toad-Fish_; ’tis about a Span long, and oddly painted; its Eyes -are fine and fair: It swells and snorts when taken out of the Water, -which was the reason of giving it that Name: When flayed it may be -eaten, but is otherwise poisonous; the Poison is drawn out by -Application of Fire to the Part affected[287]. - -Footnote 287: - - _Harris in Atlas for Brazil in General._ - - -CXXIII. _TETZAUCOATL_, or the _rare_ Serpent; so called, because the -_least_ of Serpents; and though very little, scarce four Inches long, or -in Bulk so big as a Goose-quill, yet its Wounds are most deadly. The -Belly is red, and distinguishable by black Stains; the Back yellow, -interlaid with divers Spots. It is an Inhabitant of the North, and -delights in cold Apartments. This (though distinctly described by the -Historian) seems to be the same with the _Tetzaucoatl_[288]. _N. B._ -Little Things, greatly dangerous. - -Footnote 288: - - _Nieremb._ - -The Poet weeps for a Person killed by the Fall of an Icicle, which is a -little Drop of Water congealed[289]. _Anacreon_, the celebrated Lyrick -Poet among the _Greeks_, was choaked with a _little Kernel_ of a -_Grape_. Little Things do great Executions. Little Worms destroy -floating Castles. _Tarantula_, a little Spider, poisons a Giant. In -_Barbadoes_ is what they call the _Poison-Tree_, a little Drop of its -Sap flying into a Workman’s Eyes, makes him blind; therefore Workmen -cover them with Cypress. - -Footnote 289: - - Oh! ubi non est si jugulatis aqua. - - _Mart._ - -_PLINY_, from _M. Varro_ says, there was a Town in _Spain_ undermined by -_Conies_, and another in _Thessaly_ by _Mold-Warps_, and another in -_France_, from which they were driven out by Frogs.... In some parts of -_Africa_, People were constrained by _Locusts_ to leave their -Habitations. Out of _Gyaros_ (one of the _Islands_ of the _Cyclades_ in -the _Ægean Sea_, most of which are now under the _Turks_) the -Inhabitants were forced away by _Rats_ and _Mice_, little Things: And if -it be true, that _Theophrastus_ the Philosopher reports, the _Treriens_ -were chased away by an Army of little Worms, called _Scolopendra_[290]. -All these mighty Conquests were made by little contemptible Insects. - -Footnote 290: - - _Pliny’s Natural History_, Part I. B. viii. Cap. 29. - -What says the _Laconian_, when wounded with a Dart? I am not, quoth he, -concerned at my Death, but at my Fall by a Wound from a little feeble -Archer. For ’tis Satisfaction to the Vanquish’d to die by the Hand of -heroic Valour; hence that of _Virgil_; - - _Æneæ Magni dextra cadis.... - ’Tis by the Great Æneas’ Hand you fall._ - -The reason was, because the _Lacedemonians_ were wont to fight with -Swords, therefore it was not counted Bravery to kill Men with a Dart, a -thing that may be done by any Woman. - -So in the vegetable World, there are _Cedars_ and _Shrubs_. In Natural -Philosophy, we read of _Atoms_, that are _Minima Naturæ_, the ultimate -Particles into which Matter is divisible, and are conceived as the first -Rudiments, or component Parts of all physical Magnitude, or the -pre-existent and incomprehensible Matter, whereof particular Bodies were -formed; there are Mountains and Mole-Hills, - -So ... there was _Alexander_ the _Great_, and there is _Alexander_ the -_Little_, the ingenious and learned Mr. _Pope_; the one conquered by the -Sword, the other by his Pen, and has made all the Regions of Fame -tributary to him. - - -CXXIV. The _tame_ and _tractable Serpent_, is of the _Indian_ Race, -about an Inch long, when brought first from the Field for domestick -Education; and when at its full Growth, is not much short of a Man’s -Thigh. Its Habitation is in some little Hutch erected on purpose, -(_indulgentiæ gratia_) where it idles away its time, till Hunger brings -it out. Upon its Approach to the Master of the House, it creeps up to -his Shoulders, where the Embraces of that terrible Creature (being made -tame) are received with Delight[291]. - -Footnote 291: - - _Nierembergius_, cap. xl. p. 283.—Humeros heri amicè conscendunt, - benevolè terrifici animalis amplexus tolerantis. - - -CXXV. The _Tleoa_, or _Tetloa_, that is, a little fiery Serpent, and -very common in the new World, and described by the Historian thus[292], -_viz._ ’Tis about a Finger broad, and five or six Foot long, and -differenced from others by a Medley of Spots, compounded of white, -black, yellow, and dun Colours. The Head is like that of our Vipers, and -the Tail, which seems to have a touch of the Rattle, ends acutely. - -Footnote 292: - - _Nierembergius_; from _Franciscus Hernandus_. - -Its Wounds are deadly, and burn like Fire; hence the Name it bears: -Though fiery in Nature, is slow and winding in Motion, and may be -avoided by the Traveller, if he has Eyes and Ears. Its usual Residence -is in Mountains, and the higher Mountains are, the greater the Cold, -(because they only receive direct, and but little of the reflected Rays -of the Sun) yet are the Habitations of fiery Animals. - -The Learned observe, there are Mountains a Mile and an half high, to the -tops of which, no Vapour, and consequently no Clouds, can ever reach: -And hence it is that in very high Mountains, as the _Pico de Theide_ in -_Bohemia_, though the middle part be always inverted with Snow, and the -bottom scorched with intolerable Heat; yet on the top you will find -yourself in a pure, thin, serene Air, and view the Clouds hovering at a -considerable distance below you[293]. - -Footnote 293: - - _Montibus Tepeztlanicis._ - -Hence it is that all Thunder is confined within less than a Mile’s -Height. The Air is coldest in the highest places, and hottest in the -lowest; but in the intermediate Atmosphere, where we live, very unequal: -but no Climates, however situated, are privileged with Exemption from -venemous Creatures, and where they are less pestered with them, ’tis -owing to the Cultivation of the Land. - -The Wounds given by this Serpent are dangerous, and cured by an Herb -called _Ancola_, by _Jonstonus_, p. 26, 27. but _Anola_, by -_Nierembergius_, p. 277, 283. - - -CXXVI. The _Hydrus_, or _Natrix_, an acquatic Serpent: The former word -from ὑδορ _Water_, of which ’tis an Inhabitant; the other word denotes -its Skill in the Art of Natation; it goes under various Denominations, -as appears in _Jonstonus_; who, from _Pliny_ observes, that this Serpent -is _superior to most in Beauty, and inferior to none in Poison_[294]. - -Footnote 294: - - _Jonstoni Historia Nat._ p. 28. - -_NICANDER_, who calls the terrestrial _Hydrus_, a foul coloured Beast, -vindicates the beautiful Character of the Marine; who yet is not very -nice in its Choice of Water, for muddy and clear is equally the same to -this beautiful Slut[295]. In its Nature ’tis very poisonous, says one; -_Cardan_ is in the Negative. The truth is, there are several sorts of -them, some of which are harmless, and others hurtful, and their Wounds -attended with very terrible Effects, described by the poetick -Physician[296]. - -Footnote 295: - - ’Tis sometimes called _Lutra, ex Luto_; because it delights most in - foul Water; or the Word may signify, to wash and make clean. - -Footnote 296: - - Pessima quas fecit plagas hæc signa sequantur; - Arida tota cutis circum putret horribilemque - Elevat aspectum, magni ignitique dolores - Tandem hominem interimunt.—— - - _Nicander._ - -In some parts of _Persia_ they are very numerous, described by white -Heads and black Body, four Cubits long, and dangerous to those who -dabble in the Water by Night, as they often do in that hot Country where -these Animals feed upon Fish and Frogs[297]; and breed upon Land, -according to _Aristotle_[298]. - -Footnote 297: - - Stagna colit, ripisque habitans his piscibus atram - Improbus Ingluviem ranisque loquacibus explet, - Exhausta palus—Exilit in siccum— - _Virg. Georg._ lib. iii. - -Footnote 298: - - _Jonstoni Hist. Nat._ p. 28, 29. - -Its common Habitation is in the _Myclean Lake_, in _Corcina_ or -_Corcyra_, now _Corfou_, (a little rich Island in the _Venetian_ -Dominion) and also about _Taracina_ (a City of the _Volscians_ in -_Campania_, in _Italy_, not far from _Amyclæ_) where the People, not -daring to kill Serpents, were overthrown by them; to mention no more. -_Ibid._ - - -CXXVII. The _Natrix-Torquata_, _Jonston_ makes different from the -former, and describes it thus——Called _Torquata_ from its beautiful -Neck, which looks as if incircled with a strong Collar of Pearls.... On -the hinder part of the Head is a little narrow Space in the form of two -Scales, where the Spots on both sides end acutely in a triangular form. -The _Scholiast_ upon _Nicander_, compliments those _pretty Spots_ with -the Title of _little Crowns_[299]. - -Footnote 299: - - _Ibid._ p. 29. - -It goes under various Appellations. The _Greeks_ called it Guardian of -their Houses[300], it being of the innocent sort. Some of the _Italians_ -call it _Carbonarium_, a Collier, because its Colour inclined to -Coal-black, or Iron. Mr. _Ray_ calls it, the _common Snake_. It is -larger than a Viper, and more gross in Body; brings forth its Young by -Eggs, hatch’d by foreign Heat; feeds on Mice; sucks Cows, upon which -follows Blood. The Reader is referred to a former. - -Footnote 300: - - Οφεις οικουροι. - -[Illustration: - - _Plate 6^{th}._ -] - - -CXXVIII. The _Marine-Dragon_, as _Pliny_ calls it, or the _true -Marine-Serpent_, in the Dialect of _Jonstonus_, who, in his Description -of Fishes, gives a particular account of it. We have already accounted -for monstrous Serpents in the _Indies_, where some have Teeth in the -form of a Saw, with which they do more hurt than with their Poison, says -the _Greek_ Historian[301]. - -Footnote 301: - - _Æliani Hist._ lib. xvi. cap. 3. - -In _Africa_, are some large and strong enough to contend with Oxen by -Land, and to overturn a three-oar’d Galley by Water; which agrees in -Character with those of _Norway_ already described: There we found some -of 200 Foot long, winding themselves about Ships, according to _Olaus -Magnus_, Archbishop of _Upsal_. - -In several of the _Persian Islands_ are some of twenty Cubits long, and -very terrifying to Sailors. Such also are seen in the Promontory of -_Carmania_, the Residence of the _Ichthyophagi_, a People that feed -wholly upon Fish; a fine Country for such who are inclin’d to keep a -_perpetual Lent_. Tho’ these Monsters are born in the Deep, yet are they -found in fresh Waters, and sometime sporting upon Land, where they -sleep[302]. - -Footnote 302: - - _Jonston. de Piscib._ p. 9. Articulus v. - -The same Author tells us, of a _terrible Battle_ that happen’d in -_Turkey_, in the time of _Bajazet_, between the _land_ and _marine -Serpents_, that continued from Morning to Night, when after a great -Destruction on both sides, the _Marines_ fled. _Ibid._ - - -CXXIX. The _Rubetarian-Serpent_ is a very noisy Animal, who for its -croaking Noise is resembled to a land Toad. It also engages the -Attention of the Eye, for it excels in Beauty: It’s known among Country -People by these two Characteristicks, _viz._ _Loud_ and _Pretty_. Here -we see, what is an Offence to the Ear may be a pleasing Entertainment to -the Eye; thus the Five Senses agree to differ in their several -Perceptions, and to meet in several distinct Apartments of the capital -Temple, in the pacifick Empire. But to return to the _beautiful -Padalica_ of the _Polonians_: - -It is said of this Serpent, that when it wounds any in the Foot, the -Remedy is to put the wounded part into the next Earth, that is inclined -to the moist, for twenty-four hours. This seems to differ from the -_American Rubeta_. - - -CXXX. The _Serpent de Boa_ is another of the monstrous kind; called -_Boa_ from _Bos_, the _Latin_ word for an Ox, which it devours at once: -The young ones, which grow to a great Bulk, are nourished by sucking the -Cow. - -In the Emperor _Claudius_’s time, in one of them that was killed, they -found a Child that was whole. In _Calabria_ are some monstrous Animals, -not unlike these, says the Historian; who adds, that not many Years ago -a certain Bishop speaks of a large mischievous Serpent, that was shot -near _St. Archangel_, whose Jaws were almost two Palms long, the -Portraiture of which is yet seen in a certain Temple there[303]. - -Footnote 303: - - M. Antonius Cuccinus Episcopus Anglonensis ad Thomasium—in Agro S. - Archangeli. _In Jonstonus; in Verb._ - - -CXXXI. I Am informed by some Persons, who had it by Tradition from -ancient People, that formerly there was in this Country a monstrous -Serpent of four or five Yards long, and thicker than a common Axle-tree -of a Cart, and very mischievous, preying upon Lambs, _&c._ Its chief -Residence was in a Wood, near _Pickopbank_, a few Miles from -_Blackburn_, in _Lancashire_, called _Ouse-Castle_, wherein there is yet -a little Spot of Ground, called _Griom’s-Ark_, which is a deep Cavern, -situated among Rocks, in a Wood, from whence it was seen to come out, -and bask itself on a sunny Bank. - -The Picture of this Serpent is drawn with Wings, two Legs, and Talons -like an Eagle, which is seen in some ancient Houses, (and particularly -at _Clayton-hall_, near _Dunkin-hall_) by which it appears to be very -large and furious. - -It’s said, one —— _Grimshaw_ Esq; Proprietor of that Hall, shot the -Monster with Arrows, and had an Estate offer’d him for that good Service -done to his Country, which he generously refused, and only desired he -might have a Passage thro’ that Wood to a Township he had on t’other -side of it, which was granted, the Title of which is to be found in old -Writings. By another hand I am informed, that it was supposed to be a -_Griffin_, which is a Bird of Prey, and of the Eagle kind, which, I take -to be the _Ossifrage_ of _Moses_, and mentioned _Levit._ xi. - -There is also a fabulous _Griffin_, represented with four Legs, Wings, -and a Beak; the upper part like an Eagle, and the lower a Lion. They -conjecture it to watch over golden Mines and hidden Treasures. This Bird -was consecrated to the Sun, therefore the Chariot of the Sun was -represented as drawn by a Set of _Griffins_. - -This _poetick Griffin_ is frequently seen in antient Medals, and is -still bore in Coat-Armor. The antient and honourable Family of the -_Guillims_ blazons it rampant, alledging any very fierce Animal may be -so blazon’d as well as a Lion. It is observable, says my Author, that in -the Front of _Clayton-hall_ are two Figures drawn in Plaister in the -form of a Coat of Arms; on the right side of the Escutcheon is a Figure -with Wings, four Feet, and a Tail twisted in the Form of a Serpent. The -like Figure is drawn in Plaister in several antient Houses in that -Neighbourhood, which go under the Name of the _Griffin’s Picture_, and -the Sign is used at Publick-houses: There is a Place in that Wood called -the _Griffin’s-Ark_. - -_N. B._ This seems to carry some Probability with it, since Eagles are -voracious Creatures, and very destructive to Fawns and Lambs, especially -the black Eagle, which is of a lesser Size than the other. - -In some of the _Scots Islands_, the Natives observe, that this Eagle -fixes its Talons between the Deer’s Horns, and beats its Wings -constantly about its Eyes; several other Eagles flying at the same time -on both sides, which puts the Deer upon a continual Run, till it fall -into a Pit, or down a Precipice, where it dies, and so becomes a Prey to -the Enemy[304]. - -Footnote 304: - - _Martin’s Description of the Western Islands of Scotland_, Edit. ii. - p. 7. - - -CXXXII. In some of the Western Islands of _Scotland_ are several -Serpents: There is one that is _yellow_ with brown Spots, and another -with _brown_ Spots; but that which is the most poisonous, is the _black -and white spotted_, three or four Foot long. - -The Remedies are such as these: The Natives cut off the Head of the -Serpent that gives the Wound, and apply it to the Place as the best -Remedy: Others, by the Application of new Cheese, extract the Poison; -and some make use of the Rump of a Cock stript of its Feathers, which -they apply to the Wound with Success, according to the Historian[305]. - -Footnote 305: - - _Martin_’s _Description of the Isle of Skie_, _&c._ p. 236. - -In the Library at _Manchester_, is the Skin of a Serpent which was five -Yards long, as thick as the Calf of a Man’s Leg; has a forked Tongue, -scaly Skin, yellow Colour. - - -CXXXIII. _MARTINIUS_ in his _Atlas_ relates, that in the Province of -_Quangsi_ in _China_, there are Serpents thirty Foot long. The _Flora -Sinensis_ reports of the Serpent call’d _Geuto_, that it devours whole -Stags, but is not very venemous. ’Tis of an ash Colour, from eighteen to -twenty-four Foot long; will often seize on a Man, by leaping from a -Tree, and kill him, by its violent windings about him.—The _Chinese_ -preserve his _Gall_ to cure the Diseases of the Eyes.—_Marcus Paulus -Venetus_ testifies the same of the Serpents of _Carrajam_.—Some are in -length ten Paces, in thickness ten Palms, and able to swallow a Man. Are -taken thus: The Serpent in the Day lies in Caves of Mountains; in the -Night hunts for Prey, and then returns to its Cave, with the weight of -its Body, plowing deep the Earth, being sandy in the Track it goes -along: Here the Huntsmen fix strong Stakes pointed with Iron, covered -with Sand; and as the Serpent travels along, the Spikes gore its -Entrails, and are fasten’d therein, by which ’tis kill’d; and the -Huntsmen sell the _Gall_ at a great Price for Medicine, and the _Flesh_ -for Meat. These, continues he, may be reckon’d among _Dragons_, but are -without Poison: Instead of Feet, they have Claws like those of a _Lion_ -or _Falcon_.—There are other Serpents in _China_ full of rank Poison, -especially the _hairy-headed Serpent_. So far _Martin_. - -_N. B._ This Province of _Quamsi_ or _Quangsi_ is able to raise a -Million of fighting Men. It is not so much frequented as the Province of -_Quantung_ or _Canton_, where they have two Harvests a year. One says, -there is a Mountain here with a Pool in it, which makes a Noise like -Thunder, if a Stone be cast into it, and causes Showers from the -Sky[306]. Their Winter is warm, and their Fields always verdant, -producing great Quantities of Gold, Pearl, Silk, Copper, Steel, Iron, -Salt,—and odoriferous Woods.—They hatch their Ducks Eggs and those of -other Fowls in Ovens, or Dunghills. - -Footnote 306: - - _Pancirollus._ - - -CXXXIV. There is a kind of _Reptiles and Insects_ (I don’t mean the -common Tortoise) which is a certain sort of Snake, small in Body and of -white Colour, found in _Lydia_, _Arabia_,—cased over with a white -colour’d Shell, which shines like a sparkling Margarite[307]. - -Footnote 307: - - _Pancirollus._ - -I shall close this Part with an Experiment made by the noble _Roman_ -before-mentioned, who (being sollicitous to take a compleat View of a -Serpent) after he had dissected one, preserved the Flesh and Bones, and -having, _secundum artem_, reduced them to Ashes,—extracted _Aqua -Fontana_,—whose Virtues were equal to those drawn from the Ashes of -other Animals, and of Plants. - -To this venemous Tribe, I shall annex a few Reptiles, in whose Veins I -find something of the Serpent’s Blood; and close the variegated List -with a large Account of the _Tarantula_, its Wound, and Cure by Musick; -then inquire into the Reasons of that strange Operation; the Nature and -Force of Sounds, not only on the Animal Passions, but Inanimate Matter. -I shall begin with, - - -I. The _Bee_, called the Honey-Fly, a little Animal that has four Feet, -which it carries close to the Belly, and not easily separated: It has -four Wings, small Teeth, and a long Tongue, which usually it carries out -of the Mouth. Its Sting cleaves to the Belly, which, when it strikes, it -parts with, and becomes uncapable of wounding a second time; which, I -think can’t be said of any other Member of the stinging Race, unless it -be the Wasp and Hornet. - -The Sting, in the Design of it, seems to be only a Weapon of Defence; it -looks like a Tube or Pipe, hollow, with a little Bag of sharp -penetrating Liquid (which is its Poison) joined to the Extremity of it -within the Body, which, in stinging, is injected into the Wound thro’ -the Tube; and tho’ venemous and painful, is not strong enough to corrupt -the Mass of Blood. - -One may, with the naked Eye, sometimes see this little Insect discharge -its Venom, in which, says the ingenious Dr. _Mead_, by the help of a -Glass, I can easily discover _a great Number of minute Salts floating_. -In _Brazil_, _Bees_ are distinguish’d into twelve kinds, among which are -some that sting in a most furious and fatal manner, called _Mateecas_ by -the _Indians_. - -In _Ceylon_ in the _East-Indies_, are several Bees, the largest are of a -brighter Colour than ours; they make their Combs on the Boughs of Trees: -At proper Seasons, the Inhabitants hold Torches under them, till they -drop down, which they carefully gather, boil and eat, and are accounted -excellent Food. In _Quatemala_ are Bees and Honey of a white Colour, and -some without a Sting, says the Historian[308]. - -Footnote 308: - - _Nierembergius_, p. 286. - - -II. To the _Bee_, I add the _Wasp_, which, as it is something larger, -makes a deeper Wound; it differs also from it in its Food, which is -Flesh and Carrion, when it can be got; whereas the Bee regales itself -with delicious Entertainments, and enriches its Family with all the -Glories of the vegetable Kingdom. From whence is the Honey? I answer, -That in Flowers is found a viscid sweet Juice, and accordingly we see -Children gather Cowslips, Honeysuckles, and suck the Honey from them. -The Bees visit all Flowers within their Reach, and putting it in their -Trunks, suck out the Honey, with which they load their Stomachs, to be -discharg’d, and laid up in their Combs. Among the Antients, Honey was -taken for a Dew that fell on Flowers; but this is a mistake, because the -Bees only gather it after the Sun is up, when there is no Dew left, or -very little. - - -III. The _Hornet_ is yet more dangerous, and has been known to pursue a -Sparrow, and kill it, and then suck its Blood. The Hornet and Wasp have -strong Jaws tooth’d, by which they can dig into Fruits, for Sustenance; -yea, and into harder Substances, for Quarters. - -If you take a Bee, a Wasp, or Hornet, and gently squeeze the Tail, so -that you can see the Sting, you may perceive a Drop of transparent -Liquor at the very end of it; which if wiped off, you shall soon see it -renew’d, that Liquid passing down the Cavity into the end thereof: ’Tis -said the Decoction of Hornets dropt on the Skin, makes it swell. - - -IV. I proceed to the _Spider_, another little venemous Insect, whose -forked Tongue or Sting, is very fine and sharp; by this he pierces -Flies—and at the same time, instils a poisonous Juice into the Wound, by -which the Prey being kill’d, it sucks out the Moisture, and leaves -nothing but a husky dry Carcass: Tradition says, it poisons by spitting, -or breathing, because it dare not approach so near to a large Fly as to -a little one; but keeps at some distance, and uses a kind of shoving -Motion, upon which the Fly has done struggling. - -There are various sorts of these little strange Creatures, whose Stings -are hurtful, as the _Astorius_, (so called from its resemblance to a -Star) whose Wound produces Heaviness, and Relaxation of the Nerves. The -_Cæruleus_, or blue Spider, whose Sting is attended with Vomiting and -Pain at the Heart. The _Lycos_, the least of the kind, that causes an -_Asthma_, and Swelling about the wounded Part. In the _Philosophical -Transactions_, we have a Table of thirty-three kinds of Spiders found in -_England_, by Dr. _Lister_[309]. - -Footnote 309: - - _Lowthorp_, vol. ii. p. 793. - -There is something very curious and admirable in those long Threads they -make in the Air, during some part of Summer, especially towards -_September_, so much wonder’d at, in such Quantities every where. The -Method of Operation, I take to be as follows, _viz._ - -All Spiders that spin in a Thread, are the Makers of those Threads, most -visible in the Autumn. In all the ways of weaving, they still let down -the Thread they make use of, and draw it after them. Attending on one -that wrought a Net, I saw it, says a very nice Observer, suddenly in the -Mid-work desist, and turning his Tail into the Wind, to dart out a -Thread, with the Violence we see Water spout out of a Spring: This -Thread taken up by the Wind, was in a Moment emitted some Fathoms long, -still issuing out of his Belly; by and by the Spider leapt into the Air, -and the Thread mounted her up swiftly.—And I found the Air fill’d with -young and old, sailing on their Threads, and undoubtedly, says the -Relator, seizing Gnats and other Insects in their Passage; there being -often manifest Signs of Slaughter, as Legs, and Wings of Flies ... on -these Lines, as in their Webs below[310]. - -Footnote 310: - - _Lowthorp_, vol. ii. p. 794. - -Spiders have been observed to get to the Top of a Branch or such like -thing, where they exercise this darting of Threads into the Air. After -the first Flight, all the time of their sailing on those Threads, they -make Locks, still darting forth fresh Supplies of Thread to sport and -sail by. _N. B._ Those called Shepherds, or long-legg’d Spiders, are no -Spinners. - -I have seen Spiders, says the Learned Dr. _Hulse_[311], shoot their Webs -three Yards long before they begin to sail upon them. So the Learned -_Derham_ observes, that with pleasure he had often seen Spiders dart out -their Webs, and sail away by the Help thereof. - -Footnote 311: - - Ibid. vol. i. p. 363. - -_AMERICA_ turns out diverse kinds of these araneous Insects: In _Peru_ -are Spiders as large as a Man’s Hand, and have Eyes as big as those of -Sparrows. In _Brasil_ there is one kind of Spider, whose Skin is rough -and black, and whose Sting proves incurable, without immediate Relief. -On the other hand, we read of monstrous Spiders in the _Antilles_, whose -Eyes are so small and deep in the Head, that they are scarcely visible: -They feed on flying Insects, and their Webs are strong enough to catch -small Birds[312]. - -Footnote 312: - - _Atl. Geog. Amer._ p. 179, 265, 519. - -_CEYLON_ in the _East-Indies_ produces a long, glittering, and hairy -Spider, called _Democulo_, whose Wound is not mortal, but sometimes -deprives People of their Senses. There is an Experiment made by Mr. -_Leeuwenhoek_, who put a Frog and Spider together into a Glass, and -having made the Spider sting the Frog diverse times, the Frog died in -about an hour’s time[313]. - -Footnote 313: - - _Scaliger Exercit._ in _Boyle_’s _Subtil. Efflu. Philos. - Transactions_. Where there is a curious Account how Spiders lay and - guard their Eggs. _Derham._ - -There is another Instance of the Poison of some of them (for all are not -poisonous) given by the Learned _Scaliger_, who relates, that in -_Gascony_ in _France_, there are Spiders of that Virulency, that if a -Man treads upon them to crush them, their Poison will pass thro’ the -very Soles of his Shoe[314]. - -Footnote 314: - - _Scaliger Exercit._ in _Boyle_’s _Subtil. Efflu. Philos. - Transactions_. Where there is a curious Account how Spiders lay and - guard their Eggs. _Derham._ - -V. The _Scolopendra_ is a little venemous Worm, and amphibious. When it -wounds any, there follows a Blueness about the affected Part, and an -Itch over all the Body, like that caused by Nettles. Its Weapons of -Mischief are much the same with those of the Spider, only larger; its -Bite is very tormenting, and produces not only pruriginous Pain in the -Flesh, but very often Distraction of Mind. These little Creatures make -but a mean Figure in the Rank of Animals, yet have been terrible in -their Exploits, particularly in driving People out of their Country: -Thus the Inhabitants of _Rhytium_, a City of _Crete_, were constrained -to leave their Quarters for them[315]. There is a minute _Scolopendra_, -accounted for by Dr. _Molyneux_. - -Footnote 315: - - _Ælian_, lib. xv. cap. 26. - - -VI. The _Shrew-Serpent_ in _Norway_, is a Creature of admirable Beauty; -small in Body, and slow in Motion, but of fiery Venom, and its Wounds -most dangerous. - - -VII. The _Lacertus Facetanus_, or _Tarantula_, whose Bite gives Name to -a new Disease. Those who are wounded by it are denominated _Tarantati_: -It is a kind of an overgrown Spider, about the Size of a common Acorn. - -It borrows its Name from _Tarentum_ in _Apulia_, a City in the Kingdom -of _Naples_, built by a Band of _Lacedemonian Bastards_, who having no -Inheritance at home, were sent thither to seek their Fortunes, where -they built that Town, and made it the Capital of _Magna Græcia_. - -This little Animal is furnish’d with eight Eyes, and eight Legs: Its -Skin is tender and soft, of various Colours, and always hairy: ’Tis of -the oviparous kind, and propagates its Species by Eggs, and sometimes a -hundred Eggs have been found in one Female. - -In the Opinion of some, ’tis not only an Inhabitant of _Apulia_, but -peculiar to that Province, a Situation that may be called, _A Garden of -Rarities_; Plenty of generous Wine, delicate Honey and Oil, an early -Spring, a soft Winter—render it a most delightful Habitation, especially -to old Persons, according to the Poet[316]; and yet in that most -agreeable Region, this little Tyrant reigns and spreads Terror. - -Footnote 316: - - —Ille terrarum mihi præter omnes—(_Horat._ lib. ii. ode 6.) Angulus.— - -It’s found in other Parts of _Italy_, and even in the Isle of _Corsica_; -but those of _Apulia_, ’tis said, are only dangerous; though I think to -have read something like it in _Persia_, where there is an Insect like a -Spider, about two Inches round, which the _Holstein_ Ambassadors suppose -to be the _Latin Stellio_, and the _Italian Tarantula_: It lets its -Poison fall like a Drop of Water, which causes an insupportable Pain in -that Part ... immediately causes a profound Sleep, from which the -Patient is not to be recovered, but by crushing one of the same -Creatures upon the Wound; or, if this can’t be had, by pouring as much -Milk down his Throat as they can, and then put him on an Engine, which -they turn round with great Violence, till by that violent Agitation, his -Stomach discharges the Milk, which appears greenish, because of the -Poison. Those who are cured thus, have some Remnant of the Pain once a -Year, about the same Season[317]. - -Footnote 317: - - _Voyages and Travels_ of the Ambass. of _Freder._ Duke of _Holstein_. - -But to return to _Italy_; ’tis observable, that it hurts no where but in -_Apulia_, and that only in Summer, especially in the _Canicular-Days_, -so called from _Canicula_, that signifies a Dog; hence _Dog-Star_, which -rises cosmically with the Sun the 19th of _July_, and is supposed to be -the brightest, as well as the largest Star in the Firmament. - -[Illustration: - - _Plate 7^{th}_ -] - -The _Dog-Days_ denote certain Days before and after the Rising of this -Star, to whose Appearance the Antients ascrib’d terrible Effects: the -very first Day it appears, they say (but without Reason) the Sea becomes -boisterous and boils like a Cauldron, produces Variety of Distempers, -sours Wine, and Dogs grow mad.... The _Romans_, dreading the Indignation -of this Star, sacrificed a Dog every Year to it, (_viz._ at its first -Appearance in our Hemisphere) to appease its Rage against Mortals. - -In Winter, this _Italian_ Spider lurks in Caverns, and solitary Places; -and if it happens to bite, hurts not: There it lives in a drowsy -Posture, and keeps _Lent_ till Summer; when the whole Tribe creeps out, -and disperse themselves over that pleasant Land; and Wo to the Body -asleep, and bare Legs, in Corn-Fields. - -Those on the Plains are much to be feared, the Air being hotter there -than on the Mountains, where their Bite is not dangerous, the Solar Rays -not being so strong in those Heights: and what is yet more surprizing, -is, that if they wound any out of _Apulia_, though in places not remote -from it, the Wounded receive no deadly Hurt[318]. - -Footnote 318: - - _Baglivii de Anatome, Morsu & Effect. Tarantulæ Dissertatio_ i. p. 27. - & cap. v. p. 20. - -When it bites, the Pain resembles that given by the Sting of a _Bee_, -and is attended with various Symptoms, according to their different -Natures: The _Northern Tarantula_ is the most terrible; those that are -inclin’d to the _white Colour_ are not so dangerous; the spotted differs -from both. - -The Wound given by any of them is dangerous, and has different -Indications. In some that are bitten, an universal Stupor follows; -others weep: Some tremble and vomit; others laugh, fancying themselves -to be Kings. This perhaps made Dr. _Cornelio_ represent this as an -imaginary Disease; that those who imagine themselves hurt, are most of -our young wanton Girls, who, falling from some particular Indisposition -into Melancholy and Madness, persuade themselves that they have been -stung by a _Tarantula_[319]. - -Footnote 319: - - _Philos. Transact._ - -Some grow pale, sick and faint, and die in a short time, unless relieved -by Musick, which alone, without the Help of Medicine, performs the Cure. - -The Wounded are as Men half dead, but at the first Sound of a musical -Instrument, though they are very weak, and seemingly unable to stir, -they begin by degrees to move their Hands and Feet, till at last they -get up, and then fall to dancing with wonderful Vigour, for two or three -Hours, their Strength and Activity still encreasing. Some will continue -the Dance, without Intermission for six Hours; and when tired they are -put to Bed, and after they are sufficiently recruited by Rest, they are -called up again by the same Tune, and renew the Dance with great -Violence, the Musick still playing; and when the Patients grow weary, -they are put into Bed again, and kept warm to encourage Perspiration. -These Exercises being continued six or seven Days, the Patient finds -himself fatigued and unable to dance any longer, which is the -Characteristic of a Cure. - -They usually spend ten or twelve Hours a-day in this violent Exercise, -and continue it for three or four, or six Days; by which time they are -generally freed from all their Symptoms, tho’ not always, says the -learned _Baglivi_, who observes, that about the same time next Year, the -Distemper returns, and will prove fatal, if not prevented by the same -musical Application. - -In _Apulia_ is a _Scorpion_, whose Wounds are accompanied with the same -Effects as those produced by the _Tarantula_, and are only curable by -_Musick_ and _Motion_. These _Apulian Scorpions_, are less violent than -those of _Africa_, but more virulent than those in other Parts of -_Italy_. I shall only offer two Remarks here. - -1. _THAT different Patients must be entertain’d with different Tunes, -according to the different Symptoms of the Disease_; in which the great -Art of curing them seems to consist. _e. g._ Some are roused by a Pipe, -others by a Timbrel: Some are roused by a Violin, others by the Harp; -and all must be entertain’d with different Airs. The Musicians therefore -make Trial before they can accommodate the _Sound to the Venom_; which -requires the most brisk and lively Tunes, to produce a powerful -Vibration in the Body; and till this be done, the miserable Patients -stand still, sighing and sobbing. The Vibrations must be quick and -frequent. - -2. _DURING the Time of Cure, the wounded People throw themselves into a -Variety of strange Forms_, and behave like Drunkards and Madmen ... -talking foolishly ... diverting themselves with naked Swords, red Cloth, -_&c._ but the Sight of any Object that appears black is terrible to -them. _Ibid._ - -To this Account of the _Tarantula_, I have (by way of Illustration) -added the Remarks of another learned Foreigner, who says.... The -venemous Bite of the _Tarantula_ is quickly follow’d with a very acute -Pain, and soon after, with Numbness, profound Sadness, difficult -Respiration: The Pulse grows weak, the Sight disturbed; Persons lose -their Knowledge, Sense, and Motion; and if destitute of Help, they -die.... The most effectual and certain _Remedy_ is _Musick_: When the -Person becomes destitute of Knowledge and Motion, a _Musician_ tries a -Variety of Airs: Shou’d he hit on that whose Harmony is suited to the -Patient, he begins to move by successive Degrees, and keeps Time with -his Fingers, Arms, Legs, _&c._ he raises himself, and dances about six -Hours without Intermission.... - -When the Musick ceases, the sick Person gives over dancing, and is put -to Bed: The same Air brings him out of Bed for a new Dance, an Exercise -that lasts six or seven Days.——_N. B._ Every sick Person must have his -particular and specific Tune, and always one that is very sprightly and -moving. - -The Poison of the _Tarantula_, adds he, thickens the Blood, and stops -several of its Passages; thence the Numbness: The Blood being thick, -furnishes but a small Quantity of animal Spirits, their Canals are -shrunk up in the Brain: The Nerves being destitute of Spirits, relax; -thence proceed the Inactivity, and Defect of Knowledge and Motion: But -the Vibrations of the quick Airs which are play’d, agitate the Blood and -the rest of the animal Spirits, which are soon increased by the -Agitation of the Blood: Being agitated and multiply’d, they run into the -Fibres and Nerves, which being put into _Unison_ with the sonorous -Strings, receive their Vibrations, and are shorten’d or extended -successively; whence proceeds the successive Motion of the Fingers, -Arms, Legs, _&c._[320] - -Footnote 320: - - _Father Regnault. Phil. Conv. or New System of Physic_, vol. ii. - _Conversation_ xiv. p. 268, -9. - -The action of Dancing augments the Agitation of the Blood, and makes the -Patient sweat. The Poison being agitated and attenuated, is exhaled by -Transpiration; in proportion as the Poison is exhaled, the sick Person -perceives himself eased; this Ease continually inclines him to dance: -When all the Poison is dissipated by Agitation and Sweat, the Blood -recovers its Fluidity and usual Course. - -I Shall conclude this historical Account, with a Passage taken out of a -_formed History of the Tarantula_[321], writ by a learned Author, who -having described the Disease, proceeds to the manner of Cure, _viz._ The -salivous Poison of that Spider seizes principally on the Nerves and -Muscles––the manner of Cure thus–– - -Footnote 321: - - Printed at _Leyden_, in 12_mo._ _A. D._ 1668. - -The Air moved by the musical Motion of Instruments, moves the next, and -so onwards (as we see in the circular increasing Motion of the Water, -when a Stone is cast into it) till the like be produced in the Spirits -of the Body, to which the Air is impelled.––Now, adds he, the Commotion -of the Passions depends upon the Spirits, and the viscous Humour of the -_Tarantula_ is a very capable Subject of Sound: Hence the next Air being -moved by a musical Tone suitable to the Patient, the lurking Poison, and -Spirits of a Man are put into a Commotion; by which Agitation, the -Nerves being vellicated, the Spirits vehemently stirred, and Muscles -moved, the Dancing, or something like it, must of necessity ensue, by -which the Cure is performed: For, by vehement Motion the Blood is -heated, the Pores are opened, and the Poison rarified; which can’t be -done by common Sudorificks, because the Medicines can’t reach, or at -least can’t stir those little Particles where the Poison lies, as Motion -by Dancing does. - -I shall add here some _Reflections on the Power of Musick, and give -Instances of it in the human Mind, in animal, and inanimate Bodies_. - -_MUSICK_ appears to be one of the most antient of Arts, and of all -other, vocal Musick must have been the first kind, and borrowed from the -various natural Strains of Birds[322]; as stringed Instruments were from -Winds whistling in hollow Reeds, and pulsatile Instruments (as Drums and -Cymbals) from the hollow Noise of concave Bodies. This is the -Conjecture. - -Footnote 322: - - At liquidas avium voces imitarier ore, - Ante fuit multo quam carmina cantu - Concelebrare homines possent aureisque juvare. - - _Lucretius._ - -Musick has ever been in the highest Esteem in all Ages, and among all -People. Nor could Authors express their Opinions of it strongly enough, -but by inculcating, that it was in Heaven, and was one of the principal -Entertainments of the Blessed. The Effects ascribed to Musick by the -Antients, almost amount to Miracles; by means thereof Diseases are said -to have been cured, Unchastity corrected, Seditions quelled, Passions -raised and calmed, and even Madness occasioned.—— - -Musick has been used as a Sermon of Morality.... _Athenæus_ tells us, -that the Lives and Actions of illustrious Men were written in Verse, and -publickly sung by a _Chorus_, to the Sound of Instruments, which was -found to be the most effectual means to impress Morality, and a right -Sense of Duty on the human Mind[323]. - -Footnote 323: - - _Chambers_’s _Cyclopædia_, vol. ii. - -Thus the _Pythagoreans_ made use of Musick to cultivate the Mind, and -settle in it a passionate Love of Virtue. _Pythagoras_ instituted a most -profitable Correction of Manners by Musick, which, he says, conduces -very much to Health; and he made use of it, not only against Diseases of -the Mind, but those of the Body. It was the common Custom of the -_Pythagoreans_ to soften their Minds with Musick before they went to -sleep; and also in the Morning, to excite themselves to the Business of -the Day[324]. - -Footnote 324: - - _Plutarch de Osir. & Is._ - -This Cure of Distempers by Musick sounds odd, but was a celebrated -Medicine among the Antients. We have already considered, how those -wounded by the _Tarantula_ were healed by Musick; the Evidence of which -is too strong to be overturned: That which now lies before me, is, to -prove this to be the Practice of Antiquity, which will appear by the -following Instances. - -I shall begin with _Democritus_ (a Philosopher of the first Rank, and a -most diligent Inquirer into the Mysteries of Nature) who taught in his -Works, that _Musick of Pipes_ was a Medicine for most Distempers.... -_Thales_ of _Crete_, being sent for by the _Lacedemonians_ to remove the -Plague, came, and by the Help of Musick he did so; and he is said to do -it by the Command of _Apollo_, as appears from the Great _Chæronean -Moralist_[325]. If any Credit be given to _Terpander_, it appears he -supprest an Insurrection in their Town by the Use of Musick. _Ibid._ - -Footnote 325: - - _Plutarch_’s _Morals on Musick_. - -We read of a young Man among others of _Tautomenium_, whose Passions -being inflamed by Musick in the _Phrygian Mood_, was going to force open -a Matron’s House, but his Rage was soon calmed, when the Piper (by -_Pythagoras_’s Advice) changed his Air into the _Spondaic Mood_; and he -went home quietly, which the Philosopher could not make him do by -Persuasives. This historical Passage is confirmed by _Ammonius_, and -_Cicero_, and is thus related, _viz._ - -When as some young Men, being drunk, and irritated by the _Musick of -Flutes_, would have broke into an honest Woman’s House, but upon hearing -one playing a _Spondaic Air_, their outragious Heat was allay’d by the -Slowness of the Mood, and Solemness of the Tune.... - -St. _Basil_ gives another Instance to the same purpose, _viz._ That -_Pythagoras_ meeting with some that came with Musick from a Feast, -drunk, requested the Musician to change his Tune; which he did, and -playing a _Doric Air_, they were so brought to themselves, that they -threw away their Garlands, and walked home, ashamed of their Folly. - -_THEOPHRASTUS_ is said to cure Persons that had been wounded by -Serpents, with various kinds of Musick—_Probatum est_[326]. Another -Observation of his was, that Diseases were made and mitigated by Musick. -_Plato_ forbids Musick and Wine to young Persons, lest one Fire should -kindle another[327]. - -Footnote 326: - - Quibusdam viperarum morsibus cantus tibiarum aut fidicinum atque alia - organa artis musicæ modulare adhibita aptissimè mederi. _Alexander ab - Alexand. ... Genialium_, lib. ii. cap. xvii. p. 81. The Title is, - _Quod Theophrastus sensit quibusdam Viperarum morsibus tibicines - mederi, probatum experimentum_. _Baglivi_ Dissert. i. _de Tarent._ - cap. xiii. - -Footnote 327: - - _De Legibus._ - -The _Pythagoreans_, to appease the Troubles of the Mind, lulled -themselves asleep by Tunes upon the Harp: Thus _Homer_ brings in -_Achilles_ relieving his Melancholy by playing on his _Lute_, and -mitigating his Anger against _Agamemnon_ by Musick, which he had learned -of _Chiron_. _Asclepiades_, a _Roman_ Physician of great Reputation, is -said to heal frantic Melancholy, and mad People, by vocal and -instrumental Musick[328]. The learned _Neapolitan_ adds, _Tanta hominis -naturæ cum harmonia consensio est_. - -Footnote 328: - - Qui Phreneticos mente imminuta, & valetudine animi affectos, nulla re - magis quam symphonia, & vocum concentu, & modulis resipiscere, & - sanitati restitui censuit. _Alex. ab Alex._ lib. ii. cap. xvii. p. 81. - -Whatever be the Cause of it, there is nothing more powerful than Musick -for moving the human Passions, making some pensive and melancholy, -others brisk and lively. The truth is, says the Learned _Wallis_, we can -match most of the antient Stories of this kind in the modern Histories. -_e. g._ - -If _Timotheus_ could excite _Alexander_’s Fury with the _Phrygian Mood_, -and sooth him into Indolence with the _Lydian_, a more modern Musician -is said to have driven _Eric_ King of _Denmark_, into such a Rage, as to -kill his best Servants. The Occasion was thus—The King willing to make -Trial in his own Person, _whether a Musician spoke true, who boasted, -that by virtue of his Musick, he could make People mad_: The Artist -play’d, and the King became outragious, and experienced the Truth of it -so thoroughly, that in the Excess of his Rage, he kill’d some of his -best Friends[329]. - -Footnote 329: - - _Father Regnault_’s _Convers._ from _Repub. des Let._ p. 264. - -This may be owing to the Impression made by the Vibrations of the Air, -being carried as far as the Origin of the Nerves, passes into the Soul, -and puts the animal Spirits into a rapid Motion, determines them to run -into different Nerves, diffused thro’ different Parts of the Body, and -is communicated to those Nerves, according as it finds them more or less -in _Unison_.... Hence the Passions and Madness itself. _Ibid._ - -In Musick are different Tastes, which seems to proceed from the -different Constitutions of the Fibres or the animal Spirits: The Fibres -of the auditory Nerves are differently disposed in different Persons, -and in the same Person at diverse Times; but generally speaking, Musick -inspires more pleasing Sentiments, _e. g._ - -A certain famous _French Physician_ being ill, fell into a violent -_Delirium_, after some Days Illness of a continued Fever: the third Day -of his _Delirium_, I know not by what Instinct, (says the Learned Father -_Regnault_) made him desire a _Concert of Musick_; upon which, they -play’d, and sung to him the Songs of _M. Bernier_[330]: Scarcely had he -heard the first Notes, but his Eyes were calm; a Serenity was spread all -over his Countenance, the Convulsions ceased, and he wept thro’ Excess -of Pleasure; he was free from his Fever all the time of the Concert, but -whenever they ceased singing, he relapsed into his former Condition: -They fail’d not to continue so marvellous a Remedy, which always -suspended his Indisposition. In short, after ten Days musical -Entertainment, he was restored to his former Health. _Ibid._ - -Footnote 330: - - _Father Regn._ from _Hist. of the Royal Academy in France_. - -Another Instance, is a Dancing-Master of _Alais_ in _France_, who had -the same Fate in the Year 1708; after a Fever of about four Days, and a -long Lethargy, he fell into a _Delirium_, both mad and dumb. One of his -Friends took his Violin, and plaid to him those Airs he was most -accustom’d to: People thought at first, _that the Player was as mad as -the Patient_; but, in a short time, the sick Man raised himself upright -in his Bed, with the Air of a Man agreeably surpriz’d.... All his -Motions discover’d the Pleasure he felt: Soon after he fell into a deep -Sleep, and the Crisis he had during his Sleep, perfected his Cure. -_Ibid._ - -One Reason of this strange Operation might be this, _viz._ The Sound of -the Instrument agitates the Fibres, especially those that are in Unison, -by that means brings to his Remembrance agreeable Perceptions ... sets -the animal Spirits going, and restores them to their natural Course: -These Spirits being moved, run into the Nerves and Muscles, where they -have been used to run, in order to form the Motion of certain Airs; the -Passages of the Blood thereby become more free: Hence that serene Air -diffused all of a sudden over the Face of the sick Musician, who was -cured by the Charms of his own Art. - -These two Instances are quoted by the Learned Dr. _Nieuwentyt_, who -says, both of them (the Musician and Dancing-Master) were perfectly -restored to their Senses by Musick. He also observes, that the Wound -given by the _Tarantula_ can only be cured by the Sound of Musick, of -which different Airs and Tunes must be play’d, according to the -different Nature and Colour of those _Tarantula’s_ that have given the -Wound[331]. Then adds; - -Footnote 331: - - _Religious Philosopher_, vol. I. Contempl. xiii. Sect. 270. - -That the famous _Italian_ Musician, _Angelo Vitali_ had related to him -the following Story, and assured him of the Truth of it, _viz._ - -That a certain Player on the Flute at _Venice_ had boasted, that by his -playing, he could deprive the Hearers of the Use of their Understanding: -Whereupon he was sent for by the _Doge_, who was a Lover of Musick, and -commanded to put his Art in practice before him; where, after having -play’d some time very finely, (and to the Amazement of the Hearers) he -at last begun a mournful Tune, with a Design, as far as he was able, to -put the _Doge_ into a melancholy Humour; and presently, he struck up a -jovial one, to dispose him to Mirth and Dancing; and after having -repeated these two kind of Tunes several times by turns, the _Doge_ -being no longer able to endure those different Emotions, which he felt -in his Soul, he was ordered to forbear playing any longer. _Ibid._ p. -271. - -_FROM the Account given of Concords and Discords in Musick, a Reason may -be form’d why two Strings of a Viol, that are Unisons or Octaves one to -another, if one be struck the other will tremble, so as to be visibly -perceived._ - -_What is this Unison?_ In Musick, _Unison_ is a Consonance of two -Sounds, produced by two Strings, or other Bodies of the same Matter, -Length, Thickness, and Tension, equally struck, and at the same Time, so -that they yield the same Tone or Note. Others define it, _the Union of -two Sounds_, so like each other, that the Ear perceiving no Difference, -receives them as one and the same Sound. - -What constitutes Unisonance, is the Equality of the Number of -Vibrations: Unison is the first and greatest of Concords. Others say, it -is only that in Sounds which Unity is in Numbers. - -Being once in a Room where there was a _Bass-Viol_, and striking one of -the Strings, a loose Quarry of Glass in the Window, jarr’d every time -that String was struck, which it wou’d not do upon striking any of the -other discordant Strings. The Reason may be, _viz._ That the times of -the Vibration of the loose Quarry, were equal or near Concordance to -those of the String. A Gentleman of my Acquaintance, when he sounded a -particular Tone on the Bass-Viol, very plainly heard the Noise of the -Glass of the Clock in his Chamber, which Glass never moved, upon his -sounding any other Tone.... It is a general Remark, that an -_Unison-String_ will receive the Motion, and so tremble, when another -Unison is made to sound; and yet all other Strings of the same -Instrument, that are not Unisons, shall remain silent and unmoved. - -Musick does not only exert its Force on the Passions and Affections, and -musical Instruments, but on the Parts of the human Body also. Witness -the _Gascoigne-Knight_, (mention’d by Mr. _Boyle_) who could not contain -his Water, at the playing of a Bag-pipe: The Woman, mention’d by the -same Author, who would burst out in Tears, at the hearing of a certain -Tune, with which other People were but little affected: And in this -County, near _Rochdale_, there is a certain Man, who can’t forbear -dancing, if in a House, or Market, upon hearing a certain Tune sung. - -Wonder not at the strange Effects of musical Sounds, when other Sounds -strangely affect the Mind. How are the Passions excited by the Sound of -a Drum and the Discharge of Canons.... Not only human Minds and Bodies -are affected by the Impression of Sounds, but even Things without Life. - -_KIRCHER_ tells us of a large Stone that would tremble at the Sound of -one particular Organ-Pipe. _Mersenne_ also tells us, of a particular -part of a Pavement that would shake and tremble, as if the Earth would -open, when the Organs play’d. Mr. _Boyle_ adds, that Seats will tremble -at the Sound of Organs, that he has felt his Hat do so under his Hand, -at certain Notes, both of Organs and Discourse; and that he was well -inform’d, every well-built Vault, would answer some determinate Note. - -We may observe the like mechanic Perception in several empty -Drinking-Glasses, of fine white Metal. Thus if we cause the Strings of a -musical Instrument to be stretched to a certain Tone or Note, it would -make one of the Glasses ring, and not the other; nor would the Sound of -the same String, tuned to another, sensibly affect the same Glass. -_Morhoff_ mentions one _Petter_, a _Dutchman_, who could break -Rummer-Glasses with the Tone of his Voice. The same, I think, is said of -_Purcel_. - -When two Viols are tuned in Unison, one of them being touch’d, the other -will answer, tho’ at some distance. This is a noble Proof of an -harmonious Creation: This Unison looks like a more pure sort of -sympathising that is found in all the Creatures, when those of the same -Species flock together. - -Here give me leave to observe, that all Nature is as it were a System of -divine Musick, and delightful Harmony; or, in the sacred Language, a -_Poem_ which is a Work of Skill, curious and polite, lofty and sublime; -in which Numbers and Measures are exactly observed. Under this Idea of a -_Poem_ the old and new Creation are represented. - -_THE invisible things of him from the Creation of the World are clearly -seen, being understood by the things that are made_, τοις ποιημασι[332], -Poems that are made. The Creation is, as it were, a _Poem_ in the -Sublime: Every Species of created Beings is a _Stanza_, and every -individual Creature, a Verse in it, as a certain learned Divine -expresses it. Creation here is not stiled εργον, which is a Work of -manual Labor, but ποιημα[333], a Work of Skill; not so much the -Operation of the Hand, as of the Head and Heart: No Creature so small -and mean, but glitters with a Beam of divine Skill. - -Footnote 332: - - τοις ποιημασι. Rom. i. 20. - -Footnote 333: - - Αυτου γαρ εσμεν ποιημαι. Eph. ii. 10. - -So the new Creation is stil’d a _Poem_.... _We are his Workmanship in -Christ Jesus_, Eph. ii. 10. In the _Greek_, _we are his Poem in Christ -Jesus_. - -As for the several Moods, which, in musical Composition, were observed -by the Antients, for moving particular Passions, there is a remarkable -Fragment of _Damon_ the Musician, mentioned by _Aristides_ in -_Plutarch_. This is supposed to be that kind of Musick used by _David_ -and _Elisha_, as a Prescription to remove mental Disorders; and may -suppose to point at the Original of the Pagans curing Diseases of the -Body and Mind by instrumental Musick. - -It’s said, when an _evil Spirit_ from God was upon _Saul_, _David took a -Harp and play’d with his Hand, so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and -the evil Spirit departed from him_. 1 Sam. xvi. 23. - -... _AND Elisha said to Jehoram, King of Israel.... Were it not that I -regard the Presence of the King of Judah, I would not look towards thee, -but now bring me a Minstrel. And it came to pass when the Minstrel -play’d, that the Hand of the Lord came upon him._ 2 Kings iii. 13,-15. - -It is observable here, that the Mind of _Elisha_ the Prophet was very -much ruffled; now, under this Discomposure, he calls for a Minstrel, not -out of Levity, but for a religious End; and that was, to compose his -Mind, and to bring it into a serene and sedate Frame, and thereby to -prepare himself for divine Exercises; or perhaps, a _devout Levite_, -well skill’d in musical Performances, might play before him, and -intermix with it, Psalms and spiritual Songs, according to the -Constitutions of those Times. - -As the Prophets might indispose themselves for the Spirit of Prophecy, -so they were to use Means to dispose themselves for the Impulses of the -Holy Spirit; and for this End the School of the Prophets was appointed, -in which the Students were trained up _in the Science of Musick_, _in -strict Virtue_, _Self-denial_, _Contempt of worldly Grandeur_, -_Knowledge of the Law_, _&c._ These Schools were Seminaries of Religion, -in which the intended Guardians of the Spirituality were instructed, and -prepared to receive the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit. - -We read how the Indians performed their Worship by dancing to Songs, the -Priests of _Cybele_ with _Cymbals_, the _Curetes_ with Drums and -Trumpets, the _Romans_ sung _Spondaic Verses_, while they offer’d their -Sacrifices; the musical Sound that calm’d the Passions (consisting of -_Spondees_ principally) _Aristotle_ calls moral; (to distinguish it from -the _Diatonic_ and _Phrygian_) from whence the Custom might be derived. -When the _Spartans_ went to War, they march’d to the Sound of _Flutes_, -to animate the Soldiers; as is now done by Drum and Trumpet, to lessen -the Terror of Death. - -_THE Antients having related wonderful Things done by Musick in their -days, by which Diseases were suspended, the Sick restored ... I shall -make a short Inquiry into the Reasons of it. Tho’ the Report be strange, -and in some degree hyperbolical, yet some Account may be given of the -surprizing Effects of Musick_, and is attempted by the learned Dr. -_Willis_, (among others;) a Hint of which I shall add here, to what was -observed before upon the Subject. - - - _REASONS_ (or rather CONJECTURES) _for Medicinal Cures - by MUSICK_. - -I. That Musick, if not new, was in those Days a rare thing, which the -Vulgar, on whom ’tis reported to have mighty Effects, had scarce heard -any before, and on whom a little Musick will do great Feats, as we now -find a _Bag-pipe_ at a _Morris-Dance_. - - -II. Antient Musick was much more simple and plain than ours now, having -only one single Voice or Instrument apart, which to a rude Ear is much -more taking, than compound Musick; the former not exceeding their -Capacity, whereas a Concert of Musick confounds them quite, and ’tis by -no means distinguishable by them, so as to affect them with the Harmony -of its Parts. - - -III. Musick, with the Antients, was of a much larger Extent than what we -now call by that Name; for Poetry, and Dancing or graceful Motion, were -then counted part of Musick, when it had arrived to some degree of -Perfection: And we see that _Verse_ alone, if in good Measure and -_moving Words_, sung by an agreeable Voice, with soft instrumental -Musick, will work strangely on the Ear, and move all Affections suitable -to the Tune and Ditty ... especially if attended with _proper Gestures -and Actions_.... Thus suitable Acting on the Stage, gives great Life to -the Words[334]. - -Footnote 334: - - _Lowthorp’s Abridg._ vol. i. p. 618. - -If a deliberate pathetick Reading of a well-penn’d Romance, will strike -the Passions, and produce Mirth, Tears, Joy, Grief, Pity, Wrath, -Indignation, suitable to the respective Intents of it; much more would -it so do, if accompanied with all those Attendants.—— - -If it be ask’d, _Why may not all this be done now?_ I answer, No doubt -but it may, if the Address be made in proper Words, emphatically spoken, -with agreeable Voice, attended with a decent Gesture; and all these -adjusted to the Passion and Temper of the Mind, particularly design’d to -be produced, (be it Joy, Grief, Pity, Courage, Indignation) will -certainly now, as well as then, produce great Effects upon the Mind, -especially upon a Surprize, and where Persons are not otherwise -pre-engaged. _Ibid._ - -The Antients had the Art of exciting this or that particular Passion of -the Mind, the Tunes being suitably adapted to such Designs; whereas -those now are almost quite neglected in our modern Musick. - -The _Chromatick Genus_[335], with its greater and lesser _Semi-Tones_, -either ascending or descending, is very proper for the Pathetick in -Musick; as is also an artful Management of Discords, with a Variety of -Motions; now brisk, now languishing; now swift, now slow. The _Venetian_ -Musician before-mentioned, excell’d in the _Pathetick_ to that degree, -that he was able to play any of his Auditors into _Distraction_.... The -great Means he made use of, was the _Variety of Motions_.—— - -Footnote 335: - - _Chroma_ in Musick, is the graceful way of Singing. - -Even little Children, when crying, are charm’d and quieted by a jingling -Sound, a Shadow of Musick. In short, Musick attends the Man to his -Grave, where Elegies were formerly sung in Honour of the Deceased: Thus -the _Phenicians_ added _Flutes_ to their _Mournings_, and the _Romans_ -had their _Siticines_, that is, those who sung to a Pipe, or blow’d the -Trumpet at their Funerals, a Custom not yet entirely abolish’d among the -antient _Britons_ and some Parts of _England_, who, when they take up -the Corps, sing Psalms before it all the way to Church; a common -Practice about seventy Years ago: So far I can charge my Memory. - -We are not without modern Instances of Persons extraordinarily affected -by the Powers of Musick, as appears from our Opera’s, and the very -particular Devotion paid to the _Farinello’s_ of the Age, and to -_Italian_ Musick, display’d in Temples as well as on the Stage, the -first Erection of which was intended for the Honour and Defence of -Virtue. - -The _Laconians_ were wont at the Death of their King to tinkle a -Caldron, instead of a Bell: Yea, the _Jews_ had their Minstrels at -Funerals; for, at the raising to Life the Daughter of _Jairus_, ’tis -said, the _Musicians_ were commanded to troop off, _Matth._ ix. Before -the _Roman_ Funerals, a Trumpeter went, follow’d by the _Præficæ_, _i. -e._ old Women, singing Songs in Praise of the Deceased. - -Thus we have had a general View of Serpents, their Poison and Cure; and -a particular Account of Persons wounded by the _Tarantula_, and cured by -Musick; the Effects of which musical Operation, have past for Miracles; -for, by means of it, dangerous Distempers have been cured, Insurrections -quelled, Passions calm’d and raised, even to Distraction and Madness. - -Antiently all Laws, Exhortations to Knowledge and Virtue, and Lives of -illustrious Men, were written in Verse, and publickly sung by a _Chorus_ -to the Sound of musical Instruments, which was found a most effectual -way to impress Morality. So much for Serpents in particular. - -_N. B._ In the Description of some Serpents by different Authors, ’tis -difficult to know whether they mean the same, or another; some having -the same Description with different Names, and some different -Description with the same Name. Another Mistake may arise from some -Difference in the same Serpent, in different Climates, as in Situation -(_N._ or _S._) and Size. - - -[Illustration] - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - -[Illustration] - - A - - NATURAL HISTORY - - OF - - _SERPENTS_ - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - PART III. - - Containing Six DISSERTATIONS. - - I. _Upon the Primæval Serpent._ - - II. _Fiery Serpent._ - - III. _The Brazen Serpent._ - - IV. _Adoration of Serpents._ - - V. _Reasons of that monstrous - Worship_; - - VI. _And for the Adoration of - different Animals._ - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER I. - -CONTENTS. _Various Sentiments about the Primæval Serpent: Some say, - ’twas a real Serpent; others say, the Passage is allegorical. Some - make the Serpent to be Pleasure; others the Devil in the Natural - Serpent. Reasons why_ Adam _was not made beyond a Capacity of - Sinning. Our first Parents arm’d with sufficient Power to stand: - They knew no Enemy. Satan a compleat Orator. The Fatal Surrender. - Satan’s triumphant Return from_ Eden. _Serpent’s Head and Subtility. - Intercourse between the Angelick and Human World. A Plea for our - first Mother. Why_ Moses _introduces a speaking Serpent. Method of - Divine Government. Satan’s View. Reasons why_ Adam _was created in a - State of Trial. A strong Negative, sufficient to put the Tempter to - flight. The_ Paradisaical _Law guarded by the most powerful - Sanction. The Opinion of_ Pagans _and_ Mahometans _about the Fall - of_ Adam, _&c. Why Satan punish’d under a visible Figure_, viz. - _Serpent_. Christ’s _Death publish’d, before Sentence of Death past - upon_ Adam. _The Earth, a secondary_ Paradise. _Moral Reflection._ - - -The Manner of Sin’s first Entrance into our World, is inscrutable: The -Subject is an Article of Lamentation, an Article that conducts us to -Paradise indeed, but ’tis to _Paradise lost_; whence date the _fatal -Æra_ of all human Calamities. There, there in a blissful Field; Sin, the -Plague of Hell, made its first Appearance on Earth: but as to the Mode -of its Introduction, there is a Spread of impenetrable Darkness over the -Face of that great Deep; after the most critical Disquisitions about it, -the Difficulty remains unsolvable. - -Men of Letters may give their Conjectures, but it seems to be one of -those secret Things which belongs to him who is unsearchable, and _whose -ways are past finding out_; therefore we should rather think, _how to -get Sin out of the World, than how it came in at first_: The one would -only prove what our Understandings could do, but the other would declare -our Hearts, what they ought to be. - -What this Serpent was, that triumph’d in Paradise, has been a Subject of -long Debate, and the Learned are not yet agreed in their Verdict about -it. I shall first lay down their various Opinions, and then give my own -Conjectures. - -Among the _Jews_, some took it for a real, natural Serpent, and did -believe, it was endued with the Gift of Speaking; but because it -deceived the Woman, was condemn’d to lose its vocal Tongue, _to go upon -its Belly_, and _feed upon Dust_[336]. - -Footnote 336: - - _Joseph. Antiq._ cap. i. - -Others, who, not allowing the Privilege of Speech to a Brute, have -turn’d the _Mosaic History_ of Paradise into an _Allegory_, an -Assemblage of Metaphors, or figurative Documents. Thus a certain learned -_Jew_ says, the _Serpent_, that seduced the Woman, _was Pleasure_; and -forbidden Pleasure, when tasted, brought forth Death[337]. - -Footnote 337: - - _Philo Jud. de Mundi Opif._ - -But if this was the Case, could she be so properly said to be tempted by -another, as to tempt herself? He adds, the Curse of the Serpent is not -only to go upon its Breast, but, _and thou shalt go upon thy Belly_. _q. -d._ “Since Pleasure was thy Desire, let the Pleasure of the Earth enter -into it. The _Belly_, says the _Allegorizer_, is the Receptacle of most -Pleasures of the Animal Kind.” Creatures that go upon four Feet, or -more, are deem’d impure; and such is he, who is a Lover of terrene -Pleasures; such a Person may be said, always to go upon his Belly, -because he studies nothing more than its Gratification. Pleasure indeed, -is attended with a Train of Allurements and Charms. _Tarquin_’s violent -Pursuit of forbidden Pleasure, terminated, not only in the Ruin of his -House, but Extirpation of Monarchy: _Crœsus_ King of _Lydia_ being -conquer’d by _Cyrus_ King of _Persia_, gave the Conqueror this Advice, -If you would have the _Lydians_ be your obedient Slaves, make them -_Slaves to Pleasure_. - -Nor is _Philo_ alone in making the Serpent a Symbol of Pleasure, for -_Maimonides_ and others expound those historical Passages in the same -manner; asking, Why should that Serpent be call’d a subtle Beast, if it -were not in a figurative Sense? In favour of this Exposition, he quotes -several Passages out of the Prophets, that are allow’d to be intirely -allegorical[338]; and then adds, that in _Moses’s Journal of the -Creation_, all things therein are not to be understood literally[339]. -One of the most learned Fathers seems inclined to this _Philonick -Interpretation of Moses_[340]. It is observable, that in reality, ’twas -not the _Pleasure of Eating_ which tempted the Woman, but an anxious -_Desire of greater Wisdom_; which shews a more refined Taste in _Eve_, -and overthrows the Hypothesis of _Philo_ and _Clemens_. - -Footnote 338: - - _More Nevochim_, cap. xxix. - -Footnote 339: - - Ibid. p. 265, & 273. - -Footnote 340: - - _Clem. Alexandrinus_, who flourish’d in the second Age. Οφις - αλληγορειται—ηδονη. Edit. col. p. 69. A. B. _A. D._ 1688. - -Some Rabbinical Writers say, the Devil that deluded the Woman, came -mounted upon a Serpent, in Bulk equal to a Camel, and known by the Name -_Sammael_, an Evil Angel; called also by them, the _Angel of the Dead_, -Prince of the aerial Region, and Chief of the Demons. Other Rabbies look -upon him as the Prince of Angels; and believe, he is to preside at the -last Judgment; for which Reason, they make him Offerings on the Day of -solemn Expiation, to appease his Indignation[341]. ’Tis said, this -Serpent eat the forbidden Fruit and did not die for it; the Woman -inferred she might also eat, and not die. - -Footnote 341: - - _Calmet in Verbum._ _Rab. Benach in Genes._ iii. - -Others there are, who will not allow the seducing Serpent to be an -_Animal_, but the _Devil_ himself in that Shape, who therefore in the -sacred Writings is called the _great Dragon, old Serpent, and Murderer -from the Beginning_. And some are of Opinion, he borrowed the Body of a -real Serpent, which he made use of, as a Vehicle, thro’ which he -instilled Poison into the Woman’s Mind: And if so, what occasion to say -the Serpent was more subtle than any Beast?——Since the grand Enemy in -tempting _Eve_, did not use the Craft of the Serpent, but his own -Cunning, in the Management of that cruel Stratagem. - -Those who are not pleased with such Ratiocinations, satisfy themselves -with this, _viz._ That our first Parents, in whose Loins we were, -transgrest, and made a Forfeiture of Paradise for themselves and -Descendants; but the manner how they fell is not obvious, nor to be -accounted for, in a State of Imperfection. - -If it be ask’d, Why did not the divine Goodness put our first Parents -beyond a Capacity of sinning? ’tis answer’d, - -That _Mutability is essential to all Creatures_, as such, in all their -Kinds: In this mutable State our first Parents were created, holy and -happy: Life and Death were set before them; they had freedom of Choice, -a free-will to use the Powers of Nature as they pleased; that is, they -were made in a State of Liberty, with a Power to determine for -themselves, whether to abide or not in that glorious Situation. So that -if there be a Difficulty in accounting for the Fall, there is as great a -one in supposing a reasonable moral Creature uncapable of Choice: for -where there is no Choice, there can be no Virtue; and where there is no -Virtue, there can be no Happiness. - -Again, _Adam_ and _Eve were arm’d with a sufficient Power to stand_, -being created after the divine Image pure and upright, without Error in -their intellectual Powers; therefore if they mistook the Object, or were -imposed upon, ’twas not for want of Light in the Mind, but want of -Application of that Light, which was in their power.... Which Light told -them, the Tree of Life planted in Paradise, was to perpetuate their -Lives; and that the Tree that had the Marks of Death upon it, would do -them no harm, but by doing their own Will, or the Will of any other in -opposition to his sovereign Will who had said, _Eat not_. - -They were created pure, and capable of Perseverance; and when they fell, -God did not withdraw any Gift he had conferred upon them: He did all -that was necessary on his Part for their Preservation, and they had -remain’d safe, if their Liberty had but conducted itself aright: Their -Liberty was not tied to any particular Object, as their other Faculties -were, but respected every thing that could be done, or left undone, and -it might have imploy’d them after another manner. - -It’s said, _Out of the Ground made the Lord God to grow every Tree that -is pleasant to the Sight, and good for Food; and the Tree of Knowledge -of Good and Evil, of which thou shalt not eat_. Gen. ii. 9, 17. Now, -where lay the Difficulty of _not eating_, when they were in no want of -Food? And if in want, were not all the Fruits of Paradise prepared for -them? Why would none serve but what was prohibited? And nothing -prohibited but what was deadly Poison, and what _Adam_ knew to be so, by -immediate Revelation from Heaven. - -Thus furnish’d with divine Armour, and all the agreeable Entertainments -of Life, ’tis most surprizing how they should indulge an irregular Turn -in the animal Passions, and give way to such Inadvertency. One thing -that might lead them to this Oversight, probably was, that they knew of -_no Enemy_, therefore dreaded _no Danger_. But this Plea is of no force; -for their Business was strictly to regard the Voice of their Creator -(who said, _Eat not_) and not to give heed to any contrary Insinuations, -tho’ proposed by a known Friend, much less by a Stranger, one of another -Kingdom, and of another Species, without sufficient Attestation. - -Here _Lucifer_ play’d the Orator: He gave his Argument all the Rhetorick -it would bear, by removing their _fear of Death_, and gratifying in them -a certain Hope of _being Gods_. The Woman had the Threatning of Death in -her Thoughts, and therefore durst not eat till she was made to believe, -_she should not die_; (by which it appears, she had dreadful Ideas of -dying.) And thus she was tempted to _Unbelief_. Then Satan proposes the -glorious Advantages of _Eating_, viz. _Ye shall be as Gods_ ... be -independent Beings, not subject to the Controul of a superior Power; and -thus they were tempted to _Pride_. _Unbelief_ and _Pride_ were the two -fatal Rocks, on which their Innocence was wreck’d. Thus our first -Parents fell, not for want of _Light_, but for extinguishing it; not for -want of _Power_, but for not using it in the Hour of Danger. - -The Enemy having made his Conquest, might probably continue for some -time in _Eden_, to assist the Woman in seducing her Husband, and then -confirm them in their Apostacy, directing them, upon the Approach of an -Enemy, to hide themselves among the Trees of the Garden, where he left -them; upon which he return’d to his Kingdom in the Air, to publish his -successful Atchievements in Paradise, and was no more heard of, till he -was summon’d to the Bar. - -The Devil’s principal Residence is in the Air, where he keeps his Court, -from whence he sends out his Angels to secure and enlarge his Conquests. -Perhaps, he may think it not consistent with the Dignity of so great a -Prince to traverse the Earth in Person, unless it be upon some -extraordinary Occasions, as that of tempting the first and second -_Adam_, _&c._ - -The next Thing that offers itself, is an Attempt to illustrate the Case -between the Woman and Serpent: It seems most apparent to me, that under -the Name of the Serpent, we are to understand the Devil, who made use of -a real Serpent in his Descent upon Paradise, where he decoy’d the first -Woman into the fatal Snare. - -In the Curse upon the Serpent, ’tis said, the _Seed of the Woman should -break the Serpent’s Head_; intimating, the Serpent having its _Heart_ -under the _Throat_, and very near the _Head_, the readiest way to kill -it, is to squeeze the Head. Some of the Fathers bring four Proofs of the -Serpent’s Wisdom; trite and common. - -1. When ’tis old, it has the Secret of growing young again, by stripping -off its old Skin, which is succeeded by a new Coat; but if it parts with -its outward Garments, it retains its Poison. Herein it is resembled by -those, who leave the outward Acts of Sin, but not their secret Regards -for it. - -2. The Serpent assaults a Man if he sees him naked, but flies if it -finds him cloathed. But there is a Fault in this Passage of -_Epiphanius_, who intends to say the contrary; for ’tis generally -affirm’d, that the Serpent is afraid of a naked Man, but attacks him if -he has Clothes on. - -3. When the Serpent is assaulted, its chief Care is to secure its Head: -’Tis attested by many Writers, that to save the Head, it will expose the -whole Body to Danger[342]. - -Footnote 342: - - Ὁ οφις φυλαττει κεφαλην. Isiodor. Pelusiot. lib. i. p. 126. - -4. When it goes to drink, it vomits up all its Poison, for fear of -poisoning itself. Some have defended this, but without any Colour of -Reason[343]. - -Footnote 343: - - _Calmet’s Diction. of the H. Bible_, vol. iii. out of _Epiphanius_. - -They relate other Instances of the Serpent’s Wisdom, as stopping its -Ears, that it may not hear the Voice of the Charmer or Inchanter; of -which the _Psalmist_ takes notice. ’Tis said, it applies one of its Ears -hard to the Ground, and stops up the other with the end of its Tail, -_Psal._ lviii. 4. Others say, its Wisdom consists in Acuteness of Sight; -therefore among the _Greeks_, a Serpent’s Eye was a proverbial Speech -for one of a quick Understanding[344]. These are some of the common -Reasons assigned for the Wisdom of the Serpent. - -Footnote 344: - - Οφεως ομμα. - -I Now proceed to an Illustration of the Debate between the Woman and -Serpent in Paradise, under three Heads. - - -I. _WHY may not we suppose, that in the Infancy of Mankind there was an -open Intercourse between the angelick and human World, and that Angels -might appear to our first Parents in some visible Form, as afterwards -they did to the Patriarchs?_ If this be not granted, I would ask how a -fallen Angel came to know there was a Paradise, and a certain Tree whose -Fruit was forbidden, and where that Tree was situated in the Garden? - -When a certain Province of Angels rebelled, they were doom’d to the wide -Space contiguous to our Globe, and by their daily Rovings from Place to -Place, they might indeed discover that little Spot of Earth, called -_Paradise_; but how came they to be acquainted with the Laws of that -Country, and that there was a forbidden Tree, and where it grew? How, I -say, could they know all this without Revelation, or previous -Conversation with the Inhabitants of the Place? - - -II. _IF there had been no former Acquaintance between Angels and our -first Parents, how came the Woman to converse so freely with a Stranger -she had never seen before, one of another Country, and of a different -Species?_ ’Tis therefore probable, that when the Devil addrest the -Woman, and that in her own Language, he might assume the Form of a good -Angel, that Form in which Angels had discoursed with our first Parents -before the Fall. - -And perhaps when Angels, the Messengers of Heaven, conversed with _Adam_ -and _Eve_, it might be in the Shape of flying speaking Serpents. Without -allowing this mutual Intercourse, and former Familiarity, we can’t well -suppose that our first Parents, tho’ not furnish’d with so much -Knowledge as is usually ascribed to them, would be conquer’d by a -_Demon_ in the Shape of a _Serpent_, which naturally is a Beast of the -Field, and known to be so by _Adam_, who, but a little before, had -enrolled it among his Subjects, and given it a significant Name. - -Can we imagine our first Parents so stupid, as to hold a Conversation -with a Beast, without Surprize, Jealousy, and Suspicion? _Adam_, who -knew the Properties of inferior Animals, (to whom he had given proper -Names a little before) could not but know, that the _Serpent_ was a -_Beast_, and had no Organs fitted for the Formation of articulate -Sounds, much less a Power to fix proper Ideas to them, and support an -Argument by arguing the Case in a rational manner. Could _Adam_, who was -the Image of God upon Earth, hear a Brute speak and dispute in the -Language of Paradise, without a Suspicion of Imposture or something -ominous? - -During the Woman’s Parley with the Serpent, _Adam_ is supposed to be -absent, perhaps thro’ Satan’s Management, and upon her representing to -him at their next meeting, the Conversation she had with the Serpent, he -must conclude that Serpent to be a _grand Cheat_, or a _good Angel_, -that spoke to his Wife: and that he took it in the latter Sense, is -plain from the Event; that is, his taking the forbidden Fruit, and -eating thereof upon the Serpent’s Recommendation of it to his Wife, who -found no ill Effect from her Compliance. Now, the Tempter having assur’d -the Woman that her eating that Fruit would not bring Death, and _Adam_ -finding it to be true in Fact, that is, that she did eat and live after -it, concluded he might eat with equal Safety. - -Upon this Supposition, we may charitably infer, that since our first -Mother might converse with Angels in that serpentine, or some other -bright Form, she now converses with the Serpent without Scruple or Dread -of Imposture. And as she apprehended the Serpent to be a good and kind -Spirit, so _Adam_ did, upon her Representation of the Matter, and took -the forbidden Fruit, and eat it: And perhaps the Serpent was present, -giving Attestation to the Report made by the Woman to her Husband. - -This being granted, ’tis conceivable how the Woman might freely converse -with a Creature that assum’d an Image so glorious, especially if we -consider she was in her infantile State, and without any experimental -Knowledge, or any Apprehension of Danger, from an Enemy, of which she -had no Idea; being no Sinner, she was without Fear. - -In the Sentence past upon _Adam_, there is one Clause that seems to -corroborate this Hypothesis; for, upon the Expulsion of our first -Parents ... the Gates of _Eden_ were guarded by a _Cherub_ (to prevent -their re-entrance) which, by the _Jews_, was esteem’d a _second Angel_, -and may be aptly imagin’d to be a _Seraph_, or an Angel in the Form of a -flying Serpent, whose Body vibrated in the Air, with a peculiar -Resplendency, and may be fitly describ’d by the Image of such a Sword. -’Tis said, _God drove out the Man, and placed at the East-end of the -Garden of Eden, Cherubims and a flaming Sword, which turned every way, -to keep the Way of the Tree of Life_, Gen. iii. _ult._ God made Angels -Guardians of Paradise, and a sparkling Fire, like a flaming Sword; says -the _Arabick_ Version. - -But why may not this Text bear an Interpretation pregnant with good -Tidings, as an Explication of the Promise made to the Woman, that is, an -Instruction to our first Parents how to worship God after the Fall, -namely by Sacrifice, which was to be offer’d by them before the -_Cherubims_ (erected over the Gates of Paradise) as Sacrifices -afterwards were before the _Cherubims_ in the _Tabernacle_ and _Temple_, -or, as the _Hebrew_, before the _Faces of Jehovah_? - -The _flaming Sword and the Cherubims_, might be Emblems or Figures of -some things to be observed in the Form of Worship design’d for that new -Dispensation. The _fiery Sword_ being a killing Weapon, might represent -irritated Justice; and _Cherubims_ being the Inhabitation of the Deity -in the Tabernacle and Temple, might be an Emblem of Mercy, to which the -Sacrifices were offer’d: and may not Cherubims be so construed here? _N. -B._ May we not date the first Institution of Sacrifice here, which soon -appear’d in the History of _Cain_ and _Abel_? - -God might address our first Parents after this manner; View these -wonderful Sights over the Gate, behold in them the Scheme of Salvation! -The Text thus interpreted, gives the Tempter a fresh Mortification, to -see his bloody Design defeated, and our first Parents restored to Favour -at the Gate of _Eden_, in which he had triumph’d over them; and that -which encreased his Vexation was, to see this done by _Christ_, the -promised Seed, one of the human Race. - -In the Tabernacle and Temple there were no Representations of God, but -only emblematical Figures erected over the Mercy-Seat, called the -Cherubims; in, or between them, the _Deity_ is said _to dwell_; and the -Law obliged the _Jews_ to bring the Blood of the Sacrifice _before the -Face of God_ in the Cherubims, that is, within the Vail, on the Day of -Expiation: and here God might direct our first Parents to bring their -Sacrifices to him, who was in a special manner present in the Cherubims -over the Gate. - -But supposing _Adam_ and _Eve_ had, after their Expulsion, enter’d -Paradise; I don’t see what valuable End it would have answered, for the -special Promises made to the first Inhabitants of Paradise were now null -and void. All the Blessings peculiar to that glorious Situation, were -irrecoverably lost. It was not in the power of that once sacred Seat to -reinstate them in their pristine Happiness. - -_Obj._ Could not the Tree of Life restore their forfeited Comforts? I -presume not; because the Tree of Life, in the Design of it, was to -perpetuate the happy Life of innocent Man, and not to restore the Life -and Comforts of Criminals under a Sentence of Death; a Sentence -irrepealable, which even the Death of our Blessed Redeemer does not -exempt us from. - -Upon the whole, I can scarcely think that these strange and awful Sights -or Figures, over the East Gate of _Eden_, were only to frighten our -first Parents, whose distressed State stood in need of Divine Supports. -To be cast out of Paradise was a Mortification that needed not a -super-added Terror; therefore to make those Figures Spectacles of -Horror, seems not so well suited to Persons under Circumstances so -inexpressibly dolorous, tho’ restored to Favour; but might rather be -design’d to conduct them to God by _Christ_, the _Tree of Life_. - - -III. _IT’s very probable a Conversation had past between the Woman and -Serpent before the Narrative publish’d by Moses._ She might upon the -first Approach of the Serpent ask, How a Beast acquired the Gift of -Speaking, which is the Prerogative of Rationals? The Serpent might -answer, That it was by Eating the Fruit of that Tree. _Eve_ might urge, -That God had forbid her to eat that Fruit upon pain of Death. The -Serpent might make this Return, _viz._ What you say is true; ’tis -allow’d to be the Law under the first Form of Government, but I am now -come from the supreme Court, to give you Assurance of God’s kind -Intentions to advance you to a higher and more noble Station: The -Prohibition of this Fruit was only a probationary Restraint, and -temporary. - -Now the End of the first Institution being answered, ’tis the Will of -our Great Sovereign to take off those Restraints, and make you a free -People. Upon the Formation of your Being, he brighten’d your Mind with -Rays of great Wisdom; but now the happy Moment is come, in which he -purposes to inspire you with higher Degrees of Wisdom.... By eating this -Fruit, your intellectual Powers will be infinitely enlarged; for, _ye -shall be as Gods_, and then all the Endowments and Accomplishments of -Nature will arrive at their full Perfection, which as yet are only in -their Embryo. This being only a Supposition, I dismiss it. - -The Serpent having ascrib’d its Reason, and Speech to the eating of that -Fruit, the Woman might infer, If this Fruit did turn a Serpent into a -rational Creature, why may it not transform a rational Creature into a -God, and a _Woman_ into a _Goddess_? The Serpent had no occasion to say -more; fir’d with the Prospect of such Preferment, she _took the Fruit -and did eat_. Gen. iii. 6. _And when the Woman saw that the Tree was -good for Food, pleasant to the Eye, and a Tree to be desired to make one -wise, she did eat._ - -_N. B._ How divine and delightful a Thing is Knowledge, of which -Innocency itself is ambitious! _Eve_ thirsted after the highest Degrees -of Knowledge, and made no doubt of obtaining it by the Serpent’s -Instructions; not knowing of any Impostor, she believed what the Tempter -said. Satan, by the Serpent, as a Bait proposed Improvement in -Knowledge. - -Thus the first Woman, Head of the human Race, fell a Sacrifice to her -own Ambition, fell a Virgin, and in her Infant-State. _Icarus_, by -flying too near the Sun, his waxen Wings melted, and he fell into the -Sea, and was drowned. Justly was he punish’d, for not observing his -Father’s Will. May I add, in favour of our Mother, that the Law -forbidding that Fruit, was not immediately publish’d to _Eve_, but -receiv’d at second-hand from _Adam_; and that it can’t be well supposed, -that she knew the various Capacities and Qualities of Brutes, as her -Husband did. - -But, why does _Moses_ introduce a Serpent speaking, when naturally it -was a speechless Creature? - -In answer to this, may we not observe, that the Almighty, who has no -_material Tongue_, yet is often introduced, speaking with _human Voice_ -in the Scripture. The _Egyptians_ made the _Crocodile_ a Symbol of the -Deity, giving this as a Reason why they worshipped God symbolically in -that Creature, because it resembled God, in that it was the only Animal -without a Tongue; for the Divine λογος stands in no need of Speech; he -governs human Affairs without Words, and without Noise. - -Again, this Dialogue with the Serpent, a known Beast, is very agreeable -to a Custom among the Oriental Writers, who enchase their Histories with -Ornaments taken from familiar Discourses between Beasts; by which they -convey moral Instructions to their Readers: Thus, on a Subject of Craft, -they made the Fox to speak. - -With what View did the Devil tempt our first Parents to sin? I answer, -’twas out of despite to God; _i. e._ with a design to rob the Creator of -the Glory he proposed to himself from the Erection of this new World: He -could not attack the Almighty on his Throne, therefore he strikes at the -Footstool. Since he could not reach the Person of the Almighty, he -wreaks his Malice upon his _Image_, Man; Man, whose Happiness, and that -of his Descendants, he envy’d; and whom, in particular he hated, as his -intended Successors to the vacant Seats in the blissful Regions above. - -In his Plot against _Adam_, the Deceiver was deceived; for he made no -doubt but the Sentence of Death would be immediately executed upon -_Adam_ and _Eve_, and upon the Extinction of the human Species, God -would lose all his Honour upon Earth. Why did not he appear to our first -Parents in a human Form? probably because he might apprehend, that there -was no other Man or Woman, but themselves. - -Having considered _Adam_ in his probationary Capacity, I shall in the -next place observe these three Things, by way of Illustration. - - I. _It was most congruous that Man’s first State should be a State of - Trial._ II. _That his Trial should be by the Laws of his Creator._ - III. _That those Laws should be inforced by a proper Sanction._ - - -I. _IT was congruous and fit, our first Parents should begin their Life -in a way of Trial, as they were moral Agents_: In which Situation I -apprehend all the Angels to be at first, to see how they would behave -towards the Great Author of their Being and Blessedness, before they -were establish’d. No Creature, as such, is capable of Immutability, any -more than of Omnipotence. To be naturally, and necessarily immutable, is -the sole Prerogative of the Almighty: The perpetual Duration of created -Beings, is not from their Nature, but from the Divine Will. - -Our first Parents were under a strong Guard, and not to be disarm’d -without their own Consent; tho’ the Devil, as he was a Spirit, excelled -in Power, yet he could not by Force subdue the weaker Vessel, therefore -conducted the bloody Design by Stratagems. When the Woman was sollicited -by the Tempter, one strong _Negative_ would have put him to _flight_. A -resolute Denial, without any other Means, would have made her -victorious, tho’ assaulted by all the Legions of Hell; therefore, no -room to complain of Deficiency in Divine Goodness. - -’Tis beyond all doubt, that the Revelation given to _Adam_ (as that to -Christian Churches in After-ages) made it a fundamental part of his -Duty, not to attend to any Insinuations contrary to those delivered to -him by his Creator, tho’ recommended even by an Angel from Heaven: -Temptations to forbidden Fruit, however pleasant, should not be parley’d -with, but peremptorily rejected. - - -II. _IT was equally proper, that a Creature should be govern’d by the -Laws of his Creator_; as it implies a Contradiction for a Creature to be -independent, which it must suppose itself to be, when govern’d by its -own Laws. The Will of the Creator was surely the fittest, for the -Obedience of Creatures; one part of which was, that they must not have -an Indulgence of all the Trees in _Eden_. - -It follows hence, that _Self-denial was a Duty in Paradise_. _Adam_ was -not an absolute Sovereign to do what he pleased, but what his Almighty -Creator and Patron prescribed; tho’ endowed with Reason, yet was he to -govern himself by the Will of another, that is, of him who was the -Donor. His Reason was a bright, but borrowed Light, borrowed from the -uncreated Sun, therefore ought to move by its Direction. - -Thus we see that Restraints on the human Nature, were necessary even in -Man’s Paradisaical State: To deny Self, was one of the Precepts of -Religion in the Garden of Innocence; nor is this strange, if we -consider, that for any rational Creature to live according to his own -Will, is to make a _God_ of his _Will_. - -Why did God forbid the Fruit of one Tree? This might be to signify -_Adam_’s Dependance upon his Maker, and that he had no Claim to any -thing without his Leave: The sovereign Lord of the Creation made over to -_Adam_ large Dominions, and the Mannour of Paradise for the Seat of his -Empire, reserving nothing to himself but a small Rent of Acknowledgment, -which was only the Fruit of one Tree. The Exemption of this Tree from -human Use, notify’d Man’s Subjection, and God’s supreme Dominion. By -this Reservation he tried their Obedience, whether they would be content -with all the Earth, and Appurtenances thereunto belonging, one Tree only -excepted. _N. B._ This forbidden Tree might have something of a natural -Tendency to corrupt the animal Juices, and introduce Diseases and Death -into the human Nature. If the Tree of Life could immortalize our -Existence in Happiness, is it not equally rational to suppose the Tree -of Knowledge ... would destroy it? - - -III. _THE Laws of Paradise were inforced by a very awful Sanction_, viz. -_Life and Death_: The one expressing something most terrible, the other -implying somewhat vastly delightful. Threatnings were necessary Cautions -in Paradise: How surprizing this! The first day of Man’s Life, Man was -put in mind of Death, of which the Tree of Life was a Memento. If you -eat the Fruit of it, you forfeit your Life, _die you must_ without -Remedy. This Menace of Death, in the Design of it, was to guard against -Sin, as that which only could be the Cause of Death. - -_IN the day thou eatest thereof_, dying thou shalt die; or, die the -Death. Behold here! as in a Cloud, the first Alarm of Mortality, the -first Institution of Funerals, and the melancholy Office of -Grave-diggers. Bells from the Pinnacle of the Temple, proclaim it aloud -to Man, _Dust thou art, and unto Dust thou shalt return_. In this -paradisaical Scheme of Government, we find Death to be a near Neighbour -to Life: Both the Trees grew near to one another. - -Some have made this _Tree of Life_ a Representation of _Christ_, and if -so, here, as in a Glass, darkly Man saw his Saviour before he stood in -need of him: The Tree of Life planted in the midst of Paradise, was to -preserve _Adam_’s Life, and without doubt had done so, if he had not -rebelled. According to a Learned _Jew_, the Tree of Life represents -Piety; and that of Knowledge, Prudence[345]. Some of his Countrymen tell -us ridiculous Stories about the Tree of Life, _viz._ That it was of -prodigious Size, and all the Water of the Earth gush’d out at its Foot, -_&c._ - -Footnote 345: - - _Philo Judæus._ - -It is from the History of Paradise that pagan Poets took their _Nectar_ -and _Ambrosia_, which were said to be the Meat and Drink of the Gods; -upon which some put this Construction, _viz._ _Nectar_ signifies -_young_; _Ambrosia_, _Immortality_; intimating, that in a State of -Innocency, the Vigor of Youth would have been immortal. - -The Heathen were not without some Idea of the Mosaic Creation, and Fall -of Man, and of a Woman that brought Sorrow into the World; envying, that -a Fire, which is the Light of Knowledge, was hid from them ... and also -of Old-Age, brought in by the Counsel of a Serpent.—— - -Paradise, in _Plato_’s _Symposium_, is _Jupiter_’s _Garden_, and also is -the Pattern of _Alcinous_’s _Orchards_, and the _Hesperides_: The -Golden-Apples kept by a _Dragon_, were the forbidden Fruit in Paradise: -The Fable of _Hercules_’s killing the Serpent of the _Hesperides_, is -borrowed from the Seed of the Woman, breaking the Serpent’s Head. - -What is _Ovid_’s _In nova fert animus_? but an imperfect Transcript of -_Moses_’s Journal of the Creation, _&c._ ’Tis said by _Moses_, _The -Spirit of God moved on the Face of the Waters_; hence _Thales_, makes -Water to be the first Principle of all natural Bodies: His Reasons are -deliver’d by _Plutarch_. _Homer_ says, All things are made of the Ocean. -The _Chaos_, whereof all things were made, according to _Hesiod_, was -Water. _Orpheus_ says, all things were generated of the Ocean[346]. -_Plato_’s _Atlanticus_, what is it but a Fable? built upon _Moses_’s -History of _Noah_, and the Flood, and the Causes that brought it upon -the World. - -Footnote 346: - - ωκεανος—γενεσις παντευς τετυκται. - -What is the _Bacchus_ of the Heathen, but the _Noah_ of _Moses_? -formerly called _Boachus_, for _Noachus_, as might easily be, mistaking -the _Hebrew_ Letters B and N, which are not very much unlike. By _Janus_ -and _Saturn_, _Noah_ is meant; and some take _Jupiter_ to be _Japhet_, -for tho’ _Jovis_, and the other oblique Cases are derived from -_Jehovah_, yet _Jupiter_ is another. The Fable of Heaven being stormed -by the _Giants_, arose from what the Builders of the _Tower of Babel_ -said, _viz._ _Let us build a City and a Tower, whose Top may reach unto -Heaven_.... But no Man imitates the Scriptures more than _Homer_, who -was an inquisitive Traveller into all Countries. But to proceed to the -Pagan Account of Paradise, and the Fall of Man: - -A certain Author relates a Discourse between _Midas_ the _Phrygian_, and -_Silenus_ who was the Son of a _Nymph_, inferior by Nature to the Gods, -superior to Men and Death, thus: - -_SILENUS_ told _Midas_, that _Europe_, _Asia_, and _Africa_ were -Islands, surrounded by Water: that there was but one Continent only, -which was beyond this World, in which, among other Rarities, were two -great _Rivers_, whose Banks were cover’d with _Trees_, one of them was -called the _River of Pleasure_, and the other the _River of Grief_.... - -He who eat the Fruit of the Trees along the River of Pleasure, was eased -from all his former Desires, and in a short time became younger, and -lived over again his former Years, cast off Old-Age, and became first a -Young Man, then a Child, and lastly an Infant, and so died. - -On the other hand, he who eat the Fruit from the Trees by the River of -Grief, spent all his Days in Tears and Troubles, and after many Years of -Vexation, dies. - -How romantick soever this Relation may be, it seems to allude to the -_Trees_ and _Rivers_ of Paradise, and to give some Hints about the -Introduction of Death. - -The _Indians_ account for the Fall of Man after this manner:—_Brama_, -one of their subaltern Deities, form’d Man out of the Slime of the Earth -that was then just created, and placed him in a certain Situation, which -they call _Chorcham_, which was a Garden of Delights, abounding with all -manner of pleasant Fruit, in which was a certain Tree, whose Fruit would -confer Immortality upon any Persons that were allow’d to eat it. - -The _Gods_, say the _Indians_, tried all sorts of Means to obtain the -Privilege of this Immortality; and after great Difficulties, did at last -succeed according to their Wish, and found out the Way to the Tree of -Life, which was in the _Chorcham_, and by feeding on its Fruit for some -time, they commenced immortal. - -A famous Serpent called _Cheieu_, (probably Guardian of that Tree) -perceiving the Secret was discover’d by the Gods of the second Rank, was -so enraged, that it scatter’d a Flood of Poison over the Plain. All the -Earth felt the fatal Effects, and no Man escaped the Infection: But the -God _Chiven_, took pity on the human Nature, appear’d in the Shape of -Man, and swallow’d all the mortal Poison, wherewith the malicious -Serpent had infected the Universe.... This Fable, as ridiculous as it -is, must have some regard to the terrestrial Paradise, and can have no -other Original but the Doctrine of _Moses_[347]. - -Footnote 347: - - _Æliani Sophistæ varia Historia, cum Notis, Curante Gronovio._ A. D. - 1731. _Theopompus_ is quoted for it, whom my Author calls μυθολογος. - _Et hæc si cui fide dignus videtur, ea narrans Chius, ille credatur, - mihi vero egregius esse fabulator._ vol. I. cap. xviii. p. 252. - -Nor were the more western Pagans more happy in their Conjectures about -the first Entrance of moral Evil. _Prometheus_, say they, having form’d -Men out of the Earth and Water, animated them with Fire, which he stole -from Heaven. _Jupiter_, the Chief of the Pagan Gods, enraged at this, -commands _Vulcan_ to make a Woman out of Clay, upon whom all the Gods, -out of their high Regard[348] to the Fair Sex, bestow’d some of their -Perfections. _Venus_ gave her Beauty; _Pallas_, Wisdom; _Mercury_, -Eloquence; _Apollo_, Musick; and _Juno_ gave her Riches; therefore -called _Pandora_, who was sent by the Gods in revenge to _Prometheus_, -with a Box full of Evils as a Present from them, but he was too cautious -to receive it; upon which she was to present it to his Brother -_Epimetheus_, (supposed by some to be her Husband) which he had no -sooner open’d, but immediately there flew out _all kinds of Evil_, that -soon scatter’d themselves over all the Earth; and at the bottom of the -Box, nothing was left but poor _Hope_. - -Footnote 348: - - _Travels of several Missionaries into_ India, p. 7. - - _Hope, of all Ills that Men endure, - The only cheap and universal Cure. - Hope, - Thou pleasant, honest Flatterer; for none - Flatter unhappy Men, but thou alone._... Cowl. - -The _Mahometan Account of Man’s Fall_, is equally absurd, as appears -from _Mahomet Rabadan, &c._ thus:—God made the Creation ... the earthly -Mass became an animate Body ... and was called _Adam_; God placed him in -heavenly Paradise, and lest he should believe that he had no Superior, -God gave him only one Command, the Observation of which was very easy. -He forbid him, upon pain of Death, to eat of the Fruit of a certain -Tree. _Adam_ wanted a Mate; therefore God made him fall into a profound -Sleep, and took out of his left Side a Rib, of which he formed a very -beautiful Woman, whom he called _Eve_, ... and order’d _Gabriel_ to go -into Paradise, and to celebrate the Wedding of _Adam_ and _Eve_, being -attended with a great many other Angels. - -_LUCIFER_ envying the Happiness of Man, used his utmost Endeavours to -deprive him of it. Going one day by the door of Paradise, he said to the -Angel who kept it, _Give me leave to go in, for I have a Matter of -Moment to impart to the Servants of thy Lord_. The Angel having denied -his Request, he desired him to call the Serpent, who was then a very -fine Creature. The Serpent came, and _Lucifer_ earnestly desired Leave -to get into his Body; the Serpent did so, and placed _Lucifer_ in the -Roof of its Mouth, and carried him into Paradise. When he came near the -Forbidden Tree, it endeavoured in vain to make _Lucifer_ come out. -_Lucifer_ stuck fast, and forced the Serpent to get upon that Tree, -under which _Adam_ and _Eve_ used to sit down. _Eve_ was then alone, -near the Tree: She saw the Serpent, who spoke to the Woman in these -Words, _viz._ - -Charming Creature, if you would taste this Fruit, you would be _like God -himself_ in Wisdom and Knowledge: All the Secrets and all the Mysteries -you are now ignorant of, will be manifested to you. _Adam_ came during -the Discourse, and having told him what the Serpent had said, proposed -to him to eat of the forbidden Fruit, which after a Short Pause he -comply’d with. The Tree was a large Vine; _Eve_ took twelve Grains of a -Bunch of Grapes, gave eight to her Husband, and kept four to herself. - -At that very moment, _Adam heard a very terrible Voice, Wo to thee! hast -thou so soon forgot the only Commandment thou hadst promised to observe? -how comes it that thou hast (by thy Greediness) polluted the Purity of -my Habitation?_ _Adam_ being confounded, excused himself by laying the -Fault upon _Eve_, who endeavour’d to justify herself by accusing the -Serpent. Upon which God ordered the Angels immediately to drive _Adam_ -and _Eve_ from Paradise, to Strip them of their Clothes, and take away -the Crowns they had on their Heads[349].——But it is high time to return. - -Footnote 349: - - _Mahometism fully explained, by_ Mahomet Rabadan, _a_ Moor _of_ - Arragon _in_ Spain, _for the Instruction of the_ Moors _in that - Kingdom, who were then violently persecuted there_. Translated out of - _Spanish_ by Mr. _Morgan_, with a design to give us a better Notion of - the _Mahometans_, and to place it in the rich Library of the late Earl - of _Oxford_. Printed _A. D._ 1724. - -Satan, who imploy’d the Serpent in his Service, is supposed to be -punish’d here under the Figure of a Serpent: But why in the Presence of -our first Parents? Perhaps for such Reasons as these, _viz._ 1. To -reproach their Inadvertency for suffering themselves to be imposed upon -by a lying Spirit, who, if but resisted by a meer Negation, would have -fled. 2. To let them see that no Creature, tho’ never so great, can -rebel with Impunity; from whence they might conclude, what to expect -from new Provocations. 3. They had no other way to see a Spirit -punish’d, but under some visible Form. It could not but give them some -secret Satisfaction to see their cruel Enemy tremble at the Bar. - -It is observable here, that the _Promise of the Messiah_ was made to -_Adam_, before the Almighty past upon him the Sentence of Death. How -surprizing this! to find the Death of Christ _published_, before the -Death of _Adam_ was _pronounced_. The Death of _Christ_, the _Innocent_; -before the Death of _Adam_, the _Criminal_. - -The last Remark I shall make here is, that the Earth, tho’ cursed for -Man’s Sin, still puts on the Face of a Paradise, abounding with an -innumerable Variety of good Things; yea, and those so delicious and -pleasant to Mankind, that many wish to live in it for ever. Thus they -confine their Hopes and Fears to the present State, and are so far from -believing a Life to come, that they can hardly persuade themselves to -believe, that they shall leave this present Life. - -As the Bounties of Providence gives us no room to murmur at our present -Province or Portion, so on the other hand, the Toils and Troubles of -this State should cause us to aspire after the heavenly Paradise, where -no Curse ever found Access, where none of the Thorns of Affliction, or -the Briers of Sorrow grow. - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - CHAPTER II. - -CONTENTS. _Of the_ fiery Serpents _that annoy’d the Camp of_ Israel: - _The Reason of that judicial Stroke_, i.e. _Murmuring under a - Dispensation of Miracles. Why punish’d by Serpents? Why called_ - Fiery? _The last Plague in the Desart. Flying Serpents._ - - - SECTION. I. - -It might be said with great Propriety of the _People of Israel_, that -they were _a Generation of Vipers_. Ingratitude, Unbelief, Discontent -and Murmuring, were the dominant Passions in the Wilderness; they were -always quarrelling with _God_ and _Moses_: never easy, no not under a -Theocracy, a divine Government. No wonder that Rage and Faction haunt -the Dwellings of good Princes, when we find perverse Spirits have -murmur’d at a divine Administration. - -A Magnificent Table was Spread for them in the Wilderness, their daily -Entertainments were miraculous; they were fed by _Manna_, a delicious -Food distilled from Heaven, admirably suited to every one’s Palate. _He -commanded the Clouds from above, and opened the Doors of Heaven, and -rained down Manna upon them to eat, and gave them the Corn of -Heaven[350]. Wherefore have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the -Wilderness, for there is no Bread, neither is there any Water, and our -Soul loatheth this light Bread[351]: This vain and empty Bread, say the_ -LXX. - -Footnote 350: - - _Psal._ lxxviii. 23-25. - -Footnote 351: - - _Numb._ xxi. 5, 6.—τω αρτω τω διακενω— - -They were also furnish’d with _miraculous Drink_, i. e. _Water out of a -Rock_; Water that swell’d into a River, and follow’d ’em in all their -Motions, till they arrived in the Land _flowing with Milk and Honey_; -Terms, that include a Scene of Plenty and Pleasantness. - -In all their Traverses through the Wilderness, they were always under -the Guidance and Protection of the _Shekina_; by which Word the _Jews_ -understood the _Presence of the Holy Spirit_; of _Christ_, say the -Christians. The _Shekina_ was the most sensible Mark of the Presence of -God among them, which rested over the Propitiatory, or the golden -Cherubims, which adher’d to the Propitiatory or Covering of the Ark; -there the _Shekina_ abode in the Shape of a Cloud. The _Rabbins_ tell -us, that it first resided in the Tabernacle, and descended into it in -the Figure of a Cloud, on the Day of Consecration. It past from thence -into the Sanctuary of _Solomon’s Temple_, on the Day of its Dedication -by that Prince[352]; where it continued to the Destruction of -_Jerusalem_ by the _Chaldeans_, and was not afterwards to be seen there. - -Footnote 352: - - _Calmet from Basnage_, _History of the Jews_. - -Thus were they conducted and entertain’d by an unintermitted Train of -Miracles. Now to fret and repine in such a Situation, was a Crime of a -high and heinous Nature, no less than impeaching infinite Wisdom, and -taxing it with erroneous Conduct: If Difficulties occurred in the way, -their Duty was _Resignation_, a Temper obvious in _Pagans_, whose -Religion forbid all indecorous Sallies of the Passions. - -_SOCRATES_, a Philosopher of _Athens_, was a Philosopher in _Prison_, as -well as in the _Museum_: When bound in Fetters, and he had nothing but -Death before his Face, he then conversed with his Friends with perfect -Equanimity, and without the least _Reflexion_ upon _Fate_, upon _God_, -and his _Judges_, notwithstanding his base Treatment, and the notorious -Injustice of his Sentence. The Scripture represents _Job_ as a -_Champion_ in Affliction, who by his passive Fortitude under it, became -the proper Hero of an Heroic-Poem. - - - SECT. II. - - _WHY were they punish’d by Serpents?_ - -Perhaps it might be to put them in remembrance of the first Sin, that -was introduced into Paradise by the old Serpent: This kind of Punishment -could not but bring to their Mind that gloomy Moment in which the human -Nature was morally and mortally wounded by that evil Spirit, in the Form -of a Serpent. This being allow’d, we may infer, that Man’s Memory stands -in need of a Remembrancer, even of Paradise lost. And oh! who can think -of that inexpressible Loss, without dropping a silent and solemn Tear? - -Some Learned _Jews_ themselves, speaking upon this Subject, say, the -Reason why they were chastised by Serpents, was _because they had done -the Actions of the old Serpent, in using an ill Tongue against God, -against_ Moses, _and Manna, the Bread of Heaven_. - - - SECT. III. - - _WHY called Fiery Serpents?_ - -A natural and a moral Reason may be assigned for it. - -1. The sacred Volume seems to account for the _natural Reason_, when it -says, _God sent fiery Serpents_. The _Hebrew_ word is _Seraphim_, that -is _Burners_, because they appeared in the form of a _Flame_. The LXX -calls them _Serpents of Death_[353], because their _Wounds_ proved -_mortal_. - -Footnote 353: - - Οφεις θαναουνται. - -As soon as the People were wounded, their Blood was inflamed, and -according to some _Jewish_ Authors, they were _scorch’d with insatiable -Thirst_. Of the _Hebrew_ word _Saraph_, the _Greeks_, by changing the -Position and Order of Letters, have borrowed the Name _Prester_, which -is a kind of fiery venemous Serpent, called also _Dipsas_ and _Causon_, -whose Wound is accompanied with a most vehement Heat and Thirst, and -generally incurable, as some have formerly said. They may be properly -called _Fiery_, as their Colour was glowing, a proper Representative of -Fire. In the _West-Indies_ are _Adders, red as Blood_, about seven or -eight Foot long, and appear by Night as a _burning Coal_[354]. - -Footnote 354: - - _Atl. America_, 179. - -2. They might be called _Fiery_ also, from a _moral Consideration_; for, -that raging Heat in the Body might represent the outragious Disorders of -the Mind, flowing from conscious Guilt, neither of which were the -Attendants of an original State. Hence, perhaps, it is that Satan’s -_Temptations_ are styled _fiery Darts_, because when complied with, they -kindle a Fire in the Conscience, a Prognostick, and Taste of the -Unquenchable[355]. - -Footnote 355: - - _Eph._ vi 16. βελη—πεπυρωμηνα. - -And indeed, what are all uneasy Sensations, but the Venom of the old -Serpent? thence, that long Train of Complaints and Groans. _Remember -from whence thou art fallen_, is the Language of every Calamity, but no -calamitous Impression so terrible, as that which alarms the Mind about -the awful Futurity. Of Sin it is said, that at last, _it will bite like -a Serpent, and sting like an Adder_[356]. - -Footnote 356: - - _Prov._ xxiii. 32. - -What fill’d _Adam_’s Mind with Horror and Consternation? What made him -run with wild Confusion among the Trees to hide himself? What was he -afraid of? He, who was Lord of the Earth, and Image of the Almighty? Was -not he in Paradise, the Garden of God; whence then this sudden and -mighty Panick? What produced this great and astonishing Change in one -who had a friendly Intercourse with God a little before? Oh! ’twas -Guilt, Guilt, Guilt. A Consciousness of his iniquitous Compliance with -the Serpent. What were those anxious disquieting Thoughts that kindled -the Fire in his Breast, but the venemous, fiery Darts of Satan? - -_JUDAS_ is another Example; a Person highly honour’d by Christ, who made -him his Ambassador Extraordinary to the House of _Israel_, and Treasurer -of his House and Privy Counsellor, on a sudden falls into Extremity of -Anguish; and why? Guilt, Guilt ... struck with Horror of Mind for the -Effusion of innocent Blood; was arraign’d, and sentenced by his own -Conscience, and became his own Executioner: His Guilt was the Wound that -bled within, and what Words can describe the Agony that made that -wretched Man throw himself into Hell for Ease. - - - SECT. IV. - -This gloomy Occurrence fell out in the last Year of their Pilgrimage. -The Wilderness thro’ which they had travelled abounded with these -venemous Creatures, but were under the Restraint of a kind Providence, -and not suffer’d to distress the Camp of _Israel_ till now. _Deut._ -viii. 15. _Who led thee through the great Wilderness, wherein were fiery -Serpents and Scorpions._ - -Thus, for their repeated Provocations, they were pursued by divine -Vengeance to the very Borders of _Canaan_. - -Just as they were congratulating one another upon the glorious Prospect -before them, an Army of venemous Serpents invade their Camp, and made a -terrible Slaughter among them. Little did our first Parents suspect a -Serpent in Paradise, nor _Israel_ such a Visit from fiery Serpents upon -the Confines of the holy Land, the western Border of Paradise. - -This Plague in the Camp, was the last Punishment inflicted upon the -_House of Israel_ in the Wilderness. When they came out of _Egypt_, it -appeared they were about _six hundred thousand Men, besides Women and -Children, and a mixt Multitude_: Of that mighty Number, none but two, -_viz._ _Josua_ and _Caleb_ enter’d into the promised Land; the rest, for -their Unbelief and reiterated Offences, perish’d by the way[357]. - -Footnote 357: - - _Exod._ xii. 37, 38. - - - CHAPTER III. - - CONTENTS. - -_The flying and fiery Serpents. Ungrateful Israel wounded by them, and - healed by the Figure of a Serpent. God hears the Intercession of_ - Moses, _when deaf to the Cries of that rebellious People. - Conjectures why healed by a Machine in the Form of a Serpent. Sin in - all its Appearances, the Venom of the old Serpent. The brazen - Serpent a Representation of the_ Messiah. _The Cures wrought by both - were by very unlikely Means. The Wonders of Salvation. Why_ Israel - _was healed by a Serpent made of Brass; Opinions about it. The - brazen Serpent was no Talisman, or a magical Image. The fatal - Catastrophe of the brazen Serpent. Destroyed, when abused to - Idolatry. The Serpent shewed in St._ Ambrose’_s Church at_ Milan, - _for that of_ Moses, _a Cheat. Martyrs from the Catacombs of St._ - Sebastian. _Divine Institution necessary to acceptable Worship. May - the Destruction of the brazen Serpent, when abused to Idolatry, - warrant us to guess at the Fate of a Cross abused to Idolatry!_ - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - SECTION I. - -Among Serpents, we find some that are furnished with Wings. _Herodotus_ -who saw those Serpents, says they had great Resemblance to those which -the _Greeks_ and _Latins_ call’d _Hydræ_; their Wings are not compos’d -of Feathers like the Wings of Birds, but rather like to those of -_Batts_; they love sweet smells, and frequent such Trees as bear Spices. -These were the fiery Serpents that made so great a Destruction in the -Camp of _Israel_. - -In their Extremity, the People addrest their Mediator, Prophet, and -General, _Moses_, saying, _O pray to the Lord that he take away the -Serpents from us!_ The meek Prophet did so; the mediatorial Voice -reach’d Heaven, and mov’d the Almighty who directs _Moses_ to make a -Serpent of Brass, (which was a Figure of the Serpents that plagued the -People) and fix it upon the Top of a Pole, conspicuous to all the -Assembly, promising that all those who were bit by Serpents, and should -look upon this brazen Image, should be presently healed. Astonishing -Clemency! The Event was answerable to this Promise. - -This Method of Cure was new and strange; but he who at first called the -World out of nothing, can with equal Facility command Health out of a -Piece of Brass. Another Observable here, is that when the Almighty -refused to hear the Cries of the Wounded in their Distress, he readily -hearkened to _Moses_’s Intercession in their favour. Thus God accepted -the Prayers of _Job_ for his three Friends, when he would not regard the -Supplications they put up for themselves. _Job_ lxii. 7, 8. - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - SECTION II. - -The brazen Serpent was a Figure of the flying Serpent, _Saraph_, which -_Moses_ fixed upon an erected Pole: That there were such, is most -evident. _Herodotus_ who had seen of those Serpents, says they very much -resembled those which the _Greeks_ and _Latins_ called _Hydræ_: He went -on purpose to the City of _Brutus_ to see those flying Animals, that had -been devour’d by the _Ibidian_ Birds. - -In _Asiatic-Georgia_, between the _Caspian_ and _Euxine_ Sea, are found -winged Dragons, with anserine Feet and venemous Claws; and some of them -are fortified with more terrible Pedestals than others: their Wings are -generally composed of strong nervous Membranes, which when they walk, -are scarcely visible, because of their close Adherence to their lateral -Parts[358]. - -Footnote 358: - - Paulus Jovius de Piscibus, cap 23. p. 140. - -In the _Atlantic_ Caves, and Mountains of _Africa_, is an infinite -Number of these winged Dragons, whose Poison is so strong, that the -Flesh of such as are wounded by them, immediately grows soft, languid, -and incurable[359]. We read of flying Serpents transported from some -Parts of _Arabia_ into _Egypt_[360][361]. - -Footnote 359: - - P. Belon in Johnstonus. - -Footnote 360: - - Teste Brodæo. - -Footnote 361: - - J. Leo’s Hist. of Africa, lib. 6, & 9. - -These also have been seen in _Florida_ in _America_, where their Wings -are more flaccid, and so weak, that they cannot soar on high. _Scaliger_ -describes a certain flying Serpent that was four Foot long, and as thick -as a Man’s Arm, whose Wings were cartilaginous, or gristly, _ibid._ -History accounts for one of these flying Dragons that was killed in old -_Aquitania_ in _France_, a Present of which was made to King _Francis_, -as a great Rarity of the Kind. - -_JEROM CARDAN_ informs us of some winged Dragons he had seen at _Paris_, -so nicely preserved, that they very much resembled the Living; they were -described with two Feet, weak Wings, a serpentine Head, and of the -Bigness of a Rabbit. - -Why was the Deliverance of _Israel_ by a Machine made in the Form of a -_Serpent_? Perhaps, these serpentine Strokes might be intended as -Emblems, or Memento’s of the fatal Wound in Paradise, where Man’s Nature -was first poisoned by the Devil, who made use of a real Serpent to -seduce our first Parents. - -What is moral Evil but the Venom of the old Serpent? A Venom as pleasant -to the Taste, as the forbidden Fruit to the Eye, but the End is -Bitterness. And what are Incentives to Sin, but delusive Insinuations of -the subtle Serpent? And what is Enjoyment, but a pleasing Illusion, -which is no sooner grasp’d, but glides away as a Shadow, leaving behind -it a wounded Conscience, direful Apprehensions and Prospects. - -And what are all sensual Entertainments but so many hot Gleams that -portend the Approach of warring Winds and Storms? The Powers of Darkness -that excel in Science, know how to regale the human Mind with pleasant -Scenes, and how to divert the Senses with delightful Charms; Charms that -have no Existence but in a deluded Imagination. - -The Cure by a brazen Serpent, might also be to shew, that the Almighty -in relieving distressed Supplicants, is not tied to any particular -Medium. When the _Israelites_ were poison’d by real Serpents, he heals -them by the Image of a Serpent. When he would destroy _Goliath_ the -Tyrant, he does it by a Sling in the Hands of _David_ a Youth, a very -unlikely Person to encounter a Champion. - -Thus God by the Figure of a Serpent mortifies the Pride of _Lucifer_, -the old Serpent, by which he acquir’d greater Honour, than if he had -sacrificed to the Fire all the Serpents in the Wilderness. - -This may further intimate, that Providence may employ the same Kind of -Instruments, either for the Display of Mercy or Justice upon Mankind. He -who heals and wounds by the Mediation of Serpents, can turn Blessings -into a Curse, or enable us to extract Sweetness out of the bitter Cup. - - - SECT. III. - -This artificial Serpent might (as some have thought) prefigure the -_Messiah_, the Healer of spiritual Maladies. Many take it for a -Representation of his Passion and Crucifixion: The Analogy may be thus -illustrated, _viz._ The Cures wrought by the Serpent and the Saviour, -deriv’d their Efficacy from Divine Appointment. - -If the _brazen_ Serpent had been the mere Contrivance of _Moses_, it -would not have answer’d the Intention: so all human Institutions adopted -into Divine Worship will be as little available to true Happiness, (_Who -has required this at your Hand?_) of that Sovereign, who accepts no -Worship but what has the Sanction of his Wisdom and Will. - -Both Cures were performed by the most unlikely Means. The Serpent that -healed their Wounds, was made of Brass; a Prescription in which there -was no Probability of producing that happy Effect: And where was the -promising Aspect arising from the Manner of our Saviour’s Appearance on -Earth? What great Things could be expected from a Root of a dry Ground? -How improbable was it that a Person so mean in external Form should -overthrow the Kingdom of Darkness, a Kingdom that had been strengthening -its Barriers for about four thousand Years? Who could think that he had -such powerful Interest in Heaven, who was of no Reputation on the Earth? - -Behold here a Scene of Paradoxes! Patients recovered by the Death of the -Physician. Upon Mount _Golgotha_ we see Paradise, lost by the first -_Adam_, regained by the Death of the second _Adam_; Principalities and -Powers led captives by a dying Man; there we see Life restored by Death, -a Crown of Glory purchased by an ignominious Cross. Were the -_Israelites_ healed by a Creature made in the Likeness of the Serpent -that hurt? So Men are restor’d by one made like themselves. - -How was this miraculous Cure in the Wilderness obtained? It was by an -ocular View, that is, by looking at the artificial Serpent. None else -were entitled to a Relief. Thus Salvation comes by Faith, which in the -prophetick Dialect is represented by _looking_. _Es._ xlv. 22. _Look -unto me and be ye saved all the Ends of the Earth._ The first Sin -enter’d at the Eye; _the Woman saw the Fruit was good_. Thus our -Restoration to the Divine Favour is by an Eye to Christ, the _Tree of -Life_, but I must not strain the Metaphor too far. - - - SECT. IV. - -_Why was the Cure by a Serpent of Brass?_ I answer, not for any healing -Virtue inherent in that Mineral, more than others, but to demonstrate -his Almighty Power, who can save by improbable Means, or without the -Application of any Means. Thus the blind Man was cured by a Piece of -Clay temper’d with Spittle; _John_ ix. 6. - -Perhaps, this also may refer to our Lord, as he is compar’d to _Brass_, -which, when polish’d, is of a most beautiful Colour, exceeding that of -Gold. _Revel._ i. 15. _His Feet like unto fine Brass._ An Emblem of the -high Qualities that glitter in him, whose Nature is divinely fair and -glorious. - -Those fiery Serpents, as they flew in the Air, might in Colour resemble -that of _burnish’d Brass_, because the Serpent of _Moses_ was form’d of -_Brass_, a Metal that in itself is no Friend to Health; and some have -said, that the Sight of the brazen Serpent ought naturally to increase -the Distemper of the Wounded, instead of healing it; and that the -Almighty, shew’d a double Efficacy of his Power, by healing with those -Means, which ought to have a quite contrary Effect[362]. - -Footnote 362: - - _Buxtorf_, Hist. de Serpente æneo. - -Tho’ Brass in its natural State, may not be propitious to Health, yet -when duly prepar’d it is beneficial: The Preparation of _Copper_ has -been accounted an universal Remedy, and an excellent _Emetick_, having -this singular Virtue, _that it exerts its Force, as soon as ever it is -taken_: Whereas other Emeticks lie a long time dormant in the Stomach, -creating nauseous Anxieties, _&c._ but a single Grain of _Verdegrease_ -immediately vomits[363]. - -Footnote 363: - - _Boerhaave_’s Method. - -A Certain learned Gentleman of this Island, imagines that the _brazen -Serpent_ was a kind of _Talisman_; that is to say, one of those Pieces -of Metal, which are cast and engraven under certain Constellations, from -whence they derive an extraordinary Virtue to cure Distempers, _&c._ -Some impute their Effects to the old Serpent, others to the Nature of -the Metal, and to the Influence of the Constellation. This Author -therefore would make us believe, that the brazen Serpent cured just as -the _Talismans_ cure certain Distempers, by the Sympathy there is -between the Metals of which they are made, or the Influence of the Stars -under which they are formed, and the Disease they are to cure. Every one -may believe as he pleases[364]. - -Footnote 364: - - _Marsham Canon. Chronic._ quoted by _Calmet_. - -The Serpent that is always represented with _Esculapius_’s _Image_, and -with _Salus_, the Goddess of Health, and often with the _Egyptian_ -Deities, is a Symbol of Health, or of Healing, very probably derives -those Ensigns of Honour from the brazen Serpent of _Moses_. - - - SECT. V. - _WHAT became of the brazen Serpent at last?_ - -I answer, it was brought into the _Land of Canaan_ as a sacred Relick, -and religiously preserved among the _Israelites_ down to the Time of -_Hezekiah_ the King, as a standing Memorial of divine Goodness to their -Forefathers in the Wilderness; but being abused by them to Superstition -and Idolatry, as appears by their burning Incense thereto, it was broke -in pieces by the special Command of King _Hezekiah_, who, in Derision -and Contempt, called it _Mehushtan_, a Piece of Brass, a Trifle, a -Bauble, Shadow of a Snake. 2 _Kings_ xviii. 4. May all the -Ecclesiastical _Nehushtans_ of _Babylon_, foisted into Divine Worship, -from the Rising of the Sun, to the Going-down of the same, meet with the -same honest and righteous Fate. In the Church of St. _Ambrose_ at -_Milan_, they pretend to keep a _brazen Serpent_, which they shew for -that of _Moses_, tho’ there be no such thing now in being. In the Church -of St. _Ambrose_ there is a Dragon of Brass on a Column of Marble: Some -think it to be that of _Esculapius_, others an Emblem of that in the -Wilderness, upon which account many of the Pilgrims and common People -worship it. The Inhabitants are very superstitious, and fond of holy -Fragments, and pretend to have at the Church of St. _Alexander_, no less -than 144,000 _Martyrs_ from the _Catacombs_ of St. _Sebastian_. The -Cures effected by the artificial Serpent, derived that Efficacy from the -divine Institution of that Medium: Had their Prescription been the meer -Device of Rabbi _Moses_, that great and valuable End would not have been -answered; therefore, since the Reason of that Institution ceased, ’twas -highly criminal in them, to make any religious Use of it. It is the -divine Impress upon Institutions that ushers in the Blessings intended -by them; therefore to hope for Acceptance with God on account of meer -human Ordinances, (as bowing to Images, to the Altar, to the East, and -to make use of Crucifixes, Crosses, holy Water) is to _hope for what God -has never promised to give_. No wonder to see the brazen Serpent ground -to Powder, and the Dust scatter’d in the Air, that so no Fragments of it -might remain, when Altars of divine Establishment, and sacred to -Devotion, were intirely destroy’d, when they made Idols of them: And how -a holy and jealous God may resent the _Adoration of the Cross in the -Popish Church_, I pretend not to predict, much less to determine. This -Destruction of the brazen Serpent, is reckon’d among the good Deeds of -King _Hezekiah_, because it was made a Medium, and Part of Worship not -prescrib’d by divine Authority. - - - CHAPTER IV. - -_This Chapter begins with the Original of Idolatry, as a Preliminary to - the Adoration of_ SERPENTS, _under three Sections_. - - - SECT. I. - -As introductory to the Divinity of Serpents, I shall make a brief -Inquiry into the Original of sacred Images, and Idol-Worship; the first -Period of which is hard to trace. Some make _Cain_ the first Founder of -it, because of his early Apostacy from the true Religion; which is not -very improbable, since ’tis said, _He went out from the Presence of the -Lord...._ He grew more wicked, and gave himself up to all sorts of -Violence[365]. - -Footnote 365: - - See _Cluverius_, and Dr. _Cumberland_. - -That the old World was guilty of Idolatry, some gather from _Gen._ iv. -26. which they say will bear this Reading——_Then Men prophaned, calling -on the Name of the Lord, that is, by setting up Idols_: Upon which some -of the Rabbins paraphrase thus, viz. _Then they began to call Idols by -the Name of the Lord_: With which agrees the _Jerusalem Targum_, that -says, _That was the Age, in the days of which they began to err, and -made themselves Idols, and called their Idols by the Name of the Word of -the Lord_[366]. - -Footnote 366: - - _Schindl._ - -So they understand _Gen._ vi. 11. _The Earth was corrupt_, that is -_idolatrous_. In defence of this Gloss, they quote the _Idolatry_ of the -_golden Calf_, which is expressed by this very Form of Speech, viz. _The -People had corrupted themselves_. We read _Gen._ iv. 26. _Then Men began -to call upon the Name of the Lord_. There is no room to doubt, but they -called upon God before; the Particle _then_ seems to refer to _Enos_, -which is the next Antecedent: therefore ’tis said, They now applied -themselves to the Knowledge of the Stars, which they apprehended were -erected for the Government of the World, and consequently might be their -Duty to adore them as God’s Representatives. - -But the general Opinion is, that Idolatry did not begin till after the -Deluge, and that perhaps the Deluge might be one Occasion of it; for the -old World, as some suppose, was drown’d for _Atheism_——which coming to -the Knowledge of _Noah_’s mediate Successors, they run into the other -Extreme, _chusing rather to have many Gods than no God_. - -_IDOLATRY_ is of a more antient Date than _Image-Worship_: To see Men -kneeling before a piece of Wood or Stone, has something so low and mean -in it, that Men were not immediately brought to that abject and -scandalous piece of Worship. The Sun, Moon, and Stars, were their -_natural Gods_, and ador’d before deify’d Men, who were their _animated -Gods_. - -This Deification of Creatures, seems to begin about the time of the -_Confusion at Babel_, or the Dispersion immediately consequent -thereupon, particularly in the Family of _Nimrod_, the Son of _Cush_, -Grandson of _Noah_. May not we date the _Original of Paganism_ from that -remarkable Person? ’Tis the Conjecture of some, that _Nimrod_ was the -first Man that was deify’d, and probably for the important Service he -did to his Country, as a _mighty Hunter_, in destroying wild Beasts that -otherwise would soon have devour’d the Inhabitants, which were not very -numerous in those days. ’Tis certain, that such Benefactors to Mankind -were rank’d among the Gods. If so, who will pretend to say, _our modern -Fox-Hunters don’t carry one Characteristic of Divinity about them_? - -Some think that the true Religion was universal for about four hundred -Years after the Deluge, because it does not appear from _Abram_’s -Traverse thro’ _Mesopotamia_, _Canaan_, _Philistia_, _Egypt_, _&c._ that -those Countries were Idolaters. Others apprehend _Abram_ himself was -originally an Idolater, at least that Idolatry had overspread the -Nations in his time, for which they quote _Joshua_ xxiv. 2. _Your -Fathers ... even Terah the Father of Abraham ... served other Gods_. -It’s evident from hence, that _Terah_ had fallen into Idolatry, and some -are of Opinion, that _Abram_ himself was an Idolater, till God made him -sensible of the Vanity of Idol-worship, and that it was thro’ him that -his Father _Terah_ was brought under the same Conviction, by this -Device, _viz._ - -The _Jews_ say that _Terah_ was not only an Idolater, but also a Carver, -and Dealer in Images and Idols; that one day when he went a Journey, he -left _Abram_ to take care of the Shop; but _Abram_ being already -convinced of the Sinfulness of Idols, ask’d all that came to buy -_Idol-Gods_ of him, _How old are you?_ They told him their Age; and he -replied to them, _This God that you would buy and worship, is younger -than you are; it was made but the other day, and of contemptible Matter, -therefore believe what I say, and renounce this vain Worship_. The -_Buyers_ struck with Confusion at these Reproaches, went away without -buying, asham’d of their Stupidity[367]. - -Footnote 367: - - Fa _Calmet_ under _Terah_, vol. xiii. - -Q. _What might move Men to the first Idolatry?_ - -Perhaps it might be a _strong Attachment to the Senses_, which they made -their sovereign Judges in Spirituals: It was hard for vulgar Heads in -those Days of Darkness to elevate their Thoughts above sensible Objects. - -Another Reason, may be the _Pride of the human Mind_; that is not -satisfied with rational plain Truths, but will adulterate them with -foolish Imaginations: Hence it was that they would have such Objects of -Worship, as might immediately strike their sensible Powers; nothing -would serve their Turn but a Divinity visible to the Eye, therefore they -brought down the Gods to the Earth, and represented them under certain -Images, which by degrees commenced inferior Deities. - -The _Egyptian Priests_ not being able to persuade the _People_, that -there were any _Gods_ or _Spirits_ superior to Men, were constrained to -call down Demons, or Spirits, and lodge them in Statues, and then bring -forth those Statues to be visible Objects of Adoration, and from hence -sprung Idolatry. - -Among the Pagans were various Opinions about religious Images. _Some_ -looked upon them as only Representatives of the true God, as _Seneca_, a -Stoick Philosopher, and _Plato_ a Native of _Athens_, and a noted -Academick. - -_OTHERS_ said, they did not adore material Images, but the Gods in them, -into which they were drawn by virtue of their Consecration, or, in a -more modern Language, their Canonization[368]. - -Footnote 368: - - _Arnobius_, lib. vi. - -_SOME_ were of Opinion, that after the Consecration of Images, the Gods -actually incorporated with them, or were animated by them, as Man’s Body -is by the Soul[369]. The vulgar Heathen paid their Adoration to Images -as if they were real Gods; which monstrous Practice was ridiculed by the -most sensible Pagans, as appears farther on[370]. - -Footnote 369: - - _Trismegistus_, a learned _Egyptian_, a great Philosopher, a great - Priest, and a great King. - -Footnote 370: - - See _Lactantius_, lib. ii. - -The Use and Worship of Images has been long, and still is controverted. -The _Lutherans_ condemn the _Calvinists_ for breaking the Images in the -Churches of the Catholicks; and at the same time they condemn the -Romanists (who are professed Image-Worshippers) as Idolaters. The modern -_Jews_ condemn all Images, and suffer no Pictures or Figures in their -Houses, much less in their Synagogues, or Places of Worship. - -The _Mahometans_ have a perfect Aversion to all Images. This is it that -made them destroy most of the beautiful Monuments of Antiquity, both -sacred and profane, at _Constantinople_. - -The old noble _Romans_ preserved the Images of their Ancestors with no -little Care, and had them carried in Procession in their Funerals and -Triumphs. - - - SECT. II. - -This Part entertains us with various Instances of Pagan Deifications, -_viz._ of Men, Beasts, and Things without Life. - - I. _MEN transformed into Gods._ - -I Begin with their _deified Men_, that is, _dead Men_, who being -canonized, past for _reputed Gods_. Note here, some are of opinion, that -the word _God_, among the Heathen, did not mean the uncreated eternal -Being, but some _most excellent superior Nature_; and accordingly, they -gave the Appellation of _Gods_ to _all Beings_ of a Rank higher, and -more perfect than Man. - -The _principal Gods_ among the antient Heathens were _Jupiter_, _Mars_, -_Mercury_, _Neptune_, _Apollo_, _Juno_, _Vesta_, _Minerva_, _&c._ The -_next sort of Gods_ were called _Demy-Gods_, or _Gods adopted_; and -these were Men canonized and deify’d. Now, as the _greater Gods_ had -possession of Heaven in their _own Right_, so these _lesser Gods_ had it -by _Donation_, being translated into Heaven, because they were Men -renowned for their Virtues, and had lived as Gods upon Earth; and these -at first were called _Teraphim_. - -The first certain Account of these we have in _Genesis_, where ’tis -said, _Rachel_ had _stoln her Father’s Images_. Chap. xxxi. 19. the -_Teraphim_ of her Father in the _Hebrew_, which _Laban_, (ii. 30.) calls -his _Gods_, Hebr. _Eloha_. - -The word _Teraphim_ is _Hebrew_, others say _Egyptian_: Be that as it -will, we find it about thirteen times in our Bible, and is commonly -interpreted _Idols_, _Images_, _sacred_, _superstitious Figures_. -_Spencer_ maintains the word to be _Chaldee_, and that those Images were -borrowed from the _Amorites_, _Chaldeans_, or _Syrians_, and that the -_Egyptian Serapis_ is the same thing with _Teraphim_ of the _Chaldeans_. - -A Learned _Jew_ says the _Teraphim_ were in human Shape, and that when -raised upright, they spoke at certain Hours, and under certain -Constellations, by the Influence of the celestial Bodies. _R. David de -Pomis ... Cyclopædia._ - -This _Rabbinical Fable_ seems to be grounded on _Zech._ x. 2. _The -Idols_ (Hebr. _Teraphim_) _have spoken Vanity...._ Some of the learned -_Jews_ will have it to denote the Knowledge of Futurity, and for this -Signification they quote _Ezek._ xxi. 21. _The King of Babylon stood ... -at the Head of the two Ways ... he consulted with Images_; with -_Teraphim_, says the _Hebrew_. - -The same _Rabbi_ adds, that to make the _Teraphim_ they kill’d a -first-born Child, clove his Head, season’d it with Salt and Oil; that -they wrote on a Plate of Gold the Name of some impure Spirit, laid it -under the Tongue of the Dead, placed the Head against the Wall, lighted -Lamps before it, prayed to it, and it talk’d with them. - -Others hold, that the _Teraphim_ were brazen Instruments which pointed -out the Hours of future Events, as directed by the Stars.—Some think -that the _Teraphim_ were Figures or Images of a Star engraven on a -sympathetic Stone, or Metal corresponding to the Star, in order to -receive its Influences: To these Figures, under certain Aspects of the -Stars, they ascribe extraordinary Effects. - -This Talismanical Opinion, says a Learned Pen[371], appears the most -probable.... All the Eastern People are still much addicted to this -Superstition of _Talismans_. The _Persians_ call them _Telesin_, a Word -approaching to _Teraphim_. In those Countries no Man is seen without -them, and some are even loaded with them. They hang them to the Necks of -Animals, and Cages of Birds, as Preservatives against Evils. Such were -the _Samothracian Talismans_, which were pieces of Iron, formed into -certain Images and set in Rings.... - -Footnote 371: - - Father _Dom. Calmet_. - -The _Labanic Images_ are supposed to be the most antient, if not the -first religious Images, made of some precious Metal, and had their Birth -in _Laban_’s Country, that is, _Chaldea_, or _Mesopotamia_. - -From _Laban_’s History, it seems as if these _Teraphim_ were Pictures or -Images of certain Persons deceased; that is, they were a sort of Idols, -or superstitious Figures venerated by them as _Demy-Gods_. That they -were such artificial Portraitures of Men, is evident from that Instance -in _Michal_, who, to deliver _David_ her Husband from bloody Assassins -that threaten’d his Life, laid an _Image in his Bed_, a _Teraphim_, says -the _Hebrew_, that is, a material Image, probably a Figure of Wood, or -Sticks hastily made up, drest in Man’s Clothes, to make those sent by -King _Saul_ to apprehend him, believe he was sick. - -Why does _Laban_ call them his Gods? Very probably because he believed -they retain’d their Affection for Mankind in the invisible World, and -being rank’d among the Gods, might be serviceable to his Family, -therefore adopted them to be Guardians of his House. They were only his -_domestick Gods_, and not the established Gods of the Country; and ’tis -very likely they might be the Images of _Noah_ and his _Sons_; or some -other illustrious Ancestors, whom he had chosen for his _Tutelary Gods_. - -The Scripture mentions another sort of _Teraphim_, sometimes consulted -by the _Jews_ as an Oracle, not imagining that thereby they abandon’d -the Worship of the true God. Such was the _Teraphim_ that _Micha_ made -and set up in his House, and to which he appointed a _Priest_ of the -_Levitical Race_, with an _Ephod_ or Sacramental Garment, by the -Influence of which he flatter’d himself that God would bless his House. -This probably might be some _Hieroglyphical Figure_, to which the -superstitious _Jews_ attributed the Virtue of an Oracle, and the Power -of foretelling Things to come: Hence speaking Teraphims. - -From these _Teraphim_ came the _Lares_, or the Household Gods of the old -_Romans_, who before the Laws of the Twelve Tables, used to bury the -Dead in their Houses; from whence arose that great Veneration they had -for their _Lares_ and _Penates_, a kind of domestick Divinities, -worship’d in Houses, and esteem’d Protectors of Families, which were -nothing else but the supposed Ghosts of those who formerly had belonged -to the Family, whom they represented by Images, which they placed in the -Chimney-Corner, or near their Doors. - -These were also look’d upon as Guardians of the Highways, near to which -their Images were fix’d for the Benefit of Travellers, therefore call’d -_Dii Viales_, Gods of the Roads. ’Tis said by the Prophet, _The King of -Babylon stood at the parting of the Way_, and consulted _with the -Images_; with the _Teraphim_, says the _Hebrew_, _Ezek._ xxi. 21. which -the _Jewish_ Interpreters say were prophetick Images, endued with the -Gift of Prediction; so far from being mere Idols, that they gave out -Oracles, and foretold Things to come. - -Some think _Laban_’s _Teraphim_ to be such, and that _Rachel_, having -observed how her Father did divine by them, and fearing, by consulting -with them, he might know which way _Jacob_ went, and follow after and -murder him; to prevent so fatal a Catastrophe, she took away his -_Oracles_. - -Those sacred Images might, at first, be made in honour of departed -Relatives, or illustrious Persons; but by degrees degenerated into -religious Adoration. Thus the _Manes_ of the Dead were worship’d by them -under the Figure of their _Teraphim_, in some place of the House, and -probably where they had deposited the Remains of their Ancestors, as -some think. - -The _Lares_ were also called _Penates_: To these they paid religious -Homage with Sacrifices; so the _Roman Satirist_ says, and calls these -images his _dear little House-Gods_; and then observes, that they were -crown’d with Garlands of Flowers in Summer, and in Winter with Shaving -of Horns colour’d. To these _Waxen-Gods_ the _Romans_ addrest themselves -with Offerings of Frankincense and Cakes[372].... - -Footnote 372: - - Oh parvi nostrique Lares quos thure minuto - Hic nostrum placabo, Jovem Laribusque paternis - Thura dabo, atque omnes violæ jactabo colores - Cuncta nitent—— - - _Juvenal. Sat._ ix. _v._ 137. & _Sat._ xii. _v._ 89. - -They were supposed to be the Spirits of such, who had lived well on the -Earth, and in consequence of it, were happy; so on the other hand, those -who lived ill here, did after Death wander up and down in Horror, and -were supposed, by the Vulgar, to be Hobgoblins, call’d _Lemures_, _i. -e._ restless Ghosts of departed Spirits, who return to the Earth to -terrify the Living. - -These are the same with _Larvæ_, which the Antients imagined to wander -round the World, to frighten good People, and plague the bad. All these -were imagin’d to be the Ghosts of the Dead: They pray’d to the Good for -Protection, and sacrificed to the Evil to pacify their Rage: For this -reason they had their _Lemuria_ or _Lemuralia_ at _Rome_, where on the -9th of _May_, a Feast was solemnized in honour of the _Lemures_, and to -pacify the _Manes_ of the Dead, especially those who died without -Burial, to prevent their giving disturbance to the Living. - -The first _Men_ that were _deified_, or made Gods, are supposed to be -the Heads of Families, Founders of Empires, and Benefactors of -Provinces——who, after their decease, were highly reverenced. _Noah_ and -his Sons seem to be the first and chief animated Deities of the Pagans, -under the Names of _Saturn_, _Jupiter_, _Neptune_ and _Pluto_; hence -_Demons_, another Name given to Spirits, which were supposed to appear -to Mortals, with intention to do them Good or Hurt. - -The first Notion of Demons, ’tis said, sprung from _Chaldea_, thence it -spread among the _Persians_, _Egyptians_.... _Pythagoras_ and _Thales_ -were the first that introduced _Demons_ into _Greece_, where _Plato_ -fell in with the Notion, which he explains thus, _viz._ - -... By _Demons_, he understood Spirits inferior to Gods, and yet -superior to Men, which inhabiting the middle Region of the Air, kept up -the Communication between the Gods and Men, carrying up the _Prayers_ -and Offerings of Men to the Gods, and bringing down the _Will_ of the -Gods to Men. He allow’d of none but good ones, tho’ his Disciples -(finding themselves unable to account for the Origin of Evil) adopted -another kind of Demons, who were Enemies to Man[373]. - -Footnote 373: - - _Gale_’s _Court of the Gentiles_, part I. chap. viii. - -The Apocryphal Book of _Enoch_ abounds with the Names of Angels and -Devils; but that Book is not of any great Antiquity, tho’ the Prophecy -be: it does not appear to have been known by the antient _Jews_. St. -_Jude_ is the first that cited it. The Authority which this spurious -Book of _Enoch_ has received from some of the Antients, is the reason of -our meeting with several of its Opinions, scatter’d in their Writings. -_Ibid._ - -_LACTANTIUS_, one of the most eloquent Authors of his time, (and -therefore called the _Christian Cicero_) was of Opinion there were two -sorts of Demons, celestial and terrestrial[374]: The _celestial_ are the -fallen Angels, who having been seduced by the Prince of Devils, engaged -themselves in impure Amours; the _terrestrial_ are they who issued from -the former, as Children from their Parents: These last, who are neither -Men nor Angels, but a Medium between the two Natures; were not plunged -into Hell, neither were their Fathers admitted into Heaven: The -terrestrial Angels are impure Spirits, and Authors of all the Evils -committed on Earth[375]. - -Footnote 374: - - _Chambers_’s _Cyclopæd._ _Calmet_’s _Hist. Dict._ vol. i. p. 434. - -Footnote 375: - - _Lactantius_, lib. ii. cap. 14. _Lugd._ _Bat._ 1652. - -Many of the Antients have allotted to every Man an Evil Angel, who is -continually laying Snares for him, and inclining him to Evil, as his -Good Angel does to what is Good. The _Jews_ have still the same -Sentiments at this day. Another _Father_ thinks, that every Vice has its -Evil Angel, presiding over it; as the Demon of Avarice, the Demon of -Pride, of Uncleanness[376].... - -Footnote 376: - - _Origen._ Homil. xv. in Josh. _Calmet._ ibid. - -In _Pagan Theology_, nothing more common than those good and evil Genii, -and the same superstitious Notion got among the _Israelites_, by -Commerce with the _Chaldeans_; but I don’t apprehend that by Demon, they -meant the Devil, or a wicked Spirit, tho’ it be taken under that Idea by -the Evangelists, and also some modern _Jews_[377]. - -Footnote 377: - - _Cyclopædia._ - -We are not without some Remains of those antient Representations: Among -the various Rarities in the _Musæum_ at _Leyden_ in _Holland_, is the -Effigies in Sculpture of _Osiris_, the _Egyptian God_; ’tis made of -Wood, and now almost consum’d with Age: There are three other _Egyptian_ -Idols of Stone; an Image of _Isis_ (who married _Osiris_, King of the -Country) giving suck to her Orr. Another Effigies of _Isis_, the -_Egyptian Goddess_, upon a little _Egyptian_ Coffer, containing the -Heart of an _Egyptian_ Prince embalm’d therein. - -The antient Pagans, had almost as many _Goddesses_ as _Gods_; such were -_Juno_, the _Goddess of Air_, _&c._ Queen of Heaven, and of the Gods; -was represented sitting on a Throne with a Crown of Gold on her Head: -This was the Patroness of the female Sex. Every Woman had her _Juno_, or -Guardian; as every Man had his _Genius_. She was the Goddess of -Marriages, which were not deem’d lawful without the Parties first -addrest her. One Branch of her Office was to attend them in Labor, when -they pray’d, _Help, Juno Lucina_[378]. - -Footnote 378: - - _Juno Lucina fer opem._ - -She was ador’d by all Nations; her Temple was open on the Top and had no -Doors, it being impious to think of confining the Gods to a narrow -Inclosure. Yea, many of the Antients would erect no devotional Temples, -from a Persuasion that the whole World is the Temple of God. The -_Sicyonians_ would build no Temple to their Goddess _Coronis_: Nor would -the _Athenians_ erect a Statue to the Goddess _Clemency_, who they said -was to live in the _Hearts of Men_, not _within Stone-Walls_. The -Goddesses were numerous, but I shall add no more. - -They did not only enroll _Men_ and _Women_ among their Gods, but they -had also _Hermaphrodite-Gods_. Thus _Minerva_, according to several of -the Learned, was both Man and Woman, and worshipped as such under the -Appellation of _Lunus & Luna_. _Mithras_, the _Persian Deity_, was both -God and Goddess; there were Gods of Virtue, Vice, Time, Place, Death ... -Infancy. Not Men only, but every thing that relates to Mankind, has also -been deified, as Infancy, Age, Death, Labor, Rest, Sleep, Virtues, -Vices, Time, Place.... Infancy alone had a numerous Train of Deities. -They also ador’d the Gods of Health, Love, Fear, Pain, Indignation, -Shame, Renown, Prudence, Art, Science, Fidelity, Liberty, Money, War, -Peace, Victory.... - -Thus we have seen, that nothing more common among Pagans, than to place -Men among the Number of Deities; yea, some of them would not wait for -their Deification till Death. Thus _Nebuchadnezzar_, King of _Babylon_, -procured his _Image to be worshipped_ while he was living. Thus -_Augustus_ had Altars erected and Sacrifices offered to him while alive. -He had Priests called _Augustales_, and Temples at _Lyons_, and several -other Places. He was the first _Roman_ who carried Idolatry to such a -pitch: Having in a most respectful manner view’d the embalm’d Body of -_Alexander the Great_, was ask’d, if he would see _Ptolemy_’s also? he -answer’d, _His Curiosity was to see a King, not a Man_. His Favourite -Poet complements him with the Title of God[379]. Yea, the _Ethiopians_ -deem’d all their Kings _Gods_. - -Footnote 379: - - ——Deus nobis hæc otia fecit. - - -II. _Inanimate Things turn’d into Gods._ Things without Life were made -into Gods by the Heathens: The Sun, Moon, and Stars seem to be the first -Idols, or false Gods, to whom they paid a divine Regard. _Possidonius_ -defines a _Star_, a _divine Body_. The _Zabii_ erected Images to the -Stars, which they fancied to be so many Gods, and that they influenced -the Images consecrated to them; yea, and communicated the prophetick -Spirit to Men. - -The _Sun_ and _Moon_ were by the idolatrous _Israelites_ called the -_King_ and _Queen_ of Heaven, and the Stars were supposed (as it were) -to be their Militia, form’d for their Guards, with which they were -always surrounded. - -_PHILO_ of _Alexandria_, (called _Philo_ the _Jew_, a _Platonick_ -Philosopher) imputes to the Stars a great part of whatever happens on -the Earth; and says, they are not only Animals, but even most pure -Spirits; that our Air is replete with Animals and Spirits, which are -continually descending to animate Bodies. He had borrow’d these odd -Notions from his Master _Plato_, Chief of the Academicks. _Origen_ one -of the Fathers, who flourish’d in the third Century, was guilty of the -same Mistake[380]. - -Footnote 380: - - _Philo Leg. Alleg. Origen._ t i. _Maimon. in Calmet._ under the word - _Star_. - -The sacred Books, in some places, seem to ascribe Knowledge to the -_Stars_, when they praised God at the beginning of the World, _Job_ -xxxviii. 7. but the Stars were not then created, therefore it’s -generally supposed they were _Angels_. Since then the Sun, Moon and -Stars are excited to praise the Lord; the Moon withdrew its Light, and -the Sun stopt its Course at the Command of _Joshua_ ... and perhaps one -reason of their strange Opinions about the heavenly Bodies, might be -owing to these and the like Expressions; not knowing that these Words -were meerly popular, and not to be understood literally, for then we -must say that the Earth, the Trees, the Waters, are animated, since we -find in Scripture some Expressions that would insinuate as much. - -The _Arabians_ who sprung from _Ishmael_, worshipped the Sun, Moon and -Stars, in which they were conducted by their Priests who were cloathed -in white Vestments, wearing Mitres and Sandals, which at first were only -Soles tied to the Feet with Strings. In Authors that speak of -ecclesiastical Rites, and Ornaments, we find the word _Sandals_ to -signify a valuable kind of Shoes, worn by the _Prelates at -Solemnities_[381]. - -Footnote 381: - - _Benedictus Baudovinus de Calceo Antiquo._ - -We find _Sandals_ also used by the Ladies, very different in form: When -_Judith_ went to the Camp of _Holofernes_, she put _Sandals_ on her -Feet, at the sight of which he was captivated; for ’tis said, _Her -Sandals ravish’d his Eyes_. These were a magnificent sort of Stockens, -like Buskins, of an extraordinary Beauty[382], and were proper only to -the Ladies of Condition, who generally had Slaves to carry them. - -Footnote 382: - - _Judith_ x. 4. - -_N. B._ The real _Buskin_ was the _Cothurnus_, a very high Shoe rais’d -on Soals of Cork, wore by the ancient Actors in Tragedy, to make them -appear taller, and more like the Heroes they represented, most of whom -were supposed to be Giants. - -The _Persians_ had no Temples, Altars, nor Images, holding such little -Things improper for the high Gods. Therefore they worshipp’d upon the -Top of Hills, where they offer’d Sacrifices to the Sun, Moon, and Stars. -The _Babylonians_ adored the Sun, to which the King offer’d every Day a -white Horse richly furnish’d: The Sun was in high Esteem among the -_Phenicians_, whose Priests were crown’d with Gold. The _Tartars_ and -_Cathaians_ worship the Sun, and Stars, to which they offer the first -Fruits of their Meat every Morning before they eat and drink themselves. -They have divers Monasteries of Idols, to whom they dedicate their -Children. - -In _Nova Zembla_ there is no Religion prescrib’d by Law, but they -worship the _Sun_, so long as ’tis with them, and the Moon and -North-Star in its absence. In _China_ are great Numbers of sacred -Temples, where the Priests have so much Power over their Gods, that they -may beat them when they don’t answer their Expectation: Their _chief_ -Gods are the _Sun_, _Moon_, and _Stars_, where they are not -christianis’d. - -In the _Philippine Islands_, the Natives worship the _Stars_, which they -hold to be the _Children_ of the _Sun_ and _Moon_: Their Priests, for -the most part, are Women. The _Japonians_ worship an Image, with three -Faces, by which they mean, Sun, Moon, and the elementary World[383]. - -Footnote 383: - - _Acosta_, and _Jesuits_ Ep. in _R. Oliver_. _Noort_’s Navigation. - -In _America_ their chief Deities are the Sun and Moon; which they honour -with Dances and Songs. In _Virginia_ and _Florida_, when they eat, -drink, and sacrifice, they use to throw up towards the Sun, some part of -their Food: The _Spaniards_ taking Advantage of this Superstition, made -the poor ignorant People believe they were Messengers sent to them from -the Sun; whereupon they submitted to the _Spanish_ Yoke. _Hacluyt_, -_ibid._ At _Mexico_, when they sacrificed a Man, they pull’d out his -_Heart_, and offer’d it to the _Sun_. - -In _South-America_, they worship evil Spirits in various Forms, and Sun -and Moon. When it thunders, and lightens, they say the _Sun_ is angry -with them: When the Moon is eclipsed, they say the _Sun_ is angry with -her. - -In _Peru_, next to their chief God, they worship’d the Sun, and after -it, the Thunder. They took Sun and Moon for Husband and Wife. In the -seventh Month they sacrificed to the Sun, and in the tenth to the Honour -of the Moon. - -The same Paganism was profest among the _Europeans_; yea the _Greeks_ -and _Romans_ that were the most knowing and polite Nations, their chief -Gods were Sun, Moon, and Stars. - -The Air, and Meteors in it, were made into Gods: Thus the _Persians_ -ador’d the Wind; Thunder and Lightning were honour’d under the Name -_Geryon_. Comets and the Rainbow also have been prefer’d from _Meteors_, -to be _Gods_. _Socrates_ deify’d the Clouds, if Credit may be given to -_Aristophanes_. - -Their high Veneration for _Water_ was such, that to spit, to urine, or -wash in a River was made a high Crime; perhaps, the _Water of Jealousy_ -that determin’d the Case about the _Jewish_ Women, suspected of -Adultery, might heighten their Veneration for this Element. - -In _Sicily_, Rivers were worshipped by the _Agrigentes_ (in the shape of -a beautiful Boy) to which they sacrificed.... The _Cathaians_ worship -Earth and Water. - -The _Indians_ count the River _Ganges_ sacred, and to have a Power of -expiating their Sins. When the Idolaters wash in it, they cry, _Oh -Ganges, purify me!_ And when any are sick, they dip them in it, in order -to recover their Health. The Water of this River is convey’d to such as -live at a distance, and are not in a Capacity to travel; so that they -ascribe as much Virtue to this River, as the Papists do to their holy -Water, and chief Relicks. - -The People of _Bengal_ don’t only worship the River _Ganges_, but give -Divine Honours to its Image. _Bernier_ says, that Kingdom is well -water’d by Channels cut out of the _Ganges_, which is visited by many -Pilgrims, who think themselves happy if they can wash in it. There is -also a Well in that Country, which they adore, and think, by washing -therein, they are purify’d from their Sins. Their _Priests_ travel about -with the _Water_ of the _Ganges_, which they sell at vast Prices; -because the poor ignorant People are made to believe, that by drinking -this Water, they obtain Pardon of their Sins. - -The Inhabitants of _Peru_ in _America_, fling the Ashes of their -Sacrifices into the River, follow the same six Leagues, and pray the -River to bring that Present to _Virachoca_, a superior Deity. _Acosta._ - -The _Persians_ and _Chaldeans_ express their God by _Fire_, to which -they perform Adoration, and bring it Food, crying to it, _Eat, Oh my -Lord Fire!_ To throw dead and dirty Things into the Fire, yea to blow it -with their Breath, was High Treason. - -The _Magicians_ say, that this _Fire_ was convey’d to them from Heaven; -and that it was for this Reason that they kept it so religiously. That -they preserve a constant Fire on their Altars, is evident from History. -They are said to have Fires still subsisting, which have burnt above a -thousand Years. We read of such Fire kept up with superstitious Care in -the Temple of _Jupiter Ammon_, and in that of _Hercules_ at _Gades_. So -it is in _Egypt_, and in most of all the eastern Countries, and _Virgil_ -tells that _Iarbas_ the _Getulian_ could boast of a hundred Temples he -had erected with Altars, blazing with perpetual Fire, the eternal Guard -of the Gods[384]. - -Footnote 384: - - Centum aras posuit, vigilemque sacraverat ignem, - Excubias divûm æternas. - - VIRG. Æneid. 4. - -That which gave occasion to perpetuate the Fire in Pagan Temples, might -be from the perpetual Fire kept in the Temple at _Jerusalem_, which -descended from Heaven upon the first Victims sacrificed by _Aaron_ and -his Son. Hence the _Vestals_ were appointed express, to keep up the -sacred Fire of the _Romans_. - -The Kings of _Persia_ never went abroad without having some Portion of -the sacred Fire carried before them: The Historian giving an Account of -the March of _Darius_’s Army,—says, that they carried Fire upon Altars -of Silver, in great Ceremony,—that they had it in great Veneration, -calling it the _sacred and eternal Fire_, and that the _Magi_ came -after, singing Hymns according to the _Persian Mode_[385]. - -Footnote 385: - - Quint. Curtius, lib. 1. Hyde de Pers. Relig. c. iii. p. 69. - -God appear’d to _Moses_ under the Form of a Fire burning in a Bush. The -Camp of _Israel_ in the Wilderness was conducted in the Night by a -Pillar of Fire. Now God having made several Revelations of himself, -under the Appearance of Fire, might give occasion to the _Chaldeans_ and -_Persians_ to entertain such enormous Veneration for Fire, which is a -Symbol of the Deity: _The Lord thy God_, says _Moses, is a consuming -Fire_. At their high Solemnities they set several Trees (hung with -diverse Sorts of Beasts for Sacrifice) on fire; this they did after they -had carried about these Fires in Procession. - -I Shall add here, a remarkable Contest that happen’d between the -_Chaldean_ and _Egyptian_ Priests about the _Superiority of their -Gods_.... In the time of _Constantine_ the _Chaldean Priests_, to prove -that _Fire_, which was their God, excell’d all other Gods in Power, -travell’d over the Earth, carrying _Fire_ with them, which soon consum’d -all the Statues and Images of other Gods; whether of Brass, Silver, -Stone or Wood, says _Suidas_[386], who gives a large Account of it, -under the Word κανωπος. At length coming into _Egypt_, and making this -Challenge; the _Egyptian Priests_ agreed upon a _Battle of the Gods_, -and immediately brought into the Field one of their Idols, which was a -large Statue of _Nilus, full of Water_, and full of little Holes, which -they stopt with Wax not discernable, and so artificially, that the Water -was kept in. - -Footnote 386: - - Vol. I. pag. 1368. - -The _Chaldeans_ (not aware of this Device) begun the Action, with much -Assurance, and with Eagerness put Fire around the _Egyptian Statue_, -which soon melted the invisible Wax, and the Water gushing forth from -all Parts, immediately put out the Fire, and drown’d the hitherto -_invincible Deity_ of the _Persians_; the Tragedy ended in a triumphant -Shout of Laughter among the Spectators: And I might add[387] how the -_Arabians_ and _Indians_, _Peruvians_, _Lithuanians_, and _Vandals_ -worship’d Vegetables,—the _Scythians_ Iron. Trees and Plants have been -made Gods. Leeks and Onions were Deities in _Egypt_. The ancient _Gauls_ -and _Britons_ bore a particular Devotion to the _Oak_; from which their -Priests took their Names. _Ceres_ and _Proserpina_, worship’d by the -Ancients, were no other than Wheat, Corn, Seed.—The _Syrians_ and -_Egyptians_ ador’d Fishes. What were _Tritons_, _Nereids_, _Syrens_, but -Sea-Gods? Insects, as Flies, and Ants, had their Priests and Votaries: -Yea, _Minerals_ were erected into _Deities_. The _Finlanders_ ador’d -_Stones_. I don’t see what can be said for such an Instance of -Stupidity. To say the Practice took its rise from _Abram_’s anointing -the _Stone_ that he made use of for a Pillow, when he went to -_Mesopotamia_, does not lessen the Reproach. The _Mahometans_ think that -_Jacob_’s Stone was convey’d to the _Temple at Jerusalem_; and is still -there in a _Mosque_ or _Turkish_ Temple, where the Temple at _Jerusalem_ -stood before the final Desolation. The monstrous Stupidity of Pagans in -their Devotions will further appear in the Close of this Performance. - -Footnote 387: - - _Ruffin._ Hist. Ecclesiastica, lib. 2. _Stanley_’s Lives of the - Philosophers, part 16. chap. 8. page 28. - -Now among all these Instances of Idolatry, the Adoration of the _Sun_ -was the most excusable; for, who can behold that stupendous Globe of -Fire and Light in perpetual Motion, Splendor, and universal Usefulness -to Mankind, without awful Admiration, and warm Emotions of Mind? No -wonder then to find that it has been the Object of Adoration so long, -and in so many Places. It was the Sun very probably that was worship’d -by the _Phenicians_ under the Name of _Baal_, by the _Moabites_ under -the Name of _Chemosh_, by the _Ammonites_ under the Name of _Moloch_; by -the degenerated _Israelites_ by the Name of _Baal_, the King of the Host -of Heaven, to whom they join’d the Moon, whom they called _Astarta_ or -Queen of Heaven. - -This Worship was perform’d upon high Places, in Groves, and upon the -Roofs of their Houses, which in those Countries, were flat. It was -against this kind of Worship that _Moses_ warn’d the _Israelites_, and -threatens the Transgressors with Death. _Deut._ iv. 19, ’tis said -_Josiah_ King of _Judah took away the Horses_, that his Royal -Predecessors had given to the Sun, and were fix’d at the Entrance into -the House of the Lord, and _burnt the Chariots of the Sun with Fire_. - - -III. _Animal Gods._ In the next place, I shall briefly touch upon some -Brutes and Birds, _&c._ that received Divine Honours from the Pagan -People, and even from those who were supposed to excel their Neighbours -in Understanding and Wisdom. - -Thus _Crocodiles_, _Serpents_, _Eagles_, _Dogs_, _Cats_, _Wolves_, -_Oxen_, were worship’d by the People of _Egypt_, those celebrated Sons -of Wisdom; but their greatest Solemnities were consecrated to the God -_Apis_, or _Serapis_, under the Image of an Ox or Bull. - -They had an Ox consecrated to the Sun, which they fed at _Heliopolis_ in -_Egypt_: They had another called _Apis_, dedicated to the Moon, and fed -at _Memphis_, (for some time, the royal City) where he had his Temple, -and the Devils gave out their Oracles. In the time of St. _Jerom_, who -flourish’d in the fourth Century, they worshipped here a brass Bull as a -God. - -The famous God _Osiris_ was adored under the Figure of this Beast, and -when dead, it was buried with great Solemnity and Mourning: And ’tis -observable, that his Birth-day was celebrated thro’ the whole Kingdom. -_N. B._ ’Tis very probable, that the _Israelites_ worshipped the golden -Calf in the same manner as the _Egyptians_ did their Bulls, their Cows -and Calves. - -Before I proceed, give me leave to speak something of this golden Idol, -which was the Figure of a Calf, which the _Israelites_ cast, and set up -to worship in _Moses_’s Absence; who, upon his return from the Mount, -burnt the Figure, ground it to Powder, and made the People drink it mixt -with Water, _Exod._ xxxii. The Learned are divided in their Sentiments -on this Article; that is, the golden Calf, that was burnt and -pulverized. - -To pulverize Gold and render it potable, is an Operation in Chymistry of -the last Difficulty; and ’tis hard to conceive how it should be done at -that time, before Chymistry was heard of, and in a Wilderness too, where -they had no proper Instruments. Many therefore suppose it to be done by -a Miracle. But the chymical Art seems to be of greater Antiquity, and -was very probably practised in the antediluvian World by _Tubal Cain_. -_Moses_ is the next Chymist mention’d in the Bible, whose Skill in -chymical Operations, in pulverizing the golden Calf, seems to be -incontestable, and artificial. - -The Art is now much improved. Bid a Chymist convert Gold into Glass; and -by means of a burning Concave, or otherwise, he presently does it: Ask -him to Shew you Gold in Powder, and by mixing a little _Antimony_ with -that Metal, he will soon render it pulverable[388]. - -Footnote 388: - - _Boerhaave_’s _new Method. Proces._ 268, 317. - -But to return: Among other living Creatures, the _Egyptians_ also paid a -great Devotion to _Dogs_ and _Cats_. We read of a certain _Roman_ -Soldier, that was like to be torn to pieces by the People, for having -_kill’d a Cat by Accident_; and that when a Dog happen’d to die, the -whole House went into Mourning[389]: Yea, in case of a great Famine, -they would eat Man’s Flesh, before they would touch their sacred -Animals; _ibid._ The Stork, Raven, Eagle, Hawk, Ibis, and other Birds, -have had divine Honours paid them in _Egypt_ and other Places.... - -Footnote 389: - - _Diodor. Siculus, Herodot._ - -The City of _Mendez_ in _Egypt_ worshipped a _Goat_; the City of _Mira_, -the _Crocodile_. In other Provinces they erected Altars to Lions, -Baboons, Wolves.... The _Hog_ was ador’d in the Island of _Crete_ (now -_Candy_) in the Mediterranean. Bats and Mice had Altars consecrated to -them in _Troas_ and at _Tenedos_. - -Nothing can be supposed more ridiculous than the Adoration given by the -_Egyptians_ to their brutal Deities, which were either within or near -their Temples; had Tables with delicious Meats and Beds prepared for -them, and when any of them died, they went into Mourning, prepared -sumptuous Funerals and magnificent Tombs for them, as may be seen at -large in _Diodorus Siculus_, _Herodotus_, and others[390]. - -Footnote 390: - - _Plut. Herodot. Jurieu’s Critical History._ - -Some indeed ridiculed their senseless and stupid Neighbours, tho’ they -themselves were not Masters of superior Sense in their Devotions. -_Anaxandrides_ reproaches the _Egyptians_ for their wretched and foolish -Idolatry; but after all, this was only one Idolater deriding another. -_Dionysius_ was the most notorious this way: And most knavish in this -kind was the _Painter_, who, when he should have drawn the Picture of -_such a Goddess_ for a _Grecian_ City, drew the _Picture of his own -Mistress_, and so made her to be adored by the Citizens. - -What Man could have forbore laughing, said the _Greek_ Poet above, to -see an _Egyptian on his Marrowbones, praying to an Ox as to a God, or -howling over a sick Cat, fearing lest his scratching God should die_? - -Upon the whole, ’tis no easy matter to discover the real Sentiments of -the Heathens about their Gods: they admitted so many superior and -inferior Deities, who shared the Empire, that all was full of Gods. - -Some of the Antients say, that a certain _subtile Matter_ that made -Stars _intelligent_, did reside in their sacred Animals, Plants and Men, -and escaped Death: And this made them fit to partake of such Worship, as -they gave to the Stars.——_Sanchoniatho_ meant only, that the celestial -Bodies are intelligent, and see what is done here below, and therefore -were to be adored as Gods[391]. - -Footnote 391: - - _Sanchoniatho’s Phœnician Hist._ by the Learned Bp. _Cumberland_, vol. - i. p. 20, 21. - - - SECT. III. - - _Adoration of_ SERPENTS. - -The next thing that comes under Consideration is, the _Worship of -Serpents, which is observed thro’ all the Pagan Antiquity_. The Devil, -who, under the Shape of a Serpent, tempted our first Parents, has, with -unwearied Application, labour’d to deify that Animal, as a Trophy of his -first Victory over Mankind. The Conquest made by the _old Serpent in -Paradise_, and the wonderful Cures made by the _Shadow of a Serpent in -the Wilderness_, contributed very much towards making that hateful -Creature so venerable in the Eyes of so many Nations. - -God having past Sentence upon the Serpent, Satan _consecrates that Form_ -in which he deceived the Woman, and introduces it into the World as an -Object of religious Veneration: This he did with a view to enervate the -Force of the divine Oracle, the Seed of the Woman. Scarcely a Nation -upon Earth, but he has tempted to the grossest Idolatry, and in -particular got himself to be worshipped in the hideous _Form of a -Serpent_. - -The Almighty foreseeing this general Delusion, guarded the World against -it, by inspiring Men with the greatest Aversion to that venemous -Creature, and yet was the Tempter ador’d in most places under the -Appearance of a Serpent. If you say, that Men worship other Creatures; I -answer, Those are beneficial to Mankind, and not so odious and hurtful -as those who carry Poison in their Tails and Teeth. - -How surprizing this! that a Serpent, a Beast to which Mankind has a -strong natural Aversion, should be _ador’d by Creatures of Reason_, and -yet _nothing more common_, as will appear by the following Instances -from Antiquity. - -_EGYPT_ was a Country that abounded with Variety of Serpents, and where -they were generally held in the greatest Veneration. The supreme God was -represented by them in the _Form_ of a _Serpent_ with a Hawk’s Head, -because of the wonderful Agility of that Bird. We see no Table of -_Osiris_ and _Isis_, two _Egyptian Idols_, without a Serpent joined to -them[392]. This _Isis_ married _Osiris_, King of that Country, and -govern’d with so much Wisdom and Gentleness, that the _Egyptians_ paid -divine Honours to them, who had been such Blessings to the Land. - -Footnote 392: - - _Macrobii Oper. Sat._ cap. xx. - -In _Egypt_ is a Serpent of the Aspick Kind, called _Thermutis_, to which -they gave divine Worship; therefore crown’d with it the Statue of their -Goddess _Isis_. In the Corners of the Temples, they built little Chapels -under ground, where they carefully fed this _Thermutic Serpent_, as a -_sacred Genius_[393]. - -Footnote 393: - - _Ælian de Animalibus_, lib. x. _Conrad. Gesner. de Serp._ p. 32. - -The _Egyptians_ also paid divine Honours to the _Crocodile_, that -monstrous kind of Serpent, particularly the Inhabitants of _Arsinoë_, -and they who dwelt in the Neighbourhood of _Thebes_, and the Lake -_Mæris_; among whom ’twas fed by their Priests with Bread, Wine, Flesh, -and diverse Rarities[394]. - -Footnote 394: - - _In Jonstonus de Quadruped_, cap. viii. p. 142. - -_THÆAUTUS_, so often mentioned by _Sanchoniatho_, attributed some Deity -to the Nature of the Serpent; an Opinion approved by the _Phenicians_, -therefore look’d upon as holy and immortal, and comes into the sacred -Mysteries[395]. - -Footnote 395: - - _Euseb. Præp. Evangel._ l. i. c. 10. from _Philo Biblius_, the - Translator of _Sanchon_. - -They represented the World by a Circle, in the middle of which was a -Serpent, representing the good Demon, or Genius of the World, by which -’tis animated, and is a _Symbol_ of the Almighty Creator. Behold here -the Blasphemy of Satan, in giving to God the Form of a Serpent, which he -had borrow’d himself to make war against God in Paradise. They sometimes -represented their Gods with the Bodies of Serpents, and honour’d those -odious Animals with divine Worship, as Symbols of _Apollo_, of the -_Sun_, and of _Medicine_, and were put into the Charge of _Ceres_ and -_Proserpine_. - -_HERODOTUS_ observes, that in his time, near _Thebes_, there were to be -seen tame Serpents, adorn’d with Jewels, and consecrated to _Jupiter_, -which did no harm to any body: When they died, they were buried in -_Jupiter_’s Temple[396]. _Ælian_ speaks of domestick Serpents, that were -in the Houses of the _Egyptians_, and look’d upon as _household Gods_; -and of another Serpent worshipped in a Tower at _Melitus_ in _Egypt_, -that had a Priest and other Officers attending it, and served every day -upon an Altar with Meal kneaded up with Honey, which the next day was -found to be eaten. _In Melite Eg. Draco divinis honoribus afficitur in -turri quadam_ ... _adsunt ei sacerdotes & ministri; mensa_ ... _ex -farina subacta_.... Herod. lib. ii. cap. 17. - -Footnote 396: - - _——Ex Crocodilis alunt. appendentes auribus vel gemmas—sacris in arnis - sepeliant._ _Euterpe_, lib. ii. p. 186. - -The _Phenicians_ also sacrificed to _Dragons_, calling them their _good -Angels_, their propitious and kind Spirits. Nothing more common in the -Heathen Religion, than the Appearance of a Serpent in some Form or -other. - -The _Babylonians_ worshipped a _Dragon_, which the Prophet _Daniel_, by -a Commission from the King, killed; which, one would think, was -sufficient to convince the Royal Idolater of his egregious Stupidity in -worshipping a Creature as Conservator of Mankind, that could not -preserve its own Life. They represented the World by a Circle in the -Form of a _Greek Theta_ Θ, and the _good Demon_, by a _Serpent_ in the -midst of it; under which Figure, the Protectors of Countries and Cities, -called tutelary Gods, were worshipped. - -The _Arabians_ reputed Serpents _sacred Beings_, and therefore would -allow no Violence to be offered to them; and this Superstition yet -remains among those People, according to _Veslingius_, says my Author. -They take them into their Houses, feed and worship them as the _Genii_, -or Guardians of the Place: Not only Men, but every kind of Things, had -its peculiar _Genius_. Two were assigned to each Person, a good and evil -Genius, and those were thought to attend them from the Cradle to the -Grave. We read of a sacred Dragon that was kept in _Phrygia_ in _Asia -Minor_, whose Residence was in a Wood, dedicated to _Diana_, Goddess of -the Woods. - -Among other strange Animals in the _East-Indies_, _Alexander_ found in a -Cave, a _monstrous Dragon_, which the Inhabitants counted sacred, and -was adored by them, and daily supplied with Food: The poor, ignorant, -superstitious People, humbly addrest the _Conqueror_, not to attack that -_holy Place_, and disturb the Repose of their God. The victorious Army -hearing its hideous and dreadful Roarings, were not a little terrify’d; -they only saw its monstrous Head, when stretch’d out of its Mansion, and -its Eyes appeared to them to be as big as a large _Macedonian Buckler_, -a Species of defensive Armour[397]. - -Footnote 397: - - _Conrad. Gesner._ p. 44, 45. _Gyllius._ - -The King of _Calicut_ (in the _East-Indies_, the most powerful of all -the _Malabar_ Princes) causes little Cottages to be erected for sacred -Serpents, to guard them against the Inclemency of the Weather, and ’tis -made Death to hurt them, being they are look’d upon as heavenly Spirits; -and they believe them to be such for this Reason, because _they kill Men -so suddenly by the Wound they give, which is only a little Puncture, and -would not prove fatal if given by other Creatures_. - -It is observed by some, that Serpents at this day are highly honour’d in -the Kingdom of _Calicut_, on this side the _Ganges_, where the -Inhabitants call their King _Samori_, or _Zamorin_, that is, Sovereign -Emperor, and God upon Earth. The Dragon being a Serpent of the vigilant -Tribe, was constituted and made Guardian of their Houses, of their -oracular Temples, and of all their Treasures. - -These Protectors of Places and Possessions, they call’d Tutelary Gods, -and were worshipp’d by them under the Symbol of _Serpents_, without -whose Sanction no Methods of Protection were available. - -It is remarkable, that where the Figure of two Serpents was erected in -any place, it was look’d upon as a Sign of consecrated Ground; that is, -that the Place was holy, being dedicated to some God; for which -Superstition they are ridiculed by one of their own Writers, _viz._ -_Persius_ the Satirist, that lived under _Nero_, who tells us, that -Children were forbid to empty themselves in those Places, and not so -much as make-water, for the Place is holy, as appears by the _Picture of -the two Serpents_; the Language of which is, Profane not holy Ground. - -Would you, Sir, have your Poem pass for a sacred Composure, then paint -two Serpents in the Front of it. - -Behold here the Original of that Popish Superstition, which forbids Men -to make-water in the Church-Yard[398]. - -Footnote 398: - - Pinge duos angues, pueri, sacer est locus, extra - Meite—— - - _Satir._ i. - -At _Alba_, in a Wood not far from _Juno_’s Temple, is a Dragon -worshipp’d by the Inhabitants, and for their greater Honour, fed by -Virgins, thereby intimating, that Innocence was a proper Attendant on -the Gods. - -In _Epirus_, south of _Macedonia_, is a certain place sacred to -_Apollo_, and wall’d about, within which are kept _sacred Dragons_, fed -likewise by a Virgin Priestess, uncloathed, which they believe to be -most acceptable to their idol Gods[399]; called by _Juvenal_, one of -their own Poets, _wenching Gods_. - -Footnote 399: - - Ælian. lib. ii. cap. 2. ἱερεια γυμνη παρθενος. - -The _Epiroticks_, who highly venerated _Apollo_, honour’d his Temple -with a _consecrated Dragon_, which they worshipp’d in solemn remembrance -of his killing the _Pythonic Serpent_. It were well if the same Spirit -of Gratitude reign’d amongst _Britons_, towards the Heroes that -deliver’d their Country from the great Ecclesiastical Dragon, by the -glorious Revolution. - -Near _Lavinium_ was a Grove of serpentine Gods, dedicated to _Juno_ of -_Argos_, which was a City in _Peloponnesus_ (famous for the Shrine of -_Æsculapius_) now the _Morea_, one of whose Rivers is called _Styx_; or -rather a Well, whose Water is so cold and venemous, that it often kills -such that drink thereof; and therefore design’d by the Poets, to be a -River of Hell: ’Tis said by some, that _Alexander_ was poison’d with it. - -It’s well known what Worship was paid to the Serpent at _Epidaurus_, a -_Peleponnesian City_, and the Manner how ’twas pretended that Serpent -was brought to _Rome_, which is as follows, _viz._ - -The _Romans_ being sorely distrest by a Plague, they sent a _Galley_ -with Ambassadors to _Epidaurus_, to bring the Serpent consecrated to -_Æsculapius_ to _Rome_, which of its own accord went aboard the Galley, -and which was landed in the Isle of _Tyber_, where divine Honours were -paid to it; upon which the Plague ceased.——Take it as represented by the -Historian, who says, ... That the Plague raging terribly at _Rome_, and -in the Vicinity, above three Years, did not abate, by any divine or -human Remedy, tho’ Men had tried both; therefore by the Counsel of the -_Delphic Oracle_, ten Ambassadors were sent to fetch the Statue of -_Æsculapius_, that was ador’d in the Body of the great Serpent; -hereupon, a very strange thing ensued, and manifestly true, both from -many faithful Historians, and building the _Temple_ (dedicated to it) in -the _Isle of Tyber_. - -When the _Roman Ambassadors_ had delivered their Commands to the -_Epidaurians_, who brought them into the Temple of _Æsculapius_ ... -while they were admiring a huge Shrine, a great Serpent sliding of a -sudden from the _Adytum_ (which was a Place of Retirement in the Pagan -Temples, where Oracles were given, into which none but Priests were -admitted) upon sight of it the Priests, in a devout Posture, said to the -Company, _that the Deity shrouded itself in that Form_, and when it -appear’d in this _Fashion_, ’twas look’d upon as a _happy Omen_. - -The Serpent was seen for two Days in the Temple, and afterwards -disappeared, but on the third Day it past thro’ the Croud (which gazed -on and worship’d) and went directly to the Port where the _Roman Galley_ -stood; and having enter’d into it, laid itself down in the Cabin of _Q. -Ogulnius_, the chief Ambassador. They set sail from thence ... and soon -arrived at _Rome_. The whole City came out to see this wonderful -Thing——Altars were built, Incense burnt, and Sacrifices offer’d. The -Serpent swam over to the _Isle of Tyber_, (which afterwards was called -_Æsculapius_’s _Isle_) and since was never seen. - -The Senate concluding this Island to be the Place chosen by the God, -decreed that a Temple should be built for _Æsculapius_ there—whereupon -the Plague ceased. The Temple grew famous for rich Offerings, in -Consideration of their Deliverance from the Plague by that Deity[400]. - -Footnote 400: - - _Livy._ lib. xi. _Quære_, Whether the Historian’s Faith kept pace with - his Pen? - -_VALERIUS MAXIMUS_ says, that the Priests looking into the _Sibyls -Books_, observed there was no other way to restore the City to its -former Health, but by bringing the Image of _Æsculapius_ from -_Epidaurus_ ... upon which Ambassadors were sent[401]. - -Footnote 401: - - _Val. Maxim._ lib. i. cap. 8. See _Ovid. Metamorph._ lib. 25. - -The Poets and Mythologists, in order to shew there was no Distemper but -_Æsculapius_ could cure, said, he raised the Dead. Thus at the Request -of _Diana_, he restor’d _Hippolytus_ to Life, who had been torn to -pieces by his Horses. We can’t doubt of the Credulity of the People in -thinking him rank’d among the Gods, after so many Temples, Inscriptions, -and Medals dedicated to his Memory. - -The most famous Temples consecrated to _Æsculapius_, were that of -_Epidaurus_[402], that in the Isle of _Co_, that of _Cyrene_, that of -_Pergamos_, that in the Isle of _Tyber_[403]. - -Footnote 402: - - _Pliny Nat. Hist._ lib. 4. c. 5. - -Footnote 403: - - For these, see _Strabo_, _Val. Maximus_, _Herodot., Livy_. - -As to the Inscriptions in honour of _Æsculapius_, _Gruterus_ has these -following, _viz._ - - _Æsculapio, Hygeæ, & ceteris Diis & Deabus._ - - _Deo Æsculapio, & Hygeæ, conservatoribus._ - - _Deo Æsculapio, & Deæ Hygeæ._ - -_N. B._ The Title of Conservator, or Saviour, was the ordinary Elogium -of _Æsculapius_. - -In the Isle of _Co_, there was a Coin whereon _Æsculapius_ was called -the _Saviour_; and so on a Coin of _Ancyra_. Games are also mentioned, -instituted in honour of him as Saviour. The Symbol of _Æsculapius_ was a -_Serpent_, or _Dragon_, about a _little Rod_, as may be seen in several -Medals, and by the Testimony of the Poet[404]. Wherever he was worship’d -in Statues of a _human Figure_, a _Staff was put into his Left-hand, -with a Serpent about it_. - -Footnote 404: - - _Ovid. Metam._ lib. 5. Qualis in æde.... Esse solet, baculumque tenens - agreste sinistra. - -This seems to be the reason why Antiquity represents the first Masters -of Physick (as _Hermes_, _Æsculapius_, _Hippocrates_, in their Statues -and Medals) with a _Viper_ added to their _Figure_; and also why they -worship’d those _Physicians under the Form of Serpents_[405]. - -Footnote 405: - - _Salomonis Cellarii—Origines & Antiquitates Medicæ._ Printed at _Hall_ - in _Saxony_. - -The Serpent of _Æsculapius_, the reputed God of Physick, had its Rise -from the miraculous Cures done by _Moses_’s _Serpent_ in the Camp of -_Israel_. Serpents of bright and golden Colour were all counted sacred -to _Æsculapius_, and were cicur’d, or made tame by human Arts. A -_Dragon_ was usually annex’d to his _Image_, and to that of _Health_, -nothing being thought _available_ without the _Presence of a Serpent_. - -At _Pella_ in _Macedonia_, the Royal Seat, and _Alexander_’s -Birth-place, were _Dragons_ of a large Bulk, but of a gentle Nature, -maintain’d at the Expence of the Government, as Creatures bearing a -_sacred Character_, and worthy of the publick Regard. Because many tame -Serpents were kept in that Place, the fabulous Poets said, _Alexander -was born of a Serpent_. - -The People of _Argos_ in _Greece_, had Serpents in such great -Veneration, that nobody was suffer’d to kill them with impunity[406]. -The _Pagan Temples_ were wont to be haunted with Serpents, in so much -that it grew into a Phrase of Speech, the _sacred Serpent_[407]. And -thus Serpents are deified and solemnly enrolled among the Gods. - -Footnote 406: - - _Ælian._ lib. xii. cap. 34. - -Footnote 407: - - Sacer anguis. - -_SANCHONIATHON_, a _Phœnician Historiographer_, and _Philo Biblius_, who -translated his Antiquities, have left us a full Account of the Origin of -the _Apotheosis_, or _Canonization of Serpents_[408]; which leads me to -say something of what the Ancients called _Apotheosis of departed -Souls_, and the Strange Ceremonies used in the _Apotheosis_ or -_Deification_ of the deceased Emperor, who had deserved well of their -Country. - -Footnote 408: - - _Sanchoniathon_ is supposed by some to be cotemporary with _Gideon_. - -_APOTHEOSIS_ among the Ancients was a Pagan Ceremony whereby Emperors -and great Men were placed among the Gods, called also _Deification_, and -_Consecration_: Temples and Altars were erected to the new Deities, -_viz._ Serpents and Men, Sacrifices offered to them; and for that end, -Colleges of Priests were instituted for the Honour of these Demi-Gods. - -It was one of the Doctrines of _Pythagoras_, which he borrowed from the -_Chaldeans_, that useful and virtuous Persons, after their Death, were -raised into the _Order of the Gods_. Hence the Ancients _deified_ all -the Inventors of Things that were beneficial to Mankind, and those who -had done Services of Importance to their Country. - -By degrees these _new Gods_ grew very numerous. One of their own Poets -rallying them for frequent Deifications, introduces poor _Atlas_, who is -said to _bear the Heavens on his Shoulders_, complaining, that he was -ready to sink under the Number and Weight of so many _new Gods_, as were -every day coin’d, and added to the Heavens, which made his Shoulders to -warch. _N. B._ _Atlas_ in Anatomy is the Name of the first _Vertebra_ of -the Neck, which supports the Head, and is the highest, so called in -allusion to the famous Mountain _Atlas_ in _Africa_, suppos’d to be the -highest in the World, so that it seems to hold up the Heavens; and also -to the Fable that makes _Atlas_ King of _Mauritania_ in that Country, to -bear up the visible Heavens. I now proceed to the Description which we -have in _Herodian_, a _Greek_ Historian in the third Century, who in -speaking of the _Apotheosis_ of the Emperor _Severus_, gives us a very -full Account of that strange Ceremony, _viz._ - -... After the Body of the deceased Emperor had been burnt with the usual -Solemnities, they placed an Image of Wax perfectly like him, but of a -sickly Aspect, on a large Bed of Ivory, covered with Cloth of Gold, -which they exposed to publick View at the Entrance of the Palace-Gate. - -The greatest Part of the Day the Senate sat ranged on the left side of -the Bed, drest in Mourning Robes; the Ladies of the first Rank sitting -on the right side, in plain and white Robes, without any Ornaments.... -This lasted for seven Days successively; during which, the Physicians -came from time to time to visit the Sick, always making their Report -that he grew worse, till at length they publish’d it, that he was dead. - -This done, the _young Senators_ and _Roman Knights_ took the Bed of -State upon their Shoulders, carrying it thro’ the _Via sacra_ to the old -_Forum_, where the Magistrates used to divest themselves of their -Offices: There they let it down between two kinds of Amphitheatres; in -the one, were the Youth, and in the other the Maidens of the first -Families in _Rome_, singing Hymns set to solemn Airs in praise of the -Deceased. - -Those Hymns ended, the Bed was carried out of the City into the _Campus -Martius_, in the middle of which Place was erected a kind of square -Pavilion; the Inside thereof was full of combustible Matter, and the -Outside hung with Cloth of Gold, and adorned with Figures of Ivory, and -various Paintings. - -Over this Edifice were several others, like the first in Form and -Decoration, but less; always diminishing, and growing slenderer towards -the Top, and a great many aromatick Perfumes, and odoriferous Fruits and -Herbs were thrown all around: After which, the Knights made a Procession -in solemn Measures about the Pile; several Chariots ran round it, those -who conducted them being clad in purple Robes, and bearing the Images of -the greatest _Roman_ Emperors and Generals. - -This Ceremony ended, the new Emperor came to the _Catafalco_ or Pile -with a Torch in his hand, and at the same time Fire was put to it on all -sides by the Company, the Spices and all Combustibles kindling all at -once. While this was doing, they let fly from the Top of the Building an -_Eagle_, which mounting into the Air with a Firebrand, carried the Soul -of the dead Emperor along with it into Heaven, as the _Romans_ believ’d; -and thenceforward _he was ranked among the Gods_. ’Tis for this Reason -that the Medals wherein the _Apotheoses_ are represented, have usually -an Altar with Fire upon it, or however an Eagle taking its Flight into -the Air, and sometimes two Eagles[409]. - -Footnote 409: - - _Herodian_, who writ his History in 8 Books, from whom we have the - Ceremonies of the Apotheosis of the _Roman_ Emperors, lib. 4. - -A certain Emperor being asked, what he had done to merit an -_Apotheosis_? He answered, _He had always studied to resemble the Gods_. -And being asked again, In what did he endeavour to be like them? He -answered, _In having as few Wants as possible of my own, and doing good -in the most extensive Way to others_. - -There is no Place so remote in the World, but has been polluted with -this monstrous Idolatry, _of worshipping Serpents_. The northern -Historians tell us, the People of _Lithuania_ in _Poland_ worship’d -Serpents; and ’tis not long ago, since that gross Idolatry was -abolish’d, of which _Sigismund_ Baron of _Herberstein_, gives us this -memorable Story, _viz._ - -——Returning, says he, from _Massovia_ near _Wilna_, my Host -acquainted me, he had bought a Hive of Bees, from one of these -_Serpent-Worshippers_, whom with much ado he had persuaded to kill -the Serpent, and worship the true God: Within a while after coming -that Way, he found the poor Fellow miserably tortured and deformed, -his Face wrinkl’d and turn’d awry; and demanding the Cause of it, he -answer’d, _viz._ - -_THAT this Judgment was inflicted upon him for killing his God_, and -that he was like to endure heavier Torments if he did not return to his -former Worship. Which brings to my Mind a Passage in one of the Fathers, -relating to the _Carthaginians_, who having been compelled by -_Agathocles_ King of _Sicily_ to leave off those horrid Sacrifices of -human Victims to _Saturn_, forbore them a long time: But a great -Calamity being brought upon them for disusing those human Sacrifices; -and to atone for their Neglect, _they sacrificed at once two hundred -Children of the noblest Families in_ Carthage[410]. - -Footnote 410: - - Cum victi essent ab Agathocle rege Siculorum, iratum sibi Deum - putavisse, itaque ut diligentius piaculum solverent ducentos nobilium - filios immolasse. Lactantius. Lib. 1. Sect. 21. p. 67. _Lugd. Batav._ - -But to return to the _Baron_ of the North, who adds, That in his Time, -the People in _Samogitia_, East of the _Baltick_ Sea, did still pay -_divine Honours to a Serpent as a Deity_.... Some of those that inhabit -the Deserts, adore a _four-footed Serpent_, under the Name of _Givosit_. -Few Families there, are without _Serpents_, for their _Domestick Gods_, -to whom they give more than ordinary Veneration, tho’ at the same time -they profess the Christian Faith[411], which _Jagello_ their Prince -received _Anno Domini_ 1386. _ibid._ - -Footnote 411: - - Atlas _Europe_, p. 261. - -The _English_ Cosmographer accounts for them thus, _viz._ “The People -anciently had _Fire_ and _Serpents_ for their Gods, nourishing the last -in their Houses, and keeping the other continually burning; the Priests -of the Temple always adding Fuel, that it might not fail. The Vestal -Fire was not kept more carefully at _Rome_, nor with greater -Ceremony.... To this God, (whom they call’d, Lord of the _Smoke_,) they -used to sacrifice young Pullets, to the other their Cocks[412].” The -Seed of this Idolatry is so implanted in them, that ’tis said, that in a -Village of the King’s, called _Lovaniski_, their chief City, they do, to -this day _worship Serpents_. _ibid._ - -Footnote 412: - - _Heylin_’s Cosmogr. lib. 2. _Poland_ p. 143. - -The _Lithuanians_, ’tis said, ador’d three Gods, _Fire_, _Wood_, and -_Serpents_. These last were counted their _Guardian Gods_. And according -to a certain Historian, this kind of superstitious and diabolical -Worship continues yet in some Parts of the Kingdoms of _Norway_ and -_Vermolandia_[413]. - -Footnote 413: - - _Olaus Magnus_, Archbishop of _Upsal._ History of the _Goths_. - -The Inhabitants of _Prussia_ were barbarous and wild in the highest -degree, having of old no manner of Religion, or next to none, and first -began _with the Worship of Serpents_[414]. There are Countries in the -_Indies_, says _Jurieu_, where Serpents are worship’d to this day. - -Footnote 414: - - _Erasm. Stella_ in the Antiquities of _Prussia_. Lib. 1. - -_ARISTOPHANES_, in the Comedy entitled _Plutus_, observes that the Deity -gave the Sign, _viz._ by _hissing_; upon which two monstrous Dragons -skip’d out of the Temple[415]. - -Footnote 415: - - Δυω δρακοντ’ εκ του νεω. Fragmenta p. 52. - Dixerat hæc adytis cum lubricus anguis ab imis. - -When _Æneas_ sacrificed to the _Manes_, (the departed Soul) of his -Father _Anchises_, he saw a _Serpent_ come out of his Grave, which he -concluded to be either the _Tutelar God_ of his Father, or of that -Place, which was counted a good Omen. We have an Account of some Priests -in _Asia_ that expose to publick View a Serpent in a brazen Vessel, -attended with a great Variety of Musick. The Serpent appears in an erect -Posture, opens its Mouth, and instead of a forked Tongue, appears the -Head of a beautiful Virgin[416]. - -Footnote 416: - - _Phil. Melanchton._ - -_NICHOLAS de Lyra_ makes mention of such another idle Conceit, _viz._ -That the Serpent assumed the Face of a beautiful Maid, when it tempted -_Eve_. _N. B._ In the _German Bibles_ printed before _Luther_, among -other Figures may be seen that of a Serpent with the Face of a very -handsome Maid. - -In short, so great was the Devotion paid to Serpents, that Persons and -Things were denominated from them: Yea, some would be thought to proceed -from Serpents, as the highest Degree of Honour. _Cadmus_’s Companion was -called a _Serpent_, so the Giant in _Homer_, and a certain Prophet in -_Pausanias_. - -In the Primitive Church were an heretical Sect, called _Ophites_, that -is Serpents. In _Cyprus_, and about the _Hellespont_, were a certain -People that went by the Name _Serpent_. So a Soothsayer in _Messenia_, -_&c._ But these came short of _Alexander the Great_, and _Scipio -Africanus_, who were said _to be born of Serpents_, which they look’d -upon to be the _brightest Insignia_ in their _Escutcheon_; but more of -this _Serpentine Pride_ in the next Chapter. - -In such wonderful Esteem were _Serpents_ among them, that all manner of -Creatures were called by their Name, as Stars, Animals, Plants, Trees, -Herbs, Rivers, Stones, Islands, Proverbs.... Nothing was accounted -Divine and Grand, unless graced by a Serpent[417]. From this _Divinity_ -ascrib’d to Serpents, _Pherecides_ took occasion to make a Dissertation -concerning the Deity called _Ophion_, from Οφις, a Serpent[418]. - -Footnote 417: - - Conradus Gesner. - -Footnote 418: - - Euseb. Præparat. Evang. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - CHAPTER V. - - CONTENTS. - -_Reasons for worshipping Serpents, seem to rise from Misapplication of - some Scripture Passages: But especially, 1. From the Triumphs of the - Paradisaic Serpent. Pagan History from_ Moses. _In the primitive - Church, a Sect of Christians worship’d Serpents, and said the - Serpent in Paradise was a good Creature. 2. From the miraculous - Cures done by the brazen Serpent._ Alexander _affected the Honour of - being begot by a Serpent, ador’d as a God, by a Decree of the - Priests._ - - -_WHAT Reason can be assigned for giving religious Worship to Serpents?_ -I answer, - -It is no easy Matter to find out the Original of Pagan Idolatry, having -no authentick Records of those remote Times, therefore Conjectures, or -nothing must content the honest Enquirer: Something may be offer’d, -without going beyond our Depth. Before I proceed, it may be proper to -observe, _viz._ That Knowledge sprung from the Sons of _Noah_, who -doubtless instructed their Successors in the History of the Creation, -the Conquest of Paradise by a Serpent, that introduced the Knowledge of -Good and Evil upon Earth. - -Those whom we call _Heathens_, at first were Members of the true Church; -the further Men went from the Spring, the Streams grew more muddy, and -strange Constructions were put upon the History of _Adam_ and _Eve_, -_Noah_, and his Progeny, which in process of Time was metamorphosed into -a Narrative of Fooleries and fabulous Gods. - -So the _Mosaick_ History of their Travels thro’ the Wilderness, and the -Promulgation of the Law upon Mount _Sinai_, were strange and stupendous -Events, that soon spread over the Nations in some Shape or other. - -In the _Phœnician Theology_, we find the Creation described, almost in -the Terms used by _Moses_. _Diodorus Siculus_ says, the Antients liv’d -upon Roots and Fruits. The _Phœnician_ Records mention _Ujoris_, _i. e._ -_Adam_, the first that wore Garments made of Animal Skins. The _Vulcan_ -of the Heathen was the _Tubal-cain_ of _Moses_, (_Gen._ iv. 22.) the -first Artificer in Brass and Iron: _Plato_’s _Atlanticus_ is a Fable -founded upon the History of _Noah_’s Flood: The Fable of the Giants -storming Heaven, is taken from the Builders of the Tower of _Babel_, as -before: Yea, says a Learned Father (after _Numenius_, the celebrated -_Pythagorean_ and _Platonist_) what is _Plato_ but _Moses in an Athenian -Dress_[419]? But to be more particular, - -Footnote 419: - - Τι γαρ εστι Πλατων η Μωσης αττικιζων. _Quid enim est Plato, nisi Moses - qui loquitur Atticè?_ Or, _Quid enim aliud est Plato, quam Moses - Atticissans_? Clementis Alexandrini Opera, Strom. lib 1. _Coloniæ_ p. - 342. - -1. _SATAN_, who conducted the War in _Eden_, display’d his Art under the -Form of a Serpent, which _Moses_ represents as a Creature of superior -Wisdom, and Illuminator of Mankind. Now the Tradition, that the _first -Serpent_ had not only the Gift of speaking, but of communicating -Science, and had held a Conference with the first Woman, to the vast -Increase of her Knowledge, might at last swell to such a degree, that -ignorant People might attribute to that Serpent, and her Race, a kind of -Divinity; and for this Reason also, because in the Perfections of the -Mind she exceeded our first Parents, who being constituted Governors of -the Earth, must be supposed to be furnish’d with extraordinary -Accomplishments: But, says Tradition, here is one who infused greater -Knowledge into them, and made them more wise; and they, for contesting -with the _Wisdom of the Serpent_, were turned out of Paradise, and -ordain’d their Dwelling to be among the Beasts of the Field. - -Surely, might the People say, so great a Being as this Serpent merits -our awful Regards. Now, how far such Thoughts might operate in those -early days of Ignorance and Superstition, I determine not: The Serpent -indeed, is said to be more subtle than the Beasts of the Field, but not -more wise than _Adam_ and _Eve_. - -It is more strange, to think that in the primitive Church there were -certain Hereticks call’d _Ophites_, took their Name from _Ophis_[420], -who worshipped the Serpent that betray’d _Eve_, and ascribed all sorts -of Knowledge to that Animal, maintain’d ’twas a good Creature, and that -our first Parents were instructed by it to know Good and Evil. Yea, they -believed, “the Serpent that tempted _Eve_ was the _Christ_, who -afterwards came down and was incarnate in the Person of _Jesus_: That it -was _Jesus_, but not the _Christ_, that suffer’d; for which reason they -made all Proselytes to their Sect, to renounce Jesus[421].” If a Sect of -Christians speak after this manner, what Ideas must the Heathen form of -things? - -Footnote 420: - - A _Greek_ word that signifies _a Serpent_. - -Footnote 421: - - _Calmet._ - -One of the Fathers speaking of these Hereticks, observes how they -affirm’d,——_That Wisdom made itself a Serpent_——had given Knowledge to -Man, and that the Position of Man’s Bowels, winding about like Serpents, -shews that there is in us a hidden Substance that engenders the Figure -of Serpents[422]. Surely those Fathers of the Church were Children in -Understanding, that gave way to such mystical Conundrums. Call them no -more Fathers, but Children of Antiquity. - -Footnote 422: - - _Irenæus adv. Hæres._ (lib. 1. cap. 34.—_sophiam serpentem factam_—) - who flourish’d in the close of the 2d Century. - -These Hereticks, in the Consecration of the Eucharist, always had a -Serpent ready in a Box, which they produced on that Occasion, making it -come out by certain Charms, and lick the Bread, and having kissed the -same, they eat it[423]. Another Historian expresses it thus, _viz._ -“When their Priests celebrated their Mysteries, they made one of these -Creatures to come out of his Hole, and after he had roll’d himself upon -the Things that were to be offer’d in Sacrifice, they said _Jesus -Christ_ had sanctified them, and then gave them to the People to worship -them[424].” _N. B._ I don’t apprehend how the _Learned Abbot_ makes them -bring in the Name _Jesus_ here, a Name which in the same Page he says, -they obliged their Proselytes to renounce. - -Footnote 423: - - _Bingh. Index Heret._ - -Footnote 424: - - _Calmet_’s _Histor. Dict._ vol. ii. p. 668. - -This strange Superstition seems to be derived from the Heathen, who at -the Feasts of _Bacchus_, used to carry a _Serpent_, and to cry, _Evia, -Evia_[425]: And _Evia_, says _Clemens Alexandrinus_, if it be asperated, -_Hevia_, signifies in the _Hebrew_, a _female Serpent_. Dr. _Lightfoot_ -observes, that there being no such Word in the _Hebrew_, _Clemens_ must -mean the _Chaldee_, in which _Hivia_ signifies a Serpent. - -Footnote 425: - - Ευια, ευια. - -2. The Reputation gain’d by the Serpent in Paradise, was heighten’d by -the wonderful Cures done by the brazen Serpent in the Wilderness. As -this strange Occurrence was capable of various Glosses, so it must -undergo different Constructions. The _Brazen Serpent_ was brought to -_Canaan_, where ’twas kept in remembrance of the miraculous Cures their -Forefathers had received from it in the Wilderness; and, ’tis probable, -the _Israelites_ themselves were the first that paid divine Honours to -it, and the Idolatry might begin in the days of the Judges; others say, -under the Kings of _Judah_[426]. - -Footnote 426: - - _Jurieu_, vol. ii. from _Rabbi Kimchi_, who says they burnt Incense to - it, from the time the Kings of _Judah_ had corrupted themselves ... - _in locum_. - -It lay quiet there, _until those Days, the Children of Israel burnt -Incense to it_. That is, from the days _Israel_ began to commit -Idolatry, to the days of _Hezekiah_; who, to prevent the Growth of that -Serpentine Idolatry, _brake in pieces the brazen Serpent that Moses had -made_. 2 Kings xviii. 4. - -The Sound of the strange Cures done by the _brazen Serpent_, soon spread -over the forsaken Nations, who, observing how the Wounded were healed by -looking at it, conceived it to be a proper Instrument to be their -Mediator, and consequently a fit Object for their Adoration, when even -the Wounded in _Israel_, by addressing to its Shadow, were healed. - -It is most probable, that the Adoration of Serpents by the Pagans, -sprung from these two Fountains, - -The _Wisdom of the Serpent_ in Paradise, and the _miraculous Cures_ done -by the _Shadow of a Serpent_ in the Wilderness; which were improved by -the Devil to secure his Honour and Interest, who wanted not Priests to -display the Glories of their Character, to make the Serpent honourable -in the sight of his Vassals. From hence, the _Egyptians_, _Phenicians_, -yea most Nations, did imagine the Serpent to have some _Divinity in its -Nature_, and for that reason (as hinted before) honour’d it with sacred -Homage; this the Devil did, with a view to lessen Men’s Esteem for the -Almighty Creator. - -Hence also some Men of superior Dignity have affected to be esteem’d -more than meer Men, making this as an Argument, that they were _begot by -Serpents_, as we observed already, therefore I shall only add, _viz._ - -That _Alexander the Great_, after he had taken _Rhodes_, _Egypt_ and -_Cilicia_, addrest _Jupiter Ammon_ to know his Original, for his Mother -_Olympias_ had confest to his Father _Philip_, that _Alexander_ was not -begot by him, but by a _Serpent_ of _vast Bulk_; whereupon _Philip_ was -divorced from his Wife _Olympias_, and _Alexander_ was saluted Son of -_Ammon_, and by Order of the Priests, his Companions were enjoin’d to -worship him as a _God_, and not as a _King_. - -_ALEXANDER_, when he had conquer’d _Darius_ III. surnam’d _Codomannus_, -and was possest of the _Persian_ Empire, writ to the _Grecians_, that -they should _decree him to be a God_. Hereupon several Decrees were -made: The _Lacedemonians_ exprest their Compliance in this short Decree, -_viz._ _Forasmuch as_ Alexander _would be a God, let him be a God_. Thus -with Laconick Brevity, fashionable among the _Lacedemonians_, they -humour’d and reproved the Pride of their King at once[427]. - -Footnote 427: - - Επειδἡ Αλεξανδρος βουλεται Θεδς ειναι εσο Θεος. Æliani variæ Hist. - lib. ii. cap. xix. - -_VARRO_ was of Opinion, that all gallant and heroick Men should believe -themselves, tho’ falsly, to issue from the Gods ... that upon this -Supposition, they might attempt great things with more Courage, and -prosecute them with more Ardency; and tho’ the Motive was but imaginary, -yet might produce glorious Effects[428]. When _Varro_ writ this, ’tis -probable he had _Alexander the Great_ in his view. - -Footnote 428: - - Ex Diis genitos—_Aug. de Civitate Dei._ cap. 4. - -Such is their Opinion of their King in _China_, that they think he is -descended from the Race of some Demi-God, and so adore him accordingly. -They believe there is some Divinity in his Blood, in so much that he -never marries any but his next Relatives, for fear of staining the Royal -Blood[429]. - -Footnote 429: - - _Howel_’s _Londinopolis_. p. 384. - -Among the Antients, Serpents were Emblems of Power; therefore -_Epaminondas_, the brave _Theban_ General, to encourage his Army against -a powerful Enemy, _bruised the Head of a Serpent_ before them as a -Prognostick of Victory. - -Thus King _James_ I. tho’ the _Dupe of all Christendom_, says a certain -Gentleman, yet was the grand Idol of the Court-Clergy. That Pedantry -which would have brought a School-Boy under the just Discipline of the -Rod, in him was represented by his parasitical Preferment-hunting -Ecclesiasticks, as divine Eloquence, and the Inspiration of the -Almighty.... - - - CHAPTER VI. - -_Reasons for worshipping hurtful as well as useful Creatures, founded on - a Notion of two eternal contrary Principles: They believe God was - good, and could not be the Author of moral Evil, therefore fram’d - the Ditheistical Doctrine; an Error, espoused by some primitive - Christians, confuted by the Sentence past upon the Serpent. Reasons - for worshipping different Species of Animals by the_ Egyptians. - - -Whence arises the Honour given by Heathens to different Species of -Beings, to the noxious and hurtful, as well as to the salutary and -beneficent Tribe? - -Probably, it might be from their observing the _Mixtures of Good and -Evil_ in the visible Creation, when as yet in their infantile State of -Knowledge: The reason of this they could not otherwise account for, but -by giving into the Notion of _two distinct independent governing -Powers_; the one a good, the other an evil Genius: accordingly they -worshipped Creatures that were useful, as being the Ministers of the -good Genius; and those that were hurtful they paid Homage to, out of -servile Fear, and to ingratiate themselves into their Favour. In the -Morning they worshipped the _celestial Gods_; in the Evening, the -_infernal_: On the Plain they worshipped the terrestrial Gods, on Hills -the supernatural; in Grotos and Caves, the infernal. - -Hence it is they asserted a Duplicity of Gods, _viz._ Two perceptive -self-existent Beings, one the Principle of Good, and the other of Evil. -This Opinion originally sprung from a strong, firm Persuasion, _That God -was invariably Good, and therefore could not possibly be the Author of -the Evil upon Earth_. Nor could they otherwise solve the Difficulty -about the Entrance of moral Evil into our World, but by supposing -another eternal self-existent evil Cause. - -Yea, some among the primitive Christians fell into the Error of -asserting this _Ditheistical_ Doctrine; that is, two self-existent -Principles in the Universe, to wit, a _good God_, and an _evil Demon_. -Thus the _Cerdonites_, an heretical Sect, that sprung up in the second -Century, held there were two Gods; one, the Author of all good, the -other, of all evil Things. So the _Marcionites_ held two contrary Gods; -and in the third Century, the _Manichees_ did the same. - -Perhaps, this might be one reason why God past Sentence upon the Devil -in the Serpent, in the presence and hearing of our first Parents, _viz._ -to prevent the Error of imagining that there was any Principle of Evil, -which was independent upon the Almighty. The Sentence past upon Satan in -the Curse upon the Serpent, was a Conviction to _Adam_ and _Eve_ of his -Dependency upon the Almighty Creator, before whose Tribunal he now was -constrained to appear, to receive the Sentence merited by those, who -make a Lye, and tempt their Fellow-creatures to rebel. - -_REASONS about the Adoration of different kind of Animals by the_ -Egyptians. - -If you ask, that if they worshipped a Serpent, why did they pay -religious Honours to so many other Beasts? I answer, This monstrous -Idolatry begun in _Egypt_, and the first occasion for it seems to be -this, _viz._ - -_OSIRIS_, a certain King of _Egypt_, who reign’d with great Equity and -Mildness, having divided his Kingdom into several distinct Provinces, -appointed Presidents over them, and in their Banners he placed the -Figures, or Pictures of certain Animals, that bore some Similitude to -the Peculiarities of those Countries, over which they were to preside: -Thus to the Governor, whose Land was proper for Tillage, he design’d an -_Ox_ in his Standard, to which the Inhabitants of that Place paid a -particular Veneration, which in process of time was worshipped by the -whole Nation, for its Usefulness, and as the Symbol of Agriculture: -Hence the Image of _Osiris_ is set off with Horns. - -The _golden Calf_ which _Aaron_ made in the Wilderness, and the Calves -set up by _Jeroboam_ to be worshipped in his Kingdom, were an Imitation -of the idolatrous Adoration, which the _Egyptians_ paid to their _Bull -Apis_. - -That part of the Country, in which was abundance of Water, the King set -a _Crocodile_ (an amphibious Animal) in his Banner, that was to govern -there, which was had in high Veneration, especially in the City of -_Mira_; and at last the _Crocodile_ was worshipped all over _Egypt_. - -Where the Country abounded with Wood, a _Dog_ was fixt in the Governor’s -Standard, to which the _Egyptians_ gave no little Veneration, especially -Sportsmen ... as the Poet observes[430]. - -Footnote 430: - - _Oppida tota canem venerantur, nemo Dianam._ - The Dog whole Towns, _Diana_ none implore. - - Juvenal. Satir. xv. - -That which gives some colour to this Partition of _Osiris_’s Kingdom, -is, “that God ordained very near the same thing to be observed in the -Encampments of the _Israelites_, when he divided the twelve Tribes into -four Bodies, and allotted to one of the three Tribes, belonging to each -Body, _the Figure of an Animal to be placed in the Banner_: Thus, that -of _Reuben_ carried the Figure of a _Man_; that of _Judah_, a _Lion_; -that of _Dan_, an _Eagle_; and that of _Ephraim_, an _Ox_[431]”. - -Footnote 431: - - _Jurieu’s Crit. Hist._ vol. ii. - -After this manner the _Egyptian_ Monarch did place in their Banners the -Figures of certain Animals, which by degrees were usher’d into their -Religion and Temples. _N. B._ These Banners thus painted with different -Animals, were fixt upon Poles, between their several Provinces, by which -their Bounds were determined. _Semiramis_, being conquered by -_Staurobates_, Antiquity feign’d she was changed by the Gods into a -Dove, the Bird of _Venus_, which is the reason why the _Dove_ was -worshipped by the _Babylonians_, and why they gave it in their Ensign. - -I Conclude this Part with some Instances, that are given of the -Sottishness of _Pagans_ in what they called religious Worship, which -indeed is almost incredible, if they were not common, and well -attested.—— The _Egyptians_ did not only worship variety of Beasts, but -also the Figures of them, as the Representatives of their Gods: Each -City and District entertain’d a peculiar Devotion for some particular -Beast or other, in honour of which they built Temples; yea, every one of -the _Pagan Deities_ had his own Beast, Tree and Plant consecrated to -him. Thus the _Pigeon_ was consecrated to _Venus_; the _Dragon_ and -_Owl_ to _Minerva_; the _Eagle_ to _Jupiter_; the _Cock_ to _Æsculapius_ -and the _Sun_. This, says _Jurieu_, is the true Origin of the _Egyptian -Idolatry_. _Ibid._ Who adds, The _Egyptians_ assign’d to their Gods -certain Animals, as their Representatives, and being introduced into the -Temples, as the Images were in some Christian Churches, they at last -began to worship them. This points out the Impiety of admitting any -symbolical Representations of Divinity into Places of publick Worship. - -Nothing more monstrous than the _Divinity_ of the _Pagans_; their Gods -were innumerable. Every thing on _Earth_, in the _Sea_, in the -_Heavens_, yea, and in _Hell_, had their _peculiar Gods_. If -_Egyptians_, who past for the wisest of Mortals, paid religious -Adoration to _meer Animals_, not only to Serpents, but Apes, Wolves, -yea, Dogs, Cats, ... and to Vegetables, as Onions, Garlick ... what -shall we think of stupid Nations, who had no Claim to Wisdom? - -Even in _Athens_ (that celebrated Fountain of Light) were more Idols -than in all _Greece_; yea, so numerous were their Idols, that they had -almost as many Gods as Men[432]. - -Footnote 432: - - Facilius possis Deum, quam hominem invenire. - -_STRABO_, _Procopius_, and _Ben Jonas_ say, the antient _Persians_ kept -and worshipped their _perpetual Fire_ on Mount _Albors_, a Branch of -_Caucasus_. The _Japonese_ worship the Devil, and the Head of their -Religion is called _Dair_, whom they worship as a God. _Atlas._ - -I Should rather think the _Persians_ ador’d the supreme God, under the -Image of _Fire_, by reason ’tis Fire gives Motion to every thing in -Nature, and therefore they made it an Emblem of Divinity. - -The _Hebrews_ kept up the _holy Fire_ in the _Temple_, and the _Vestals_ -were appointed to keep the sacred Fire of the _Romans_. - -_VULCAN_ was worshipped among the Antients, and particularly the -_Egyptians_, as the _Inventor of Fire_. - -The People of _Egypt_ exceeded most Nations in depreciating Divinity by -gross Superstitions and Idolatry; they did not err in worshipping -Mortals only, but they gave Reverence to Beasts, Birds, Insects, Winds, -Earth, Water, Air, Fire, Plants, _&c._ whom _Rhodius Anaxandrides_, one -of themselves, derides in this manner: - - _I sacrifice to God the Beef, which you adore; - I broil th’_ Egyptian _Eels, which you as God implore_. - _You fear to eat the Flesh of Swine, I find it sweet: - You worship Dogs, to beat them I think meet, - When they my Store devour.[433]_—— - -Footnote 433: - - Bovem colis, ego Deis macto Bovem; - Tu maximum anguillam, Deum putas: ego, - Obsoniorum credidi, suavissimum, - Carnes suillas, tu caves, at gaudeo - His maximè. Canem colis, quem verbero. - Edentem, ubi deprehendo, forte obsonium. - -Thus _Juvenal_, another Heathen Poet, ridicules their religious -Fooleries: - - _Oh happy Nations! which, of their own sowing, - Have store of Gods, in ev’ry Garden growing.[434]_ - -Footnote 434: - - Porrum & cæpe nefas violare & frangere morsu, - Oh sanctas gentes quibus hæc nascuntur in hortis - Numina!—— - - _Sat._ xv. _l._ 8, 9, 10. - -The Images of the Gods, says _Seneca_, are worshipped; these they pray -unto and adore, and while they greatly admire them, at the same time -despise the Workmen that made them[435]. Which also _Sedulius_ their -Poet scoffs at, saying,——Who worship Vanities ... despise their own -Maker ... fear the Works of their own Hands.... What Madness! that Man -should ugly Shapes adore, of Bulls, Birds, Dragons, the vile Half-Dog, -or Half-Man, on Knees for Aid implore[436].—— - -Footnote 435: - - Simulachra Deorum venerantur——fabros qui ilia fecêre, contemnunt. - -Footnote 436: - - Heu miseri vana colunt——ut volucrem, turpemque Bovem, torvumque - Draconem, sem-hominemque canem supplex homo pronus adoret. - -Yet among the Nations were some who thought it Impiety to represent -their Gods by Images, as the _Persians_, _Indian Brachmans_, _&c._[437] -Yea, the _Romans_, for 170 Years, would not allow Images in their -Temples, observing the Law of _Numa_. It was _Tarquinius Priscus_ that -followed the Vanity of the _Grecians_ (a Nation of all others, excepting -_Egypt_, most deluded by the old Serpent) set up the Images of their -Gods, which even the Learned _Varro_ bewailed and condemned. The -_Mahometans_ have a perfect Aversion to Images. The _Jews_ hate all -Images, will not allow any in their Houses, much less in Places of -Worship. But to proceed: - -Footnote 437: - - _Hospinian. de Origine Imaginum._ - -The apostate _Indians_ worship both Gods and Devils, over which they -acknowledge a Supreme, who sends forth other Deities as his Deputies; -which they think to be the Souls of good Men; and Devils, the Souls of -the Wicked.... They imagine the Sun and Moon to be Gods; their Idols are -represented as Monsters of the kind[438]. - -Footnote 438: - - _Atlas Asia._ page 662. - -“In the Kingdom of _Pegu_ in the East, the People are exceeding -superstitious, and scruple not to worship the Devil, whom they reckon -the Author of Evil; as they do God, of Good: And in all Calamities, -their first Addresses are to the evil Spirit, for Deliverance; and they -make Vows to him, which they perform upon their Recovery, with the -Assistance of their Priests, whom they call the Devil’s Father, and he -directs them to make sacred Feasts with Musick.” Many of them run about -in the Morning with a Torch in one Hand, and Rice in the other; -pretending to give the Devil his Breakfast, that he may not hurt them -that Day. Others at their Meals, throw part of what they have over their -Shoulders, to feed him, before they eat any themselves. _Ibid._ p. 662. - -At _Tavay_ in that Country, they replenish their Houses with Victuals, -and leave them for three Months, that the Devils may dwell and feed -there, and be favourable all the rest of the Year. _ibid._ They have a -sort of Monks called _Talapoins_, who endeavour to root out this Devil -Worship, but without effect. - -The _Aruspices_, were an _Order_ of _Priests_ among the antient -_Romans_, who pretended to foretell Events, chiefly by inspecting the -Entrails of Beasts killed in Sacrifice ... Birds, and celestial -Appearances. _Cato_, who was one of the _Augurs_, conscious of their -impious Politicks, used to say, _He wondered how one Priest could look -at another without laughing in his Face_. These Augural Priests made a -College, or Community; they bore an Augural Staff or Wand, called -_Lituus_, made in form of a _Crozier_, or a Bishop’s Staff, or -Shepherd’s Crook, as the Ensign of their Office and Authority—— And what -is most ridiculous is, that no Affair of Moment could be resolved upon, -without first consulting these holy Cheats; and their Advice, be what it -would, was by a Decree of the Senate appointed to be exactly and -religiously observed. _Ornithomancy_, or Divination by Birds, was, among -the _Greeks_, the same with _Augury_ among the _Romans_. - -At _Angola_ and _Congo_ in the _East-Indies_, wooden Idols, resembling -Negroes, are erected in the midst of their Towns, which they daily -worship. ’Tis their Belief they are never sick, but when their Idols are -angry with them; therefore to appease them, they pour at their Feet the -_Wine of Palms_. They wash, paint, and new cloath their Dead, and bury -with them Meat, Drink, and some of their Goods, and sprinkle the Grave -with the Blood of Goats. Their Priests are in such high Esteem, that -they think Plenty and Famine, Life and Death, are in their power[439]. - -Footnote 439: - - See _Purchas_. - -The old Inhabitants of _Virginia_ believed many Gods, but one -principally, who made the rest ... and that the Woman was made before -the Man, and propagated by the Help of one of the inferior Gods. The -Natives are _Anthropomorphites_, giving to their Gods the Forms of -Men.... When they go abroad, they carry their Gods about with them, and -in Matters of Doubt ask Counsel of them. Much of their Devotion consists -in howling and dancing about Fires, with Rattles in their Hands. -_Quære_, Whether this Custom be not the Original of Castanets or -Snappers in Dancing[440]? - -Footnote 440: - - _Hackluit in Purchas._ - -Another Instance of monstrous Degeneracy, we have among the -_Phenicians_, who offer’d yearly Sacrifices to _Saturn_ of young -_Infants_; and in the Temple of _Venus_, practised not only Whoredom, -but the most unnatural Sin of Sodomy also; yea, by the Laws of their -Religion, were bound to prostitute their Daughters to _Venus_, before -they married them: In their Temple the Women who refused to be shaved, -were obliged to yield up their Honour to Strangers for one day. - -In the Country, now called _New Spain_, the old Inhabitants would -neither eat nor drink, till they had cast towards the Sun, some part of -their Food; nor would they smell a Flower, without throwing up in the -Air some Leaves of it, thereby acknowledging the Gods to be their great -Benefactors: Tho’ this be ridiculous, yet having an Air of religious -Gratitude, it is commendable. Among other Idols ador’d at _Mexico_, they -had one called _Vitziliputzli_, placed in an azure colour’d Chair, with -_Serpent’s Heads_ at each Corner. - -Yea the Pagans, to authorize their own Crimes, and justify their vicious -Lives, have constituted licentious, drunken, vicious Gods, _&c._ -Instances of this kind we have in their religious Institutions, as the -_Saturnalia_ of the _Romans_, which were Feasts sacred to the God -_Saturn_: This Feast was observed in _December_, at first kept for one -day, then for three days, and afterwards for seven days. So sacred was -this Festival, that while it lasted, no Criminals were to be executed, -no War to begin.... And yet at the same time, a Sanction was given to -universal Debauchery; all Rules of Virtue and common Decency were -intirely banished, and all things run into a wild Scene of Distraction -and Lewdness, and all this under the Umbrage of doing Honour to their -Gods[441]. - -Footnote 441: - - Uno die ... trium dierum ... septem dierum ... Bellum fumere nefas - habitum——_Macrobii opera_, _Londini_, A. D. 1694. p. 155, 160, 168. - -The same Game was acted in the _Lupercalian_ Feasts, instituted in -honour of the God _Pan_ (under the shape of a _Goat_) whose Priests, on -the Morning of the Feast, ran naked thro’ the Streets, striking the -married Women they met, on the Hands and Belly with _Straps_ cut out of -_Goats Skins_, which was held an Omen, promising Fruitfulness, and happy -Deliveries. - -I shall only add the _Bacchanalian_ Feasts, celebrated in honour of -_Bacchus_, the God of Wine, and Master of the Revels; sometimes called -_Orgia_[442], from a _Greek_ Word that signifies Anger and Rage, because -in the Celebration of it, People acted in so raging and furious a -manner, as if they had been absolutely distracted. These religious -Feasts were not only encumber’d with a great number of Ceremonies, but -attended with most notorious Dissoluteness; for Men and Women met at -them, all naked, except their Heads and Hips, that were shaded with Vine -Leaves. - -Footnote 442: - - Οργη - -The Women, who were installed Priestesses, during this Feast, ran thro’ -the Streets, and other Places, cover’d with Tyger’s Skins, Scepters in -one Hand, and Torches in the other, howling and roaring out the Praise -of _Bacchus_, with Hair dishevell’d, dangling about their Shoulders. -They were call’d _Mœnades_ from their Madness, _Thyades_ from their -Rage, _Bacchæ_ from their Intemperance. - -The Poets tell us, that in the _Bacchanalian Train_, were a Croud of -_Nymphs_ and _Naiades_, a sort of Heathen Divinities; some crown’d with -Ivy, their Hair loose, and intermix’d with Snakes, clothed with the -Skins of Beasts, and girt about with large Serpents, and running -frantick in the Woods and Mountains. - -In short, their sacred Games, Festivals, and Sacrifices, were little -more than drunken Banquets, nocturnal Revels, tumultuous Dancings, all -wild, ridiculous and extravagant. - - - _F I N I S._ - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - -[Illustration] - - - - - INDEX - - - A. - _ACONTIA_ Serpent, (the Figure, Plate 4;) why call’d a flying Serpent, - 81 - _Adam_, why not made impeccable, 171 - —— Converse betwixt him and Angels, 173 - —— in Innocency put in mind of Death, 181 - —— his Fall described by _Pagans_, 182, 3 - —— —— —— —— by _Mahometans_, 184 - _Adder_; see _Viper_. (the Figure, Plate 1) - _Agnasen_ Serpent, 132 - _Air_, ador’d by _Pagans_, 210 - _Alexander the Great_, and _Alexander the Little_, 140 - _Amodytes_ Serpent, describ’d, 53, 4 - _Amphisbæna_, a two-headed Serpent, describ’d, 72 - —— Instances of one in _Oxfordshire_, and in _Chiapa_ in _America_, - [TN] - _Ambua_ Serpent, 107 - _Ameiva_ Serpent, 122 - _Americina_, 122 - _Anacandia_ Serpent, [TN] - _Ants_, their Penetration, 8 - —— in _America_ great Master-Builders, 8, 132 - —— Remarkable Sorts in the _East-Indies_, 8 - _Anguis laqueus_, or the Ensnaring-Serpent, 136 - _Animals_, turn’d into Gods by _Pagans_, 213 - —— Their Adoration ridicul’d by some of themselves, 215, 236, 237 - _Apollo_, catechis’d for his dubious Answers, 77 - —— His She-Priest, _ibid._ - _Apotheosis_, or Deification describ’d, 223 - _Asp_, (the Figure, Plate 2,) described, 59 - —— Its Foresight, 60 - —— A Poem on the Asp and its Poison, 61 - —— Highly venerated among the _Egyptians_, 70 - _Attaligatus_ Serpent, 134 - - - B. - _Basilisk_ Serpent, (the Figure, Plate 3) describ’d, 78 - —— why call’d King of Serpents, 79 - —— (_African_, Plate 3) - _Battle_ of the Gods, 212 - _Bees_, (the Figure, Plate 5) their Sagacity, great Geometricians, 8 - —— Their Sting describ’d, 148 - _Birds_, why some here only in Winter, and others only in Summer, 7 - _Biobi_, or green Serpent describ’d, 103 - _Bibera_ Serpent, 107 - _Bitin_ Serpent, 137 - _Blowing_ Serpent, 130 - _Boignacu_ Serpent, very beautiful, 106 - _Boytiapua_ Serpent, 108 - —— An Instrument of Conjuration, 109 - _Bomsnake_ Serpent, 109 - _Boicupecanga_ Serpent, prickle-back’d, 110 - _Boitiapo_ Serpent, 117 - _Brochet de Torre_, or Land-pike, 124 - _Brimstone_ Snake, 130 - - - C. - _Cabiri_, characteriz’d, 81 - _Caudisonant_, or Rattle-Snake, (the Figure, Plate 7) describ’d, 91 - —— Its Wounds and Cures, 92 - _Cameleon_, (the Figure, Plate 5) describ’d; the reason why it appears - in a change of Colours, 96 - —— Why call’d a living Skin, 97 - _Canina_ Serpent, describ’d, 103 - —— A Domestick Animal, 104 - _Camruana_ Serpent, 108 - _Carapobeba_, 122 - _Cæcilia_ Serpent describ’d, why call’d blind, 80 - _Cencris_ Serpent describ’d, why call’d miliary, 80, 1 - _Cerastes_, (the Figure, Plate 1) describ’d, the Executioner of - Justice, 54, 5 - _Ceylon_, a Land of Delights, 113 - _Ceylonic Hotambæia_ Serpent, 115 - _Chickens_, produc’d by artificial Heat, 6, 147 - _Chastity_ conjugal, how try’d, 55 - _Charming_ of Serpents, various Instances, 62, 3 - —— of Rats, a remarkable Instance in _Germany_, 65 - —— of Serpents, by a Wand, 65 - _Cheese_, an odd Custom in Antiquity about it, 129 - _Chicken_ Snake, 131 - _Cherubims_, Emblems of Mercy and Justice, 175, 6 - _Christ_’s Death, publish’d before that of _Adam_, 180 - _Cleopatra_, her own Executioner by a Serpent, 34, 60, 61 - _Cloth_, wash’d in Fire, 95 - _Cobres Capellos_ Serpent, describ’d, 90 - _Colour_ Green, why hated by the _Turks_, 108 - —— Blue, why hated by the _Persians_, 109 - _Cordylus_, a noxious Reptile, 121 - _Corn_ Snake, 129 - _Crocodile_, (the Figure, Plate 5) describ’d at large, 118 - —— eats Stones, _ibid._ - —— venerated in _Egypt_, _ibid._ - —— the occasion of a War, _ibid._ - —— a Judge of Controversies, 119 - —— the manner of destroying it, 120 - —— Symbol of the Deity, 178 - _Creation_, a Poem, 162 - _Cuckold_, its Origin, 54 - _Cuckow_ Spittle, Grashoppers hatch’d in it, 108 - _Cucurijuba_, a Serpent monstrous, 110 - - - D. - _Darkness_, the Destruction of Colours, 71 - _Dæmons_ explain’d, 205 - _Devil_ ador’d, 236, 238 - _Distempers_ cur’d by manual Touch, 56, 7 - _Dipsas_ Serpent, describ’d; its Wounds bring incurable Thirst, 85 - _Dogs_, superiour to Men in the Sense of Smelling, 66 - —— the manner of Sensation philosophically explain’d, 67 - —— Providence vindicated in that matter, 68 - _Dopon_ Serpent, 133 - _Dragons_ describ’d, various Sorts and Forms, 74 - —— monstrous one slain by _Gozon_, Knight, by a strange contrivance, 75 - —— another slain by the _Roman_ Army, 76 - _Dragon_, _Pythian_, Guardian of the _Delphick_ Oracle, _ibid._ - _Dragons_, Guardians of Treasures, 78 - —— winged, describ’d, (the Figure, Plate 2), 192 - —— _Æthiopian_, (the Figure, Plate 2) - _Druina_ Serpent, describ’d, 83 - - - E. - _Eagles_, how they take their Prey, 145 - _Ecatoth_, or Serpent-of-the-Wind, 135 - _Eggs_, the reason of Propagation by them, 5 - —— the Method wonderful, _ibid._ - _Egg_, Symbol of the World, 6 - _Eggs_ hatch’d in Ovens, the Young ones generally imperfect, _ibid._ - —— mysterious Egg. - _Egg_, a surprizing Compound, 128 - —— the White of it a most singular Menstruum, _ibid._ - —— how reduc’d to the likeness of Poison, _ibid._ - _Egyptians_, a People of Contradiction, 60 - —— whipp’d their inattentive Gods, 60 - _Elephantia_ Serpents, why so call’d, 86 - _Elops_ Serpent, (the Figure, Plate 3) describ’d, 84 - _Elephants_, Creatures of great Bulk, 86 - —— subject to Resentment, Instances of it, 87 - —— a Battle betwixt them and Serpents, 91 - _Ethetulla_ Serpent, 113 - _Eve_, how she came to converse with the Serpent, 174 - —— her Converse with it before the Account of _Moses_ very probable, - 177 - —— a Negative would have preserv’d her Innocence, 179 - - - F. - _Faith_, the Magnet of Magicians, 64 - _Fascinating_ Eyes, 41 - _Fish_, how they breathe in Water, 1 - _Fire_, ador’d, 211, 236 - _Funerals_, their first Institution, 181 - - - G. - _Generation_ equivocal exploded, 4 - _Ghalghulawa_ Serpent, 114 - _Giraupiagara_ Serpent, 108 - _Gobe Moujes_, 124 - _Gods_, Men transformed into them, 201 - —— inanimate Things turn’d into them, 207 - _Goddesses_, Women transform’d into them, 206 - _Golden_ Calf, 214 - _Grotto di Cani_, a particular Account of it, 25, 6 - —— —— Experiments made in it by Mr. _Addison_, 26 - _Grotto de i Serpi_, a remarkable subterraneous Cavern, and Hospital - for particular Diseases, 38 - _Ground_ Rattle-Snake, 125 - _Griffin_ describ’d, 145 - _Guaku_, or _Lyboya_ Serpent describ’d, one of the most monstrous, 102 - - - H. - _Harus_ Serpent, 138 - _Heathens_, their Fictions about Punishments in Hell, 49 - —— their Opinion about Heaven, 50 - _Hereditary_ Right, the Title, how try’d, 56 - _Hemorrhous_, (the Figure, Plate 1) describ’d; its Wounds force the - Blood out thro’ every Pore of the Body, 57 - _Horse_-Tail, a _Turkish_ Standard, the Original of it, 81 - _Hooded_, or Monk Serpent, 115 - _Horn_ Snake, 126 - _Hornet_, (the Figure, Plate 7) describ’d, 148 - _Hydrus_, or Water-Snake, 126, 141, 2 - - - I. - _Japonians_, their way of punishing Christians, 47 - _Jararaka_ Serpent, describ’d, 103 - _Jacore_ Lizard, [TN] - _Ibiara_ Serpent, describ’d, 99 - _Ibitobaca_ Serpent, (the Figure, Plate 4) describ’d, 102 - _Ibiboboca_ Serpent, describ’d. - _Ibizacoan_ Serpent, Cure of its Wound very singular, 106 - _Idolatry_, the Original of it, 197 - —— more ancient than Image-Worship, 198 - —— the Incentives to it, 199 - _Jeboya_ Serpent, 108 - _Images_, why _Laban_ call’d them Gods, 203 - _Inchantment_ by noxious Herbs, _&c._ 47 - _Indian_ Prince, a very remarkable Saying of his about _Spanish_ - Cruelty, 133 - _Insects_, little, great Executioners, 139 - —— various Instances, _ibid._ - _Iquanna_ Serpent, describ’d, 102 - _Iron_, one of the hardest Metals, yet the most brittle, 130 - _Israel_, why punish’d by Serpents, 188 - —— why punish’d by fiery Serpents, _ibid._ - - - K. - _Kakaboya_ Serpent, 106 - _Kingdom_ won by an Heroick Answer, 58 - _King_ Snake, 129 - —— Sashes made of its Skin, _ibid._ - _Koko_ Serpent, a Representation of the _French_ Monarch, 58, 9 - _Kukuruki_ Serpent, describ’d, 99 - - - L. - _Lancashire_ Beauties, 69 - _Lacertus viridis_, or green Lizard, 121 - _Les Anoles_ Serpent, 123 - _Les Roquet_ Serpent, _ibid._ - _Light_, how the Sensation of it is produc’d, 71 - —— all Colours depend upon it, 71 - _Long_ black-Snake, 127 - - - M. - _Magical_ Balls, 46, 7 - _Magick_ Art, the Original of it, 68 - —— its Degeneracy, 68, 9 - —— surprizing Instances of magick Wit, 69 - _Magick_ Egg, _ibid._ - _Magicians_, St. _Matthew_’s wise Men in their time, 70 - _Manima_ Serpent, monstrous, 111 - _Malcarabeta_ Serpent, 113 - _Malpolon_ Serpent, _ibid._ - _Manballa_ Serpent, 114 - _Maboujas_, 123 - —— , an Emblem of the old Serpent, 124 - _Macacoatl_, an horned Serpent, 132 - _Marine_ Dragon, or Serpent, 143 - _Men_, Giants and Pygmies among ’em, 16 - _Mexico_, two unparallel’d Instances of Cruelty, one by the _Mexican_, - the other by _Spanish_ Priests, 100, 1 - _Milk_, its wonderful Nature describ’d, 128 - _Mithridate_, the Original of its Name, 40, 5 - _Monoxillo_, or Mucronated-Serpent, 137 - _Musk_ Serpent, 116 - _Musk_ Rats, and Musk Cats, _ibid._ - _Musk_, a short Account of it, 116, 17 - _Musick_, its wonderful Effects on the Mind and the Body in several - remarkable Instances, 156 to 160 - —— Conjectures about medicinal Cures by it, 164 - - - N. - _Natrix-Torquata_ Snake, (the Figure, Plate 5), 142 - _Nintipolonga_ Serpent, 114 - _Noya_ Serpent, 90 - - - O. - _Obsidian_ Stones, Looking-Glasses made of them, 105 - _Opium_, the Darling of the _Turks_, 21 - _Orators_, as well as Poets enthusiastical, 64 - _Oracular_ Answers, various Opinions about them, 77 - _Otus_ Serpent, 133 - - - P. - _Pareas_ Serpent describ’d, 84 - _Paper_, that is incombustible, 95 - _Parrot_, a rational Dialogue betwixt it and Prince _Maurice_, 144, 5 - _Parthians_, the best Fighters when retreating, 132 - _Paradise_, Self-denial a Duty there, 180 - —— Threatnings necessary there, 181 - _Pagan_ Fables founded on the Writings of _Moses_, 182 - _Persian_ Kings, their _Recipe_ for an easy Death, 70 - _People_, without Fraud, 125 - —— have no Name for it, _ibid._ - _Pimbera_ Serpent, describ’d, 90 - _Pluto_, his Attendants and Executioners cover’d with Snakes, as the - _Harpies_, _Furies_, _Cerberus_, _Chimæra_, 47, 48, 49 - _Poison_, vegetable Instances of it, 19, 20 - —— Mineral, various Instances in Damps from Copper, Mercury, Tin, Lead, - 22, 23 - —— Animal, Debates about the Seat of it in Serpents, 26, 7 - —— various Remedies for it, as Oil, experimented on one _William - Oliver_, bit by a Serpent; _Lichen Cinereus Terrestris_, _Venice_ - Treacle, and several Vegetables, _&c._, 29, 30, 31, 145 - —— one Drop of it a Match for a Sea of Blood, 32 - —— when not dangerous, 33 - —— exhaustible in Serpents by quick repeated Acts, but soon recruited, - 35 - _Poetical_ Apology for a Sot, 73, 4 - _Polonga_ Serpent, describ’d, 90 - _Priests_, their Genius for Cruelty. See _Mexico_. - _Prussians_ and _Lithuanians_, Serpent-Worshippers, 226 - - - R. - _Rattle_-Snake. _Vid._ Caudisonant. - _Red_-belly Snake, 126 - _Red_-back Snake, 127 - _Rivers_ ador’d, 210 - _Rubetarian_ Serpent, 143 - —— —— loud and pretty, _ibid._ - - - S. - _Sandals_, used by the Ladies, 208 - _Salamander_, (the Figure, Plate 5,) described, 92 - —— how said to live in the Fire, 93 - —— _Corvini_’s Experiment upon one, 94 - _Salamander’s-Wool_, 95 - —— —— Shrouds made of it for Kings, 95 - _Satan_, why punish’d under the Figure of a Serpent, 185 - _Scorpions_, (the Figure, Plate 7,) Countries destroy’d by them, as in - _Æthiopia_, _Amyclæ_ a Town in _Italy_, _Pescara_ an ancient City in - _Italy_, _India_, 45, 6 - —— their various Kinds, Sizes, and malignant Nature, 87, 8 - —— the _Persians_ curse by them, 88 - _Scytale_ Serpent, (the Figure, Plate 2,) described, 70 - —— —— an Aggregate of charming Colours, 71 - _Scolopendra_, (the Figure, Plate 5,), 151 - _Serpents_, general Description of them, 2 - —— their Mode of Propagation viviparous and oviparous, 4, 5 - —— their Sagacity, with regard to their different Lodgments, 6, 7, 172 - —— during Winter, sleep with open Eyes, 7 - —— their Enemies, _viz._ Eagle, Hawk, Stork, Ibis, Ichneumon, Magaure, - and some Vegetables, 10, 11 - —— Dust, not their original Food. A moral Reflection upon it, 12 - —— their Food, which they swallow whole, 12, 13 - —— their Size, some monstrous, others remarkably small, 13, 14, 15, 16, - 146 - —— their Apparatus for Motion curious, 17 - —— their Skin an elegant Composition, 18 - —— of special Service to Mankind, of great Use in Physick, various at - home and abroad, 36, 7 - —— the common Food of many Nations in _Europe_, _Asia_, _Africa_, - _America_, 38 to 40 - —— Instruments of divine and human Vengeance, 44 - —— _Jewish_ Camp infested with them, 44 - —— Victory gain’d by them on Sea and Land, 46 - _Serpent_, its Contest with St. _Paul_, 44 - _Seps_, (the Figure, Plate 1,) why call’d the putrid Serpent, 58 - _Serpens Indicus Coronatus_, 112 - _Serpens Putorius_, 113 - The Sea _Serpent_, (the Figure, Plate 6) - _Serpent_ de Boa, 144 - Mistress of _Serpents_, (the Figure, Plate 6) - _Serpent_, an Account of a remarkable one in _Lancashire_, 144 - _Serpent_ in Paradise, various Opinions about it, 168 - _American_ Serpent, (the Figure, Plate 3) - _Serpent_ brazen, 191, 2 - —— prefigur’d Christ, 194 - —— _Israel_, why cured by it, 195 - _Serpents_, the Adoration of them, 216 to 227 - —— Reasons for that Worship, 228 - —— Worshippers of ’em among Christians, 229 - _Shrew_-Serpent, 151 - _Shekina_ describ’d, 187 - _Silence_, a Pythagorick Rudiment, 112 - —— the Safety of _Venice_, 112 - _Sin_, its first Entrance, 168 - _Sleep_, a living Death, 70 - _Snake_ common, (the Figure, Plate 4) describ’d, 85 - _Spiders_, (the Figure, Plate 5) - —— Black, (the Figure, Plate 4,) their various Kinds, 149 - —— their Autumn Webs, 150 - —— _American_, 150 - _Stellio_, 123 - _Stupid_ Serpent, 136 - —— —— a living Loadstone, as describ’d by some, 136 - _Sun_ and Moon, chief Deities of the _Pagans_, 209 - _Swamp_ Snakes, 126 - - - T. - _Tarciboya_ Serpent, 106 - _Tapayaxin_ Serpent, 121 - _Taraguira_, 121 - _Taraquico Aycuraba_ Serpent, 122 - _Tapayaxin_ Serpent, 137 - _Tapayaxin_ Serpent, the Friend of Man, 137 - _Tamacolin_ Serpent, of the Toad kind, 138 - _Tame_ and tractable Serpent, 140 - _Tarantula_, (the Figure, Plate 7,) its Poison and Cure by Musick; the - Manner how, 151 to 155 - _Teuthlacokauqui_ in _Mexico_, call’d the Fortress of the Serpents, - describ’d, 100 - _Tetzawhcoatl_ Serpent, 104 - _Terpomongo_ Serpent, 111 - —— —— a Symbol of Friendship, _ibid._ - _Tejuguacu_, 121 - _Tejunhana_ Serpent, 122 - _Tetzaucoatl_, or the rare Serpent, 139 - _Teraphim_, explain’d, 202 - _Tleoa_, or _Tetloa_ Serpent, 140 - —— an Inhabitant of the Mountains, 141 - _Toads_, as large as Cats and Dogs, 138 - _Tzicatlinan_ Serpent, 132 - —— —— the Darling of the Ladies, _ibid._ - - - V. - _Vegetation_, none without Air, 3 - _Vegetables_, sleep in Winter, 7, 8 - —— worshipped, 212 - _Vectis_, 131 - _Vipers_, different from the Snake, 52 - —— a Battle betwixt one and a Magpye, 52 - —— Battle betwixt one and a Dog, 53 - —— don’t eat after they are taken, 53 - _Vipera Indica Tricolor Major_, 112 - _Vipera Zelanica Minor, Maculis eleganter Variegata_, 112 - _Unison_, its Wonders, 160, 1 - - - W. - _Wasps_, (the Figure, Plate 7,) describ’d, 148 - _Wepelon_ Serpent, 115 - _Woman_ with two Horns, 54 - _Women_ warlike, 129 - —— the hard Condition of their Marriage, _ibid._ - _Words_, their Efficacy, Instance of it in _Cæsar_, 63, 4 - _Worms_, Instances of Execution by them, 134, 5 - _Worship_ of hurtful Creatures, why, 233 - —— of different Animals in _Egypt_, the Reasons, 234 - - - Y. - _Yellow_ Snake, 130 - - - _F I N I S._ - - -[Illustration] - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - ● Transcriber’s Notes: - ○ There are several index entries that have no page reference - attached to them. - ○ There is a missing footnote here. - ○ These corrections have been made to this text when the target - could be unambiguously identified. - ○ The heirarchy of the different divisions (Part, Section, Chapter) - is not clear. 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} - </style> - </head> - <body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of An essay towards a natural history of serpents, by Charles Owen</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: An essay towards a natural history of serpents</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Charles Owen</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: January 16, 2023 [eBook #69818]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: deaurider, Barry Abrahamsen, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN ESSAY TOWARDS A NATURAL HISTORY OF SERPENTS ***</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div> - <h1 class='c001'>AN<br /><em class='gesperrt'><span class='c002'>ESSAY</span></em><br />TOWARDS A<br /><span class='c003'>NATURAL HISTORY</span><br />OF<br /><em class='gesperrt'><span class='c004'>SERPENTS</span></em>:<br /><span class='c005'>IN TWO PARTS</span>.</h1> -</div> -<p class='c006'>I. The First exhibits a general View of <span class='sc'>Serpents</span>, in their various -Aspects; such as their Kinds, Bulk, Food, Motion, Propagation, Coverture, -Colours. In which is inserted a short Account of Vegetable, -Mineral, and Animal Poison, particularly that of the <span class='sc'>Serpent</span>; and -its Cure in various Nations; where also the <span class='sc'>Serpent</span> is used as -Food and Physick.</p> -<p class='c007'>II. The Second gives a View of most <span class='sc'>Serpents</span> that are known in the -several Parts of the World; described by their various Names, different -Countries, and Qualities.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='c008'>Illustrated with <span class='sc'>Copper-Plates</span>, Engraved by the <span class='sc'>Best Hands</span>.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>III. To which is added a Third Part; containing Six <span class='sc'>Dissertations</span> -upon the following Articles, as collateral to the Subject.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>1. Upon the <span class='sc'>Primeval Serpent</span> in <span class='sc'>Paradise</span>.</div> - <div class='line'>2. The <span class='sc'>Fiery Serpents</span> that infested the Camp of <span class='sc'>Israel</span>.</div> - <div class='line'>3. The <span class='sc'>Brazen Serpent</span> erected by <span class='sc'>Moses</span>.</div> - <div class='line'>4. The <span class='sc'>Divine Worship</span> given to <span class='sc'>Serpents</span> by the <span class='sc'>Nations</span>.</div> - <div class='line'>5. The <span class='sc'>Origin</span> and <span class='sc'>Reason</span> of that <span class='sc'>Monstrous Worship</span>.</div> - <div class='line'>6. Upon the <span class='sc'>Adoration</span> of different Kinds of <span class='sc'>Beasts</span> by the <span class='sc'>Egyptians</span>, with divers Instances of the same Stupidity in other Nations.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>The whole intermix’d with Variety of <span class='sc'>Entertaining Digressions</span>, <span class='sc'>Philosophical</span> and <span class='sc'>Historical</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c010' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='c011'>By <span style="letter-spacing: 5px;"><i>CHARLES OWEN</i> D. D.</span></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c010' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span style="letter-spacing: 5px;"><i>LONDON</i>:</span></div> - <div>Printed for the <span style="letter-spacing: 5px;">AUTHOR.</span></div> - <div>Sold by <span class='sc'>John Gray</span>, at the <i>Cross-Keys</i> in the <i>Poultry</i>, near <i>Cheapside</i>.</div> - <div>M.DCC.XLII.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c012' /> -</div> -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_iii'>iii</span> -<img src='images/i003.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><span class='c008'><em class='gesperrt'>TO</em></span></div> - <div><span class='c004'>Sir <i>Hans Sloane</i> Bar<sup>t</sup>.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>SIR</i>,</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Serpent [<i>Subject</i> of the following -Sheets,] being one part of your -celebrated and expensive Collection -of Rarities, naturally leads me to beg the -Honour of your Name to grace its Entrance -into the publick World.</p> - -<p class='c013'>I can’t enter into the vanity of thinking, -that the Book can be any improvement to -one who has been so long and laborious an -Enquirer after Truth, and penetrated so far -<span class='pageno' id='Page_iv'>iv</span>into the Empire of Nature: but as in Divinity, -a willing Mind; so in Learning, the -best Endeavour will be accepted. And tho’ -the Book cannot recommend it self to you, -your Name may recommend it to others.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Happy are the Times, when Knowledge -is the study of those who have superior Abilities -for it: Happy therefore is the present -Age, that has you, among many other Learned, -so eminent an Encourager of it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Tho’ elevated Minds direct all their concern -to what they <i>should be</i>, and not to any -Applause for what they <i>really are</i>; yet, if -to delineate their Excellency be offensive to -Modesty, the Sincerity with which it is done, -will, it is hoped, secure their Pardon.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Now, what is it that makes the great Character, -but Knowledge in all its diversity, a -Sollicitousness for the Spread of Arts and -Sciences, excelling in one’s particular Station -of Life, and being divinely forward to all -the high Offices of Humanity? This is the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_v'>v</span>Picture of real Worth, and what can forbid to -say, that Sir <span class='sc'>Hans Sloane</span> is the Life?</p> - -<p class='c013'>That you may long continue the Restorer -of Health, the Ornament of the Day, -and in triumph over all the deadly Power -of the <i>Old Serpent</i>, at last possess eternal -Health, are the most sincere Wishes of him, -who with a just Sense of Obligation, and the -greatest Regards, is,</p> -<p class='c014'><i>SIR</i>,</p> -<p class='c015'><i>Your most humble</i>,</p> -<p class='c016'><i>and devoted Servant</i>,</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Warrington</span>,</div> - <div class='line'><i>March 1, 1741-2</i>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'><span class='c018'>Cha. Owen.</span></p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c012' /> -</div> -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_vi'>vi</span> -<img src='images/i006.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><em class='gesperrt'>TO THE</em></div> - <div><span class='c002'><em class='gesperrt'>READER</em>.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>The Divine Wisdom so variously displayed in the Works of -Nature, even the lowest Order of them, entertains the human -Eye with Prospects exquisitely beautiful and pleasurable: -As our Knowledge is defective, we are at a loss how -to account perfectly for the particular Ends of their Formation, and -Manner of their Subserviency to the Whole of the Eternal Design.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>However, by Observation and Improvements in Natural -Philosophy, we are assured thus far; that as the Almighty Creator -made nothing in vain, so all his Works are good, and admirably fitted -to answer the Purposes of his Will, and that his Wisdom, like -his tender Mercies, shines through all the Systems of his Creatures.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>That there is not a wise Purpose in every thing that is made, -because we do not understand it, is as absurd as for a Man to say, -there is no such thing as Light, because he is blind, and has no Eyes -to see it.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>For the Illustration of this, we may take a short View of -Creatures, in vulgar account too diminutive and despicable a Species, -to deserve a close Attention: And among these, if we consider the -Noxious, we shall find, if not an Argument why they should be made, -yet we shall be able to discern no Reason why they should not, because -their Noxiousness is not so unavoidable, but that we may, and almost -every one does avoid it.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_vii'>vii</span><i>General Histories of these Kinds we have been -furnished with in the Writings of the Learned: Here I apply myself -to the Discussion of one</i> particular Species, <i>viz.</i> the Serpent: <i>in which -I don’t pretend to new Discoveries, but only to collect, and bring into -one View, what has been said by different Persons, which is not to be -found by any without</i> many Books, <i>and</i> much Time; <i>and which, -without the present</i> English <i>Dress, would not be understood by others -at all</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>In accounting for some things relative to the Subject, I have always -chosen the Words of the Learned in the Physical Profession.</i> -<i>The Subject being like</i> Dust, <i>the</i> Food of the Serpent, very dry, -<i>I have endeavoured to give it some Agreeableness, by a Variety of -Passages from History, and Reflections of many kinds; which, though -they may not always naturally arise from the Subject, yet being intended -for the Reader’s Entertainment and Instruction (as he goes -along in the principal Design of the Book) I hope they will find a favourable -Judgment</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>Give me leave, upon this occasion, to adopt Sir</i> William -Temple’<i>s Words</i>, viz. “It is not perhaps amiss, <i>says he</i>, to relieve -or enliven a busy Scene sometimes with such <i>Digressions</i>, whether -to the Purpose or no.”<a id='r1' /><a href='#f1' class='c019'><sup>[1]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f1'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r1'>1</a>. </span><i>Temple</i>’s Memoirs from 1672 to 1679. <i>Second -Edit<sup>n</sup>. p.</i> 57, 58, 59.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>I shall only add, that in cultivating this Subject, I have -attempted to give a short Display of the Divine Perfections, which, -as they appear eminent in the System of the Creation in general, so in -the Serpent they may be seen in particular; and if it produces in the -Reader a more exquisite Perception of God in all his Works, I have my -End; who am</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Your Humble Servant.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i007.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c012' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_viii'>viii</span>Directions for the Binder, where to put the Plates,</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='50%' /> -<col width='50%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>Plate I.</td> - <td class='c022'>after p. 54.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>Plate II.</td> - <td class='c022'>after p. 70.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>Plate III.</td> - <td class='c022'>after p. 78.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>Plate IV.</td> - <td class='c022'>after p. 86.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>Plate V.</td> - <td class='c022'>after p. 94.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>Plate VI.</td> - <td class='c022'>after p. 142.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>Plate VII.</td> - <td class='c022'>after p. 152.</td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='23%' /> -<col width='76%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>Pag.</td> - <td class='c023'>ERRATA[<a href='#TN-3'>TN</a>].</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>25</td> - <td class='c023'>Read <i>Bocca</i>, instead of <i>Baca</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>25</td> - <td class='c023'>Four Lines from bottom, after <i>honor</i>, r. <i>other</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>34</td> - <td class='c023'>Line 2. r. <i>tho’ the Venom may</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>53</td> - <td class='c023'>After <i>Dauphiny</i>, r. <i>and instead of or</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>58</td> - <td class='c023'>Quotation, r. <i>Natural History of Lancashire</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>74 L. 14.</td> - <td class='c023'>instead of <i>Amphisbænick Animals</i>, r. <i>Whether there be two-headed Serpents or not</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>76 L. 14.</td> - <td class='c023'>from bottom, for <i>Tython</i>, r. <i>Python</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>95 L, 5. r.</td> - <td class='c023'><i>made</i>, for <i>move</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>109 L. 3.</td> - <td class='c023'>for <i>could</i>, r. <i>would</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>112 L. 1. r.</td> - <td class='c023'><i>Quinquennian.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>114 L 17.</td> - <td class='c023'>for <i>emits</i>, r. <i>emit</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>115 L. 2.</td> - <td class='c023'>for <i>if they</i>, r. <i>the wounded</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>122 Head LXXXIV.</td> - <td class='c023'>r. <i>Americina</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>132 Head CXI.</td> - <td class='c023'>r. <i>Agnasen</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>134 —— CXIV.</td> - <td class='c023'>r. <i>Attaligatus</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>141 Head CXXVI.</td> - <td class='c023'>for <i>Navigation</i>, r. <i>Natation</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>147 —— CXXXIV.</td> - <td class='c023'>r. <i>Reptiles and Insects</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>148 Head IId.</td> - <td class='c023'>for <i>it</i>, r. <i>them</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>162</td> - <td class='c023'>Instead of <i>Dæmon</i>, r. <i>Damon</i>. L. 4. from bottom, in Quotation, r. <i>ποιημα</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>171 L. 9.</td> - <td class='c023'>r. <i>their other Faculties were</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>195</td> - <td class='c023'>r. <i>Verdegrease</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>196</td> - <td class='c023'>r. <i>Nehushtans</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>211</td> - <td class='c023'>r. <i>Gades</i>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>231</td> - <td class='c023'>Dele 3.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>237</td> - <td class='c023'>L. 14. a Comma should be after <i>adore</i>.</td> - </tr> -</table> -<p class='c013'><i>N. B.</i> In the Story of the Elephant, pag. 86. it is a mistake, to place the Action at <i>Newcastle</i>; the Scene of it being in the <i>East-Indies</i>, according to a Book called <i>Hamilton’s Travels</i>.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c012' /> -</div> -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_ix'>ix</span> -<img src='images/i009.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><span class='c003'>A</span></div> - <div class='c012'><span class='c024'><span class='sc'>List</span> of the SUBSCRIBERS.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>A.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Lady</i> Abney, B. 4.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Eliz. Abney.</div> - <div class='line'><i>The Reverend Mr.</i> Acres, <i>R. of</i> Newbury.</div> - <div class='line'>Joseph Adams <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Cornelius Adams.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> James Adams.</div> - <div class='line'>John Adams <i>Esq</i>; of Whitland.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Adair, <i>Merchant</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Edward Addicot, <i>Apothecary at</i> Exeter.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Adkin.</div> - <div class='line'><i>The Rev. Mr.</i> Aldred, <i>of</i> Morley, Yorkshire.</div> - <div class='line'><i>The Rev.</i> John Allen, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> —— Allen, <i>deceased</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> Alcock, <i>of</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Ambrose.</div> - <div class='line'><i>The Rev. Mr.</i> Amory of Taunton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Robert Anbury, <i>Surgeon</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Joseph Andrews <i>Esq.</i>; F.R.S.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Andrews.</div> - <div class='line'>John Andrews, M. D. <i>at</i> Exeter.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Mordecai Andrews.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Antelby.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Joseph Archer.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jeremiah Armiger.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Arnold.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Sarah Ashurst.</div> - <div class='line'>Thomas Ashurst <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> B. A. Atkinson.</div> - <div class='line'>Benjamin Avery, LL. D.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>B.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Sam. Bagnal, <i>of</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Bakewell.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Bakewell.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Geo. Baker.</div> - <div class='line'>Joshua Baker <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Edmund Baker.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Dan. Bailey, <i>of</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Samuel Bailey, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Bance, <i>of</i> Newbury.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Rich. Banon, <i>of</i> Leeds.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> James Bankhead, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> John Barker.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Edward Barnard.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Francis Barkstead.</div> - <div class='line'>John Barron, M. D. <i>of</i> Haverford-West.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Baring <i>Jun.</i> <i>of</i> Exeter.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_x'>x</span><i>Mrs.</i> El. Barns, <i>of</i> Warrington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Barns, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Barns, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Roger Barnston <i>Esq.</i>; <i>of</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Roger Barnston, <i>Prebendary of</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Joseph Baron, <i>of</i> Bury.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Joseph Barret, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> N. Basnet.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Joshua Bayes.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Beech.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> William Benson.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Nathaniel Bentley.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Bentley.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> John Bent, <i>of</i> Chorley.</div> - <div class='line'>Francis Beyer <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>William Bilbie <i>Esq.</i>; <i>Alderman of</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Bilbie, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jos. Bilbie, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Robert Birch, <i>of</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Geo. Bird, <i>of</i> Warrington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Elliot Bishop.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Mal. Blake, <i>of</i> Blandford.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Blakesly, <i>of</i> Leicester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Blackmore, <i>of</i> Coventry.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Blinkhorn, <i>of</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Nic. Blowing.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Nic. Blunt.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Blythe.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> James Boddington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> George Boddington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Samuel Boler.</div> - <div class='line'>Benjamin Bond <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> Bond.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> Eliz. Bond.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Nathan Booth, <i>of</i> Warrington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Daniel Booth.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Bostock, <i>of</i> Liverpool, <i>Merchant</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Bourchier, M. A. <i>Minister of</i> All-Saints, <i>at</i> Hertford.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Bourn, <i>of</i> Knowesly.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Bowles.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Bowles.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Boydal, <i>of</i> Coventry.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Braddock, <i>at</i> Bury.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Thomas Bradbury.</div> - <div class='line'>Thomas Brereton <i>Esq.</i>; <i>Member of Parliament</i>, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'>George Bridges <i>Esq.</i>; <i>Member of Parliament</i>, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Bridges, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Brinton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> James Bristow.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jos. Brixy.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> Brooke.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> M. Brooke.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Brooks, <i>of</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Brock.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Robert Brodribb.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Brooksbank, <i>of</i> Elland.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Andrew Bruen, <i>of</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Buck, <i>of</i> Bolton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jonathan Buckerfield.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Budgen, at Croydon.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Benjamin Bull.</div> - <div class='line'>Daniel Burgess <i>Esq</i>. B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> James Burgess, <i>of</i> Bolton le Sands.</div> - <div class='line'>Alexander Burden <i>Esq.</i>; <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xi'>xi</span><i>Mr.</i> Alexander Burden, <i>of</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>James Burrow <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Jane Burrow.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Burne, <i>Surgeon</i>, <i>at</i> Croydon.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Burton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Busk, <i>of</i> Leeds.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Butterworth, <i>of</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Butterworth, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Edward Butler.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>C.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Cadel, <i>Bookseller</i>, <i>in</i> Bristol.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Edmund Calamy, B. D.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Adam Calamy, <i>Attorney at Law</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Jos. Cappe, <i>of</i> Leeds.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Paul Cardale, <i>of</i> Evesham.</div> - <div class='line'>Geo. Carlyle, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Charles Carleton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Zech. Carleton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Carruthers, <i>of</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> James Castel.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Catcott, <i>of</i> Bristol.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Causton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Peter Chaffont.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Mary Chandler, <i>of</i> Bath.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Richard Chandler, <i>of</i> Gloucester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Chandler, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Samuel Chandler.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Benjamin Champion.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Christopher Cheesborough.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jacob Chitty. B. 7.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Cholmley.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Cholmley.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Revd. Mr.</i> Choppin, <i>of</i> Dublin, B. 7.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Edward Chorlton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Samuel Clarke, <i>of</i> St. Albans.</div> - <div class='line'>Matthew Clark, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Edward Clarke, <i>of</i> Bury.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Richard Clarke, Alderman <i>of</i> Hertford.</div> - <div class='line'>Jos. Clay <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Isaac Clegg, <i>of</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Samuel Cleuer.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> George Clifford, <i>Merchant</i>, <i>in</i> Amsterdam.</div> - <div class='line'>John Coe <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Coe.</div> - <div class='line'>Thomas Coe, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Thomas Coad, <i>of</i> Bere.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Robert Fowler Coad, <i>Merchant</i> <i>in</i> Lyme.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Coles.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> Collyer, <i>of</i> Tooting.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> Hester Collyer, <i>of</i> d<sup>o</sup>. B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Joseph Collyer.</div> - <div class='line'>—— Collett, M. D. <i>at</i> Uxbridge.</div> - <div class='line'>James Colebrooke <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>James Colebrooke <i>Junior</i> <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> James Collier, <i>Sollicitor in Chancery</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Collibee, <i>at</i> Bath.</div> - <div class='line'>Peter Colthurst, M. D. <i>at</i> Knutsford. B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Benjamin Cooke, <i>of</i> Hallifax.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Richard Cooke, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Richard Coope <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xii'>xii</span><i>Mr.</i> William Cooper, <i>Apothecary at</i> Leicester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Cooper, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Cooper, B. 3.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> James Cooper <i>Jun.</i></div> - <div class='line'>John Copeland <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Peter Copeland.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Samuel Corner.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Corner.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Costard <i>Jun.</i> <i>of</i> Frodsham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Cox.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Cox.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Cox.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Henry Crane, <i>of</i> Kidderminster.</div> - <div class='line'>Peter Creffield <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Crisp, <i>of</i> Bloomsbury-Square.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Eliz. Crisp, <i>of</i> Warrington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Crisp.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Nicholas Crisp.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Anthony Crop, <i>Merchant in</i> Amsterdam.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Daniel Cropper, <i>Merchant at</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> James Crosby, <i>Merchant at</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> George Crosby.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Cha. Croughton, <i>of</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jo<sup>n</sup>. Cruikshank, <i>Merchant</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Culcheth, <i>at</i> Macclesfield.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Daniel Cuningham, <i>Attorney at Law</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> James Cuninghame, <i>Merchant in</i> Amsterdam.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> David Curry, <i>of</i> Kirkudbright.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>D.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Richard Daniel, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'>Samuel Daniel, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Sam. Darbyshire, <i>of</i> Bolton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Darbyshire, <i>near</i> Warrington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Darling.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Ev. Davies, <i>of</i> Haverford-West, B. 8.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Rees Davies, <i>of</i> Abergavenny.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Tim. Davies, <i>of</i> Cardiganshire.</div> - <div class='line'>John Davison, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Abraham Dawson, <i>of</i> Rivington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Dawson, <i>of</i> Leeds.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Samuel Day.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Day, <i>of</i> Lancaster.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> James Deane.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Dell, <i>of</i> Canterbury.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Jos. Denham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Nathaniel Denison, <i>Merchant in</i> Leeds.</div> - <div class='line'>John Derby <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Diaper, <i>of</i> Bristol.</div> - <div class='line'>Michael le Dicker, M. D. <i>of</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'>Michael Dickson, M. D. <i>of</i> Taunton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Dickson, <i>of</i> Newport-Pagnel.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Richard Dickinson, <i>of</i> Ware.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Rivers Dickinson, B. 3.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Dimsdale, <i>Surgeon at</i> Hertford.</div> - <div class='line'>Robert Dinwoody, M. D. B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Edward Dixon.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Dobson, <i>at</i> Cocky-Moor.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Ph. Doddridge, D. D.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Dodsworth.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xiii'>xiii</span><i>Mrs.</i> Margaret Dolins.</div> - <div class='line'>Daniel Dolins <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Dove.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Drinkwater.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Sir</i> William Dukinfield <i>Bart.</i></div> - <div class='line'>John Duer <i>Esq.</i> <i>of</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Dunn.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Duncomb.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> —— Dunster, D. D. <i>Prebendary of</i> Sarum.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Sarah Dyson.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jeremiah Dyson.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Ely Dyson.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>E.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Eames, F. R. S.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Jabez Earle, D. D.</div> - <div class='line'>Peter Eaton, <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Dr.</i> Eaton, <i>of</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Eaton, <i>Surgeon at</i> Warrington.</div> - <div class='line'>Tim. Edwards, <i>Esq.</i>; <i>of</i> Carnarvanshire.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. William Edwards.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Stephen Egginton.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Ellicot, F. R. S.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Sir</i> Richard Ellis <i>Bart.</i> <i>dec<sup>d</sup>.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. John Enty, <i>of</i> Exon, B. 3.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. David Evans, <i>in</i> Cardiganshire, B. 6.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Evans, <i>Salt-Merchant in</i> Exon, B. 2.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>F.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Eliz. Fagg, <i>of</i> Mystole, Kent.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Faner, <i>of</i> Elland, Yorkshire.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jos. Farrer, <i>near</i> Hallifax.</div> - <div class='line'>John Farringdon <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Hugh Farmer.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Benjamin Farrow.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Fawcet, <i>of</i> Taunton.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jonathan Fawconer, F.R.S.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Fellows, <i>of</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Fentham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Ferne, <i>of</i> Avington, Hants.</div> - <div class='line'>Matthew Fetherstone <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Field.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Figgins.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nathaniel Firmin.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. E. Fisher.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Fleetwood, <i>of</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Robert Fleetwood, <i>of</i> ditto, <i>Bookseller</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Fletcher, <i>of</i> Ware, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Fletcher, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Jane Fletcher.</div> - <div class='line'>Litchford Flitcroft <i>Esq.</i>; <i>of</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>Martin Folkes <i>Esq.</i>; <i>President of the R. S.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. William Ford.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Gilbert Ford.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Forrest, <i>of</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. James Foster.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Joseph Foster.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jacob Foster.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Simon Foster.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Jac. Fowler, M. A.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Foxcroft, <i>of</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Franceway, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Frone, <i>of</i> Croft.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Freeland, <i>of</i> Bromsgrove.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xiv'>xiv</span>Mrs. Delicia Fryer.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Benjamin Fuller.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>G.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Samuel Gale <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Nathaniel Garland <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Garmston.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Gardner, <i>of</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Robert Gaskhill, <i>of</i> Warrington.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Gaskhill, <i>of</i> Burtonwood.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Benjamin Gaskell.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jonathan Gee, <i>of</i> Coventry.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Grace Gellibrand, <i>of</i> Ashford.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Gibbs, <i>Apothecary</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Gibson.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Gifford, <i>of</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Robert Gilbert, <i>at</i> Okeham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. William Gillespie.</div> - <div class='line'>Richard Gildart <i>Esq.</i>; <i>Member of Parliament</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Gillison, <i>of</i> Lancaster.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Girle, <i>Surgeon</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Glover, <i>of</i> Croydon.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Alexander Glover, <i>of</i> Sutton.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Edward Godfrey.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Edward Godwin.</div> - <div class='line'>John Goldham <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Abraham Goodwin.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Goodwin.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nicolaus van Goer, <i>Merchant in</i> Amsterdam.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Grace.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Green, <i>of</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Godfrey Green, <i>of</i> Dublin, <i>Merchant</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Anthony Green, <i>of</i> d<sup>o</sup>. d<sup>o</sup>.</div> - <div class='line'>William Green, <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. George Green, <i>Surgeon at</i> Croydon.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Young Green, <i>at</i> Poole.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Aldress Green.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Gregg.</div> - <div class='line'>Charles Grey <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Jonathan Griffith, <i>of</i> Bettus.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Joshua Griffith, <i>of</i> Frenchay.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Evan Griffith, <i>in</i> Pembrokeshire.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Rebecca Griffith.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Samuel Griffiths.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Grimshaw.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Benjamin Grosvenor, D. D.</div> - <div class='line'>John Grundy, <i>Esq</i>; <i>of</i> Thornton.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nicholas Grundy, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Grundy, <i>of</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> John Guyse, D. D.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. William Guyse.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Richard Gynes.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>H.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Haddock.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jos. Hall.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Francis Hall.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Thomas Halley.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Hallows.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Jos. Hallet, <i>of</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'>William Hallet, M. D. <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. John Halford.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Corn. Handcock, <i>of</i> Uxbridge.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Matt. Handcock, <i>of</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Hardman, <i>Merchant at</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xv'>xv</span>Mr. James Hardman, <i>Merchant at</i> Rochdale.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. George Hardy, <i>at</i> Farnham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Richard Harper.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Robert Harris.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nathaniel Harris.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Harrison.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Robert Harrison.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Amos Harrison.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Harrop.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Thomas Harrop, <i>of</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Sir</i> John Hartopp, <i>Bart.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Hart, <i>of</i> Warrington.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. George Hart, <i>Apothecary at</i> Chard.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Samuel Harward.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Oxenbridge Harward, B. 3.</div> - <div class='line'>Samuel Haswel <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Farnham Haskul.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Hatton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Haynes, <i>of</i> Nantwich, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Hazel.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Sarah Henry, <i>of</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. John Henson.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Henderson.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Richard Hett, <i>Bookseller</i>, B. 6.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Heskith, <i>of</i> Eastwood.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Hewish, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Hewitt, <i>at</i> Knutsford, <i>Bookseller</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Arthur Heywood, <i>Merchant at</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Eli. Heywood.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Robert Hibbert <i>Junior</i>, <i>of</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>—— —— Higgs, M. D. <i>at</i> Birmingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Higham, <i>Apothecary</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Hinks, <i>Merchant at</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Hocker.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Hodge, <i>at</i> Gloucester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Hodges, <i>Surgeon</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Hodshon, <i>Merchant in</i> Amsterdam.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Holt.</div> - <div class='line'>John Holloway, <i>Esq.</i>; <i>at</i> Farnham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Timothy Hollis.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Philip Hollingworth.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Edward Holbrook, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Richard Holland, <i>at</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Holland, <i>at</i> Mobberly.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Holland, <i>Merchant in</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Holden, <i>at</i> Rochdale.</div> - <div class='line'>Fraser Honywood <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Hool, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Hood.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Mary Hood.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Hope.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Hopkins, B. 4.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Mary Hopkins.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Elizabeth Hopkins.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Hopkins, <i>at</i> Northwich.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Horsman.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Sir</i> Henry Houghton, <i>Bart.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Howe.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Edward Howse, <i>Apothecary in</i> Bath.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Andrew Howard, B. 6.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Huckle.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Obadiah Hughes, D. D. B. 16.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Ph. Hughes.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xvi'>xvi</span>Mr. John Hughes.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Ob. Hughes, <i>at</i> Clifton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. William Hunt.</div> - <div class='line'>Phineas Huffey <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> Huthwait, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>I.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Mr. Richard Iles, <i>at</i> Hertford.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Anne Iles, <i>at</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Samuel Inglesant, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Joshua Iremonger <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Matthew Iremonger, <i>at</i> St. Albans.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Ives, <i>at</i> Ware.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>J.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. John Jackson, <i>Prebend. of</i> Wherwel, <i>&c.</i> <i>at</i> Leicester.</div> - <div class='line'>Henry Jacomb <i>Esq.</i> B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. George James, <i>in</i> Pembrokeshire.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Jee.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Jee <i>Junior</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Bartholom. Jeffery <i>Esq. of</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Jo<sup>n</sup>. Jennings, <i>at</i> St Ives.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Obadiah Jones.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Sam Jones, <i>at</i> Pentwyn.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Jones, <i>Merchant</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Griff. Jones, <i>R. of</i> Llandowror.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Griff. Jones, <i>V. of</i> Llandewey-Velfrey.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Richard Jones, <i>Surgeon at</i> Coventry.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. William Johnston.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>K.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>—— Kay, M. D. <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Richard Kay, <i>near</i> Bury.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Kennedy, <i>Merchant in</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Kershaw, <i>near</i> Hallifax.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. George Kilby.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. King, <i>Apothec. at</i> Newbury.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> H. Knight, M. A. <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>L.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>James Lamb <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Lamb.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Mary Lamb.</div> - <div class='line'>Tho. Lane <i>Esq. Counsel. at Law</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. William Langford.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jos. Langford.</div> - <div class='line'>Jos. Langford <i>Esq. of</i> Basford.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. N. Lardner.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jac. Larwood <i>Jun. Merchant in</i> Amsterdam.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Sam. Latham, <i>Apothecary</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Lavington, <i>of</i> Exon, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Wm. Lavington, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Andr. Lavington, M. D. <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Samuel Lawrence, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Edward Lawrence.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Leckonby, <i>Merc. in</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'>—— Legh, D.D. <i>V. of</i> Halifax.</div> - <div class='line'>Thomas Legh <i>Esq. of</i> Booths.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jonath. Lees, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Lees.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Leigh, <i>Archd. of</i> Salop.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Leigh, <i>at</i> Leeds.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Daniel Legg.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Pet. Legrand, <i>at</i> Canterbury.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> John Leland, D. D.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Lemon, <i>Jun.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Sam. Lessingham <i>Esq. Treasurer of</i> St. Thomas’s <i>Hospital</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Lessingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Lethieullier.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Sarah Lethieullier <i>Jun.</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xvii'>xvii</span>James Lever <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Lewin.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Lewis, M. A. <i>of</i> Mergate.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Benjamin Lewis, <i>at</i> Leominster.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Lewis.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Lingard, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Ralph Lingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. George Lisle.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. William Lister.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Littlefear, <i>Apothecary</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Alexander Littlejohn, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Richard Llewhelyn, <i>in</i> Pembrokeshire.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Lloyd.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. H. Lloyd.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Benjamin Lomas.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev</i>. Mr. Dav. Longueville, M.A.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Pastor of the</i> English <i>Church in</i> Amsterdam.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Lord, <i>at</i> Knutsford.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Lowe, <i>of</i> Losco.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Robert Lowe.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev</i>. Mr. Moses Lowman.</div> - <div class='line'>Roger Lyde <i>Esq.; of</i> Bristol.</div> - <div class='line'>Lionel Lyde <i>Esq.; of</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Lyde, <i>of</i> ditto.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>M.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Daniel Mace, <i>of</i> Newbury.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Mackin <i>Junior, at</i> Warrington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Makant, <i>at</i> Chorley.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Marshal.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Marshal, <i>of</i> Treby.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Marsden, <i>of</i> Chorley.</div> - <div class='line'>Thomas Mather, M. D. <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Isaac Mather, <i>Apothecary</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>William Matson <i>Esq.; at</i> Kendale.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Hugh Matthews.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Henry Maundy.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Maundy, <i>at</i> Sandwich.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. William Maurice, <i>in</i> Pembrokeshire.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Thomas Maurice, <i>in</i> Cardiganshire.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. William May.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Meakin.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nathaniel Meakin.</div> - <div class='line'>Richard Mead, M.D. <i>and</i> F.R.S. <i>Physician in Ordinary to his Majesty</i>, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'>Benjamin Mee <i>Esq.</i> B. 4.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Rob. Merry, <i>at</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Merriman, <i>at</i> Newbury.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. H. Miles, <i>at</i> Tooting.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Miller.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Mills, <i>at</i> Maidstone, B. 7.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Samuel Milnar.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> John Milner, D. D.</div> - <div class='line'>John Mitchel, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Mitchel.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. David Mitchel.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Moore, <i>Apothecary in</i> Bath.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Moore, <i>of</i> Knutsford, <i>Singing-Master</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xviii'>xviii</span>Mrs. Morley, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>William Morehead <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Robert Morgan, <i>Surgeon</i>, B. 7.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Morgan Morse, <i>Attorney at Law</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Moss.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. William Moth, <i>at</i> Basingstoke.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Mottershead, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Moult, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Moulton.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Moulson, <i>in</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Mount, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Sarah Mount.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Anne Mount.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Eliz. Mount.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Peter Schout Muilman, <i>Merchant in</i> Amsterdam.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nicolaus Muilman, ditto <i>in</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Dionis Muilman, d<sup>o</sup>. <i>in</i> d<sup>o</sup>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Daniel Roelof Muilman, d<sup>o</sup>. <i>in</i> d<sup>o</sup>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Murray, <i>Merchant in</i> Chester.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>N.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Richard Nangreave, <i>of the</i> Inner Temple, <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Iliff Narborough.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Daniel Neal, M. A. B. 5.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nathaniel Neal.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. David Nesbet, <i>of</i> Glasgow, B 7.</div> - <div class='line'>—— Nettleton, M. D. <i>of</i> Halifax.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Anne Newey.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Newham, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Newdigate.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Newman.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Thomas Newman, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nathaniel Newnham <i>Jun.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> Eliz. Newnham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Newton.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Nicholas.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Nicholson, <i>Merchant at</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'>—— Nicholson, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Nicholson.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Benj. Noble.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Samuel Noble, <i>Attorney at</i> Taunton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Norris, <i>at</i> Newbury.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Norris.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Francis Norris.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John North, <i>at</i> Ware.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>O.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>The Right Rev.</i> Thomas <i>Lord Bishop of</i> Oxford.</div> - <div class='line'><i>The Right Hon.</i> Arthur Onslow <i>Esq.;</i> <i>Speaker of the House of Commons</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Samuel Ogden, <i>Merchant at</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Oldham.</div> - <div class='line'>Denzil Onslow <i>Esq.;</i> <i>Member of Parliament</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Orchard.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Job Orton, <i>of</i> Salop.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Osborne.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Osgood.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Osland, <i>of</i> Bewdley.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Josiah Owen, <i>of</i> Widdens.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xix'>xix</span><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Josiah Owen, at Rochdale.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>P.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Page, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Paget.</div> - <div class='line'>Nathaniel Paice <i>Esq.</i> B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Geo. Palmer, <i>at</i> Swanzey, B. 7.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. H. Palmer, <i>in</i> Pembrokeshire.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Pangbourne.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Bartholomew Par, <i>Surgeon in</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'>John Par, M. D. <i>at</i> Knutsford.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Edw. Clark Parish.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Anne Parker, <i>at</i> Bath.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. John Partington, M. A.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Parsons, <i>in</i> Bristol.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Patch, <i>Surgeon in</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Paul, <i>Surgeon</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nathaniel Peacock, <i>of</i> High-Legh.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Thomas Pearce, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Pearless.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Peck <i>Junior</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. John Peirce, <i>at</i> Mere.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jos. Peirce.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Peirce, <i>at</i> Newbury.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Aldress Pennel.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. H. Pennel, <i>at</i> Knutsford.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Penny, <i>at</i> Bathwick.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. John Penny, <i>V. of</i> Ashton.</div> - <div class='line'>Thomas Percival, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Percival, <i>Merchant in</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Henry Perkins, <i>Merchant in</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nicholas Peters, <i>Surgeon at</i> Topsham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Pettit.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Phillimore.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Phillimore.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Lewis Philips, <i>in</i> Carmarthenshire.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. John Philips, <i>at</i> Kingsley.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Robert Philpot, <i>in</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Philpot, <i>in</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Robert Phipps.</div> - <div class='line'>John Pickering <i>Esq.; of</i> Cheshire.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Pilkington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Pilkington, <i>at</i> Preston.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Pilkington.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Edward Pitts.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Michael Pope.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Miles Poole, <i>of</i> Kingston.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Poulson.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Pougfher.</div> - <div class='line'>William Powel <i>Esq.; of</i> Clapham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Powell.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Benjamin Powell.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Poyner, <i>at</i> Islington.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Price.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Samuel Price.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jonathan Priestly, <i>near</i> Halifax.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Stephen Prutheroe, <i>of</i> Haverford-West.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Smoult Pye.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xx'>xx</span>R.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>The Right Hon. the Countess of</i> Rothes.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Daniel Radford.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Radford.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> Mary Radford.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Ogle Radford.</div> - <div class='line'>Matthew Raper <i>Esq.;</i></div> - <div class='line'>Moses Raper <i>Esq.;</i></div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Moses Raper.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Peter Rasbotham, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Ratcliffe.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Rawlins.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Rawson.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Rawstorn, <i>in</i> Canterbury.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Raymond.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Kirby Rayner, <i>in</i> Bristol.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Jos. Rayner, <i>at</i> Leeds.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. H. Read.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Simon Reader.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev</i>. Thomas Rennell, D. D. <i>Rector of</i> Drewsteington, Devonshire.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Reynolds.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Master</i> Richard Reynolds, <i>at</i> Hertford.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Rhodes, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. George Rhodes, <i>Surgeon at</i> Modbury.</div> - <div class='line'>Richard Riccards <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Richards, <i>in</i> Bristol.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Travers Richards.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Richards.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Richard Richardson, <i>at</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Rigby, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Roberts.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Richard Roberts.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. William Robinson.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Samuel Robinson.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. James Roffee.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Thomas Rogers.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Ca. Rotheram, <i>at</i> Kendal.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Geo. Ruck.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Rudsdale, <i>at</i> Gainsborough.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>S.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Mr. Sampson Salt, <i>at</i> Macclesfield.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Edward Sandercock.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Edward Sanderson.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nathaniel Sanderson.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. J. Sandford, <i>at</i> Pontefract.</div> - <div class='line'>Servington Savery <i>Esq.; of</i> Exon, B. 3.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Savidge.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Samuel Say.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Edward Score, <i>Bookseller in</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Daniel Scot, <i>Apothecary</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Robert Seagrave, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Arthur Shallett.</div> - <div class='line'>Mrs. Sharp, <i>of</i> Treby.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Peter Sharp.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Edward Shepheard, B. 4.</div> - <div class='line'>Thomas Shepherd <i>Esq. of</i> Kendal.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Sherbrook, <i>of</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. John Sherbrook.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Nathaniel Sheffield, <i>Attorney at Law</i>.</div> - <div class='line'>Mr. Ellis Shipley, <i>Attorney at</i> Leicester.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xxi'>xxi</span><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Sidebottom.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Mr. Jos. Simmons.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Nathaniel Simpson.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> Simpson.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Patr. Simpson, <i>at</i> Coventry.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Slinger.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> James Sloss, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Smallwood.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Eliz. Smith.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Sarah Smith.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Margaret Smith, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'>William Snell <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Staples.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Staples.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Jos. Standen.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Stanley.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Frederick Stanton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jos. Stell, <i>at</i> Keighley.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Stephens <i>of</i> Epsom.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Bennet Stephenson, D. D. <i>of</i> Bath, B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Steward.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Samuel Steyart.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Miss</i> Mary Stile.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Stockport, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Stoddon, <i>at</i> Taunton.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Stone, <i>at</i> Treby.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jos. Stubbings, <i>at</i> Brockstow.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> William Stukely, M.D. <i>and</i> F. R. S.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Gerrard Suffield.</div> - <div class='line'>John Sutton, M. D. <i>of</i> Leicester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Swain, <i>at</i> Walsal.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Robie Swan, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> James Smith, <i>Banker in</i> Dublin.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Swinton, <i>at</i> Knutsford.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>T.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Henry Tatham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Tatnall.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Anne Tatnall.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Samuel Taylor, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Richard Taylor, <i>at</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Sam. Taylor, <i>at</i> Rochdale.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Tayler, B. 3.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Taylor, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Mary Temple.</div> - <div class='line'>Sir John Thompson <i>Knt. and Alderman of</i> London.</div> - <div class='line'>William Thomas <i>Esq.;</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Samuel Thomas, <i>at</i> Carmarthen, B. 6.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Thomas.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Thomas Thorburn, <i>at</i> Keighley.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Thornhill, <i>Sen.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Tipping, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Tomlins.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Isaac Toms.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Toms.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Matt. Toogood.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Richard Tottie, <i>at</i> Leeds.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Cha. Totterdel, <i>Surgeon</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Touchet, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Touchet, <i>at</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Peter Touchet.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xxii'>xxii</span><i>Mrs.</i> Jane Trimnell.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Eben. Tristram, <i>at</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jonathan Tucker, <i>Merchant in</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Turner, <i>in</i> Canterbury.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Turner, <i>at</i> Warrington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Twells.</div> - <div class='line'>Thomas Tylston, M. D. <i>in</i> Chester.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>U.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jonathan Underwood.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>V.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Thomas Valentine, <i>at</i> Epsom.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Vawdry.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Venables, <i>at</i> Oswestry.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Venables, <i>in</i> Chester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Mason Victor.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jos. Vipen, <i>at</i> Sutton-Golt.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Henry Visser, <i>Merchant in</i> Amsterdam.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Catharina Visser, <i>in</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Abraham de Vrijer, <i>Merchant in</i> ditto.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>W.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>John Wade <i>Esq.; of</i> Gloucester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Abel Wainwright, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Wainman, <i>at</i> Pudsey.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Wakeford, <i>at</i> Odiham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Daniel Walker, <i>at</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> John Walker, M. A.</div> - <div class='line'>Anthony Walburge <i>Esq.;</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> John Walrond, <i>in</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'>Henry Walrond <i>Esq.; in</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Samuel Waring, <i>at</i> Bury.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Ward, <i>V. of</i> Presbury.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Edmund Warkman.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Warner.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Warren, <i>at</i> Coventry.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Robert Wastfield.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Isaac Watts, D. D. B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'>Richard Watts, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Joel Watson, <i>Merchant</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Michael Watson.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Watson <i>Jun.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Weaver.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jos. Weaver.</div> - <div class='line'>George Wegg <i>Esq.;</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> B. Wellington, <i>Surgeon at</i> Hertford.</div> - <div class='line'>Simon Welman <i>Esq.;</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Wells, <i>Attorney at Law</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Welsh, <i>at</i> Rossendale.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas West.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Weston.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Wheelwright.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> White.</div> - <div class='line'>John Whitby <i>Esq.;</i> <i>of</i> Staffordshire.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Whitlock, <i>at</i> Radford.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Whitaker, <i>at</i> Leeds.</div> - <div class='line'>John Whitty <i>Junior</i>, M. D. <i>at</i> Lyme B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Obadiah Wickes.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Willets, <i>at</i> Newcastle-under-Lyme.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Wilkinson.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Tho. Wilkinson, <i>at</i> Arnold.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xxiii'>xxiii</span>Francis Wilkes <i>Esq.</i></div> - <div class='line'>John Wilkes <i>Esq.</i> <i>at</i> Croydon.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Jos. Williams, <i>at</i> Kidderminster. B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Thomas Williams, <i>at</i> Haverford-West.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Williams, <i>at</i> ditto.</div> - <div class='line'>Clerke Wilshawe, M. D.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Wilson.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Samuel Wilson.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Wimpey, Bookseller <i>at</i> Newbury.</div> - <div class='line'>Henry Winder, D. D. <i>at</i> Liverpool.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Withers, <i>in</i> Exon.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Peter Woodcock, <i>Merchant at</i> Warrington.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Woodcock, <i>of</i> d<sup>o</sup>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Woodcock.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> James Wood, Lancashire, B. 7.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Wood.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Nathaniel Wood, <i>at</i> St. Albans.</div> - <div class='line'>William Woodhouse, M. D. <i>at</i> Leicester.</div> - <div class='line'>John Godden Woolfe <i>Esq.;</i></div> - <div class='line'>Wight Woolley <i>Esq.;</i></div> - <div class='line'>Houlton Woolley <i>Esq.;</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Tho. Woolrich, <i>at</i> Leeds.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> John Worsley, <i>at</i> Hertford, B.3.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Hugh Worthington, <i>in</i> Cheshire.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Hugh Worthington, M. A. <i>at</i> Leicester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Samuel Wreyford.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev.</i> Samuel Wright, D.D. B. 2.</div> - <div class='line'>Henry Wright <i>Esq.; of</i> Mobberly.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Samuel Wright.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Witter, <i>at</i> Hull. B. 20.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Tim. Wylde, <i>Merchant</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Wylde, <i>at</i> Nottingham.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Isaac Wylde, <i>at</i> ditto.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>Y.</p> -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Yarnold.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Rob. Yates, <i>at</i> Darwen.</div> - <div class='line'>Jos. Yates <i>Esq.;</i> <i>of</i> Manchester.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Rev. Mr.</i> Geo. Lewis Young.</div> - <div class='line'>──────────</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> Edmund Atkinson.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mrs.</i> Fletcher <i>Junior</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Mr.</i> William Foster.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i023.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c012' /> -</div> -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> -<img src='images/i051.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>A</div> - <div class='c026'><span class='c027'>NATURAL HISTORY</span></div> - <div class='c026'><em class='gesperrt'>OF</em></div> - <div class='c026'><em class='gesperrt'><span class='c028'>SERPENTS</span></em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c010' /> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c029'>PART I.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c030' /> -<h3 class='c001'>SECTION I.</h3> - -<p class='c031'>I begin with the Division of Serpents, which I distribute -into <i>Terrestrial</i>, that live upon Land only; -<i>Aquatick</i>, that live in Water; and <i>Amphibious</i>, that -inhabit both Elements. Under these I comprehend -all the Relatives to the venomous Tribe. But how -can Land-Serpents live in Water? I answer, their Bodies are -equally formed for both Places.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Among Animals, some breathe by <i>Lungs</i>, and others by <i>Gills</i>, -as all sanguineous Fish, (excepting the <i>Whale</i>.) By <i>Gills</i>, I mean -those membranous cartilaginous Parts on both sides the Head, -whereby they hear and respire: What we call <i>Gills</i> in Fish, are -properly their <i>Lungs</i>. Respiration (which is an involuntary Motion -of the Breast, whereby Air is alternately taken in and thrown -out) is as necessary to Fish as to Land-Animals: In Water, is a -great Quantity of Air inclosed, and it is that Air they respire, and -by their <i>Gills</i> they separate the Air from the Water, and present -it to the <i>Blood</i>, after the same manner as ’tis presented to the -Lungs of Land-Animals.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>The <i>Gills</i> of Fish have an alternate Motion of Dilatation and -Compression; when they <i>dilate</i> their <i>Gills</i>, the Water is taken -in; when they <i>contract</i> them, ’tis expelled again. Thus the -Water is carried in by the Mouth, and carried off again (stript -of its Air) by the <i>Gills</i>, which perform the Office of Lungs. Their -sucking Water is Breathing, and their Food as little of Water, -perhaps, as other Creatures use.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>SERPENTS</i> will swim in all Liquids; this appears in the -Experiment made by a <i>learned Italian</i>, who put a Serpent into a -large Glass-Vessel of Wine, where it lived swimming about six -Hours: and when it was by force immersed and kept under that -Liquid, it lived only about an Hour and a half. He put another -in common Water, where it lived three Days; but when -it was kept under Water, it lived only about twelve Hours<a id='r2' /><a href='#f2' class='c019'><sup>[2]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f2'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r2'>2</a>. </span><i>Fr. Redi Exper. circa res nat.</i> p. 170.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Some Serpents are reptitious, creep on the Belly, and some -have Feet; the Form of their Legs is peculiar and different in -divers Species, whence the slow Motion of some, and wonderful -Agility and Swiftness in others: Their Feet are some cloven (as it -were) into Hoofs, others divided into Claws, with Variety of different -Nails to answer the several Purposes of Life; among them -are <i>Flying Serpents</i>: for which purpose, they are furnished with -Wings to buoy themselves up in the fluid Air, whereby they -keep their Bodies on a due Balance in their Motion.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Serpents are provided with Tails of different Length -and Size; these also are necessary to adjust their Motion, and -guard them against Stimulation of Flies. In winged Serpents, the -Tail serves as a Rudder to govern them in flying through the Air; -and, in the marine Serpents, they serve as Oars. But another says, -the flying of a Bird, in effect, is quite a different Motion from -the sailing of a Ship: Birds don’t vibrate their Wings towards the -Tail, as Oars are struck towards the Stern, but waft them downward; -nor does the Tail of the Bird cut the Air at right Angles -as the Rudder does the Water, but it is disposed horizontally, and -preserves the same Situation what way soever the Bird turns<a id='r3' /><a href='#f3' class='c019'><sup>[3]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f3'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r3'>3</a>. </span><i>Borelli.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>They are painted with variety of Colours, as red, black, -white, brown, green; the Composition of these, in some of their -Garnitures, forms Beauties exquisitely fine. Some of them have -very little Eyes, others large ones: Some wound with their Teeth, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>others with the Tail that terminates in a Sting, which is an -Apparatus in the Body of certain Insects like a little Lance, -serving them as a Weapon of Offence. Mention is made by -Historians of harmless Serpents, and of Persons who have tamed -Serpents, and whose Hair has been kissed by a tame Dragon, and -which, with its Tongue, gently lick’d its Master’s Face<a id='r4' /><a href='#f4' class='c019'><sup>[4]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f4'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r4'>4</a>. </span><i>Raii Synopsis. Ælian. Hist.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Serpent seems to be one of the distinguished Favourites -of the Air, seeing it subsists by aerial Food all Winter; that is, in -those Regions where it dare not turn Ranger. Sleep is the Nurse -of Nature, a Nurse that greatly indulges the animal Spirits, and, -by arresting voluntary Motion, prevents their daily Consumption, -and, at the same time, allows the perpetual Motion of the Arteries, -Veins, Heart. We know but little of the real peculiar -Nature of what we call Air, only that it is the most heterogeneous -Body in the World, a kind of secondary Chaos, being a Compound -of minute Particles of various Kinds, Earth, Water, Minerals, -Vegetables, Animals, <i>&c.</i> collected either by solar or artificial -Heat.</p> - -<p class='c013'>These Particles together constitute an Appendage to our -Earth, called Atmosphere; or that thin, elastick, fluid Mass, wherein -we live, move, and have our being; which Air we continually -receive, and expel by Respiration, and no Animal can live, or -Vegetable grow without it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Thus Serpents inclosed in the Receiver, are immediately -(I may say) starved when deprived of Air, which is their only -Winter-Food.—<i>N. B.</i> Whatever is put in a Receiver so exhausted, -is said to be put <i>in Vacuo</i>: Animals that have two Ventricles, -and no <i>Foramen Ovale</i>, as Birds, Dogs, Cats, Mice, -die in it in less than half a Minute; a Mole died in one Minute; -a Bat lived seven or eight; Insects, as Wasps, Bees, Grashoppers, -seem dead in two Minutes<a id='r5' /><a href='#f5' class='c019'><sup>[5]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f5'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r5'>5</a>. </span><i>Derham.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Nor will any Vegetation proceed <i>in Vacuo</i>, or without Air: -Seeds planted will not grow. <span class='sc'>Objection.</span> <i>Beans grow in Vacuo.</i> -I answer, they grow a little tumid, but that kind of Vegetation -is only owing to the Dilatation of the Air within them; -they swell a little by the Expansion of the Air, but they never -bud.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>Among the Ancients were very strange Notions about the <i>Original</i> -of Serpents, and other Animals: <i>Bees</i>, says a certain Orator, -Historian, and Philosopher, were bred from the Carcass of -Oxen; <i>Wasps</i> from the Corruptions of Horses; <i>Beetles</i> from Asses; -and <i>Serpents</i> from human Marrow: Hence they consecrated a -Dragon to Kings and Princes, as a Creature peculiar to Man<a id='r6' /><a href='#f6' class='c019'><sup>[6]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f6'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r6'>6</a>. </span><i>Plutarch</i>’s Lives of <i>Cleomenes</i> and <i>Agis</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>I don’t know how to form an Apology for the old Philosophers, -whose Account of spontaneous Generation is perfectly romantick: -What can be more so, than to say Frogs are engendered -of Slime, or in the Clouds, and dropt down in the Showers of -Rain? So the <i>Egyptians</i> said, that Mice were produced from -the Mud of <i>Nilus</i>, and Insects from putrified Matter animated by -the Sun. The Principle of this equivocal Generation, was the -old Doctrine of <i>Egypt</i>, and now justly exploded, as contrary to -Reason and common Sense, as well as to the Design of the -Creator in making Animals Male and Female; the End of which -Difference in Sexes, all Animals exactly answer, as if they were -endued with human Reason. No Woman more tender of her -Babe, or careful in providing for it, than Animals are of their -Young Ones.</p> -<hr class='c030' /> -<h3 class='c001'>SECTION II.</h3> - -<p class='c031'>The knowledge of mere Animals (who have no School for -Arts and Sciences) is most surprising; these without visible -Instructors, know how to perpetuate their Species to the End of -the World; and how to order their Eggs, as those, who are apprized, -their Successors were contained in them, and that it was -in their power to produce them, and to perpetuate, or keep up -the Name of their Family.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Serpentine Animals are thus taught by Nature; these -differ in the Mode of Propagation; some of them are <i>viviparous</i>, -an Epithet applied to such Animals, who lay their Eggs -within their Bellies, who bring forth their Young Ones alive and -perfect, as Vipers, Sheep, Hares; others are <i>oviparous</i>, and bring -forth their Young from Eggs, as Serpents, Snakes, Lizards, -Frogs, Salmon, Tortoise, Herrings, <i>&c.</i><a id='r7' /><a href='#f7' class='c019'><sup>[7]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f7'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r7'>7</a>. </span><i>Omnia ab ovo animalia.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>In this Contrivance of Male and Female, and different Method -of Multiplication for perpetuating the Species, we may see an -admirable Instance of divine Wisdom: But for this Difference in -Sexes, there would be no Increase of Serpents nor other Animals. -The oviparous and viviparous Manner of Propagation is as wonderful; -for,</p> - -<p class='c013'>Were they all <i>viviparous</i>, that is, brought forth living Births, -there would be but a small Number, and not sufficient to support -the whole animal Body: Corn, Grass, Fruits, <i>&c.</i> are no Production -of the Sea, therefore can be no Food for Fish: The Almighty -Creator so ordained it, that they should feed one upon -another; and this made it necessary that they should be <i>oviparous</i>, -that they might increase in great Plenty, which they could not do, -if they were of the <i>viviparous</i> Kind; that is, brought forth their -living Offspring, as Vipers, Sheep, Hares, Cows do.</p> - -<p class='c013'>But Fish being <i>oviparous</i>, propagating their Kind by Eggs, -which, for Number, are infinite, their Progeny is innumerable, -and sufficient to support all the Branches of the Marine Family; -even the lesser Kind of Fish send forth an incredible Number of -Spawn.</p> - -<p class='c013'>On the other hand, if four-footed Beasts were propagated by -Eggs, they would soon cover the Face of the Earth, without a -daily Destruction of them, which would take up no little time, -tho’ an <i>Army of Nimrods</i> were employed. Birds increase by Eggs, -and bring forth great Numbers; and perhaps, for this reason, -that Birds of Prey and Serpents, Kitchens, <i>&c.</i> might not want -proper Supplies. Now, if a Female Bird was great with six or -twelve Young Ones at once, the Burden would be intolerable, her -Wings would fail, and she would become an easy Prey to her -Enemies.</p> - -<p class='c013'>But you will say, what if they brought forth only one or two -at a time, till they amounted to the usual Number of their Eggs? -I answer, that then they would be troubled all the Year long -with feeding their Young, or bearing them in their Womb.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Production of Creatures by Eggs, is a wonderful Phænomenon -in the animal World; the Eggs are shelly and hard, to -preserve the included Embryo from Accidents, and to contain -suitable Nutriment for it. ’Tis observable that Chickens, while in -their dark embryotick State, are nourished by the <i>White</i> alone, till -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>grown big, and then feed on the <i>Yolk</i>, as the stronger Diet; and, -when that is consumed, the Shell opens, and lets out the Prisoners.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Though all Fowl are hatched from Eggs, yet it is not always -by the Parent’s Incubation, or Brooding, but by some other -Warmth: The <i>Tortoise</i> is said to lay no less than fifteen hundred -Eggs, which she covers in the Sand, and leaves the Sun to hatch -them. The Eggs of the <i>Ostrich</i><a id='r8' /><a href='#f8' class='c019'><sup>[8]</sup></a> are hatched after the same manner; -so the Serpent lays, and leaves her Eggs in the Dunghill.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f8'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r8'>8</a>. </span><i>Job</i> xxxix. 14, 15. <i>Willoughby’s Ornithol.</i> -<i>lib.</i> ii. <i>cap.</i> 8.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Eggs</i> of Serpents, and certain other Animals, are Parts -formed in the Ovaries of the Female, covered with a Shell, which -includes an Embryo of the same Species. In the days of old, the -Egg was the Symbol of the World; the World, by Tradition, being -made of an <i>Egg</i>: Hence Eggs became of singular Importance -in the Sacrifices of <i>Cybele</i> the Mother of the Gods. Some -of the Pagan Deities were said to be produced from Eggs.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In some Parts of <i>Asia</i>, and at <i>Grand Cairo</i> in <i>Egypt</i>, they hatch -their Chickens in Ovens; each Oven contains several thousand -Eggs which the Country brings in, and have their Eggs returned -in Chickens.</p> - -<p class='c013'>By this Method, they generally want some integral Part, as -an Eye, a Claw, <i>&c.</i> which may be owing to a Want of equal -Impression of Heat, tho’ the artificial Warmth be continued. -There are thousands, yea Millions at a Batch, thus produced in -<i>Egyptian Ovens</i>;—and may as well be in <i>Europe</i>, if our Bakers -had the knack on’t. An Experiment has been made by a <i>Duke of -Tuscany</i>, who having built such Ovens, did produce living Chickens -in the same manner.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Under this <i>Section</i>, I shall consider the wonderful Sagacity -of Serpents, in chusing their Paths for Deambulation, and finding -out proper Receptacles for their Repose and Security in Winter; -and that in Climates that are Opposites in their Nature.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In Summer, generally speaking, they are found in solitary and -unfrequented dry Situations; others delight in moorish fenny -Grounds; and in hot Countries, near to Groves, Rivulets—These, -like other Animals, strictly adhere to the Constitutions of their -Family, without Deviation.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>They take up their Winter-Quarters in Caverns, hollow -Places, Burrows, Rocks, old Hedges, and under the Roots of -Vegetables, especially the Birch, others say Beech-Trees, which -were consecrated by the Pagans to the supreme Numen.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In these lonesome Habitations they repose themselves during -the Winter, in a kind of sleepy State, as half dead, with <i>open -Eyes</i><a id='r9' /><a href='#f9' class='c019'><sup>[9]</sup></a>. In this Solitude they lie dormant, indulg’d with a little -humid Air, till the Sun, by its Entrance into the northern Constellations, -restores them to the active Life; without some Air -they could not live. Mr. <i>Boyle</i> made the experiment, by putting -Vipers into the exhausted Receiver, which soon died upon pumping -out the Air.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f9'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r9'>9</a>. </span><i>Apertis Oculis.</i> Conrad. Gesner. pag. 3. <i>de Serp.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It argues no little Penetration, that they know when and -how to shelter themselves in Places of Safety in all Seasons; and -what is yet more astonishing, is, that they live there so many -Months without Food and without Action; and when released -from their hybernal Confinement, how soon do they find out -their appointed Food? Taken in this light, they are not singular; -for ’tis believed, there are other Animals that pass the Winter-Season -in a state of Indolence and Inactivity, as Cuckows and -Swallows, making way by their Retreat for Woodcocks and -Fieldfares, which visit us in Winter, and then return northwards: -They are said to breed in colder Countries, as <i>Norway</i>, <i>Russia</i>, -<i>Sweden</i>, and the <i>Islands of Orcades</i>, the most northern Parts of -<i>Scotland</i>; which Islands were formerly in possession of the <i>Norwegians</i>, -and given and annex’d to <i>Scotland</i> by <i>Christiern</i> I. King -of <i>Denmark</i> and <i>Norway</i>, on the Marriage of his Daughter <i>Margaret</i>, -with <i>James</i> III. King of <i>Scotland</i>, about the Year 1474.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is probable, that when these northern Countries are buried in -Snow, and their Rivers are frozen up, these Birds take their Flight -hither, and such like Places, where they have access to Water, <i>&c.</i> -But as to Cuckows and Swallows, as intimated above, ’tis generally -allow’d that they sleep in Winter, having, as ’tis said, been found -in hollow Trees and Caverns. Nor is this at all unlikely; tho’ -on the other hand, I can see no Absurdity in supposing that these -should go upon a Summer, as the other do upon a Winter Pilgrimage; -that these pursue a lesser Heat, as well as the others fly -from a greater Cold. Yea, <i>Vegetables</i> are said to <i>sleep in Winter</i>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>and to be awake and lively in Summer: During the Months of -their Rest, a quantity of Oil is laid up in them for their Defence -against the Cold, and in proportion to the Degrees of it, which -they are to sustain; whence it is, that the Trees of the northern -Climates so much abound with Oil.</p> - -<p class='c013'>On the other hand, there are <i>Reptiles</i> and <i>Insects</i> that have -Sense enough to lay up Winter-Store in Summer, as the <i>Bee</i>, -<i>Wasp</i>, <i>Field-Mouse</i>, <i>&c.</i> a Property foreign to the ancient House -of Serpents.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In Summer, the <i>Bees</i> labor hard for Winter Provision: As -soon as the Air grows mild and warm, they are out betimes, and -gather their Harvest from the Simples of the Fields, which they -suck into their Bodies, and upon their Return to the Hive they -disgorge it, as Pigeons do their Food wherewith they feed their -Young. When the Bees have fill’d their Storehouse with the Delicacies -of Nature, they lock the Doors, which they seal up with -delicate white Wax, to prevent the Emanation of the Honey, -which is a vegetable Juice: The Combs in which their Treasure -is lodg’d, are geometrically nice, and exceed the most exquisite -Art of Man.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Ants also in this respect, are remarkable for Penetration -and Foresight. In <i>America</i> are Ants which raise Hillocks four or -five Foot high, and have such a way of cementing the Earth -about them, that ’tis as firm as Lime and Stone, which protects -them against the <i>Ant-Bears</i>, or Pismire-eaters; <i>i. e.</i> a kind of -Creatures as big as Dogs, that feed on these Insects.</p> - -<p class='c013'>One observes, that the <i>Spaniards</i> left <i>Jamaica</i>, and went to -<i>Cuba</i>, for this Reason among others, because their Childrens Eyes -were eaten by these Ants, when left by themselves in the -Cradle<a id='r10' /><a href='#f10' class='c019'><sup>[10]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f10'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r10'>10</a>. </span>Sir <i>Hans Sloan</i>’s <i>Introduction to his Voyage</i>, p. 68.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Ceylon in the <i>East-Indies</i> produces several sorts of remarkable -Ants, particularly a large red kind, which make their Nests on -the Boughs of great Trees, with Leaves wrapt together in Clusters, -in which they lay their Eggs: And another sort call’d <i>Vacos</i>, -whose Hinder-part is white, and the Head red; these swarm -over the Land and devour every thing, but Stone and Iron: They -creep on House-walls, and always build an Arch over themselves; -on these their Poultry live chiefly; some of them bite desperately.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>To these I might add the <i>Wasps</i>, that have their Winter-Treasures -in subterranean Cells, and the Field-mice that know -the proper Season to gather Acorns, which they carefully hide -in hollow Places, (as Mole-runs) in the Earth. Thus we see -no Creatures so mean in our View, but a Ray of divine Wisdom -shines in their Foresight and Contrivance: When we consider -how wonderfully these inferior Creatures are conducted in their -Operations, how punctually they obey the Laws of their Creator, -how solicitously every one propagates his Kind, and makes proper -Provisions for his Family; it looks as if it were done by some -Principle that’s more perfect than the common Reason of Man. -Nevertheless ’tis past doubt, that Brutes of the highest Order, -and most refin’d, are but Brutes, <i>i. e.</i> irrational, and it’s well for -us they are so.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This is call’d <i>Instinct</i>, a natural Disposition, or Sagacity -wherewith Animals are endued; by virtue whereof they are enabled -to provide for themselves, know what is good for them, -and are determin’d to propagate and preserve their Species. <i>Instinct</i> -bears some Analogy to Reason or Understanding, and supplies -the Defect of it in Brutes. The Narrative of <i>Eve</i>’s Temptation -begins with affirming, <i>The Serpent was more subtle than any -Beast of the Field</i>. And <i>Christ</i> recommends the Wisdom of the -Serpent, but not without the Innocence of the Dove.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Proofs of its Subtilty are not so obvious; some produce -such as these, telling us, that the Serpent <i>Cerastes</i> hides itself in -the Sand, with a view to bite the Horse’s Foot that he might -throw the Rider. <i>Jacob</i> seems to allude to this, in the Blessing -he gave to <i>Dan</i>, of whom ’tis said, <i>Dan shall be a Serpent by -the Way, an Adder in the Path, that bites the Horse’s Heels, so -that his Rider shall fall backward</i>. Gen. xlix. 17. But more in -Part third.</p> -<hr class='c030' /> -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span> - <h3 class='c001'>SECTION III.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c031'>Serpents are supposed to have many Enemies, besides -Man, as the <i>Eagle</i>, <i>Hawk</i>, <i>Stork</i>, <i>Ibis</i>, <i>Ichneumon</i>, <i>Magaure</i>, -<i>&c.</i> I shall only touch upon some of these: <i>Ibis</i> is a -Bird of <i>Egypt</i>, and a faithful Ally in the War against Serpents; -vast Numbers of winged Serpents are annually bred in <i>Arabia</i>, -from whence, at certain Seasons, Swarms of them take their flight -across the <i>Red-Sea</i> into <i>Egypt</i>: Upon the first notice of their Arrival, -the <i>Ibidian</i> Birds assemble in Troops, and immediately fly -upon the Invaders, and soon destroy them. In the same manner -they execute Vengeance upon the Serpents of <i>Ethiopia</i>, when -they molest the Land<a id='r11' /><a href='#f11' class='c019'><sup>[11]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f11'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r11'>11</a>. </span><i>Conradus Gesn.</i> p. 55. <i>Ray. Gyllius.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Storks</i> destroy all Serpents that fall in their way, and -are so greatly regarded in <i>Thessaly</i> for this kind office, that it is -counted a capital Crime to kill a <i>Stork</i>, and the Criminal is punished -as in the case of Man-slaughter.</p> - -<p class='c013'><a id='r12' /><a href='#f12' class='c019'><sup>[12]</sup></a>The Stork’s Bill is very long and sharp, with which it makes -a rattling kind of Noise: It is said, the Chirurgeons have learn’d -the Clysterick Art from these Birds.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f12'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r12'>12</a>. </span><i>Pliny’s Nat. Hist.</i> Tom. i. B. 10.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Storks</i> also are esteemed the Clergy’s Friends, for the Author -of the <i>Book of Nature</i> says, they will not inhabit any City -in <i>Germany</i>, where no Tythes are paid to the Priest. An Orthodox -Brood of Birds!</p> - -<p class='c013'>When <i>Moses</i> conducted the <i>Egyptian</i> Army against the <i>Ethiopians</i>, -he was to pass through a Country full of Serpents, and to -secure his Forces from them in their March, he carried with him -several of these <i>Ibidian</i> Birds, before whose Fury they fell or -fled<a id='r13' /><a href='#f13' class='c019'><sup>[13]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f13'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r13'>13</a>. </span><i>Josephus</i>, B. ii. Cap. v. p. 65.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>ICHNEUMON</i> is a little Animal of bold Spirit, and a -great Destroyer of Serpents, and therefore the <i>Egyptians</i> keep it -in their Houses, as we do Cats; and the young ones are commonly -sold for that end at <i>Alexandria</i>. In form it resembles an -overgrown Rat, and is called the <i>Indian-Rat</i>, and <i>Pharaoh’s -Rat</i>; and by its mighty Atchievements, it must be of some considerable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>Bulk; for in its Encounters with great Dogs, Crocodiles, -Serpents, <i>&c.</i> it generally comes off victorious: Upon their Approach -it bunches up, and bristles up its Hair, in token of Defiance: -It couches on the Ground, and leaps like a Bull-dog at -its Prey.</p> - -<p class='c013'>By some it is call’d the <i>Egyptian Otter</i>; ’tis of a dun Colour, -has round Ears, black Legs, and long Tail: It cannot endure the -Wind, and runs for Shelter, when it rises, sometimes thrusting -its Head between its hinder Legs, in a round Form like a Hedge-hog.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Those who have examined into Kites Nests, have found -Vipers in them, which are supposed to be Food for their young -ones. In <i>China</i> is a little Creature like a Weezel, called <i>Magaure</i>, -that is a mortal Enemy to Serpents, which it kills by striking its -Teeth into their Heads. The <i>Chameleon</i> trembles at the Sight of -this little Furioso<a id='r14' /><a href='#f14' class='c019'><sup>[14]</sup></a>; whose Ears are short and round, its Nose -like that of a Ferret, its Tongue and Teeth like a Cat, which -is a Creature it destroys in a Minute, though not the easiest to be -killed. The <i>Argoli Serpents</i> in <i>India</i> destroy Asps; therefore -by <i>Alexander</i> the Great’s Command, they were transported to -<i>Alexandria</i><a id='r15' /><a href='#f15' class='c019'><sup>[15]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f14'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r14'>14</a>. </span><i>L. Le Comte’s Memoirs</i>, p. 504.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f15'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r15'>15</a>. </span><i>Johnstonus</i>, p. 16.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Whether the Serpent hates Man more than other Creatures, -is with me a question; be that as it will, it is wonderful -to think, that notwithstanding Man’s and other Creatures invincible -Hatred of Serpents, yet hitherto they have been able to support -themselves in a State of War against all the World.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Even among Vegetables are found Enemies to Serpents; as -the <i>Dittany</i> of <i>Virginia</i>, or the <i>wild Penny-royal</i>; the Leaves of -which, says my Author, being bruised, we tied in the Cleft of a -long Stick, and held them to the Nose of the <i>Rattle-Snake</i>, who -by turning and wriggling, laboured hard to avoid it, and in half -an hour’s time was kill’d by it: This was done <i>July</i> 1657, at -which Season those Creatures are computed to be in the greatest -Vigour of their Poison; it is also remarkable, that in those Places -where the <i>wild Penny-royal</i> grows, no Rattle-Snakes are observed -to come<a id='r16' /><a href='#f16' class='c019'><sup>[16]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f16'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r16'>16</a>. </span><i>Philos. Transact.</i> abridg’d by <i>Lowthorp</i>, p. 811.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<hr class='c030' /> -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span> - <h3 class='c001'>SECTION IV.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c031'>That <i>Dust</i> was not the original Food of the Serpent, -seems evident from the Sentence passed upon the Paradisaic -Serpent, but the necessary Consequence of the Change made -in the manner of its Motion, <i>i. e.</i> the prone Posture of its Body, -by which it’s doomed to live upon Food intermix’d with Earth, -dried to a Powder; <i>Dust shalt thou eat</i>, is one part of the Curse. -It’s true, Serpents eat Flesh, Birds, Frogs, Fish, Fruits, Grass, -but as they continually creep on the Earth, ’tis impossible but -their Food must be often defiled with Dirt; some of them may -eat Earth out of Necessity, or at least Earth-Worms, which they -cannot swallow without some Dirt with them. No Animal but -has its proper Food; even the most minute Insects; those that -seemingly feed upon Dust, in reality feed only upon some nutritive -Particles therein. Insects have been seen through a Microscope -to eat some Particles of Dust, and reject many others, having -accurate Organs of Sight, Smelling, and Feeling, as well accommodated -to Dust, as the Organs of Ducks and Hogs are to -find their Food in Dirt.</p> - -<p class='c013'>And here it may be observed, that what the Serpent does -through a Necessity from the Divine Sentence, the earthly Man -does from his own Will; the Serpent only by the Will of another, -Man eats it from his own Inclination to it; the Serpent -would have better Food if it could, Man might have better and -will not: This shews that Man has a mind to be Companion with -the Serpent, and to carry on the Acquaintance, that was begun -in Paradise; the Serpent licks the Dust materially, the earthly -Person licks it morally; the one has its Tongue upon it, the other -has his Heart. The earthly Man is only a Man in shape, but a -Serpent in Practice: What is the Punishment of the Serpent, is -made the Happiness of the earthly Mind.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some Serpents are <i>carnivorous</i>, and feed on Flesh; others -are <i>verminivorous</i>, and feed on Reptiles: Their Sustenance is various, -suited to their several Constitutions, and Nature of the -Climates, where they inhabit. Vipers and Adders feed on Herbs, -Weeds, Dews, as well as upon Lizards, Mice, Frogs.—When -<span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>they take Food into their Mouths, they raise up their Bodies a -little, that they may swallow their Prey with less difficulty. -They swallow those little Animals whole without chewing. -In a Viper dissected by a certain Gentleman, he found three large -Mice, intire, without any Change of their Form by hard Compressure. -<i>Scorpions</i> live chiefly upon Locusts, and other winged -Insects. In <i>Arabia</i>, ’tis said, they feed upon <i>Balsam-Juices</i>, and -seem to delight much in the Shadow of that Tree<a id='r17' /><a href='#f17' class='c019'><sup>[17]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f17'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r17'>17</a>. </span><i>Conrad, Gesner.</i> 85.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It is remarkable, that Nature has provided young Vipers with -poisonous Teeth grown to Perfection, commensurate to their -Bulk, that so they may immediately feed themselves, by being -able, in some measure, to kill their Prey as soon as they are born. -Some of these Animals have temporary Parts, as the <i>Lacerta -Aquatica</i>, a little Water-Serpent, which, when young, has four -ramified Fins, to poise and keep its Body upright, (which gives -it the Resemblance of a young Fish) and these fall off when the -Legs are grown: So Frogs and Toads, in their <i>Tadpole State</i>, have -Tails, which fall off when their Legs are grown out<a id='r18' /><a href='#f18' class='c019'><sup>[18]</sup></a>. These -pass through various Transmigrations, before they arrive at their -perfect State.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f18'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r18'>18</a>. </span><i>Derham’s Phys. Theol.</i> B. IV.</p> -</div> - -</div> -<hr class='c030' /> -<h3 class='c001'>SECTION V.</h3> - -<p class='c031'>As Serpents differ in Kind, so in Size; the Length to which -some of them grow is most surprizing. A certain Number -is sent out with little Bodies; others are of monstrous Bulk, -and capable of making the strongest Efforts against all the Attempts -made to destroy them; yea, are strong enough to contend -with <i>Elephants</i>, the greatest of Animals, and conquer them. <i>e. gr.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>ATTILIUS REGULUS</i>, the <i>Roman</i> General in <i>Africa</i>, -is said to encounter a Serpent in that Country, of vast Strength and -Stature, near the River <i>Bagrada</i>, 120 Feet long, which he and -his Army could not subdue, without discharging all their Engines -of War against it; and, when conquered and flea’d, its Skin was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>conveyed to <i>Rome</i> in Triumph<a id='r19' /><a href='#f19' class='c019'><sup>[19]</sup></a>. This is the more credible, -says <i>Pliny</i>, because, in <i>Italy</i>, we see other Serpents, called <i>Boæ</i>, so -large that in the Reign of <i>Claudius</i>, there was one of them killed -in the <i>Vatican</i>, within whose Belly was found an Infant whole<a id='r20' /><a href='#f20' class='c019'><sup>[20]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f19'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r19'>19</a>. </span><i>Prœlium grands & acre eumque magna totius exercitus conflictatione, balistis -atque catapultis diu oppugnatum—Ejusque interfecti longum corium pedes 120. Aul. -Gellii Noct. Att.</i> <i>Liber</i> VI. <i>Cap.</i> iii.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f20'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r20'>20</a>. </span><i>Nat. Hist.</i> B. VIII. <i>Cap.</i> xiv.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Among the <i>Andes</i> in <i>America</i>, are Serpents of prodigious Magnitude, -from 25 to 30 Foot long<a id='r21' /><a href='#f21' class='c019'><sup>[21]</sup></a>. In the Province of <i>Caria</i>, -are Serpents ten Yards long, and Ten Hands broad, and their Eyes -as large as two small Loaves. In <i>Brasil</i>, are found Serpents 30 -Foot long. In <i>Gresham-College, London</i>, is a Snake preserved in -Spirits, that is near two Yards long.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f21'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r21'>21</a>. </span><i>De Le Vega.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Norway</i>, we read of two Serpents of very large Proportion: -One of two hundred Foot long, and lives in Rocks and desolate -Mountains, near the Sea, about <i>Bergen</i>; which in Summer-Nights -ranges about in quest of Plunder, devouring Lambs, -Calves, Swine, and other Animals, that fall in its way. In a -calm Sea, it ransacks the Superficies of the Water, and devours -the <i>Polypus</i> (<i>i. e.</i> a little Fish of many Feet) and all sorts of Sea-Crabs.——Upon -the Approach of a Ship, this Serpent lifts up -its Head above Water, and snatches at the Mariners. My Author -adds, that it rolls itself round about the Ship, the more effectually -to secure its Prey<a id='r22' /><a href='#f22' class='c019'><sup>[22]</sup></a>. The Representation of this you have -in <i>C. Gesner.</i></p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f22'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r22'>22</a>. </span><i>Olaus Magn.</i> B. xxi. c. 27. p. 23. <i>Gesner ex Scalig.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The other Serpent is in the Diocess of <i>Hammer</i>, about fifty -Cubits long, by Conjecture. In <i>Bothnia</i>, on the <i>Livonian</i> Sea, -we read of monstrous Serpents, with which the Shepherds of that -Country were in constant War. Wonderful Things are reported -of the large Serpents that infest the <i>Helvetian Mountains</i>. From -the Instances above, ’tis evident that the Northern Climates breed -Serpents as well as the South; but with this Difference, that they -are not so venomous as those in <i>Africa</i>, tho’ <i>Olaus Magnus</i>, Archbishop -of <i>Upsal</i>, seems to except the Shrew-Serpent. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>There are <i>Marine</i>, as well as <i>Land-Dragons</i>, of uncommon -Bigness: Some in <i>Ethiopia</i> of 30 Paces long, and in <i>Phrygia</i> ten -Paces long.——<i>N. B.</i> A geometrical Pace is five Foot; -but if it be the lesser Pace only, <i>viz.</i> the Measure of two Foot -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>and a half, it must be a monstrous Animal<a id='r23' /><a href='#f23' class='c019'><sup>[23]</sup></a>.——In the -Reign of <i>Philadelphus</i>, two <i>Live-Dragons</i> were brought from -<i>Ethiopia</i> to <i>Alexandria</i>, one 13, the other 14 Cubits long. In -the Reign of King <i>Euergetes</i>, they took three Dragons, one seven -Cubits, the other nine Cubits long. The third was carefully -nursed in the Temple of <i>Esculapius</i>, and no Creature so highly -reverenced<a id='r24' /><a href='#f24' class='c019'><sup>[24]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f23'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r23'>23</a>. </span><i>Gesner</i>, p. 44.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f24'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r24'>24</a>. </span><i>Ælian</i>, l. 16. c. 39. p. 957.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>On the <i>Pellonæon Hill</i> in <i>Chius</i>, was a <i>Dragon</i> whose hideous -Noise filled the Vicinity with Horror and Dread; so terrible, -that none durst approach so near as to take its Dimensions. It -happened, the Wilderness wherein it lived, took fire in a Storm; -and being involved in the Smoke and fire, it perished, and, upon -viewing its Bones, ’twas concluded to be of a monstrous Bulk. -<i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Ethiopian Dragons</i> just mentioned, have no proper Name, -and are only known by a Periphrasis, <i>viz.</i> <i>Killers of Elephants</i>. -The Method is, by winding themselves about the <i>Elephants</i> Legs, -and then thrusting their Heads up their Nostrils, sting them, and -suck their Blood till they are dead.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>ALEXANDER</i>, in his Tour thro’ the <i>Red-Sea</i>, says, -he saw Serpents of incredible Magnitude, some about 30 Cubits -long<a id='r25' /><a href='#f25' class='c019'><sup>[25]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f25'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r25'>25</a>. </span><i>Ælian</i>, lib. 17. -cap. 1.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>We read of monstrous Dragons, particularly two Draconic -Monsters mentioned by <i>Alexander</i>’s Ambassadors, seen by them -in their Return from the Kingdom of <i>Abisaris</i>, one of 80 Cubits -long, the other 140<a id='r26' /><a href='#f26' class='c019'><sup>[26]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f26'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r26'>26</a>. </span><i>Strabo</i>, de situ orbis, lib. 15. βιασαρου χωρα <i>Bisari</i>, alias <i>Abisari Regio</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In places adjacent to <i>Batavia</i>, a <i>Dutch</i> Settlement in the <i>East-Indies</i>, -we read of Serpents 50 Feet long; and the Skin of one, -which was 20 Feet long, that swallowed an <i>Infant</i>, is shewn in -<i>Batavia</i>, the <i>Metropolis</i> of the <i>Dutch</i> Empire in the <i>East-Indies</i>. -In <i>America</i> also are Serpents of prodigious Bulk, from 25, to 30 -Feet long<a id='r27' /><a href='#f27' class='c019'><sup>[27]</sup></a>; but this Subject will be further considered in the -<i>Second Part</i> of this Book.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f27'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r27'>27</a>. </span>Atlas American.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>On the other hand, there are Serpents, as remarkably little as -the <i>Amphisbæna</i>, <i>Gallic</i> Viper, and some of the Lizards, that are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>not above four or six Inches long. Most of these Minutillos vary -in outward Form.</p> - -<p class='c013'>And here, I can’t but observe that as the Magnitude of some -other Animals is very wonderful, so, on the contrary, the Minuteness -of some is equally astonishing, if not more so: There are -some very <i>little Insects</i> that are conspicuous to the Eye, but more -that are <i>invisible</i> without the Help of a <i>Microscope</i>, which is an -optical Instrument, that magnifies Objects, and makes them bigger -than really they are; it helps to discover minute Particles, of -which Bodies are composed, and the curious Contexture of -them.</p> - -<p class='c013'>To those who are not used to a rigid mathematic Proof, this -may be illustrated by the Smallness of many organized Bodies. -There is a Plant called <i>Harts-Tongue</i>, ten thousand Seeds of which -hardly make the Bulk of a Pepper-Corn. Now the Cover of the -true Body of each Seed, the parenchymous and ligneous Parts of -both; the Fibres of those Parts, the Principles of those Fibres, and -the homogeneous Particles or Atoms of each Principle, being moderately -multiplied one by another, afford a hundred thousand -Millions of formed Atoms in the space of a Pepper-Corn, says the -learned Dr. <i>Grew</i><a id='r28' /><a href='#f28' class='c019'><sup>[28]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f28'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r28'>28</a>. </span><i>Cosmologia Sacra</i>, B. i. chap. 3.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The same is yet more evident from the Stupendous Smallness -of some Animals, especially in the Sperm of smaller Insects; -which have been observed by Mr. <i>Leeuwenhoek</i>, to be some Millions -of times smaller than a grain Sand. This learned Gentleman -has observed more of them in the Spawn of a Cod-fish, than -there are People living on the Face of all the Earth at once<a id='r29' /><a href='#f29' class='c019'><sup>[29]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f29'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r29'>29</a>. </span><i>Numerum animalculorum ex unius asselli -majoris lactibus provenientium, plus decies superare homines in universo terrarum orbe -viventes.</i>—<i>Epistola ad Dom. N. Grew</i>, p. 1.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c032'><i>N. B.</i> It is the infinite Number of these little invisible Animals -that makes stagnating Waters or Pools appear of so -many different Colours, as green, reddish, brown,—according -to the several Natures of these little Animals that live -therein.</p> - -<p class='c031'>Thus, among Men, we find big and little; <i>Giants</i> and <i>Pygmies</i>: -Whether that Disproportion be from meer natural Causes, -or by Designation of Providence, I determine not. It is very -questionable whether there be a particular Nation of <i>Pygmies</i>; but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>no doubt is made about the Existence of <i>Dwarfs</i> in many Places -as well as Giants. <i>Julia</i>, the Niece of <i>Augustus</i>, had a Dwarf -called <i>Canopas</i>, that was about two feet in height. <i>Philippa -French</i>, born at <i>Milcomb</i> in <i>Staffordshire</i>, aged about 36, being -then married, wanted something of three Feet in height<a id='r30' /><a href='#f30' class='c019'><sup>[30]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f30'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r30'>30</a>. </span>Dr. <i>Plot</i>’s Natural History.—<i>Oxford</i> 16.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>On the other hand, we are not without Instances of Men, that -were of a <i>gigantick Stature</i>, after, as well as before the Deluge, -as <i>Goliah</i> and the Sons of <i>Anak</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Days of <i>Claudius</i> the Emperor, <i>Pliny</i> tells us, that one -called <i>Gabara</i>, brought out of <i>Arabia</i>, was nine Feet and nine -Inches high: He tells us also, of two others in the days of <i>Augustus -Cæsar</i>, <i>Iducio</i> and <i>Secundilla</i>, that were half a Foot taller than -<i>Gabara</i><a id='r31' /><a href='#f31' class='c019'><sup>[31]</sup></a>. <i>Maximinus</i> the Emperor, was eight Foot and a half -in height. But to come near home:</p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f31'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r31'>31</a>. </span><i>Nat. Hist.</i> B. vii. cap. 16.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>WILLIAM EVANS</i> born in <i>Monmouthshire</i>, and Porter -to King <i>Charles</i> I. was two Yards and a half high. <i>Walter Parsons</i>, -Porter to King <i>James</i> I. was about the same height. “Some -say, <i>William Evans</i> exceeded <i>Walter Parsons</i> two Inches in -height, but was far beneath him in proportion of Body. Tho’ -he halted a little, and going out squalling with his Feet, yet -made a shift to dance in an <i>Antimasque</i> at Court, where he -drew <i>Little Jeffrey</i>, the <i>Dwarf</i>, out of his <i>Pocket</i>, first to the -Wonder, then to the Laughter of the Spectators<a id='r32' /><a href='#f32' class='c019'><sup>[32]</sup></a>.”</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f32'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r32'>32</a>. </span>Fuller’<i>s Worthies of</i> Engl. Monmouthshire, <i>p.</i> 54.</p> -</div> - -</div> -<hr class='c030' /> -<h3 class='c001'>SECTION VI.</h3> - -<p class='c031'>The Apparatus in Serpents for their Motion is admirable. -How curious the Structure of their Muscles, and their -Junction to every Point, whereby they are prepared for their different -Motions, and enabled to move according to their different -Nature and Situation!</p> - -<p class='c013'>In those that go upon their Bellies, the Movement is very singular, -which is in a Form curvilineal, different winding of their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>Bodies. The Serpentine Line, among Mathematicians, is borrowed -from the Foldings of a Serpent in its Motion.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Learned observe, there is a great deal of geometrical -Niceness in the sinuous Motion of Snakes, Vipers, and other Serpents; -to assist them in the right Management of it, the annular -Scales under their Bodies are very remarkable, lying cross the Belly, -contrary to what those in the Back, and the rest of the System do; -which Contrivance facilitates their Motion. -This tortuous creeping Motion of the Reptile Species is very -curious: The whole Body of a Worm is, as it were, but a Chain -of annular or spiral Muscles, whose round Fibres, by contracting, -make each Ring more strong. The Back-Bones of Serpents are -a wonderful Composition: How thick are they with Joints? How -numerous and strong are their co-operating Muscles? By this curious -Articulation of the Joints, they can turn and wind their Bodies -any way without any difficulty.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Outside of their Skin is a most elegant Composition: to a -common Eye, their Tegument has a rugged uneven Aspect; but, -to a proper Judge, the Scales of Vipers are found to be a most exquisite -Piece of Mechanism; the Symmetry of the whole is geometrically -exact, and vastly beautiful; not imitable by human Skill: -Some of them are guarded by a coverture not penetrable by a -human Arm, which is their Security in a perilous Situation; yea, -a greater Security than many innocent Inhabitants of the Field -are privileged with. Among Serpents, some are clothed as with -a Coat of Mail, <i>i. e.</i> an Armature of strong Scales; and such of -them as want that crustaceous Covering, have either a Sting in the -Tail, or a Tooth in their Mouth, that bids the Assailant keep off, -and observe his Distance.</p> -<hr class='c030' /> -<h3 class='c001'>SECTION VII.</h3> - -<p class='c031'>What is Poison? I answer, that, generally speaking, ’tis -taken to be a malignant Quality in some Vegetables, -Minerals, and Animals, a small Quantity of which is hurtful, -and even mortal, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>The Learned in the Faculty tell us, <i>Poisons</i> operate in various -manners; some by dissolving the Blood, others by coagulating it, -and some by corroding and destroying the Solids. The Learned -Sir <i>Hans Sloane</i> says, “Some attack equally all Parts, some only -a particular one. Thus the <i>Lepus Marinus</i> is an Enemy to -the Lungs, <i>Cantharides</i> to the Bladder<a id='r33' /><a href='#f33' class='c019'><sup>[33]</sup></a>.”</p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f33'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r33'>33</a>. </span><i>His Voyage.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Some Vegetables again, which prove Poison to Man, serve -for Food to other Animals. Thus, says that learned Gentleman, -<i>Mandragora</i> and <i>Jusquiamnus</i> that feed Hogs, kill Man.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>HEMLOCK</i>, that is hurtful to Man, is wholesome for -Goats; yea, the <i>Cassavi Plant</i> poisons unprepared; but prepared, -is the very Bread of the <i>West-Indians</i>, particularly <i>Jamaica</i> and -the hotter Parts, with which they victual Ships. <i>Ibid.</i> Tea is -said to be poisonous before it is cured.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This perhaps may serve to obviate an Objection made against -the Goodness of the Deity, in planting a Tree in Paradise that -had such malignant Influences; because, supposing that it had any -Properties, which might tend to the Dissolution of the human -System, yet the same Tree might be very salutary and useful to -other Beings in the Creation.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Having divided <i>Poison</i> into <i>Three Parts</i>, I shall, in the next -Place consider them distinctly.</p> -<p class='c033'>I. <i>This Contrivance of Divine Wisdom is so universal, that -we find, in the vegetable Kingdom, something more than what is -merely analogous to Poison, both in Land and Water-Plants</i>; as -the <i>Napellus</i>, <i>Cassivi</i>, <i>Nux Vomica</i>, <i>Aconite</i>, <i>Cicuta Aquatica</i>, -<i>Solanum Lethale</i>, <i>Aconitum Hyemale</i>. Some Poisons are of a -Narcotic Quality, as Poppy and Henbane—being taken in too -great a Quantity, become poisonous. I shall only add some Instances -of Persons kill’d by eating poisonous Plants, Roots, and -Herbs. The Wife of <i>W. Matthews</i>, near <i>Salop</i>, who having -gathered a Quantity of <i>Dog-Mercury</i>, which she took to be -another Herb, boiled it for their Supper, which very sensibly affected -the whole Family. One of the Children slept from -<i>Thursday</i> Night till <i>Monday</i> Evening, then just opened her Eyes, -and died immediately. The other two Children slept about 24 -Hours, and, upon their awakening, fell a vomiting and purging, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>which, ’tis thought, saved their Lives<a id='r34' /><a href='#f34' class='c019'><sup>[34]</sup></a>. A certain Woman near -<i>Kilkenny</i> in <i>Ireland</i>, eating by mistake, a <i>Hemlock-Root</i> among -<i>Parsnips</i>, was immediately seized with a Raving and Madness. -<i>Ibid.</i></p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f34'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r34'>34</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp</i>’s Abridg. Vol. II.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Eight young Lads went a fishing to a Brook near <i>Clonmel</i> -in <i>Ireland</i>, and there meeting with a great Parcel of <i>Oenanthe -Aquatica succo viroso</i>, they mistook the Roots of it for <i>Sium -Aquaticum</i> Roots, and did eat heartily of them. About four or -five hours after coming home, the eldest of them, on a sudden, -fell down backwards, and lay kicking and sprawling on the -Ground, foaming at the Mouth; soon after, four more were -seized the same way, and they all died before Morning: not one -of them having spoken a Word from the Moment in which the -venenate Particles surprised the <i>Genus nervosum</i><a id='r35' /><a href='#f35' class='c019'><sup>[35]</sup></a>. Of the other -three, one ran stark-mad, but recovered; another had his Hair -and Nails fallen off; the third alone escaped: perhaps it might -be owing to a strong Constitution, and eating less of that fatal -Root; or perhaps it might be attributed to his speedy running -above two Miles home (after he saw one young Man fall) together -with his drinking a very large Draught of warm Milk from the -Cow, in his midway, and a violent Sweating, which might expel -many of those venemous Particles. <i>Ibid.</i></p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f35'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r35'>35</a>. </span><i>Ibid.</i> p. 641.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>An Experiment has been made upon a Dog, by giving him -the <i>Nux Vomica</i>, which soon poisoned him. The <i>American -Physick Nut</i> is said to be so poisonous, that no Animals make a -near Approach to it. Wormwood in <i>Persia</i> is so venemous, that -if Horses, or any other Creatures, eat thereof, they die immediately; -upon which account, say the Duke of <i>Holstein</i>’s Ambassadors, -we durst not unbit that day<a id='r36' /><a href='#f36' class='c019'><sup>[36]</sup></a>. The <i>Indians</i> have what -they call <i>Juico Juice</i> among them, which deprives such as drink -of it of their Reason, and renders them perfect Idiots; tho’ at -the same time it leaves them in the perfect Enjoyment of their -Health and natural Powers.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f36'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r36'>36</a>. </span>Their Voyages and Travels to <i>Muscovy</i> and <i>Persia</i>, p. 228. A. D. 1637.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>CHARCOALS</i> prepared from <i>Vegetables</i>, have a poisonous -Quality; for, when kindled, they exhale a Vapour, which, if it -be kept up, and confin’d to a close Place, proves fatal. ’Tis said, -Charcoal made in <i>Cornwal</i> affords a manifest arsenical and sulphurous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>Smell beyond others; and yet Charcoal is a <i>commodious</i> -Fuel.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Even when the sharp Points of Nettles pierce the Flesh, they -instil a kind of venemous Juice into the Wound, which gives -a painful Sensation. The Leaf of a Nettle has some relation to a -Sting; ’tis covered with very sharp Prickles, whose Base, which -is a Bladder of a flexible Substance, has a Hole in the middle, by -which this venemous Liquor runs into the wounded Part, and -excites Pain.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This may be easily perceived with a Microscope; if a Man -press with the Finger, the End of those Prickles against its -<i>Base</i>: for then, thro’ these Prickles which are transparent, this Liquor -is manifestly seen to mount, and to descend, as the ingenious -Mr. <i>Hook</i> assures us, he had often made the Experiment.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Carmania Deserta</i>, towards the <i>Persian</i> Gulph, they have -two sorts of dangerous Shrubs, one called <i>Gulbad-Samour</i>, i. e. -the Flower that poisons the Wind, where there are many of these -<i>Shrubs</i>. The Wind that passes thro’ them, kills those who are -near it. The other is <i>Kerzehre</i>, the <i>Gall</i> of <i>Asses</i>, because it kills -those Creatures, and others that eat of it; yea, the Water that falls -from it is poisonous. They say, that Part of its Root which -spreads to the East is Poison: for which, that on the South-side -is an Antidote<a id='r37' /><a href='#f37' class='c019'><sup>[37]</sup></a>.——<i>N. B.</i> Is not our Author mistaken? -for can any Poison grow in the delicious Plains of the East, consecrated -to the Service of the Altar and Knee?</p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f37'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r37'>37</a>. </span><i>Tavernier</i>, in <i>Atl. Geo.</i> p. 349, and 396.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>An Overdose of Opium, which is the condensed Juice of Poppies, -is poisonous. The <i>Turks</i> take <i>Opium</i>, which they call <i>Affion</i>, -without any Preparation, it being merely the Juice of black -Poppy, dried in the Sun, without any purification. It is wonderful, -<i>that use should make that Liquid which is Poison to us, a -Cordial to them</i><a id='r38' /><a href='#f38' class='c019'><sup>[38]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f38'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r38'>38</a>. </span><i>Wheeler</i>’s Voyages, p. 203.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Vapour arising from vegetable Liquors during their Fermentation, -ought not to be approached too near, because it is poisonous: -We have Accounts in the <i>French</i> and <i>German Transactions</i>, -of People who were immediately struck dead, by receiving -at the Nose the Fumes that issued from large Vessels of Wine in -the State of Fermentation<a id='r39' /><a href='#f39' class='c019'><sup>[39]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f39'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r39'>39</a>. </span><i>Boerhaave</i>, p. 120, 130.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>“I think, says a learned Physician, that God made no Poison, -but all things in the World were made for the Use of Man; -their chiefest <i>Deleterium</i> is either in the Quantity, or some -other Circumstance, as in Lettice, Leeks,—whose <i>Integra</i> are -Aliments, the Juices mortiferous. Those things that are pernicious, -by their external Form, as beaten Glass, Sponges, have -not deserved the Brand of Poison; those that are really lethiferous, -are but the Excrescences of Sin, and came in with the -Thorns. The Serpent was rather destructive to the Soul than -the Body.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Among the Ancients was a Plant that killed Mice with its -bare smell, according to <i>Pliny</i>: The Poets feign it to have sprung -from the Foam of the Dog <i>Cerberus</i>, when <i>Hercules</i> dragg’d him -out of Hell.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Aconite Plants</i> also are extremely caustic and acrimonious, -in virtue whereof they have produced terrible Inflammations, -that end in Mortification. So great was the People’s Dread -of this Plant, for its venemous Quality, that they durst not touch -it and yet, ’tis said, they made use of it against the Sting of -<i>Scorpions</i>, which is supposed to be deadned by the Touch of the -Aconite, and restored to its Vigour by that of <i>Hellebore</i>.</p> - -<p class='c032'><i>N. B.</i> The Root of the Plant is said to cure all Diseases proceeding -from Melancholy, as Disaffections from the <i>Hypochondria</i>, -<i>Herpes</i> or cutaneous Inflammations.</p> -<p class='c034'>It is also reported that Arrows dipped in the Juice of <i>Aconite -Plants</i>, proved mortal wherever they wounded.</p> -<p class='c033'>II. <i>The Globe we inhabit, abounds with Variety of Minerals, -of a very mischievous Nature</i>; as <i>Arsenic</i>, found in Copper-mines; -<i>Orpiment</i>, a Mineral found among Copper-mines, in Stones of -different Bigness, Colour and Figure. These, and others of the -same venemous Nature, are less or more dangerous, according as -their Salts receive a different Force from the metallic Particles.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Mineral Kingdom is very subject to Damps, or noxious -Streams, and often found in Mines, Pits,——and in Kinds various. -There are also Exhalations, a sort of Fumes issuing from Body, -and diffusing themselves in the Atmosphere. Some make difference -between Vapours and Exhalations: The Term <i>Vapour</i>, they -say, is appropriated to the moist Fumes raised from Water, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span><i>Exhalation</i>, to the dry ones emitted from solid Bodies, as Earth, -Fire, Minerals, Sulphur. -The nocuous Effluvia sent forth from them may infect the -Air, and cause epidemical Distempers, and even new Diseases. -About Mines and deep Caverns, are frequently found copious Exhalations -continually streaming out, which, in a Moment, destroy -any Animal that comes within their reach; so much as the very -Insects themselves not escaping: Therefore these Places were by -the Ancients called <i>Gehennæ</i>, <i>Averni</i>,—intimating thereby, that -a <i>Mineral Pit</i> was <i>Hell</i>, and that <i>Subterraneous Exhalations</i> were -<i>Steams</i> from the <i>Fiery Lake</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>STRABO</i> takes notice of a <i>Cave</i> or <i>Grotto</i> in <i>Natolia</i>, from -whence issue pestilential Vapours that infect the Air: No sooner -is any Animal put in, but it immediately dies. Bulls have been -put in, and suddenly taken out dead. Sparrows that have been -thrown in, dropt down dead instantly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Turks</i> fancy it to be haunted by evil Spirits, because those -who had the Curiosity to enter it, have either <i>died</i> or fallen desperately -<i>sick</i><a id='r40' /><a href='#f40' class='c019'><sup>[40]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f40'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r40'>40</a>. </span><i>Strabo Geograph.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Mineral Poisons are more or less dangerous, as their Salts -receive a greater or less Force from the metallic Particles: And -hence, as the most virulent may be mitigated by breaking the -Points of the saline Crystals, the most innocent Minerals may -become corrosive, by combining them with Salts, as is seen in the -Preparations of Silver, Antimony, Iron.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Nothing more fatal than mineral Poison, which often -brings swift Destruction without remedy. To a large Dog, -says the learned Dr. <i>Mead</i>, was given a Drachm of <i>Mercury Sublimate</i>, -mixt with a little Bread, who after violent Evacuations, -died next Morning. The same Gentleman observes, that in <i>Arsenic</i> -is a very noxious quality: the factitious white is the most -violent of all kinds, superior in force to <i>Mercury sublimate</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>These mortiferous Steams that flow from the Earth, are -called <i>Mephites</i>, <i>poisonous Damps</i>; and are very common in Countries -fruitful of Minerals and Mines: <i>Damps</i> happen in most of -the <i>Hungarian-Mines</i>, not only in the direct Passages, where they -walk on horizontally, but also in the perpendicular Descents. -Now, to guard themselves against the fatal Effects of these Exhalations, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>they sometimes clear their way by Fire and the Bellows, -but generally by long Tubes or Pipes, reaching from top to bottom, -thro’ which they let the Air in and out; and by this Circulation -of the Air, they carry on their Work for some time -without Danger.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>CREMNITS</i> in <i>Hungary</i> (a small Town, reckon’d the -chief of the Berg, or Mine-Towns) is famous for its Gold-Mine -which has been work’d on 900 Years, where the Workmen sometimes -are troubled with pernicious Damps, and many are kill’d -by them; and so it happens in the Mines at <i>Schemnits</i>, the fairest -of the seven Mine-Towns<a id='r41' /><a href='#f41' class='c019'><sup>[41]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f41'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r41'>41</a>. </span><i>Atl. Geograph.</i> p. 1640, —1, —2, —3.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Among the Minerals known to us, there are many more -noxious than wholesome and the Power of the former to do mischief, -is more efficacious than the Power of the latter to do good; -which is evident from the little Benefit the Miner’s Health receives -from any mineral Effluvia, compar’d with the great and -sudden Damps, that are often caused by the Expirations of <i>Orpiment</i>, -<i>Sandarac</i>, and <i>white Arsenic</i>, which is a deadly Poison, -and most fatal of the whole Tribe of Fossils. Hence the Refiners -dread nothing so much as <i>Arsenic</i> in their Metals; for its Fumes -taken into the Lungs kill instantly, and the oftner ’tis sublim’d, -the ranker it grows<a id='r42' /><a href='#f42' class='c019'><sup>[42]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f42'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r42'>42</a>. </span><i>Boerhaave’s Theory of Chemistry.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>MERCURY</i> is extremely volatile, being convertible into -Fumes, even by a Sand-heat. Those who practise the Art of -Gilding, are but too well acquainted with these mercurial Fumes, -which frequently render them epileptic and paralytic, and sometimes -throw them into a Salivation. This kind of Poison is found -in <i>Friuli</i>, a Province in <i>Italy</i>, belonging to the Emperor, and also -in <i>Spain</i>, <i>Hungary</i>, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>The miserable People condemn’d, or hired to work in these -Mines, all die in a little time: they are so affected with those venemous -Fumes, that from Tremors they proceed to salivate, then -their Teeth drop.—One of them who had been there six Years, -was so full of <i>Mercury</i>, that holding a Piece of <i>Gold</i> in his Mouth -a little while, it became of a <i>Silver Colour</i>, and when taken out, it -was found heavier than before, <i>ibid.</i> p. 74.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>COPPER</i> is another poisonous Mineral, difficult of Fusion, and -when fused, if a single Drop of Water do but fall upon it; or any -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>Vessel it be cast in, be ever so little moist, it flies into innumerable -Fragments, with incredible Noise, and destroys all the Persons -near it. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>TIN</i>, the lightest of all Metals, when urged by an easy Fire, -it shines exceedingly; but this Splendor is succeeded by a sulphurous -Steam, very destructive to the Lungs, and throws the Body -into a Consumption. <i>ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>At <i>Mendip</i> in <i>Somersetshire</i>, those who are employ’d in melting -<i>Lead-ore</i>, if they work in the Smoke, are subject to killing -Diseases. There is a Flight (or Steam) in the Smoke, which falling -on the Grass, poisons the Cattle that eat it. Those who live -very near where Lead-ore is wash’d, can’t keep either Dog or -Cat, or any sort of Fowl, but they all die in a short time<a id='r43' /><a href='#f43' class='c019'><sup>[43]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f43'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r43'>43</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp</i>’s <i>Abr.</i> vol. ii. p. 576.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Such are the <i>mephitical</i> Exhalations in a little Cavern in <i>Italy</i>, -call’d <i>Bacca Venosa</i>, the poisonous Mouth, not far from <i>Naples</i>, -but more generally known by <i>Grotto de Cani</i>, the <i>Dog’s Cave</i>; -because the Experiment of its poisonous Nature is frequently made -upon Dogs; tho’ it be fatal as to any other Creatures that come -within the Reach of its venemous Fumes. This wonderful Cave -is (situated at the Bottom of a Hill) in Dimension, about eight -Foot high, twelve long, and six broad.</p> - -<p class='c013'>From the Ground within it, arises <i>a thin warm Fume</i> (visible -to the Eye) which is one continued Steam covering the -whole Surface of the Bottom of the Cave; it does not disperse -itself into the Air like Smoke, but quickly after its Rise, falls -back again into the Earth. The Fumes rise about a Foot high -and never higher, and hurt no Creature whose Head is above that -height; but when a little Dog, or the Head of any other Creature -is forcibly held in the Steam, it falls down dead, the -Limbs convuls’d, and trembling; and if left there a little while, -it dies, but if taken out soon, and laid in the open Air, comes to -Life again, and sooner, if thrown into the adjacent Lake.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>CHARLES</i> the Great, King of <i>France</i>, and Emperor of -the <i>West</i> (a Title of Honour other <i>Gallick Monarchs</i> have had in full -view for some time) made the Experiment upon an <i>Ass</i>, whose -Head was held in the Fume, and was soon destroy’d. <i>Two Slaves</i> -put in with their Heads kept down to the Earth, were both soon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>kill’d. To this, I shall add some Experiments made by the ingenious -Mr. <i>Addison</i>, who says——</p> - -<p class='c032'>—“A Dog that has his Nose held in the Vapour (within the -Cave) loses all the Signs of Life in a very little time.” Then -he observes, how long a Dog was expiring the first time, and after -his Recovery, and found no sensible Difference. “A <i>Viper</i> -put in, adds he, bore it nine Minutes the first time we put it -in, and ten the second. When we brought it out after the first -Trial, it took such a vast quantity of Air into its Lungs, that -it swell’d almost twice as big as before, and it was perhaps, on -this Stock of Air, that it lived a Minute longer.</p> - -<p class='c035'>“A Torch, Snuff and all, goes out in a moment, when dipt into -the Vapours or Steams of that Cave——A Pistol can’t fire in -it. I split a Reed, and laid in the Channel of it a Train of -Gun-powder, so that one end of the Reed was above the Vapour, -and the other at the bottom of it; and I found, tho’ the -Steam was strong enough to hinder a Pistol from taking fire in -it—that it could not intercept the Train of Fire, when it once -begun flashing, nor prevent it from running to the very end—fire -will live in it no longer than in Water, because it wraps itself -in the same manner about the Flame, and by its Continuity -hinders any quantity of Air, or Nitre from coming to its -succour<a id='r44' /><a href='#f44' class='c019'><sup>[44]</sup></a>.”</p> -<div class='fn c036'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f44'> -<p class='c037'><span class='label'><a href='#r44'>44</a>. </span><i>His Works</i>, vol. iii. p. 8, 97.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>Nor are our Mines in <i>Great-Britain</i> altogether free from -these fatal Damps, that have turn’d Coal-pits into Graves. In a -Coal-pit belonging to Lord <i>Sinclair</i> in <i>Scotland</i>, seven or eight -Men intending to work in a Place where they had been the Day -before, but stepping a little further, they all fell down dead, as -if they had been shot. The Wife of one of them, venturing to -see her Husband, fell down dead as soon as she came near the -Corps<a id='r45' /><a href='#f45' class='c019'><sup>[45]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f45'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r45'>45</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp</i>’s <i>Abridgment</i>, vol. ii. p. 373.</p> -</div> - -</div> -<p class='c033'>III. We come now to the sensible Region, where animal Poisons -reign; that is, Poison drawn from Animals, as the Viper, Asp, -Scorpion, Lepus Marinus: and here we are to encounter with an -Army of Serpents, and their formidable Train.</p> - -<p class='c013'>When we speak of the Poison of Serpents, we must not suppose -it diffused thro’ the whole Body, as some have imagined. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>Many Errors about the particular Situation of it, have been happily -removed by the Learned Dr. <i>Redi</i>, and Dr. <i>Mead</i>, who observes -the Viper has always been so notorious for its Poison, that -the most remote Antiquity, made it an Emblem of what is hurtful -and destructive, but were not agreed from whence the Poison -proceeded, whether from the <i>Saliva</i>, the <i>Teeth</i>, the <i>Gall</i>, <i>&c.</i> -which leads me to a Passage in the <i>noble Italian</i>, who says:</p> - -<p class='c013'>... That as a certain Learned Society in <i>Italy</i> were debating -this Point, one <i>Jacobus Sozzi</i> (<i>audiendi gratiâ</i>) who was allow’d to -be present, stationed himself in a corner of the Place, and hearing -some of them affirm that the Poison was in the Gall-bladder, -fell a smiling; and being ask’d the Reason, he answer’d, that -the Serpent’s <i>Gall</i> was an innocent Part: Whereupon, in their -Presence, he drank a Glass of Wine, mixt with the <i>Gall of a -Viper</i>, without any ill Effect.</p> - -<p class='c013'>One of the Company said, he came thither with his Body -prepared by Alexipharmicks. He, to convince them of the contrary, -try’d the Experiment upon Dogs, and other Animals, by -giving them the <i>Gall</i> of Vipers to drink in abundance, without -any Danger ensuing<a id='r46' /><a href='#f46' class='c019'><sup>[46]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f46'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r46'>46</a>. </span><i>Redi nobilis Aretini Experim. in Res Naturales</i>, pag. 163, 164, 165.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In the Debate about the Seat of the Poison, the famous <i>Italian</i> -maintains, that all the <i>Venom</i> of a Serpent consists in a <i>yellow -Liquor</i> contain’d in a Bladder, at the bottom of its Tooth, which -Liquor, upon its biting, by the Pressure of the Bladder, is forced -thro’ a Tube within the Tooth, into the Wound, and thence ensue -direful Effects. This Hypothesis he supports by a good number -of Experiments upon various Animals, which were bit by a -Viper, after those venemous Bags were taken out, without any -Signs of Poison, or any ill Consequence at all<a id='r47' /><a href='#f47' class='c019'><sup>[47]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f47'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r47'>47</a>. </span><i>Seignior Redi.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Another <i>celebrated Physician</i> maintains, that this <i>yellow -Liquid</i> is not poisonous, that he had given it to Pigeons as Food, -without their being at all disorder’d thereby.—That the Viper’s -Bite, he had always found mortal to Animals, even after the venemous -Bag was taken out, as well as before.—That therefore -the Poison must lie in the <i>irritated Spirits of the Viper</i>, which it -exhales in the Ardor of its biting, and which are so cold that -they curdle the Blood, and stop the Circulation<a id='r48' /><a href='#f48' class='c019'><sup>[48]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f48'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r48'>48</a>. </span><i>Monsieur Charras.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>Both these are ingenious Men; their Systems are opposite, -yet both maintain’d by well-attested Experiments. The Publick, -however, give into the Sentiments of <i>Seignior Redi</i>, as answering -the best to the Mechanism of the Parts.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Seignior <i>Vigani</i> has in some measure reconciled these two -Learned Combatants, who alledges, that the <i>yellow Liquor</i> wherewith -Dr. <i>Redi</i> kill’d Pullets, <i>&c.</i> after the death of the Viper, -was either saturated with the Spirits of the enraged Viper, by -whipping it before, or else (as ’tis probable) in the hot and dry -Climates of <i>Italy</i>, those Creatures are more venemous than in -colder Countries.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Poison of Vipers seems to lie in their hollow Teeth, -because the Mountebanks of old, to impose on the People, used -to stop those Cavities, or hollow Places in the Teeth, with some -kind of <i>Paste</i>, before they suffered the Vipers to bite them in sight -of Spectators; which was commonly done, and succeeded according -to their wish;—and sometimes, with a Needle scratch’d -the Gums, and press’d out the Poison<a id='r49' /><a href='#f49' class='c019'><sup>[49]</sup></a>. <i>Pliny</i> says, they have -but one venemous Tooth.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f49'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r49'>49</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp</i>’s <i>Abridg.</i> vol. ii. p. 815.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Dr. <i>Mead</i>, having given the various Symptoms attending venemous -Wounds, proceeds to the Remedies; and in particular, -mentions the <i>volatile Salt of Vipers</i>, as alone sufficient to do the -Work, if given in due time, in proper quantities, and duly repeated<a id='r50' /><a href='#f50' class='c019'><sup>[50]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f50'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r50'>50</a>. </span><i>Mechanical Account.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. <i>Robert Burdet</i>, an <i>English</i> Merchant at <i>Aleppo</i> (in <i>Turkish -Asia</i>) was bit by a Serpent about ten in the Morning, and died about -three in the Afternoon. The People of that Country say, -the only Cure in that Case, is immediately to suck the Wound; -but they must rub first their Gums and Teeth with Oil, that none -of the Poison may touch any place where the Skin is broken, -and spit out immediately what they suck<a id='r51' /><a href='#f51' class='c019'><sup>[51]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f51'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r51'>51</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp</i>’s <i>Abridg.</i> vol. ii. p. 814.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Learned <i>Batavian</i> observes, as a present and effectual -Remedy in the Case of the Bite of a mad Dog, or other venemous -Animal, immediately to burn the affected Part with a hot Iron, -or rather thrust deep into the Wound; for by this means, the -Juices about the Part being coagulated, and an Escar produced, -all Communication of the Poison to any other Vessels is stopt, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>and thus the Cure may be easily effected. Not that the hot Iron -draws out the Poison, as is vulgarly imagined, but renders the -Parts uncapable of being penetrated, or affected thereby<a id='r52' /><a href='#f52' class='c019'><sup>[52]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f52'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r52'>52</a>. </span><i>Boerhaave</i>’s <i>new Method of Chemistry</i>, part. iii. <i>proces.</i> 104. p. 213.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>But to come nearer home, and to a cheap and easy Antidote -against the serpentine and canine Venom, by a certain Experiment -lately made in <i>England</i>, which was thus, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>... One <i>William Oliver</i>, and his Wife from <i>Bath</i>, who follow -the Business of catching and selling Vipers, offer’d themselves—to -be bit by any Viper, that should be procured, trusting to the -Virtue of a certain Remedy they had found out by chance in trying -things, when the Woman was once accidentally bitten.——The -usual known Medicine, even the <i>Oil of Vipers</i>, having no -Effect in assuaging her Pains, they had recourse to the <i>common -Oil of Olives</i>, which proved an effectual Remedy. The Circumstances -of the Case were——</p> - -<p class='c013'>On the first of <i>June 1735,</i> in the Presence of a great number -of Persons, the said <i>William Oliver</i> was bit by an old black -Viper, or Adder, (brought by one of the Company) upon the -Wrist, and Joint of the Thumb of the Right-Hand, so that Drops -of Blood came out of the Wounds: He immediately felt a violent -Pain, both at the top of his Thumb, and up his Arm, even before -the Viper was loosen’d from his Hand: Soon after he felt a -Pain resembling that of Burning, trickle up his Arm; in a few -Minutes, his Eyes began to look red and fiery, and to water -much.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In less than half an Hour, he perceived the Venom seize his -Heart, with a prickling Pain, which was attended with Faintness, -Shortness of Breath, cold Sweats: In a few Minutes after this, -his Belly began to swell, with great Gripings, and Pains in his -Back, which were attended with violent Vomitings, and Purgings.</p> - -<p class='c013'>During the Violence of these Symptoms, his Sight was -gone for several Minutes; but he could hear all the while: He -said, that in his former Experiments, he had never defer’d making -use of his Remedy longer than he perceived the Effects of the Venom -reaching his Heart; but this time, being willing to satisfy -the Company throughly, and trusting to the <i>speedy Effects of the -Oil</i>, which had never fail’d him, he forbore to apply any thing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>till he found himself exceeding ill, and quite giddy. About an -Hour and Quarter after the first of his being bit, a Chafing-dish -of glowing Charcoals was brought in, and his naked Arm was -held over it as near as he could bear it, while his Wife rubb’d in -with her Hand the <i>Sallad Oil</i>, turning his Arm continually round, -as if she wou’d have roasted it over the Coals.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He said the Pain soon abated, but the Swelling did not diminish -much; most violent Purgings and Vomitings soon ensued, and his -Pulse became so low and so often interrupted, that it was thought -proper to order him a Repetition of Cordial Potions. He said he -was not sensible of any great Relief from these, but that a Glass -or two of <i>Olive Oil</i> drank down seemed to give him ease: Continuing -in this dangerous Condition, he was put to Bed, where -his Arm was again bath’d over a Pan of Charcoal, and rubb’d -with <i>Sallad Oil</i> heated in a Ladle over the Charcoal, by Dr. -<i>Mortimer</i>’s Direction.——Whereupon he declared he found immediate -Ease, as tho’ by some Charm——then fell into a profound -Sleep, and after about nine Hours found Rest, awak’d, about six -the next Morning, and found himself very well; but in the -Afternoon, on Drinking some Rum and strong Beer, so as to be -almost fuddled, the Swelling return’d with much Pain and cold -Sweats; which abated soon on bathing the Arm as before, and -wrapping it up in a brown Paper soaked in the Oil.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The learned Dr. <i>Mortimer</i>, relates the Success of this simple -Medicine, tried afterwards on other Animals, who were purposely -bitten, both by the same, and by fresh Vipers, to experience -the Efficacy of it<a id='r53' /><a href='#f53' class='c019'><sup>[53]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f53'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r53'>53</a>. </span>Dr. <i>Cromwell Mortimer</i> R. S. Secr. his <i>Narrative</i> relating to the Viper-catchers.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In the Sequel, he has occasion to mention a Remedy for the -Bite of a mad Dog, under the Title of <i>Dampier’s Powder</i>, the -Composition of which is, <i>viz.</i> <i>ash Colour Groundwort and black -Pepper</i>. It was first published by Sir <i>Hans Sloane</i>, in <i>Numb. 237</i> -of <i>the Transactions</i>, A. D. 1720, under the Name of <i>Pulvis Antilyssus</i>; -where the Manner of giving it, not only to Men, but to -Dogs and Cattle, is accurately set down. The Doctor says, the -<i>Lichen Cinereus Terrestris</i> is accounted exceedingly efficacious in -curing Dogs bitten by mad Dogs; then adds, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>That King <i>James</i>, when Duke of <i>York</i>, caused this <i>Lichen -Cinereus Terrestris</i> to be given to a whole Kennel of Dogs bit by -a mad one, which were all cured, except one of them, to whom -none of it was given<a id='r54' /><a href='#f54' class='c019'><sup>[54]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f54'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r54'>54</a>. </span><i>Philosophical Transact.</i> Numb. 443, for <i>Oct. 1736</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Norway</i>, and on a great Moss near <i>Warrington</i>, are many -Serpents; and their Wounds are cured by <i>Venice-Treacle</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Africa</i>, they have an odd Way of curing Persons hurt by -Poison; they rub the Venom of Snakes with their own Spittle, between -two Stones and having mixed them well, they scratch -upon the Wings of the Stomach, and to the Part so scratch’d, -which is bloody, they apply a small Part of the Mixture; the rest -they take inwardly.——This never fails to expel the Poison in the -Wound, or in any other Part affected with it: In about a Month’s -time a perfect Cure is made; in order to which, when they -judge the Poison is expell’d, they cleanse the Wound, and apply -to it the leaves of <i>Buchu</i>, <i>Dacha</i>, and other <i>salutiferous</i> Herbs: -But they say, the least Neglect of such a Wound, (be it by a poisonous -Arrow, or any other way) is dangerous<a id='r55' /><a href='#f55' class='c019'><sup>[55]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f55'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r55'>55</a>. </span><i>Peter Kolben</i>’s present State of the Cape of -<i>Good Hope</i>, and of the <i>Hottentots</i>, -writ in <i>High-German</i>, and translated by Mr. <i>Guido Medley</i>, p. 304-5.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Snake-wood is very common in the Island of <i>Ceylon</i>, (suppos’d -to be the <i>Taprobane</i> of <i>Ptolemy</i>) which is much esteem’d by -the <i>East-Indians</i>, who, with the Powder of it taken in Water or -Wine, cure many Distempers, and among others, the Stings of -Serpents, which abound in that Country.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Their Naturalists say, the Virtue of it was first discovered -by a small Creature, like our Ferrets, which when stung by Serpents, -runs and eats of the Snake-wood, and is cur’d.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Father <i>Regnault</i>, speaking of Poisons, mentions several -Methods of Cure, as Incisions, Ligatures, Caustics, Vomits, Oil -of Olive, Baths, Treacle, Juice of Citron.</p> - -<p class='c013'>By a Ligature, which hinders the Poison from spreading.</p> - -<p class='c013'>By Caustics, or red-hot Iron brought within a certain Distance -of the Wound; because Heat attenuates the Poison by its -action, and dissipates it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Effect of Poison has some Analogy with that which -happens upon syringing (thro’ Curiosity) some acid Liquor into -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>the Veins of a living Dog, or other Creature; for in a short time -he falls into Convulsions, and dies. A Decoction of <i>white Hellebore</i> -injected into the jugular Vein of a Dog, as soon as it enter’d -the Heart, kill’d as suddenly as if shot thro’ the Heart with a -Bullet. On <i>January 4, 1679</i>, a Drachm and a half of <i>Spirit of Salt</i>, -diluted in an Ounce and half of Water, and injected into the jugular -Vein of a Dog, kill’d him immediately. We kill’d a Dog -almost in a Moment by injecting into his jugular Vein an Ounce -of <i>Spirit of Wine</i>, in which was dissolved a <i>Drachm of Camphire</i>: -The same Day we injected warm into the crural Vein of a Cat, -50 Grains of <i>Opium</i>, dissolved in an Ounce of Water, which was -soon seized with convulsive Motions, and died within a Quarter -of an Hour. We injected an <i>Ounce of Oil of Olives</i> into the jugular -Vein of a Dog, which suffocated him the same Moment.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>N. B.</i> In all that were suffocated by Oil, we found their</div> - <div>Lungs fill’d with a very thick Froth<a id='r56' /><a href='#f56' class='c019'><sup>[56]</sup></a>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f56'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r56'>56</a>. </span>Mr. <i>Benj. Motte</i>’s Philosophical Transact. abridg. -Vol. 1. Part. ii. p. 220, 221, where you may find many Instances of -the same Nature.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<hr class='c038' /> -<p class='c014'>The Remarkables here are,</p> -<p class='c033'>I. <i>That a small Portion of this venemous Liquid should in so short -a time do such terrible Executions</i>: That it should so soon infect so -great a Quantity of Fluid, as the whole Mass of Blood in the wounded -Animal. A very learned Physician accounts for it thus, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c032'>“That in the Drop of Poison are pungent Salts, by which -little Bladders in the Blood are prickt, and the elastick Matter -in them being let out, carries those acute Salts thro’ the whole -Region of Fluids; upon which follows a Coagulation<a id='r57' /><a href='#f57' class='c019'><sup>[57]</sup></a>.”</p> - -<div class='fn c036'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f57'> -<p class='c037'><span class='label'><a href='#r57'>57</a>. </span>Dr. <i>Mead</i>’s Mechanical Account.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>All venemous Creatures hurt, by instilling a liquid Poison -into the Wound, suppose the Wound to be given by the Tooth or -Tail. The aforesaid ingenious Physician says, <i>viz.</i> “This venemous -Juice it self is of so <i>inconsiderable a Quantity, that it is -no more than one good Drop that does the Execution</i>.”——In order, -adds he, to examine the Texture of the Liquor, I enrag’d a -Serpent till it bit upon something solid, so as to void its Poison; -whose Parts I view’d with a Microscope as nicely as I could.</p> - -<p class='c032'>“Upon the first Sight, I could discover nothing but a Parcel -of small Saks nimbly floating in the Liquor, which soon shot -out, as it were, into <i>Crystals</i> of incredible Tenuity and Sharpness, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>with something like Knots here and there, from which -they seemed to proceed; so that the whole Texture in a manner -represented a Spider’s Web, tho’ infinitely finer, and more -minute; and yet withal so rigid were these pellucid <i>Spicula</i> or -Darts, that they remain’d unalter’d upon my Glass for several -Months<a id='r58' /><a href='#f58' class='c019'><sup>[58]</sup></a>”.</p> - -<p class='c035'>——<i>N. B.</i> These saline Particles appeared to be Acids.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote c026' id='f58'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r58'>58</a>. </span><i>Ibid.</i> p. 5-6.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Most surprising this! to see an Army of Flesh and Blood, -tremble and fall before a single Atom of Matter! to see the <i>Cedars -of Lebanon</i> demolish’d by the single Stroke of a contemptible -Worm. So in the Moral World. Even in the Paradisaical State, -how malignant the Poison of forbidden Fruit that spread Mortality -over the whole human Race, and will affect Millions; dreadful -Effects of once eating forbidden Fruit! What a World of Evils -flows from one Disease or Disorder in the human Nature! <i>It was -by one false Step the unquenchable Fire was first kindled.</i></p> -<p class='c033'>II. <i>That Poison is not so dangerous, if it does not mix with the -Blood.</i> Even that venemous Liquid may be tasted, yea, and -swallow’d without mortal Effects, say some of the Learned. Hence -it is, wounded Persons have been directed to get the Venom immediately -suck’d out, which has been practis’d without ill Consequences -to the Sucker.</p> - -<p class='c013'>For this Method of curing venemous Wounds by Suction, -<i>Avicenna</i>, an old <i>Arabian</i> Philosopher and physician, is quoted; -who says, that those who suck out the Poison are in no danger, -so their Teeth be sound and perfect, and their Mouths be free -from all Ulcers. At <i>Rome</i> was an Order of Servants whose Office -was to suck venemous Wounds, which they did with Safety and -Applause<a id='r59' /><a href='#f59' class='c019'><sup>[59]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f59'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r59'>59</a>. </span>Sr. <i>Redi</i>, p. 185.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c032'>“Many <i>acid Substances</i> taken into the Stomach, are, by its -action turned into <i>Alcalious</i>; so there is no question but these -<i>saline Spicula</i> are, partly by the muscular Motion of the Fibres, -partly by the salival Juice, all broken and dissolved; or if any -escape into the Intestines, the Balsam of the Bile will be an -Antidote for them. <i>p. 14.</i>”</p> - -<p class='c031'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>Creatures reputed venemous, are indeed no Poisons when -swallowed, tho’ the Venom may prove so when put into Wounds.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Venom that falls upon the Skin, is not so mischievous -as that which enters into the Stomach, or is communicated by -a Wound. “Yea, the Venom of a Viper, in itself, is not mortal -to a robust and strong Body; and tho’ very unhappy and -mischievous Accidents attend it, as Convulsions, Vomitings, -<i>&c.</i>” yet in eight or ten Days at most, these are over; tho’ the -Patient may be very ill, yet he recovers, while the Poison having -run thro’ divers Parts of the Body, at last always throws itself -into the <i>Scrotum</i>, and is discharg’d by a great Quantity of Urine: -This Evacuation being the ordinary and most certain Crisis of the -Disease<a id='r60' /><a href='#f60' class='c019'><sup>[60]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f60'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r60'>60</a>. </span>Philosoph. Transactions abridged by <i>Lowthorp</i>, Vol. II. p. 814. -<i>Noxia Serpentum est admisso sanguine partis.</i> Lucani Pharsalia. -Amstelod. Edit. p. 266.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Water—which amphibious Serpents frequent, receives -no venemous Tincture from them. When <i>Marcus Cato</i> commanded -in <i>Africa</i> (the Element of poisonous Animals) he had in his -Army a Number of those Natives called <i>Psylli</i> and <i>Marci</i>, the supposed -Aversion of Serpents, and who suck’d the Wounds of those -hurt by them. It is said, these <i>Psyllians</i> inchanted Serpents, who -fled at the sight of them, as if their Bodies exhaled some <i>corpuscular -Effluviums</i> that were most offensive to Serpents, and put -them into such pain that made them run. To these, the General -added another Set of Persons, famous for curing the wounded -by other Methods; and all little enough, Serpents being the Lords -of the Country through which they were to pass<a id='r61' /><a href='#f61' class='c019'><sup>[61]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f61'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r61'>61</a>. </span><i>Auli Gellii Noctes Atticæ</i>, lib. 16. c. 11. p. 161. -<i>Herodot.</i> lib. 4. <i>Plutarch in Cato.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Author of the Description of <i>Cato</i>’s marching the Remains -of <i>Pompey</i>’s Army through the <i>Lybian Deserts</i>, observes, -how the Army being almost choak’d with Thirst, and coming to -a Brook full of Serpents, durst not drink for fear of being poisoned, -till convinced by their Superiors, that their being in the -Water, did by no means infect it: Upon which they refreshed -themselves with Water from the Serpentine River<a id='r62' /><a href='#f62' class='c019'><sup>[62]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f62'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r62'>62</a>. </span><i>Redi</i>, 178. Lucan<i>’s</i> Pharsal.—<i>Pocula morte carent</i>—lib. 9.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Add to this, the Example of Queen <i>Cleopatra</i>, who, to prevent -her being carried to <i>Rome</i> in Triumph, ’tis said, poisoned -herself, by holding a Serpent to her own Breast. <i>Galen</i> mentioning -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>this Story, relates from Authors, that she killed herself, by -pouring the Poison of an Asp into a Wound made in her Arm -by her own Teeth; as if under Conviction, that the Poison would -not effectually answer the End, without touching the Blood. <i>Ibid.</i> -Of which more in the <i>Second Part</i> of this Discourse.</p> -<p class='c033'>III. <i>In Serpents is an inexhaustible Store of Poison.</i> If they discharge -all their Artillery to-day, their Arsenal will be full to-morrow. -’Tis true, by a speedy repeated Emission of Poison at -one time, the Viper loses its force, probably by a Diminution in -Quantity; but is recruited in a Short space. Thus, one Viper -cannot poison six Creatures, one immediately after another; the -Truth of which is confirmed by uncontestable Facts.——An -Experiment was made by Dr. <i>Areskine</i>, when he was at <i>Paris</i>.—Having -got a large female Viper, he made it bite six Pigeons, one -immediately after another. The first and second that were bit, -died within half an Hour; one a little before the other; the third -lived about two Hours; the fourth seem’d to be very sick for a -while, but recover’d; the fifth and sixth that were bitten, were -no more hurt than if prick’d with a Pin. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>The learned <i>Italian</i>, Seignior <i>Redi</i>, says, that having, at the -Entrance of Winter, a Scorpion sent him to <i>Rome</i> from <i>Tunis</i> in -<i>Africa</i>, he irritated it to sting Pigeons and Pullets, without any -bad Effects; but upon the approach of warm Weather, after eight -Months fasting it was provoked to sting two Pigeons successively, -which soon died; but the third and fourth received no hurt from -its Wound. -The Author of the <i>Natural History of Carolina</i>, speaking of -the <i>Rattle-Snakes</i>, says, they can’t renew their Poison as oft -as they will; for he had seen a Person bit by one of them, who -never rightly recovered, and very hardly escaped with Life; and -another Person immediately after being bit by the same Snake, received -no more Hurt than if bit by a Rat. <i>p.</i> 129.<a id='r63' /><a href='#f63' class='c019'><sup>[63]</sup></a></p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f63'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r63'>63</a>. </span>New Collection of Voyages, printed A. D. 1711.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c032'><i>N. B.</i> Poison in different Countries, is more or less dangerous -according as it is exalted and heighten’d by various Degrees -of Heat; for by Increase of Heat, that venemous Quality is -increased.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span><span class='sc'>Objection.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>How is it consistent with Divine Goodness to create such venemous -Animals, that are so dangerous and destructive to their Fellow-Creatures?</i> -I answer,</p> -<p class='c033'>I. <i>That as the Power of God shines in the Formation of all -Creatures, so does his Goodness in their natural Perfections, which is -the Goodness of their Being.</i> Every Creature is good, and if any -Branch of the Creation be hurtful to another, ’tis the Effect of moral -Evil, and not any necessary Consequence arising from their Creation.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This noxious Quality in Serpents, is God’s Creature, and must -answer some valuable Purpose, tho’ concealed from an Eye blinded -by the Venom of Sin. Nor must we forget that they seldom hurt -their Fellow-Creatures, but when they are provok’d; and when -they hurt, they present us with a healing Remedy, that is, <i>the -volatile Salt of Vipers, which if rubbed into the Wound, has been -generally applied with Success</i>.</p> -<p class='c033'>II. <i>Their poisonous Liquid must some way be beneficial to -themselves.</i> We are not told what their original Food was; but -now they live by Plunder, and by their Venom they are enabled -to make sure of their Prey, which otherwise might escape, or -grow too strong for them, and so they might starve for want of -proper Means to support Life; and what they take by their venemous -Fangs and Stings, is good Nourishment.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Their Poison also, is to them as a Life-Guard. Were there -not something terrible in their Weapons of War, every one -would trample upon them. Add to this, that perhaps their Constitution -may be so modify’d and framed, that this venemous Liquid -may be as useful to digest their Food, as our <i>Saliva</i> is to us -in that respect.</p> -<p class='c033'>III. <i>SERPENTS, tho’ venemous, are of special Use to -Mankind, as they are Part of the</i> Materia Medica, <i>and bear a -great Share in some of the best Antidotes, or Remedies against Poison</i>. -Vipers make a considerable Article in Medicine; their Flesh either -roasted or boiled, the Physicians unanimously prescribe as an -excellent Restorative, particularly in Consumptions, Leprosy.——</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>The learned Dr. <i>Mead</i> recommends the Broth or Jelly of Vipers; -or, as the Antients did, to boil and eat them as a Fish, or -at least to drink Wine, wherein they have been long infused: The -Apothecaries sell the <i>Pulvis Viperinus</i>, which is only <i>dried Vipers -pulverized</i>, Heart, Liver, and all other Parts, and past through -a fine Sieve. Some call it, <i>Animal Bezoard</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>BEZOAR</i> is a <i>Persian</i> Word, <i>Pazahar</i>, primarily denotes -<i>Counter-Poison</i>, and is applied to several chymical Compositions of -that Intention. <i>Theriaca</i>, or Treacle, a Name given by the Antients -to various Compositions, is reckoned good against Poison.—The -Basis or Foundation of the Composition is Viper’s Flesh<a id='r64' /><a href='#f64' class='c019'><sup>[64]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f64'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r64'>64</a>. </span><i>Cyclopædia.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Even in <i>Tartary</i>, an uncultivated Nation, the Viper’s Flesh -is reckoned to be wonderful good Physick. In some of the Rivers -of <i>Siam</i>, are many Crocodiles, which the <i>Siamese</i> call <i>Cayman</i>, -and use them as good Physick with Success<a id='r65' /><a href='#f65' class='c019'><sup>[65]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f65'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r65'>65</a>. </span><i>Struys</i>’s Voyages, <i>ad annum</i> 1657. I. c. III p. 29.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It is supposed, when Viper-Catchers were hurt, they immediately -cured themselves by rubbing this <i>volatile Salt</i> of Vipers -into the wounded Part. An Experiment was made by enraging -a Viper to bite the Nose of a young Dog: The Part began to -swell; to which was applied this <i>volatile Salt</i>, and the Dog was -very well next day. The Viper was made to bite the Dog again -in the Tongue, and no Application being made, he died within -a few Hours<a id='r66' /><a href='#f66' class='c019'><sup>[66]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f66'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r66'>66</a>. </span>Dr. <i>Mead</i>’s Mechanical Account, p. 17.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>One of the first that made use of the Viper in medicinal Purposes, -was (as my learned Author thinks) <i>Antonius Musa</i>, the famous -Physician to <i>Octavius Cæsar</i>; of whom <i>Pliny</i> tells, <i>that when -he met with incurable Ulcers, he ordered the eating of Vipers; and -by this means they were quickly healed</i>. The same Author adds -from <i>Porphyrius</i>, that the great <i>Greek</i> Physician <i>Craterus, very -happily cured a miserable Slave, whose Skin in a strange manner fell -off from his Bones</i>, by advising him to <i>feed upon Vipers, drest after -the manner of Fish</i>. Ibid.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A late eminent Physician, speaking of Vipers, says,——’Tis -certain, very noble Medicines are prepared from them, and -a Wine from their Flesh, singular in consumptive, leprous, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>scorbutick Cases: They afford also a <i>volatile Salt, the most generous -Cordial in Nature</i><a id='r67' /><a href='#f67' class='c019'><sup>[67]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f67'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r67'>67</a>. </span>Dr. <i>Charles Leigh</i>’s Natural History of —— p. 148.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Italy</i> is a subterraneous Cavern, called <i>Grotto de i Serpi</i>, -large enough to hold two Persons, perforated like a Sieve; out of -which, in the Spring, issues a numerous Brood of young Snakes, -of divers Colours. In this Cave they expose their leprous, paralytic, -arthritick Patients, where the Warmth of the Steams resolving -them into Sweat, and then Serpents clinging variously all -around, licking their naked Bodies, they are soon restored to -Health, by repeating the Operation. This <i>Serpentine Cave</i> was -visited by <i>Kircher</i>, the celebrated Philosopher and Mathematician; -who says, he saw the Holes, and heard a murmuring hissing -Noise in them, tho’ he did not see the Serpents, it not being their -Season to creep out; yet he saw a great Number of their <i>Exuviæ</i>, -or <i>Sloughs</i>, and an Elm at a small distance laden with them. -The Discovery was by the Cure of a Leper going from <i>Rome</i>, who -losing his way, and being benighted, happen’d upon this Cave, -and finding it very warm, pull’d off his Clothes; and being weary -and sleepy, had, says my Author, the Good-fortune not to feel -the Serpents about him, till they had wrought his Cure. <i>Musæum -Wormian. in Cyclopædia.</i></p> -<p class='c033'>IV. <i>Serpents are not only Physick, but common Food in many -Parts of the World, and esteemed a most delicious Entertainment.</i> -Formerly, nothing more terrible to Men than these veneniferous -Animals, but now (Men being better acquainted with -their natural Qualities) are very familiar to many People; insomuch -that there are but few Persons of Distinction, in <i>France</i>, -and other Places, where they may be had, but make use of them, -as <i>a good and most agreeable Diet</i>; and the ingenious Virtuoso -makes living Vipers his Domestick Divertisement.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Italian</i> and <i>French Physicians</i> do commonly prescribe -the <i>Broth</i> and <i>Jelly</i> of <i>Vipers</i>, to purify and invigorate the Mass -of Blood, exhausted with Age and chronical Diseases.</p> - -<p class='c013'>We read of the <i>Ophiophagi</i>, a People so called because they -are <i>Serpent-Eaters</i>. It is observed from <i>Aristotle</i>, that the <i>Troglodytes</i>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>who are <i>Africans</i>, not far from the <i>Arabian Gulph</i>, leading -a pastoral Life, lived by hunting—and fed on Serpents<a id='r68' /><a href='#f68' class='c019'><sup>[68]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f68'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r68'>68</a>. </span><i>Strabo</i>, lib. 16. Βιος νομαδιχος—<i>Cluverii Introduct.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Among the <i>Andesian</i> Mountains in <i>America</i>, is a Serpent -called <i>Juanna</i>, big as a Rabbit, has a spotted Skin, four Feet, and -is never observed to have any Voice, is much eaten by the Inhabitants, -and counted better Meat than Rabbits, as it is prepared by -the <i>Barbarians</i><a id='r69' /><a href='#f69' class='c019'><sup>[69]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f69'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r69'>69</a>. </span><i>Ray</i>, p. 329. <i>Atl. Geograph. America</i>, p. 129.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Kanina Serpent</i> that feeds upon Birds, is eaten by the Inhabitants, -the <i>Brasilians</i>, and their <i>Negro-Labourers</i>, after they -cut off the Head and Tail. <i>Ibid.</i> The <i>Dutch</i>, <i>Portuguese</i>, and -others in that Country, feed upon the <i>Lyboya Serpent</i>; ’tis of a -prodigious, large Bulk, and described in another Place. <i>Ibid.</i> In -old <i>Mexico</i>, we read how the <i>Indians</i> took a certain Serpent that -carried thirty Young’s, which were each a Finger long, and crept -about immediately; and the old one being above 20 Foot long, -served the Natives for Venison<a id='r70' /><a href='#f70' class='c019'><sup>[70]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f70'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r70'>70</a>. </span><i>Atl. Geograph. for America</i>, from <i>Laet.</i> p. 628.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>AMERICUS Vespusius</i>, (a <i>Florentine</i>, who was the first, after -<i>Columbus</i>, that discover’d <i>America</i>, and wrote the History of his -four Years Voyages) says, he saw some Serpents in <i>America</i>, -which the Inhabitants commonly feed upon: They were of diverse -Colours, and as big as Kids. In the History of that Country, we -find the Natives of the Land fed upon Adders, Serpents, Toads,——without -any Scruple of Mind, or Injury to their Health.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Natives of <i>Tonquin</i>, a large Kingdom of <i>India</i>, beyond -the <i>Ganges</i>, in treating their Friends, give them <i>Arrack</i>, a rich -Cordial, in which Snakes and Scorpions have been infus’d; and is -esteem’d an Antidote against all Poisons.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>INDIA</i> breeds Serpents in abundance of all Sizes, and Variety -of most charming Colours: The People of <i>Siam</i> catch prodigious -Numbers of them in the Woods, and expose them to -Sale in the Markets, as Eels in <i>England</i>, for Animal Food<a id='r71' /><a href='#f71' class='c019'><sup>[71]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f71'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r71'>71</a>. </span><i>Le Comte</i>’s Memoirs, p. 504.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Experiments have been made upon Animals, as Pigeons, -Chickens—that were bit by Serpents, which have been eaten -without any manner of Hurt, or painful Sensation; yea, Serpents -that were slain have been given to Dogs, who fed upon them -without danger, or any uneasiness<a id='r72' /><a href='#f72' class='c019'><sup>[72]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f72'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r72'>72</a>. </span>Sr. <i>Redi</i>, p. 178.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>The <i>Circulatores</i>, or Dealers in Serpents, devour’d at their -Tables even their Heads, and pour’d the Gall into their Cups -when they drank, laughing at their Neighbours Timidity, who -transform their Imaginations into Bug-bears.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Inhabitants of Mount <i>Athos</i>, between <i>Macedonia</i> and -<i>Thracia</i>, are called <i>Macrobii</i>, that is <i>Long-livers</i>, or long-liv’d; -and their Longevity is attributed to their feeding on Viper’s Flesh, -which is a most elegant Nutritive<a id='r73' /><a href='#f73' class='c019'><sup>[73]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f73'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r73'>73</a>. </span><i>C. Gesner</i>, p. 76.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Ethiopians</i> are number’d among those who feed upon -Serpents, as one valuable Branch of their sustenance.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Kingdom of <i>Congo</i> in <i>Africa</i>, the <i>Negroes</i> roast the Adders, -and not only greedily feed upon them, but esteem them as -a most delicious Food<a id='r74' /><a href='#f74' class='c019'><sup>[74]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f74'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r74'>74</a>. </span><i>Purchas Pilgrim</i>, Part ii. l. 7.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>ST. HELENA</i>, one of the <i>African</i> Islands, abounds with Serpents -which the <i>Dutch</i> eat as a greater Dainty than Eels<a id='r75' /><a href='#f75' class='c019'><sup>[75]</sup></a>. We read -of a Man who liv’d at <i>Colonia Agrippina</i> in <i>Germany</i>, that fed upon -Spiders, as the most delicate Dish.—<i>N. B.</i> This <i>Cologne</i> is -called <i>Agrippina</i> from <i>Agrippina</i> the Mother of <i>Nero</i> (who poison’d -<i>Claudius</i> her own Husband, to make <i>Nero</i> her Son Emperor) -and would have the Town honoured with a <i>Roman</i> Colony, as -being the Place of her Birth<a id='r76' /><a href='#f76' class='c019'><sup>[76]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f75'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r75'>75</a>. </span><i>Atl. Afric.</i> p. 741.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f76'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r76'>76</a>. </span><i>Tacitus</i>’s Annals, Vol. 1. B. iv.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Cuba</i>, an <i>American</i> Island, they were pester’d with many -sorts of Serpents, not so much from the ill Condition of the Soil, -as by an old superstitious Whim of the Savages, who in former -Times were not suffered to kill them, (this being a royal game, -and a nice Dish reserved for the Higher Powers) and were not able -afterwards to destroy them, when it would have been suffered<a id='r77' /><a href='#f77' class='c019'><sup>[77]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f77'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r77'>77</a>. </span><i>Heylin</i>’s Cosmography, B. iv. p. 151.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Kalmuck Tartars</i> feed very much upon Snakes, Adders -and Foxes——The <i>Syrians</i> eat Crocodiles, which live on the Land -only.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>MITHRIDATE</i>, formerly one of the Capital Medicines in -the Shops, has the Name from the Inventor, <i>viz.</i> <i>Mithridates</i> -King of <i>Pontus</i>, who being overcome by <i>Pompey</i>, would have -poison’d himself; but no Poison would work upon him, having -accustom’d himself to eat Poison; thus described in an old Doggrel -Rhyme, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span><i>King</i> Mithridates <i>cou’d not poison’d be,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>He drinking Poison oft, grew Poison-free</i>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c031'>After King <i>Mithridates</i> was vanquish’d, <i>Cneus Pompeius</i> -found in his Closet the following Receipt, against Poison, writ -with his own Hand, in this Manner, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>TAKE two dry Walnut-kernels, as many Figs, of Rue twenty -Leaves, stamp all these together into one Mass, with a Grain of Salt.</i>——Under -this Receipt was writ——<i>Whoever eats this Confection -in the Morning fasting, no Poison shall hurt him that Day</i><a id='r78' /><a href='#f78' class='c019'><sup>[78]</sup></a>. In -<i>America</i>, where Lizards are very good, they eat them, and so -large, that one Lizard is enough to satisfy four Men. ’Tis very -probable that they were eaten in <i>Arabia</i> and <i>Judea</i>, since <i>Moses</i> -ranks them among the unclean Creatures<a id='r79' /><a href='#f79' class='c019'><sup>[79]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f78'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r78'>78</a>. </span><i>Pliny</i>’s Natural Hist. Tom. ii. B. 23.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f79'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r79'>79</a>. </span><i>Calmet in verbum——Hieronym. -contra Jovinian.</i> lib. ii.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Though the Flesh of venemous Creatures be nutrimental, -and eaten with a good Relish, in many Places, yet it must be allow’d -our old Historiographers in some Things hyperbolize upon -the Subject. Thus <i>Avicenna</i>, the great <i>Arabian</i> Doctor, and others, -speak of a young Maid, who was fed with the Flesh of -poisonous Creatures, from her tender Age; by which her Breath -became venemous to those who stood by her. And thus <i>Porus</i>, -a certain <i>Indian</i> King, is said to use Poison every Day, that he -might kill others. It is a known History, adds he, of a young -Woman, fed with Poison, with which the <i>Persian</i> Kings destroy’d -whom they pleas’d.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Add to this another traditional Opinion, <i>viz.</i> that some particular -Persons have an evil Eye, which affects Children and Cattle; -yea, that some have this unhappy Faculty, tho’ at the same Time -void of any ill Design. This has been an old Tradition, as appears -from that of the Poet<a id='r80' /><a href='#f80' class='c019'><sup>[80]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f80'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r80'>80</a>. </span><i>Nescio quis teneros oculus mihi fascinat agnos.</i> See -<i>Martin</i> on the Western Islands, <i>p.</i> 122, 123.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>On the Mountains of <i>Ceylon</i> in the <i>East-Indies</i>, are Serpents of -such vast Size, that they swallow young Cattle: Their Flesh is -very delicate, and has a most pleasing Taste; therefore is very -much eaten.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>This Island of <i>Ceylon</i> is one of the most charming Situation on -the Earth, the Key and Glory of the <i>Indies</i>; the Air so temperate, -that, properly speaking, they feel neither Heat nor Cold; the Vales -and Hills are always covered with Flowers, the Fields cover’d -with Fruits of all Sorts; and in the Woods are Serpents call’d <i>Lizards</i>, -full three Hands long, whose Flesh is excellent Meat<a id='r81' /><a href='#f81' class='c019'><sup>[81]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f81'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r81'>81</a>. </span><i>Ribeyro</i>’s History of <i>Ceylon</i>, presented to -the King of <i>Portugal</i>, 1685, translated out of <i>Portuguese</i> -into <i>French</i>, printed at <i>Trevoux</i>, 1701.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In the second Part is a more ample Description of <i>Ceylon</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Iguana</i> Serpent is amphibious, lays numerous Eggs, grateful -to the Taste, is very good Nourishment, preferable to <i>Spanish</i> -Rabbits; and in the City of <i>Mexico</i> these Serpents are brought to -the Markets, especially in the quadragesimal Days.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A <i>Spanish</i> Historian says, the <i>Iguanas</i> are shap’d like the <i>Alligators</i>, -very ugly, as big as Lap-dogs, of several Colours; the -<i>Spaniards</i> observe, that their Flesh tastes like the Pheasants, and -feed upon it with pleasure<a id='r82' /><a href='#f82' class='c019'><sup>[82]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f82'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r82'>82</a>. </span><i>Herrera</i>’s Hist. Vol. ii. p. 14.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The learned <i>Ray</i>, speaking of the <i>Liboya</i>, that monstrous -<i>American</i> Serpent, says, that after it has swallow’d a large Animal, -its Head grows heavy and sleepy, that it can neither run nor -fight; the Hunters finding it in this stupid Posture, soon strangle -him with a Rope; and being kill’d, cut the Carcass into Parcels, -and sell the Flesh for Food, which is reckon’d a delightful -Entertainment<a id='r83' /><a href='#f83' class='c019'><sup>[83]</sup></a>. The same Author adds, that both <i>Africans</i> -and <i>Americans</i> having cut off the Head and Tail of the <i>Kanina</i> -Serpent, eat the Body as part of their constant Repast. <i>Ibid.</i> -328.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f83'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r83'>83</a>. </span><i>Raii Synopsis</i>, p. 334,—<i>Solo reste</i>—<i>caroque ejus pro -cibo gratissimo venditur</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>BRASILIAN</i> Serpents call’d <i>Lizards</i> are slay’d, broil’d as -little Fishes, and eaten by the Negroes or Blackmoors that are transported -into that Country from <i>Africa</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>I am inform’d of a Gentleman of the Law at <i>Ludlow</i>, who -having prick’d a living Toad in various Parts, sucks its Moisture, -and leaves it as must a Skeleton as the Purse of a Client.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Thus we see that the Almighty is so far from being chargeable -with Defect of Wisdom and Goodness, in forming of Serpents, -that both as Food and Physick, they may be equally improv’d -to our Advantage.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>I shall only add one Remark here, that if Serpents, and other -venemous Creatures, are hurtful to us, ’tis only by Accident, that -is, they are not vexatious to us, of Necessity, but through our own -Ignorance, Carelessness, or Mistake; <i>e. gr.</i></p> - -<p class='c032'>“The Birds we call <i>Stares</i>, safely feed upon <i>Hemlock</i>; <i>Storks</i> -feed on Adders, and Slow-Worms; which, and other hurtful -Creatures, would be as harmless to ourselves, had we always -Caution enough to avoid them, or Wit enough to use them as -we should. Thus <i>Aloes</i> has the Property of promoting Hæmorrhages; -but this Property is good or bad, as ’tis used: if by one -that has the <i>Green Sickness</i>, it will prove a good Medicine; if -by one subject to a <i>Dysentery</i>, or to spitting of Blood, a pernicious -Poison.”<a id='r84' /><a href='#f84' class='c019'><sup>[84]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='fn c036'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f84'> -<p class='c037'><span class='label'><a href='#r84'>84</a>. </span>Dr. <i>Neh. Grew</i>’s <i>Cosmologia Sacra</i>, B. iii. -cap. 2. p. 103.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>And it is very probable, that the most dangerous Poisons skilfully -managed, may be made, not only innocuous, but, of all other -Medicines, the most effectual. Opium corrected, loses its narcotic -Quality, and is safely given in great Doses, in Fluxes, Catarrhs, -and convulsive Cases.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is generally agreed, there is no Part of a Viper, not even -the Gall itself, but may be swallowed without harm; accordingly -the Ancients, and, as several Authors of Credit assure us, the <i>Indians</i> -and others at this day, both of the East and West, eat them, -as we do, Eels.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Spontaneous Productions of the Earth were the first Food, -and still are the Sustenance of numerous Nations. It was some -time before they came to the Juices of Cattle, as Milk, and longer -before they commenced carnivorous, and devoured their Fellow-Animals.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some think the Fruits of the Earth were intended as Man’s -sole Food, and that nothing but Necessity or Luxury first prompted -to feed upon Flesh: And indeed, by the Structure of Man’s -Teeth, it looks as if they were not proper to devour Flesh; and -that Nature had rather intended and prepared them for cutting -Herbs, Roots,——than, for tearing of Flesh. Yea, Children don’t -affect Animal Food, till their Palates be vitiated by Custom; and, -further, when we feed upon Flesh, it must be prepared by roasting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>or boiling, which makes it harder of Digestion, than all other -Animal Food; and therefore forbid in Fevers, and other Distempers.</p> -<hr class='c030' /> -<h3 class='c001'>SECTION VIII.</h3> - -<p class='c031'><i>That venemous Creatures have been made Instruments of divine -and human Vengeance, is most evident.</i> The romantic -Account given in Antiquity, of strange Feats done by a poisonous -Breath—does not affect the Truth of this Proposition.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Antients divided Serpents, into good and evil Ministers; -thus the <i>Egyptians</i> looked upon some of them to be Administrators -of Mercy, and others to be Messengers of Justice. <i>Osiris</i><a id='r85' /><a href='#f85' class='c019'><sup>[85]</sup></a> -one of their Gods, is said to send out Serpents, to chastise -Evil-Doers<a id='r86' /><a href='#f86' class='c019'><sup>[86]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f85'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r85'>85</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'>——δρακων επι νωτα δαφωινος</div> - <div class='line'>Σμερδαλεος, του ῥ’ αυτος ολυμπιος ηκε φοως δε.</div> - <div class='line'>Hom. Iliad. B.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote c026' id='f86'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r86'>86</a>. </span><i>Ælian. Hist. Animalium.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>When the Church of <i>Israel</i> murmured against God in the -Wilderness, and censured the Conduct of Providence, he employs -an Army of Serpents as his Agents, to correct the Rebels.——Plagues, -and other pestilential Diseases, were, in old times, reputed -to be the Messengers of the Gods, and commissioned by them, to -execute Wrath upon the Wicked.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some of the Heathens had exalted Notions of Virtue, and -believed Men of Virtue to be the Favourites of the Gods, and -that a vicious Life, being opposite to the Sanctity of their Nature, -they could not let it pass with Impunity.</p> - -<p class='c013'>An Instance to this purpose we have in the History of the -Apostles, <i>Acts</i> xxviii. 1-6. The <i>Island</i> was called <i>Melita</i>. -<i>And when Paul had gathered a Bundle of Sticks, and laid -them on the Fire, there came a Viper out of the Heat, and fastened on -his Hand. And when the Barbarians saw the venemous Beast hang -on his Hand; they said among themselves, No doubt this Man is a -Murderer, tho’ he has escaped the Sea, yet Vengeance</i> (δικη, <i>Justice</i>) -<i>suffers not to live——They looked when he should have swoln, or faln</i> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span><i>down—And when they saw no harm come to him, they changed -their Mind, and said he was a God.</i> <i>How</i> came they to alter their -Opinion? Because, according to their Divinity, none else could -thus command, and controul a venemous Serpent, which was one -of the <i>Messengers of the Gods</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“No venemous Beasts, according to the fabulous Tradition, will -live in the Island, which they ascribe to St. <i>Paul</i>’s Blessing, when -he was shipwreck’d there.” They shew the Cave where they -pretend he resided, and reckon the Earth of it, an Antidote against -Poison.</p> - -<p class='c013'>From this historical Passage, ’tis evident, that these Barbarians -did believe a <i>Providence</i>, and the Doctrine of <i>Divine Justice</i>, -which <i>Justice</i> they openly adored, under the Name of <i>Vindicta</i>, or -<i>Nemesis</i>, which was the <i>Goddess</i> of <i>Revenge</i>, whose Province was to -inspect the moral Conduct of all Men, and distribute Rewards and -Punishments as the Case required. It was painted in the same -manner as <i>Justice</i>, with a Pair of <i>Scales</i> in one hand, and a <i>Sword</i> -in the other.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Ethiopia</i>, we read of a large Country, this side the <i>Cynamolgi</i>, -that was laid waste, and entirely depopulated by Scorpions, -before whom, the Inhabitants not being able to stand, fled for -their Lives. The same Desolation was made by the Scorpions at -<i>Salamin</i>, an island not far from <i>Athens</i>, called the <i>Island of Dragons</i>, -for which <i>Lycophron</i> is quoted<a id='r87' /><a href='#f87' class='c019'><sup>[87]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f87'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r87'>87</a>. </span><i>Conrad. Gesner. de Scorp.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Inhabitants of <i>Amyclæ</i>, a Town in <i>Italy</i>, were destroyed -by Serpents, being, as ’tis said, of the <i>Pythagorean Race</i>, whose -Laws forbid to kill Animals, and by suffering these venemous -Creatures to multiply without Controul, they became insufferable<a id='r88' /><a href='#f88' class='c019'><sup>[88]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f88'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r88'>88</a>. </span><i>Ibid.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Inhabitants of <i>Pescara</i>, an antient City in <i>Africa</i>, were -constrained to forsake their Habitations in <i>Summer</i>, by reason of -<i>Scorpions</i> that were very numerous, and in that Season, their Sting -most dangerous: In Winter, when their Wounds were less dangerous, -the Refugees turned to their Houses<a id='r89' /><a href='#f89' class='c019'><sup>[89]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f89'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r89'>89</a>. </span><i>Atl. Geogr.</i> p. 319.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>DIODORUS SICULUS</i> observes how many Regions -have been deserted, for this reason; both People and Cattle being -driven away by an Army of <i>Scorpions</i>, and their Allies.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>In the <i>Canary-Islands</i>, these venemous Animals are more dreaded -than the Pestilence. ’Tis said they are hunted and taken by the -<i>Turks</i>, who prepare the <i>Oil</i> of <i>Scorpions</i> from them<a id='r90' /><a href='#f90' class='c019'><sup>[90]</sup></a>. In <i>India</i>, -about the <i>Arrahban-Lake</i>, the Country has been intirely dispeopled -by these mischievous Creatures. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f90'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r90'>90</a>. </span><i>Conrad. Gesner.</i> p. 29.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In Times of War, Serpents have been prest into the Service. -Thus <i>Heliogabalus</i> (Emperor of <i>Rome</i>, so called because he was -<i>Priest</i> of the <i>Sun</i> before his Election) having, by his <i>Sacerdotal -Incantators</i>, or sacred Conjurers, gathered together several Serpents, -contrived a Method to turn them loose, before day, among -his Enemies, which soon put them into a terrible Hurry, and a -Motion, that was a Trial for their Lives; the Sight of the crooked -Serpent being far more dreadful, than the Whizzing of a straight -Arrow<a id='r91' /><a href='#f91' class='c019'><sup>[91]</sup></a>. The same Author informs us of Snakes thrown by a -Sling-Staff into the Camp of the Barbarians, which did great Execution.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f91'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r91'>91</a>. </span><i>Gesner. de Scorp.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>King <i>Prusias</i> being overcome by King <i>Eumenes</i>, by Land, and -intending to try his Fate by Sea, <i>Hannibal</i>, by a new Invention, -made him victorious. The Stratagem was this: <i>Hannibal</i> having -procured a great Number of Serpents, put them into earthen -Vessels; and by another Device, and in midst of the Engagement, -convey’d them into <i>Antiochus</i>’s Fleet, which proved more -dreadful than Fire-balls, and feather’d Weapons, that flew amongst -them. At first, it seemed ridiculous to the <i>Romans</i>, that they -should arm themselves, and fight with <i>earthen Pots</i>; but when -they were broken, an Army of Snakes rush’d out, which so terrified -the Marines, that they immediately yielded the Victory to -<i>Prusias</i>, the <i>Carthaginian</i> Hero’s Friend<a id='r92' /><a href='#f92' class='c019'><sup>[92]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f92'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r92'>92</a>. </span><i>Justini Hist.</i> lib. -xxxii. ad finem.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>We read in History, how <i>Juno</i>, out of her hatred to <i>Hercules</i>, -sent two dreadful Serpents to devour him in the Cradle, which -he soon crush’d with his Infant-Hands.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was common among the <i>Antient Swedes</i>, to send out certain -Flies (which they pretended to be their Familiars) to plague -their Enemies. They also made <i>Magical Balls</i> for the same purpose, -boasting how they thereby conveyed Serpents into their Enemies -Bodies.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>The <i>Laplanders</i> had their <i>Magical Tyre</i>, which was a Ball -about the Bigness of a small Apple, (made of Moss, or Hair of -Beasts) which, they say, is quickned and moved by a particular -Art; they persuade themselves, that by this <i>Tyre</i>, they can send -Serpents, or what they please, into any Man, to torment him. -When this <i>Ball</i> is thrown, it goes like a Whirlwind, and as swift -as a pointed Arrow<a id='r93' /><a href='#f93' class='c019'><sup>[93]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f93'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r93'>93</a>. </span><i>Schefferus</i>’s History of <i>Lapland</i>, cap. xi. p. 60.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In the Book of <i>Daniel</i>, mention is made of several kinds of -Magicians in <i>Chaldea</i>, under King <i>Nebuchadnezzar</i>; one is <i>Mecasphim</i>, -a word which by St. <i>Jerome</i>, and the <i>Greeks</i> is translated -<i>Malefici</i>, <i>Inchanters</i>, such People as make use of noxious Herbs -and Drugs, the Blood of Victims, and Bones of the Dead, for -their superstitious Operations<a id='r94' /><a href='#f94' class='c019'><sup>[94]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f94'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r94'>94</a>. </span><i>Calmet</i>’s Hist. Crit.—Dictionary.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c032'>“The Tyrants of <i>Japonia</i> invented a strange Punishment for -those who confessed Christ.——They hung them with their -Heads downwards, half their Bodies into a large Hole digged in -the Earth, which they filled with <i>Snakes</i>, <i>Lizards</i>, and other -poisonous Vermin; but even those (says my Right Reverend -Author, the learned and pious Bishop <i>Taylor</i>) were better Companions -than those infernal Dragons in the Pit of Hell<a id='r95' /><a href='#f95' class='c019'><sup>[95]</sup></a>.”</p> -<p class='c034'>The <i>Romans</i>, when they punish’d any for <i>Parricide</i>, to -express their Abhorrence of so heinous a Murder, they shut him up in a -Sack, with a Serpent, an Ape, and a Cock.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f95'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r95'>95</a>. </span><i>Contemplations</i>, Book ii. chap. 6.</p> -</div> - -</div> -<p class='c013'>To these Instances, I shall add, that the Attendants of <i>Pluto</i>, -Prince of the Infernal Regions, are represented in a <i>Serpentine -Habit</i>, viz. the <i>Furies</i>, <i>Harpies</i>——</p> - -<p class='c013'>In his Train, are three <i>Diræ</i>, <i>Eumenides</i>, or Furies, <i>viz.</i> <i>Alecto</i>, -<i>Megæra</i>, and <i>Tysiphone</i>, whose Heads are covered with long -and dreadful Snakes, instead of Hair, with Whips, Chains, and -flaming Torches, in their Hands, to punish the Guilty. These -also attended the Throne of <i>Jove</i>, and were accounted to be Messengers -of the Gods, whose Office it was to execute their Decrees -in the Infliction of Calamities upon Mortals.</p> - -<p class='c013'>These <i>Furies</i> had their Temples and Worshippers, and were -described in Figures of so frightful a Form, that they durst scarce -mention their Names without Horror.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span><i>TYSIPHONE</i>, one of them, enraged at an innocent -Youth, pluck’d off one of her Snakes, and threw it at him, which -wound about his Body, and immediately strangled him. Some -say, that we see these three Furies on a Medal of the Emperor -<i>Philip</i>, struck at <i>Antioch</i>, on whose Reverse are represented three -Women, arm’d with a Key, burning Torches, Poniards, and Serpents.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Daffodil was sacred to the Furies, and such as offered -Sacrifice to them were crowned with it<a id='r96' /><a href='#f96' class='c019'><sup>[96]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f96'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r96'>96</a>. </span>From <i>Eustathius</i>, on the first Book of the <i>Iliad</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>As soon as departed Souls had been examined by <i>Minos</i>, <i>Radamanthus</i>, -and <i>Æacus</i>, and found guilty, and Sentence past, they -were delivered to the Furies, who cast them down headlong into -<i>Tartarus</i>, the Place of Torment,—and all those who had lived -well, were conducted to the <i>Elysian</i> Fields.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>HOMER</i> speaks of them as the Executioners of Justice upon -false Swearers, among other Instances:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Infernal Furies, and Tartarean Gods,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Who rule the Dead, and horrid Woes prepare</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>For perjur’d Kings, and all who falsly swear.</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c031'>The <i>Harpies</i><a id='r97' /><a href='#f97' class='c019'><sup>[97]</sup></a> were monstrous and cruel Birds describ’d with -Women’s Faces, and <i>Dragons Tails</i>, to render them more formidable -to Mankind: The Ancients looked upon them as Dæmons -or Genii, which last <i>Homer</i> calls <i>Podarge</i>. About <i>Kaskan</i> in -<i>Persia</i>, is a fine and fertile Country, but plagued with Multitudes -of <i>Scorpions</i>, which haunt the Inhabitants, especially in that -Town (one of the most populous and eminent Marts in that Empire) -where the Inhabitants, for fear of that venemous Animal, -dare not sleep upon the Floor (as in other Places, where they only -throw a Quilt upon the Tapestry) but have light Couches, -hanging down from the Roof, like Seamens Hammocks, or hanging -Beds on ship-board.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f97'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r97'>97</a>. </span><i>Aello</i>, <i>Ocypete</i>, and <i>Celæno</i>, Virg. Æneid. lib. 3.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>They have indeed a ready Help against its venemous Wounds, -which is made of the Filings of Copper, tempered with <i>Vinegar</i> -and <i>Honey</i>, which proves a speedy Cure; but if neglected, the -Patient is in danger of his Life. This, says the Historian, -I presume, has been first found out by the antipathetick Quality, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>which seems to be between <i>Scorpions</i> and <i>Copper</i>; for not far -from the City is the Copper-Mine, where, as before, if one of -these Animals be brought, it dies immediately. <i>Q. Whether this -be not</i> Herbert<i>’s</i> Parthian?</p> - -<p class='c013'>Yea, to render a future State terrible to Mortals, the Heathens, -speaking of departed Souls, feigned, that at their Descent from -<i>Charon</i>’s Boat (who was the Ferryman of Hell) they met <i>Cerberus</i>, -a monstrous Dog, with three Heads, who was covered all -over with <i>Serpents</i>, instead of Hair. There was the Monster -<i>Chimæra</i> that vomited Fire, her Head like a <i>Lion</i>, Middle like a -<i>Goat</i>, and her Tail like a furious <i>Dragon</i>; so sings the Poet:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>——Cerberus, <i>who soon began to rear</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>His crested Snakes—he gapes with three enormous Mouths</i>.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Dryden’s Virgil.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c031'>So another:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>For as the</i> Pope <i>that keeps the Gate</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Of Heaven, wears three Crowns of State;</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>So he, that keeps the Gates of Hell,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Proud</i> Cerberus, <i>wears three Heads as well.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>And, if the World have any Troth,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Some have been canoniz’d in both</i>.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Hudibras.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c031'>But further, we may observe, that besides this frightful Appearance -of Serpents to salute their Entrance into Hell, there was -Variety of Punishments for them when there. Thus the <i>Danaides</i> -were condemned to <i>Tartarus</i> by the Poets, to be continually employed -in filling a Cask perforated at the bottom; <i>Phlegas</i>, condemned -by <i>Apollo</i> to Hell, where he sat upon a rolling Stone, in -constant danger of falling into a Pit of greater Misery; <i>Tityus</i>, -adjudged to Hell, where a Vultur feeds on his Liver, and the -Liver always grows with the Moon: Nay, such were the horrible -Preparations in Hell, that <i>Virgil</i><a id='r98' /><a href='#f98' class='c019'><sup>[98]</sup></a>, after a Survey of it, declares, -that had he a hundred Mouths and Tongues, they would not suffice -to recount all the Plagues of the Tortured: so that it is no -wonder to see them represent the infernal Prison in Figures the -most frightful.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f98'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r98'>98</a>. </span><i>Æneid.</i> lib. vi. ver. 638.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>And as the Heathen had their terrible Place for bad Men, so, -to prompt them to Virtue, they had their <i>Elysium</i>, i. e. a Place of -Pleasure in <i>Hades</i>, furnished with most pleasant Fields, agreeable -Woods, Groves, Shades, Rivers; whither the Souls of good People -were supposed to go after this Life. These are finely described -by the Poet:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>——<i>locos lætos & amœna virenta</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Fortunatorum nemorum sedesque beatas</i>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i050.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c012' /> -</div> -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span> -<img src='images/i001.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>A</div> - <div class='c026'><span class='c027'>NATURAL HISTORY</span></div> - <div class='c026'>OF</div> - <div class='c026'><em class='gesperrt'><span class='c028'>SERPENTS</span></em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c010' /> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c029'>PART II.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c040'><i>Which gives a View of most Serpents that are known -in the several Parts of the World, describ’d by their -various Names, different Countries, Qualities</i>, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<hr class='c030' /> - -<p class='c013'>The Serpents are a numerous Tribe, and their Dominions -of large Extent, lying both in Sea and Land: No part -of the World but what is replenish’d with them, more -or less, in some form or other. In describing them, I shall begin -with,</p> -<p class='c033'>I. The <i>Viper</i>, or <i>Adder</i>, a subtle and poisonous Creature, -slender in Body, about a Foot and half long, with fiery and flaming -Eyes, a long and cloven Tongue, which when irritated, it -darts forth with Violence, and looks like a glowing Firebrand; -has a big Head, and flattest of the serpentine kind.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>It is slow in its motion, and does not leap like other Serpents, -but is very nimble to bite when provok’d. The Scales under -the Body resemble that of well-polish’d Steel. They appear -in divers Colours, yellow, ash, green; and others of <i>Libya</i>, like -the Inhabitants, of a blackish Hue; its Front not unlike that of -a Hog.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>VIPERS</i> of other Nations, are supposed to be larger than -the <i>European</i>, especially the <i>Troglodite-Viper</i><a id='r99' /><a href='#f99' class='c019'><sup>[99]</sup></a>, which is said to -be above fifteen Cubits long: and the Historian adds, viz. <i>That -there are no domestick Vipers</i>. I presume, he means they are not -brought up among the Children of the Family, as some Serpents -are said to have been; this little venemous Reptile being of a -more mischievous Nature<a id='r100' /><a href='#f100' class='c019'><sup>[100]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f99'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r99'>99</a>. </span><i>Ælian de Nat. Animal.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f100'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r100'>100</a>. </span><i>Conrad. Gesner. Hist.</i> p. 75.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Viper</i> differs from the <i>Snake</i> in bulk, being not so large, -and their Scales more sharp, and Head more large: They also -differ in this, <i>viz.</i> Snakes lay their Eggs, twenty, thirty, sixty, -and a hundred sometimes, in one Nest, not quite so large as that -of a Magpye (which are inclosed with a whitish Skin, but not -with Scales) in Dunghills and other warm Situations, where they -are hatch’d by adventitious Heat, commonly call’d Adders in this -Country; whereas Vipers make use of their own Matrix, and -bring forth live Vipers: Their young ones come forth wrapt up -in thin Skins, which break on the third day, and set the little -venemous Creatures at liberty, therefore rank’d among the viviparous -Animals.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Their Births are much like young Snigs for Bulk; they generally -bring forth about twenty young ones, but only one each -day. It is observ’d of the Viper, that its Internals are not fetid, -like those of some other Serpents, that are intolerable. -The Eggs of <i>Lizard-Serpents</i>, which are so much esteem’d -in the <i>French-Islands</i> of <i>America</i>, are of the same Size and Figure -as those of Pigeons, and are generally used in all sorts of Sauces: -When the Females lay their Eggs, they make a Hole in the Sand, -and cover them with it, and the Heat of the Sun is sufficient to -hatch them<a id='r101' /><a href='#f101' class='c019'><sup>[101]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f101'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r101'>101</a>. </span><i>Fevillee’s Journal of the Phil. Math. and Bot. Obs.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>ALBERTUS</i> is quoted for a Battle between a Viper and a -Magpye, occasioned by her creeping up into a Magpye’s Nest, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>and devouring her Brood in the Mother’s absence, who upon -her Return made a hideous clattering, which soon brought in its -Mate; whereupon both, with united Beaks, fell upon the Plunderer, -and after a sharp Engagement demolish’d the Enemy.</p> - -<p class='c032'>Father <i>Fevillee</i> in the Woods of the Island <i>Martinique</i>, -“being frighted by a large Serpent, which he could not well -avoid, his Dog immediately fell on, and took the Serpent -by the Head: The Serpent surrounded him and press’d him -so violently, that the Blood came out of his Mouth; and -yet the Dog never ceased till he had entirely tore it to pieces. -The Dog was not sensible of his Wounds during the Fight, -but soon after, his Head prick’d by the Serpent swell’d prodigiously, -and he lay on the ground as dead; but his Master having -found hard by a <i>Bananier</i>, which is a very watry Tree, he -cured him with the Juice of it, and some Treacle<a id='r102' /><a href='#f102' class='c019'><sup>[102]</sup></a>.”</p> -<div class='fn c036'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f102'> -<p class='c037'><span class='label'><a href='#r102'>102</a>. </span><i>Fevillee’s Journal of the Phil. Math. and Bot. Obser.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>The <i>Viper</i> is common in some parts of <i>France</i>, especially -in <i>Dauphiny</i> and in <i>Poictou</i>, from whence all -the Vipers come that are -sold in <i>Paris</i>. They are usually taken with wooden Tongs, or -by the end of the Tail, which may be done without danger; for -while held in that Position, they can’t wind themselves up to hurt -their Enemy. The Viper-Catchers have their Specificks, in which -they can safely confide, as not to be afraid of being bitten; which -they say is <i>the Fat of a Viper</i>, immediately rubb’d into the Wound, -which is one of the most venemous in the animal World.</p> - -<p class='c013'>These Vipers are usually put and kept in a Box with Bran -or Moss; not that these Ingredients serve to feed upon, as some -may fancy; because ’tis said, <i>they never eat after they are taken</i> -and confin’d, but live on the Air, and will live so, many Months: -But more hereafter. <i>The Destruction</i> of Vipers by human Spittle, -the Coition of the Marine with Lampreys, the pregnant Viper -biting off her Companion’s Head, and the Revenge of it by the -Younglings——I place among vulgar Errors.</p> -<p class='c033'>II. The <i>Amodytes</i> is a Serpent very venemous and fierce, of a -sandy Colour, black Spots, and of about a Cubit long. The Wound -given by the Female, the weaker Vessel, is said to be most dangerous: -Its Jaws are larger than the common Vipers, and from -some Eminencies upon the Head, like a Tuft of Flesh, is called -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span><i>Cornutus</i>. Its Wounds prove fatal without a speedy Cure. It is -found in <i>Lybia</i>, a Limb of <i>Africa</i>, and also in <i>Illyricum</i>, and in -some parts of <i>Italy</i><a id='r103' /><a href='#f103' class='c019'><sup>[103]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f103'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r103'>103</a>. </span><i>Comitatu imprimis Goritiensi invenitur.</i>—<i>Ray.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This Serpent is called <i>Cornutus</i>, a horned Beast<a id='r104' /><a href='#f104' class='c019'><sup>[104]</sup></a>. Of this -Form, is a numerous Herd; we read, that in the <i>Roman</i> Army -was a Band of Foot Soldiers called <i>Cornuti</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f104'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r104'>104</a>. </span><i>Lucan. Pharsal.</i> lib. ix.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Upon the Continent of <i>America</i> are Bulls and Cows, that -have no Horns, says Dr. <i>Ch. Leigh</i>——who adds,</p> -<p class='c032'>“The Defect -of <i>Horns</i> in these Beasts, brings into my mind a remarkable -Phenomenon of one <i>Alice Green</i>, whose Picture I have seen in -<i>Whalley-Abby</i>, in <i>Lancashire</i>. This Woman had <i>two Horns</i> -which grew out of the back-part of her Head; they grew -backwards like those of Rams, and were about three Inches -long; these she cast once in three Years, and had always intolerable -Pains, before the Horns broke out<a id='r105' /><a href='#f105' class='c019'><sup>[105]</sup></a>.”</p> -<div class='fn c036'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f105'> -<p class='c037'><span class='label'><a href='#r105'>105</a>. </span>His <i>Natural History of Lancashire</i>, Book ii. p.3.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>He might have mentioned another innocent Creature, on -whose Head a treacherous Companion inoculates a Scion, which -intitles him to the Title of Cuckold, a word derived from <i>Cuckows</i>, -who having no Beds of their own, invade their Neighbour’s. Of -the <i>Cuckow</i> ’tis said, that having no Nest, she takes possession of -some other Bird’s Nest, destroys the Eggs, and lays in it an Egg -of her own, which the innocent Bird brings forth and nurses for -its own<a id='r106' /><a href='#f106' class='c019'><sup>[106]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f106'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r106'>106</a>. </span>Dr. <i>Willoughby</i>, who writ the History of Birds, affirms this Account of the -Cuckow to be true upon his own Knowledge, according to Mr. <i>Ray</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>III. The <i>Cerastes</i> is a Serpent of the viperine Kind; its Head -resembles the <i>Cornigerous</i>; it belongs to the <i>Libyan</i> and <i>Nubian</i> -Family: Its Teeth are like those of the Viper, and it brings its -Successors into the World after the same manner.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Its Constitution is very dry, which refines and exalts its Poison, -and makes it more dangerous; the Wound is generally attended -with Distraction, and continual pricking as with Needles. -Some say, ’tis of a whitish Colour, others arenaceous; it loves -sandy Habitations, where it often surprises the unwary Traveller: -And all agree ’tis of a most cruel Nature; and therefore in some -Places ’twas made the Executioner of Malefactors<a id='r107' /><a href='#f107' class='c019'><sup>[107]</sup></a>, as the Juice -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>of the <i>Cicuta</i>, (an Herb like our <i>Hemlock</i>) was among the <i>Athenians</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f107'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r107'>107</a>. </span><i>Nunc potes actutum insidiatoremque Cerasten—Non is corpus habet, sed quatuor -aut duo profert Cornua.</i> Nicander in Ther.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div id='pl-1' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i054.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic004'> -<p><i>Plate 1<sup>st</sup></i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Some say ’tis of the aspick kind, as the <i>Arabians</i>; in length a -Cubit or more, with two Horns on the Head, resembling Snail-Shells: -It lies perdue near travelling Paths, and is very crafty in -decoying little Birds into the Snare.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Its Wounds soon kill, if one of the <i>Psyllian</i> People be not immediately -called in. <i>N. B.</i> These <i>Psylli</i> are a noted People of -<i>Syrenaica</i> in <i>Africa</i>, endued with a natural Faculty of destroying -Serpents upon sight, and curing their Wounds by a Touch of the -Hand of whom we have this Account, <i>viz.</i> ... <i>Crates</i> of <i>Pergamus</i> -says, that about <i>Parium</i> in the <i>Hellespont</i>, there were Men, -named <i>Ophiogenes</i>, who cured those wounded by Serpents with a -Touch. <i>Varro</i> testifies there were some of them in his time.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>AGATHERCIDES</i> writes, that in <i>Africa</i> the <i>Psyllians</i> -(a People so called from King <i>Psyllus</i>, from whom they were descended, -and whose Sepulchre is to be seen at this day in the greater -<i>Syrtes</i>) did in the same manner heal People wounded by Serpents. -’Tis said they had some extraordinary Quality in their Nature, that -would suddenly kill all Serpents.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was by these they tried the Chastity of their Wives, thus, -<i>viz.</i> When a Child was born, and its Legitimacy questionable, -they laid it in a <i>great Vessel</i> full of these <i>cerastick Serpents</i>, that -immediately breathed Destruction; but when they came near the -Child, their Rage soften’d, and they immediately fled from it; -which proved the Legitimacy of the Child, that he was a true -<i>Psyllian</i>, born in lawful Wedlock, because Serpents could not -poison it, nor endure its Presence<a id='r108' /><a href='#f108' class='c019'><sup>[108]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f108'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r108'>108</a>. </span><i>In dolium cerastarum plenum infantem conjicere</i>, -Ælian. lib. i. cap. 57. Gyllii Accessio, cap. 37. <i>N. B.</i> If the -Child was begotten by a Stranger, ’twas killed by Poison; if lawfully -begotten, the Privilege of his Father’s Blood protected him against -the Venom.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>However this romantic Account may appear, it may doubtless -be philosophically accounted for by Effluviums emitted from -their Bodies, that proved fatal to Serpents.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>English</i> Annotator upon <i>Lucan</i>, who was Nephew to -<i>Seneca</i>, observes much to the same purpose, when he says, These -<i>Psylli</i> (a People inhabiting those parts of <i>Africa</i> called <i>Marmarica</i>, -bordering on the <i>Nile</i>) are fortify’d by Nature with an incredible -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>Privilege against the Strength of Poison, and sustain no Harm by -the biting of Serpents.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Serpents, says <i>Pliny</i>, are afraid of them, and when others -are bitten by them, these <i>Psyllians</i> by sucking the Wounds, cure -them.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Marsians</i> in <i>Italy</i>, ’tis said, are still in possession of this -natural Power against Serpents, and are supposed to descend from -the Son of <i>Circe</i>, the famous Enchantress.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Trial of Childrens Legitimacy by Serpents, puts me in -mind of Hereditary Right; whose Title was try’d by the <i>Fatal-Stone</i>, -on which the <i>Irish Monarchs</i> used to be inaugurated on the -Hill of <i>Tarah</i>; and which being inclosed in a <i>Wooden-Chair</i>, was -made to emit a Sound under the rightful Candidate, when he sat -in it; but was quite silent under one who had no Title, or not a -good one; that is, one who was not for the Druidick Priest’s -Turn.</p> - -<p class='c032'>“This Stone was sent to confirm the <i>Irish</i> Colony in <i>Scotland</i>, -where it continued to be the Coronation-Chair till in the Year -1300, <i>Edward</i> I. of <i>England</i> brought it from <i>Scoon</i>, and placed -it under the Coronation-Chair at <i>Westminster</i><a id='r109' /><a href='#f109' class='c019'><sup>[109]</sup></a>; and there it -still remains, is used in the Coronation, the antientest respected -Monument in the World<a id='r110' /><a href='#f110' class='c019'><sup>[110]</sup></a>. The Vulgar call it <i>Jacob</i>’s Stone, -as if this had been his Pillow at <i>Bethel</i>.”</p> -<p class='c034'><i>Note</i>, Antique Appearances -often give birth to popular Superstitions.</p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f109'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r109'>109</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Ni fallat fatum Scoti quocunque locatum</div> - <div class='line'>Invenient lapidem, regnare tenentur ibidem.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote c026' id='f110'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r110'>110</a>. </span><i>Island</i>’s <i>Colect.</i> A. D. 1726.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Such natural Power against <i>Diseases</i> did in our Days appear -in the celebrated Mr. <i>Greatrix</i>, before <i>whose Hand they fled</i>. In -the Philosophical Transactions we have the following Account -of it, received from Eye-Witnesses,—<i>e. g.</i></p> - -<p class='c032'>“... My own Brother, <i>John D——n</i>, was seized with a violent -Pain in his Head and Back: Mr. <i>Greatrix</i> (coming by accident -to our House) gave present Ease to his Head, by only -stroaking it with his Hands. He then rubb’d his Back, which -he most complain’d of, and the Pain immediately fled from -his Hand to his right Thigh; then he pursued it with his -Hand to his Knee, from thence to his Leg, Ancle and Foot; -and at last to his great Toe. As it fell lower, it grew more -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>violent; and when in his Toe, it made him roar out, but upon -rubbing it there, it vanish’d.</p> - -<p class='c035'>“A young Woman being seiz’d with a great Pain and Weakness -in her Knees when a Girl, used divers Means to no effect: -After six or seven years time, Mr. <i>Greatrix</i> coming to -<i>Dublin</i>, he stroak’d both her Knees, and gave her present -Ease, the <i>Pain</i> flying downward from his <i>Hand</i>, till he drove -it out of her Toes; the Swelling that always attended it, did -in a short time wear away, and never troubled her after.</p> - -<p class='c035'>“... A certain Gentlewoman being much troubled with a -Pain in her <i>Ears</i>, and very <i>deaf</i>, Mr. <i>Greatrix</i> put some of his -Spittle into her Ears; which, after chafing them, soon cured -her, both of the Pain and Deafness.... Her Uncle was cured -by him of the same Malady, and in the same manner.</p> - -<p class='c035'>“... A Child, being extremely troubled with the King’s-Evil, -was touch’d by King <i>Charles</i> II. and was nothing better; -but was soon and perfectly cured by Mr. <i>Greatrix</i>.<a id='r111' /><a href='#f111' class='c019'><sup>[111]</sup></a>”</p> - -<div class='fn c036'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f111'> -<p class='c037'><span class='label'><a href='#r111'>111</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp</i>’s <i>Philosoph. Transactions -abridged</i>, vol. iii. p. 10, 12. Edit. 2. Communicated by Mr. -<i>Thoresby</i>, N. 256. p. 332. 1699. In Page 10. an account is given -of the wonderful Effects of Touch and Friction.</p> -</div> - -</div> -<p class='c033'>IV. The <i>Hemorrhous</i> Serpent is an <i>Egyptian</i> of the viperine -kind; of sandy and bright Colour, enamel’d with black and white -Rays on the Back; flaming Eyes, corniculated Brows, and is -defended by an Armature of rough and sharp Scales; which by -one is given as the Reason of making some Noise as it goes, -which another denies, because it wants the <i>Sonalia</i><a id='r112' /><a href='#f112' class='c019'><sup>[112]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f112'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r112'>112</a>. </span><i>Caret Sonalibus.</i> <i>Nierembergius</i>, p. 269.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This Creature is little in Body, but great and terrible in its -Executions; for when it wounds any Persons, all the Blood in -the Body flows out, at all the Apertures of it, which is immediately -follow’d with Convulsions and Death<a id='r113' /><a href='#f113' class='c019'><sup>[113]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f113'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r113'>113</a>. </span><i>Gyllius</i>, p. 261. <i>Raii Synopsis Meth.</i> 8vo. -A. D. 1693. <i>Invenitur in Ægypto & aliis locis quibus Thonis -imperavit.</i> <i>ibid. & in agris Jucatensibus</i>.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>At non stare suum miseris passura cruore</div> - <div class='line'>Squamiferos ingens Hæmorhois.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>The <i>Atlas</i> from <i>Ribeyro</i> mentions an <i>Indian Serpent</i> of the -same malignant Nature, whose Poison operates with such Violence, -that the Person wounded by it bleeds at the Eyes, Nostrils, -Ears, and all the Pores of the Body, and the miserable Patient -is irrecoverable.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>The Poet laments the Death of the <i>brave and noble Tullus</i><a id='r114' /><a href='#f114' class='c019'><sup>[114]</sup></a>, -by this bloody Serpent; which is also found in <i>India</i> (according -to <i>Diodorus Siculus</i>) in that part where <i>Alexander</i> the <i>Great</i> conquer’d -<i>Porus</i>, the <i>Great</i> King of the <i>Indies</i>. The Conqueror -bid <i>Porus</i> ask of him whatever he desired; who answered, <i>That -he only desired to be treated as a Prince</i>: with which <i>Alexander</i> -was so charm’d, that he not only gave him his Kingdom again, -but some of the Provinces he had conquered in that Vicinity.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>N. B.</i> On the Bank of the River <i>Hydaspis</i>, <i>Alexander</i> built a -Town, which he call’d <i>Bucephala</i>, in remembrance of -<i>Bucephalus</i> his great Horse, which died and was buried there.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f114'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r114'>114</a>. </span><i>Lucan</i>, lib. ix. p. 269. <i>Impressit dentes -Hemorhois aspera Tullo magnanimo Juveni.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>V. The Serpent <i>Seps</i>, which by some is said to be the same -with <i>Sepedon</i>, is about two Cubits long, the Head broad, and of -divers Colours. Both these are of the smaller Species, but most -venemous, and therefore are rank’d in the second Class of Serpents. -The Virulency of the Poison is not in proportion to their -diminutive Stature.</p> - -<p class='c013'>When any are wounded by these venemous Animals, the -Hair of the Head immediately falls off, the whole Body turns -scurfy, leprous and putrid; yea, the very Bones, as well as the -Flesh, putrify and corrupt; therefore some call it the <i>putrid Serpent</i><a id='r115' /><a href='#f115' class='c019'><sup>[115]</sup></a>. -The Poet accounts for the Symptoms of its Poison<a id='r116' /><a href='#f116' class='c019'><sup>[116]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f115'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r115'>115</a>. </span><i>Nonnulli ex Scoligero, non male putriam vocare.</i> -<i>Jonstonus</i>, p. 14.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f116'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r116'>116</a>. </span><i>Mors est ante oculos Seps stetit exiguus—Parva modo -Serpens, sed qua nonnulla cruentæ. Fugit rupta cutis.</i> Lucan -Pharsal. lib. ix. p. 271.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>These Serpents are <i>Asiaticks</i>, Inhabitants of the Rocks in -<i>Syria</i>; <i>Syria</i>, the supposed western <i>Porch</i> of <i>Paradise</i>. These -resemble the <i>Hemorrhous</i> in Colour and external Figure: According -to <i>Ælian</i>, they change into the Similitude of the Things they -light upon. He might, I think, as well have said, they chang’d -their <i>Notes</i> on different Trees, since there is a kind of relation -between <i>Musick</i> and <i>Colour</i>, as the Learned <i>Newton</i> observes.</p> -<p class='c033'>VI. <i>KOKOB</i> Serpent, is between three and four Foot long, -of a dusky Colour, and made beautiful by Spots of red and light -Blue. Its Wounds are terrible, and the Effects not very dissimilar -to those of the <i>Hemorrhous</i>. <i>Nierembergius</i> observes, that it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>resides among Stones; and when it rambles out, and hears any -Noise, makes towards it like a mighty Hero. Thus the <i>Gallic</i> -Monarch, upon Debates among Princes, marches out as sovereign -Umpire of <i>Europe</i>, and never returns home but by way of <i>Lorrain</i>, -<i>Corsica</i>, <i>Palatine</i>, or <i>Spanish Flanders</i>.</p> -<p class='c033'>VII. The <i>Asp</i>, so called from the <i>Asperity</i> of its Skin, as <i>Arnoldus</i>, -or from <i>aspiciendo</i>, because of the Acuteness of its Eyes. -A Serpent well known, but not accurately describ’d, says the -Learned Mr. <i>Ray</i>: Some make it a small Serpent, others say ’tis -several Feet long; and both may judge right, for according to -<i>Ælian</i>, there are various Species of Asps; some a Foot and half -long, and others six.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Among these different Proportions, the least of them is said -to be most hurtful, and kills the soonest. Its Poison is so dangerous -and quick in its Operation, that it kills almost in the very -Instant that it bites, without a Possibility of applying any Remedy: -They die within three Hours, says my learned Author<a id='r117' /><a href='#f117' class='c019'><sup>[117]</sup></a>; -and the manner of their dying by Sleep and Lethargy, without -Pain, made <i>Cleopatra</i> chuse it as the easiest way of dispatching -herself. (More of this further on.)</p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f117'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r117'>117</a>. </span><i>Calmet in Verbum</i>, p. 213.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><a id='TN-2t'></a> -These Aspick Serpents, are the Growth of several Climates: -<i>Olaus</i> observed some of them in the northern Parts, of rugged -and rough Skins, ash Colour, sparkling Eyes, three or four Cubits -long<a id='r118' /><a href='#f118' class='c019'><sup>[118]</sup></a>; tho’ Lovers of warm Situations, yet delight in shady -Retirements<a id='r119' /><a href='#f119' class='c019'><sup>[119]</sup></a>. Many of them are found in the <i>Spanish</i> -Islands[<a href='#TN-2'>TN</a>]; -but <i>Egypt</i>, <i>Libya</i>, and other Places -in <i>Africa</i> claim the greatest Right to them, for there they are -most numerous and venemous.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f118'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r118'>118</a>. </span><i>Jonstonus Hist. de Serp.</i> p. 15.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f119'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r119'>119</a>. </span>Ideo <i>Seneca</i>, ad umbram exsurgere dixit.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>When provok’d, the Neck of this Creature swells, and the -Wound then given, is most dangerous. Its Teeth are of considerable -length, growing out of the Mouth like the Tusks of a -Boar. The Historian says, that two of the longest Teeth have -little Cavities in them, covered with a thin Skin, that slides up -when it bites, by which means the poisonous Liquid runs out, -and drops into the Puncture; after which, it recovers its Station.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>In <i>America</i>, says a celebrated Historian, are found <i>Asps</i> with -Stings in the Tail, wherewith they strike and kill<a id='r120' /><a href='#f120' class='c019'><sup>[120]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f120'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r120'>120</a>. </span><i>Jonstonus Hist. Nat. de Serpentibus.</i> p. 15.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Banks of <i>Nilus</i> abound with <i>Asps</i>, who have Sagacity -enough to remove their Habitations to a place of Safety, several -days before that River overflows the Rising-Grounds about it: -’Tis also said the <i>Crocodile</i> and <i>Tortoise</i> recede with their Eggs, to -a Situation not accessible by that mighty Flood; a Flood that -makes the Land of <i>Egypt</i>, a Region of Fertility, a Flood dreaded -by these Animals, and ador’d by the <i>Egyptians</i>, those Sons of -Contradiction, who consecrated their Animals to the Gods, and -then worshipped them, and upon Occasions kill’d them. (Can -we behold such Instincts in the <i>Crocodile</i>, <i>&c.</i> without acknowledging -the Divine Wisdom that ordain’d ’em!) No Nation more -knowing, and more sottish, <i>e. g.</i> Upon the Statue of <i>Minerva</i>, -or the Goddess <i>Isis</i>, was this Inscription, <i>viz.</i> <i>I was she that was, -that am, and shall be, and that am every thing</i>. Which being an -exact Interpretation of the Word <i>Jehovah</i>, and the same Definition -the Almighty appropriates to himself, I can’t, says the Learned -<i>Jurieu</i>, conceive, how a Nation that was arrived to such a high -Degree of Knowledge, should have worship’d <i>Bullocks—as Gods</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>PLUTARCH</i> gives a strange relation of them, <i>viz.</i> that in case -of any extraordinary Calamity, as War, Plague, Famine, the <i>Egyptian</i> -Priests used to threaten the <i>sacred Beasts</i> most horribly: If -they failed to help them, they whipt them till the Blood follow’d; -and if the Calamity did still continue, they kill’d those sacred -Beasts by way of Punishment<a id='r121' /><a href='#f121' class='c019'><sup>[121]</sup></a>. The Reverse of this is given us -in a <i>Clan</i> of <i>Tartars</i>, who, when exposed to any imminent Calamity, -sacrifice their Priests, in order to intercede for them with -the Gods in the other World.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f121'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r121'>121</a>. </span><i>Jurieu</i> from <i>Plut. de Is. & Osir.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It has been said, that the <i>Asp</i>, when exasperated, did, with -an erected Head, cast out of its Mouth liquid Poison; but it -now appears, it darts it only by its Bite, or by Poison taken -from it by Force, and poured into a Wound made by another; -and both the Wounds so made, soon terminate in an <i>easy pleasant -Exit</i>; which is supposed to be the reason why Queen <i>Cleopatra</i> -chose this kind of Death, that is, to poison herself by an -Aspick Dose. This reminds me of a certain Herb I have read of, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>in <i>Arabia</i>, which (according to the Tradition) <i>if a Man slept -upon</i>, he died in his Sleep without any Pain.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A certain learned Pen, makes this Remark upon <i>Cleopatra</i>’s -Case, <i>viz.</i> that she was not bit by an <i>Asp</i>, as some have -asserted, but did that which was more secret and sure; that is, -after she had bit her own Arm, infused Poison into the Wound, -expressed before-hand from an <i>Asp</i> by Irritation, and preserved in -a Phial for that purpose: Or, as <i>Dio</i> says, she wounded her Arm -with a Needle, or Dressing-pin, and then poured the Poison into -the bleeding Wound. This seems probable, because no Serpent -was found in her Chamber or near it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Queen</i>, in order to find the most easy Passage out of this -Life, made an Experiment upon Criminals by various kinds of -Poison, and Application of diverse sorts of Serpents, and found -nothing came up to <i>Aspick Poison</i>, which throws Persons into a -pleasant Sleep, in which they die<a id='r122' /><a href='#f122' class='c019'><sup>[122]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f122'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r122'>122</a>. </span><i>Plutarch</i>’s <i>Lives of Marc Anton.</i> and -<i>Cleopatra</i>, and <i>Fr. Redi Nobilis Aretini Experiment</i>. p. -170, -1, -2, -3.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>Obj.</i> If it be said, that in the Triumphs of <i>Augustus</i>, Queen -<i>Cleopatra</i> is <i>drawn with an Asp in her Hand</i>:</p> - -<p class='c013'>I answer, That I apprehend that Device might only be <i>Pictorial-Licence</i>, -or a Flourish of the Painter to affect the People, by -<i>displaying the Heroism</i> of a Woman, who to prevent the Disgrace -of Captivity, <i>embraced Death at the hands of a Serpent</i>, a terrible -Creature, to which none has so great an Aversion as the female -Sex. Excuse a poetick Digression.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>On the ASP and its POISON.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>——<i>Welcome thou kind Deceiver,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Thou best of Thieves! who with an easy Key</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Dost open Life, and unperceiv’d by us,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Even steal us from our selves; discharging so,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Death’s dreadful Office, better than himself.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Touching our Limbs so gently into Slumber,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>That Death stands by, deceiv’d by its own Image,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>And thinks himself asleep<a id='r123' /><a href='#f123' class='c019'><sup>[123]</sup></a>.</i>——</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote c026' id='f123'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r123'>123</a>. </span><i>Dryden</i>, <i>All for Love</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>Some are of Opinion, that the <i>Asp</i> is <i>David</i>’s <i>deaf -Adder</i>, Psal. lviii. 45. <i>They are like the deaf Adder that stops -her Ear, which will not hearken to the Voice of Charmers, charming -never so wisely.</i> They are like the <i>deaf Asp</i>, says the -<i>Hebrew</i> and the <i>Septuagint</i>. The word in the Original is -<a id='r124' /><a href='#f124' class='c019'><sup>[124]</sup></a> <i>Pethen</i>, q. d. <i>Unpersuadedness</i>; hence, wicked Men are -called Απειθεις in the <i>New Test.</i> unpersuadable, which the -<i>English</i> Translation renders <i>Disobedient</i>, Tit. i. 16.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f124'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r124'>124</a>. </span>פתן . ωσουι ασπιδος κωφης.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The common Tradition is, that when Men by Inchantments -and Charms have attempted to take these Serpents, they stopt -one Ear with the Tail, and the other was either deaf, or made so -by laying it close to the Ground. Some are of Opinion, that -there is a sort of <i>Asp</i> that really is deaf, which of all others is the -most dangerous, and is meant by the <i>Royal Prophet</i> here.</p> - -<p class='c013'>That there was a Practice of charming Serpents by some Art -or other, so that they could neither <i>bite</i> nor <i>sting</i>, seems evident -from the sacred Writings, <i>e. g.</i> Eccl. x. 11. <i>Surely the Serpent -will bite without Inchantment.</i> Jer. viii. 17. <i>I’ll send Serpents, -Cockatrices, among you, that will not be charmed, and they shall -bite you, says the Lord.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>Among other Things the word <i>Charmer</i>, some say, signifies -<i>one</i> that conjoins and consociates; that is, that by Sorcery -gather’d Serpents together, and made them tame and familiar; -or the <i>Person</i> may be so call’d, because by <i>Magick Art</i>, he associated -with <i>Demons</i>, the Lords of Serpents.</p> - -<p class='c013'>We are inform’d by History, of some, who have summoned -together a hundred Serpents at once; but by what method, I -leave the Reader to judge. <i>Montanus</i>, a famous Physician, and -Professor at <i>Padua</i> in <i>Italy</i>, says he saw this Coadunation of -Serpents.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The learned Doctor <i>Casaubon</i> tells us, he had seen a Man, -who from the Country around him, wou’d draw Serpents into -the Fire, which was inclos’d in a magical Circle: When one of -them, bigger than the rest, would not be brought in, upon repeating -the aforesaid Charms, it submitted to the Flames.</p> - -<p class='c013'>We read of a famous Charmer at <i>Saltsburgh</i> in the Circle of -<i>Bavaria</i>; that, when (in sight of the People) he had charm’d a -great Number of Serpents into a Ditch, where he kill’d them; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>there came a Serpent of great Bulk, supposed to be the Devil, that -leapt upon the Charmer, and immediately slew him<a id='r125' /><a href='#f125' class='c019'><sup>[125]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f125'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r125'>125</a>. </span>Doctor <i>More</i>’s Antidote.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Answer me, says <i>Paracelsus</i>, (the celebrated <i>Swiss</i> Physician, -who did wonderful Cures by Liquids extracted from Vegetables) -from whence is it, that a Serpent of <i>Helvetia</i>, <i>Algovia</i>, or <i>Suevia</i>, -does understand the <i>Greek</i> Idiom, <i>Osy, Osya, Osy</i>; that they -should, at the first Sound of these Words, <i>stop their Ears</i>, remain -immoveable, and do us no hurt with their Poison? From whence -he infers, there was a Power in Words to operate upon the Ear, -without Superstition. The Antients seem to have entertain’d -some favourable Thoughts of the <i>Power of Spells</i> upon Serpents: -Their Poets speak often of these Charms and Incantations.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Frigidus in pratis cantando rumpitur anguis.</i> Virgil.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Vipereas rumpo verbis, & carmine fauces.</i> Ovid.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Ingue pruinoso coluber distenditur arvo</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Viperes coëunt abrupto corpore nodi</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Humanoque cadit serpens afflata veneno.</i> Lucan.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c031'><i>PHILOSTRATUS</i> describes particularly how the <i>Indians</i> -charm Serpents—they take a Scarlet-Coat embroider’d with golden -Letters, and spread it before the Serpent’s Hole; and these golden -Letters have a fascinating Power over it, and therewith its Eyes -are overcome and laid asleep<a id='r126' /><a href='#f126' class='c019'><sup>[126]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f126'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r126'>126</a>. </span>His Life of <i>Apollonius Tyanæus</i>, writ at the Desire -of the Empress <i>Julia</i>, lib. 3. cap 2.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>If we consider the strange Things done by <i>Force of Words</i>, so -much extoll’d in Antiquity, it will be no wonder to see <i>Letters</i>, -out of which <i>Words are form’d, made the Rudiment and first Study -of human Life</i>: But as to the <i>Mode of Operation</i> by <i>Words</i>, the -Learned are not agreed.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some say, there is a natural Virtue and Efficacy in Words, -and appeal to the <i>notable Feats</i> done by <i>Force of Eloquence</i>. This -was the favourite Study and View of <i>Orators</i>; in this they -triumph’d, and never wanted Acclamations and loud Applauses.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Plutarch</i>, we have, among others, one remarkable Instance, -<i>viz.</i> <i>Cæsar</i>, upon the Accusations brought in by <i>Tubero</i> against -<i>Quintus Ligarius</i> (<i>Pompey</i>’s Friend) he was resolved to sacrifice -that Rebel, till he was charm’d by the <i>Words</i> of the <i>Orator</i> that -pleaded in his favour—No sooner did <i>Cicero</i> begin his Oration in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>his defence, but <i>Cæsar</i>’s Countenance chang’d, and his Indignation -begun to soften ... but when the Orator touch’d upon the -Battle of <i>Pharsalia</i> (where <i>Cæsar</i> was Conqueror) <i>Cæsar</i>’s Heart -tender’d, his Body trembled with Joy, and certain Papers in his -Hands dropt to the ground.—And when <i>Cicero</i> had finish’d his -Oration, <i>Cæsar</i>’s Wrath against his Enemy was intirely extinguish’d; -and <i>Ligarius</i> was set at liberty<a id='r127' /><a href='#f127' class='c019'><sup>[127]</sup></a>. The same Orator, -by the Dint of Eloquence, overthrew the Constitution of the <i>Decemviri</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f127'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r127'>127</a>. </span><i>Plutarch</i>’s Life of <i>Cicero</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Others say, there is a mighty Force in Words in such a -<i>Tone</i>, and <i>Talismanical Characters</i>, rightly-adapted Figures, and -Images <i>under certain Constellations</i><a id='r128' /><a href='#f128' class='c019'><sup>[128]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f128'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r128'>128</a>. </span><i>Paracelsus</i>, <i>C. Agrippa</i>, Life of Mr. -<i>Duncan Campbell</i>, <i>A. D. 1720</i>, page -256. <i>Gaffarel.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Some affirm that <i>Magick</i> consists in the <i>Spirit of Faith</i>, for -<i>Faith</i> is the <i>Magnet of Magicians</i>, by which they draw Spirits to -them, and by which Spirits they do wonderful Things, that to -vulgar Eyes appear like Miracles. No doubt but several extraordinary -Effects have been ascrib’d to the Devil, that in reality -were natural, and artfully disguised: The Story of Sieur <i>Brioche</i>, -a famous Puppet-player, is well known, who in a Town in <i>Switzerland</i>, -where that <i>Show</i> had never been seen before, he was apprehended -as a Warlock or Magician, and ran the hazard of being -punish’d as such<a id='r129' /><a href='#f129' class='c019'><sup>[129]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f129'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r129'>129</a>. </span><i>De Saint Andre</i>’s Letters.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Others affirm, that <i>Charms by Words</i> are but means to -heighten the Imagination; and the strange Effects produced by -’em, flow’d only from the Activity of an exalted Thought, or -Fancy of heated Brains. In proof of this ’tis said, that if a Woman -at a certain Season, strongly fix her Imagination upon any -particular Object, the Child will bear the Image thereof.</p> - -<p class='c013'>I think ’tis pretty obvious, that those extraordinary Impressions -made by <i>Pagan Sophists</i> upon the Minds of their Audience -by the Charms of Rhetorick, past for a <i>divine Afflatus</i> or -<i>Inspiration</i>; and therefore in such Cases, we shall find this <i>Formula</i> -(<i>Aliquis nescio quis Deus</i>) frequently used by Enthusiastical -<i>Orators</i>, as well as their <i>Poets</i>: Thus <i>Cicero</i>, speaks of himself, that -he was mov’d by a certain <i>Impetus</i> or Ardour<a id='r130' /><a href='#f130' class='c019'><sup>[130]</sup></a>: <i>Apollonius Tyanæus</i>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>who was looked upon by the Christians as a notorious Magician, -being ask’d by the Governor of <i>Rome</i> under <i>Nero</i>, what -was his Profession? he answer’d, θειασμος, an Enthusiast, <i>q. d.</i> Fanatic, Conjurer.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f130'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r130'>130</a>. </span><i>Nulla ingenti, sed magna vis animi -inflamantis ut me ipse non teneam.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>’Tis true, that wonderful Things have been done by Words, -but how <i>verbal Charms</i> operated upon <i>Serpents</i>, wants Explication: -Of some Inchanters ’tis said, that by vocal and instrumental -Sounds, they have charm’d Rats, Mice and Serpents, some into -a stupid State, and others into a flexible submissive State.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A remarkable Instance in <i>Rats</i> we have in the publick Records -of <i>Hamelen</i>, (an antient City on the River <i>Weser</i> in <i>Germany</i>, -about 28 Miles S. E. of <i>Hanover</i>) where the following strange -Account is register’d, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>That in <i>June 26. 1284</i>, a certain Stranger undertook to -destroy an Army of Rats with which the Town had been long -pester’d, on promise of such a Reward; and immediately playing -on his <i>Pipe</i> and <i>Tabret</i>, the <i>Rats</i> march’d out, and follow’d the -Musick to the River, where they were all drown’d: But being -denied the Reward, he threaten’d Revenge; and next day he -went about with the same Musick, and most Children in the -Town follow’d the Piper to the Mouth of a great Cave on a -neighbouring Hill call’d <i>Koppelberg</i>, where he and they entered, -and were never heard of after.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In remembrance of this <i>sad Catastrophe</i>, the Citizens for many -Years after, dated all their publick Writings <i>from the Day they -lost their Children</i>, as appears by their old Deeds and Records: -They still call the <i>Street</i> thro’ which the Children went out, -<i>Tabret-street</i>; and at the Mouth of the Cave there is a Monument -of Stone, with a <i>Latin</i> Inscription, giving the Particulars of this -tragical Story.</p> - -<p class='c013'>As to the other Instance, <i>viz.</i> Serpents charm’d into a ductile -manageable State, ’tis thus accounted for; <i>viz.</i> Serpents, they -say, are strangely influenced by the Smell of those Emanations, -proceeding from the <i>Cornus</i>, or Dog-tree (why not the <i>Cornelian-Cherry</i>, -antiently dedicated to <i>Apollo</i>?) and that by a Wand or -Rod taken from it, they are thrown into an obsequious Temper—</p> -<p class='c032'>“When -touch’d by a Rod from that Tree, they are immediately -intoxicated, but so as to be able to follow the Motion of the -Rod; but whether by reason of some great Disproportion or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>Incompossibility, between these subtile Effluvia and the Temperament -of the vital, spiritual Substance of the Serpent, or by -what other way, we are not told<a id='r131' /><a href='#f131' class='c019'><sup>[131]</sup></a>. The Sassafras-tree, a Native -of <i>America</i>, is call’d <i>Cornus</i> also, whose Wood is very odorous -and fragrant.”</p> -<p class='c034'>Now, say these Gentlemen why should -it seem impossible, that he who understands this invincible Enmity, -and how to manage a Rod of the <i>Cornus</i> with Cunning and -Dexterity (having first intoxicated a Serpent by the Touch thereof) -should during that Fit make it observe, and readily conform -to all the various Motions of the Wand, so as that the unlearned -Spectators, perceiving the <i>Serpent</i> to approach the <i>Inchanter</i>, as -he moves the Wand near to himself, or to retreat from him, as -he put the Wand from him, or turn round and dance as the Rod -is mov’d to and fro, or lie still as in a Trance, as the Rod is held -still over it; and all this Time, the People knowing nothing of -the Virtue in the Rod, are easily deluded into a Belief, that the -whole Scene is supernatural, and the main Energy radiated in -those Words or Charms, which the Impostor with great Ceremony -and Gravity of Aspect mutters forth, the better to disguise -his Legerdemain, and dissemble Nature in the colour of a Miracle.</p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f131'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r131'>131</a>. </span><i>Charlton.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Rattle-snakes in <i>America</i> are said to secure their Prey by -Incantation; for they have the Power or Art, (I know not which -to call it, says my Author) to charm Squirrels, Hares, Partridges, -or any such Thing, in such a manner, that they run directly into -their Mouths: This I have seen, adds he, by a Squirrel and one -of the Rattle-snakes; and other Snakes have in some measure the -same Power<a id='r132' /><a href='#f132' class='c019'><sup>[132]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f132'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r132'>132</a>. </span>Natural History of <i>Carolina, A. D. 1711</i>. page 129.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It is allowed indeed, that there are <i>dumb Creatures</i> that do exceed -Man in some <i>sensible Perceptions</i>, particularly in that of <i>Smelling</i>, -as the <i>Harriers</i>, and other Dogs. How strange, that -Odours from the Hare’s Body, Should so affect the Nose of a -Hound, as to raise in him that Sensation or Scent, by which he -follows her all the Day (tho’ he never had a Sight of her) thro’ a -Cloud of Opposition, from perplexing intricate Places, and Effluviums -proceeding from other Animals!</p> - -<p class='c013'>These Emanations are exceeding fine Effluvia, or Particles -flying off odorous Bodies in all Directions; and as they float in the -Air on the Surface of the Earth (within their Atmosphere) strike -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>against the Dog’s Nose, and produce that Sensation of Smell.—<i>N. -B.</i> The Intensity of Smell in all Creatures, is in proportion to -the Density or Thickness where we are: This Density is always -diminish’d in proportion to the Squares of the Distances from the -odorous Body.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Yea, a little Cur, by the Power of Smelling, can find out his -Master among Thousands, will trace his Steps thro’ Crouds in Fairs -and Markets; yea, throughout a whole Country. Our Histories -inform us of Dogs in some parts of this Island, that being put upon -the Scent, would pursue a Thief and a Murderer; and if he -cross’d a River, would smell where he entered, and swim after -him; and when arrived at t’other side, would hunt about till -they found where he landed, and then run on, till they overtook -the Criminal.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In Animals is a sulphurous or oily Matter, so attenuated and -subtiliz’d as to become volatile, which is denominated a Spirit: -Now that there is such a Spirit in Man, and a peculiar one too in -every Man, is evident from these Dogs, which will pursue the -Game by their Nose, and follow their Master’s Track, and distinguish -it precisely; yea, tho’ a thousand other Persons had past -the same way.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It must be by meer Force of Smelling, that the Dog is able -to do this, that is, to distinguish his Master from all Men by the -Instrumentality of his Nose.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Therefore there must be some specifick Matter exhaled -from the Master’s Body, which the Dog can perfectly distinguish -from the various Effluvia flowing from all other Persons.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Dog must exceed us, in that he can thus exactly discern -his Master, by these subtile, oily, or sulphurous Effluvia, which -no human Nose was ever able to do.</p> - -<p class='c013'>We find the like Spirit in the Hound, who when put in the -Track which a Deer has lately been in, will follow the Steps of -that Deer thro’ all cross Paths of a thousand others, and at last -single out that individual Deer among a whole Herd of those Animals.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Scotland</i> are a sort of Dogs (in Colour generally red and spotted -with black, or black with red) of extraordinary Sagacity, being, -as ’tis said, put upon the Scent, will pursue Thieves with Success; -and the Use of them has been authorised by the Magistrate——<i>Nullus -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>perturbet aut impediat canem trasantem, aut homines transentes -cum ipso ad sequendum latrones aut ad capiendum malefactores</i>.</p> -<p class='c032'><i>N. B.</i> <i>Trasantem</i> is a Word latiniz’d from the old <i>French</i> -<i>Tracer</i> or <i>Trasser</i>, signifying to follow by the Track.</p> - -<p class='c031'>If any shou’d suggest, That this derogates from the Wisdom -and Goodness of the Creator, who has given to some Beasts -stronger Perceptions, Nerves more exquisitely fine and delicate -than he has bestow’d upon Man:</p> - -<p class='c013'>I answer, this is so far from derogating from divine Wisdom -and Goodness, that it is an admirable Instance and Illustration -of both; for were our olfactory Nerves susceptible of such -quick Sensations as Dogs and some other Animals, we shou’d be -continually annoy’d with pestiferous Fumes and Exhalations, so -as not only to render most Situations troublesome, but even Life -it self miserable and wretched.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Such quick Sensations may be very useful to carnivorous Animals, -so as to direct them to their Prey, but to human Beings it -wou’d be very vexatious, if not pestiferous and deadly. I shall -only add to this Digression, a short Hint about the <i>Magic Art</i>, -the most surprising of all Arts, and in its first Appearance most -innocent and useful.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Among the antient <i>Chaldeans</i>, <i>Babylonians</i>, and <i>Persians</i>, -where the Art-magic was first and principally cultivated, it signified -no more than <i>Wisdom</i> and hence the <i>Sophi</i>, or Wisemen -of the <i>Greeks</i> were by them call’d μαγοι that is, <i>Magicians</i>; who -being acquainted with many of the hidden Powers of Nature, directed -them in such manner, as to produce Effects, whose Causes -being unknown to the <i>Vulgar</i>, were attributed to <i>Dæmons</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hence the Art in process of Time came into Disrepute, and -Magicians have been censur’d, as working by Compact with the -Devil: But this is invidious; for in the Gospel we find, the <i>Magi</i> -or <i>Magicians</i>, are said to come <i>from the East to</i> Jerusalem, <i>saying, -where is he that is born King of the</i> Jews? <i>for we—are come to worship -him</i>. No body can imagine this to be understood of those that -have been called <i>Sorcerers</i>, <i>Wizards</i>, <i>Conjurers</i>, <i>Witches</i> or <i>Magicians</i>, -in the modern Sense of that Word<a id='r133' /><a href='#f133' class='c019'><sup>[133]</sup></a>; for those who were -familiar with the Devil, would scarce come to enquire after him, -who came to destroy his Works.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f133'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r133'>133</a>. </span><i>Matt.</i> ii. 1, 2.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>The Notion of Witches in the Days of Ignorance and Superstition, -was very prevailing in this Island, but of late Years has undergone -a parliamentary Excommunication; though the <i>Lancashire</i> -Witches, who are constituted of the fairer Part of the fairer -Sex, triumph even over our Senators, and will maintain their fascinating -Charms, while their rival Beauties, the Sun and Stars -endure.</p> - -<p class='c013'>We read of a certain King of <i>Egypt</i>, who having assembled -his <i>Magical Priests</i> without the City <i>Memphis</i>, caus’d them to enter -where the People were gather’d, by Beat of Drum: All of -them made some miraculous Discovery of their Magic and Wisdom. -<i>One</i> had his Face surrounded with a Light, like that of -the Sun, so bright that none could look earnestly upon him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Another seem’d as if enrob’d with precious Stones of diverse -Colours, red, green, yellow, or wrought with Gold.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A third came mounted on a <i>Lion</i>, compass’d with <i>Serpents</i>, -like Girdles.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The next came in with a Pavilion, or Canopy of Light, distended -over his Head.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Another entered surrounded with Flames of Fire, turning -about him; so that none durst come near him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>After <i>him</i> appeared one with dreadful Birds, perching about -his Head, and shaking their Wings like Vulturs and black Eagles.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>last</i> made his Appearance with an Army in the Air, -marching before him, of winged Serpents and terrible Personages.——In -fine, every one did what was taught him by the -Star he served; and, after all, the whole Scene was but an Apparition -and Illusion, according to their own Confession to the -King, when the Farce was over<a id='r134' /><a href='#f134' class='c019'><sup>[134]</sup></a>.——Something analogous -to this are the Magick Lanthorns in our days.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f134'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r134'>134</a>. </span>This Passage is taken out of the <i>Egyptian</i> History -of the Pyramids—by <i>Murtadi</i> the <i>Arabian</i>, printed at -<i>Tibe</i>, a City in <i>Arabia</i>, 14th of <i>Regebe</i>, 992; -which corresponds to <i>July</i> 22d, 1584; about 156 Years ago; -translated into <i>French</i>, and into <i>English</i>, 1672.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In antient times, the Word <i>Magician</i> generally signified <i>Men -of Wisdom and Learning</i>, i. e. of superior Knowledge in Things -natural and divine, and more especially in that sort of Learning -relative to the Sun, Moon, and Stars, as we learn from <i>Porphyry</i>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span><i>Apuleius</i>, and others. And seeing the inspired Apostle gives them -that Name (<i>Magicians</i>) not as a Mark of Infamy, but a Title of -Honour, therefore does the <i>English</i> Translation stile them <i>Wisemen</i>, -such as the old <i>Greeks</i> called σοφοι, <i>Sages of their Time</i><a id='r135' /><a href='#f135' class='c019'><sup>[135]</sup></a>. -How, and how far this Art is degenerated, I refer to the Judgment -of the Learned: We see there are Revolutions in Words, as well -as in Families and Kingdoms; a <i>Magician</i> being formerly a <i>Wise-man</i>, -as well as a Knave an honest one. <i>Sed tempora mutantur.</i></p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f135'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r135'>135</a>. </span><i>Boerhaave</i>’s New Theory, p. 211.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>I shall only add to the <i>Aspick Subject</i>, the Tribute of Veneration -paid to this poisonous Animal in the Land of <i>Egypt</i>. -The Historian speaks of a certain Person, who, in digging, happened -unawares to cut an Asp with his Spade, and went mad upon -it,—was taken into the House of <i>Serapis</i>, an <i>Egyptian</i> Idol,—the -Relatives of the Patient praying the <i>Spectrum</i> of that Serpent -might be destroyed,——which being accordingly done by Magick -Art, the Man was cured.——By this we see, how highly <i>Asps</i> -were venerated among the <i>Egyptians</i>, who not only suffer’d them -to live, but to live in their Houses, where they were carefully fed, -as Favourites of the Family<a id='r136' /><a href='#f136' class='c019'><sup>[136]</sup></a>. And Queen <i>Cleopatra</i>’s Case was -not singular, for the <i>Persian</i> Kings kept an exquisite Poison by -them, made of the Dung of an <i>Indian</i> Bird, which would kill -without putting them to pain, that they might use it themselves -in case of any Disaster<a id='r137' /><a href='#f137' class='c019'><sup>[137]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f136'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r136'>136</a>. </span><i>Circurantur cibo, cum infantibus vivunt, & crepitum -digitorum vocata ex cavi prodeunt.</i> Jonstonus, p. 16.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f137'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r137'>137</a>. </span><i>Atlas, Asia.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>DEMOSTHENES</i>, who slew his Soldier, when he was -asleep, was a merciful Executioner; a kind of Punishment the -Mildness of no Law has yet invented. It is strange that <i>Lucan</i> -and <i>Seneca</i> made no discovery of it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Sleep is a kind of <i>Death</i>, by which we may literally be -said to <i>die daily</i>; and in this Sense, <i>Adam</i> may be said to die before -his final Exit.</p> -<p class='c033'>VIII. I now proceed to the Serpent <i>Scytale</i>; the Name is -borrowed from the <i>Greek</i> Word σκυταλη, a Staff, or any thing like -a Cylinder, of a long smooth round Form; the Body of this Serpent -being in shape equally round, like a Rolling-Stone, with very -little Variation in the Extremities of it.</p> - -<div id='pl-2' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i070.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic004'> -<p><i>Plate 2<sup>d</sup>.</i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>It forms a beautiful Prospect, being an Aggregate of most -charming Colours, (therefore call’d the Painted Serpent by <i>Mantuanus</i>.) -It may be view’d without danger, because slow in its -Motion. ’Tis an Error in <i>Lucan</i> to attribute its Slowness to a -Design of enticing Spectators, if it be not <i>Poetica Licentia</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>When released from its Winter-Confinement, the first thing -she does, says the Historian, is to refresh her languid Body with -Fennel-Leaves; but does not tell us what is done, in case that Herb -can’t be readily found. It must indeed be allowed, that wild -Fennel is a common Herb of the Field, and well known and of -Use in Physick<a id='r138' /><a href='#f138' class='c019'><sup>[138]</sup></a>. The Poet observes, that no Snake casts her -Coat in Winter, but the <i>Scytale</i><a id='r139' /><a href='#f139' class='c019'><sup>[139]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f138'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r138'>138</a>. </span><i>Ælian</i>, <i>Gyllii Accessio</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f139'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r139'>139</a>. </span><i>Et Scytale sparsis etiam nunc sola pruinis -Exuvias positura suas.</i>—Lucan’s Phars.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This Serpent being adorned with beautiful Colours, excuse a -short Digression upon the Doctrine of Colours in Natural Bodies. -Know then, Colours are the Children of Fire and Light.</p> -<p class='c033'>I. <i>Where there is Light, there is Fire</i>; and Fire shews itself to -be present by Light. The Sensation of Light is produced when -the Particles of Fire, directed by the Action of the Sun, reach the -Eye in right Lines. Now, Fire thus entering the Eye, gives a -Motion to the optic Fibres at the bottom of the Eye, and thus -excites the Idea of Light.</p> -<p class='c033'>II. <i>FIRE discovers itself by Colour</i>; for all Colours depend -upon Light, and Light depends upon Fire; and different Colours -appear in Natural Bodies, as their Surfaces are disposed to reflect -this or that sort of coloured Rays more than others. Colour is -a Property inherent in Light.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Colours therefore are not connate with Natural Bodies, -which are all of the same Hue in the dark. To this the Poet -alludes, when he makes <i>Darkness the Destruction of Colours</i><a id='r140' /><a href='#f140' class='c019'><sup>[140]</sup></a>.—Colours -are only in the Rays of the Sun: In Natural Bodies is -a Quality or Power to reflect the Light falling upon them, which -striking the Eye, produces in the Spectator the Sensation of Colour.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f140'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r140'>140</a>. </span><i>Rebus nox abstulit atra colores.</i>—Virgil.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>Clouds often appear very beautifully coloured; they consist -of aqueous Particles, between which Air is interspersed; therefore, -according to the various Thickness of those aqueous Particles, the -Cloud will be of a different Colour<a id='r141' /><a href='#f141' class='c019'><sup>[141]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f141'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r141'>141</a>. </span><i>Boerhaave</i>, <i>Gravesand</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>IX. <i>AMPHISBÆNA</i> Serpent, so called from αμφι <i>&</i> βαινω -<i>Biceps</i>, a Monster with two Heads. This is a small and weak Creature, -equal in Bulk to a little Finger, and about a Foot long, of a -whitish or terraceous Colour; of the oviparous Family, of small -Eyes, no otherways visible than the Prick of a little Needle; lives -much under ground, and is often found by digging; feeds upon -Ants. Under this Head, the Historian mentions three Serpents, -<i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Brasilian</i>, that has two Heads, and moves as a Crab<a id='r142' /><a href='#f142' class='c019'><sup>[142]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f142'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r142'>142</a>. </span><i>Acosta.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Taprobanensian</i>, with four Heads; and he who believes it -must have a four-headed Faith.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Hungarian</i>; of which elsewhere.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The same Historian adds, that the marine <i>Amphisbæna</i>, -taken in the <i>English</i> Sea, has two Heads. <i>Ibid.</i> <i>Pliny</i>, <i>Ælian</i>, -<i>Lucan</i>, <i>Mantuan</i>,—affirm it has two Heads; <i>Matthiolus</i> denies -it, <i>Hesychius</i> is doubtful. Mention is made of a Serpent found -near <i>Chipping-Norton</i>, not far from <i>Oxford</i>, having two Heads, and -Faces like Women; one being shaped after the new Tyre of that -Time; the other was habited after the old Fashion, and had great -Wings resembling those of the Flinder-Mouse or Bat<a id='r143' /><a href='#f143' class='c019'><sup>[143]</sup></a>. This -happened in the Reign of <i>Edward</i> III.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f143'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r143'>143</a>. </span><i>Stow</i>’s Annals, <i>London</i>, printed, 1631.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>A <i>Spanish</i> Author says, that in <i>Chiapa</i> he found a two-headed -Serpent, 18 Inches long, in the Form of a <i>Roman</i> T, and very venemous; -it does not only kill, adds he, by its Bite, but if any -tread upon that part of the Ground over which ’twas just gone, it -proves fatal<a id='r144' /><a href='#f144' class='c019'><sup>[144]</sup></a>. The Poet also subscribes to two Heads<a id='r145' /><a href='#f145' class='c019'><sup>[145]</sup></a>.——If -this two-headed Serpent has slain its Thousands, there is a certain -metaphorical three-headed Serpent on the Banks of <i>Tyber</i>, that has -slain its Ten Thousands.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f144'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r144'>144</a>. </span><i>Antonio de Herrera</i>’s History of <i>America</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f145'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r145'>145</a>. </span><i>Et gravis ingenium surgens caput -Amphisbæna.</i>—Lucan, p. 270.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>Perhaps the Reason of ascribing two Heads to this Serpent, -might be, because it is said to poison by the Tail and Teeth. -Others say, both Ends are so like in Figure and Bulk, that they -are not easily distinguished.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It seems probable to me, that this Serpent, like some Insects or -Worms, has a double Motion, <i>antrorsum & retrorsum</i>, which made -some of the Antients conclude it had two Heads; one in the usual -Situation, the other in the Extremity of the <i>Cauda</i>. Its Body is -of equal Thickness, and recommended to the View by various -and delightful Spots<a id='r146' /><a href='#f146' class='c019'><sup>[146]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f146'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r146'>146</a>. </span><i>Conrad. Gesner.</i> <i>Ælian.</i> <i>Columella</i>, lib. vi.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>We read of this Serpent in <i>Gothland</i>, where it comes forth in -the Spring before all other Serpents, being more able to encounter -the cold Air<a id='r147' /><a href='#f147' class='c019'><sup>[147]</sup></a>. Some Authors tell us, that its Skin wrapt about a -Stick, drives away all Serpents; which I place among the Tales of -Antiquity.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f147'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r147'>147</a>. </span><i>Olaus Magnus Hist.</i> B. xxi.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This Serpent is found in the <i>Lybian Deserts</i>, and also in the -Island of <i>Lemnos</i>, in the <i>Ægean</i> Sea. The Puncture made by its -Wounds is so small, that it can scarcely be discerned, yet terminates -in a dreadful Inflammation and a lingering Death.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>ERASMUS</i> was puzzled about the Sense of that <i>Greek</i> Proverb -ὑδρος εν φιθω, <i>hydrus in dolio</i>, a Serpent in the Hogshead: -The Meaning of it, said an Interpreter of Dreams, is this: A certain -Person had a Vessel of Wine, that was constantly diminishing, -tho’ carefully lock’d up; the Reason of which he could not -account for, till he empty’d the Vessel, at the bottom of which he -found a Serpent rioting in Wine<a id='r148' /><a href='#f148' class='c019'><sup>[148]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f148'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r148'>148</a>. </span><i>Conradus Gesner.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Perhaps as good an Interpretation may be this, that there -was Venom in the Cask (of which the Serpent was an Emblem) -to all those who rioted in the Bowls of Excess. Not so, says a -Son of <i>Bacchus</i>; for</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>The thirsty Earth soaks up the Rain,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>And drinks, and gapes for Drink again.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>The Sea itself, which one would think,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Should have but little need of Drink,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Drinks Ten thousand Rivers up.</i>——</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span><i>The busy Sun, and one would guess</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>By’s drunken fiery Face no less,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Drinks up the Sea.——</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Fill up the Bowl then, fill it high,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Fill all the Glasses there, for why,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Should every Creature drink, but I?</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Why, Man of Morals, tell me why?</i><a id='r149' /><a href='#f149' class='c019'><sup>[149]</sup></a></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote c026' id='f149'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r149'>149</a>. </span><i>Cowley</i>’s Anacreon.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Some of the Poets have thought this <i>Amphisbæna</i> to be the -<i>Hydra Lernæa</i>, the many-headed Serpent, that was very terrible -to the adjacent Country, and slain by <i>Hercules</i>: When one Head -was cut off, many others sprung up; so that there was no way to -destroy the Monster, but by cutting off all the Heads with one -Stroke.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Tho’ there be no <i>Amphisbænick</i> Animals, there is some Resemblance -of it in Plants, whose <i>Cotyledon</i> is always double, and -in the common Centre of the two, is a Point or Speck, which is -the Plantule, or the Tree in Embryo; which Plantule being acted -on by the Earth, warmed by the Sun, begins to expand, and -shoots its Root both upward and downward. Thus, in a Bean -committed to the Ground, we soon see it to cleave into two -Parts, and in the Fissure appears a little Speck, which sends out a -Root downwards, and a Bud upwards.—A remarkable Phænomenon, -says the Note on <i>Boerhaave</i>’s Theory.</p> - -<p class='c013'>X. Among Serpents, Authors place <i>Dragons</i>; Creatures terrible -and fierce in Aspect and Nature. They are divided into -<i>Apodes</i> and <i>Pedates</i>, some with Feet, and some without them; -some are privileged with Wings, and others are destitute of Wings -and Feet: Some are covered with sharp Scales, which make a -bright Appearance in some Position. Some have observed, that -about the <i>Ganges</i>, are Dragons whose Eyes sparkle like precious -Stones.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They differ in external Form: The <i>Draconopades</i> are represented -by a human Face, and sightly Countenance; the rest of the -Body in a tortuous winding Shape. In one of Dr. <i>Johnson</i>’s Figures, -a Dragon is made to appear like a Man’s Face, with a Grenadier’s -Cap on the Head. Some differ in Colour, some are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>black in the upper Part of the Body, according to <i>Philostratus</i>; -red, according to <i>Homer</i>; yellow, according to <i>Pausanias</i>; and -<i>Lucan</i> makes it a golden Colour<a id='r150' /><a href='#f150' class='c019'><sup>[150]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f150'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r150'>150</a>. </span><i>Philostratus de Vita Apol.</i> lib. iii. cap. 2. <i>Homer.</i> -<i>Iliad</i>, lib. 12. <i>Lucan.</i> <i>Pharsal. in Jonstoni Historia -Serpentum</i>, p. 33, 34.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The same Historian observes, that in the <i>Atlantick</i> Mountains, -they kill where they touch, and those that are in the Kingdom -of <i>Narsinga</i>, and dwell in the Woods, kill all they meet. -<i>Ibid.</i><a id='r151' /><a href='#f151' class='c019'><sup>[151]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f151'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r151'>151</a>. </span><i>Unde quidam in arbores & chamo dracones distinxere.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>I presume, the Author means <i>Narsinga</i>, a potent Kingdom, -bounded on the East with the Bay of <i>Bengal</i>, that noble -Part of <i>India</i>, says <i>Herbert</i><a id='r152' /><a href='#f152' class='c019'><sup>[152]</sup></a>; where the Monarch is always attended -with 1000 for his Guards, has 5 or 6000 Jesters, and reckons -it one of his chief Titles to be the Husband of a Thousand -Wives.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f152'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r152'>152</a>. </span>His Travels into <i>Africa</i> and <i>Asia</i>, the -famous Empires of <i>Persia</i> and <i>Indostan</i>,—Oriental -Islands.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Dragons are Inhabitants of <i>Africa</i> and <i>Asia</i>; those of -<i>India</i> exceed most in Largeness and Longitude: In the Tower of -<i>London</i>, is the Skin of one, which is of vast Bulk. In <i>Æthiopia</i>, -they have no Name for <i>Dragons</i>, but <i>Killers of Elephants</i>, -which is supposed to be the largest of Land-Animals.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Over the Water-gate in the City of <i>Rhodes</i>, there is set up -the Head of a <i>Dragon</i>, which was 33 Foot long, that wasted all -the Country, till it was slain by <i>Deodate de Gozon</i>, one of the -<i>Knights of St. John Baptist</i><a id='r153' /><a href='#f153' class='c019'><sup>[153]</sup></a>. The <i>Knights of that Order</i> had -frequently attack’d it, but in vain; for its Scales being proof against -all their Arms, it destroyed so many of them, that the -Grand-Master forbad them to engage the Monster any more.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f153'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r153'>153</a>. </span><i>Atlas Geog. Anatolia</i>, p. 43, -4. From <i>Tavernier</i> and <i>Du Mont.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>GOZON</i>, who, after several dangerous Onsets escaped with -his Life, resolved to make another Trial by Stratagem; perceiving -it was no where vulnerable but in the Eyes and Belly, contrived -the Resemblance of a Dragon by a Machine of Pastboard, -of equal Bulk with the Dragon, and by certain Springs made it -leap like a true Dragon: Having trained up a Couple of fierce -Dogs to attack it at the <i>Belly</i>, he went out privately one Morning, -well-armed on a managed Horse with his Dogs, and rode up to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>Den, from whence the Dragon leaped furiously at him: In the -Encounter, the Dogs laid hold on his Belly, and forced him to lie -down; upon which the valiant Knight alighted, thrust his great -Sword several times into his Throat, and soon killed him: Upon -which the Spectators drew near, and with great difficulty sever’d -the Head from the Body, and lugged it into the Town in Triumph.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Conqueror was degraded for the sake of Form, because -he had violated the Grand-Master’s Order; but was immediately -restored, and soon after was elected Grand-Master himself; he -died in the Year 1335, and on his Tomb were engraven these -Words, <i>Draconis Extinctor</i>; <i>The Destroyer of the Dragon</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Life of <i>Attilius Regulus</i> (the <i>Roman</i> General in the War -against the <i>Carthaginians</i>) is described a Dragon of prodigious -Bulk near the River <i>Bagrada</i>, that annoyed all the Country round, -without Remedy. Several Devices were formed to destroy it, but -without effect, till the Military <i>Possé</i> was called in, who discharged -the <i>Engines of War</i> against it with Success: And so great was this -Deliverance, that an <i>Ovation</i>, or a small Triumph, was publickly -made at <i>Rome</i> for the Victory.</p> -<p class='c033'>XI. The <i>Pythian</i> Dragon, so called from its being the Guardian -of the <i>Delphick</i> Oracle: Its Eyes are large and sharp, and -the Body painted with Variety of Colours, as red, yellow, green -and blue, and furnished with Scales that are resplendent, well compacted -and hard. It has been called <i>Deucalionæus</i>, because in the -Language of Ignorance, it was produced from the Mud left by the -<i>Deucalionian</i> Deluge: a Serpent of prodigious Bulk.<a id='r154' /><a href='#f154' class='c019'><sup>[154]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f154'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r154'>154</a>. </span><i>Jonstonus.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>PYTHON</i> is also taken for a prophetick Demon, by St. -<i>Luke</i><a id='r155' /><a href='#f155' class='c019'><sup>[155]</sup></a>.—<i>As we went to Prayer, a certain Damsel possest with a -Spirit of Divination</i>, (having the Spirit of <i>Pytho</i>, according to the -<i>Greek</i>) <i>which brought her Masters much Gain by Sooth-saying</i>, that -is, by Predictions, telling of Fortunes. <i>Python</i> of the <i>Greeks</i> is -supposed the <i>Typhon</i> of the <i>Phenicians</i>, and the <i>Phœnician Typhon</i> -to be <i>Ogg</i> King of <i>Bashan</i>, and <i>Apollo</i> that slew it, to be -<i>Joshua</i>. <i>Apollo</i> is called <i>Pythius</i> from this Serpent, or from some -notorious Tyrant of that Name, slain by him, as the antient Geographer -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>observes. So <i>Gesner</i> from <i>Pausanias</i>. The Priestess -of <i>Apollo</i>, that delivered the Sacred Oracles, was called <i>Pythia</i> -and <i>Pythonissa</i>. This <i>Pythonick</i> Spirit among the Gentiles, was -esteemed as a God, and by <i>Juvenal</i> is styled <i>Vates</i>, a Prophet.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f155'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r155'>155</a>. </span><i>Act.</i> xvi. 16.—Πνευμα Πυθωνος.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Priestess that delivered the Sacred Oracles, was called -<i>Pythia</i>, from <i>Apollo Pythius</i>, and must be a pure Virgin. Most -of the Fathers of the Church were of opinion, that it was the Devil -gave the Answers, which were generally dubious, a Sign of his -Ignorance about Futurity.</p> - -<p class='c013'>One <i>Œnomaus</i>, a certain Pagan Philosopher, highly resenting -it, that he had been so often befooled by the Oracles, speaks to -<i>Apollo</i> thus—</p> -<p class='c032'>“When we come to consult thee, either thou knowest -Things to come or not. If thou knowest them, why dost -not thou speak so as to be understood? If thou knowest not, -why dost thou pretend to it? If Things necessarily come to -pass, why dost thou amuse us with Ambiguities?<a id='r156' /><a href='#f156' class='c019'><sup>[156]</sup></a>”</p> - -<div class='fn c036'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f156'> -<p class='c037'><span class='label'><a href='#r156'>156</a>. </span><i>Eusebius.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'><i>F. BALTHUS</i>, a learned Jesuit, and <i>F. Bouchet</i>, say there were -real Oracles, and such that can never be attributed to Priests and -Priestesses; and that the Devil still gives Oracles in the <i>Indies</i>, and -that not by Idols, which would be liable to Imposture, but by the -Mouths of Priests, and By-Standers; and that the Devil becomes -mute, in proportion as the Gospel prevails.——</p> - -<p class='c032'>“It is generally believed among the more Learned, that the Pagan -Oracles were mere Frauds and Impostures, and calculated -to serve the political Views of Princes, and covetous -Ends of Pagan Priests.”</p> - -<p class='c031'>According to the learned <i>Bayle</i>, -they were meer human Artifices; and he is seconded by <i>Vandale</i> -and <i>Fontenelle</i>. But to return to the Oracle at <i>Delphos</i>, which -was very antient and much in vogue before the <i>Trojan</i> War: The -Situation of the Place, where People were made to believe God -spoke, was at the Mouth of a certain Cavern, whence they received -their Intelligence. The Prophetess sat upon a <i>Tripodium</i>, a three-footed -Stool, assisted in her Function by divers Priests.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Under her Seat, ’tis said, that some time there appeared a -Dragon, through whose Throat Responses were audibly deliver’d, -with a loud and strong Voice: According to <i>Eusebius</i>, a Serpent -rolled itself about the Tripod, on which the Priest sat.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>Of all Oracles, that of <i>Apollo Pythius</i> at <i>Delphos</i>, in the <i>Ægean</i> -Sea, was the most celebrated, and consulted as the <i>dernier Resort</i> by -the Princes of those Times; yea, all the <i>Greeks</i> resorted thither -for Counsel in Matters of Importance. At the first opening of -that <i>Oracular Office</i>, Answers were given to the Querist in Verse; -but upon People’s ridiculing the Poorness of the Verification, -the Oracle fell to Prose. ’Tis strange, that what they made a <i>God</i>, -could not make a <i>good Verse</i>, but not strange to see the old Serpent -adhering to its first Scheme of Politicks, by making the weaker -Vessel the Vehicle to convey his strong Delusions to the World.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some of these Draconick Serpents excel in the Sensations of -Hearing and Seeing, as well as in the Art of Killing; and therefore -a <i>Dragon</i> was made the <i>Conservator</i> of their <i>Treasures</i> and <i>Curiosities</i>; -e. g. <i>Mauritania</i> in <i>Africa</i>, was famous for the Gardens of the -<i>Hesperides</i> (so called from three Sisters and Daughters of King -<i>Hesperius</i>) that produced <i>Golden Apples</i>, and were guarded by a -<i>Dragon</i>, which <i>Hercules</i> having killed or charm’d into a profound -Sleep, he robbed the Golden Orchard.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Rod of <i>Moses</i>, ’tis said, <i>was turned into a Serpent</i>. The -<i>Syriack</i>, <i>Arabick</i>, and <i>Septuagint</i> Translations, say, twas turned into -a <i>Dragon</i>; and so the Rods of the Magicians became <i>Dragons</i>.</p> - -<p class='c033'>XII. The <i>Basilisk</i> or <i>Cockatrice</i>, is a Serpent of the Draconick -Line, the Property of <i>Africa</i>, says <i>Ælian</i>, and denied by others: -In shape, resembles a Cock, the Tail excepted. Authors differ -about its Extraction; the <i>Egyptians</i> say, it springs from the Egg -of the Bird <i>Ibis</i>; and others, from the Eggs of a Cock: Other -Conjectures about its Descent, being as ridiculous, I forbear to -mention them. Nor are they agreed whether it more inclines to -the black or yellow Colour; nor are their Sentiments less various -about its Stature.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is gross in Body, of fiery Eyes, and sharp Head, on which -it wears a Crest, like a Cock’s Comb; and has the Honour to be -stiled <i>Regulus</i> by the <i>Latins</i>, the <i>Little King of Serpents</i>; and ’tis -generally supposed to be terrible to them. The Sight of this -Animal, and Sound of his Voice, puts them to flight, and even to -over-run their Prey<a id='r157' /><a href='#f157' class='c019'><sup>[157]</sup></a>: Yea, Tradition adds, that his Eyes and -Breath are killing; that is, I presume, when he grasps the Spoil. -Several dreadful things are attributed to his venemous Qualities, -so sing the Poets<a id='r158' /><a href='#f158' class='c019'><sup>[158]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f157'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r157'>157</a>. </span><i>Sibilo ejus reliquos terreri & prædam derelinquere.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div id='pl-3' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i078.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic004'> -<p><i>Plate 3<sup>d</sup>.</i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span></div> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f158'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r158'>158</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Tam teter vacuas odor hinc exhalat in auras,</div> - <div class='line'>Atque propinquantes penetrant non segniter artus.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Nican.</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line c012'>Ante venena nocens, late sibi submovet omne</div> - <div class='line'>Vulgus, & in vacua regnat Basiliscus arena.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Lucan.</i> 270.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>According to <i>Pliny</i> and other antient Historians, this Serpent -in its Motion, inclines to the Erect; it goes half upright, -the middle and posterior parts of the Body only touching the -Ground. The Venom of the Basilisk is said to be so exalted, that -if it bites a Staff, ’twill kill the Person that makes use of it; but -this is Tradition without a Voucher<a id='r159' /><a href='#f159' class='c019'><sup>[159]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f159'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r159'>159</a>. </span><i>Ælian. Gyllii Accessio</i>, cap. xviii. p. 247. -<i>Jonstoni Historia Natural. Serp.</i> p. 34, 35.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The reason why this Serpent is dubb’d <i>King</i>, is not because -’tis larger in bulk than others of the Fraternity, or because it wears -a Crown, or because that Title seems to be recognized by a divine -Prophet, who speaking of <i>Ahaz</i> and his Son <i>Hezekiah</i>, says, -<i>Out of the Serpent’s Root shall come forth a Cockatrice, and his -Fruit shall be a fiery flying Serpent</i>. The <i>Hebrew</i> expresses it by -a word, that Signifies a <i>Prince</i> or <i>King</i>, but not with a View to -Empire over the serpentine Race.</p> - -<p class='c013'>But ’tis most probable, that the royal Stile is given to this -Serpent, because of its <i>majestic Pace</i>, which seems to be attended -with an Air of Grandeur and Authority. It does not, like other -Serpents, creep on the Earth; which if it did, the sight of it -would not be frightful, but moving about, in a sort of an erect -Posture, it looks like a Creature of another Species, therefore they -conclude ’tis an Enemy. Serpents are for Uniformity, therefore -can’t endure those that differ from them in the Mode of Motion.</p> - -<p class='c013'>’Tis said of this Creature, that its Poison infects the Air to -that Degree, that no other Animal can live near it, according to -the Tradition of the Elders famous for magnificent Tales. These -little Furioso’s are bred in the Solitudes of <i>Africa</i>, and are also -found in some other Places, and every where are terrible Neighbours.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The crown’d Basilisk leads me to <i>Ovid</i>, who, speaking of -Man’s erect Posture, says ’tis a Mark of Distinction due to the -Excellencies of the human Mind:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span><i>A Creature of a more exalted kind</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Was wanting yet; and then was Man design’d,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Conscious of Thought, of more capacious Breast.</i>——</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c031'>2. And partly as an Ensign of Royalty, some Characters whereof -Naturalists have observed in some other petty Principalities; -such as the Crown on the Dolphin, Diadem on the Basilisk, the -Lion’s stately Mane, which serves as a Collar of Honour.——</p> - -<p class='c013'>But Man, being vested with an universal Monarchy, walks -upon the Earth, like a Master in his own House.</p> -<p class='c033'>XIII. The <i>Cæcilia</i> or <i>Typhlinus</i>, the blind Worm, as the -<i>Greek</i> word imports; not that it wants Eyes, but because they are -so little, that he must be furnish’d with good Optics that can discern -them: And the Ear also is as remarkably dull, therefore call’d -by the <i>Greeks</i> κωφιας<a id='r160' /><a href='#f160' class='c019'><sup>[160]</sup></a>; of a brown Colour, full of Spots, variegated: -The Belly is blackish, the Neck sky-colour’d, garnish’d -with certain black Spots: Head like a Lamprey, and is as free -from Poison: Little Teeth, a forked Tongue, and may be handled -without hurt<a id='r161' /><a href='#f161' class='c019'><sup>[161]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f160'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r160'>160</a>. </span><i>Quasi surdaster, quod hebetis sit auditus.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f161'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r161'>161</a>. </span><i>Nicander</i> calls it απημαντον, quod nullam noxam inferat. <i>Jonstonus</i>, p. 19.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This Serpent seems to resemble those People which we call -<i>Myops</i>, <i>i. e.</i> Mouse-eyed, or purblind, which happens when the -Eye is so <i>convex</i>, that the Rays of Light unite, before they come -to the <i>Retina</i>, which makes the Eye also look small, whence the -Name<a id='r162' /><a href='#f162' class='c019'><sup>[162]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f162'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r162'>162</a>. </span>From τυφλοω excæco, κωφοω, exsurdo.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Cæcilian Serpent</i> is about a Foot long, and distinguishable -from our common Serpents by the Form of its Body, which is almost -of the same Crassitude, excepting two or three Inches at the -extremity of the Tail. <i>Conradus Gesner</i> tells us, his Wife struck -one of these Serpents on the Head, when ’twas pregnant, and it -immediately cast forth its young<a id='r163' /><a href='#f163' class='c019'><sup>[163]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f163'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r163'>163</a>. </span><i>Gesner</i>, p. 36. <i>Ælian.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XIV. The <i>Cencris</i>, or <i>Cencrina</i> is a spotted Serpent, and very -venemous; denominated from <i>Milium</i>, a small Grain call’d Millet-feed; -to which Historians compare the Spots wherewith this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>Serpent is adorn’d: For the same reason, a certain Species of the -<i>Herpes</i>, that is, a cutaneous Distemper, which is a kind of spreading -Inflammation, (and is like Millet-feed on the Skin) is called -<i>Miliary</i>: And by some, this is called the <i>Miliary Serpent</i><a id='r164' /><a href='#f164' class='c019'><sup>[164]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f164'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r164'>164</a>. </span><i>Ab aliquibus Miliaris appellatur.</i> Jonstonus, p. 20.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This Serpent is compared by <i>Nicander</i> to a <i>Lion</i>; either for -<i>Cruelty</i> in thirsting after Blood, or for its <i>Courage</i>, which appears -in all its Attacks. How furious in all its Wars, offensive -and defensive! always fighting, Lion-like, with an <i>erected Tail</i>: -Which leads me to a Digression about the <i>Turkish Standard</i>, -which is a <i>Horse-Tail erected</i>: The Original of that Custom was -this, <i>viz.</i> One of the <i>Turkish Generals</i> having his Standard taken -in a Battle with the <i>Christians</i>, and perceiving his Men discouraged -by the loss of it, he cut off a <i>Horse-Tail</i>, and fastening it to the -top of a <i>Half-pike</i>, advanced it on high, crying out, <i>This is the -great Standard, let those that love me follow it</i>: Upon which his -Men rallied, fought like <i>Lions</i>, and obtained the Victory<a id='r165' /><a href='#f165' class='c019'><sup>[165]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f165'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r165'>165</a>. </span><i>Tavernier.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>But to return to the Serpent, which moving in a direct Line, -goes fast, but being of great Bulk, can’t suddenly wind about<a id='r166' /><a href='#f166' class='c019'><sup>[166]</sup></a>: -Circumvolution is the way to avoid its Menaces. ’Tis commonly -found in the Island of <i>Lemnos</i> (the old <i>Dipolis</i>, and now the <i>Stalimene</i> -of the <i>Turks</i>) and also in <i>Samothracia</i>, an Island in the -<i>Archipelago</i>, a Province anciently famous for the <i>Dii Cabiri</i>, that -is, <i>certain Gods</i> worshipped by the <i>Samothracians</i> and <i>Phenicians</i>, -and had in such high Veneration, that it was a Crime to mention -Names so sacred among the People<a id='r167' /><a href='#f167' class='c019'><sup>[167]</sup></a>. Some say they were God’s -Ministers, others think they were Devils.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f166'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r166'>166</a>. </span><i>Et semper recto lapsurus limite cencris.</i> Lucan. Pharsal. p. 269.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f167'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r167'>167</a>. </span><i>Bochart Geogr. Sacra</i>, lib. i. cap. 12.</p> -</div> - -</div> -<p class='c033'>XV. The <i>Acontia</i><a id='r168' /><a href='#f168' class='c019'><sup>[168]</sup></a>, called by the <i>Latins</i>, <i>Serpens Jacularis</i>, -and by some, the Flying Serpent, because of the Celerity of its -Motion. In <i>Lemnos</i> ’tis call’d <i>Sagittarius</i>, the Bowman or Archer. -By the modern <i>Greeks</i>, <i>Saeta</i>, a Dart; for it flies like an Arrow -at its Prey<a id='r169' /><a href='#f169' class='c019'><sup>[169]</sup></a>. A certain Person in <i>Cato</i>’s Army call’d <i>Paulus</i>, was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>slain, not by the Poison, but the Violence of its Blow<a id='r170' /><a href='#f170' class='c019'><sup>[170]</sup></a>: Probably -on the lateral part of the Scull.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f168'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r168'>168</a>. </span>Απο του ακοντος, quod, jaculi instar, se vibret.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f169'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r169'>169</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Rumpat & Serpens iter institutum</div> - <div class='line'>Si per obliquum similis sagittæ</div> - <div class='line in10'>Terruit mannos.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote c026' id='f170'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r170'>170</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>——immisit (jaculum vocat Africa,) serpens</div> - <div class='line'>Perque caput Pauli transacta tempora fugit</div> - <div class='line'>Nil ibi virus egit: rapuit cum vulnere fatum.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Lucani Pharsalia</i>, lib. ix. p. 273.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>Authors are not agreed about its Dimensions. <i>Ambrosinus</i> -speaking of one he had seen in the <i>Bononian Musæum</i>, says, ’tis -about the thickness of a Staff, and about three Foot long: It is -found in <i>Egypt</i>, its Wounds are dreadful, being attended with -Putrefaction and Defluxion of the Flesh.</p> - -<p class='c013'>That which <i>Bellonius</i> saw, was three Palms long, or sixteen -Inches and a Finger’s Breadth. <i>N. B.</i> <i>Palmus</i> stands for two different -Measures; <i>Palmus major</i> contains twelve Fingers; <i>Palmus -minor</i>, four Inches.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It lies in wait under Bushes, from whence it rushes out unawares, -and flies like an Arrow at Passengers: Before it leaps at -the Prey, it lies on the Ground, and turns itself round, to give -the greater spring to the Motion, by which she’ll do execution -at twenty Cubits distance<a id='r171' /><a href='#f171' class='c019'><sup>[171]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f171'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r171'>171</a>. </span><i>Jonstonus</i>, p. 20, 21.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>These nimble Leapers are found among the <i>West-Indians</i>, -especially in <i>Hispaniola</i>, where there are little Serpents in green -Apparel, that hang by the Tail on the Branches, from whence -they suddenly leap upon their Prey. Among the <i>Sabæans</i> are -some cloathed in red, four Inches long, that thus leap upon Men -unawares; and hurt, not only by striking, but touching.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Serpent resembles the Ash in Colour, inclining to the -white. It traverses the <i>Lybian</i> Provinces, where it makes travelling -dangerous: It is also found in the Island of <i>Rhodes</i>; an Island -on which, the Poets tell us, <i>Golden Showers are rain’d</i>, and -where the Air is never so clouded, as to hinder the Light of the -Sun. It appears also in <i>Norway</i>, according to <i>Olaus Magnus</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>One tells us, that he was inform’d by one <i>John Vitus</i>, a -learned <i>Hungarian</i>, that there were in that Country <i>little Serpents</i> -about six Inches long, and without a Tail, therefore called by the -Vulgar, the <i>curtail’d Serpent</i>, the whole Body is much of an -equal Thickness; and these, upon View of their Prey, leap upon -it with the Swiftness of an Arrow<a id='r172' /><a href='#f172' class='c019'><sup>[172]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f172'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r172'>172</a>. </span><i>Conrad. Gesner. in Verbum.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'><span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>XVI. The <i>Druina Serpent</i> from δρυς, an Oak, by <i>Scaliger</i> -called <i>Querculus</i>; it takes its Name from the Oak, in whose hollow -places it seems to reside; and to which, it retires for Refuge, -when assaulted by Hornets.——Some credulous Authors have -said, that these Serpents take up their hybernal Lodgings about -the Roots of the <i>Beach-trees</i>, and by Virtue of the Warmth, -which those Roots derive from them, that Tree, so enhappy’d, -flourishes all Winter.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Serpent is of the amphibious kind, and a most venemous -Creature, therefore rang’d with the first Order of the serpentine -Race. ’Tis of monstrous bulk<a id='r173' /><a href='#f173' class='c019'><sup>[173]</sup></a>, guarded by a rough squammatick -Armour, in the Cavities of which, ’tis said, little Flies build -their Nests. Whether it appears in white or blue Habit, is not -material, nor do I see what Honour it gets by wearing a Coronet -on its Head.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f173'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r173'>173</a>. </span>It is a Load for a Porter.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In the Language of Tradition, to tread upon it, will cause an -Excoriation in the Foot, (tho’ no Wound be given) and a Tumor -in the Leg; yea, adds the Traditionist, the Hands that attend -the Patient, will be in danger of losing their Skin: But he who -believes all the Fables of Antiquity, is in more danger of losing -his Reason.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Druinical Serpent goes under various Denominations. ’Tis -said to follow the <i>Acontia</i> in Authors, because its Figure exactly -quadrates with <i>Bellonius</i>’s dart Serpent; and <i>Scaliger</i> was in the -same Sentiment<a id='r174' /><a href='#f174' class='c019'><sup>[174]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f174'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r174'>174</a>. </span><i>Jonstonus</i>, Articul. xiii. p. 21.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>But I shall only mention that of <i>Chersydrus</i>, from <i>Nicander</i> -in <i>Jonstonus</i>, p. 28. or <i>Chelydrus</i>, called by some a <i>Sea-Snail</i>; -which the learned Sir <i>Hans Sloane</i> describes thus——</p> - -<p class='c032'>“That it is more flat than most of the cochlean Marines, consisting -only of Circumvolutions, round the Axis of the Shell; of a fine purple -Colour.”</p> - -<p class='c031'>He calls it <i>Cochlea Marina</i><a id='r175' /><a href='#f175' class='c019'><sup>[175]</sup></a>, and not without -reason, because of their difference in Magnitude.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f175'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r175'>175</a>. </span>His Voyage to <i>Jamaica</i>, vol. i. p. 34.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The terrestrial <i>Druina</i> lives upon Frogs, and other Insects; -many of them are found in <i>Africa-Interior</i>, and the <i>Hellespont</i> -by <i>Constantinople</i>. It is a fetid Animal, and sends forth an ill -Scent, especially when its Body is wounded<a id='r176' /><a href='#f176' class='c019'><sup>[176]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f176'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r176'>176</a>. </span><i>Ælian.</i> <i>Gyllius.</i> <i>Gesner.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>This Serpent exceeds most in bulk, and loudness in hissing, -which resembles the Cry of <i>Sheep</i> and <i>Goats</i>, ibid. <i>Gyllius</i> makes -the <i>Druina</i> to be the <i>Chelydrus</i>, described by the Poet, who -makes it a <i>Calabrian</i><a id='r177' /><a href='#f177' class='c019'><sup>[177]</sup></a>: Of which, more in another place.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f177'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r177'>177</a>. </span></p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in14'>——<i>Nidore chelydros</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Est etiam ille malus colubris in saltibus anguis</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Postquam exhausta palus.</i>—Virg. Georg. l. iii. This is applied also to the <i>Hydrus</i>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> -<p class='c033'>XVII. The <i>Elops</i> or <i>Elaphis</i> of the Antients, which some -confound with the <i>Cæcilia</i>, as <i>Jonstonus</i> observes: It is of the -amphibious Sort, and known at <i>Lemnos</i>, where ’tis call’d <i>Laphiati</i> -by the Natives. In <i>Aldrovandus</i>’s Study, <i>Ambrosinus</i> saw the Picture -of this Serpent, which was about three Foot long; the Belly -is of a yellow Colour, the Back is brown, and distinguishable by -three black Lines<a id='r178' /><a href='#f178' class='c019'><sup>[178]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f178'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r178'>178</a>. </span><i>Ray.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>There is a <i>marine Elope</i>, an Animal counted sacred by the -Poets, a Set of merry Mortals, famous for turning every thing -into a <i>God</i>, or <i>Ridicule</i>. The Historian mentions a certain Fish -so called, that upon any loud Noise made on Land near the Shore, -would immediately hasten towards the Place, as if it would see -who durst rival <i>Triton</i> in Sound; <i>Triton</i>, Herald of <i>Neptune</i>, Sovereign -of the Sea.</p> -<p class='c033'>XVIII. The <i>Pareas</i> or <i>Parvas</i>, is a Serpent of a fiery Colour, -sharp Eyes, wide Mouth, two Feet situated near the Tail, -by which its Motion is guided<a id='r179' /><a href='#f179' class='c019'><sup>[179]</sup></a>: It is called the Serpent of <i>Esculapius</i>, -being of a gentle, innocent, friendly Nature. In <i>Italy</i> -they frequent Houses, and are no more dangerous than common -Eels; and if provoked to exercise their Teeth, there is nothing venemous -in the Bite. This is supposed by some to be the <i>Italian -Baron</i>: One of its commendable Properties is, that it devours -poisonous Serpents; and therefore is sacred to the Mysteries, and -highly esteem’d in the Temple of <i>Dionysius</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f179'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r179'>179</a>. </span><i>Et contentus, iter cauda sulcare Pareas.</i> Lucan. Phars. 270.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>Gesner</i><a id='r180' /><a href='#f180' class='c019'><sup>[180]</sup></a>, from <i>Albertus</i> says, it goes as it were upright, on its -Tail, not perpendicularly upon the sharp End, but on that Part -of the Body joined to the Tail: It is bred in <i>Syria</i>, <i>Alexandria</i>, -and in the East, <i>&c.</i> These Serpents are known also in <i>Spain</i> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>and other temperate Regions, and every where esteemed Enemies -to hurtful Serpents, and Friends to Mankind; therefore were -consecrated to the divine <i>Esculapius</i>, that great and glorious Exemplar -of Humanity.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f180'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r180'>180</a>. </span><i>Quasi totus erectus graditur super caudam.</i> l. v. p. 65.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XIX. The <i>Dipsas</i> or <i>Dipsacus</i> is a little venemous Reptile -of the Aspick kind<a id='r181' /><a href='#f181' class='c019'><sup>[181]</sup></a>, less than a Viper, but kills sooner; and is -most remarkable in this, that when it bites, the Poison brings an -unquenchable Thirst on the Person affected, who finding no Relief, -runs to the Water, and drinks till he bursts asunder<a id='r182' /><a href='#f182' class='c019'><sup>[182]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f181'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r181'>181</a>. </span>Some make it of the viperine Sort. One calls it, -<i>Vipera siticulosa. Vipera sitem facientes.</i> -Avicenna. Conrad. Gesner, p. 42. <i>Inter aspidem & viperam</i>, says -another. <i>Ibid.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f182'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r182'>182</a>. </span><i>Accessio Gyllii</i>, cap. 47.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Poetick Historian observes, how <i>Aulus</i>, an Ensign-bearer -in the <i>Roman</i> Army in <i>Africa</i>, was slain by this Serpent; -at first he felt little or no Pain from the Bite, but as soon as it began -to operate, he was immediately scorch’d to death<a id='r183' /><a href='#f183' class='c019'><sup>[183]</sup></a>. <i>Galen</i> -calls this Serpent <i>Diabetes</i>, and <i>Ægineta Dipsacus</i>, from the incurable -Thirst that accompanies its Bite: By others ’tis called <i>Situla</i>, -because of the burning Heat caused by the Wound.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f183'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r183'>183</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in12'>——<i>Sanguinis Aulam.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Torta caput retro Dipsas calcata momordit.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Vix dolor</i>—— p. 270.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>It is about a Cubit in Length, lives in salt Marshes and shallow -Waters; it dwells in <i>Arabia</i>, <i>Rhodes</i>, <i>Africa</i>, especially in -<i>Lybia</i>, where some Branches of the venemous Family live on Camel’s -Flesh, and Locusts dried in the Sun. The more hot the -Climate, the more terrible the Wound, as it is in that hot Country, -where they have no Springs, but a few salt Wells, which increase -the animal Appetite of Thirst. The learned <i>Venetian</i> -makes the Serpent <i>Dipsas</i> an <i>Hieroglyphick of illicit Love</i>, the Poison -of which will, without timely Repentance, excite the Thirst -of <i>Dives</i>, who wanted a Drop of Water to cool his scorched -Tongue<a id='r184' /><a href='#f184' class='c019'><sup>[184]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f184'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r184'>184</a>. </span><i>Joannis Pierii Valeriani Bellunensis Hieroglyphica, inter -Collectanea</i>, p. 34. <i>Titulus</i>, <i>Amoris ignes</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XX. <i>Common Snake.</i> These Serpents in their Summer-rambles -haunt among Bushes, mossy Grounds, uliginous and unfrequented -Situations. In a sultry Day they may be seen basking themselves -in the Sun, near their Apartments: The Sight of a Person -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>puts them to flight; and upon a close Pursuit of them, they -make a Stand, raise up their Heads to a considerable Height, and -oppose the Enemy with a loud and angry Hiss. No Danger is -apprehended from their Bite, and they are handled with Impunity.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Species of Serpents resembles the <i>Esculapian</i>, that has -been fed in some Families; and when provoked to use the Teeth, -the Danger is no more than that from a Bee, whose Weapons -are defensive, and not employed without Provocation: In Winter -they retire into subterraneous Spaces, where they lie dormant, till -the vernal Sun invites them out.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Though they propagate as Vipers, it does not appear that -they sit on their Eggs, as most oviparous Animals do; for we -often find a Brood of young Serpents in old Hedges and Dunghills, -and no visible Sign of a common Passage to and from the Nest.</p> -<p class='c033'>XXI. The <i>Elephantia Serpents</i> are those whose Wounds cast -People into a Leprosy or Roughness of Skin, like that of an Elephant: -Hence Leprosy proceeding from inward Disorders, is call’d -<i>Elephantia</i> or <i>Elephantiasis</i>, which is a cutaneous Disease, makes -the Skin scurfy and rough, in Colour resembling that of an Animal, -that in Bulk and Intelligence is superior to all four-footed -Beasts.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>Elephants</i> in <i>India</i> are said to be about 12 Foot high, -and of a Mouse-colour, the Skin not only rough, but hard, so -hard, that it is not penetrable by a Sword; their Eyes like those -of Swine; two Teeth hang out beyond the rest, which are Ivory.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A memorable Instance of this gigantick Creature’s Understanding, -we had a few Years ago at <i>Newcastle</i> in <i>Staffordshire</i>, -where a Man travelling with an <i>Elephant</i> for a Show, one Morning -conducting that Creature to water, happened to pass by a -Taylor’s Shop, that was working at an open Window, and so -near it, that the <i>Taylor</i> had the <i>Courage</i> to prick him with his -Needle: The Beast did not then seem to resent the Affront, but -when he returned from the Water, which he having artfully -muddled, took into his Trunk; as he came back by the Taylor’s -Window, spouted it in his Face, which very much disobliged a -Piece of Scarlet-cloth on his Table.</p> - -<div id='pl-4' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i086.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic004'> -<p><i>Plate 4<sup>th</sup>.</i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>That Elephants are subject to Wrath and Revenge, is evident -from other Instances: <i>e. g.</i> We read of an Elephant, that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>when he was brought into a certain Theatre, saw, as he pass’d -along, a Keeper of wild Beasts, sitting in the Market-place, whom -he suddenly killed: And that the occasion of this Revenge was, -because the said Keeper about ten Years before had struck him -with a Sword in that same Place<a id='r185' /><a href='#f185' class='c019'><sup>[185]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f185'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r185'>185</a>. </span><i>Michael Glycas</i>’s Annal. par. 1. in the Memoirs of the Royal -Society, vol. v, vi. p. 280, 281. <i>ibid.</i> p. 281.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>And <i>Acosta</i> writes, that a Soldier in the Town of <i>Cochine</i>, -had thrown the Kernel of a Nut at an Elephant, which the Animal -took up and carefully hid: Some Days after, the Elephant -seeing the said Soldier pass by, threw it in his Face, and went -away leaping and dancing. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>In that same Town, another Soldier, meeting an Elephant -and his Keeper, would not give way to them: Whereupon the -Keeper complained to the Elephant of the Affront, who some -days after, standing on the River <i>Mangata</i>, which runs through -the Town, and seeing that sturdy Soldier stand idle, ran hastily -towards him, lifted him upon his Trunk, and plunged him several -Times in the River; after which, he drew him out, and left -him where he found him. <i>Ibid.</i></p> -<p class='c033'>XXII. The <i>Scorpion</i> is one of the Inhabitants of the World in -Miniature; though a little Insect, yet is reckoned to be one of the -chiefest among stinging Animals, whose Poison in different Regions -is less or more dangerous, as it is exalted by various Degrees -of Heat. It has eight Legs, and two large Claws, resembling -those of a Lobster, and a Body like a Crab or Craw-fish: They -are of various Colours, as red, white, yellow, black: They differ -also in their Size and Kinds, as the marine, terrestrial, reptile, -winged, hurtful and innocent.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some are of the Bigness and Length of a Man’s Finger, not -much longer than a <i>Beetle</i> or a black Fly: Those known to us -are of a brown Colour, the Back composed of Joints resembling -those of a Crab, but more crustaceous.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Authors differ about the Tail, whether it be knotty or -not; but all agree, that it is furnished with a terrible Sting, worse -than the knotted Whip. Many Places produce <i>Scorpions</i> of the -minute Sort, not much exceeding the Length of a large Bean.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>Others are more bulky, as those at <i>Jerusalem</i>, and all -about <i>Syria</i>, not unlike our little fluvial Crabs for Bigness, which -they call <i>Gambari</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the <i>East-Indies</i> are large Scorpions of the winged Kind; so -in <i>Egypt</i>, where it is reported they are armed with two Stings<a id='r186' /><a href='#f186' class='c019'><sup>[186]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f186'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r186'>186</a>. </span><i>Conradus Gesner in Verbum</i>, p. 4.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It is observable, these large Scorpions taking their Flight -against the Wind, sometimes drop down, and so are taken by the -Country People, and perhaps sent to scorpionize other Kingdoms.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Sea-scorpion</i> is a flying Animal, and of a red Colour, -whose Flesh is good, and much better than what they call <i>Scorpœna</i>, -that affects muddy Water and moorish Habitations.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There is a vast Spread of these venemous Animals over the -World, both of the winged and creeping Kind, in the Eastern -and Southern Climates. Some of them move with Tails somewhat -erected, others trailing on the ground; and are thought to -be more dangerous than the former: The Coal-black Scorpion is -accounted the most hurtful; ’tis said, that in many Places in <i>Persia</i>, -the Inhabitants dare not sleep in Ground-rooms, for fear of -these little plaguy Creatures, the most terrible of all Night-walkers: -Of which more elsewhere.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A certain Historian informs us of stimulating Scorpions -that infest <i>Cashan</i> in <i>Parthia</i>: They are of small Size, not strong -in Body, but very terrible in their Wounds, there being the -greatest Malignity in their Stings; upon which is grafted this proverbial -Curse in that Nation, <i>May a Scorpion of</i> Cashan <i>sting -thee</i><a id='r187' /><a href='#f187' class='c019'><sup>[187]</sup></a>: But <i>Chardin</i>, <i>Tavernier</i>, and others, place <i>Cashan</i> in <i>Persia</i>,</p> -<p class='c041'>“where they are very much infested with Scorpions at all -Seasons, but especially when the Sun is in that Sign, which is -one of the twelve Signs in the <i>Zodiack</i>; so that ’tis become, -says another Historian, a Curse, <i>May the Scorpions of</i> Cashan -<i>sting thy Gulls</i>.”</p> -<p class='c034'>This occasions every one to be provided with -<i>sovereign Remedies</i> against them, which is a Piece of <i>Copper-money</i> -they put upon the Wound, take it off 24 Hours after, and apply -a Plaister of Honey and Vinegar. The <i>Holstein</i> Ambassadors say -they are very black, of the Length and Thickness of a Man’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>Finger, and run faster than Crab-fishes, with their Tails always -erected<a id='r188' /><a href='#f188' class='c019'><sup>[188]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f187'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r187'>187</a>. </span><i>Herbert</i>’s Travels, Book ii. p. 13.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f188'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r188'>188</a>. </span>Duke of <i>Holstein</i>’s Ambassadors Travels into <i>Persia</i>, <i>sparsim</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> -<p class='c013'>We read of a certain Emperor of <i>Persia</i>, who designing to -make a Tour into <i>Media</i>, durst not undertake the Journey, for -the vast Quantity of <i>Scorpions</i> lying in the Road: So that he was -obliged to detach a great Number of stout Fellows to destroy -those pestiferous Animals, promising a superior Reward to them -that kill’d most: Till this Execution was over, he durst not venture -his dignified Carcass abroad. The <i>Scythian Scorpions</i> are of -the large Size, and terrible when they shoot their Stings.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Madagascar</i>, a large <i>African</i> Island, are several Sorts of -Scorpions, particularly <i>Water-Scorpions</i>, that lie in the Marshes -and standing Waters, which are very mischievous, killing Dogs -and Beasts, and then sucking their Blood. There is another Sort -of Scorpions with a great round black Belly, that are very dangerous; -for those whom they strike immediately swoon, and -some for two Days are weak, and cold as Ice. The only Remedy -they have, is that used against Serpent’s Wounds, <i>viz.</i> to set -the Patient by a great Fire, and giving him Antidotes to expel the -Poison, which proves a Cure<a id='r189' /><a href='#f189' class='c019'><sup>[189]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f189'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r189'>189</a>. </span><i>Atlas Geograph. Asia</i>, from <i>La Croix</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Italy</i>, <i>Land-Scorpions</i> are call’d <i>Scurtificio</i>, because they -have their Poison <i>nel-pizzo</i>, in the Extremity of their Tail. -Among the <i>Germans</i>, <i>pizzo</i> is <i>sharp</i>, as <i>spits als een naalde</i>, pointed -as a Needle: The Country people bring them in Sack-fuls to -<i>Florence</i>, and take them out with naked Hands, as if they were -so many Eels, which supposes them to be of the innocent Kind, -like those <i>white Scorpions</i> in <i>Pharos</i>, a little Island in the Mouth -of <i>Nilus</i>, where there is plenty of these pacifick Animals, who offer -no Violence to their Neighbours. Mention is made of other -Provinces where they live and hurt no body<a id='r190' /><a href='#f190' class='c019'><sup>[190]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f190'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r190'>190</a>. </span><i>Fran. Redi opusculorum, pars prior.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>By the <i>Spaniards</i> the <i>Scorpion</i> is call’d <i>Alaicran</i>, from an -Island in <i>America</i>, called the <i>Island of Scorpions</i>, for the numerous -Multitude that ravage the Place. In <i>Brasil</i> is a vast Number of -<i>Scorpions</i>, and some four or five Foot long, in Shape like those of -<i>Europe</i>; but not so venemous: Some of them chuse to kill themselves -rather than die by the Hands of an Enemy. A certain -Gentleman who made the Trial observes, that a Scorpion being -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>surrounded with a Circle of burning Coals, chose to sting itself to -Death rather than be burnt.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Ceylon</i> in the <i>East-Indies</i>, they have many Species of Serpents; -as,</p> -<p class='c033'>XXIII. The <i>Pimbera Serpent</i>, whose Body is said to be as -big as a Man’s Middle, and in Length proportionable. The -Creatures of this Kind secure their Prey, even horned Beasts -(which sometimes are pretty large) by a sort of a Peg, or <i>pointed -Hook</i>, that grows upon the Extremity of the Tail: They are slow -in Motion, and therefore skulk in hollow Places; and when they -have taken the Spoil, tho’ horned, they swallow it alive, and -whole; which often proves fatal, because the Horns may gore the -Belly. More, further on.</p> -<p class='c033'>XXIV. The <i>Noya Serpent</i> is another ill-natur’d <i>Indian</i>, about -four Foot long, will stand with its Body half upright two or three -Hours together, thereby displaying an Air of Majesty: The Inhabitants -call it the <i>King’s Snake</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Their Poison in that Part of the Country operates variously: -Some after they are bitten, fall into a profound Sleep, -and without speedy Help die in about six Hours time: Others -grow distracted, and if neglected die in twenty-four Hours, and -bleed at all the Pores of the Body, and are irrecoverable: Of -which before<a id='r191' /><a href='#f191' class='c019'><sup>[191]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f191'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r191'>191</a>. </span><i>Atlas Geogr. Asia.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XXV. The <i>Polonga Serpent</i> is five or six Foot long, and a -most venemous Creature, destroying all manner of Animals that -fall within its Circuit, as well as Men, Women and Children. -When the <i>Noya</i> and <i>Polonga</i> Serpents happen to meet, a bloody -Battle ensues; they fight till one be kill’d, and then the Conqueror -eats up the slain.</p> -<p class='c033'>XXV. The <i>Cobres Capellos</i>, Sea-serpents from eight to ten -Yards long, are most dangerous Beasts and frequently kill People -in that Country<a id='r192' /><a href='#f192' class='c019'><sup>[192]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f192'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r192'>192</a>. </span><i>Ibid.</i> from <i>Baldeus</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>When <i>Alexander</i> was in the <i>East-Indies</i>, he and his <i>Macedonians</i> -were strangely alarm’d by an Army of Serpents that sallied -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>upon ’em from the Woods, which would soon have destroy’d -them, but for the Humanity of a <i>Native</i>, who directed them to -a certain Herb that cured their Wounds, and saved them from -Ruin<a id='r193' /><a href='#f193' class='c019'><sup>[193]</sup></a>. The same Historian adds, that in those great Deserts, -frequent and terrible Scuffles happened between Elephants and -Serpents about Water, when they met at a Spring, and it so fell -out some time, that both perish’d; for the Serpent roll’d it self -about the Elephant’s Leg by several Folds, who finding himself -wounded, falls down, and in falling often crushes his Enemy to -death. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f193'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r193'>193</a>. </span><i>Diodor. Siculus.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>America</i> is a vast variety of Serpents, and some of prodigious -Dimensions; in particular, they are very numerous and -large in <i>Cordillera</i>, i. e. <i>Andes</i>, or high Mountains of <i>Chile</i>, -which Mountains, <i>Antonio de Herrera</i> calls a Prodigy of Nature, -not to be match’d in the kind: They are two Chains of high -Mountains, about 1500 Leagues in length: In that spacious Region -are Adders red as blood, seven or eight Foot long, which -in the Night appear like burning Coals, but not so dangerous as -other Serpents, that are Imps of Darkness. <i>Acosta</i> and other -Writers tell us, that the Devil appear’d among the <i>Americans</i> in -the shape of a Serpent.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There are so many Sorts, says <i>Nieuhoff</i>, that the <i>Brasilians</i> -reckon up no less than thirty-two, most of which are here accounted -for.</p> -<p class='c033'>XXVII. The <i>Caudisonant</i>, or <i>Rattle-snake</i>, is a large Species -of the Viper, and in its exterior Form every way similar, the -rustling Tail excepted; it moves with as much Agility as if supply’d -with Wings, called therefore the <i>Flying-snake</i>: It has small -Eyes, and four Teeth longer than the rest, of white Colour, and -sharp, like Thorns; the Head is guarded with small Scales, the -Back with larger and thicker Armour; the Tail is composed of -several loose bony Articulaments that make a roaring Sound, loud -enough to be heard at a distance; and therefore called the <i>Bell-Snake</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is common in <i>Virginia</i>, where it appears to be from three -to four Foot long, and reckoned to be very poisonous; but scarcely -hurts any, unless provoked; and when offended, like the God -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>of War, makes directly at the Enemy, without dread of Consequences.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the History of <i>Peru</i>, an Account is given of a young Woman -who was wounded by a Rattle-snake, and died on the Spot, -before any Relief could be had; and when they came to take up -the Corpse, the Flesh came off her Bones; so speedily did the -violence of the Poison dissolve the structure of the Body.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The method of killing this Snake, is thus given by Captain -<i>Silas Taylor</i>, <i>viz.</i> Of the Leaves of <i>Dittany</i> of <i>Virginia</i> (<i>i. e.</i> -wild Penny-royal) bruis’d, we took, says he, and having fasten’d -them at the end of a cloven Stick, we held it to the Nose of the -<i>Rattle-snake</i>, who by turning and wriggling, labour’d hard to avoid -it; but was kill’d with it in less than half an Hour’s time, and as -is supposed by the meer Scent of that Vegetable<a id='r194' /><a href='#f194' class='c019'><sup>[194]</sup></a>. This was done -<i>A. D.</i> 1657, in <i>July</i>, at which Season those Creatures are reputed -to be in the greatest Vigour for their Poison: It is also remarkable, -that in those Places where this wild Penny-royal -grows, none of these Snakes are observed to come<a id='r195' /><a href='#f195' class='c019'><sup>[195]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f194'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r194'>194</a>. </span><i>Regnault</i>, vol. ii. from <i>Journ. des Scav.</i> -1666. p. 113. <i>Lowthorp</i>’s Abridg. of Philos. Transact. vol. ii. -p. 811.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f195'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r195'>195</a>. </span><i>Ibid.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The bruised Leaves of the <i>Virginian</i> Dittany are very hot, and -biting upon the Tongue: Probably the strong Smell of it might -stop the Passages of Respiration in those Animals, or ferment -with the Blood, so as to suffocate them. In <i>Gresham</i> College at -<i>London</i> may be seen fifteen Skins of Rattle-snakes checker’d——Some -appear in ash colour: Several Rattles of those Snakes, -most of them composed of above ten Joints.</p> -<p class='c033'>XXVIII. The <i>Salamander</i> is an amphibious Serpent, very -much spotted; superior in Bulk to common Lizards. -The <i>Land-Salamander</i> is a little poisonous Reptile, that resembles -the green Lizard, but more gross in Body; and is found -in <i>Germany</i> and other Places.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>CONRADUS Gesner</i>, says he saw one of ’em on the <i>Alps</i> -perfectly black, with a short Tail: When wounded, a kind of -milky Liquid runs out. In <i>Germany</i>, are several great Woods, -where <i>black Salamanders</i> have been seen; <i>Teste Matthiolo</i><a id='r196' /><a href='#f196' class='c019'><sup>[196]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f196'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r196'>196</a>. </span><i>Jonstonus de Quadrupedibus</i>, p. 137.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>This little strange Animal affects moist, cold and solitary -Habitations. In some parts of <i>Germany</i> great numbers of them -have been found in a Body piled up, one upon another: They -are of the oviparous kind, and propagate their Species by Eggs, -the common Semen of Fowls and Insects.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They are Enemies to Frogs and the Tortoise, and feed on -little small Insects; and when they have Access to Honey and -Milk, they never want a Feast.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is of a poisonous Nature, and many have suffer’d by its -Biting; so says <i>Pliny</i>, with whom agree <i>Nicander</i>, <i>Aëtius</i>, and -<i>Abensinæ</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>GESNER</i> is in a contrary Sentiment, and says he had domestick -<i>Salamanders</i>, that offered no violence with their Teeth -without Provocation. <i>Jonstonus</i> adds, that in <i>Germany</i> there appeared -no ill Effects of its Bite; but in <i>France</i> its Wounds were -of a most deadly Nature, as appears by a Saying in that Kingdom. -<i>viz.</i> <i>That a Man bit by a Salamander, should have as many Physicians -to cure him, as the Salamander has Spots, which are -numerous</i><a id='r197' /><a href='#f197' class='c019'><sup>[197]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f197'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r197'>197</a>. </span>——<i>tot medicis indigere quot maculas bestia habet, proverbio jactant</i>. Jonstonus -de Quadrupedibus, p. 137.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Aquatic Salamander</i> is not very unlike the former, unless -it be in Colour and Figure; some with a Tail turn’d up, -others with a flat Tail, prominent in the middle: There are various -sorts of them; one of which appears in the form of a Turbot, -whose Eggs are as large as Garden-pears.</p> - -<p class='c013'>When upon Land their Mouth will not open, unless it be -by Force, or they be cast into a Vessel of Water: When put -upon Salt, they move the Tail and die; their Skin is close compacted, -and not penetrable by a Sword; and ’tis said that Swine’s -Flesh is Poison to them<a id='r198' /><a href='#f198' class='c019'><sup>[198]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f198'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r198'>198</a>. </span><i>Jonstonus de Quadruped.</i> p. 138.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The common Report is, that the <i>Salamander</i> is able to live -in the Fire, which is a vulgar Error: The Hieroglyphick Historian -observes, that upon Trial made, it was so far from quenching -it, that it consum’d immediately<a id='r199' /><a href='#f199' class='c019'><sup>[199]</sup></a>. It is true, that <i>Newts</i> -(or Water-lizards) Frogs, Snails, and such icy Animals, will -endure the Fire for a longer time than others will, by reason of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>an extraordinary degree of Coldness, which dissipates and scatters -the Flame for a little time.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f199'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r199'>199</a>. </span><i>Joannis Pierii Hierogl.</i> cap. 21-26. p. 195-6, 7.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>I have read an Experiment made upon a <i>Salamander</i>, that -was thrown into the Fire, and there came from it a sort of gelid, -moist, viscous Humour, which resisted the Power of Fire for a -little time; but those Exhalations being dried up, was soon consum’d. -In the <i>Philosophical Transactions</i>, we have another Instance, -which seems to carry the matter further.</p> - -<p class='c013'>M. <i>STENO</i> writes from <i>Rome</i>, that a Knight called <i>Corvini</i>, -had assured him, that having cast a <i>Salamander</i> (brought to him -out of the <i>Indies</i>) into the Fire, the Animal thereupon swelled -presently, and then vomited store of thick slimy Matter, which -did put out the neighbouring Coals, to which the <i>Salamander</i> -retired immediately, putting them out also in the same manner as -they rekindled; and by this means saved his Life about two -Hours, and afterwards lived nine Months; that he had kept it -eleven Months, without any other Food but what it took by -licking the Earth, on which it moved, and on which it had been -brought out of the <i>Indies</i>, which at first was cover’d with a thick -Moisture, but being dried afterwards, the Urine of the Animal -served to moisten the same: Being put upon <i>Italian Earth</i>, it -died within three days after<a id='r200' /><a href='#f200' class='c019'><sup>[200]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f200'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r200'>200</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp</i>’s <i>Abridgement</i>, v. ii. p. 816.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>As to the Possibility of the thing; I make no doubt but he, -who made <i>Water</i> the Habitation of Fish, can make <i>Fire</i> to be -the Residence of another sort of Beings. The Sun, which is the -Centre of our planetary System, for aught we know, may be the -Seat of glorious Inhabitants; or, as others conjecture, the Place -of future Misery.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Upon the whole, the <i>Salamander</i> being of a mucous, slimy, -and cold Body, will, like Ice, soon extinguish a little Fire, but -will be as soon consum’d by a great Fire; therefore it was no Absurdity -in <i>Galen</i>, when, as a <i>sceptical Medicine</i>, he recommended -the <i>Ashes of a Salamander</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The like Humidity is observable in Water-Lizards, especially -if their Skins be prick’d: Yea, Frogs, Snails, White of Eggs, -will soon quench a lesser Coal. We read of <i>incombustible Cloth</i>, -(<i>Linnen Paper</i>,) made from a Flaxen-Mineral, call’d Ασβεστος -by the <i>Greeks</i>, and <i>Linum vivum</i> by the <i>Latins</i>.</p> - -<div id='pl-5' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i094.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic004'> -<p><i>Plate 5<sup>th</sup></i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>This <i>Asbestos</i>, or Matter out of which this wonderful Cloth ... -is made, is a Fossil, a mineral stony Substance, of a whitish Colour, -and woolly Texture (call’d <i>Salamander’s-Wool</i>) the downy -Fibres, separable into short Filaments of Threads, capable of being -spun, and made into a sort of Cloth, which will endure the -Fire without consuming. When foul, instead of washing, they -throw it into the Fire, which cleanses without burning it. Whole -Webs and Coats, Napkins, Handkerchiefs, Towels, have been -made of it; which were so far from being consumed by Fire, that -they were only cleansed from their Dross, and came out purified -into a greater Lustre than if wash’d with Water.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Its principal use, according to <i>Pliny</i><a id='r201' /><a href='#f201' class='c019'><sup>[201]</sup></a>, was for making of -Shrouds, in which the Corps of their Kings were usually burnt, -lest their royal Ashes should be blended with common Dust. -The Princes of <i>Tartary</i> use it to this day in burning the Dead<a id='r202' /><a href='#f202' class='c019'><sup>[202]</sup></a>. -<i>Nero</i> had a Napkin or Towel made of it. The <i>Brachmans</i> among -the <i>Indians</i>, are said to make Clothes of it. The Wicks -for their perpetual Candles were made of it<a id='r203' /><a href='#f203' class='c019'><sup>[203]</sup></a>; and some to this -day use it for Lamp-Wicks.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f201'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r201'>201</a>. </span>Book xix. cap 1.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f202'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r202'>202</a>. </span><i>Philos. Transact.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f203'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r203'>203</a>. </span>Dr. <i>Lister</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Emperor <i>Constantine</i> ordered an incombustible sort of -Linnen to be made of <i>Lapis Amianthus</i>, the growth of <i>Cyprus</i>, -that might burn in his Lamps, which were in his <i>Baths</i> at <i>Rome</i>. -The Commentator on St. <i>Augustin</i> says, that he saw several -Lamps at <i>Paris</i>, which would never be consumed: and at a Feast -at <i>Louvain</i>, there was a Napkin thrown into the Fire, which was -restored to the Owner clearer and brighter than if it had been -rinsed in Water<a id='r204' /><a href='#f204' class='c019'><sup>[204]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f204'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r204'>204</a>. </span><i>Ludovicus Vives, in his Scholia—de Civitate Dei. -Pancirol. Historia rerum deperdit.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>incombustible Paper</i> is made of this lanuginous Mineral, -viz. <i>Asbestine-Stone</i>, which will bear burning without being injured. -Whoever would be further informed about this wonderful -incombustible Stone, may peruse Dr. <i>Bruckman</i>, Professor at -<i>Brunswick</i>, who has publish’d <i>a natural History of the Asbestos,</i> -or <i>incombustible Paper</i>; and what is most remarkable, has printed -four Copies of his Book on <i>this</i> Paper, which are deposited in the -<i>Library</i> of <i>Wolfembuttle</i>. The manner of making this extraordinary -Paper is described by Mr. <i>Lloyd</i>, in <i>Philosoph. Transactions</i>, -N<sup>o</sup>. 166.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span><i>N. B.</i> The <i>Salamander</i> is said to live in the Fire, and has -power to extinguish it: “From which Conjuncture was taken the -<i>Device</i> of Great King <i>Francis</i>, the first of the Name, (Father -of Arts and Sciences) <i>Nutrisco & Extinguo</i>, I Feed and Extinguish<a id='r205' /><a href='#f205' class='c019'><sup>[205]</sup></a>.”</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f205'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r205'>205</a>. </span><i>Pedro Mexia</i> and M. <i>Francesco Sansovinio</i>, the famous <i>Italian</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XXIX. The <i>Cameleon</i> belongs to the Class of Quadrupedes, and is -a little Animal resembling a Lizard, but of a larger and longer Head: -Its Eyes stand out of its Head above one half of their Globe, -which he turns so obliquely, that he sees every thing behind -him: Nature perhaps has given it this Advantage, because its -Legs (by the slowness of its motion) are of no use to avoid his -Enemy, by running away. There is yet something more extraordinary, -in the motion of his Eyes, for when one of them -moves, the other has no motion at all; one looks upward, the -other downwards<a id='r206' /><a href='#f206' class='c019'><sup>[206]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f206'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r206'>206</a>. </span>A Journal of the Philosoph. Mathematical and Botanic Observ. by <i>Lewis -Feuillée</i>, A. D. 1725.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The length of these Creatures does not exceed twelve Inches, -and they have a proportionable bigness. The Skin is plaited and -very fine, transparent, jagged like a Saw, and thin; and must -be very compact and hard, since, according to the Historian<a id='r207' /><a href='#f207' class='c019'><sup>[207]</sup></a>, -’tis not penetrable by the Teeth of Serpents. It has four Feet, -and on each Foot three Claws; its Tail is long and flat, with -which, as well as with its Feet, it fastens itself to the Branches -of Trees: its Nose long, and ends in an obtuse point: In other -respects it is made like a Fish; that is to say, it has no Neck<a id='r208' /><a href='#f208' class='c019'><sup>[208]</sup></a>: -Reckoned by <i>Moses</i>, <i>among the unclean</i>—Numb. xi. 30.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f207'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r207'>207</a>. </span><i>Ælian,</i> iv. 33.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f208'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r208'>208</a>. </span><i>Calmet,</i> p. 351.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Cameleon</i> is said to transform itself into variety of Colours; -perhaps this change may arise from the different reflections of the -Rays of Light: Thus they may put on a brown or whitish Habit, -from Trees of that Colour, on which they sit. Others observe, -that its Colour is changeable, according to the various Passions -that agitate the Creature; <i>e. g.</i> When affected with Joy, ’tis -of an emerald Green, mixt with Orange, etch’d with little grey -and black Strokes: Anger gives it a livid and dusky Colour: Fear -makes it pale, and like faded yellow<a id='r209' /><a href='#f209' class='c019'><sup>[209]</sup></a>. All these Colours compose -such a pretty Medley of Shadow and Light, that Nature does -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>not afford a finer Variety of Shadowing, nor our finest Pictures -more lively, sweet, and proportionable Drawing.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f209'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r209'>209</a>. </span><i>Le Compte’s Memoirs</i>, p. 502.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>For the further Illustration of this Subject, I shall add something -from the Philosophical Transactions about a female Cameleon, -the Skin of which appear’d mixt of several Colours, like a -Medley-cloth. The Colours discernable are green, a sandy yellow: -And indeed one may discern, or at least fancy, some mixture -of all, or most Colours in the Skin, whereof some are more -predominant, at different times: There are some permanent black -Spots on the Head, and Ridge of the Back. But our modern -Naturalists assure us, that its common Colour, when it is at rest, -and in the Shade, is a bluish grey; when ’tis exposed to the -Sun, this grey changes into a darker grey, inclining to a dun -Colour: If ’tis put on a black Hat, it appears to be of a violet -Colour.</p> - -<p class='c013'>... Upon Excitation or warming, she becomes suddenly full -of little black Spots, equally dispersed on the sides, with small -black Streaks on the Eyelids; all which afterward do vanish. -The Skin is grain’d with globular Inequalities, like the Leather -call’d Shagreen. The grossest Grain is about the Back and Head, -then on the Legs; on the Sides and Belly, finest; which, perhaps, -in several Postures, may shew several Colours; and when -this Animal is in full Vigour, may also have in some sort, <i>Rationem -Speculi</i>, and reflect the Colours of Bodies adjacent; which, -together with the mixture of Colours in the Skin, may have given -occasion to the old Tradition, <i>of changing into all Colours</i><a id='r210' /><a href='#f210' class='c019'><sup>[210]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f210'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r210'>210</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp</i>’s <i>Abridg.</i> vol. ii, p. 816.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>A certain curious Gentleman, made the following Experiment, -when he lived at <i>Smyrna</i>, in <i>Asia-minor</i>: He bought -some <i>Cameleons</i>, to try how long they could be preserved alive -under Confinement; he kept them in a large Cage, and allowed -them the Liberty to take the fresh Air, which they suck’d in -with Pleasure, and made them brisker than ordinary. He never -saw them either eat or drink, but seem’d to live on the Fluid in -which we breathe.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Antients were persuaded that <i>Cameleons</i> fed upon the -Air, for which reason one of the Fathers calls it a <i>living Skin</i><a id='r211' /><a href='#f211' class='c019'><sup>[211]</sup></a>; -but now it appears by Experience, that they feed upon different -Insects, as Palmer-worms, Locusts, Beetles, Flies, and also Leaves -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>of Vegetables. Father <i>Feuillée</i><a id='r212' /><a href='#f212' class='c019'><sup>[212]</sup></a>, in a Journey into <i>Asia-minor</i>, -opened one of these Animals, and found in its Belly Peach-Leaves, -which were not then digested.——<i>N. B.</i> Digestion is very slow -in <i>Cameleons</i>, which is the reason why they take so little Nourishment.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f211'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r211'>211</a>. </span><i>Pellicula vivit. Tertull. de Pallio</i>, cap. 3.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f212'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r212'>212</a>. </span><i>Feuillée</i>’s <i>Journal. Franckf.</i> 1597. p. 3.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The same Father mentions a small Lizard, which he saw in -<i>Peru</i>, that was not above an Inch thick, which he calls <i>Chameleontides</i>, -because he changed his Colour, like the <i>Cameleons</i>; -being in a certain Situation, he saw it of a dun Colour; in another, -’twas green.... This little Creature, he says, had the same -Figure and Proportion as the <i>Great Lizard</i>; nam’d by the <i>Spaniards</i>, -<i>Iquanna</i>; and <i>Senembi</i>, by <i>Marcgravius</i>; and he makes -that <i>Lizard</i> a fourth kind of <i>Cameleon</i>, and to be added to the -two kinds of <i>Bellonius</i>, one of which is to be found in <i>Arabia</i>, -and the other in <i>Egypt</i>, and to that mention’d by <i>Faber</i>, <i>Lynceus</i>, -which may be seen in <i>Mexico</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Their Tongue is somewhat peculiar, it being as long as their -Body, with which they catch Flies, and other Insects, which -settle on their Tongues, to suck the viscous slimy Matter, adherent -to them. The <i>Cameleon</i> puts out his Tongue to draw them -upon it, and when ’tis full of these Insects, he pulls it in with -wonderful Agility. Others think, it encloses its Prey with -the tip of its Tongue, which is made in a form proper for that -purpose.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Cameleon</i> is an oviparous Animal. <i>J. Jonstonus</i> says, it -has above a hundred Eggs, from <i>Piereskius</i>, who nursed a Female -on purpose to make Observations upon the Subject<a id='r213' /><a href='#f213' class='c019'><sup>[213]</sup></a>. After -all the Gentleman’s Care about ’em at <i>Smyrna</i>, all of them -died within five Months; and having opened the Female, found -thirty Eggs in her, fasten’d one to another in the form of a -Chain. <i>Ibid. supra.</i></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f213'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r213'>213</a>. </span><i>Jonstonus de Animalib. inter Quadrupedes</i>, p. 141.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Atlas</i><a id='r214' /><a href='#f214' class='c019'><sup>[214]</sup></a> calls the <i>Cameleon</i>, the <i>Indian Salamander</i><a id='r215' /><a href='#f215' class='c019'><sup>[215]</sup></a>; -that goes there by the Name of <i>Gekho</i>, from the Noise it makes -after hissing, and is thus describ’d, <i>viz.</i> ’tis about a Foot long and -spotted, has large Eyes starting out, the Tail has several white -Rings round it, and its Teeth sharp, and strong enough to penetrate -an Armour of Steel: it has a slow Motion, but where it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>fastens, ’tis not easily disengaged. This Creature is found in -<i>Arabia</i>, <i>Egypt</i>, <i>Madagascar</i>, <i>Java</i>, and other parts of <i>India</i>. -<i>Bellonius</i> saw several of them among the Shrubs of <i>Attica</i><a id='r216' /><a href='#f216' class='c019'><sup>[216]</sup></a>: He -says it frequents <i>Cairo</i>, and other Places, is found among Hedges -and Bushes; mutes like a Hawk; swallows every thing whole. It -moves the Feet of each side alternately, but runs up Trees very -fast, and lays hold on the Boughs with its Tail. <i>Leo</i> and <i>Sandys</i> -say, the Neck is inflexible, and it can’t turn without moving its -whole Body: the Back is crooked, the Skin is spotted with little -Tumours: the Tail long and slender, like that of a Rat, when -it sucks in the Air, its Belly swells, whence some think that the -Air is part of its Food. One Author says, it subsists only upon -Air; another says, ’tis a vulgar Error.——</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f214'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r214'>214</a>. </span><i>Africa.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f215'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r215'>215</a>. </span>For <i>America</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f216'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r216'>216</a>. </span><i>Jonstonus de Quadrupedibus.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>’Tis said, that if a Serpent lurks near the Tree, where it sits, -it throws a Thread out of its Mouth, with a little shining Drop -at the end, which falls upon the Serpent’s Head, and kills it<a id='r217' /><a href='#f217' class='c019'><sup>[217]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f217'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r217'>217</a>. </span><i>Atl. Afric.</i> p. 49, 50.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>America</i> are Serpents, some of whom are so poisonous, -that if touch’d but with a little Stick, the Venom runs up the -Hand; and such as are touch’d with the Blood of dead Serpents, -die a lingering Death: This is Tradition: I shall begin with the -first of them, <i>viz.</i></p> -<p class='c033'>XXX. <i>KUKURUKI</i>, a Serpent of <i>Brasil</i> in <i>South-America</i>, -which is under the torrid Zone, where their Winter begins in -<i>March</i> and ends in <i>August</i>; and is like our Summer. This Serpent -is of an ash Colour, and in its Scales resembles the <i>Bocinga</i>, -or Rattle-Snake, but is more gross; on the Back, variegated with -yellow, and large black Spots. ’Tis represented as a very venemous -Animal, eight or nine Foot long<a id='r218' /><a href='#f218' class='c019'><sup>[218]</sup></a>; and when prepared, -the Inhabitants feed upon it.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f218'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r218'>218</a>. </span><i>9 & interdum 12 pedes longus est.</i> Ray.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XXXI. The <i>Ibiara</i> is a <i>Brasilian</i> Adder, about a Foot and -half long; an Inch and half in thickness. Serpents of this kind -are very numerous in that Country, and nothing more poisonous -than their Wounds, tho’ not incurable, if proper Remedies be -applied in time.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>In Seasons of Danger, they shelter themselves in Cavities under -Ground, and feed upon Pismires, which are very large in that -Country, and in such prodigious Quantities, that the <i>Portuguese</i> -call them, <i>Kings of Brasil</i>.</p> - -<p class='c033'>XXXII. In <i>Chiapa</i>, in <i>Old-Mexico</i>, now call’d <i>New-Spain</i>, -is a noxious Animal call’d <i>Teuthlacokauqui</i>, or <i>Fortress of the Serpents</i>, -whose Head is like an Adder, thick Belly, glittering Scales, -the Ridge of the Body black, with an Interspersion of white -Crosses; the Teeth poisonous, and the biting kills in twenty-four -hours, unless the wounded part be held in the Earth so long, -till the Pain be over.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It has a frightful Aspect; when it moves it makes a Noise -with its Tail, that sounds an Alarm of Danger. The <i>Americans</i>, -who have the Art of taking it by the Tail, carry it home, -and by degrees make it tame: ’tis maintain’d at a cheap rate, for -it can subsist a whole Year without any visible Food.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>JOHNSTONUS</i> calls this Serpent the <i>Bocininga</i>, and describes it -from <i>Marcgravius</i> and <i>Piso</i>. The former says, ’tis four Foot and -three Fingers long, Belly smooth, small Eyes, forked Tongue, rattling -Tail. The other observes, the <i>Spaniards</i> call it <i>Cascavel</i>, and -<i>Tangedor</i>, because its Tail emits the sound of a Ball; in thickness, -as a Man’s Arm; in length, about five Foot; a cloven Tongue, -long and sharp Teeth; of a dark Colour, inclining to the -yellow<a id='r219' /><a href='#f219' class='c019'><sup>[219]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f219'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r219'>219</a>. </span><i>Jonstonus</i>, Articulus xvii. p. 23.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>According to <i>Nierembergius</i>, this Serpent is called the -<i>Queen of Serpents</i>, which they suppose to be like the Viper, in its -Poison, and Shape of the Head<a id='r220' /><a href='#f220' class='c019'><sup>[220]</sup></a>. By the Definitions of several -Authors, this Serpent seems to be the <i>Caudisonant</i>; and the <i>Dutch</i> -in <i>America</i> call it, the <i>Ratel-Stange</i>, <i>i. e.</i> Rattle-Snake.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f220'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r220'>220</a>. </span><i>Historia Naturæ Maximè Peregrinæ</i>, p. 268-9.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Now we are in <i>Mexico</i>, excuse me in giving you two Instances -of monstrous Cruelty; one in the Natives, the other in -the <i>Spaniards</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>When the <i>Mexicans</i> were disposed to do signal Honour to -their Idols, they sent out Armies to bring in Prisoners for a Sacrifice, -whose Flesh they did afterwards eat; and <i>Montezuma</i> the -Emperor, commonly sacrificed 20000 Men, one year with another, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>and no less than 50000 some years. The Priests thought -it dishonourable to sacrifice less than 40 or 50 Captives at a time -to one <i>Idol</i>. At a certain Festival, they ript up the Breast of a -manumitted Slave, pull’d out his Heart, which they offer’d to the -Sun, and then eat up his Body.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Their Priests were bloody Men, a Brood of Vipers, and -had such an Ascendant over their Princes, that they made them -believe <i>their Gods were angry</i>, and not to be appeased without -4000 or 5000 Men to sacrifice in a day; so that, right or wrong, -they must make War on their Neighbours, to procure those -Victims to keep their Priests in Humour.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The next, is an Instance of <i>Spanish Cruelty</i>, in this Country, -that could have no Original but Hell, the Seat of the old Serpent. -It runs thus, <i>viz.</i> <i>Barthol. de las Casas</i> Bishop of <i>Chiapa</i>, in a -Letter to the <i>Emperor Charles V.</i> gives this account of the Barbarity -of the <i>Spaniards</i> towards the poor Inhabitants, Natives of -the Land.</p> - -<p class='c032'>... “Their Kings and Princes, says the Bishop, the <i>Spaniards</i> -scorch’d to death, or tore in pieces with Dogs: The -poor People they burnt in their Houses, and dash’d out the -Brains of their Children: Those that were spared, they forced -to carry greater Burdens than they were able to bear, by which -thousands of them were destroy’d: Others who escap’d, died of -Famine in the Woods, after they had kill’d their own Wives -and Children, and eat them for hunger. In this one Province -they murder’d above two Millions of Men, not sparing those of -Quality, who had civilly entertain’d them. They tortured the -Natives with the most hellish Inventions, to make them discover -their Gold. <i>Diego de Valesco</i>, in particular, spared none that -fell into his hands, so that in a Month’s time he murder’d ten -thousand: He hang’d thirteen Noblemen.</p> - -<p class='c035'>“Some they starved to death, by thrusting their Heads betwixt -Pieces of cloven Timber: Others they buried alive, leaving -their Heads above Ground, at which they bowl’d with large -Iron-Bullets: They also forced them to eat one another.——</p> -<p class='c034'>Besides other hellish Cruelties too dreadful to be related<a id='r221' /><a href='#f221' class='c019'><sup>[221]</sup></a>.” -<i>N. B.</i> This <i>Barth. de las Casas</i> had been a <i>Friar</i>, and afterwards -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>made Bishop of <i>Chiapa</i>, was a Man of more Piety and Justice than -is commonly found among <i>Friars</i>. It was he, who procur’d the -<i>Indians</i> their Liberty from being Slaves to the <i>Spaniards</i>, which -they enjoy to this day, so that they are paid for what they do, -about half a Crown a Week.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f221'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r221'>221</a>. </span><i>Acosta</i>, <i>Gage</i>—The Civil and Moral History of the <i>Spanish West-Indies</i>, in -<i>Atlas Geogr. America</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> -<p class='c033'>XXXIII. The <i>Ibitobaca</i> is a Serpent of <i>Chiapa</i>, near four -Foot long, and of a crimson Colour, adorn’d with a pleasing -Diversity of black and white Specks; wearing its Bones as a -Necklace, or the Ruff in Queen <i>Elizabeth</i>’s Reign, who destroy’d -the Invincible Armada, and made good old <i>England</i> a Terror to -<i>Spaniards</i>.</p> -<p class='c033'>XXXIV. The <i>Iquanna</i> is the Birth of <i>Mexico</i>, a Serpent -like the Pope’s Anathema, of a terrible Front, but harmless; a -glittering Comb on the Head, with a Bag under the Chin; a -long Tail, and sharp Bones on its Back, standing up in the form -of a Saw.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Iquannatick Serpent is of the amphibious kind, equally -fitted to live by Land or Water; a Privilege which no Son of -<i>Adam</i> can boast of. It is of the oviparous Tribe, and a great -Breeder, laying about fifty Eggs at the Season as big as Acorns, -which are of a very good Taste, and good Food when boiled, -and so is the Serpent itself; but the Land-<i>Iquanna</i> is a more pleasant -Food, and preferable to <i>Spanish</i> Ragous<a id='r222' /><a href='#f222' class='c019'><sup>[222]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f222'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r222'>222</a>. </span><i>Nierembergii Historia Naturalis</i>, p. 271.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XXXV. The <i>Ibiboboca</i> is a Serpent beautiful to the Eye, but -of a venemous Nature; ’tis about three Foot long. The <i>Icon</i> of -it in <i>Gresham-College</i> is above three Yards<a id='r223' /><a href='#f223' class='c019'><sup>[223]</sup></a>, white as Snow, decorated -with Particles of various Colours, especially black and red. -The Wound it gives operates gradually, and if neglected, proves -fatal.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f223'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r223'>223</a>. </span><i>Curzon</i>’s <i>Catalogue of Rarities</i>, p. 445.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XXXVI. The <i>Guaku</i> or <i>Lyboya</i> Serpent, is one of the largest -of all the serpentine Brood, some of which being from eighteen -to thirty Foot long, call’d by the <i>Portuguese</i>, <i>Hobre de Hado</i>, or -the <i>Roebuck Serpent</i>, because it can swallow a whole Buck at once. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>After swallowing it down, it generally falls asleep, and in that -Posture is frequently taken, while digesting its Supper. My Author -says, he saw one of this kind, which was 30 Foot long, of -a greyish Colour, but others incline more to the brown<a id='r224' /><a href='#f224' class='c019'><sup>[224]</sup></a>. A -ravenous Animal, and so voracious, that it leaps out of the -Woods to seize its Prey; and, if disturb’d, will fight, or wrestle, -with Man or Beast, standing upright upon the Butt-end of his -Tail.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f224'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r224'>224</a>. </span><i>Nieuhoff in Atl. America,</i> p. 263.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XXXVII. The <i>Jararaka Serpent</i>, is another <i>Brasilian</i>, no -longer than a Man’s Arm to the Elbow; it has swelling Veins -on its Head; the Skin is covered with red and black Spots; the -rest is of an Earth Colour: Its Wounds are dangerous, and attended -with the usual Symptoms. There are three Sorts of these venemous -Snakes besides this, <i>viz</i>. <i>One</i> sort is about ten Spans long, -with two terrible Tusks, or great Teeth, which they stretch out -to a great length, and strike them into their Prey. The venemous -Liquid, which is very yellow, works with a Violence, that -kills in a few Hours. The <i>second</i> sort resembles the <i>Spanish Viper</i> -in Colour and Form, and is equally dangerous. The <i>third</i> and -worst sort very much resembles the <i>first</i>.</p> - -<p class='c033'>XXXVIII. The <i>Biobi</i>, called <i>Gabro Verde</i> by the <i>Portuguese</i> -in <i>Brasil</i>, i. e. the <i>Green Serpent</i>, because its Colour is porraceous, -a shining Green like the Leek; it is between three and four Foot -long, and about the Thickness of a Man’s Thumb; a large -Mouth, and black Tongue, and has this good Property, that it -hurts nobody unless irritated; but when provoked, no Poison -more dangerous. We read of a <i>Soldier</i>, who accidentally treading -on this Serpent, was wounded by it in the Thigh, and died a -few Hours after, tho’ the Remedies that proved successful on the -like occasions, had been diligently applied<a id='r225' /><a href='#f225' class='c019'><sup>[225]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f225'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r225'>225</a>. </span><i>Raii Synopsis</i>, p. 328.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XXXIX. The <i>Caninana Serpent</i>, is another Inhabitant of -<i>Brasil</i>, green on the back, and yellow on the Belly, about two -Foot long, and reckoned not to be so venemous, as the rest of -that mischievous Tribe. It feeds upon Eggs and Birds, at last becomes -the common Entertainment of the <i>American</i> and <i>African</i> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>Tables<a id='r226' /><a href='#f226' class='c019'><sup>[226]</sup></a>. We read of other <i>green Serpents</i> in the <i>Indies</i>, that -are indulged with little Cottages made of Straw, where they spend -their solitary Hours, till the time of eating invites them out, then -they repair to the House, where they fawn upon their Masters, -and eat what is set before them, and then retire to the Huts of -Indulgence.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f226'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r226'>226</a>. </span><i>Raii Synopsis</i>, p. 328.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XL. The <i>Tetzawhcoatl</i>, is another Production of <i>Brasil</i>, a -Serpent of about three Foot long, and slender Body, whose Strokes -are pestilent: The Head is black, nether Part of the Tail reddish, -and the Belly dash’d with black Spots. The Cure is by Suction.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Now we are travelling among the Inhabitants of <i>Brasil</i>, we -may be allowed to take notice of Prince <i>Maurice</i>’s <i>Rational Parrot</i>, -mentioned by Sir <i>William Temple</i> and Mr. <i>Locke</i>, which the -<i>former</i> had from the Prince’s own Mouth. His Words were,</p> - -<p class='c032'>... “That he had heard of such an <i>old Parrot</i>, when -he came to <i>Brasil</i>, and tho’ he believed nothing of it, and it -was a good way off; yet he had so much Curiosity as to send -for it: that it was a very great and a very old one; and when -it came first into the Room, where the Prince was with a great -many Dutchmen about him, it said presently, <i>What a Company -of White-men are here!</i> They ask’d it, what he thought that -Man was, pointing at the Prince? it answered, <i>Some General -or other</i>. The Prince asked it, Whence come ye<a id='r227' /><a href='#f227' class='c019'><sup>[227]</sup></a>? The Parrot -answered, <i>From Marinnan</i>. To whom do you belong, -said the Prince? it answered, <i>To a Portuguese Prince</i>. The -Prince ask’d, What do you there? Parrot answered, <i>I look -after the Chickens</i>. The Prince laugh’d, and said, You look -after the Chickens! The Parrot answered, <i>Yes, I; and I -know well enough how to do it</i>, and made the <i>Chuck</i> four or five -times, that People use to make to Chickens, when they call -them....”</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote c026' id='f227'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r227'>227</a>. </span>D’où venes vous? De Marinnan. A qui estes vous? A un Portugais. Que -fais tu-la? Je garde les poulles. Vous gardez les poulles? Ouy moy, & -je sçai bien faire.—<i>Sir</i> William Temple’s <i>Memoirs</i>, and -<i>Mr.</i> Locke’s <i>Essay</i>, Book II. <i>chap.</i> 27.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c032'>... “I could not but tell this odd Story, because it is so much -out of the way, and from the first hand, and what may pass for -a good one; for I dare say, this Prince at least believed himself -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>in all he told me, having ever past for a very honest and pious -Man. I leave it to Naturalists to reason, and to other Men to -believe as they please upon it; however, it is not perhaps amiss -to relieve or enliven a busy Scene sometimes with such Digressions, -whether to the purpose or no.” So far Sir <i>William Temple</i>.</p> - -<p class='c031'>Wonder not then, if you meet in this History with some -romantick Sentiments entertained by learned Men concerning Serpents, -when two such illustrious Pillars of the Commonwealth -of Letters, give way to a Relation that has so much of the Marvellous -in it.</p> -<p class='c033'>XLI. These Historians inform us of many more Serpents, -and some of great bulk, that infest those <i>American</i> Regions; -whose Looks are ruddy, of blood-red Colour, that shine in the -Night, like so many glittering Stars.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A modern Author writes, that in <i>America</i> are some Snakes -that were eight Foot long, and as red as Blood, which in the -Night look’d like Fire<a id='r228' /><a href='#f228' class='c019'><sup>[228]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f228'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r228'>228</a>. </span><i>Anton. Herrera</i>’s History of <i>America</i>, Vol. -II. in his Account of <i>Darien</i>, p. 72.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The former black, and these shining Serpents, remind me -of the <i>Obsidian</i> Stones, that are very black and transparent; they -have their Names from one <i>Obsidius</i>, who first found them in -<i>Æthiopia</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There is a sort of natural <i>Obsidian</i> Glass, which is rather to be -ranked among Stones than Metals; ’tis as passive as the former, -enduring the Graving-Tool, is diaphanous and pellucid, receiving -Images, and, like artificial Glass, transmitting all Forms and -Shapes.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This is found in <i>Æthiopia</i>, where the Sepulchres of the Nobles -are usually made of it, and after this manner; <i>viz.</i> They -take a large Stone, and make it hollow, and in the Cavity include -the Corps, where it is not only preserved, but, as if entomb’d in -Glass, is apparently visible to Spectators, and sends forth no ungrateful -Scent.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Out of these <i>Obsidian</i> Stones, Looking-Glasses are wont to -be made, and are also found on the Coasts of <i>Arabia</i>. These -shining Stones were inserted into Rings, and in one of them was -cut the entire Image of <i>Augustus</i>, who being much taken with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>these Stones of Glass, caused four Elephants to be made of them,—See -the <i>Commentary</i> upon <i>Pancirollus</i>, B. i. of <i>Jet</i>; and <i>Pliny</i>, B. xxxvi. c. 26.</p> -<p class='c033'>XLII. <i>Boiguacu</i>, another venemous Production of <i>Brazil</i>, -thick in the middle, and declining towards the Extremities -of the Body; ’tis covered with large Scales on the Back, and -lesser ones on the Belly, which is common in all Serpents.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The whole is adorned with elegant Variegations.... The -Back and Sides set off with black Spots, inclining to the round; -about three Inches distant from each other, and in the Centre a -round white Spot. These beautiful Appearances, says <i>Jonstonus</i>, -have a Grandeur in them more than rivals Imperial Majesty.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He saw several Serpents of this kind: On <i>August</i> 7th, 1638, -one that was eight Foot long. Another, <i>August</i> 13th, 1638, -above five Foot long, its Flesh fat, and very white; the Heart -being taken out, lived about 15 Minutes. <i>October</i> 16th, 1638, -he saw another, that was near nine Foot long, and he was a Witness -to its swallowing a She-Goat whole<a id='r229' /><a href='#f229' class='c019'><sup>[229]</sup></a>. By the Description, -this Serpent must be the <i>Lyboia</i>, so famous for the Knack of Deglutition -of Animals.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f229'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r229'>229</a>. </span><i>Jonstoni Historia Naturalis</i>, p. 25, 26.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XLIII. The <i>Brasilian Serpent</i>, called the <i>Ibiracoan</i>, makes -its Appearance in a Habit of various Colours, trimmed with red, -black and white Spots. Under this fine Dress, is a poisonous -Spring; the Wound it gives, infallibly kills without immediate -Assistance.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Before the Poison reaches the Heart, the common Practice -is, to secure that Serpent, and boil the Flesh of it with certain -Roots, and give it the Patient in Wine, or any other proper Liquid, -and it will answer the Intention.</p> -<p class='c033'>XLIV. The <i>Tarciboya</i>, and <i>Kakaboya</i>, are two Serpents much -of the same Nature, and therefore I put them together: They are -occasional Inhabitants of the Water and Land; in Colour black, -and about six Hands in Length. If they hurt any Creature, it is -only in Defence of themselves, and the Wound is easily cured by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>Remedies well known in those Countries. They are great Devourers -of Birds.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Here the Learned <i>Ray</i>, from <i>Piso</i>, mentions ten other Serpents, -whose particular Characters he considers in his Description -of Fishes; then refers his Reader to those described by <i>Joan. de -Laet</i>.<a id='r230' /><a href='#f230' class='c019'><sup>[230]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f230'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r230'>230</a>. </span><i>Raii Synopsis Animal.</i> p. 329. <i>Londini</i> 1693.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XLV. The <i>Bibera</i> is a venemous Lizard of <i>Brazil</i>. If you -ask, What are these <i>Brasilian Lizards</i>? I answer, They are creeping -Serpents, of various Colours, and different Sizes: Some are the -length of a Finger, others many Feet; have sparkling Eyes. -There is only one sort of them that is venemous, among which -is this <i>Bibera</i>: they are like the others, but lesser, and are most -mischievous. They are of an ash Colour, inclining to the white; -the Body and Limbs seem thick, but the Tail is short and broad.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Wounds given by these Serpents, are full of a thin stinking -Matter, attended with blue Swellings, and Pain in the Heart -and Bowels. <i>N. B.</i> Great Things have been frequently done by -little Things.</p> -<p class='c033'>XLVI. The <i>Ambua</i>, so the Natives of <i>Brazil</i> call the <i>Millepedes</i> -and the <i>Centipedes</i> Serpents. Those Reptiles of thousand -Legs bend as they craul along, and are reckoned very poisonous. -Those Lizards of hundred Legs are commonly found in the -Woods, where they destroy the Fruit, and also do mischief both -to Men and Cattle.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In these <i>Multipedes</i>, the Mechanism of the Body is very curious; -in their going, it is observable, that on each side of their -Bodies, every Leg has its Motion, one regularly after another; -so that their Legs, being numerous, form a kind of Undulation, -and thereby communicate to the Body a swifter Progression than -one could imagine, where so many short Feet are to take so many -short Steps, that follow one another, rolling on, like the Waves of -the Sea.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Palmer-Worm</i> is also called <i>Millepes</i>, because of its many -Feet, which are as Bristles under its Body: It is about six Inches -long, and moves with incredible Swiftness. The upper part of -the Body is cover’d with hard swarthy Scales, and it has a sort of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>Claws both in its Head and Tail, of rank Poison, as the Historian -says.</p> -<p class='c033'>XLVII. The <i>Jebeya</i> is another <i>Brazilian</i>, and a Serpent very -ravenous and destructive: It has four Legs, and a long Tail like -a <i>Crocodile</i>; it lies flat and close on the Ground, artfully concealing -itself, ’till the Prey comes within reach, and then darts out -a couple of sharp Fins from its Fore-quarters, and kills whatever -it strikes.</p> -<p class='c033'>XLVIII. The <i>Giraupiagara</i> is an <i>American</i> Serpent, so call’d, -because of its being a great Devourer of Eggs. ’Tis of a Negro-Colour, -but a yellow Breast, and of great Length and Agility. -It glides (as if swimming) on the tops of Trees, faster than any -Man can run on the Ground.<a id='r231' /><a href='#f231' class='c019'><sup>[231]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f231'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r231'>231</a>. </span><i>Nieuhoff in Atlas, America.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It lives upon Birds, whose Nests it constantly plunders. ’Tis -observable, that the <i>Cuckow</i> feeds very much upon <i>Eggs</i>, which -accounts for the vulgar Notion, that it always has one or more -little Birds, as Menials to attend it, these being some of those, -whose Houses it plundered. There is another Charge preferred -against the Cuckow, <i>viz.</i> The Contempt it puts upon our Vegetables, -by spitting upon them; whereas in those Dobs of frothy -Dew, we find little Green Insects, that are Grashoppers in the -Embryo.</p> -<p class='c033'>XLIX. The <i>Caminana</i> is another <i>Brazilian Serpent</i>, of a -great length. The Body is all over green, and very beautiful in -prospect. This also runs up the Trees, not so much because of -the green Leaves, as in pursuit of Birds of all Colours; and having -devoured the Contents of the Nest, seizes the Dam, and -drinks her Blood.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The pleasing Appearance made by this Serpent in <i>Green</i>, puts -me in mind of the <i>Turks</i>, who have so great a <i>Superstition for the -green Colour</i> (because it was consecrated to <i>Mahomet</i>) that they -forbid Christians to wear it on pain of Death; but the <i>Persians</i> -(who are <i>Mahometans</i> as well as the <i>Turks</i>) allow it to every body, -and laugh at this Superstition; so that when <i>Sultan Amurath</i> -sent an Ambassador to <i>Sha-Abbas</i> of <i>Persia</i>, to complain that he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>suffer’d that <i>venerable Colour</i> to be prophaned by Christians, he -scoffingly said, that he would forbid the <i>green Colour</i> to be prophaned -by Christians, as soon as <i>Amurath</i> would hinder the <i>green -Meadows</i> to be prophaned by his <i>Turkish Cattle</i><a id='r232' /><a href='#f232' class='c019'><sup>[232]</sup></a>. The Eastern -<i>Turks</i> abhor the <i>blue Colour</i>, because the <i>Jews</i>, they say, threw -<i>Indigo</i> into <i>Jordan</i> to hinder the Baptism of -<i>Christ</i>, but the Angels brought Water from <i>Jordan</i> to -baptize him, before it was polluted. <i>Atlas.</i></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f232'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r232'>232</a>. </span><i>Holstein Ambassadors.</i>—<i>Herbert.</i>—<i>Atl. Asia.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>L. <i>BOYTIAPUA</i>, is a Serpent so called by the <i>Brazilians</i> -for its long Snout, though I don’t find it exceeds others in smelling, -by the extension of its Nose; it is of a long slender Body, -and feeds upon Frogs, amphibious Animals and Insects.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Serpent is in high Esteem among the Natives of <i>Brazil</i>, -who practise the Art of Conjuration by it; and if any of them -have a barren Wife, and are desirous of Children, they lash this -Serpent over her Hips, pretending that such Exercise will make -her fruitful: And if this Device should take effect, must not we -conclude the Offspring to be a <i>Generation of Vipers</i>?</p> - -<p class='c033'>LI. The <i>Gaytiepua</i> is a large Snake, smells rank like a Fox, and, -according to a learned Author, the Smell is intolerable<a id='r233' /><a href='#f233' class='c019'><sup>[233]</sup></a>, as is that -of the Serpent <i>Boyana</i>, which is very long and slender, and of -black Colour; of which one of the <i>Latin</i> Poets takes notice<a id='r234' /><a href='#f234' class='c019'><sup>[234]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f233'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r233'>233</a>. </span><i>Fætor illius nullatenus—possit tolerari.</i> Raii Synopsis.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f234'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r234'>234</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Quod vulpis fuga, vipere cabile</div> - <div class='line'>Mallem quam quod oles, olere, Bassa.</div> - <div class='line'><i>Martial.</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>If the loathsome Smell of these Creatures offend the Nose, it -serves as a friendly Alarm of Danger, to those who have the use -of a Nose, that they may avoid a more terrible Stroke.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Nothing so constituted in Nature, but a superficial Observer -may construe as a Blemish to the Creation; but to a more penetrating -Eye, those imaginary Blemishes have their Convenience -and Use, and appear to be the Product of perfect Intelligence and -Wisdom.</p> -<p class='c033'>LII. The <i>Bom-Snake</i>, is another <i>Brazilian</i> Reptile, call’d -<i>Bom</i> from the Noise it makes in its Motion. It is of a prodigious -large Size, but is class’d among the Innocent, that do no manner -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>of hurt to Persons, <i>viz.</i> that can endure a little Sound, arising -from a Propagation of the Pulse of the Air.</p> - -<p class='c013'>An innocent Serpent, no Contradiction. There is good among -the bad in the moral World.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Virtue——needs no Defence;</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>The surest Guard is Innocence:</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>None knew, till Guilt created Fear,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>What Darts and poison’d Arrows were.</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Integrity undaunted goes</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Thro’</i> Lybian <i>Sands, and</i> Scythian <i>Snows</i>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c031'>In <i>Paraguay</i>, or <i>La Plata</i> in <i>America</i>, is a famous <i>white Bird</i>, -which, though it has a very small Body, has a Voice like a <i>Bell</i>, -and therefore the Natives call it <i>Guirapo</i>, that is, the <i>Sounding-Bird</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>How many Animals of the same kind in the moral Creation, -that wear gaudy Feathers and Plumes, whose Sound, in the Assemblies -of Saints and Sinners, proves to be <i>vox & præterea -nihil</i>.</p> -<p class='c033'>LIII. The <i>Boicupecanga</i> is a Serpent, so called because its -Back looks as if it were overgrown with Briers and Thorns, the -Ridge being sharp pointed, which makes the Beast look as if he -were guarded by little Spears: This prickle-back’d Serpent is of -a monstrous Extension, very frightful, and venemous, the very -sight of which strikes Terror into Man and Beast.</p> -<p class='c033'>LIV. The <i>Cucurijuba</i> is a Water-Snake of twenty-five or -thirty Foot long, and three Foot in Compass, will swallow a Hog -or a Stag at once; has Teeth like those of Dogs, but makes no -use of them as Instruments of Mastication. -<i>HARRIS</i> in the <i>Atlas America</i>, mentions one kill’d when -asleep, that was twelve Yards and a half long, and proportionably -big, in whose Belly they found two wild Boars. This Creature -I take to be the <i>Lyboya</i>, (or a near Relative) a gigantick Serpent, -already described, therefore I dismiss the Monster, and proceed -to the</p> -<p class='c033'><span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>LV. <i>MANIMA</i>, another Water-Snake, of the same Proportion -with the former, if not more bulky: The sight is terrible; -the Monstrosity of Dimensions is sufficient to render it so; -but we are told, the Terror vanishes in some Degree upon a view -of the Skin, which is exquisitely painted, and the <i>Brazilians</i> not -only love to see so spruce an Animal, but reckon it an Omen of -a long Life.</p> - -<p class='c013'>If you ask, What a long Life is? I answer, ’Tis nothing but -a lingering, slow Consumption: Life itself, what is it, but a meer -practical Tautology, a Repetition of the same things over and -over, and looks more like a Penance imposed upon Mankind than -Pleasure.</p> -<p class='c033'>LVI. The <i>Terpomongo</i> is another Serpent, which in the <i>Brazilian</i> -Dialect, signifies to <i>stick close</i>, so close to whatever it touches, -that it is not to be parted. It is about the bigness of a Cable-Rope, -which being fasten’d to the Anchor, holds the Ship fast -when it rides.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Property in the Serpent, may be an Hieroglyphick; or -Symbol of true Friendship, which is a sacred Mixture: My Friend -and I are as two Rivers joined in one, not to be separated; we -stick close and fast, traversing the Wilderness hand-in-hand: He -who strikes one, wounds the other—No Schism in true Friendship.</p> -<p class='c033'>LVII. <i>JACORE Lizard</i>; some of these Serpents are as big -as Dogs, and resemble them in the Nose; their Teeth large and -long, and their Skin impenetrable. They do no harm to their -Neighbours, and therefore are generally allow’d to live. They -make a loud Noise, by which their Haunts are discovered, and -their Liberty hazarded.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They lay Eggs as large as those of a Goose, of an elastick -Nature, so hard, that when one is struck against another, they -ring like Iron: they frequent both Land and Water.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It’s observable here, that this Animal is obstreporous, and by -its Noise invites Danger; whereas Silence would be his Security: -yea, its Eggs are as so many roaring Bells. This may serve for -a Document to the unruly Member: <i>Thersites</i>, in <i>Homer</i>, was -counted a Fool for babbling. A talkative Tongue is the Spring, -Ringleader, and Head of Faction in all places.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>The first Rudiments in <i>Pythagoras</i>’s School, was <i>Quinquennian</i>, -<i>Silence</i>. The Scholars were not allow’d to talk for five Years, -that is, till they had learned the <i>Art of Silence</i>. <i>Harpocrates</i> was -the <i>God of Silence</i>, therefore painted with his Finger on his Lip, -and was worshipped in <i>Egypt</i> with <i>Isis</i> and <i>Serapis</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>ANGERONA</i> was the Goddess of Silence at <i>Rome</i>, and -painted with a Cloth about her Mouth. Nor is it less venerable -at <i>Venice</i>, where after they come out of the Senate-house, they -are as silent about what was said and done, as if they had power -to forget all that was said and done.</p> - -<p class='c013'>To the above-mention’d Serpents, the learned Mr. <i>Ray</i> adds, -by way of Supplement, a Catalogue of fifteen <i>East-Indian Serpents</i>, -which he had from the Learned Dr. <i>Tancred Robinson</i>, -whose Descriptions he had from the College at <i>Leyden</i>, which I -shall annex to the foregoing<a id='r235' /><a href='#f235' class='c019'><sup>[235]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f235'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r235'>235</a>. </span><i>Ray</i>’s <i>Synopsis Animalium</i>, p. 330.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>LVIII. <i>SERPENS Indicus Coronatus</i>, an <i>Indian</i> Serpent, -that makes its Appearance with a crowned Head, which it holds -up on high, as if proud of the Honour. This is an Emblem of -Pride, that Dropsy of the Mind; to yield to its Thirst, is to -swallow the Bait, that turned the <i>Seraph</i> into a <i>Devil</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Remedy used by the <i>Indians</i> for its Wounds, is what -they call the <i>Serpent-Stone</i>, which, according to <i>Thevenot</i> and -others, is an artificial Composition, and not taken out of this -Serpent’s Head.</p> -<p class='c033'>LIX. <i>VIPERA Indica tricolor major</i>, a Serpent remarkable -for a Body decorated with three fine Colours, the Liveries of -Summer’s Pride, but living much under ground, the Glories of -its Attire are buried in the Earth, <i>the World’s material Mould</i>.</p> -<p class='c033'>LX. <i>VIPERA Zelanica minor maculis eleganter variegata</i>, -a Serpent elegantly garnished with a Variety of charming Colours: -It is an Inhabitant of <i>Ceylon</i>, an Island in the <i>East-Indies</i>, called -by the Inhabitants <i>Tenarisain</i>, that is the <i>Land of Delights</i>, and -not without reason is this Island so called, since it is the most -fruitful place in <i>India</i>, producing Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, -plenty of Rice, Ananas, Cocoas, best Oranges, Lemons, Figs, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>Pomegranates, Ginger, Grapes, Pepper, Cardamum, Tobacco, -Nutmegs, Sugar; Mulberry, which yield much Silk; Palm-trees, -which afford a Liquor for their constant Drink, <i>&c.</i> But in -midst of these pleasing Varieties, they are haunted with various -sorts of venemous Serpents; an Emblem of our present State, -which is a Compound of Pleasure and Pain.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>The Gods will frown, wherever they do smile;</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>The Crocodile infests the fertile</i> Nile.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c031'><i>CEYLON</i> is an Emblem of Man, to whom <i>Pleasure</i> is as a -delightful Situation; but in it dwells a Serpent, called <i>Pain</i>. Pleasure -is the principal Intendment of Nature, and the great Object -of our Inclination, without which Life would be no Blessing, but -a Mortification: Yea, ’tis Pleasure reconciles us to Pain; for who -would submit to nauseous Medicines, and Tortures of the Surgeon’s -Knife, but for hope of the Pleasure of Ease that succeeds it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>No Serpent so terrible as Pain, which is a strange domineering -Perception, that keeps off Ease when wanted, and destroys -Ease when we are in possession of it.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXI. The <i>Malcarabeta</i> of <i>Ceylon</i> is a Serpent painted by Nature -in a Garb blue and white; the last of these two Colours shew -best by Candle-light. This leads us to the Excommunication by -Inch of Candle; that is, while a little Candle continues burning, -the Sinner is allow’d to come to Repentance; but after it burns -out, he remains excommunicated to all Intents and Purposes.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXII. The <i>Ethetulla</i> is a <i>Ceylonick</i> Serpent; of a little slender -Body, and sharp-pointed Head. This is a kind of Ranger, delights -in Groves and Forests, and may be known by a white and -green Vesture, in which it rambles among the Trees.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXIII. <i>MALPOLON</i> is another Serpent of that celebrated -Island, and of a vermilion Hue, imbroider’d with curious fine red -Spots, which shine like so many Stars.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXIV. <i>SERPENS Putorius</i>, so denominated, probably because -of its filthy Smell; by which it resembles the <i>Putorius</i>, a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>little Animal call’d <i>Fitchet</i>, that smells ill, especially when enraged<a id='r236' /><a href='#f236' class='c019'><sup>[236]</sup></a>. -<i>Jonstonus</i> and <i>Gesner</i> make it to be the <i>Druinus</i>, which -has been already describ’d.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f236'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r236'>236</a>. </span><i>A putorio, quia valdè fœtet.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>LXV. The <i>Anacandia</i>, a <i>Ceylonick</i> Serpent, of monstrous -Corpulence, being in longitude about 25 Foot. <i>D. Cleyerus</i>, who -accounts for this gigantick Serpent, says, he saw one of them -open’d, in whose Belly was found a whole Stag, with all his integral -Parts: In another they found a wild Goat; and in a third, -a Porcupine arm’d with all its Darts and Prickles<a id='r237' /><a href='#f237' class='c019'><sup>[237]</sup></a>. Serpents -of this nature have often fallen in our way, by which we may -imagine, that there is a vast spread of them over the Earth. Mr. -<i>Ray</i> from <i>Cleyerus</i> gives this account of the Monster——Tho’ the -Throat seems narrow, yet ’tis very extensible, and the Facts have -been confirm’d by Experience. When the Prey is catch’d, he -wraps himself about it, takes it by the Nose, sucks the Blood, and -soon reduces it to a Hodge-podge; after he has broken the Bones -in pieces, that emit a Sound like a Gun, <i>ibid.</i> And in doing all -this he spends two days.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f237'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r237'>237</a>. </span><i>De octavo genere merentur legi, quæ D. Cleyerus in Ephemer. German.</i> Anno 12. -Observ. 7. cui titulas, <i>De Serpente magno Indiæ Orientalis. Urobubalum deglutiente -Narrat. Raii Synopsis Animalium</i>,—p. 333, 334.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>LXVI. The <i>Ghalghulawa</i> is another <i>Ceylonite</i>, that goes by -the Name of <i>Serpens Indicus Saxatilis</i>, describ’d by whitish Lines, -that run across one another: Whether the Poet refers to this, as -a Serpent affecting stony and gravelly Situations, or to a certain -Fish, I determine not<a id='r238' /><a href='#f238' class='c019'><sup>[238]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f238'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r238'>238</a>. </span>Tum viridis squamis, parvo saxatilis ore. <i>Ovid.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>LXVII. The <i>Manballa</i> is another <i>Indian</i>, and from its Name -we may conclude it has something of the canine Nature, for it -flies with great Fury at Passengers, as some Dogs usually do. ’Tis -of a light red (or bright bay, as we call it in Horses) spotted -with white.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXVIII. The <i>Nintipolonga</i>, an <i>Indian</i> Serpent, whose Skin -is checker’d with white and black Spots. Its Bite is accompanied -with mortiferous Sleep, therefore call’d <i>Serpens hypnoticus</i>, <i>soporiferous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>Serpent</i>, whose Wounds are as an <i>Opiate</i>, or <i>Medicines</i> that -induce sleep, in which they die. <i>Q.</i> Why may not we suppose -this narcotic Poison to be the same with that, which <i>Cleopatra</i> -used in executing the Sentence that <i>Heroine</i> past upon herself?</p> -<p class='c033'>LXIX. The <i>Wepelon</i> Serpent: Nothing is said of it, but that -it resembles an <i>Indian</i> Reed or Cane in form.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXX. <i>SERPENS Fluviatilis</i>, seems to be the <i>Water-Snake</i>.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXXI. <i>SERPENS Spadiceus</i>, a Serpent of light red Colour.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXXII. Then follows the <i>Ceylonic Hotambœia</i>. Dr. <i>Robinson</i>’s -Account of this Serpent, he had from the learned <i>Hermannus</i>’s -Library.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>N. B.</i> Some of these Eastern Serpents may coincide and agree -in Character with those in <i>America</i>, and other Regions. Where -there is such an infinite Variety of them, and delineated by so -many different hands, ’tis difficult to give an exact Description of -every individual Serpent.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Other parts of the <i>East-Indies</i> (Continent and Islands) are -infested with Serpents of various kinds and sizes, and he must be -more than a Conjurer in History, that can charm them to make -their Appearance in one Place, and all in their proper Habiliments.</p> - -<p class='c033'>LXXIII. The <i>hooded</i> or <i>Monk Serpent</i>, found in an Island near -<i>Batavia</i> (a <i>Dutch</i> Settlement in the <i>East-Indies</i>) which differs -from other Serpents in the <i>uncouth Shape of its Head</i>, that looks as -if it were cover’d with a large long <i>Hood</i>, like a <i>Monk’s Cowl</i>, or -the Widow’s Veil, therefore called the <i>hooded Serpent</i>, which is -a very dangerous Animal. Upon a view of its Prey, it immediately -advances towards it, with terrible Rage and Hissing.</p> - -<p class='c013'>When the <i>Sieur de la Case</i> was hunting one day in the Woods -adjacent to <i>Batavia</i>, he saw one of these Serpents descending from -a Tree, making a fearful Noise: It was about the thickness of a -Man’s Arm, and in length about eight Foot.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This venemous Creature was no sooner on the Ground, but -it made towards him with the greatest Fury; but having a Gun -ready charg’d, he very happily shot it dead, and made off hastily -for fear of a second Attack<a id='r239' /><a href='#f239' class='c019'><sup>[239]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f239'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r239'>239</a>. </span><i>Fr. Leguat</i>’s <i>Voyages</i>, in <i>Atl.</i> for <i>Asia</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span><i>LEGUAT</i>, who gives this Account, and was in <i>Batavia</i>, -<i>A.D.</i> 1697, says, he saw a Serpent in that Country about fifty -Foot long. <i>N. B.</i> The Skin of one that was 20 Foot long, is -shewn in <i>Batavia</i>, that swallow’d an Infant, <i>ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c033'>LXXIV. The <i>Musk Serpent</i>, so term’d from its musky or -sweet Scent. These sweet-scented Animals are Inhabitants of the -<i>East</i>, between <i>Calicut</i>, the second Kingdom of <i>Malabar</i>, and -<i>Candahor</i>. In <i>Ceylon</i> are Musk-Rats, where the Inhabitants eat -all Rats, but this kind.</p> - -<p class='c013'>These Musk-Rats are in all things shaped like our Water-Rats, -only something larger; and in other respects differ only in -that musky Scent. A Gentleman, who kept one of them in a -wooden Chest, observed that two days before it died, ’twas most -odoriferous, and scented the Room above what was common<a id='r240' /><a href='#f240' class='c019'><sup>[240]</sup></a>. -In <i>Muscovy</i> is a Water-Rat, which smells like Musk; and also a -great number of <i>Musk-Cats</i>, which look like young <i>Bucks</i> without -Horns, and therefore call’d <i>Musk-Harts</i> by the <i>Chinese</i>, because -they resemble those Creatures. The Musk is contain’d in -a little Excrescence near the Navel<a id='r241' /><a href='#f241' class='c019'><sup>[241]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f240'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r240'>240</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp</i>’s <i>Abridg.</i> vol. iii. p. 594.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f241'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r241'>241</a>. </span>This Animal is described by <i>Philip Martinus</i> in his <i>Chinese Atlas</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>America</i> also, are found Woods abounding with Musk-Rats, -that are as big as Rabbits, and have Burrows in the Ground. -Their Skins are black, Bellies white, and smell exceeding strong -of Musk<a id='r242' /><a href='#f242' class='c019'><sup>[242]</sup></a>. The vegetable World also, entertains us with Musk-Pears, -Musk-Roses, single and double, and the Ever-green, <i>&c.</i> -<i>N. B.</i> Musk-Rats frequent fresh Streams, and no other.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f242'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r242'>242</a>. </span><i>History of the Antilles.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The word <i>Musk</i> comes from the <i>Arabic</i>, <i>Moscha</i>, a Perfume -of strong Scent, only agreeable when moderated by the Mixture -of some other Perfume, by which it becomes an agreeable artificial -Odour.... Musk is found in a little Swelling, like a præternatural -Tumor, or Bag growing (about the Bigness of a Hen’s -Egg) under the Belly of a wild Beast, of the same Name; and -appears to be nothing else, but a kind of bilious Blood there -congeal’d.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This <i>Musk-Animal</i> is common in the <i>East-Indies</i>, as in the -Kingdoms of <i>Boutan</i>, <i>Cochin China</i>, but the most esteem’d are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>those of <i>Tibet</i>. When the Bladder under the Belly is taken out, -they separate the congeal’d Blood, and dry it in the Sun.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Sir <i>John Chardin</i><a id='r243' /><a href='#f243' class='c019'><sup>[243]</sup></a> says, <i>Musk</i> is also produced in <i>Persia</i> from -an Impostume in the Body of a Beast, that resembles a <i>Goat</i>, and -grows near the Navel, and is better than that of <i>China</i>. The -Scent of it, adds he, is so strong, that it many times kills those -who hunt the Beast, when they first open the Bag, except they -stop their Mouths and Noses with Linnen: ’Tis easily counterfeited, -and the best way to try it, is by drawing a <i>Thread</i>, dipt -in the Juice of Garlick, thro’ the <i>Bag</i> with a Needle; and if the -Garlick loses its Scent, the Musk is good. <i>Atl.</i> 397.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f243'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r243'>243</a>. </span><i>His Travels.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>LXXV. The <i>Boitiapo</i> (that should have been mention’d before -with its <i>Brazilian</i> Relatives) is a large Serpent, about seven -Foot long, not quite so thick as a Man’s Arm, of an olive Colour, -yellow Belly, in Body round, cloath’d with Scales that make an -elegant Appearance in a sort of triangular form. ’Tis very venemous, -and its Wounds not curable without timely and proper -Applications.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Lacertan Snakes</i> or Lizards come next under Consideration, -and in the same order as laid down by the learned Mr. -<i>Ray</i><a id='r244' /><a href='#f244' class='c019'><sup>[244]</sup></a>. Previous to that, I beg leave to observe, that <i>Moses</i> places -two sorts of <i>Lizards</i> among unclean Creatures, the <i>Stellio</i> and <i>Lacerta</i>. -These Lizards differ vastly in Bulk; some a Finger’s -length; in <i>Arabia</i>, some of a Cubit long; in the <i>Indies</i>, twenty-four -Feet in length. Several sorts of <i>Lizards</i> are mention’d in -Scripture, <i>Lev.</i> xi. 30. the two former are translated <i>Stellio</i> and -<i>Lacerta</i>; the third is translated a <i>Mole</i>, but <i>Bochart</i> maintains, it -is a <i>Cameleon</i>; the fourth is describ’d <i>Prov.</i> xxx. 28. and there, -<i>Spider</i> is render’d <i>Stellio</i>, a Lizard. Mr. <i>Ray</i> begins with</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f244'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r244'>244</a>. </span><i>Synopsis Animal. de Lacertis.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>LXXVI. The <i>Crocodile</i>, the largest of the <i>Lacertan</i> Race, a -Name which is supposed to come from a word<a id='r245' /><a href='#f245' class='c019'><sup>[245]</sup></a> that signifies -<i>afraid of Saffron</i>, because this Creature abhors the Smell of <i>Saffron</i>, -as a learned Author observes<a id='r246' /><a href='#f246' class='c019'><sup>[246]</sup></a>. It is an amphibious Beast, noisome -and voracious, and one of the Wonders of Nature; for, -from an Egg no bigger than that of a Goose, proceeds an Animal -which increases to eight or ten Yards in length.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f245'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r245'>245</a>. </span>Κροκοδειλος δειλος. <i>Græcis timidus.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f246'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r246'>246</a>. </span><i>Calmet.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>His Mouth is very wide, and is extended to the Ears; his -Snout and Eyes like those of Swine; the Teeth, which are ingrail’d, -are white, acute, strong and numerous; the Feet arm’d -with sharp Claws; the Skin of the Belly is tender and may be -easily penetrated, but the other parts of the Body are not penetrable -by Swords and Arrows: It defies even the Wheels of a -loaded Cart, as well as Darts and Spears: It is of a yellow Colour, -say some; but <i>Wormius</i> in Mr. <i>Ray</i>’s <i>Synopsis</i> says, that those -he had seen, were inclin’d to the grey or ash Colour.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Tail is near as long as the Body, upon which are Fins of -a Fish, whereby he is capacitated to swim. When he strikes -with his Claws, he tears with his Teeth, and grinds the very -Bones of what he kills into Powder. In Winter he lives much -without Food, but in Summer, his Sustenance is of the animal -kind, but is most fond of human Flesh; and as he is an amphibious -Creature, plunders both Elements<a id='r247' /><a href='#f247' class='c019'><sup>[247]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f247'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r247'>247</a>. </span><i>Jonstonus</i>, 141.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Crocodile, when prest with Hunger, swallows Stones, -which have been found worn round about, and the wasted parts -reduced to such minute Particles, as were fit to circulate with the -Mass of Blood<a id='r248' /><a href='#f248' class='c019'><sup>[248]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f248'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r248'>248</a>. </span><i>Nierembergius.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Egypt</i> the <i>Crocodile</i> is made the Object of religious Adoration, -but not by all the Nation; for the Inhabitants of <i>Tentyra</i> -(an Island form’d by the River <i>Nilus</i>) were so far from worshipping -that hateful Monster, that they despised it, and often brought -them to the <i>Roman</i> Shews for Diversion.——This Aversion to -<i>Crocodiles</i> caused a War between the <i>Tentyrians</i> and the other -<i>Egyptians</i>, who worship’d those Creatures; of which People <i>Job</i> -seems to speak in the following Words: <i>Let them curse it that curse -the day, who are ready to raise up their Mourning</i>, Job iii. 8. Some -read it, to raise up the <i>Leviathan</i>, or to awake the <i>Crocodile</i>; of -which <i>Job</i> gives an admirable Description, under the Name of -<i>Leviathan</i>, <i>Job</i> xli. 1, 2, 3, 4.... So the Psalmist, <i>Thou breakest -the Heads of Leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be Meat to the -People inhabiting the Wilderness</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>When I think of the superstitious <i>Egyptians</i> warring against -the People of <i>Tentyra</i>, I can’t but observe how the same kind of -Spirit (the more the pity) too often reigns among Christians: -Those who have ridicul’d Superstition, and endeavour’d to propagate -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>Truth, have always had Vengeance and Wrath breath’d -out against them, and have been exposed to the same Fate as the -<i>Tentyrians</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Habitations of Crocodiles are generally in great Rivers, -as the <i>Ganges</i> in <i>Asia</i>, one of the greatest Rivers in the World, -and which is accounted sacred: Its Water is clear and sweet, -weighs an Ounce in a Pint lighter than any other Water in the -Country: The <i>Great Mogul</i>’s Court drink none else with their -Wine. These monstrous Animals are also found in the <i>Nile</i> and -<i>Niger</i>, two of the greatest Rivers in <i>Africa</i>; and also in the great -Rivers of <i>America</i>, especially those of the <i>Amazons</i>, which abound -with Crocodiles of vast Bigness, that very much annoy the Inhabitants.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>GEMELLI</i> in the <i>Atlas</i>, says the <i>Crocodile</i> is hatch’d of an -Egg no bigger than that of a Turkey, but grows to thirty Foot -long, the Back arm’d with impenetrable Scales, the Mouth wide -enough to swallow an Heifer, and only moves the upper Jaw; -it sees better by Water than Land, is cowardly, and generally -flies from those that attack it, but daring enough otherwise; for -which reason the <i>Egyptians</i> made it the Hieroglyphick of Impudence.—They -have no Tongue, and eat nothing in all the autumnal -Quarter<a id='r249' /><a href='#f249' class='c019'><sup>[249]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f249'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r249'>249</a>. </span>For <i>Africa</i>, p. 47.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This Animal has a great Dexterity in catching Wild-fowl, -which always abound in those great Rivers, and along Sea-shores, -as Ducks, Teals, and other Water-fowls: When in want of -Food, he goes into the Sea, where he lies in such a manner, that -the upper Part of his Back appears above the Water, and looks -like a piece of Timber floating; the wild Fowls mistrusting nothing, -come so near it, that he immediately devours them: They -lurk among Reeds and Bushes, on the Banks of Rivers and great -Pools, from whence they suddenly leap out, and eat up their -Prey, which sometimes happens to be People that come to drink -or fetch Water.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Inhabitants of <i>Madagascar</i>, an <i>African</i> Island, look upon -Crocodiles as Devils, and swear by them: When Differences -happen among them, they go to a River, where he that is to -swear throws himself into the Water, and conjures the Crocodiles -to be Arbitrators betwixt him and his Adversary, and to let him -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>live if he speaks Truth, but if otherwise, to destroy him<a id='r250' /><a href='#f250' class='c019'><sup>[250]</sup></a>. -Among the Rarities in <i>Gresham-College, London</i>, is a Crocodile -about two Yards and a half long. Crocodiles are little known in -<i>Europe</i>, but common in the <i>Indies</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f250'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r250'>250</a>. </span><i>Dellon on Madagascar, in Atl. Afr.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Land Crocodile</i>, call’d <i>Seincus</i>, is variously described. In -the <i>Molucca</i> Islands they are accounted the fiercest of Monsters, -contrary to those of the <i>Nile</i>, according to some Writers<a id='r251' /><a href='#f251' class='c019'><sup>[251]</sup></a>. <i>Harris</i><a id='r252' /><a href='#f252' class='c019'><sup>[252]</sup></a> -says, that they are very harmless, and in some places so -tame, that Children play with them. <i>Le Comte</i> says, what are called -<i>small Crocodiles</i>, are <i>huge Lizards</i>, found all over the Woods in -<i>Siam</i>, as also in Houses and Fields<a id='r253' /><a href='#f253' class='c019'><sup>[253]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f251'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r251'>251</a>. </span><i>Barth. Leonardo de Argensola</i>’s Discovery of the -<i>Molucca</i> and <i>Philippine</i> Islands.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f252'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r252'>252</a>. </span><i>Atlas Amer.</i> 263.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f253'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r253'>253</a>. </span><i>Memoirs</i>, 2d Edit. p. 502.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This Land Crocodile is indeed an amphibious Animal, lives -partly in the Water and partly upon dry Ground: It has four -slender Legs like a Lizard; its Snout is sharp, and its Tail short, -cover’d with small Scales of a silver Colour. ’Tis hatch’d in -<i>Egypt</i>, near the Red-Sea, in <i>Libya</i>, and the <i>Indies</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Leviticus</i> there’s mention made of a kind of <i>Crocodile</i>, in -the <i>Hebrew</i> called <i>Choled</i>, which the Septuagint translates -κροκοδειλος χερσαιος, a land Crocodile, which is a kind of Lizard, -that feeds upon the sweetest Flowers it can find; this makes its -Intrails to be very much valued for their agreeable Smell. <i>Bellonius</i> -says, it has four Feet, and a round knotty Tail, and is as -big as the <i>Salamander</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There’s scarce any way to manage him by Land, unless it be -by a Wile, as they do on the Bank of <i>Nilus</i>, where little Huts -are erected, from whence the Watchmen, upon the Approach of -a Crocodile, spring out with long Branches in their Hands, which -they, with great Dexterity, thrust into its Throat; and not being -able to extricate itself, it falls down, upon which others of them -discharge their Arrows at his Belly, which being a tender part, he -is soon killed; but in Water he is quickly noosed, because for want -of a Tongue, he can’t safely open his wide Mouth, without being -suffocated.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This terrestrial Crocodile comes to us by way of <i>Alexandria</i> -and <i>Venice</i>, and is very useful in physical Prescriptions.</p> - -<p class='c033'><span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>LXXVII. The <i>Cordylus</i> is a little noxious Reptile, supposed -by some to be the <i>Land Crocodile</i>, because upon first sight it looks -like the <i>Nilotic</i>; but upon a stricter view, the Fallacy appears. -The Back is cover’d with close compacted Scales, as a House with -Tiles, by which ’tis distinguish’d.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Its Tail is rough, and like a Club, wherewith it strikes whatever -it meets, therefore is called <i>Caudiverbera</i>, that is, one that -strikes with the Tail; a Tail prominent with War<a id='r254' /><a href='#f254' class='c019'><sup>[254]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f254'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r254'>254</a>. </span><i>Raii Synopsis Animalium Quadrupedum</i>, p. 263.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>LXXVIII. The <i>Tapayaxin</i> is a Lizard of <i>New Spain</i>, and of a -round form; and, <i>Spaniard</i>-like, is slow in Motion, and as loth -to change its Seat, as the <i>Spaniards</i> their old Fashions and Customs. -This little Creeper is of the northern Tribe, being generally -found in the Mountains of cold Regions. It is observable, -that if its Head be comprest or squeezed, it will throw out drops -of Blood with a Force that will carry them several Yards off<a id='r255' /><a href='#f255' class='c019'><sup>[255]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f255'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r255'>255</a>. </span>See <i>Dr. Plot’s History of Staffordsh.</i> p. 252.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>LXXIX. The <i>Lacertus Viridis</i>, or green Lizard, is found -in <i>Italy, &c.</i> lives in Meadows, and being of the harmless kind, -little is said of it. There are many Lizards of other Colours, but -none so beautiful as the green ones; tho’ very small, they are -pretty: Many make themselves very familiar with them, and put -them in their Bosom<a id='r256' /><a href='#f256' class='c019'><sup>[256]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f256'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r256'>256</a>. </span><i>Nat. History of Carolina</i>, 131, 2. <i>N. B.</i> -These are found in <i>Ireland</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>LXXX. The <i>Tejuguacu</i> is a <i>Brazilian Lizard</i>, of black Colour, -beautified with elegant white Spots, which renders it pleasing -to the Eye: Its Tongue is long and cloven, smooth and red. -’Tis a little Creature, and moves its little Body with great Celerity; -is patient in Want, and will for six or seven Moons, live -without any kind of Sustenance, but Air, the Fluid in which we -all breathe.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXXXI. The <i>Taraguira</i> is another <i>Brazilian</i>, of about a -Foot long, whose Body is smooth, and naturally guarded by an -Armour of a strong squamatick Skin, and the Scales situated in a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>kind of triangular form: It affects to reside in Underwoods, and -Places inclosed, and near to Houses.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXXXII. The <i>Americina</i> Serpent, which is not much different -from the former, except it be in its forked Tail, which terminates -in two different Points; and in this Article seems to differ from -all other sanguineous Animals, among whom, says the learned -<i>Ray</i>, I have never heard of any else furnish’d with two Tails: -This looks like something anomalous in Nature, and contrary to -its common Rules, if the Description be true.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXXXIII. The <i>Taraquico Aycuraba</i> is another venemous Offspring -of <i>Brazil</i>, a Species of the former, but differs from it in -the Tail, which is single. This Animal is covered with little -rough triangulated Scales, the Extremity of which is decked with -brown Spots, and the Back with various dusky Specks, ranged in -the form of Waves.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXXXIV. The <i>Americina</i> is a little venemous Creeper, -whose Body inclines to the square, about three Fingers long, in -Crassitude as the Quill of a Swan; bright to the Eye, and smooth -to the Hand: The Back is made strong by whitish Scales; the -Head, Shanks, and Sides with brown ones: The Tail is of a fine -azure Colour; its Claws are setigerous, resembling the Bristles of -a Hog.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXXXV. <i>CARAPOBEBA</i> is another minim Serpent of -<i>America</i>, and veneniferous, four or five Fingers long: The Body, -that in Colour resembles a Liver, is adorn’d with white Marks, -(and the Tail with white Lines) and is illuminated with glaring -Eyes, like Globes of Glass.</p> -<p class='c033'>LXXXVI. <i>TEJUNHANA</i> is a little Serpent, whose Head -is sharp-pointed: The Tail is about six Fingers long, smooth and -round, and ends like a Needle; the Head is cover’d with rough -Scales, like <i>Milford</i> Oysters; the Back and Sides are cloath’d with -a Skin, that is finely painted with green and brown Colours, and -when touched, feels soft like Velvet.</p> -<p class='c033'><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>LXXXVII. To these <i>Americans</i> I add the <i>Stellio</i>, which Mr. -<i>Ray</i> calls the <i>swift</i>, or <i>spotted Lizard</i>, whose Body makes a glorious -Appearance, by glittering Spots, that when it makes its Parade, -looks like a little moveable Firmament of Stars: This Serpent -is pretty common in <i>Thrace</i>, <i>Sicily</i>, and <i>Syria</i><a id='r257' /><a href='#f257' class='c019'><sup>[257]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f257'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r257'>257</a>. </span><i>Ray</i>, p. 265.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>’Tis said of this Animal, that it casts its Skin and eats it again; -and if so, ’tis a proper Emblem of desultory Creatures, -who leave their Vices for a time, and return to them afterwards<a id='r258' /><a href='#f258' class='c019'><sup>[258]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f258'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r258'>258</a>. </span><i>Grew’s Cosmologia Sacra.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Among Serpents is such Variety of charming Colours, and -Figures, that if it were not for the natural Antipathy that we -have for them, perhaps there is not one thing that the Eye could -take greater Delight in.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Besides the above Lacertick Serpents of <i>Brazil</i>, <i>Rochefort</i><a id='r259' /><a href='#f259' class='c019'><sup>[259]</sup></a>, -a <i>French</i> Author, mentions other Serpents different from these, -which come next under Consideration.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f259'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r259'>259</a>. </span><i>History of the Antilles-Islands.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>LXXXVIII. The <i>Les Anoles</i>, a Serpent in bigness like the -<i>Gallick</i> Lizards, but of a longer Head; of a yellow Skin, like a -Sun-burnt <i>Roussilonite</i>, or the <i>Savage Man</i> in the Isle of <i>Borneo</i>; -Russet Back, channel’d with green; of an ashy or cineraceous -Colour; a boisterous noisy Animal. It’s generally in motion by -Day, and by Night, lodges in hollow places, where it joins with -the Brotherhood, in disturbing the Neighbours with hideous -Croakings: by the loudness of its Noise, it should seem that it had -but an empty Noddle.</p> - -<p class='c033'>LXXXIX. <i>LES ROQUET</i>, a Serpent of a ruddy Colour, -intermix’d with black and yellow Points: of sparkling Eyes, and -majestick Mien, walking in a stately manner with Head erect; -and skipping about like a Bird, or a <i>French Beau</i>, who was said -to make a <i>Solecism</i> with his Hand, when he made a false Gesture -on the Stage.</p> - -<p class='c033'>XC. The <i>Maboujas</i>, a word that signifies a Devil in the <i>Indian</i> -Language, and given to this Serpent, because in its Nature -it is most malignant and mischievous: It lives in fenny Ground, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>and shaded Valleys, dreadful in Appearance, and more so in its -Executions.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This cruel Serpent is an Emblem of the old Serpent, that -great fiery Dragon, that in a few Hours reduced <i>Job</i>, a wealthy -Prince, into the lowest Ebb of Poverty, converted his Palace into -a Dunghill, and his Body into an Hospital of Diseases; and if -permitted, he would immediately turn the Earth into a Scene of -Blood and Destruction; therefore he is called απολλυωνορ, the <i>Destroyer</i>, -<i>Rev.</i> ix. 11. the Murderer, and Shedder of Blood. <i>N. B.</i> The -tutelar Deity of the <i>Cæsars</i> was <i>Apollo</i>, that is, the—<i>Destroyer</i>. -The like kind of bloody Deity has presided in the Temples of Tyranny -ever since.</p> -<p class='c033'>XCI. The <i>Gobe Moujes</i>, so denominated by the <i>French</i>, from -its <i>gobbling</i> all kinds of Flies, which it constantly hunts, and swallows -in a voracious manner. It commonly frequents Houses -where it suffers no little Insects to live, no not upon Garments: -It is of the stellionick form, and the least of all the Quadrupeds -in those <i>Antilles</i>, which our <i>English</i> call, the <i>Leeward-Islands</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>May not this Animal serve to represent those gobbling Sots, -who brush off the Flies of Melancholy, and drown them in the -inchanted Cup? Thus likewise the Sons of <i>Mammon</i> hunt for -<i>golden Flies</i>, as Entertainments most delicious.</p> - -<p class='c033'>XCII. <i>BROCHET DE TORRE</i>, or the <i>Land-Pike</i>, is a -Serpent of about fifteen Inches long, so termed from its Likeness -in Figure and Skin to that Fish. Instead of Fins, it has four -Feet, too weak to support the Body, therefore crawls on its -Belly, after an odd unusual manner, winding its Body about like -a Pike newly taken out of the Water; which kind of Motion being -strange, strikes Terror into Spectators. <i>Tetre</i> denies it to -have the perfect Shape, Head and Skin of the common Pike, -and treats <i>Sieur Rochefort</i> with some Roughness, according to -Mr. <i>Ray</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Night, these Serpents are found under the Rocks, where -they make a frightful Noise, more hideous than the croaking of -Frogs and Toads. In <i>Antigua</i> is a Fish called <i>Cane</i>, like our <i>Pike</i> -in figure, seven or eight Foot long, and big in proportion: It -preys like the <i>Shark</i>, and especially on human Flesh; and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>least Bite of its Teeth proves mortal Poison, without immediate -Application of some sovereign Antidote<a id='r260' /><a href='#f260' class='c019'><sup>[260]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f260'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r260'>260</a>. </span><i>History of the Antilles.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XCIII. The last he mentions, is a <i>little Serpent</i>, about seven -Fingers in length, and terrible to the Eye. The Skin is embroider’d -with black Scales, that look smooth and sleek as if it were -a Surface of Oil: It is furnish’d with very sharp Teeth, small -Eyes, but so weak that they can’t long face the Light, no more -than a <i>Frenchman</i> can look Truth in the face, or a <i>Spaniard</i> the -Field of Battle.</p> - -<p class='c013'>When this little venemous Animal apprehends any Danger, -it immediately digs into the Earth, with its five crooked and -strong Claws, that soon penetrate the Ground: ’tis guilty not only -of Evils among Beasts, but of great Devastations in Orchards and -Gardens<a id='r261' /><a href='#f261' class='c019'><sup>[261]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f261'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r261'>261</a>. </span><i>Ray.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>I have wondered, says a learned Author, to see with what -great Quickness, Art, and Strength, many <i>Vespæ, Ichneumons, -wild Bees and Beetles</i>,—perforate the Earth, yea, even Wood itself; -but the most remarkable in this way, is the <i>Mole-Cricket</i><a id='r262' /><a href='#f262' class='c019'><sup>[262]</sup></a>. -Swine, who dig in the Earth for their Food, have all parts of their -Head adapted for that Service, but rather more remarkable in the -<i>Mole</i>, whose Neck, Eyes, Nose and Ears are all fitted in the -nicest manner, to its subterraneous way of Life.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f262'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r262'>262</a>. </span><i>Derham</i> <i>Phys. Theol.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XCIV. The <i>Ground Rattle-Snake</i>, so called, only because it -resembles the real Rattle-Snake in Colour, but is somewhat darker: -It never grows above twelve or sixteen Inches long; ’tis reckon’d -among the worst of Snakes, and of a hardy Nature, because it -keeps out of its Winter-Quarters the longest of any. N. B. <i>This -Serpent and some of the following are taken out of the natural History -of</i> Carolina<a id='r263' /><a href='#f263' class='c019'><sup>[263]</sup></a>, a part of <i>America</i> belonging to <i>England</i>. The -Natives of that Country were of a larger Size than <i>Europeans</i>, -and accounted so faithful in their Promises, and so just in their -Dealings, that they had no Words to express <i>Dishonesty</i>, <i>Fraud</i>, -or <i>Cheating</i>,—What contributed chiefly to their honest Simplicity, -and plain Method of living, was their Contempt of Riches; -were content with plain Food and Raiment, without being anxiously -sollicitous for to-morrow.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f263'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r263'>263</a>. </span>In the new <i>Collection of Voyages</i>, 4to, printed 1713.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'><span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>XCV. The <i>Horn-Snake</i>, very venemous, hisses exactly like a -Goose, upon any body’s Approach. Serpents of this Class strike -at the Enemy with their Tail, which is arm’d at the end with a -horny Substance, like a Cock-Spur, that kills whatever is wounded -with it. ’Tis said, that in <i>Virginia</i>, they only shoot their Tongues, -and shake them at the Enemy<a id='r264' /><a href='#f264' class='c019'><sup>[264]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f264'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r264'>264</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp.</i> vol. iii, p. 599.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>XCVI. The <i>Hydrus</i>, <i>Natrix</i>, or <i>Water-Snake</i>, of these are -various sorts, and all in some degree amphibious. When the -<i>Coluber Aquaticus</i> wounds any, ’tis attended with a most disagreeable -Odour, and so strong, that it forbids a near Approach to -the unhappy Sufferer, who immediately falls into a Tremor and -Distraction, and soon expires (the third day, says <i>Ælian</i>) without -timely Relief<a id='r265' /><a href='#f265' class='c019'><sup>[265]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f265'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r265'>265</a>. </span><i>Ælian.</i> lib. iv. cap. 57. <i>Accessio Gyllii.</i>—</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Its common Residence is in shallow Waters, and when they -are dried up, it goes upon dry Ground, where its Wound is -more dangerous than in Water: But more of this elsewhere.</p> - -<p class='c033'>XCVII. In that Country they have what they call <i>Swamp-Snakes</i>; -three sorts of which are near a-kin to the Water-Snakes, -and may be rank’d among them. The Belly of the first is of the -carnation Colour, the Back is dark: the next, which is of a brown -Colour, always abides in the Marshes: the third is of a motley -Colour, and very poisonous.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They dwell on the sides of Swamps, <i>i. e.</i> Bogs, Marshes, -and Ponds, have a prodigious large Mouth, and they arrive to -the thickness of the Calf of a Man’s Leg. Among these I place -the black <i>Truncheon-Snakes</i>, that live on the Banks of Rivers, -which, when disturbed, shoot into the Water, like an Arrow -out of a Bow. I fancy the Name is borrow’d from a certain -Weapon call’d Truncheon, which we call <i>Battoon</i>, or Tipstaff, -of a cylindrical form, used by principal Officers of State, Generals, -and sometimes by Constables, when they go upon secret -Expeditions.</p> - -<p class='c033'>XCVIII. The <i>Red-belly-Snake</i>, this is so called from its ruddy -Colour, which inclines to an Orange-red. Of these are two sorts; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>one, like <i>Abel</i> the Innocent; the other, like <i>Cain</i> the Cruel: -An Emblem of the World, humane, angelic Animal, and Vegetable, -in which is a Mixture of Good and Evil.</p> - -<p class='c033'>XCIX. The <i>Red-back-Snake</i>, so named from that Colour; -a long, slender Snake, but not very common. A certain Surveyor -of Lands in <i>Carolina</i> happen’d to step over one of these, which -he did not see till his Servant spy’d it: The Surveyor inquired of -the <i>Indian</i> that was along with him, <i>Whether it was a very venemous -Serpent?</i> Who answer’d, <i>That if he had been wounded by -it, even the</i> Indians <i>themselves, tho’ expert in the Art of curing serpentine -Wounds, could not have saved his Life</i><a id='r266' /><a href='#f266' class='c019'><sup>[266]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f266'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r266'>266</a>. </span><i>Natural History of Carolina.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Red, which is one of the primary Colours, proceeding from -the least refrangible Rays of Light, is a lively Emblem of Fire, -or the fiery Venom in this Serpent, whose principal Quality is -to draw Blood.</p> - -<p class='c033'>C. The <i>Scorpion-Lizard</i>; ’tis commonly called so, but is no -more like it than a Hedge-Hog: It is indeed of the Lizard Colour, -but much larger: Its Back of a dark copper Colour; the -Belly, in Orange; quick in its Motion on the Ground, and very -nimble in running up Trees; has several Rows of Teeth, and is -reckoned to be of a very poisonous Nature.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CI. The <i>Long Black-Snake</i>, is a land Animal, and very common. -<i>I have</i>, says my Author, <i>kill’d several of them, full six -Foot in length</i>. Its Bite, tho’ painful in its Consequences, is not -deem’d commonly mortal: the wounded Part swells, and turns -to a running Ulcer. No living Creature more nimble in Motion, -or a greater Enemy to Mice, for it leaves not one of that Vermin -alive, wherever it comes. This Serpent kills the Rattle-Snake, -by twisting its Head about the Neck of that Snake, and whipping -her to death with its Tail.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Serpent very much haunts Dairy-houses in those Countries, -and makes very free with unguarded Milk-Pans, and Cream-Pots: -It delights to be among Hens, whose Eggs it does not suck, -but swallows them whole, as all Snakes do their Sustenance. It -will often swallow the Egg under a sitting Hen, and then lie in -the Nest in the form of a Ring.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>Allow here a few Remarks upon the Nature of Milk and -Eggs.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In all kinds of Vegetables is an oily Substance, which is a Fluid -that Animals take in with their Food, and no vegetable Food is -nutrimental, without some Proportion of this Oil; even Grass, -especially in its Seed, abounds therewith, which being thoroughly -mixt with the <i>Saliva</i>, it turns <i>milky</i> in the Stomach: Which differs -from the <i>Chyle</i>, only as having been more concocted, and -containing a large degree of Salt, which renders it convertible into -Curd.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>MILK</i> therefore is an <i>oily vegetable Matter</i>, circulated first -in Plants, then in Animals, and capable of being reduced into a -caseous and watry Substance, (or Cheese and Whey, if you please.) -If <i>Milk</i> finds no opportunity of passing off in its own natural -form, it turns to <i>Fat</i>, or goes away by Urine and Sweat, which -commonly is the case in Men, for they generate Milk as well as -Women, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>An Egg is from a certain animal Liquid, which by repeated -Circulations in the Body, arrives at a perfect animal State; this -Fluid comes from the oviparous Class, which is the White wherein -the Yolk appears to swim. The White and Yolk of Eggs are -neither alkaline nor acid.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The White dissolves by <i>a gentle Heat</i>, till it totally liquifies, -(thus the Hen’s Heat gradually dissolves the White of a prolific -Egg into Nourishment for the Chicken) but if you expose the White -to the <i>Heat of boiling Water</i>, it will immediately harden, into a -viscous, dry Mass.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The White of an Egg is a surprizing Menstruum, for if it -be first boiled hard in the Shell, and afterwards suspended in the -Air by a Thread, it will resolve and drop down into an insipid -Liquor; which is that heterogeneous Menstruum so much used -by <i>Paracelsus</i>, and will make a thorough <i>Solution of Myrrh</i>, which -is more than Water, Oils, or Fire itself can effect<a id='r267' /><a href='#f267' class='c019'><sup>[267]</sup></a>. <i>N. B.</i> The -White of an Egg, by a strong Distillation, will afford an alkaline -Spirit, and will putrify by Digestion; and a single Grain of this -putrify’d Substance taken, will, like Poison, presently cause a -Nausea, Vomit, Diarrhœa, Fever ... as <i>Bellini</i> tells us he has -tried. And the learned <i>Boerhaave</i> himself, had seen those terrible -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>Effects of it, which however are immediately stopt by drinking -any acid Liquor, as Vinegar, Juice of Lemons. From Milk -I proceed to give an account of an odd Custom about Cheese in -Antiquity, <i>viz.</i> Among the <i>Romans</i>, one of their <i>Tabernæ</i> was -called <i>Casearia</i>, <i>a Caseo i. e.</i> from Cheese; not because Cheese -was made or sold in it, but because it was wont to be smoaked -there: It being a Custom among the old <i>Romans</i> and other <i>Italians</i>, -to make a great Smoke with Reeds and green Wood, on -purpose to dry and colour their Cheese; hence the Poet <i>Martial</i>.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Non quemcunque focum, nec fumum caseus omnem,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Sed velabrensem, qui bibit ille sapit.</i>——</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c034'><i>i. e.</i> That Cheese only is pleasant and grateful, which does not -suck in every Fume, but which is smoak’d only, <i>velabro</i>, in Tents -or Booths.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f267'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r267'>267</a>. </span><i>Boerhaave’s Process</i>, p.</p> -</div> - -</div> -<p class='c033'>CII. The <i>King’s Snake</i>, is the longest of all others; but not -common. It is said to be terrible to other Serpents, though not -very venemous and gross: the <i>Indians</i>, Men and Women, in <i>Carolina</i>, -make <i>Girdles</i> and <i>Sashes of their Skins</i>, as Signs of Conquest, -and wear them as Trophies of Honour.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This puts me in mind of <i>Hippocrates</i>, the Prince of Physicians, -who tells us that in the Eastern Parts of <i>Europe</i>, there is -a <i>Scythian People</i>, called <i>Sauromatæ</i>, bordering on the <i>Palus -Mæotis</i>, where the Women ride on Horse-back, draw the Bow, -throw the Javelin as they ride, and fight in their Battles, so long -as they remain Virgins; and were not allow’d to marry, <i>till they -had killed three Enemies in the Wars</i><a id='r268' /><a href='#f268' class='c019'><sup>[268]</sup></a>. Of my Author ’tis said, -He neither knew how to <i>deceive</i>, nor be <i>deceived</i><a id='r269' /><a href='#f269' class='c019'><sup>[269]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f268'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r268'>268</a>. </span><i>Hippocrates upon Air, Water, and Situation; upon Epidemical Diseases</i>, <i>&c.</i> -translated into <i>English</i>, by the learned Dr. <i>Clifton</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f269'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r269'>269</a>. </span>Of <i>Hippocrates</i> ’tis said,——<i>Qui tam fallere quam falli nescit</i>. --Macrobii Opera, p. 27.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>N. B.</i> These were the Women called <i>Amazons</i>, descended -from the <i>Scythians</i>, whose Women were as warlike as the Men, -and joined with them in their Wars.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CIII. The <i>Corn-Snake</i>, is most like the <i>Rattle-Snake</i> of all -others in Colour, but the Chequers are not so regular; neither -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>has it any Rattles. They are frequently found in <i>Corn-fields</i>, from -whence, I presume, they have their Appellation. In their Qualities -they resemble the <i>Green-Snakes</i>, that are innocent by Nature, -and in form admirably pretty, if I may be allow’d by the -Ladies, to call a Serpent so.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CIV. The <i>Blowing-Serpent</i>, which is a Species of the Viper, -but larger than the <i>European</i>, is so called, because it seems to -blow, to spread its Head, and swell very much, before it bites; -which Bite is very poisonous, and seems to receive some additional -Malignity from the Enlargement of its Head beyond the common -Proportion.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CV. The <i>Brimstone-Snake</i>, so denominated from the Similitude -of Colour: They might as well call it, the <i>Glass-Snake</i>, -for if any Credit be given to the Historian, ’tis as brittle as a -Glass-Tube, or a Tobacco-Pipe, so that upon the touch of a -Twig, it immediately breaks into several Pieces, which some say, -and nobody believes, are capable of Re-union.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Its component Parts may be weak and frail, but it is questionable, -whether so brittle as represented: ’Tis true indeed there are -hard Bodies, that would not be affected with a Twig, yet are -very brittle. Thus <i>Iron</i>, which is one of the hardest Metals and -yet <i>most brittle</i>, and by fusing, it becomes harder and more brittle. -Now this great Brittleness of Iron, arises from the great -quantity of Sulphur-Brimstone intermixed with it. The abundance -of <i>Sulphur</i> in <i>Iron</i>, is apparent from the <i>Sparks</i> it emits -from under the Smith’s Hammer; those fiery Sparks being only -the Sulphur of the heated Iron, nothing of which is seen in any -other Metal<a id='r270' /><a href='#f270' class='c019'><sup>[270]</sup></a>. <i>N. B.</i> Roll-Brimstone sold in the Shops comes -from the native Sulphur, which <i>Helmont</i> always preferred to -that purified.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f270'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r270'>270</a>. </span><i>Boerhaave’s Method of Chemistry.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CVI. The <i>Yellow-Snake</i> is in length about seven or eight -Foot; the Neck is small, rather less than its Body, which grows -bigger, till it be as big as one’s Wrist, and continues so large to -the <i>Anus</i>; from whence it diminishes by degrees to the Tail. Its -Head (which is not very large) is of a dark Colour, and so are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>the Scales all over the Body, with some yellow Streaks here and -there. The Belly is all yellow, like Marygold, whose Flowers -are cordial.</p> - -<p class='c013'>These Serpents are for the most part to be found in the -woody Mountains of <i>America</i>, coil’d up in the Paths, as Ropes -in a Ship: they are not hurtful, unless irritated; they feed on -Birds, Rats, <i>&c.</i> which they swallow whole, and therefore Nature -has given them such a folded, rugous, inward Tunicle of the -Stomach, that it may extend, and receive things of large Dimensions. -Many of them have been killed with thirteen or fourteen -Rats in their Bellies<a id='r271' /><a href='#f271' class='c019'><sup>[271]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f271'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r271'>271</a>. </span><i>Sir Hans Sloan’s Voyages to Madeira, Barbad.</i> vol. -ii. Lond. 1725.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It has been observed, that the Heart of this Serpent was beating -an Hour after the Head was cut off, and that it would turn -and twist its Body strangely in its Dissection, for a long time after -the Bowels were out: The Lungs were very membranaceous, being -nothing but Blood-Vessels and Air-Bladders. So a very learned -Author. <i>ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c033'>CVII. The <i>Chicken-Snake</i>, so called because of its Executions -in the Poultry-yard, where it devours all Eggs, and lesser Birds -that come in its way. These Serpents are of a sooty Colour, and -will very readily roll themselves round a smooth-bark’d Pine-tree, -eighteen or twenty Foot high, where there is no manner of hold, -and there sun themselves, and sleep all the pleasurable part of the -Day, reserving the hours of Darkness for rambling<a id='r272' /><a href='#f272' class='c019'><sup>[272]</sup></a>. There is -no great matter of Poison in them. Here the Historian mentions -the <i>Eel-Snake</i>, improperly so called, I think, because it is nothing -but a <i>Leach</i>, that only sucks, and can’t sting nor bite, so as to do -any Damage.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f272'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r272'>272</a>. </span><i>Natural History of Carolina</i>, p. 134.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CVIII. The <i>Vectis</i>, whose Head, strictly speaking, is neither -round, flat, nor pointed, but looks like a Swelling on both sides, -one stretching transversly, like a Bar that guards a Door, or, if -you please, a <i>Bettee</i>, an Engine to break open Doors. Though -this Sense be not intended here, yet ’tis true, that <i>Serpents</i> do -make <i>forcible Entries</i>, but it is always with Teeth and Tail, by -which they often throw down the whole Fabrick, and drive out -the Inhabitant.</p> - -<p class='c033'><span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>CIX. The <i>Agnasen</i> Serpent, called the <i>Mother of Ants</i>, -because it lodges in their Apartments, and other warm Situations. -We read of <i>Ants</i> in the <i>East-Indies</i> that build their Houses above -Ground, and with the <i>finest Clay</i>, of which the People make -their <i>Idols</i>; their little Houses are like strong <i>Butts</i>, hollow within, -where they dwell, and breed in Nests like Honey-combs.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Butts</i> present to my view the <i>Bow and Arrows</i> in the -Hands of the <i>Parthians</i>, who were esteemed the best <i>Archers</i> in the -world, and very deservedly, <i>having the Art of shooting backwards</i>, -and making their <i>Retreat more terrible than their Charge</i>: Whence -that of <i>Seneca</i><a id='r273' /><a href='#f273' class='c019'><sup>[273]</sup></a>, <i>The</i> Parthians <i>Flight does most affright</i>. The -manner of their Fight is describ’d by the Poet, who says, <i>They -were better Soldiers when they run away, and fought best when furthest -off, trusting most to the Bow</i><a id='r274' /><a href='#f274' class='c019'><sup>[274]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f273'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r273'>273</a>. </span>Terga conversi metuenda Parthi.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f274'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r274'>274</a>. </span></p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Pugna levis, bellumque fugax, turmæque fugaces,</div> - <div class='line'>Et melior cessisse loco quam pellere miles.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Lucan.</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'><i>M. CRASSUS</i>, in his Expedition against them, being told -by an <i>Astrologer</i> it would be unprosperous, because of some ill -Aspect in <i>Scorpio</i>: <i>Hush Man</i>, quoth he, <i>I fear not</i> Scorpio, -<i>but</i> Sagittarius.—But to return to the <i>Motherly Serpent</i>, which -is about a Foot and a half long, the Body slender, adorn’d with -red and white Streaks. Another Author says, ’tis of a red Colour, -distinguish’d by black Lines, intermix’d with white Spots: The -<i>Indians</i> play with this Serpent (as <i>Ladies</i> with their <i>Lap-dogs</i>) -and for Diversion, wear this little innocent and pretty Animal (as -a Necklace of Pearls) about their Necks<a id='r275' /><a href='#f275' class='c019'><sup>[275]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f275'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r275'>275</a>. </span><i>Joan. Euseb. Nierembergii Historia Naturæ</i>, p. 272,-3.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CX. The <i>Macacoatl</i>, or <i>Anguis Cervinus</i>, so called from its -horned Head, which resembles that of a Deer, as thick as a Man’s -Thigh, in length about twenty Foot, sprinkled with dusky Spots -inclining to the black and yellow.—This seems to be a Member -of the gigantick Family, already described. <i>Ibid.</i> 273. Therefore -I dismiss it, and proceed to the</p> - -<p class='c033'>CXI. <i>AQUASEN</i> Serpent, which seems to be the Birth of the -<i>Philippines</i>, and very venemous: Its Wound proves fatal in a few -Minutes, which is preceded by the Putrefaction of the Flesh, next -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>to the affected part. It is about two Spans long, of a brown -Colour, and a large Head<a id='r276' /><a href='#f276' class='c019'><sup>[276]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f276'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r276'>276</a>. </span><i>Nascitur in Philippicis.</i> ibid. p. 273. Nierembergius.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CXII. The Serpent <i>Otus</i> is one of the Plagues of <i>America</i>, -and very poisonous, there being but few hours distance between -the Wound it gives and Death. It is about an Inch thick, and -three Foot long, a little Head and whitish Belly, and may be farther -distinguish’d from others, by white and black Spots, and -three red Lines running across; slow in Motion, and fond of -Shade; found in <i>Cuba</i>, a famous Island, where the antient Inhabitants -went naked, tho’ they might have been cloath’d in Gold. -The Historian speaking of <i>Spanish Cruelty</i>, observes, that a certain -<i>Indian Prince</i> having fled to <i>Cuba</i> for Shelter, was taken by -the <i>Spaniards</i>, and condemned by them to be burnt alive. When -they were tying him to the Stake, a <i>Priest</i> told him if he would -embrace the <i>Spanish Religion</i>, he should go to Heaven; but if not, -he must burn for ever in Hell. Upon this, the poor distressed -Prince ask’d him, if there were any <i>Spaniards in Heaven</i>, and -the Priest answering, Yes; <i>Hathuey</i> the Prince replied, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>THAT if it be so, I’ll rather go to the Devils in Hell, than -go with the</i> Spaniards <i>to Heaven; for their Cruelty is such, that -none can be more miserable than where they are</i>. <i>N. B.</i> This account -is given by one of their own Bishops<a id='r277' /><a href='#f277' class='c019'><sup>[277]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f277'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r277'>277</a>. </span><i>Barthol. de las Casas</i>, Bishop of <i>Chiapa</i>. Hist. of <i>Antilles</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CXIII. The <i>Dopon</i> is reckoned to be a most dangerous Serpent; -’tis about an Inch round, and four or five Foot long. The -vulgar Opinion is, that the whole Body is all over tinged with -Poison, the Tail excepted. Its Head is very large, and of an -octangular form, so far as the Eyes, from which it grows less -and less to the Mouth, which is oblong and flat, arm’d with six -Teeth in the upper Jaws, and six in the lower, besides lesser ones: -The Tongue is slender, and of a black Colour.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Its Wounds are terrible, allowing the Patient only about -twenty-four hours to live. No sooner is the Wound given, but -all parts of the Body begin to swell, and soon extend beyond -their due Proportion; that they are soon disabled from performing -their Operations<a id='r278' /><a href='#f278' class='c019'><sup>[278]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f278'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r278'>278</a>. </span><i>Remedio est Alexiterium pangagausen.</i> -Nierembergii Historia, cap. xiii. p. 274.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>Thus Pride, the malignant Tumour of the Mind, was the -fatal Wound, by which the Angelic Serpent, the first in Dignity -among created Beings, was transformed into a Devil. Sin, a Poison -so strong, that by the first taste of it, the whole human -Nature was infected. <i>Adam</i> and <i>Eve</i> tasted the forbidden Fruit, -and lo! we must all die for it, at the distance of so many thousand -Years.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CXIV. The <i>Attaligatus</i> is a small slender Serpent, not exceeding -the Quill of a Goose in proportion; not poisonous in its -Nature, yet very mischievous; for these little Creatures are an -united Body, and live in community, and never separate: they -are a Society without Schism, which is more than can be affirmed -of all human Societies, civil or ecclesiastick.</p> - -<p class='c013'>When these small harmonious Reptiles go abroad, they travel -in Company, a hundred strong or more, and where they find any -asleep, they immediately seize the Body, and with a Force united -and irresistable, they devour it<a id='r279' /><a href='#f279' class='c019'><sup>[279]</sup></a>. Behold! a Conquest by an Army -of Worms!</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f279'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r279'>279</a>. </span><i>Nierembergii Historia</i>, cap. xiii. p. 274.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Thus <i>Herod</i> the <i>Great</i>, the Proud, the Cruel, when upon -the <i>Throne</i>, was attack’d by an Army of Worms, that quickly -devoured him. His Body became <i>worm-eaten</i> like a piece of rotten -Wood<a id='r280' /><a href='#f280' class='c019'><sup>[280]</sup></a>. Of the Executions done by Worms, we have divers -Instances in the human World. No part of Man’s Body, -whether inward or outward, but is subject to Worms, and have -been tormented with them.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f280'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r280'>280</a>. </span>γενομενος σχωληχοβρωτος, Act. xii.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Man’s Body, if rightly understood, would appear to be a -Granary for Worms, of divers Colours and Sizes: In the inward -Parts, as Stomach, Guts, Liver, Blood, Gall, Bladder, have been -found swarms of Vermin, sapping the Foundation of the animal -Structure. We have Instances of Worms bred in the human -Brains, and were discovered in the Brain of the <i>Paris-Girl</i> when -opened—probably laid, by some Insect, in the Laminæ of the -Nostrils, from whence it gnawed its way into the Brain<a id='r281' /><a href='#f281' class='c019'><sup>[281]</sup></a>. So -in the outer parts.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f281'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r281'>281</a>. </span><i>Derham</i> from <i>Bartholinus</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span><i>GALEN</i> in <i>Jonstonus</i> says, that in <i>Ethiopia</i>, <i>India</i>, and the -mountainous part of <i>Egypt</i>, the Inhabitants were tormented with -Worms, that bred in their Legs and Arms, called <i>Dracunculi</i>, -whose Motion in the Flesh was conspicuous to the Eye.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>LUCIUS CORNELIUS SYLLA</i>, <i>Consul</i> and <i>Dictator</i> -of <i>Rome</i>, (the Glories of whose Valour were obscured by barbarous -Cruelties) died of a φθιριασις a wormy or lousy Disease: Thus -<i>Aliman</i><a id='r282' /><a href='#f282' class='c019'><sup>[282]</sup></a>, a renowned <i>Greek</i> Poet, and <i>Pherecydes</i> the Philosopher, -and Master to <i>Pythagoras</i>, died of the same loathsome -Distemper.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f282'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r282'>282</a>. </span><i>Pliny.</i> Part. i.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Sed quis non paveat pherecydos fata tragœdi:</div> - <div class='line'>Qui nimio sudore fluens, animalia tetra,</div> - <div class='line'>Eduxit turpi miserum qua morte tulerunt.</div> - <div class='line'>Sylla quoque infelix tali languore peresus</div> - <div class='line'>Corruit, & sœdo se vidit ab agmine vinci.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Sic testatur Serenus medicus.</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>In <i>Persia</i> there are very long slender Worms bred in the Legs -and other Parts of Men’s Bodies, six or seven Yards long. Those -who live upon the Red-Sea, and feed upon Locusts, are, in the -last Stage of Life, subject to a sort of Flying-Worms, like what -is called a Tyke, spread over all the Body, arising at first from a -Scab, by scratching of which they tear their Flesh. <i>Nieremberg.</i> -Some relate divers Examples of Worms taken out of the -Tongue, Gums, Nose, and other Parts by a Woman at <i>Leicester</i>, -which they were Eye-witnesses of. N. B. <i>Mr.</i> Dent <i>and Mr.</i> -Lewis, <i>in the</i> Philosoph. Trans. <i>in</i> Lowthorp<i>’s</i> Abridg. <i>where these -and divers others may be seen</i>. -If it did not extend the Digression too far, I might add here, -That there are no Animals, as Sheep, Wolves, Goats, Deers, -Cows, Horses, Swine; yea, no Vegetables, as Trees, Herbs, -Plants, Flowers, but abound with Worms; and all these have -Worms peculiar to themselves. By the help of microscopical -Glasses, we may discover Legions of Worms in Vinegar, human -Blood, and other Liquids.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CXV. The <i>Ecatotl</i>, <i>Anguis-Venti</i>, <i>Serpent-of-the-Wind</i>, and -very innocent, and perhaps the Name may be borrowed from a -gentle salutary Gale; it is about six Spans long, and two Inches in -Crassitude; the Eyes are black, Teeth small, the Belly bright, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>like Silver. The Back and Sides illustrated with white Streaks, -alternately painted with Yellow and Azure: the Tongue is of a -black Colour, small, long, and cloven, and most nimble in its -Vibrations<a id='r283' /><a href='#f283' class='c019'><sup>[283]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f283'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r283'>283</a>. </span><i>Nierembergius</i>, cap. xv. p. 274.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CXVI. <i>DE Angue-Laqueo</i>, the Ensnaring-Serpent. In the -Province of <i>Vera-Pas</i>, west of the <i>Honduras</i>; they are much infected -with several Insects, as <i>Muskettoes</i>, <i>Fire-Flies</i>, and <i>Serpents</i>. -Among the last is one Serpent of great Bulk, and excels in Craftiness, -being very subtle and sharp in laying hold of its Prey. The -Method is surprizing; for it wraps up itself in the Form of a -Ginn, and so decoys the Game into the Snare: It bites like a Dog, -and is very mischievous, tho’ not of the venemous Order. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c033'>CXVII. The <i>stupid</i> Serpent, which they call <i>Canaucoatl</i>, in -Character is contradictious; for, as represented in History, ’tis -dull and in a manner destitute of Sensation, and yet a Creature -full of Vitality and Spirit; and indeed is only remarkable for its -Mettle. It is of the Tribe of Innocents, and very strong, and -fears no Assault. In Dimension, monstrous; for Thickness, equal -to a Man’s Body, and twice the Length. ’Tis said, some have -sat upon it, apprehending it to be only the Trunk of an old Tree. -Some other fabulous Things are reported of it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It lives in the Shadow of Woods, often concealing itself under -Branches and Leaves of Trees, where it surprizes the Prey, -which, to speak with the Vulgar, it draws to him, by the Force -of its Breath, as a Loadstone does Iron. The Authors of the -<i>Atlas</i> mention a Serpent of this attractive Power in the <i>Philippine -Islands</i>; Birds and other Animals are drawn into the Trap -by the Charms of the Breath; yea, Partridges, Weasels——are -made to run into its devouring Jaws. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>If this Serpent be endued with this magnetic Property, it is a -<i>living Loadstone</i>, and more extensive in its Attractions than the -real one; for this draws all animal Bodies to it, whereas the real -Loadstone only attracts Iron. Attraction in the gross, is so complex -a thing, that it may solve a thousand different things alike. -This Creature is called <i>Ibitin</i> in <i>America</i>; and probably the same -with the following, though distinctly considered by the Historian.</p> - -<p class='c033'><span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>CXVIII. The Serpent <i>Bitin</i>, an Inhabitant of the Mountains -and Woods in the Island of <i>Cuba</i>, <i>&c.</i> of great Bulk, and Length -about four Ells; and in Shape terrible to the Eye. The Head, -which resembles that of a Calf, grows large to the Eyes, which -sparkle with the bright and black, and are incircled with Rays -of Green; it has wide Jaws, armed with many sharp Teeth, among -which are four of the <i>canine</i> sort.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>CANINI Dentes</i>, that is <i>Dog’s-Teeth</i>, are two Teeth in each -Jaw, so called, because they end like those of a Dog in a sharp -Point, whose particular Office is to pierce the Aliments, therefore -are buried in their Sockets, by which they are more able to -resist all lateral Pressures, than the <i>Molares</i>, or the common -Grinders.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This <i>Bitinian</i> Serpent hangs by the Tail on Trees, devouring -Men and Beasts that pass by, and come within its Reach, by -the dint of halituous Attraction, as the <i>stupid</i>, and some of the -<i>Philippine</i> Serpents are said to do; but if it be so, the Philosophy -of it is not yet accounted for.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CXIX. The <i>Monoxillo</i>, or <i>Mucronated-Serpent</i>, so called because -its Termination is sharp-pointed. It has something of the -Fierce and Terrible in its Appearance, but is more dreadful in Aspect -than Nature; for its Wounds, though painful, are not mortal. -’Tis of the Lacertan Kind and Colour; the Tail long, and Legs -of small length; the Body about two Spans long, the Tongue -large and forked and of red Colour. ’Tis tedious in Motion; the -whole Compound is crustaceous, like Shell-Fishes, adorned with -white and yellow Spots, resembling little Pearls, or Seed of Grummel -or Gray-Mile.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>N. B.</i> The Seed of Vegetables consists of an Embryo, in -which is contained the whole Plant in Miniature. A compleat -Oak is visible in an Acorn by a Microscope.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CXX. The <i>Tapayaxin</i>, a little wonderful Serpent; some say -of the Lacertan Kind, others say of an orbicular Form, not above -four Inches Long. The Body is cartilaginous, or gristly, smooth -and solid. This kind of Coverture is harder than a Ligament, -and softer than a Bone, but is not covered over with any Membrane -to make it capable of Sensation.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>It moves slowly, and recommends itself by Diversity of Colours: -when touched, the Body appears to be cold. Now, Bodies -are said to be cold or hot, as their Particles are in a greater or -lesser Motion, than those of the sensitory Organs. All Changes -in the created Globe, are the Effects of Motion, without which -all Bodies would become unactive Masses<a id='r284' /><a href='#f284' class='c019'><sup>[284]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f284'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r284'>284</a>. </span><i>Newton</i>’s <i>Opticks</i>, p. 375.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This little Animal, is said to be pleased, or rather unconcerned, -when taken up by human Hands; called on that account, -the <i>Friend of Man</i>; that is, <i>he who is not against us, is for -us</i>; therefore merits our Smiles. His Situation corresponds with -his natural Disposition, for it is an Inhabitant of cold Regions. -When its Head is comprest, Drops of Blood gush out of his Eyes, -which he casts to a great distance from him; which agrees with -a former Description, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p class='c033'>CXXI. <i>DE Haro coloti genere.</i> The Serpent <i>Harus</i>, according -to the Historian<a id='r285' /><a href='#f285' class='c019'><sup>[285]</sup></a>, is a Native of the <i>Philippines</i>, and of -the Lacertan Tribe: a very long Head (like the <i>Philippine</i> Queen) -on a bulky Body, terminating in a sharp Point. It resembles the -<i>Quaquetzall</i>, is in <i>Mexico</i>, and agrees therewith in most things, -and of which it seems to be a Species.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f285'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r285'>285</a>. </span><i>Nierembergius</i>, cap. xxiv. p. 276. <i>Nascitur in -Philippicis.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It chuses its Habitation among Shrubs adjacent to clear Streams, -and never defiles a Body, so prettily coloured, with muddy Water, -till constrained to make the Bulrush its Shelter against the -excessive Heat of the Sun<a id='r286' /><a href='#f286' class='c019'><sup>[286]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f286'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r286'>286</a>. </span><i>Ibid.</i> p. 276.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CXXII. The <i>Tamacolin</i>, or a Serpent called <i>Rubeta</i>, of the -Lineage of the red Toad: This kind is made up of Variety, differing -only one from another in Magnitude, Colour, and Poison. -The lesser kind not so venemous as the larger. Some are green, -some are brown, and others black. In showery Weather they -make an open Appearance, and in such Numbers, that none walk -abroad without running the risk of a poisonous Touch.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>NEW-SPAIN</i> abounds with them, where they affect watry -Habitations. In <i>Peru</i> are <i>Toads</i> as large almost as <i>Cats</i> or <i>Dogs</i>, -but not so poisonous as those of <i>Brazil</i>, where they have a Fish -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>called <i>Amyacu</i>, i. e. <i>Toad-Fish</i>; ’tis about a Span long, and oddly -painted; its Eyes are fine and fair: It swells and snorts when taken -out of the Water, which was the reason of giving it that Name: -When flayed it may be eaten, but is otherwise poisonous; the -Poison is drawn out by Application of Fire to the Part affected<a id='r287' /><a href='#f287' class='c019'><sup>[287]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f287'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r287'>287</a>. </span><i>Harris in Atlas for Brazil in General.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CXXIII. <i>TETZAUCOATL</i>, or the <i>rare</i> Serpent; so called, -because the <i>least</i> of Serpents; and though very little, scarce -four Inches long, or in Bulk so big as a Goose-quill, yet its -Wounds are most deadly. The Belly is red, and distinguishable -by black Stains; the Back yellow, interlaid with divers Spots. It -is an Inhabitant of the North, and delights in cold Apartments. -This (though distinctly described by the Historian) seems to be -the same with the <i>Tetzaucoatl</i><a id='r288' /><a href='#f288' class='c019'><sup>[288]</sup></a>. <i>N. B.</i> Little Things, greatly -dangerous.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f288'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r288'>288</a>. </span><i>Nieremb.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Poet weeps for a Person killed by the Fall of an Icicle, -which is a little Drop of Water congealed<a id='r289' /><a href='#f289' class='c019'><sup>[289]</sup></a>. <i>Anacreon</i>, the celebrated -Lyrick Poet among the <i>Greeks</i>, was choaked with a <i>little -Kernel</i> of a <i>Grape</i>. Little Things do great Executions. Little -Worms destroy floating Castles. <i>Tarantula</i>, a little Spider, poisons -a Giant. In <i>Barbadoes</i> is what they call the <i>Poison-Tree</i>, a -little Drop of its Sap flying into a Workman’s Eyes, makes him -blind; therefore Workmen cover them with Cypress.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f289'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r289'>289</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Oh! ubi non est si jugulatis aqua.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Mart.</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'><i>PLINY</i>, from <i>M. Varro</i> says, there was a Town in <i>Spain</i> -undermined by <i>Conies</i>, and another in <i>Thessaly</i> by <i>Mold-Warps</i>, -and another in <i>France</i>, from which they were driven out by -Frogs.... In some parts of <i>Africa</i>, People were constrained by -<i>Locusts</i> to leave their Habitations. Out of <i>Gyaros</i> (one of the -<i>Islands</i> of the <i>Cyclades</i> in the <i>Ægean Sea</i>, most of which are now -under the <i>Turks</i>) the Inhabitants were forced away by <i>Rats</i> and -<i>Mice</i>, little Things: And if it be true, that <i>Theophrastus</i> the -Philosopher reports, the <i>Treriens</i> were chased away by an Army -of little Worms, called <i>Scolopendra</i><a id='r290' /><a href='#f290' class='c019'><sup>[290]</sup></a>. All these mighty Conquests -were made by little contemptible Insects.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f290'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r290'>290</a>. </span><i>Pliny’s Natural History</i>, Part I. B. viii. Cap. 29.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>What says the <i>Laconian</i>, when wounded with a Dart? I -am not, quoth he, concerned at my Death, but at my Fall by a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>Wound from a little feeble Archer. For ’tis Satisfaction to the -Vanquish’d to die by the Hand of heroic Valour; hence that of -<i>Virgil</i>;</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Æneæ Magni dextra cadis....</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>’Tis by the Great Æneas’ Hand you fall.</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c034'>The reason was, because the <i>Lacedemonians</i> were wont to fight -with Swords, therefore it was not counted Bravery to kill Men -with a Dart, a thing that may be done by any Woman.</p> -<p class='c013'>So in the vegetable World, there are <i>Cedars</i> and <i>Shrubs</i>. In -Natural Philosophy, we read of <i>Atoms</i>, that are <i>Minima Naturæ</i>, -the ultimate Particles into which Matter is divisible, and are -conceived as the first Rudiments, or component Parts of all physical -Magnitude, or the pre-existent and incomprehensible Matter, -whereof particular Bodies were formed; there are Mountains -and Mole-Hills,</p> -<p class='c013'>So ... there was <i>Alexander</i> the <i>Great</i>, and there is <i>Alexander</i> -the <i>Little</i>, the ingenious and learned Mr. <i>Pope</i>; the one conquered -by the Sword, the other by his Pen, and has made all the -Regions of Fame tributary to him.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CXXIV. The <i>tame</i> and <i>tractable Serpent</i>, is of the <i>Indian</i> -Race, about an Inch long, when brought first from the Field -for domestick Education; and when at its full Growth, is not -much short of a Man’s Thigh. Its Habitation is in some little -Hutch erected on purpose, (<i>indulgentiæ gratia</i>) where it idles -away its time, till Hunger brings it out. Upon its Approach to -the Master of the House, it creeps up to his Shoulders, where -the Embraces of that terrible Creature (being made tame) are received -with Delight<a id='r291' /><a href='#f291' class='c019'><sup>[291]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f291'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r291'>291</a>. </span><i>Nierembergius</i>, cap. xl. p. 283.—Humeros heri amicè conscendunt, benevolè terrifici -animalis amplexus tolerantis.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CXXV. The <i>Tleoa</i>, or <i>Tetloa</i>, that is, a little fiery Serpent, and -very common in the new World, and described by the Historian -thus<a id='r292' /><a href='#f292' class='c019'><sup>[292]</sup></a>, <i>viz.</i> ’Tis about a Finger broad, and five or six Foot long, -and differenced from others by a Medley of Spots, compounded -of white, black, yellow, and dun Colours. The Head is like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>that of our Vipers, and the Tail, which seems to have a touch -of the Rattle, ends acutely.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f292'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r292'>292</a>. </span><i>Nierembergius</i>; from <i>Franciscus Hernandus</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Its Wounds are deadly, and burn like Fire; hence the Name -it bears: Though fiery in Nature, is slow and winding in Motion, -and may be avoided by the Traveller, if he has Eyes and -Ears. Its usual Residence is in Mountains, and the higher Mountains -are, the greater the Cold, (because they only receive direct, -and but little of the reflected Rays of the Sun) yet are the Habitations -of fiery Animals.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Learned observe, there are Mountains a Mile and an half -high, to the tops of which, no Vapour, and consequently no Clouds, -can ever reach: And hence it is that in very high Mountains, as -the <i>Pico de Theide</i> in <i>Bohemia</i>, though the middle part be always -inverted with Snow, and the bottom scorched with intolerable -Heat; yet on the top you will find yourself in a pure, thin, serene -Air, and view the Clouds hovering at a considerable distance -below you<a id='r293' /><a href='#f293' class='c019'><sup>[293]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f293'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r293'>293</a>. </span><i>Montibus Tepeztlanicis.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Hence it is that all Thunder is confined within less than a -Mile’s Height. The Air is coldest in the highest places, and -hottest in the lowest; but in the intermediate Atmosphere, where -we live, very unequal: but no Climates, however situated, are -privileged with Exemption from venemous Creatures, and where -they are less pestered with them, ’tis owing to the Cultivation of -the Land.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Wounds given by this Serpent are dangerous, and cured -by an Herb called <i>Ancola</i>, by <i>Jonstonus</i>, p. 26, 27. but <i>Anola</i>, -by <i>Nierembergius</i>, p. 277, 283.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CXXVI. The <i>Hydrus</i>, or <i>Natrix</i>, an acquatic Serpent: The -former word from ὑδορ <i>Water</i>, of which ’tis an Inhabitant; the -other word denotes its Skill in the Art of Natation; it goes under -various Denominations, as appears in <i>Jonstonus</i>; who, from -<i>Pliny</i> observes, that this Serpent is <i>superior to most in Beauty, and -inferior to none in Poison</i><a id='r294' /><a href='#f294' class='c019'><sup>[294]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f294'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r294'>294</a>. </span><i>Jonstoni Historia Nat.</i> p. 28.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>NICANDER</i>, who calls the terrestrial <i>Hydrus</i>, a foul coloured -Beast, vindicates the beautiful Character of the Marine; -who yet is not very nice in its Choice of Water, for muddy and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>clear is equally the same to this beautiful Slut<a id='r295' /><a href='#f295' class='c019'><sup>[295]</sup></a>. In its Nature -’tis very poisonous, says one; <i>Cardan</i> is in the Negative. The -truth is, there are several sorts of them, some of which are -harmless, and others hurtful, and their Wounds attended with -very terrible Effects, described by the poetick Physician<a id='r296' /><a href='#f296' class='c019'><sup>[296]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f295'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r295'>295</a>. </span>’Tis sometimes called <i>Lutra, ex Luto</i>; because it delights most in foul Water; -or the Word may signify, to wash and make clean.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f296'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r296'>296</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Pessima quas fecit plagas hæc signa sequantur;</div> - <div class='line'>Arida tota cutis circum putret horribilemque</div> - <div class='line'>Elevat aspectum, magni ignitique dolores</div> - <div class='line'>Tandem hominem interimunt.——</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Nicander.</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>In some parts of <i>Persia</i> they are very numerous, described by -white Heads and black Body, four Cubits long, and dangerous -to those who dabble in the Water by Night, as they often do in -that hot Country where these Animals feed upon Fish and Frogs<a id='r297' /><a href='#f297' class='c019'><sup>[297]</sup></a>; -and breed upon Land, according to <i>Aristotle</i><a id='r298' /><a href='#f298' class='c019'><sup>[298]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f297'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r297'>297</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Stagna colit, ripisque habitans his piscibus atram</div> - <div class='line'>Improbus Ingluviem ranisque loquacibus explet,</div> - <div class='line'>Exhausta palus—Exilit in siccum—</div> - <div class='line'><i>Virg. Georg.</i> lib. iii.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote c026' id='f298'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r298'>298</a>. </span><i>Jonstoni Hist. Nat.</i> p. 28, 29.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Its common Habitation is in the <i>Myclean Lake</i>, in <i>Corcina</i> -or <i>Corcyra</i>, now <i>Corfou</i>, (a little rich Island in the <i>Venetian</i> Dominion) -and also about <i>Taracina</i> (a City of the <i>Volscians</i> in <i>Campania</i>, -in <i>Italy</i>, not far from <i>Amyclæ</i>) where the People, not -daring to kill Serpents, were overthrown by them; to mention -no more. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c033'>CXXVII. The <i>Natrix-Torquata</i>, <i>Jonston</i> makes different from -the former, and describes it thus——Called <i>Torquata</i> from its beautiful -Neck, which looks as if incircled with a strong Collar of -Pearls.... On the hinder part of the Head is a little narrow -Space in the form of two Scales, where the Spots on both sides -end acutely in a triangular form. The <i>Scholiast</i> upon <i>Nicander</i>, -compliments those <i>pretty Spots</i> with the Title of <i>little Crowns</i><a id='r299' /><a href='#f299' class='c019'><sup>[299]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f299'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r299'>299</a>. </span><i>Ibid.</i> p. 29.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It goes under various Appellations. The <i>Greeks</i> called it -Guardian of their Houses<a id='r300' /><a href='#f300' class='c019'><sup>[300]</sup></a>, it being of the innocent sort. Some -of the <i>Italians</i> call it <i>Carbonarium</i>, a Collier, because its Colour -inclined to Coal-black, or Iron. Mr. <i>Ray</i> calls it, the <i>common -Snake</i>. It is larger than a Viper, and more gross in Body; brings -forth its Young by Eggs, hatch’d by foreign Heat; feeds on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>Mice; sucks Cows, upon which follows Blood. The Reader is -referred to a former.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f300'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r300'>300</a>. </span>Οφεις οικουροι.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div id='pl-6' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i142.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic004'> -<p><i>Plate 6<sup>th</sup>.</i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CXXVIII. The <i>Marine-Dragon</i>, as <i>Pliny</i> calls it, or the <i>true -Marine-Serpent</i>, in the Dialect of <i>Jonstonus</i>, who, in his Description -of Fishes, gives a particular account of it. We have already -accounted for monstrous Serpents in the <i>Indies</i>, where some have -Teeth in the form of a Saw, with which they do more hurt than -with their Poison, says the <i>Greek</i> Historian<a id='r301' /><a href='#f301' class='c019'><sup>[301]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f301'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r301'>301</a>. </span><i>Æliani Hist.</i> lib. xvi. cap. 3.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Africa</i>, are some large and strong enough to contend with -Oxen by Land, and to overturn a three-oar’d Galley by Water; -which agrees in Character with those of <i>Norway</i> already described: -There we found some of 200 Foot long, winding themselves about -Ships, according to <i>Olaus Magnus</i>, Archbishop of <i>Upsal</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In several of the <i>Persian Islands</i> are some of twenty Cubits -long, and very terrifying to Sailors. Such also are seen in the -Promontory of <i>Carmania</i>, the Residence of the <i>Ichthyophagi</i>, a -People that feed wholly upon Fish; a fine Country for such who -are inclin’d to keep a <i>perpetual Lent</i>. Tho’ these Monsters are -born in the Deep, yet are they found in fresh Waters, and sometime -sporting upon Land, where they sleep<a id='r302' /><a href='#f302' class='c019'><sup>[302]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f302'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r302'>302</a>. </span><i>Jonston. de Piscib.</i> p. 9. Articulus v.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The same Author tells us, of a <i>terrible Battle</i> that happen’d -in <i>Turkey</i>, in the time of <i>Bajazet</i>, between the <i>land</i> and <i>marine -Serpents</i>, that continued from Morning to Night, when after a -great Destruction on both sides, the <i>Marines</i> fled. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c033'>CXXIX. The <i>Rubetarian-Serpent</i> is a very noisy Animal, who -for its croaking Noise is resembled to a land Toad. It also engages -the Attention of the Eye, for it excels in Beauty: It’s known among -Country People by these two Characteristicks, <i>viz.</i> <i>Loud</i> and -<i>Pretty</i>. Here we see, what is an Offence to the Ear may be a -pleasing Entertainment to the Eye; thus the Five Senses agree to -differ in their several Perceptions, and to meet in several distinct -Apartments of the capital Temple, in the pacifick Empire. But -to return to the <i>beautiful Padalica</i> of the <i>Polonians</i>:</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is said of this Serpent, that when it wounds any in the -Foot, the Remedy is to put the wounded part into the next Earth, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>that is inclined to the moist, for twenty-four hours. This seems -to differ from the <i>American Rubeta</i>.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CXXX. The <i>Serpent de Boa</i> is another of the monstrous -kind; called <i>Boa</i> from <i>Bos</i>, the <i>Latin</i> word for an Ox, which -it devours at once: The young ones, which grow to a great Bulk, -are nourished by sucking the Cow.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Emperor <i>Claudius</i>’s time, in one of them that was -killed, they found a Child that was whole. In <i>Calabria</i> are some -monstrous Animals, not unlike these, says the Historian; who -adds, that not many Years ago a certain Bishop speaks of a large -mischievous Serpent, that was shot near <i>St. Archangel</i>, whose -Jaws were almost two Palms long, the Portraiture of which is -yet seen in a certain Temple there<a id='r303' /><a href='#f303' class='c019'><sup>[303]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f303'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r303'>303</a>. </span>M. Antonius Cuccinus Episcopus Anglonensis ad Thomasium—in Agro S. -Archangeli. <i>In Jonstonus; in Verb.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CXXXI. I Am informed by some Persons, who had it by Tradition -from ancient People, that formerly there was in this Country a -monstrous Serpent of four or five Yards long, and thicker than a -common Axle-tree of a Cart, and very mischievous, preying upon -Lambs, <i>&c.</i> Its chief Residence was in a Wood, near <i>Pickopbank</i>, -a few Miles from <i>Blackburn</i>, in <i>Lancashire</i>, called <i>Ouse-Castle</i>, -wherein there is yet a little Spot of Ground, called <i>Griom’s-Ark</i>, -which is a deep Cavern, situated among Rocks, in a Wood, -from whence it was seen to come out, and bask itself on a sunny -Bank.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Picture of this Serpent is drawn with Wings, two Legs, -and Talons like an Eagle, which is seen in some ancient Houses, -(and particularly at <i>Clayton-hall</i>, near <i>Dunkin-hall</i>) by which it -appears to be very large and furious.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It’s said, one —— <i>Grimshaw</i> Esq; Proprietor of that Hall, -shot the Monster with Arrows, and had an Estate offer’d him for -that good Service done to his Country, which he generously refused, -and only desired he might have a Passage thro’ that Wood -to a Township he had on t’other side of it, which was granted, -the Title of which is to be found in old Writings. By another -hand I am informed, that it was supposed to be a <i>Griffin</i>, which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>is a Bird of Prey, and of the Eagle kind, which, I take to be -the <i>Ossifrage</i> of <i>Moses</i>, and mentioned <i>Levit.</i> xi.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There is also a fabulous <i>Griffin</i>, represented with four Legs, -Wings, and a Beak; the upper part like an Eagle, and the lower -a Lion. They conjecture it to watch over golden Mines and -hidden Treasures. This Bird was consecrated to the Sun, therefore -the Chariot of the Sun was represented as drawn by a Set of -<i>Griffins</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This <i>poetick Griffin</i> is frequently seen in antient Medals, and -is still bore in Coat-Armor. The antient and honourable Family -of the <i>Guillims</i> blazons it rampant, alledging any very fierce -Animal may be so blazon’d as well as a Lion. It is observable, -says my Author, that in the Front of <i>Clayton-hall</i> are two Figures -drawn in Plaister in the form of a Coat of Arms; on the right -side of the Escutcheon is a Figure with Wings, four Feet, and a -Tail twisted in the Form of a Serpent. The like Figure is drawn -in Plaister in several antient Houses in that Neighbourhood, which -go under the Name of the <i>Griffin’s Picture</i>, and the Sign is used -at Publick-houses: There is a Place in that Wood called the -<i>Griffin’s-Ark</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>N. B.</i> This seems to carry some Probability with it, since -Eagles are voracious Creatures, and very destructive to Fawns and -Lambs, especially the black Eagle, which is of a lesser Size than -the other.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In some of the <i>Scots Islands</i>, the Natives observe, that this -Eagle fixes its Talons between the Deer’s Horns, and beats its -Wings constantly about its Eyes; several other Eagles flying at -the same time on both sides, which puts the Deer upon a continual -Run, till it fall into a Pit, or down a Precipice, where it dies, -and so becomes a Prey to the Enemy<a id='r304' /><a href='#f304' class='c019'><sup>[304]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f304'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r304'>304</a>. </span><i>Martin’s Description of the Western Islands of Scotland</i>, Edit. ii. p. 7.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>CXXXII. In some of the Western Islands of <i>Scotland</i> are several -Serpents: There is one that is <i>yellow</i> with brown Spots, and -another with <i>brown</i> Spots; but that which is the most poisonous, -is the <i>black and white spotted</i>, three or four Foot long.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Remedies are such as these: The Natives cut off the -Head of the Serpent that gives the Wound, and apply it to the -Place as the best Remedy: Others, by the Application of new -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>Cheese, extract the Poison; and some make use of the Rump of -a Cock stript of its Feathers, which they apply to the Wound -with Success, according to the Historian<a id='r305' /><a href='#f305' class='c019'><sup>[305]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f305'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r305'>305</a>. </span><i>Martin</i>’s <i>Description of the Isle of Skie</i>, <i>&c.</i> p. 236.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In the Library at <i>Manchester</i>, is the Skin of a Serpent which -was five Yards long, as thick as the Calf of a Man’s Leg; has a -forked Tongue, scaly Skin, yellow Colour.</p> - -<p class='c033'>CXXXIII. <i>MARTINIUS</i> in his <i>Atlas</i> relates, that in the -Province of <i>Quangsi</i> in <i>China</i>, there are Serpents thirty Foot -long. The <i>Flora Sinensis</i> reports of the Serpent call’d <i>Geuto</i>, that -it devours whole Stags, but is not very venemous. ’Tis of an ash -Colour, from eighteen to twenty-four Foot long; will often seize -on a Man, by leaping from a Tree, and kill him, by its violent -windings about him.—The <i>Chinese</i> preserve his <i>Gall</i> to cure the -Diseases of the Eyes.—<i>Marcus Paulus Venetus</i> testifies the same -of the Serpents of <i>Carrajam</i>.—Some are in length ten Paces, in -thickness ten Palms, and able to swallow a Man. Are taken thus: -The Serpent in the Day lies in Caves of Mountains; in the Night -hunts for Prey, and then returns to its Cave, with the weight of -its Body, plowing deep the Earth, being sandy in the Track it -goes along: Here the Huntsmen fix strong Stakes pointed with -Iron, covered with Sand; and as the Serpent travels along, the -Spikes gore its Entrails, and are fasten’d therein, by which ’tis -kill’d; and the Huntsmen sell the <i>Gall</i> at a great Price for Medicine, -and the <i>Flesh</i> for Meat. These, continues he, may be -reckon’d among <i>Dragons</i>, but are without Poison: Instead of -Feet, they have Claws like those of a <i>Lion</i> or <i>Falcon</i>.—There are -other Serpents in <i>China</i> full of rank Poison, especially the <i>hairy-headed -Serpent</i>. So far <i>Martin</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>N. B.</i> This Province of <i>Quamsi</i> or <i>Quangsi</i> is able to raise a -Million of fighting Men. It is not so much frequented as the -Province of <i>Quantung</i> or <i>Canton</i>, where they have two Harvests a -year. One says, there is a Mountain here with a Pool in it, -which makes a Noise like Thunder, if a Stone be cast into it, -and causes Showers from the Sky<a id='r306' /><a href='#f306' class='c019'><sup>[306]</sup></a>. Their Winter is warm, and -their Fields always verdant, producing great Quantities of Gold, -Pearl, Silk, Copper, Steel, Iron, Salt,—and odoriferous Woods.—They -hatch their Ducks Eggs and those of other Fowls in Ovens, or Dunghills.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f306'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r306'>306</a>. </span><i>Pancirollus.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'><span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>CXXXIV. There is a kind of <i>Reptiles and Insects</i> (I don’t mean the -common Tortoise) which is a certain sort of Snake, small in Body -and of white Colour, found in <i>Lydia</i>, <i>Arabia</i>,—cased over with a -white colour’d Shell, which shines like a sparkling Margarite<a id='r307' /><a href='#f307' class='c019'><sup>[307]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f307'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r307'>307</a>. </span><i>Pancirollus.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>I shall close this Part with an Experiment made by the -noble <i>Roman</i> before-mentioned, who (being sollicitous to take a -compleat View of a Serpent) after he had dissected one, preserved -the Flesh and Bones, and having, <i>secundum artem</i>, reduced them -to Ashes,—extracted <i>Aqua Fontana</i>,—whose Virtues were equal -to those drawn from the Ashes of other Animals, and of Plants.</p> - -<p class='c013'>To this venemous Tribe, I shall annex a few Reptiles, in -whose Veins I find something of the Serpent’s Blood; and close -the variegated List with a large Account of the <i>Tarantula</i>, its -Wound, and Cure by Musick; then inquire into the Reasons of -that strange Operation; the Nature and Force of Sounds, not -only on the Animal Passions, but Inanimate Matter. I shall begin -with,</p> -<p class='c033'>I. The <i>Bee</i>, called the Honey-Fly, a little Animal that has -four Feet, which it carries close to the Belly, and not easily -separated: It has four Wings, small Teeth, and a long Tongue, -which usually it carries out of the Mouth. Its Sting cleaves to the -Belly, which, when it strikes, it parts with, and becomes uncapable -of wounding a second time; which, I think can’t be said -of any other Member of the stinging Race, unless it be the Wasp -and Hornet.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Sting, in the Design of it, seems to be only a Weapon -of Defence; it looks like a Tube or Pipe, hollow, with a little -Bag of sharp penetrating Liquid (which is its Poison) joined to -the Extremity of it within the Body, which, in stinging, is injected -into the Wound thro’ the Tube; and tho’ venemous and -painful, is not strong enough to corrupt the Mass of Blood.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>One may, with the naked Eye, sometimes see this little Insect -discharge its Venom, in which, says the ingenious Dr. <i>Mead</i>, -by the help of a Glass, I can easily discover <i>a great Number of -minute Salts floating</i>. In <i>Brazil</i>, <i>Bees</i> are distinguish’d into twelve -kinds, among which are some that sting in a most furious and -fatal manner, called <i>Mateecas</i> by the <i>Indians</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Ceylon</i> in the <i>East-Indies</i>, are several Bees, the largest are of -a brighter Colour than ours; they make their Combs on the Boughs -of Trees: At proper Seasons, the Inhabitants hold Torches under -them, till they drop down, which they carefully gather, boil and -eat, and are accounted excellent Food. In <i>Quatemala</i> are Bees and -Honey of a white Colour, and some without a Sting, says the -Historian<a id='r308' /><a href='#f308' class='c019'><sup>[308]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f308'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r308'>308</a>. </span><i>Nierembergius</i>, p. 286.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>II. To the <i>Bee</i>, I add the <i>Wasp</i>, which, as it is something -larger, makes a deeper Wound; it differs also from it in its Food, -which is Flesh and Carrion, when it can be got; whereas the Bee -regales itself with delicious Entertainments, and enriches its Family -with all the Glories of the vegetable Kingdom. From whence -is the Honey? I answer, That in Flowers is found a viscid sweet -Juice, and accordingly we see Children gather Cowslips, Honeysuckles, -and suck the Honey from them. The Bees visit all -Flowers within their Reach, and putting it in their Trunks, suck -out the Honey, with which they load their Stomachs, to be discharg’d, -and laid up in their Combs. Among the Antients, Honey -was taken for a Dew that fell on Flowers; but this is a mistake, -because the Bees only gather it after the Sun is up, when -there is no Dew left, or very little.</p> -<p class='c033'>III. The <i>Hornet</i> is yet more dangerous, and has been known -to pursue a Sparrow, and kill it, and then suck its Blood. The -Hornet and Wasp have strong Jaws tooth’d, by which they can -dig into Fruits, for Sustenance; yea, and into harder Substances, -for Quarters.</p> - -<p class='c013'>If you take a Bee, a Wasp, or Hornet, and gently squeeze -the Tail, so that you can see the Sting, you may perceive a Drop -of transparent Liquor at the very end of it; which if wiped off, -you shall soon see it renew’d, that Liquid passing down the Cavity -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>into the end thereof: ’Tis said the Decoction of Hornets -dropt on the Skin, makes it swell.</p> - -<p class='c033'>IV. I proceed to the <i>Spider</i>, another little venemous Insect, -whose forked Tongue or Sting, is very fine and sharp; by this he -pierces Flies—and at the same time, instils a poisonous Juice into -the Wound, by which the Prey being kill’d, it sucks out the -Moisture, and leaves nothing but a husky dry Carcass: Tradition -says, it poisons by spitting, or breathing, because it dare not approach -so near to a large Fly as to a little one; but keeps at some -distance, and uses a kind of shoving Motion, upon which the -Fly has done struggling.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There are various sorts of these little strange Creatures, -whose Stings are hurtful, as the <i>Astorius</i>, (so called from its resemblance -to a Star) whose Wound produces Heaviness, and Relaxation -of the Nerves. The <i>Cæruleus</i>, or blue Spider, whose -Sting is attended with Vomiting and Pain at the Heart. The -<i>Lycos</i>, the least of the kind, that causes an <i>Asthma</i>, and Swelling -about the wounded Part. In the <i>Philosophical Transactions</i>, we -have a Table of thirty-three kinds of Spiders found in <i>England</i>, -by Dr. <i>Lister</i><a id='r309' /><a href='#f309' class='c019'><sup>[309]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f309'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r309'>309</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp</i>, vol. ii. p. 793.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>There is something very curious and admirable in those long -Threads they make in the Air, during some part of Summer, especially -towards <i>September</i>, so much wonder’d at, in such Quantities -every where. The Method of Operation, I take to be as follows, -<i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>All Spiders that spin in a Thread, are the Makers of those -Threads, most visible in the Autumn. In all the ways of weaving, -they still let down the Thread they make use of, and draw -it after them. Attending on one that wrought a Net, I saw it, -says a very nice Observer, suddenly in the Mid-work desist, and -turning his Tail into the Wind, to dart out a Thread, with the -Violence we see Water spout out of a Spring: This Thread taken -up by the Wind, was in a Moment emitted some Fathoms long, -still issuing out of his Belly; by and by the Spider leapt into the -Air, and the Thread mounted her up swiftly.—And I found the -Air fill’d with young and old, sailing on their Threads, and undoubtedly, -says the Relator, seizing Gnats and other Insects in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>their Passage; there being often manifest Signs of Slaughter, as -Legs, and Wings of Flies ... on these Lines, as in their Webs -below<a id='r310' /><a href='#f310' class='c019'><sup>[310]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f310'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r310'>310</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp</i>, vol. ii. p. 794.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Spiders have been observed to get to the Top of a Branch -or such like thing, where they exercise this darting of Threads -into the Air. After the first Flight, all the time of their sailing -on those Threads, they make Locks, still darting forth fresh Supplies -of Thread to sport and sail by. <i>N. B.</i> Those called Shepherds, -or long-legg’d Spiders, are no Spinners.</p> - -<p class='c013'>I have seen Spiders, says the Learned Dr. <i>Hulse</i><a id='r311' /><a href='#f311' class='c019'><sup>[311]</sup></a>, shoot their -Webs three Yards long before they begin to sail upon them. So -the Learned <i>Derham</i> observes, that with pleasure he had often -seen Spiders dart out their Webs, and sail away by the Help -thereof.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f311'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r311'>311</a>. </span>Ibid. vol. i. p. 363.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>AMERICA</i> turns out diverse kinds of these araneous Insects: -In <i>Peru</i> are Spiders as large as a Man’s Hand, and have -Eyes as big as those of Sparrows. In <i>Brasil</i> there is one kind of -Spider, whose Skin is rough and black, and whose Sting proves -incurable, without immediate Relief. On the other hand, we -read of monstrous Spiders in the <i>Antilles</i>, whose Eyes are so small -and deep in the Head, that they are scarcely visible: They feed -on flying Insects, and their Webs are strong enough to catch small -Birds<a id='r312' /><a href='#f312' class='c019'><sup>[312]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f312'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r312'>312</a>. </span><i>Atl. Geog. Amer.</i> p. 179, 265, 519.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>CEYLON</i> in the <i>East-Indies</i> produces a long, glittering, and -hairy Spider, called <i>Democulo</i>, whose Wound is not mortal, but -sometimes deprives People of their Senses. There is an Experiment -made by Mr. <i>Leeuwenhoek</i>, who put a Frog and Spider together -into a Glass, and having made the Spider sting the Frog -diverse times, the Frog died in about an hour’s time<a id='r313' /><a href='#f313' class='c019'><sup>[313]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f313'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r313'>313</a>. </span><i>Scaliger Exercit.</i> in <i>Boyle</i>’s <i>Subtil. Efflu. Philos. Transactions</i>. Where there is a -curious Account how Spiders lay and guard their Eggs. <i>Derham.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>There is another Instance of the Poison of some of them -(for all are not poisonous) given by the Learned <i>Scaliger</i>, who -relates, that in <i>Gascony</i> in <i>France</i>, there are Spiders of that Virulency, -that if a Man treads upon them to crush them, their Poison -will pass thro’ the very Soles of his Shoe<a id='r314' /><a href='#f314' class='c019'><sup>[314]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f314'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r314'>314</a>. </span><i>Scaliger Exercit.</i> in <i>Boyle</i>’s <i>Subtil. Efflu. Philos. Transactions</i>. Where there is a -curious Account how Spiders lay and guard their Eggs. <i>Derham.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>V. The <i>Scolopendra</i> is a little venemous Worm, and amphibious. -When it wounds any, there follows a Blueness about the -affected Part, and an Itch over all the Body, like that caused by -Nettles. Its Weapons of Mischief are much the same with those -of the Spider, only larger; its Bite is very tormenting, and produces -not only pruriginous Pain in the Flesh, but very often -Distraction of Mind. These little Creatures make but a mean -Figure in the Rank of Animals, yet have been terrible in their -Exploits, particularly in driving People out of their Country: -Thus the Inhabitants of <i>Rhytium</i>, a City of <i>Crete</i>, were constrained -to leave their Quarters for them<a id='r315' /><a href='#f315' class='c019'><sup>[315]</sup></a>. There is a minute <i>Scolopendra</i>, -accounted for by Dr. <i>Molyneux</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f315'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r315'>315</a>. </span><i>Ælian</i>, lib. xv. cap. 26.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>VI. The <i>Shrew-Serpent</i> in <i>Norway</i>, is a Creature of admirable -Beauty; small in Body, and slow in Motion, but of fiery Venom, -and its Wounds most dangerous.</p> -<p class='c033'>VII. The <i>Lacertus Facetanus</i>, or <i>Tarantula</i>, whose Bite gives -Name to a new Disease. Those who are wounded by it are denominated -<i>Tarantati</i>: It is a kind of an overgrown Spider, about -the Size of a common Acorn.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It borrows its Name from <i>Tarentum</i> in <i>Apulia</i>, a City in the -Kingdom of <i>Naples</i>, built by a Band of <i>Lacedemonian Bastards</i>, -who having no Inheritance at home, were sent thither to seek their -Fortunes, where they built that Town, and made it the Capital -of <i>Magna Græcia</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This little Animal is furnish’d with eight Eyes, and eight -Legs: Its Skin is tender and soft, of various Colours, and always -hairy: ’Tis of the oviparous kind, and propagates its Species by -Eggs, and sometimes a hundred Eggs have been found in one -Female.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Opinion of some, ’tis not only an Inhabitant of <i>Apulia</i>, -but peculiar to that Province, a Situation that may be called, <i>A -Garden of Rarities</i>; Plenty of generous Wine, delicate Honey -and Oil, an early Spring, a soft Winter—render it a most delightful -Habitation, especially to old Persons, according to the Poet<a id='r316' /><a href='#f316' class='c019'><sup>[316]</sup></a>; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>and yet in that most agreeable Region, this little Tyrant reigns -and spreads Terror.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f316'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r316'>316</a>. </span>—Ille terrarum mihi præter omnes—(<i>Horat.</i> lib. ii. ode 6.) Angulus.—</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It’s found in other Parts of <i>Italy</i>, and even in the Isle of <i>Corsica</i>; -but those of <i>Apulia</i>, ’tis said, are only dangerous; though I -think to have read something like it in <i>Persia</i>, where there is an -Insect like a Spider, about two Inches round, which the <i>Holstein</i> -Ambassadors suppose to be the <i>Latin Stellio</i>, and the <i>Italian Tarantula</i>: -It lets its Poison fall like a Drop of Water, which causes -an insupportable Pain in that Part ... immediately causes a profound -Sleep, from which the Patient is not to be recovered, but -by crushing one of the same Creatures upon the Wound; or, if -this can’t be had, by pouring as much Milk down his Throat as -they can, and then put him on an Engine, which they turn -round with great Violence, till by that violent Agitation, his Stomach -discharges the Milk, which appears greenish, because of -the Poison. Those who are cured thus, have some Remnant of -the Pain once a Year, about the same Season<a id='r317' /><a href='#f317' class='c019'><sup>[317]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f317'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r317'>317</a>. </span><i>Voyages and Travels</i> of the Ambass. of <i>Freder.</i> Duke of <i>Holstein</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>But to return to <i>Italy</i>; ’tis observable, that it hurts no where -but in <i>Apulia</i>, and that only in Summer, especially in the <i>Canicular-Days</i>, -so called from <i>Canicula</i>, that signifies a Dog; hence -<i>Dog-Star</i>, which rises cosmically with the Sun the 19th of <i>July</i>, -and is supposed to be the brightest, as well as the largest Star in -the Firmament.</p> - -<div id='pl-7' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i152.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic004'> -<p><i>Plate 7<sup>th</sup></i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Dog-Days</i> denote certain Days before and after the Rising -of this Star, to whose Appearance the Antients ascrib’d terrible -Effects: the very first Day it appears, they say (but without Reason) -the Sea becomes boisterous and boils like a Cauldron, produces -Variety of Distempers, sours Wine, and Dogs grow mad.... -The <i>Romans</i>, dreading the Indignation of this Star, sacrificed -a Dog every Year to it, (<i>viz.</i> at its first Appearance in our -Hemisphere) to appease its Rage against Mortals.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In Winter, this <i>Italian</i> Spider lurks in Caverns, and solitary -Places; and if it happens to bite, hurts not: There it lives in a -drowsy Posture, and keeps <i>Lent</i> till Summer; when the whole -Tribe creeps out, and disperse themselves over that pleasant Land; -and Wo to the Body asleep, and bare Legs, in Corn-Fields.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Those on the Plains are much to be feared, the Air being -hotter there than on the Mountains, where their Bite is not dangerous, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>the Solar Rays not being so strong in those Heights: and -what is yet more surprizing, is, that if they wound any out of -<i>Apulia</i>, though in places not remote from it, the Wounded receive -no deadly Hurt<a id='r318' /><a href='#f318' class='c019'><sup>[318]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f318'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r318'>318</a>. </span><i>Baglivii de Anatome, Morsu & Effect. Tarantulæ Dissertatio</i> i. p. 27. & cap. v. -p. 20.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>When it bites, the Pain resembles that given by the Sting of -a <i>Bee</i>, and is attended with various Symptoms, according to their -different Natures: The <i>Northern Tarantula</i> is the most terrible; -those that are inclin’d to the <i>white Colour</i> are not so dangerous; -the spotted differs from both.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Wound given by any of them is dangerous, and has different -Indications. In some that are bitten, an universal Stupor -follows; others weep: Some tremble and vomit; others laugh, -fancying themselves to be Kings. This perhaps made Dr. <i>Cornelio</i> -represent this as an imaginary Disease; that those who imagine -themselves hurt, are most of our young wanton Girls, who, falling -from some particular Indisposition into Melancholy and Madness, -persuade themselves that they have been stung by a <i>Tarantula</i><a id='r319' /><a href='#f319' class='c019'><sup>[319]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f319'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r319'>319</a>. </span><i>Philos. Transact.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Some grow pale, sick and faint, and die in a short time, unless -relieved by Musick, which alone, without the Help of Medicine, -performs the Cure.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Wounded are as Men half dead, but at the first Sound -of a musical Instrument, though they are very weak, and seemingly -unable to stir, they begin by degrees to move their Hands -and Feet, till at last they get up, and then fall to dancing with -wonderful Vigour, for two or three Hours, their Strength and -Activity still encreasing. Some will continue the Dance, without -Intermission for six Hours; and when tired they are put to Bed, -and after they are sufficiently recruited by Rest, they are called -up again by the same Tune, and renew the Dance with great -Violence, the Musick still playing; and when the Patients grow -weary, they are put into Bed again, and kept warm to encourage -Perspiration. These Exercises being continued six or seven Days, -the Patient finds himself fatigued and unable to dance any longer, -which is the Characteristic of a Cure.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They usually spend ten or twelve Hours a-day in this violent -Exercise, and continue it for three or four, or six Days; by which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>time they are generally freed from all their Symptoms, tho’ not -always, says the learned <i>Baglivi</i>, who observes, that about the -same time next Year, the Distemper returns, and will prove fatal, -if not prevented by the same musical Application.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Apulia</i> is a <i>Scorpion</i>, whose Wounds are accompanied with -the same Effects as those produced by the <i>Tarantula</i>, and are only -curable by <i>Musick</i> and <i>Motion</i>. These <i>Apulian Scorpions</i>, are less -violent than those of <i>Africa</i>, but more virulent than those in -other Parts of <i>Italy</i>. I shall only offer two Remarks here.</p> - -<p class='c013'>1. <i>THAT different Patients must be entertain’d with different -Tunes, according to the different Symptoms of the Disease</i>; in which the -great Art of curing them seems to consist. <i>e. g.</i> Some are roused -by a Pipe, others by a Timbrel: Some are roused by a Violin, -others by the Harp; and all must be entertain’d with different -Airs. The Musicians therefore make Trial before they can accommodate -the <i>Sound to the Venom</i>; which requires the most brisk -and lively Tunes, to produce a powerful Vibration in the Body; -and till this be done, the miserable Patients stand still, sighing -and sobbing. The Vibrations must be quick and frequent.</p> - -<p class='c013'>2. <i>DURING the Time of Cure, the wounded People throw themselves -into a Variety of strange Forms</i>, and behave like Drunkards -and Madmen ... talking foolishly ... diverting themselves with -naked Swords, red Cloth, <i>&c.</i> but the Sight of any Object that -appears black is terrible to them. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>To this Account of the <i>Tarantula</i>, I have (by way of Illustration) -added the Remarks of another learned Foreigner, who says.... -The venemous Bite of the <i>Tarantula</i> is quickly follow’d with -a very acute Pain, and soon after, with Numbness, profound -Sadness, difficult Respiration: The Pulse grows weak, the Sight -disturbed; Persons lose their Knowledge, Sense, and Motion; -and if destitute of Help, they die.... The most effectual and -certain <i>Remedy</i> is <i>Musick</i>: When the Person becomes destitute of -Knowledge and Motion, a <i>Musician</i> tries a Variety of Airs: -Shou’d he hit on that whose Harmony is suited to the Patient, -he begins to move by successive Degrees, and keeps Time with -his Fingers, Arms, Legs, <i>&c.</i> he raises himself, and dances about -six Hours without Intermission....</p> - -<p class='c013'>When the Musick ceases, the sick Person gives over dancing, -and is put to Bed: The same Air brings him out of Bed for a new -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>Dance, an Exercise that lasts six or seven Days.——<i>N. B.</i> Every -sick Person must have his particular and specific Tune, and always -one that is very sprightly and moving.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Poison of the <i>Tarantula</i>, adds he, thickens the Blood, -and stops several of its Passages; thence the Numbness: The -Blood being thick, furnishes but a small Quantity of animal Spirits, -their Canals are shrunk up in the Brain: The Nerves being -destitute of Spirits, relax; thence proceed the Inactivity, and Defect -of Knowledge and Motion: But the Vibrations of the quick -Airs which are play’d, agitate the Blood and the rest of the animal -Spirits, which are soon increased by the Agitation of the -Blood: Being agitated and multiply’d, they run into the Fibres -and Nerves, which being put into <i>Unison</i> with the sonorous Strings, -receive their Vibrations, and are shorten’d or extended successively; -whence proceeds the successive Motion of the Fingers, Arms, -Legs, <i>&c.</i><a id='r320' /><a href='#f320' class='c019'><sup>[320]</sup></a></p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f320'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r320'>320</a>. </span><i>Father Regnault. Phil. Conv. or New System of -Physic</i>, vol. ii. <i>Conversation</i> xiv. p. 268, -9.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The action of Dancing augments the Agitation of the Blood, -and makes the Patient sweat. The Poison being agitated and attenuated, -is exhaled by Transpiration; in proportion as the Poison -is exhaled, the sick Person perceives himself eased; this Ease -continually inclines him to dance: When all the Poison is dissipated -by Agitation and Sweat, the Blood recovers its Fluidity -and usual Course.</p> - -<p class='c013'>I Shall conclude this historical Account, with a Passage -taken out of a <i>formed History of the Tarantula</i><a id='r321' /><a href='#f321' class='c019'><sup>[321]</sup></a>, writ by a learned -Author, who having described the Disease, proceeds to the manner -of Cure, <i>viz.</i> The salivous Poison of that Spider seizes principally -on the Nerves and Muscles––the manner of Cure thus––</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f321'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r321'>321</a>. </span>Printed at <i>Leyden</i>, in 12<i>mo.</i> <i>A. D.</i> 1668.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Air moved by the musical Motion of Instruments, moves -the next, and so onwards (as we see in the circular increasing -Motion of the Water, when a Stone is cast into it) till the like -be produced in the Spirits of the Body, to which the Air is impelled.––Now, -adds he, the Commotion of the Passions depends -upon the Spirits, and the viscous Humour of the <i>Tarantula</i> is a -very capable Subject of Sound: Hence the next Air being moved -by a musical Tone suitable to the Patient, the lurking Poison, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>Spirits of a Man are put into a Commotion; by which Agitation, -the Nerves being vellicated, the Spirits vehemently stirred, and -Muscles moved, the Dancing, or something like it, must of necessity -ensue, by which the Cure is performed: For, by vehement -Motion the Blood is heated, the Pores are opened, and the -Poison rarified; which can’t be done by common Sudorificks, -because the Medicines can’t reach, or at least can’t stir those little -Particles where the Poison lies, as Motion by Dancing does.</p> - -<p class='c013'>I shall add here some <i>Reflections on the Power of Musick, -and give Instances of it in the human Mind, in animal, and inanimate -Bodies</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>MUSICK</i> appears to be one of the most antient of Arts, and -of all other, vocal Musick must have been the first kind, and borrowed -from the various natural Strains of Birds<a id='r322' /><a href='#f322' class='c019'><sup>[322]</sup></a>; as stringed Instruments -were from Winds whistling in hollow Reeds, and pulsatile -Instruments (as Drums and Cymbals) from the hollow Noise -of concave Bodies. This is the Conjecture.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f322'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r322'>322</a>. </span></p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>At liquidas avium voces imitarier ore,</div> - <div class='line'>Ante fuit multo quam carmina cantu</div> - <div class='line'>Concelebrare homines possent aureisque juvare.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Lucretius.</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>Musick has ever been in the highest Esteem in all Ages, and -among all People. Nor could Authors express their Opinions of -it strongly enough, but by inculcating, that it was in Heaven, -and was one of the principal Entertainments of the Blessed. -The Effects ascribed to Musick by the Antients, almost amount -to Miracles; by means thereof Diseases are said to have -been cured, Unchastity corrected, Seditions quelled, Passions raised -and calmed, and even Madness occasioned.——</p> - -<p class='c013'>Musick has been used as a Sermon of Morality.... <i>Athenæus</i> -tells us, that the Lives and Actions of illustrious Men were -written in Verse, and publickly sung by a <i>Chorus</i>, to the Sound -of Instruments, which was found to be the most effectual means -to impress Morality, and a right Sense of Duty on the human -Mind<a id='r323' /><a href='#f323' class='c019'><sup>[323]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f323'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r323'>323</a>. </span><i>Chambers</i>’s <i>Cyclopædia</i>, vol. ii.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Thus the <i>Pythagoreans</i> made use of Musick to cultivate the -Mind, and settle in it a passionate Love of Virtue. <i>Pythagoras</i> -instituted a most profitable Correction of Manners by Musick, -which, he says, conduces very much to Health; and he made use -of it, not only against Diseases of the Mind, but those of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>Body. It was the common Custom of the <i>Pythagoreans</i> to soften -their Minds with Musick before they went to sleep; and also in -the Morning, to excite themselves to the Business of the Day<a id='r324' /><a href='#f324' class='c019'><sup>[324]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f324'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r324'>324</a>. </span><i>Plutarch de Osir. & Is.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This Cure of Distempers by Musick sounds odd, but was a -celebrated Medicine among the Antients. We have already considered, -how those wounded by the <i>Tarantula</i> were healed by -Musick; the Evidence of which is too strong to be overturned: -That which now lies before me, is, to prove this to be the Practice -of Antiquity, which will appear by the following Instances.</p> - -<p class='c013'>I shall begin with <i>Democritus</i> (a Philosopher of the first -Rank, and a most diligent Inquirer into the Mysteries of Nature) -who taught in his Works, that <i>Musick of Pipes</i> was a Medicine -for most Distempers.... <i>Thales</i> of <i>Crete</i>, being sent for by the -<i>Lacedemonians</i> to remove the Plague, came, and by the Help of -Musick he did so; and he is said to do it by the Command of -<i>Apollo</i>, as appears from the Great <i>Chæronean Moralist</i><a id='r325' /><a href='#f325' class='c019'><sup>[325]</sup></a>. If any -Credit be given to <i>Terpander</i>, it appears he supprest an Insurrection -in their Town by the Use of Musick. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f325'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r325'>325</a>. </span><i>Plutarch</i>’s <i>Morals on Musick</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>We read of a young Man among others of <i>Tautomenium</i>, whose -Passions being inflamed by Musick in the <i>Phrygian Mood</i>, was -going to force open a Matron’s House, but his Rage was soon -calmed, when the Piper (by <i>Pythagoras</i>’s Advice) changed his -Air into the <i>Spondaic Mood</i>; and he went home quietly, which -the Philosopher could not make him do by Persuasives. This -historical Passage is confirmed by <i>Ammonius</i>, and <i>Cicero</i>, and is -thus related, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>When as some young Men, being drunk, and irritated by -the <i>Musick of Flutes</i>, would have broke into an honest Woman’s -House, but upon hearing one playing a <i>Spondaic Air</i>, their outragious -Heat was allay’d by the Slowness of the Mood, and Solemness -of the Tune....</p> - -<p class='c013'>St. <i>Basil</i> gives another Instance to the same purpose, <i>viz.</i> That -<i>Pythagoras</i> meeting with some that came with Musick from a -Feast, drunk, requested the Musician to change his Tune; which -he did, and playing a <i>Doric Air</i>, they were so brought to themselves, -that they threw away their Garlands, and walked home, -ashamed of their Folly.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span><i>THEOPHRASTUS</i> is said to cure Persons that had been -wounded by Serpents, with various kinds of Musick—<i>Probatum -est</i><a id='r326' /><a href='#f326' class='c019'><sup>[326]</sup></a>. Another Observation of his was, that Diseases were made -and mitigated by Musick. <i>Plato</i> forbids Musick and Wine to -young Persons, lest one Fire should kindle another<a id='r327' /><a href='#f327' class='c019'><sup>[327]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f326'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r326'>326</a>. </span>Quibusdam viperarum morsibus cantus tibiarum aut fidicinum atque alia -organa artis musicæ modulare adhibita aptissimè mederi. <i>Alexander -ab Alexand. ... Genialium</i>, lib. ii. cap. xvii. p. 81. The Title -is, <i>Quod Theophrastus sensit quibusdam Viperarum morsibus tibicines -mederi, probatum experimentum</i>. <i>Baglivi</i> Dissert. i. <i>de -Tarent.</i> cap. xiii.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f327'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r327'>327</a>. </span><i>De Legibus.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Pythagoreans</i>, to appease the Troubles of the Mind, -lulled themselves asleep by Tunes upon the Harp: Thus <i>Homer</i> -brings in <i>Achilles</i> relieving his Melancholy by playing on his <i>Lute</i>, -and mitigating his Anger against <i>Agamemnon</i> by Musick, which -he had learned of <i>Chiron</i>. <i>Asclepiades</i>, a <i>Roman</i> Physician of -great Reputation, is said to heal frantic Melancholy, and mad -People, by vocal and instrumental Musick<a id='r328' /><a href='#f328' class='c019'><sup>[328]</sup></a>. The learned <i>Neapolitan</i> -adds, <i>Tanta hominis naturæ cum harmonia consensio est</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f328'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r328'>328</a>. </span>Qui Phreneticos mente imminuta, & valetudine animi affectos, nulla re magis -quam symphonia, & vocum concentu, & modulis resipiscere, & sanitati restitui -censuit. <i>Alex. ab Alex.</i> lib. ii. cap. xvii. p. 81.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Whatever be the Cause of it, there is nothing more powerful -than Musick for moving the human Passions, making some -pensive and melancholy, others brisk and lively. The truth is, -says the Learned <i>Wallis</i>, we can match most of the antient Stories -of this kind in the modern Histories. <i>e. g.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>If <i>Timotheus</i> could excite <i>Alexander</i>’s Fury with the <i>Phrygian -Mood</i>, and sooth him into Indolence with the <i>Lydian</i>, a more -modern Musician is said to have driven <i>Eric</i> King of <i>Denmark</i>, -into such a Rage, as to kill his best Servants. The Occasion was -thus—The King willing to make Trial in his own Person, <i>whether -a Musician spoke true, who boasted, that by virtue of his Musick, -he could make People mad</i>: The Artist play’d, and the King -became outragious, and experienced the Truth of it so thoroughly, -that in the Excess of his Rage, he kill’d some of his best Friends<a id='r329' /><a href='#f329' class='c019'><sup>[329]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f329'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r329'>329</a>. </span><i>Father Regnault</i>’s <i>Convers.</i> from <i>Repub. des Let.</i> p. 264.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This may be owing to the Impression made by the Vibrations -of the Air, being carried as far as the Origin of the Nerves, -passes into the Soul, and puts the animal Spirits into a rapid Motion, -determines them to run into different Nerves, diffused thro’ -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>different Parts of the Body, and is communicated to those Nerves, -according as it finds them more or less in <i>Unison</i>.... Hence the -Passions and Madness itself. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>In Musick are different Tastes, which seems to proceed from -the different Constitutions of the Fibres or the animal Spirits: The -Fibres of the auditory Nerves are differently disposed in different -Persons, and in the same Person at diverse Times; but generally -speaking, Musick inspires more pleasing Sentiments, <i>e. g.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>A certain famous <i>French Physician</i> being ill, fell into a -violent <i>Delirium</i>, after some Days Illness of a continued Fever: -the third Day of his <i>Delirium</i>, I know not by what Instinct, -(says the Learned Father <i>Regnault</i>) made him desire a <i>Concert of -Musick</i>; upon which, they play’d, and sung to him the Songs of -<i>M. Bernier</i><a id='r330' /><a href='#f330' class='c019'><sup>[330]</sup></a>: Scarcely had he heard the first Notes, but his Eyes -were calm; a Serenity was spread all over his Countenance, the -Convulsions ceased, and he wept thro’ Excess of Pleasure; he was -free from his Fever all the time of the Concert, but whenever they -ceased singing, he relapsed into his former Condition: They fail’d -not to continue so marvellous a Remedy, which always suspended -his Indisposition. In short, after ten Days musical Entertainment, -he was restored to his former Health. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f330'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r330'>330</a>. </span><i>Father Regn.</i> from <i>Hist. of the Royal Academy in -France</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Another Instance, is a Dancing-Master of <i>Alais</i> in <i>France</i>, -who had the same Fate in the Year 1708; after a Fever of about -four Days, and a long Lethargy, he fell into a <i>Delirium</i>, both -mad and dumb. One of his Friends took his Violin, and plaid to -him those Airs he was most accustom’d to: People thought at first, -<i>that the Player was as mad as the Patient</i>; but, in a short time, -the sick Man raised himself upright in his Bed, with the Air of -a Man agreeably surpriz’d.... All his Motions discover’d the -Pleasure he felt: Soon after he fell into a deep Sleep, and the -Crisis he had during his Sleep, perfected his Cure. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>One Reason of this strange Operation might be this, <i>viz.</i> -The Sound of the Instrument agitates the Fibres, especially those -that are in Unison, by that means brings to his Remembrance agreeable -Perceptions ... sets the animal Spirits going, and restores -them to their natural Course: These Spirits being moved, run into -the Nerves and Muscles, where they have been used to run, -in order to form the Motion of certain Airs; the Passages of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>Blood thereby become more free: Hence that serene Air diffused -all of a sudden over the Face of the sick Musician, who was -cured by the Charms of his own Art.</p> - -<p class='c013'>These two Instances are quoted by the Learned Dr. <i>Nieuwentyt</i>, -who says, both of them (the Musician and Dancing-Master) -were perfectly restored to their Senses by Musick. He -also observes, that the Wound given by the <i>Tarantula</i> can only -be cured by the Sound of Musick, of which different Airs and -Tunes must be play’d, according to the different Nature and Colour -of those <i>Tarantula’s</i> that have given the Wound<a id='r331' /><a href='#f331' class='c019'><sup>[331]</sup></a>. Then -adds;</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f331'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r331'>331</a>. </span><i>Religious Philosopher</i>, vol. I. Contempl. xiii. Sect. 270.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>That the famous <i>Italian</i> Musician, <i>Angelo Vitali</i> had related -to him the following Story, and assured him of the Truth of -it, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>That a certain Player on the Flute at <i>Venice</i> had boasted, -that by his playing, he could deprive the Hearers of the Use of -their Understanding: Whereupon he was sent for by the <i>Doge</i>, -who was a Lover of Musick, and commanded to put his Art in -practice before him; where, after having play’d some time very -finely, (and to the Amazement of the Hearers) he at last begun -a mournful Tune, with a Design, as far as he was able, to put -the <i>Doge</i> into a melancholy Humour; and presently, he struck -up a jovial one, to dispose him to Mirth and Dancing; and after -having repeated these two kind of Tunes several times by turns, -the <i>Doge</i> being no longer able to endure those different Emotions, -which he felt in his Soul, he was ordered to forbear playing any -longer. <i>Ibid.</i> p. 271.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>FROM the Account given of Concords and Discords in Musick, -a Reason may be form’d why two Strings of a Viol, that are -Unisons or Octaves one to another, if one be struck the other will -tremble, so as to be visibly perceived.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>What is this Unison?</i> In Musick, <i>Unison</i> is a Consonance of -two Sounds, produced by two Strings, or other Bodies of the same -Matter, Length, Thickness, and Tension, equally struck, and -at the same Time, so that they yield the same Tone or Note. -Others define it, <i>the Union of two Sounds</i>, so like each other, that -the Ear perceiving no Difference, receives them as one and the -same Sound.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>What constitutes Unisonance, is the Equality of the Number -of Vibrations: Unison is the first and greatest of Concords. -Others say, it is only that in Sounds which Unity is in Numbers.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Being once in a Room where there was a <i>Bass-Viol</i>, and -striking one of the Strings, a loose Quarry of Glass in the -Window, jarr’d every time that String was struck, which it wou’d -not do upon striking any of the other discordant Strings. The -Reason may be, <i>viz.</i> That the times of the Vibration of the -loose Quarry, were equal or near Concordance to those of the -String. A Gentleman of my Acquaintance, when he sounded a -particular Tone on the Bass-Viol, very plainly heard the Noise -of the Glass of the Clock in his Chamber, which Glass never -moved, upon his sounding any other Tone.... It is a general -Remark, that an <i>Unison-String</i> will receive the Motion, and so -tremble, when another Unison is made to sound; and yet all other -Strings of the same Instrument, that are not Unisons, shall remain -silent and unmoved.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Musick does not only exert its Force on the Passions and -Affections, and musical Instruments, but on the Parts of the human -Body also. Witness the <i>Gascoigne-Knight</i>, (mention’d by -Mr. <i>Boyle</i>) who could not contain his Water, at the playing of -a Bag-pipe: The Woman, mention’d by the same Author, who -would burst out in Tears, at the hearing of a certain Tune, with -which other People were but little affected: And in this County, -near <i>Rochdale</i>, there is a certain Man, who can’t forbear dancing, -if in a House, or Market, upon hearing a certain Tune sung.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Wonder not at the strange Effects of musical Sounds, when -other Sounds strangely affect the Mind. How are the Passions -excited by the Sound of a Drum and the Discharge of Canons.... -Not only human Minds and Bodies are affected by the Impression -of Sounds, but even Things without Life.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>KIRCHER</i> tells us of a large Stone that would tremble at -the Sound of one particular Organ-Pipe. <i>Mersenne</i> also tells us, -of a particular part of a Pavement that would shake and tremble, -as if the Earth would open, when the Organs play’d. Mr. <i>Boyle</i> -adds, that Seats will tremble at the Sound of Organs, that he has -felt his Hat do so under his Hand, at certain Notes, both of -Organs and Discourse; and that he was well inform’d, every well-built -Vault, would answer some determinate Note.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>We may observe the like mechanic Perception in several -empty Drinking-Glasses, of fine white Metal. Thus if we cause -the Strings of a musical Instrument to be stretched to a certain -Tone or Note, it would make one of the Glasses ring, and not the -other; nor would the Sound of the same String, tuned to another, -sensibly affect the same Glass. <i>Morhoff</i> mentions one <i>Petter</i>, a -<i>Dutchman</i>, who could break Rummer-Glasses with the Tone of -his Voice. The same, I think, is said of <i>Purcel</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>When two Viols are tuned in Unison, one of them being -touch’d, the other will answer, tho’ at some distance. This is a -noble Proof of an harmonious Creation: This Unison looks like -a more pure sort of sympathising that is found in all the Creatures, -when those of the same Species flock together.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Here give me leave to observe, that all Nature is as it were -a System of divine Musick, and delightful Harmony; or, in the -sacred Language, a <i>Poem</i> which is a Work of Skill, curious and -polite, lofty and sublime; in which Numbers and Measures are -exactly observed. Under this Idea of a <i>Poem</i> the old and new -Creation are represented.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>THE invisible things of him from the Creation of the World are -clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made</i>, τοις ποιημασι<a id='r332' /><a href='#f332' class='c019'><sup>[332]</sup></a>, -Poems that are made. The Creation is, as it were, a <i>Poem</i> in -the Sublime: Every Species of created Beings is a <i>Stanza</i>, and -every individual Creature, a Verse in it, as a certain learned Divine -expresses it. Creation here is not stiled εργον, which is a -Work of manual Labor, but ποιημα<a id='r333' /><a href='#f333' class='c019'><sup>[333]</sup></a>, a Work of Skill; not so -much the Operation of the Hand, as of the Head and Heart: -No Creature so small and mean, but glitters with a Beam of divine -Skill.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f332'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r332'>332</a>. </span>τοις ποιημασι. Rom. i. 20.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f333'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r333'>333</a>. </span>Αυτου γαρ εσμεν ποιημαι. Eph. ii. 10.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>So the new Creation is stil’d a <i>Poem</i>.... <i>We are his Workmanship -in Christ Jesus</i>, Eph. ii. 10. In the <i>Greek</i>, <i>we are his Poem -in Christ Jesus</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>As for the several Moods, which, in musical Composition, -were observed by the Antients, for moving particular Passions, -there is a remarkable Fragment of <i>Damon</i> the Musician, mentioned -by <i>Aristides</i> in <i>Plutarch</i>. This is supposed to be that kind -of Musick used by <i>David</i> and <i>Elisha</i>, as a Prescription to remove -mental Disorders; and may suppose to point at the Original of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>the Pagans curing Diseases of the Body and Mind by instrumental -Musick.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It’s said, when an <i>evil Spirit</i> from God was upon <i>Saul</i>, -<i>David took a Harp and play’d with his Hand, so Saul was refreshed, -and was well, and the evil Spirit departed from him</i>. -1 Sam. xvi. 23.</p> - -<p class='c013'>... <i>AND Elisha said to Jehoram, King of Israel.... Were it -not that I regard the Presence of the King of Judah, I would not look -towards thee, but now bring me a Minstrel. And it came to pass -when the Minstrel play’d, that the Hand of the Lord came upon him.</i> -2 Kings iii. 13,-15.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is observable here, that the Mind of <i>Elisha</i> the Prophet -was very much ruffled; now, under this Discomposure, he calls -for a Minstrel, not out of Levity, but for a religious End; and -that was, to compose his Mind, and to bring it into a serene and -sedate Frame, and thereby to prepare himself for divine Exercises; -or perhaps, a <i>devout Levite</i>, well skill’d in musical Performances, -might play before him, and intermix with it, Psalms -and spiritual Songs, according to the Constitutions of those -Times.</p> - -<p class='c013'>As the Prophets might indispose themselves for the Spirit of -Prophecy, so they were to use Means to dispose themselves for -the Impulses of the Holy Spirit; and for this End the School of -the Prophets was appointed, in which the Students were trained -up <i>in the Science of Musick</i>, <i>in strict Virtue</i>, <i>Self-denial</i>, <i>Contempt -of worldly Grandeur</i>, <i>Knowledge of the Law</i>, <i>&c.</i> These Schools -were Seminaries of Religion, in which the intended Guardians of -the Spirituality were instructed, and prepared to receive the extraordinary -Gifts of the Spirit.</p> - -<p class='c013'>We read how the Indians performed their Worship by dancing -to Songs, the Priests of <i>Cybele</i> with <i>Cymbals</i>, the <i>Curetes</i> with -Drums and Trumpets, the <i>Romans</i> sung <i>Spondaic Verses</i>, while -they offer’d their Sacrifices; the musical Sound that calm’d the -Passions (consisting of <i>Spondees</i> principally) <i>Aristotle</i> calls moral; -(to distinguish it from the <i>Diatonic</i> and <i>Phrygian</i>) from whence -the Custom might be derived. When the <i>Spartans</i> went to War, -they march’d to the Sound of <i>Flutes</i>, to animate the Soldiers; -as is now done by Drum and Trumpet, to lessen the Terror of -Death.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span><i>THE Antients having related wonderful Things done by Musick -in their days, by which Diseases were suspended, the Sick restored ... -I shall make a short Inquiry into the Reasons of it. Tho’ the Report -be strange, and in some degree hyperbolical, yet some Account -may be given of the surprizing Effects of Musick</i>, and is attempted -by the learned Dr. <i>Willis</i>, (among others;) a Hint of which I -shall add here, to what was observed before upon the Subject.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><i>REASONS</i> (or rather <span class='sc'>Conjectures</span>) <i>for Medicinal Cures</i></div> - <div><i>by MUSICK</i>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>I. That Musick, if not new, was in those Days a rare -thing, which the Vulgar, on whom ’tis reported to -have mighty Effects, had scarce heard any before, and on whom -a little Musick will do great Feats, as we now find a <i>Bag-pipe</i> at -a <i>Morris-Dance</i>.</p> -<p class='c033'>II. Antient Musick was much more simple and plain than -ours now, having only one single Voice or Instrument apart, -which to a rude Ear is much more taking, than compound Musick; -the former not exceeding their Capacity, whereas a Concert -of Musick confounds them quite, and ’tis by no means distinguishable -by them, so as to affect them with the Harmony of its -Parts.</p> -<p class='c033'>III. Musick, with the Antients, was of a much larger Extent -than what we now call by that Name; for Poetry, and -Dancing or graceful Motion, were then counted part of Musick, -when it had arrived to some degree of Perfection: And we see -that <i>Verse</i> alone, if in good Measure and <i>moving Words</i>, sung by -an agreeable Voice, with soft instrumental Musick, will work -strangely on the Ear, and move all Affections suitable to the Tune -and Ditty ... especially if attended with <i>proper Gestures and Actions</i>.... -Thus suitable Acting on the Stage, gives great Life to -the Words<a id='r334' /><a href='#f334' class='c019'><sup>[334]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f334'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r334'>334</a>. </span><i>Lowthorp’s Abridg.</i> vol. i. p. 618.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>If a deliberate pathetick Reading of a well-penn’d Romance, -will strike the Passions, and produce Mirth, Tears, Joy, Grief, -Pity, Wrath, Indignation, suitable to the respective Intents of it; -much more would it so do, if accompanied with all those Attendants.——</p> - -<p class='c013'>If it be ask’d, <i>Why may not all this be done now?</i> I answer, -No doubt but it may, if the Address be made in proper Words, -emphatically spoken, with agreeable Voice, attended with a decent -Gesture; and all these adjusted to the Passion and Temper of -the Mind, particularly design’d to be produced, (be it Joy, Grief, -Pity, Courage, Indignation) will certainly now, as well as then, -produce great Effects upon the Mind, especially upon a Surprize, -and where Persons are not otherwise pre-engaged. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>The Antients had the Art of exciting this or that particular -Passion of the Mind, the Tunes being suitably adapted to such -Designs; whereas those now are almost quite neglected in our modern -Musick.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Chromatick Genus</i><a id='r335' /><a href='#f335' class='c019'><sup>[335]</sup></a>, with its greater and lesser <i>Semi-Tones</i>, -either ascending or descending, is very proper for the Pathetick -in Musick; as is also an artful Management of Discords, -with a Variety of Motions; now brisk, now languishing; now -swift, now slow. The <i>Venetian</i> Musician before-mentioned, -excell’d in the <i>Pathetick</i> to that degree, that he was able to play -any of his Auditors into <i>Distraction</i>.... The great Means he made -use of, was the <i>Variety of Motions</i>.——</p> -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f335'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r335'>335</a>. </span><i>Chroma</i> in Musick, is the graceful way of Singing.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Even little Children, when crying, are charm’d and quieted -by a jingling Sound, a Shadow of Musick. In short, Musick attends -the Man to his Grave, where Elegies were formerly sung in -Honour of the Deceased: Thus the <i>Phenicians</i> added <i>Flutes</i> to -their <i>Mournings</i>, and the <i>Romans</i> had their <i>Siticines</i>, that is, those -who sung to a Pipe, or blow’d the Trumpet at their Funerals, -a Custom not yet entirely abolish’d among the antient <i>Britons</i> and -some Parts of <i>England</i>, who, when they take up the Corps, sing -Psalms before it all the way to Church; a common Practice -about seventy Years ago: So far I can charge my Memory.</p> - -<p class='c013'>We are not without modern Instances of Persons extraordinarily -affected by the Powers of Musick, as appears from our Opera’s, -and the very particular Devotion paid to the <i>Farinello’s</i> of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>the Age, and to <i>Italian</i> Musick, display’d in Temples as well as -on the Stage, the first Erection of which was intended for the -Honour and Defence of Virtue.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Laconians</i> were wont at the Death of their King to tinkle -a Caldron, instead of a Bell: Yea, the <i>Jews</i> had their Minstrels -at Funerals; for, at the raising to Life the Daughter of <i>Jairus</i>, -’tis said, the <i>Musicians</i> were commanded to troop off, <i>Matth.</i> ix. -Before the <i>Roman</i> Funerals, a Trumpeter went, follow’d by the -<i>Præficæ</i>, <i>i. e.</i> old Women, singing Songs in Praise of the Deceased.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Thus we have had a general View of Serpents, their Poison -and Cure; and a particular Account of Persons wounded by the -<i>Tarantula</i>, and cured by Musick; the Effects of which musical -Operation, have past for Miracles; for, by means of it, dangerous -Distempers have been cured, Insurrections quelled, Passions calm’d -and raised, even to Distraction and Madness.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Antiently all Laws, Exhortations to Knowledge and -Virtue, and Lives of illustrious Men, were written in Verse, and -publickly sung by a <i>Chorus</i> to the Sound of musical Instruments, -which was found a most effectual way to impress Morality. So -much for Serpents in particular.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>N. B.</i> In the Description of some Serpents by different Authors, -’tis difficult to know whether they mean the same, or another; -some having the same Description with different Names, -and some different Description with the same Name. Another -Mistake may arise from some Difference in the same Serpent, in -different Climates, as in Situation (<i>N.</i> or <i>S.</i>) and Size.</p> -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i166.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c012' /> -</div> -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span> -<img src='images/i167.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>A</div> - <div class='c026'><span class='c027'>NATURAL HISTORY</span></div> - <div class='c026'>OF</div> - <div class='c026'><em class='gesperrt'><span class='c028'>SERPENTS</span></em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c010' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>PART III.</div> - <div class='c026'>Containing Six <span class='sc'>Dissertations</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table2' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='14%' /> -<col width='85%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c042'>I.</td> - <td class='c022'><i>Upon the Primæval Serpent.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c042'>II.</td> - <td class='c022'><i>Fiery Serpent.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c042'>III.</td> - <td class='c022'><i>The Brazen Serpent.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c042'>IV.</td> - <td class='c022'><i>Adoration of Serpents.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c042'>V.</td> - <td class='c022'><i>Reasons of that monstrous Worship</i>;</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c042'>VI.</td> - <td class='c022'><i>And for the Adoration of different Animals.</i></td> - </tr> -</table> -<hr class='c030' /> -<h4 class='c043'>CHAPTER I.</h4> - -<p class='c044'><span class='sc'>Contents.</span> <i>Various Sentiments about the Primæval Serpent: -Some say, ’twas a real Serpent; others say, the Passage is allegorical. -Some make the Serpent to be Pleasure; others the Devil -in the Natural Serpent. Reasons why</i> Adam <i>was not made beyond -a Capacity of Sinning. Our first Parents arm’d with sufficient -Power to stand: They knew no Enemy. Satan a compleat -Orator. The Fatal Surrender. Satan’s triumphant Return from</i> -Eden. <i>Serpent’s Head and Subtility. Intercourse between the -Angelick and Human World. A Plea for our first Mother. Why</i> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>Moses <i>introduces a speaking Serpent. Method of Divine Government. -Satan’s View. Reasons why</i> Adam <i>was created in a State -of Trial. A strong Negative, sufficient to put the Tempter to -flight. The</i> Paradisaical <i>Law guarded by the most powerful -Sanction. The Opinion of</i> Pagans <i>and</i> Mahometans <i>about the -Fall of</i> Adam, <i>&c. Why Satan punish’d under a visible Figure</i>, -viz. <i>Serpent</i>. Christ’s <i>Death publish’d, before Sentence of Death -past upon</i> Adam. <i>The Earth, a secondary</i> Paradise. <i>Moral -Reflection.</i></p> - -<p class='c033'>The Manner of Sin’s first Entrance into our World, is inscrutable: -The Subject is an Article of Lamentation, an -Article that conducts us to Paradise indeed, but ’tis to <i>Paradise -lost</i>; whence date the <i>fatal Æra</i> of all human Calamities. There, -there in a blissful Field; Sin, the Plague of Hell, made its first -Appearance on Earth: but as to the Mode of its Introduction, -there is a Spread of impenetrable Darkness over the Face of that -great Deep; after the most critical Disquisitions about it, the Difficulty -remains unsolvable.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Men of Letters may give their Conjectures, but it seems to be -one of those secret Things which belongs to him who is unsearchable, -and <i>whose ways are past finding out</i>; therefore we should rather -think, <i>how to get Sin out of the World, than how it came in at -first</i>: The one would only prove what our Understandings could -do, but the other would declare our Hearts, what they ought to be.</p> - -<p class='c013'>What this Serpent was, that triumph’d in Paradise, has been -a Subject of long Debate, and the Learned are not yet agreed in -their Verdict about it. I shall first lay down their various Opinions, -and then give my own Conjectures.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Among the <i>Jews</i>, some took it for a real, natural Serpent, -and did believe, it was endued with the Gift of Speaking; but because -it deceived the Woman, was condemn’d to lose its vocal -Tongue, <i>to go upon its Belly</i>, and <i>feed upon Dust</i><a id='r336' /><a href='#f336' class='c019'><sup>[336]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f336'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r336'>336</a>. </span><i>Joseph. Antiq.</i> cap. i.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Others, who, not allowing the Privilege of Speech to a -Brute, have turn’d the <i>Mosaic History</i> of Paradise into an <i>Allegory</i>, -an Assemblage of Metaphors, or figurative Documents. Thus a -certain learned <i>Jew</i> says, the <i>Serpent</i>, that seduced the Woman, -<i>was Pleasure</i>; and forbidden Pleasure, when tasted, brought forth -Death<a id='r337' /><a href='#f337' class='c019'><sup>[337]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f337'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r337'>337</a>. </span><i>Philo Jud. de Mundi Opif.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>But if this was the Case, could she be so properly said to be -tempted by another, as to tempt herself? He adds, the Curse of -the Serpent is not only to go upon its Breast, but, <i>and thou shalt -go upon thy Belly</i>. <i>q. d.</i> “Since Pleasure was thy Desire, let the -Pleasure of the Earth enter into it. The <i>Belly</i>, says the <i>Allegorizer</i>, -is the Receptacle of most Pleasures of the Animal Kind.” -Creatures that go upon four Feet, or more, are deem’d impure; -and such is he, who is a Lover of terrene Pleasures; such a Person -may be said, always to go upon his Belly, because he studies -nothing more than its Gratification. Pleasure indeed, is attended -with a Train of Allurements and Charms. <i>Tarquin</i>’s violent Pursuit -of forbidden Pleasure, terminated, not only in the Ruin of -his House, but Extirpation of Monarchy: <i>Crœsus</i> King of <i>Lydia</i> -being conquer’d by <i>Cyrus</i> King of <i>Persia</i>, gave the Conqueror this -Advice, If you would have the <i>Lydians</i> be your obedient Slaves, -make them <i>Slaves to Pleasure</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Nor is <i>Philo</i> alone in making the Serpent a Symbol of Pleasure, -for <i>Maimonides</i> and others expound those historical Passages -in the same manner; asking, Why should that Serpent be call’d a -subtle Beast, if it were not in a figurative Sense? In favour of -this Exposition, he quotes several Passages out of the Prophets, -that are allow’d to be intirely allegorical<a id='r338' /><a href='#f338' class='c019'><sup>[338]</sup></a>; and then adds, that -in <i>Moses’s Journal of the Creation</i>, all things therein are not to be -understood literally<a id='r339' /><a href='#f339' class='c019'><sup>[339]</sup></a>. One of the most learned Fathers seems -inclined to this <i>Philonick Interpretation of Moses</i><a id='r340' /><a href='#f340' class='c019'><sup>[340]</sup></a>. It is observable, -that in reality, ’twas not the <i>Pleasure of Eating</i> which -tempted the Woman, but an anxious <i>Desire of greater Wisdom</i>; -which shews a more refined Taste in <i>Eve</i>, and overthrows the -Hypothesis of <i>Philo</i> and <i>Clemens</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f338'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r338'>338</a>. </span><i>More Nevochim</i>, cap. xxix.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f339'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r339'>339</a>. </span>Ibid. p. 265, & 273.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f340'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r340'>340</a>. </span><i>Clem. Alexandrinus</i>, who flourish’d in the second Age. Οφις -αλληγορειται—ηδονη. Edit. col. p. 69. A. B. <i>A. D.</i> 1688.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Some Rabbinical Writers say, the Devil that deluded the Woman, -came mounted upon a Serpent, in Bulk equal to a Camel, -and known by the Name <i>Sammael</i>, an Evil Angel; called also by -them, the <i>Angel of the Dead</i>, Prince of the aerial Region, and -Chief of the Demons. Other Rabbies look upon him as the -Prince of Angels; and believe, he is to preside at the last Judgment; -for which Reason, they make him Offerings on the Day -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>of solemn Expiation, to appease his Indignation<a id='r341' /><a href='#f341' class='c019'><sup>[341]</sup></a>. ’Tis said, -this Serpent eat the forbidden Fruit and did not die for it; the -Woman inferred she might also eat, and not die.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f341'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r341'>341</a>. </span><i>Calmet in Verbum.</i> <i>Rab. Benach in Genes.</i> iii.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Others there are, who will not allow the seducing Serpent -to be an <i>Animal</i>, but the <i>Devil</i> himself in that Shape, who therefore -in the sacred Writings is called the <i>great Dragon, old Serpent, -and Murderer from the Beginning</i>. And some are of Opinion, -he borrowed the Body of a real Serpent, which he made -use of, as a Vehicle, thro’ which he instilled Poison into the Woman’s -Mind: And if so, what occasion to say the Serpent was more -subtle than any Beast?——Since the grand Enemy in tempting -<i>Eve</i>, did not use the Craft of the Serpent, but his own Cunning, -in the Management of that cruel Stratagem.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Those who are not pleased with such Ratiocinations, satisfy -themselves with this, <i>viz.</i> That our first Parents, in whose Loins -we were, transgrest, and made a Forfeiture of Paradise for themselves -and Descendants; but the manner how they fell is not obvious, -nor to be accounted for, in a State of Imperfection.</p> - -<p class='c013'>If it be ask’d, Why did not the divine Goodness put our first -Parents beyond a Capacity of sinning? ’tis answer’d,</p> - -<p class='c013'>That <i>Mutability is essential to all Creatures</i>, as such, in all -their Kinds: In this mutable State our first Parents were created, -holy and happy: Life and Death were set before them; they had -freedom of Choice, a free-will to use the Powers of Nature as they -pleased; that is, they were made in a State of Liberty, with a -Power to determine for themselves, whether to abide or not in -that glorious Situation. So that if there be a Difficulty in accounting -for the Fall, there is as great a one in supposing a reasonable -moral Creature uncapable of Choice: for where there is no Choice, -there can be no Virtue; and where there is no Virtue, there can -be no Happiness.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Again, <i>Adam</i> and <i>Eve were arm’d with a sufficient Power -to stand</i>, being created after the divine Image pure and upright, -without Error in their intellectual Powers; therefore if they mistook -the Object, or were imposed upon, ’twas not for want of -Light in the Mind, but want of Application of that Light, which -was in their power.... Which Light told them, the Tree of Life -planted in Paradise, was to perpetuate their Lives; and that the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>Tree that had the Marks of Death upon it, would do them no -harm, but by doing their own Will, or the Will of any other in -opposition to his sovereign Will who had said, <i>Eat not</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They were created pure, and capable of Perseverance; and -when they fell, God did not withdraw any Gift he had conferred -upon them: He did all that was necessary on his Part for their Preservation, -and they had remain’d safe, if their Liberty had but -conducted itself aright: Their Liberty was not tied to any particular -Object, as their other Faculties were, but respected every thing -that could be done, or left undone, and it might have imploy’d -them after another manner.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It’s said, <i>Out of the Ground made the Lord God to grow every -Tree that is pleasant to the Sight, and good for Food; and the Tree -of Knowledge of Good and Evil, of which thou shalt not eat</i>. Gen. -ii. 9, 17. Now, where lay the Difficulty of <i>not eating</i>, when -they were in no want of Food? And if in want, were not all -the Fruits of Paradise prepared for them? Why would none serve -but what was prohibited? And nothing prohibited but what was -deadly Poison, and what <i>Adam</i> knew to be so, by immediate -Revelation from Heaven.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Thus furnish’d with divine Armour, and all the agreeable Entertainments -of Life, ’tis most surprizing how they should indulge -an irregular Turn in the animal Passions, and give way to such -Inadvertency. One thing that might lead them to this Oversight, -probably was, that they knew of <i>no Enemy</i>, therefore dreaded <i>no -Danger</i>. But this Plea is of no force; for their Business was -strictly to regard the Voice of their Creator (who said, <i>Eat not</i>) -and not to give heed to any contrary Insinuations, tho’ proposed -by a known Friend, much less by a Stranger, one of another -Kingdom, and of another Species, without sufficient Attestation.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Here <i>Lucifer</i> play’d the Orator: He gave his Argument all -the Rhetorick it would bear, by removing their <i>fear of Death</i>, -and gratifying in them a certain Hope of <i>being Gods</i>. The Woman -had the Threatning of Death in her Thoughts, and therefore -durst not eat till she was made to believe, <i>she should not die</i>; -(by which it appears, she had dreadful Ideas of dying.) And -thus she was tempted to <i>Unbelief</i>. Then Satan proposes the glorious -Advantages of <i>Eating</i>, viz. <i>Ye shall be as Gods</i> ... be independent -Beings, not subject to the Controul of a superior Power; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>and thus they were tempted to <i>Pride</i>. <i>Unbelief</i> and <i>Pride</i> were -the two fatal Rocks, on which their Innocence was wreck’d. -Thus our first Parents fell, not for want of <i>Light</i>, but for extinguishing -it; not for want of <i>Power</i>, but for not using it in the -Hour of Danger.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Enemy having made his Conquest, might probably continue -for some time in <i>Eden</i>, to assist the Woman in seducing her -Husband, and then confirm them in their Apostacy, directing -them, upon the Approach of an Enemy, to hide themselves among -the Trees of the Garden, where he left them; upon which -he return’d to his Kingdom in the Air, to publish his successful -Atchievements in Paradise, and was no more heard of, till he was -summon’d to the Bar.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Devil’s principal Residence is in the Air, where he keeps -his Court, from whence he sends out his Angels to secure and enlarge -his Conquests. Perhaps, he may think it not consistent -with the Dignity of so great a Prince to traverse the Earth in -Person, unless it be upon some extraordinary Occasions, as that -of tempting the first and second <i>Adam</i>, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>The next Thing that offers itself, is an Attempt to illustrate -the Case between the Woman and Serpent: It seems most apparent -to me, that under the Name of the Serpent, we are to understand -the Devil, who made use of a real Serpent in his Descent -upon Paradise, where he decoy’d the first Woman into the fatal -Snare.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Curse upon the Serpent, ’tis said, the <i>Seed of the Woman -should break the Serpent’s Head</i>; intimating, the Serpent having -its <i>Heart</i> under the <i>Throat</i>, and very near the <i>Head</i>, the readiest -way to kill it, is to squeeze the Head. Some of the Fathers -bring four Proofs of the Serpent’s Wisdom; trite and common.</p> - -<p class='c013'>1. When ’tis old, it has the Secret of growing young again, -by stripping off its old Skin, which is succeeded by a new Coat; -but if it parts with its outward Garments, it retains its Poison. -Herein it is resembled by those, who leave the outward Acts of -Sin, but not their secret Regards for it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>2. The Serpent assaults a Man if he sees him naked, but flies -if it finds him cloathed. But there is a Fault in this Passage of -<i>Epiphanius</i>, who intends to say the contrary; for ’tis generally -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>affirm’d, that the Serpent is afraid of a naked Man, but attacks -him if he has Clothes on.</p> - -<p class='c013'>3. When the Serpent is assaulted, its chief Care is to secure -its Head: ’Tis attested by many Writers, that to save the Head, -it will expose the whole Body to Danger<a id='r342' /><a href='#f342' class='c019'><sup>[342]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f342'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r342'>342</a>. </span>Ὁ οφις φυλαττει κεφαλην. Isiodor. Pelusiot. lib. i. p. 126.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>4. When it goes to drink, it vomits up all its Poison, for -fear of poisoning itself. Some have defended this, but without -any Colour of Reason<a id='r343' /><a href='#f343' class='c019'><sup>[343]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f343'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r343'>343</a>. </span><i>Calmet’s Diction. of the H. Bible</i>, vol. iii. out of <i>Epiphanius</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>They relate other Instances of the Serpent’s Wisdom, as stopping -its Ears, that it may not hear the Voice of the Charmer or -Inchanter; of which the <i>Psalmist</i> takes notice. ’Tis said, it applies -one of its Ears hard to the Ground, and stops up the other -with the end of its Tail, <i>Psal.</i> lviii. 4. Others say, its Wisdom -consists in Acuteness of Sight; therefore among the <i>Greeks</i>, a Serpent’s -Eye was a proverbial Speech for one of a quick Understanding<a id='r344' /><a href='#f344' class='c019'><sup>[344]</sup></a>. -These are some of the common Reasons assigned for the -Wisdom of the Serpent.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f344'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r344'>344</a>. </span>Οφεως ομμα.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>I Now proceed to an Illustration of the Debate between the -Woman and Serpent in Paradise, under three Heads.</p> -<p class='c033'>I. <i>WHY may not we suppose, that in the Infancy of Mankind -there was an open Intercourse between the angelick and human World, -and that Angels might appear to our first Parents in some visible -Form, as afterwards they did to the Patriarchs?</i> If this be not -granted, I would ask how a fallen Angel came to know there was -a Paradise, and a certain Tree whose Fruit was forbidden, and -where that Tree was situated in the Garden?</p> - -<p class='c013'>When a certain Province of Angels rebelled, they were -doom’d to the wide Space contiguous to our Globe, and by their -daily Rovings from Place to Place, they might indeed discover -that little Spot of Earth, called <i>Paradise</i>; but how came they to -be acquainted with the Laws of that Country, and that there was -a forbidden Tree, and where it grew? How, I say, could they -know all this without Revelation, or previous Conversation with -the Inhabitants of the Place?</p> -<p class='c033'><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>II. <i>IF there had been no former Acquaintance between Angels -and our first Parents, how came the Woman to converse so freely -with a Stranger she had never seen before, one of another Country, -and of a different Species?</i> ’Tis therefore probable, that when the -Devil addrest the Woman, and that in her own Language, he -might assume the Form of a good Angel, that Form in which -Angels had discoursed with our first Parents before the Fall.</p> - -<p class='c013'>And perhaps when Angels, the Messengers of Heaven, conversed -with <i>Adam</i> and <i>Eve</i>, it might be in the Shape of flying -speaking Serpents. Without allowing this mutual Intercourse, -and former Familiarity, we can’t well suppose that our first Parents, -tho’ not furnish’d with so much Knowledge as is usually -ascribed to them, would be conquer’d by a <i>Demon</i> in the Shape -of a <i>Serpent</i>, which naturally is a Beast of the Field, and known -to be so by <i>Adam</i>, who, but a little before, had enrolled it among -his Subjects, and given it a significant Name.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Can we imagine our first Parents so stupid, as to hold a Conversation -with a Beast, without Surprize, Jealousy, and Suspicion? -<i>Adam</i>, who knew the Properties of inferior Animals, (to whom -he had given proper Names a little before) could not but know, -that the <i>Serpent</i> was a <i>Beast</i>, and had no Organs fitted for the -Formation of articulate Sounds, much less a Power to fix proper -Ideas to them, and support an Argument by arguing the Case in a -rational manner. Could <i>Adam</i>, who was the Image of God upon -Earth, hear a Brute speak and dispute in the Language of Paradise, -without a Suspicion of Imposture or something ominous?</p> - -<p class='c013'>During the Woman’s Parley with the Serpent, <i>Adam</i> is supposed -to be absent, perhaps thro’ Satan’s Management, and upon -her representing to him at their next meeting, the Conversation -she had with the Serpent, he must conclude that Serpent to be a -<i>grand Cheat</i>, or a <i>good Angel</i>, that spoke to his Wife: and that -he took it in the latter Sense, is plain from the Event; that is, his -taking the forbidden Fruit, and eating thereof upon the Serpent’s -Recommendation of it to his Wife, who found no ill Effect from -her Compliance. Now, the Tempter having assur’d the Woman -that her eating that Fruit would not bring Death, and <i>Adam</i> finding -it to be true in Fact, that is, that she did eat and live after it, -concluded he might eat with equal Safety.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>Upon this Supposition, we may charitably infer, that since -our first Mother might converse with Angels in that serpentine, -or some other bright Form, she now converses with the Serpent -without Scruple or Dread of Imposture. And as she apprehended -the Serpent to be a good and kind Spirit, so <i>Adam</i> did, upon her -Representation of the Matter, and took the forbidden Fruit, and -eat it: And perhaps the Serpent was present, giving Attestation to -the Report made by the Woman to her Husband.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This being granted, ’tis conceivable how the Woman might -freely converse with a Creature that assum’d an Image so glorious, -especially if we consider she was in her infantile State, and without -any experimental Knowledge, or any Apprehension of Danger, -from an Enemy, of which she had no Idea; being no Sinner, -she was without Fear.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Sentence past upon <i>Adam</i>, there is one Clause that seems -to corroborate this Hypothesis; for, upon the Expulsion of our -first Parents ... the Gates of <i>Eden</i> were guarded by a <i>Cherub</i> (to -prevent their re-entrance) which, by the <i>Jews</i>, was esteem’d a -<i>second Angel</i>, and may be aptly imagin’d to be a <i>Seraph</i>, or an -Angel in the Form of a flying Serpent, whose Body vibrated in -the Air, with a peculiar Resplendency, and may be fitly describ’d -by the Image of such a Sword. ’Tis said, <i>God drove out the Man, -and placed at the East-end of the Garden of Eden, Cherubims and a -flaming Sword, which turned every way, to keep the Way of the -Tree of Life</i>, Gen. iii. <i>ult.</i> God made Angels Guardians of Paradise, -and a sparkling Fire, like a flaming Sword; says the <i>Arabick</i> -Version.</p> - -<p class='c013'>But why may not this Text bear an Interpretation pregnant -with good Tidings, as an Explication of the Promise made to the -Woman, that is, an Instruction to our first Parents how to worship -God after the Fall, namely by Sacrifice, which was to be offer’d -by them before the <i>Cherubims</i> (erected over the Gates of -Paradise) as Sacrifices afterwards were before the <i>Cherubims</i> in the -<i>Tabernacle</i> and <i>Temple</i>, or, as the <i>Hebrew</i>, before the <i>Faces of -Jehovah</i>?</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>flaming Sword and the Cherubims</i>, might be Emblems or -Figures of some things to be observed in the Form of Worship design’d -for that new Dispensation. The <i>fiery Sword</i> being a killing -Weapon, might represent irritated Justice; and <i>Cherubims</i> being -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>the Inhabitation of the Deity in the Tabernacle and Temple, -might be an Emblem of Mercy, to which the Sacrifices were offer’d: -and may not Cherubims be so construed here? <i>N. B.</i> May -we not date the first Institution of Sacrifice here, which soon appear’d -in the History of <i>Cain</i> and <i>Abel</i>?</p> - -<p class='c013'>God might address our first Parents after this manner; View -these wonderful Sights over the Gate, behold in them the Scheme -of Salvation! The Text thus interpreted, gives the Tempter a -fresh Mortification, to see his bloody Design defeated, and our -first Parents restored to Favour at the Gate of <i>Eden</i>, in which he -had triumph’d over them; and that which encreased his Vexation -was, to see this done by <i>Christ</i>, the promised Seed, one of the human -Race.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Tabernacle and Temple there were no Representations -of God, but only emblematical Figures erected over the Mercy-Seat, -called the Cherubims; in, or between them, the <i>Deity</i> is -said <i>to dwell</i>; and the Law obliged the <i>Jews</i> to bring the Blood -of the Sacrifice <i>before the Face of God</i> in the Cherubims, that is, -within the Vail, on the Day of Expiation: and here God might -direct our first Parents to bring their Sacrifices to him, who was -in a special manner present in the Cherubims over the Gate.</p> - -<p class='c013'>But supposing <i>Adam</i> and <i>Eve</i> had, after their Expulsion, enter’d -Paradise; I don’t see what valuable End it would have answered, -for the special Promises made to the first Inhabitants of -Paradise were now null and void. All the Blessings peculiar to -that glorious Situation, were irrecoverably lost. It was not in the -power of that once sacred Seat to reinstate them in their pristine -Happiness.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>Obj.</i> Could not the Tree of Life restore their forfeited Comforts? -I presume not; because the Tree of Life, in the Design -of it, was to perpetuate the happy Life of innocent Man, and not -to restore the Life and Comforts of Criminals under a Sentence -of Death; a Sentence irrepealable, which even the Death of our -Blessed Redeemer does not exempt us from.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Upon the whole, I can scarcely think that these strange and -awful Sights or Figures, over the East Gate of <i>Eden</i>, were only -to frighten our first Parents, whose distressed State stood in need -of Divine Supports. To be cast out of Paradise was a Mortification -that needed not a super-added Terror; therefore to make -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>those Figures Spectacles of Horror, seems not so well suited to -Persons under Circumstances so inexpressibly dolorous, tho’ restored -to Favour; but might rather be design’d to conduct them -to God by <i>Christ</i>, the <i>Tree of Life</i>.</p> -<p class='c033'>III. <i>IT’s very probable a Conversation had past between the Woman -and Serpent before the Narrative publish’d by Moses.</i> She -might upon the first Approach of the Serpent ask, How a Beast -acquired the Gift of Speaking, which is the Prerogative of Rationals? -The Serpent might answer, That it was by Eating the -Fruit of that Tree. <i>Eve</i> might urge, That God had forbid her -to eat that Fruit upon pain of Death. The Serpent might make -this Return, <i>viz.</i> What you say is true; ’tis allow’d to be the -Law under the first Form of Government, but I am now come -from the supreme Court, to give you Assurance of God’s kind -Intentions to advance you to a higher and more noble Station: -The Prohibition of this Fruit was only a probationary Restraint, -and temporary.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Now the End of the first Institution being answered, ’tis the -Will of our Great Sovereign to take off those Restraints, and -make you a free People. Upon the Formation of your Being, -he brighten’d your Mind with Rays of great Wisdom; but now -the happy Moment is come, in which he purposes to inspire you -with higher Degrees of Wisdom.... By eating this Fruit, your -intellectual Powers will be infinitely enlarged; for, <i>ye shall be as -Gods</i>, and then all the Endowments and Accomplishments of Nature -will arrive at their full Perfection, which as yet are only in -their Embryo. This being only a Supposition, I dismiss it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Serpent having ascrib’d its Reason, and Speech to the -eating of that Fruit, the Woman might infer, If this Fruit did -turn a Serpent into a rational Creature, why may it not transform -a rational Creature into a God, and a <i>Woman</i> into a <i>Goddess</i>? -The Serpent had no occasion to say more; fir’d with the Prospect -of such Preferment, she <i>took the Fruit and did eat</i>. Gen. iii. 6. -<i>And when the Woman saw that the Tree was good for Food, pleasant -to the Eye, and a Tree to be desired to make one wise, she did eat.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>N. B.</i> How divine and delightful a Thing is Knowledge, of -which Innocency itself is ambitious! <i>Eve</i> thirsted after the highest -Degrees of Knowledge, and made no doubt of obtaining it by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>the Serpent’s Instructions; not knowing of any Impostor, she believed -what the Tempter said. Satan, by the Serpent, as a Bait -proposed Improvement in Knowledge.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Thus the first Woman, Head of the human Race, fell a Sacrifice -to her own Ambition, fell a Virgin, and in her Infant-State. -<i>Icarus</i>, by flying too near the Sun, his waxen Wings -melted, and he fell into the Sea, and was drowned. Justly was -he punish’d, for not observing his Father’s Will. May I add, in -favour of our Mother, that the Law forbidding that Fruit, was -not immediately publish’d to <i>Eve</i>, but receiv’d at second-hand -from <i>Adam</i>; and that it can’t be well supposed, that she knew -the various Capacities and Qualities of Brutes, as her Husband -did.</p> - -<p class='c013'>But, why does <i>Moses</i> introduce a Serpent speaking, when -naturally it was a speechless Creature?</p> - -<p class='c013'>In answer to this, may we not observe, that the Almighty, -who has no <i>material Tongue</i>, yet is often introduced, speaking -with <i>human Voice</i> in the Scripture. The <i>Egyptians</i> made the <i>Crocodile</i> -a Symbol of the Deity, giving this as a Reason why they -worshipped God symbolically in that Creature, because it resembled -God, in that it was the only Animal without a Tongue; -for the Divine λογος stands in no need of Speech; he governs human -Affairs without Words, and without Noise.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Again, this Dialogue with the Serpent, a known Beast, is -very agreeable to a Custom among the Oriental Writers, who enchase -their Histories with Ornaments taken from familiar Discourses -between Beasts; by which they convey moral Instructions -to their Readers: Thus, on a Subject of Craft, they made the -Fox to speak.</p> - -<p class='c013'>With what View did the Devil tempt our first Parents to -sin? I answer, ’twas out of despite to God; <i>i. e.</i> with a design -to rob the Creator of the Glory he proposed to himself from the -Erection of this new World: He could not attack the Almighty -on his Throne, therefore he strikes at the Footstool. Since he -could not reach the Person of the Almighty, he wreaks his Malice -upon his <i>Image</i>, Man; Man, whose Happiness, and that of -his Descendants, he envy’d; and whom, in particular he hated, -as his intended Successors to the vacant Seats in the blissful Regions -above.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>In his Plot against <i>Adam</i>, the Deceiver was deceived; for he -made no doubt but the Sentence of Death would be immediately -executed upon <i>Adam</i> and <i>Eve</i>, and upon the Extinction of the -human Species, God would lose all his Honour upon Earth. Why -did not he appear to our first Parents in a human Form? probably -because he might apprehend, that there was no other Man -or Woman, but themselves.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Having considered <i>Adam</i> in his probationary Capacity, I -shall in the next place observe these three Things, by way of -Illustration.</p> -<p class='c045'>I. <i>It was most congruous that Man’s first State should be a State of -Trial.</i> II. <i>That his Trial should be by the Laws of his Creator.</i> -III. <i>That those Laws should be inforced by a proper Sanction.</i></p> -<p class='c033'>I. <i>IT was congruous and fit, our first Parents should begin their -Life in a way of Trial, as they were moral Agents</i>: In which Situation -I apprehend all the Angels to be at first, to see how they -would behave towards the Great Author of their Being and Blessedness, -before they were establish’d. No Creature, as such, is -capable of Immutability, any more than of Omnipotence. To -be naturally, and necessarily immutable, is the sole Prerogative of -the Almighty: The perpetual Duration of created Beings, is not -from their Nature, but from the Divine Will.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Our first Parents were under a strong Guard, and not to be -disarm’d without their own Consent; tho’ the Devil, as he was a -Spirit, excelled in Power, yet he could not by Force subdue the -weaker Vessel, therefore conducted the bloody Design by Stratagems. -When the Woman was sollicited by the Tempter, one -strong <i>Negative</i> would have put him to <i>flight</i>. A resolute Denial, -without any other Means, would have made her victorious, tho’ -assaulted by all the Legions of Hell; therefore, no room to complain -of Deficiency in Divine Goodness.</p> - -<p class='c013'>’Tis beyond all doubt, that the Revelation given to <i>Adam</i> (as -that to Christian Churches in After-ages) made it a fundamental -part of his Duty, not to attend to any Insinuations contrary to -those delivered to him by his Creator, tho’ recommended even by -an Angel from Heaven: Temptations to forbidden Fruit, however -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>pleasant, should not be parley’d with, but peremptorily rejected.</p> -<p class='c033'>II. <i>IT was equally proper, that a Creature should be govern’d -by the Laws of his Creator</i>; as it implies a Contradiction for a -Creature to be independent, which it must suppose itself to be, -when govern’d by its own Laws. The Will of the Creator was -surely the fittest, for the Obedience of Creatures; one part of -which was, that they must not have an Indulgence of all the -Trees in <i>Eden</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It follows hence, that <i>Self-denial was a Duty in Paradise</i>. -<i>Adam</i> was not an absolute Sovereign to do what he pleased, but -what his Almighty Creator and Patron prescribed; tho’ endowed -with Reason, yet was he to govern himself by the Will of another, -that is, of him who was the Donor. His Reason was a -bright, but borrowed Light, borrowed from the uncreated Sun, -therefore ought to move by its Direction.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Thus we see that Restraints on the human Nature, were necessary -even in Man’s Paradisaical State: To deny Self, was one -of the Precepts of Religion in the Garden of Innocence; nor is -this strange, if we consider, that for any rational Creature to live -according to his own Will, is to make a <i>God</i> of his <i>Will</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Why did God forbid the Fruit of one Tree? This might be -to signify <i>Adam</i>’s Dependance upon his Maker, and that he had -no Claim to any thing without his Leave: The sovereign Lord of -the Creation made over to <i>Adam</i> large Dominions, and the Mannour -of Paradise for the Seat of his Empire, reserving nothing to -himself but a small Rent of Acknowledgment, which was only -the Fruit of one Tree. The Exemption of this Tree from human -Use, notify’d Man’s Subjection, and God’s supreme Dominion. -By this Reservation he tried their Obedience, whether -they would be content with all the Earth, and Appurtenances -thereunto belonging, one Tree only excepted. <i>N. B.</i> This forbidden -Tree might have something of a natural Tendency to corrupt -the animal Juices, and introduce Diseases and Death into the human -Nature. If the Tree of Life could immortalize our Existence -in Happiness, is it not equally rational to suppose the Tree of -Knowledge ... would destroy it?</p> -<p class='c033'><span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>III. <i>THE Laws of Paradise were inforced by a very awful -Sanction</i>, viz. <i>Life and Death</i>: The one expressing something -most terrible, the other implying somewhat vastly delightful. -Threatnings were necessary Cautions in Paradise: How surprizing -this! The first day of Man’s Life, Man was put in mind of -Death, of which the Tree of Life was a Memento. If you eat -the Fruit of it, you forfeit your Life, <i>die you must</i> without Remedy. -This Menace of Death, in the Design of it, was to guard -against Sin, as that which only could be the Cause of Death.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>IN the day thou eatest thereof</i>, dying thou shalt die; or, die -the Death. Behold here! as in a Cloud, the first Alarm of Mortality, -the first Institution of Funerals, and the melancholy Office -of Grave-diggers. Bells from the Pinnacle of the Temple, proclaim -it aloud to Man, <i>Dust thou art, and unto Dust thou shalt -return</i>. In this paradisaical Scheme of Government, we find -Death to be a near Neighbour to Life: Both the Trees grew near -to one another.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some have made this <i>Tree of Life</i> a Representation of <i>Christ</i>, -and if so, here, as in a Glass, darkly Man saw his Saviour before -he stood in need of him: The Tree of Life planted in the midst -of Paradise, was to preserve <i>Adam</i>’s Life, and without doubt had -done so, if he had not rebelled. According to a Learned <i>Jew</i>, -the Tree of Life represents Piety; and that of Knowledge, Prudence<a id='r345' /><a href='#f345' class='c019'><sup>[345]</sup></a>. -Some of his Countrymen tell us ridiculous Stories about -the Tree of Life, <i>viz.</i> That it was of prodigious Size, and all -the Water of the Earth gush’d out at its Foot, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f345'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r345'>345</a>. </span><i>Philo Judæus.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It is from the History of Paradise that pagan Poets took their -<i>Nectar</i> and <i>Ambrosia</i>, which were said to be the Meat and Drink -of the Gods; upon which some put this Construction, <i>viz.</i> -<i>Nectar</i> signifies <i>young</i>; <i>Ambrosia</i>, <i>Immortality</i>; intimating, that -in a State of Innocency, the Vigor of Youth would have been -immortal.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Heathen were not without some Idea of the Mosaic -Creation, and Fall of Man, and of a Woman that brought Sorrow -into the World; envying, that a Fire, which is the Light -of Knowledge, was hid from them ... and also of Old-Age, -brought in by the Counsel of a Serpent.——</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>Paradise, in <i>Plato</i>’s <i>Symposium</i>, is <i>Jupiter</i>’s <i>Garden</i>, and -also is the Pattern of <i>Alcinous</i>’s <i>Orchards</i>, and the <i>Hesperides</i>: -The Golden-Apples kept by a <i>Dragon</i>, were the forbidden Fruit -in Paradise: The Fable of <i>Hercules</i>’s killing the Serpent of the -<i>Hesperides</i>, is borrowed from the Seed of the Woman, breaking -the Serpent’s Head.</p> - -<p class='c013'>What is <i>Ovid</i>’s <i>In nova fert animus</i>? but an imperfect -Transcript of <i>Moses</i>’s Journal of the Creation, <i>&c.</i> ’Tis said by -<i>Moses</i>, <i>The Spirit of God moved on the Face of the Waters</i>; hence -<i>Thales</i>, makes Water to be the first Principle of all natural Bodies: -His Reasons are deliver’d by <i>Plutarch</i>. <i>Homer</i> says, All things -are made of the Ocean. The <i>Chaos</i>, whereof all things were -made, according to <i>Hesiod</i>, was Water. <i>Orpheus</i> says, all things -were generated of the Ocean<a id='r346' /><a href='#f346' class='c019'><sup>[346]</sup></a>. <i>Plato</i>’s <i>Atlanticus</i>, what is it but -a Fable? built upon <i>Moses</i>’s History of <i>Noah</i>, and the Flood, -and the Causes that brought it upon the World.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f346'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r346'>346</a>. </span>ωκεανος—γενεσις παντευς τετυκται.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>What is the <i>Bacchus</i> of the Heathen, but the <i>Noah</i> of <i>Moses</i>? -formerly called <i>Boachus</i>, for <i>Noachus</i>, as might easily be, -mistaking the <i>Hebrew</i> Letters B and N, which are not very much -unlike. By <i>Janus</i> and <i>Saturn</i>, <i>Noah</i> is meant; and some take -<i>Jupiter</i> to be <i>Japhet</i>, for tho’ <i>Jovis</i>, and the other oblique Cases -are derived from <i>Jehovah</i>, yet <i>Jupiter</i> is another. The Fable -of Heaven being stormed by the <i>Giants</i>, arose from what the -Builders of the <i>Tower of Babel</i> said, <i>viz.</i> <i>Let us build a City and -a Tower, whose Top may reach unto Heaven</i>.... But no Man -imitates the Scriptures more than <i>Homer</i>, who was an inquisitive -Traveller into all Countries. But to proceed to the Pagan Account -of Paradise, and the Fall of Man:</p> - -<p class='c013'>A certain Author relates a Discourse between <i>Midas</i> -the <i>Phrygian</i>, and <i>Silenus</i> who was the Son of a <i>Nymph</i>, inferior -by Nature to the Gods, superior to Men and Death, thus:</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>SILENUS</i> told <i>Midas</i>, that <i>Europe</i>, <i>Asia</i>, and <i>Africa</i> were -Islands, surrounded by Water: that there was but one Continent -only, which was beyond this World, in which, among other -Rarities, were two great <i>Rivers</i>, whose Banks were cover’d with -<i>Trees</i>, one of them was called the <i>River of Pleasure</i>, and the -other the <i>River of Grief</i>....</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>He who eat the Fruit of the Trees along the River of Pleasure, -was eased from all his former Desires, and in a short time -became younger, and lived over again his former Years, cast off -Old-Age, and became first a Young Man, then a Child, and -lastly an Infant, and so died.</p> - -<p class='c013'>On the other hand, he who eat the Fruit from the Trees by -the River of Grief, spent all his Days in Tears and Troubles, and -after many Years of Vexation, dies.</p> - -<p class='c013'>How romantick soever this Relation may be, it seems to allude -to the <i>Trees</i> and <i>Rivers</i> of Paradise, and to give some Hints -about the Introduction of Death.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Indians</i> account for the Fall of Man after this manner:—<i>Brama</i>, -one of their subaltern Deities, form’d Man out of -the Slime of the Earth that was then just created, and placed -him in a certain Situation, which they call <i>Chorcham</i>, which was -a Garden of Delights, abounding with all manner of pleasant -Fruit, in which was a certain Tree, whose Fruit would confer -Immortality upon any Persons that were allow’d to eat it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Gods</i>, say the <i>Indians</i>, tried all sorts of Means to obtain -the Privilege of this Immortality; and after great Difficulties, did -at last succeed according to their Wish, and found out the Way -to the Tree of Life, which was in the <i>Chorcham</i>, and by feeding -on its Fruit for some time, they commenced immortal.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A famous Serpent called <i>Cheieu</i>, (probably Guardian of -that Tree) perceiving the Secret was discover’d by the Gods of -the second Rank, was so enraged, that it scatter’d a Flood of -Poison over the Plain. All the Earth felt the fatal Effects, and -no Man escaped the Infection: But the God <i>Chiven</i>, took pity -on the human Nature, appear’d in the Shape of Man, and swallow’d -all the mortal Poison, wherewith the malicious Serpent -had infected the Universe.... This Fable, as ridiculous as it is, -must have some regard to the terrestrial Paradise, and can have no -other Original but the Doctrine of <i>Moses</i><a id='r347' /><a href='#f347' class='c019'><sup>[347]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f347'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r347'>347</a>. </span><i>Æliani Sophistæ varia Historia, cum Notis, Curante -Gronovio.</i> A. D. 1731. <i>Theopompus</i> is quoted for it, whom my -Author calls μυθολογος. <i>Et hæc si cui fide dignus -videtur, ea narrans Chius, ille credatur, mihi vero egregius esse -fabulator.</i> vol. I. cap. xviii. p. 252.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Nor were the more western Pagans more happy in their Conjectures -about the first Entrance of moral Evil. <i>Prometheus</i>, -say they, having form’d Men out of the Earth and Water, animated -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>them with Fire, which he stole from Heaven. <i>Jupiter</i>, -the Chief of the Pagan Gods, enraged at this, commands <i>Vulcan</i> -to make a Woman out of Clay, upon whom all the Gods, -out of their high Regard<a id='r348' /><a href='#f348' class='c019'><sup>[348]</sup></a> to the Fair Sex, bestow’d some -of their Perfections. <i>Venus</i> gave her Beauty; <i>Pallas</i>, Wisdom; -<i>Mercury</i>, Eloquence; <i>Apollo</i>, Musick; and <i>Juno</i> gave her Riches; -therefore called <i>Pandora</i>, who was sent by the Gods in revenge to -<i>Prometheus</i>, with a Box full of Evils as a Present from them, but he -was too cautious to receive it; upon which she was to present it to -his Brother <i>Epimetheus</i>, (supposed by some to be her Husband) -which he had no sooner open’d, but immediately there flew out -<i>all kinds of Evil</i>, that soon scatter’d themselves over all the Earth; -and at the bottom of the Box, nothing was left but poor <i>Hope</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f348'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r348'>348</a>. </span><i>Travels of several Missionaries into</i> India, p. 7.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Hope, of all Ills that Men endure,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>The only cheap and universal Cure.</i></div> - <div class='line in14'><i>Hope,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Thou pleasant, honest Flatterer; for none</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Flatter unhappy Men, but thou alone.</i>... Cowl.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c031'>The <i>Mahometan Account of Man’s Fall</i>, is equally absurd, as -appears from <i>Mahomet Rabadan, &c.</i> thus:—God made the Creation -... the earthly Mass became an animate Body ... and was called -<i>Adam</i>; God placed him in heavenly Paradise, and lest he should -believe that he had no Superior, God gave him only one Command, -the Observation of which was very easy. He forbid him, upon -pain of Death, to eat of the Fruit of a certain Tree. <i>Adam</i> wanted -a Mate; therefore God made him fall into a profound Sleep, and -took out of his left Side a Rib, of which he formed a very beautiful -Woman, whom he called <i>Eve</i>, ... and order’d <i>Gabriel</i> to go -into Paradise, and to celebrate the Wedding of <i>Adam</i> and <i>Eve</i>, -being attended with a great many other Angels.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>LUCIFER</i> envying the Happiness of Man, used his utmost -Endeavours to deprive him of it. Going one day by the -door of Paradise, he said to the Angel who kept it, <i>Give me leave -to go in, for I have a Matter of Moment to impart to the Servants -of thy Lord</i>. The Angel having denied his Request, he desired -him to call the Serpent, who was then a very fine Creature. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>The Serpent came, and <i>Lucifer</i> earnestly desired Leave to get into -his Body; the Serpent did so, and placed <i>Lucifer</i> in the Roof of -its Mouth, and carried him into Paradise. When he came near -the Forbidden Tree, it endeavoured in vain to make <i>Lucifer</i> -come out. <i>Lucifer</i> stuck fast, and forced the Serpent to get upon -that Tree, under which <i>Adam</i> and <i>Eve</i> used to sit down. <i>Eve</i> -was then alone, near the Tree: She saw the Serpent, who spoke -to the Woman in these Words, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>Charming Creature, if you would taste this Fruit, you -would be <i>like God himself</i> in Wisdom and Knowledge: All the -Secrets and all the Mysteries you are now ignorant of, will be -manifested to you. <i>Adam</i> came during the Discourse, and having -told him what the Serpent had said, proposed to him to eat of the -forbidden Fruit, which after a Short Pause he comply’d with. -The Tree was a large Vine; <i>Eve</i> took twelve Grains of a Bunch -of Grapes, gave eight to her Husband, and kept four to herself.</p> - -<p class='c013'>At that very moment, <i>Adam heard a very terrible Voice, Wo -to thee! hast thou so soon forgot the only Commandment thou hadst -promised to observe? how comes it that thou hast (by thy Greediness) -polluted the Purity of my Habitation?</i> <i>Adam</i> being confounded, -excused himself by laying the Fault upon <i>Eve</i>, who endeavour’d -to justify herself by accusing the Serpent. Upon which God -ordered the Angels immediately to drive <i>Adam</i> and <i>Eve</i> from -Paradise, to Strip them of their Clothes, and take away the -Crowns they had on their Heads<a id='r349' /><a href='#f349' class='c019'><sup>[349]</sup></a>.——But it is high time to -return.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f349'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r349'>349</a>. </span><i>Mahometism fully explained, by</i> Mahomet Rabadan, -<i>a</i> Moor <i>of</i> Arragon <i>in</i> Spain, <i>for the -Instruction of the</i> Moors <i>in that Kingdom, who were then -violently persecuted there</i>. Translated out of <i>Spanish</i> by -Mr. <i>Morgan</i>, with a design to give us a better Notion of the -<i>Mahometans</i>, and to place it in the rich Library of the late -Earl of <i>Oxford</i>. Printed <i>A. D.</i> 1724.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Satan, who imploy’d the Serpent in his Service, is supposed -to be punish’d here under the Figure of a Serpent: But why in -the Presence of our first Parents? Perhaps for such Reasons as -these, <i>viz.</i> 1. To reproach their Inadvertency for suffering themselves -to be imposed upon by a lying Spirit, who, if but resisted -by a meer Negation, would have fled. 2. To let them see that -no Creature, tho’ never so great, can rebel with Impunity; from -whence they might conclude, what to expect from new Provocations. -3. They had no other way to see a Spirit punish’d, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>under some visible Form. It could not but give them some secret -Satisfaction to see their cruel Enemy tremble at the Bar.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is observable here, that the <i>Promise of the Messiah</i> was made -to <i>Adam</i>, before the Almighty past upon him the Sentence of -Death. How surprizing this! to find the Death of Christ <i>published</i>, -before the Death of <i>Adam</i> was <i>pronounced</i>. The Death of -<i>Christ</i>, the <i>Innocent</i>; before the Death of <i>Adam</i>, the <i>Criminal</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The last Remark I shall make here is, that the Earth, tho’ -cursed for Man’s Sin, still puts on the Face of a Paradise, abounding -with an innumerable Variety of good Things; yea, and those -so delicious and pleasant to Mankind, that many wish to live in -it for ever. Thus they confine their Hopes and Fears to the present -State, and are so far from believing a Life to come, that -they can hardly persuade themselves to believe, that they shall -leave this present Life.</p> - -<p class='c013'>As the Bounties of Providence gives us no room to murmur -at our present Province or Portion, so on the other hand, the -Toils and Troubles of this State should cause us to aspire after -the heavenly Paradise, where no Curse ever found Access, where -none of the Thorns of Affliction, or the Briers of Sorrow grow.</p> -<hr class='c030' /> -<h4 class='c046'>CHAPTER II.</h4> -<p class='c044'><span class='sc'>Contents.</span> <i>Of the</i> fiery Serpents <i>that annoy’d the Camp of</i> -Israel: <i>The Reason of that judicial Stroke</i>, i.e. <i>Murmuring under -a Dispensation of Miracles. Why punish’d by Serpents? -Why called</i> Fiery? <i>The last Plague in the Desart. Flying -Serpents.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><span class='c005'>SECTION. I.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It might be said with great Propriety of the <i>People of Israel</i>, -that they were <i>a Generation of Vipers</i>. Ingratitude, Unbelief, -Discontent and Murmuring, were the dominant Passions in the -Wilderness; they were always quarrelling with <i>God</i> and <i>Moses</i>: -never easy, no not under a Theocracy, a divine Government. -No wonder that Rage and Faction haunt the Dwellings of good -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>Princes, when we find perverse Spirits have murmur’d at a divine -Administration.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A Magnificent Table was Spread for them in the Wilderness, -their daily Entertainments were miraculous; they were fed -by <i>Manna</i>, a delicious Food distilled from Heaven, admirably -suited to every one’s Palate. <i>He commanded the Clouds from above, -and opened the Doors of Heaven, and rained down Manna upon -them to eat, and gave them the Corn of Heaven<a id='r350' /><a href='#f350' class='c019'><sup>[350]</sup></a>. Wherefore -have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the Wilderness, for -there is no Bread, neither is there any Water, and our Soul loatheth -this light Bread<a id='r351' /><a href='#f351' class='c019'><sup>[351]</sup></a>: This vain and empty Bread, say the</i> LXX.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f350'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r350'>350</a>. </span><i>Psal.</i> lxxviii. 23-25.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f351'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r351'>351</a>. </span><i>Numb.</i> xxi. 5, 6.—τω αρτω τω διακενω—</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>They were also furnish’d with <i>miraculous Drink</i>, i. e. <i>Water -out of a Rock</i>; Water that swell’d into a River, and follow’d ’em -in all their Motions, till they arrived in the Land <i>flowing with -Milk and Honey</i>; Terms, that include a Scene of Plenty and -Pleasantness.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In all their Traverses through the Wilderness, they were always -under the Guidance and Protection of the <i>Shekina</i>; by -which Word the <i>Jews</i> understood the <i>Presence of the Holy Spirit</i>; -of <i>Christ</i>, say the Christians. The <i>Shekina</i> was the most sensible -Mark of the Presence of God among them, which rested over -the Propitiatory, or the golden Cherubims, which adher’d to the -Propitiatory or Covering of the Ark; there the <i>Shekina</i> abode in -the Shape of a Cloud. The <i>Rabbins</i> tell us, that it first resided -in the Tabernacle, and descended into it in the Figure of a Cloud, -on the Day of Consecration. It past from thence into the -Sanctuary of <i>Solomon’s Temple</i>, on the Day of its Dedication by -that Prince<a id='r352' /><a href='#f352' class='c019'><sup>[352]</sup></a>; where it continued to the Destruction of <i>Jerusalem</i> -by the <i>Chaldeans</i>, and was not afterwards to be seen there.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f352'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r352'>352</a>. </span><i>Calmet from Basnage</i>, <i>History of the Jews</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Thus were they conducted and entertain’d by an unintermitted -Train of Miracles. Now to fret and repine in such a Situation, -was a Crime of a high and heinous Nature, no less than -impeaching infinite Wisdom, and taxing it with erroneous Conduct: -If Difficulties occurred in the way, their Duty was <i>Resignation</i>, -a Temper obvious in <i>Pagans</i>, whose Religion forbid all -indecorous Sallies of the Passions.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span><i>SOCRATES</i>, a Philosopher of <i>Athens</i>, was a Philosopher -in <i>Prison</i>, as well as in the <i>Museum</i>: When bound in Fetters, -and he had nothing but Death before his Face, he then conversed -with his Friends with perfect Equanimity, and without the least -<i>Reflexion</i> upon <i>Fate</i>, upon <i>God</i>, and his <i>Judges</i>, notwithstanding -his base Treatment, and the notorious Injustice of his Sentence. -The Scripture represents <i>Job</i> as a <i>Champion</i> in Affliction, -who by his passive Fortitude under it, became the proper Hero -of an Heroic-Poem.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>SECT. II.</div> - <div class='c026'><i>WHY were they punish’d by Serpents?</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Perhaps it might be to put them in remembrance of the -first Sin, that was introduced into Paradise by the old Serpent: -This kind of Punishment could not but bring to their Mind that -gloomy Moment in which the human Nature was morally and -mortally wounded by that evil Spirit, in the Form of a Serpent. -This being allow’d, we may infer, that Man’s Memory stands in -need of a Remembrancer, even of Paradise lost. And oh! who -can think of that inexpressible Loss, without dropping a silent -and solemn Tear?</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some Learned <i>Jews</i> themselves, speaking upon this Subject, -say, the Reason why they were chastised by Serpents, was <i>because -they had done the Actions of the old Serpent, in using an ill Tongue -against God, against</i> Moses, <i>and Manna, the Bread of Heaven</i>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>SECT. III.</div> - <div class='c026'><i>WHY called Fiery Serpents?</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>A natural and a moral Reason may be assigned for it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>1. The sacred Volume seems to account for the <i>natural Reason</i>, -when it says, <i>God sent fiery Serpents</i>. The <i>Hebrew</i> word is -<i>Seraphim</i>, that is <i>Burners</i>, because they appeared in the form of -a <i>Flame</i>. The LXX calls them <i>Serpents of Death</i><a id='r353' /><a href='#f353' class='c019'><sup>[353]</sup></a>, because -their <i>Wounds</i> proved <i>mortal</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f353'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r353'>353</a>. </span>Οφεις θαναουνται.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>As soon as the People were wounded, their Blood was inflamed, -and according to some <i>Jewish</i> Authors, they were <i>scorch’d -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>with insatiable Thirst</i>. Of the <i>Hebrew</i> word <i>Saraph</i>, the -<i>Greeks</i>, by changing the Position and Order of Letters, have borrowed -the Name <i>Prester</i>, which is a kind of fiery venemous Serpent, -called also <i>Dipsas</i> and <i>Causon</i>, whose Wound is accompanied -with a most vehement Heat and Thirst, and generally incurable, -as some have formerly said. They may be properly called -<i>Fiery</i>, as their Colour was glowing, a proper Representative of -Fire. In the <i>West-Indies</i> are <i>Adders, red as Blood</i>, about seven -or eight Foot long, and appear by Night as a <i>burning Coal</i><a id='r354' /><a href='#f354' class='c019'><sup>[354]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f354'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r354'>354</a>. </span><i>Atl. America</i>, 179.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>2. They might be called <i>Fiery</i> also, from a <i>moral Consideration</i>; -for, that raging Heat in the Body might represent the outragious -Disorders of the Mind, flowing from conscious Guilt, -neither of which were the Attendants of an original State. Hence, -perhaps, it is that Satan’s <i>Temptations</i> are styled <i>fiery Darts</i>, because -when complied with, they kindle a Fire in the Conscience, -a Prognostick, and Taste of the Unquenchable<a id='r355' /><a href='#f355' class='c019'><sup>[355]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f355'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r355'>355</a>. </span><i>Eph.</i> vi 16. βελη—πεπυρωμηνα.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>And indeed, what are all uneasy Sensations, but the Venom -of the old Serpent? thence, that long Train of Complaints and -Groans. <i>Remember from whence thou art fallen</i>, is the Language -of every Calamity, but no calamitous Impression so terrible, as -that which alarms the Mind about the awful Futurity. Of Sin -it is said, that at last, <i>it will bite like a Serpent, and sting like an -Adder</i><a id='r356' /><a href='#f356' class='c019'><sup>[356]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f356'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r356'>356</a>. </span><i>Prov.</i> xxiii. 32.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>What fill’d <i>Adam</i>’s Mind with Horror and Consternation? -What made him run with wild Confusion among the Trees to -hide himself? What was he afraid of? He, who was Lord of -the Earth, and Image of the Almighty? Was not he in Paradise, -the Garden of God; whence then this sudden and mighty Panick? -What produced this great and astonishing Change in one -who had a friendly Intercourse with God a little before? Oh! -’twas Guilt, Guilt, Guilt. A Consciousness of his iniquitous -Compliance with the Serpent. What were those anxious disquieting -Thoughts that kindled the Fire in his Breast, but the venemous, -fiery Darts of Satan?</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>JUDAS</i> is another Example; a Person highly honour’d by -Christ, who made him his Ambassador Extraordinary to the -House of <i>Israel</i>, and Treasurer of his House and Privy Counsellor, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>on a sudden falls into Extremity of Anguish; and why? Guilt, -Guilt ... struck with Horror of Mind for the Effusion of innocent -Blood; was arraign’d, and sentenced by his own Conscience, -and became his own Executioner: His Guilt was the Wound -that bled within, and what Words can describe the Agony that -made that wretched Man throw himself into Hell for Ease.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>SECT. IV.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This gloomy Occurrence fell out in the last Year of their -Pilgrimage. The Wilderness thro’ which they had travelled -abounded with these venemous Creatures, but were under the -Restraint of a kind Providence, and not suffer’d to distress the -Camp of <i>Israel</i> till now. <i>Deut.</i> viii. 15. <i>Who led thee through the -great Wilderness, wherein were fiery Serpents and Scorpions.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>Thus, for their repeated Provocations, they were pursued by -divine Vengeance to the very Borders of <i>Canaan</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Just as they were congratulating one another upon the glorious -Prospect before them, an Army of venemous Serpents invade -their Camp, and made a terrible Slaughter among them. -Little did our first Parents suspect a Serpent in Paradise, nor <i>Israel</i> -such a Visit from fiery Serpents upon the Confines of the -holy Land, the western Border of Paradise.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Plague in the Camp, was the last Punishment inflicted -upon the <i>House of Israel</i> in the Wilderness. When they came -out of <i>Egypt</i>, it appeared they were about <i>six hundred thousand -Men, besides Women and Children, and a mixt Multitude</i>: Of -that mighty Number, none but two, <i>viz.</i> <i>Josua</i> and <i>Caleb</i> enter’d -into the promised Land; the rest, for their Unbelief and -reiterated Offences, perish’d by the way<a id='r357' /><a href='#f357' class='c019'><sup>[357]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f357'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r357'>357</a>. </span><i>Exod.</i> xii. 37, 38.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span> - <h4 class='c047'>CHAPTER III.<br /> <br /><span class='sc'>Contents.</span></h4> -</div> - -<p class='c044'><i>The flying and fiery Serpents. Ungrateful Israel wounded by them, -and healed by the Figure of a Serpent. God hears the Intercession -of</i> Moses, <i>when deaf to the Cries of that rebellious People. Conjectures -why healed by a Machine in the Form of a Serpent. Sin -in all its Appearances, the Venom of the old Serpent. The brazen -Serpent a Representation of the</i> Messiah. <i>The Cures wrought by -both were by very unlikely Means. The Wonders of Salvation. -Why</i> Israel <i>was healed by a Serpent made of Brass; Opinions -about it. The brazen Serpent was no Talisman, or a magical -Image. The fatal Catastrophe of the brazen Serpent. Destroyed, -when abused to Idolatry. The Serpent shewed in St.</i> -Ambrose’<i>s Church at</i> Milan, <i>for that of</i> Moses, <i>a Cheat. Martyrs -from the Catacombs of St.</i> Sebastian. <i>Divine Institution necessary -to acceptable Worship. May the Destruction of the brazen -Serpent, when abused to Idolatry, warrant us to guess at the -Fate of a Cross abused to Idolatry!</i></p> -<hr class='c030' /> -<h3 class='c001'>SECTION I.</h3> - -<p class='c031'>Among Serpents, we find some that are furnished with -Wings. <i>Herodotus</i> who saw those Serpents, says they had great -Resemblance to those which the <i>Greeks</i> and <i>Latins</i> call’d <i>Hydræ</i>; -their Wings are not compos’d of Feathers like the Wings of Birds, -but rather like to those of <i>Batts</i>; they love sweet smells, and -frequent such Trees as bear Spices. These were the fiery Serpents -that made so great a Destruction in the Camp of <i>Israel</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In their Extremity, the People addrest their Mediator, Prophet, -and General, <i>Moses</i>, saying, <i>O pray to the Lord that he -take away the Serpents from us!</i> The meek Prophet did so; the -mediatorial Voice reach’d Heaven, and mov’d the Almighty who -directs <i>Moses</i> to make a Serpent of Brass, (which was a Figure of -the Serpents that plagued the People) and fix it upon the Top of -a Pole, conspicuous to all the Assembly, promising that all those -who were bit by Serpents, and should look upon this brazen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>Image, should be presently healed. Astonishing Clemency! The -Event was answerable to this Promise.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Method of Cure was new and strange; but he who at -first called the World out of nothing, can with equal Facility -command Health out of a Piece of Brass. Another Observable -here, is that when the Almighty refused to hear the Cries of the -Wounded in their Distress, he readily hearkened to <i>Moses</i>’s Intercession -in their favour. Thus God accepted the Prayers of -<i>Job</i> for his three Friends, when he would not regard the Supplications -they put up for themselves. <i>Job</i> lxii. 7, 8.</p> -<hr class='c030' /> -<h3 class='c001'>SECTION II.</h3> -<p class='c031'>The brazen Serpent was a Figure of the flying Serpent, <i>Saraph</i>, -which <i>Moses</i> fixed upon an erected Pole: That there were such, is -most evident. <i>Herodotus</i> who had seen of those Serpents, says -they very much resembled those which the <i>Greeks</i> and <i>Latins</i> -called <i>Hydræ</i>: He went on purpose to the City of <i>Brutus</i> to see -those flying Animals, that had been devour’d by the <i>Ibidian</i> -Birds.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Asiatic-Georgia</i>, between the <i>Caspian</i> and <i>Euxine</i> Sea, are -found winged Dragons, with anserine Feet and venemous Claws; -and some of them are fortified with more terrible Pedestals than -others: their Wings are generally composed of strong nervous -Membranes, which when they walk, are scarcely visible, because -of their close Adherence to their lateral Parts<a id='r358' /><a href='#f358' class='c019'><sup>[358]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f358'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r358'>358</a>. </span>Paulus Jovius de Piscibus, cap 23. p. 140.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In the <i>Atlantic</i> Caves, and Mountains of <i>Africa</i>, is an infinite -Number of these winged Dragons, whose Poison is so strong, -that the Flesh of such as are wounded by them, immediately -grows soft, languid, and incurable<a id='r359' /><a href='#f359' class='c019'><sup>[359]</sup></a>. We read of flying Serpents -transported from some Parts of <i>Arabia</i> into <i>Egypt</i><a id='r360' /><a href='#f360' class='c019'><sup>[360]</sup></a><a id='r361' /><a href='#f361' class='c019'><sup>[361]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f359'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r359'>359</a>. </span>P. Belon in Johnstonus.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f360'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r360'>360</a>. </span>Teste Brodæo.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f361'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r361'>361</a>. </span>J. Leo’s Hist. of Africa, lib. 6, & 9.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>These also have been seen in <i>Florida</i> in <i>America</i>, where their -Wings are more flaccid, and so weak, that they cannot soar on -high. <i>Scaliger</i> describes a certain flying Serpent that was four -Foot long, and as thick as a Man’s Arm, whose Wings were cartilaginous, -or gristly, <i>ibid.</i> History accounts for one of these flying -Dragons that was killed in old <i>Aquitania</i> in <i>France</i>, a Present -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>of which was made to King <i>Francis</i>, as a great Rarity of -the Kind.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>JEROM CARDAN</i> informs us of some winged Dragons -he had seen at <i>Paris</i>, so nicely preserved, that they very much -resembled the Living; they were described with two Feet, weak -Wings, a serpentine Head, and of the Bigness of a Rabbit.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Why was the Deliverance of <i>Israel</i> by a Machine made in -the Form of a <i>Serpent</i>? Perhaps, these serpentine Strokes might -be intended as Emblems, or Memento’s of the fatal Wound in -Paradise, where Man’s Nature was first poisoned by the Devil, -who made use of a real Serpent to seduce our first Parents.</p> - -<p class='c013'>What is moral Evil but the Venom of the old Serpent? A -Venom as pleasant to the Taste, as the forbidden Fruit to the -Eye, but the End is Bitterness. And what are Incentives to Sin, -but delusive Insinuations of the subtle Serpent? And what is Enjoyment, -but a pleasing Illusion, which is no sooner grasp’d, but -glides away as a Shadow, leaving behind it a wounded Conscience, -direful Apprehensions and Prospects.</p> - -<p class='c013'>And what are all sensual Entertainments but so many hot -Gleams that portend the Approach of warring Winds and Storms? -The Powers of Darkness that excel in Science, know how to -regale the human Mind with pleasant Scenes, and how to divert -the Senses with delightful Charms; Charms that have no Existence -but in a deluded Imagination.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Cure by a brazen Serpent, might also be to shew, that -the Almighty in relieving distressed Supplicants, is not tied to any -particular Medium. When the <i>Israelites</i> were poison’d by real -Serpents, he heals them by the Image of a Serpent. When he -would destroy <i>Goliath</i> the Tyrant, he does it by a Sling in the -Hands of <i>David</i> a Youth, a very unlikely Person to encounter a -Champion.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Thus God by the Figure of a Serpent mortifies the Pride -of <i>Lucifer</i>, the old Serpent, by which he acquir’d greater Honour, -than if he had sacrificed to the Fire all the Serpents in the -Wilderness.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This may further intimate, that Providence may employ the -same Kind of Instruments, either for the Display of Mercy or -Justice upon Mankind. He who heals and wounds by the Mediation -of Serpents, can turn Blessings into a Curse, or enable us -to extract Sweetness out of the bitter Cup.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>SECT. III.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This artificial Serpent might (as some have thought) prefigure -the <i>Messiah</i>, the Healer of spiritual Maladies. Many take -it for a Representation of his Passion and Crucifixion: The Analogy -may be thus illustrated, <i>viz.</i> The Cures wrought by the -Serpent and the Saviour, deriv’d their Efficacy from Divine Appointment.</p> - -<p class='c013'>If the <i>brazen</i> Serpent had been the mere Contrivance of -<i>Moses</i>, it would not have answer’d the Intention: so all human -Institutions adopted into Divine Worship will be as little available -to true Happiness, (<i>Who has required this at your Hand?</i>) of -that Sovereign, who accepts no Worship but what has the Sanction -of his Wisdom and Will.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Both Cures were performed by the most unlikely Means. -The Serpent that healed their Wounds, was made of Brass; a -Prescription in which there was no Probability of producing that -happy Effect: And where was the promising Aspect arising from -the Manner of our Saviour’s Appearance on Earth? What great -Things could be expected from a Root of a dry Ground? How -improbable was it that a Person so mean in external Form should -overthrow the Kingdom of Darkness, a Kingdom that had been -strengthening its Barriers for about four thousand Years? Who -could think that he had such powerful Interest in Heaven, who -was of no Reputation on the Earth?</p> - -<p class='c013'>Behold here a Scene of Paradoxes! Patients recovered by -the Death of the Physician. Upon Mount <i>Golgotha</i> we see Paradise, -lost by the first <i>Adam</i>, regained by the Death of the second -<i>Adam</i>; Principalities and Powers led captives by a dying Man; -there we see Life restored by Death, a Crown of Glory purchased -by an ignominious Cross. Were the <i>Israelites</i> healed by a Creature -made in the Likeness of the Serpent that hurt? So Men are -restor’d by one made like themselves.</p> - -<p class='c013'>How was this miraculous Cure in the Wilderness obtained? -It was by an ocular View, that is, by looking at the artificial -Serpent. None else were entitled to a Relief. Thus Salvation -comes by Faith, which in the prophetick Dialect is represented by -<i>looking</i>. <i>Es.</i> xlv. 22. <i>Look unto me and be ye saved all the Ends of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>the Earth.</i> The first Sin enter’d at the Eye; <i>the Woman saw the -Fruit was good</i>. Thus our Restoration to the Divine Favour is -by an Eye to Christ, the <i>Tree of Life</i>, but I must not strain the -Metaphor too far.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>SECT. IV.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>Why was the Cure by a Serpent of Brass?</i> I answer, not for -any healing Virtue inherent in that Mineral, more than others, -but to demonstrate his Almighty Power, who can save by improbable -Means, or without the Application of any Means. Thus -the blind Man was cured by a Piece of Clay temper’d with Spittle; -<i>John</i> ix. 6.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Perhaps, this also may refer to our Lord, as he is compar’d -to <i>Brass</i>, which, when polish’d, is of a most beautiful -Colour, exceeding that of Gold. <i>Revel.</i> i. 15. <i>His Feet like -unto fine Brass.</i> An Emblem of the high Qualities that glitter in -him, whose Nature is divinely fair and glorious.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Those fiery Serpents, as they flew in the Air, might in Colour -resemble that of <i>burnish’d Brass</i>, because the Serpent of <i>Moses</i> -was form’d of <i>Brass</i>, a Metal that in itself is no Friend to Health; -and some have said, that the Sight of the brazen Serpent ought -naturally to increase the Distemper of the Wounded, instead of -healing it; and that the Almighty, shew’d a double Efficacy of -his Power, by healing with those Means, which ought to have a -quite contrary Effect<a id='r362' /><a href='#f362' class='c019'><sup>[362]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f362'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r362'>362</a>. </span><i>Buxtorf</i>, Hist. de Serpente æneo.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Tho’ Brass in its natural State, may not be propitious to -Health, yet when duly prepar’d it is beneficial: The Preparation -of <i>Copper</i> has been accounted an universal Remedy, and an excellent -<i>Emetick</i>, having this singular Virtue, <i>that it exerts its -Force, as soon as ever it is taken</i>: Whereas other Emeticks lie a -long time dormant in the Stomach, creating nauseous Anxieties, -<i>&c.</i> but a single Grain of <i>Verdegrease</i> immediately vomits<a id='r363' /><a href='#f363' class='c019'><sup>[363]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f363'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r363'>363</a>. </span><i>Boerhaave</i>’s Method.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>A Certain learned Gentleman of this Island, imagines -that the <i>brazen Serpent</i> was a kind of <i>Talisman</i>; that is to -say, one of those Pieces of Metal, which are cast and engraven -under certain Constellations, from whence they derive -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>an extraordinary Virtue to cure Distempers, <i>&c.</i> Some impute -their Effects to the old Serpent, others to the Nature of the Metal, -and to the Influence of the Constellation. This Author -therefore would make us believe, that the brazen Serpent cured -just as the <i>Talismans</i> cure certain Distempers, by the Sympathy -there is between the Metals of which they are made, or the Influence -of the Stars under which they are formed, and the Disease -they are to cure. Every one may believe as he pleases<a id='r364' /><a href='#f364' class='c019'><sup>[364]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f364'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r364'>364</a>. </span><i>Marsham Canon. Chronic.</i> quoted by <i>Calmet</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Serpent that is always represented with <i>Esculapius</i>’s <i>Image</i>, -and with <i>Salus</i>, the Goddess of Health, and often with -the <i>Egyptian</i> Deities, is a Symbol of Health, or of Healing, very -probably derives those Ensigns of Honour from the brazen Serpent -of <i>Moses</i>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>SECT. V.</div> - <div><i>WHAT became of the brazen Serpent at last?</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>I answer, it was brought into the <i>Land of Canaan</i> as a sacred -Relick, and religiously preserved among the <i>Israelites</i> down -to the Time of <i>Hezekiah</i> the King, as a standing Memorial of -divine Goodness to their Forefathers in the Wilderness; but being -abused by them to Superstition and Idolatry, as appears by their -burning Incense thereto, it was broke in pieces by the special -Command of King <i>Hezekiah</i>, who, in Derision and Contempt, -called it <i>Mehushtan</i>, a Piece of Brass, a Trifle, a Bauble, Shadow -of a Snake. 2 <i>Kings</i> xviii. 4. -May all the Ecclesiastical <i>Nehushtans</i> of <i>Babylon</i>, foisted into -Divine Worship, from the Rising of the Sun, to the Going-down -of the same, meet with the same honest and righteous Fate. In -the Church of St. <i>Ambrose</i> at <i>Milan</i>, they pretend to keep a -<i>brazen Serpent</i>, which they shew for that of <i>Moses</i>, tho’ there be -no such thing now in being. -In the Church of St. <i>Ambrose</i> there is a Dragon of Brass on a -Column of Marble: Some think it to be that of <i>Esculapius</i>, -others an Emblem of that in the Wilderness, upon which account -many of the Pilgrims and common People worship it. The Inhabitants -are very superstitious, and fond of holy Fragments, and -pretend to have at the Church of St. <i>Alexander</i>, no less than -144,000 <i>Martyrs</i> from the <i>Catacombs</i> of St. <i>Sebastian</i>. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>The Cures effected by the artificial Serpent, derived that -Efficacy from the divine Institution of that Medium: Had their -Prescription been the meer Device of Rabbi <i>Moses</i>, that great and -valuable End would not have been answered; therefore, since the -Reason of that Institution ceased, ’twas highly criminal in them, -to make any religious Use of it. -It is the divine Impress upon Institutions that ushers in the -Blessings intended by them; therefore to hope for Acceptance -with God on account of meer human Ordinances, (as bowing to -Images, to the Altar, to the East, and to make use of Crucifixes, -Crosses, holy Water) is to <i>hope for what God has never promised -to give</i>. -No wonder to see the brazen Serpent ground to Powder, and -the Dust scatter’d in the Air, that so no Fragments of it might -remain, when Altars of divine Establishment, and sacred to Devotion, -were intirely destroy’d, when they made Idols of them: -And how a holy and jealous God may resent the <i>Adoration of -the Cross in the Popish Church</i>, I pretend not to predict, much -less to determine. This Destruction of the brazen Serpent, is -reckon’d among the good Deeds of King <i>Hezekiah</i>, because it -was made a Medium, and Part of Worship not prescrib’d by divine -Authority.</p> -<h4 class='c047'>CHAPTER IV.</h4> -<p class='c044'><i>This Chapter begins with the Original of Idolatry, as a Preliminary -to the Adoration of</i> <span class='sc'>Serpents</span>, <i>under three Sections</i>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>SECT. I.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>As introductory to the Divinity of Serpents, I shall make a -brief Inquiry into the Original of sacred Images, and Idol-Worship; -the first Period of which is hard to trace. -Some make <i>Cain</i> the first Founder of it, because of his early -Apostacy from the true Religion; which is not very improbable, -since ’tis said, <i>He went out from the Presence of the Lord....</i> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>He grew more wicked, and gave himself up to all sorts of Violence<a id='r365' /><a href='#f365' class='c019'><sup>[365]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f365'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r365'>365</a>. </span>See <i>Cluverius</i>, and Dr. <i>Cumberland</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>That the old World was guilty of Idolatry, some gather -from <i>Gen.</i> iv. 26. which they say will bear this Reading——<i>Then -Men prophaned, calling on the Name of the Lord, that is, by -setting up Idols</i>: Upon which some of the Rabbins paraphrase -thus, viz. <i>Then they began to call Idols by the Name of the -Lord</i>: With which agrees the <i>Jerusalem Targum</i>, that says, <i>That -was the Age, in the days of which they began to err, and made -themselves Idols, and called their Idols by the Name of the Word of -the Lord</i><a id='r366' /><a href='#f366' class='c019'><sup>[366]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f366'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r366'>366</a>. </span><i>Schindl.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>So they understand <i>Gen.</i> vi. 11. <i>The Earth was corrupt</i>, that -is <i>idolatrous</i>. In defence of this Gloss, they quote the <i>Idolatry</i> of -the <i>golden Calf</i>, which is expressed by this very Form of Speech, -viz. <i>The People had corrupted themselves</i>. We read <i>Gen.</i> iv. 26. -<i>Then Men began to call upon the Name of the Lord</i>. There is no -room to doubt, but they called upon God before; the Particle -<i>then</i> seems to refer to <i>Enos</i>, which is the next Antecedent: therefore -’tis said, They now applied themselves to the Knowledge of -the Stars, which they apprehended were erected for the Government -of the World, and consequently might be their Duty to adore -them as God’s Representatives.</p> - -<p class='c013'>But the general Opinion is, that Idolatry did not begin till -after the Deluge, and that perhaps the Deluge might be one Occasion -of it; for the old World, as some suppose, was drown’d -for <i>Atheism</i>——which coming to the Knowledge of <i>Noah</i>’s mediate -Successors, they run into the other Extreme, <i>chusing rather -to have many Gods than no God</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>IDOLATRY</i> is of a more antient Date than <i>Image-Worship</i>: -To see Men kneeling before a piece of Wood or Stone, has -something so low and mean in it, that Men were not immediately -brought to that abject and scandalous piece of Worship. The -Sun, Moon, and Stars, were their <i>natural Gods</i>, and ador’d before -deify’d Men, who were their <i>animated Gods</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Deification of Creatures, seems to begin about the time -of the <i>Confusion at Babel</i>, or the Dispersion immediately consequent -thereupon, particularly in the Family of <i>Nimrod</i>, the Son -of <i>Cush</i>, Grandson of <i>Noah</i>. May not we date the <i>Original of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>Paganism</i> from that remarkable Person? ’Tis the Conjecture of -some, that <i>Nimrod</i> was the first Man that was deify’d, and probably -for the important Service he did to his Country, as a <i>mighty -Hunter</i>, in destroying wild Beasts that otherwise would soon have -devour’d the Inhabitants, which were not very numerous in those -days. ’Tis certain, that such Benefactors to Mankind were rank’d -among the Gods. If so, who will pretend to say, <i>our modern -Fox-Hunters don’t carry one Characteristic of Divinity about -them</i>?</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some think that the true Religion was universal for about -four hundred Years after the Deluge, because it does not appear -from <i>Abram</i>’s Traverse thro’ <i>Mesopotamia</i>, <i>Canaan</i>, <i>Philistia</i>, -<i>Egypt</i>, <i>&c.</i> that those Countries were Idolaters. Others apprehend -<i>Abram</i> himself was originally an Idolater, at least that Idolatry -had overspread the Nations in his time, for which they quote -<i>Joshua</i> xxiv. 2. <i>Your Fathers ... even Terah the Father of Abraham -... served other Gods</i>. It’s evident from hence, that <i>Terah</i> -had fallen into Idolatry, and some are of Opinion, that <i>Abram</i> -himself was an Idolater, till God made him sensible of the Vanity -of Idol-worship, and that it was thro’ him that his Father <i>Terah</i> -was brought under the same Conviction, by this Device, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Jews</i> say that <i>Terah</i> was not only an Idolater, but also a -Carver, and Dealer in Images and Idols; that one day when he -went a Journey, he left <i>Abram</i> to take care of the Shop; but -<i>Abram</i> being already convinced of the Sinfulness of Idols, ask’d -all that came to buy <i>Idol-Gods</i> of him, <i>How old are you?</i> They -told him their Age; and he replied to them, <i>This God that you -would buy and worship, is younger than you are; it was made but -the other day, and of contemptible Matter, therefore believe what I -say, and renounce this vain Worship</i>. The <i>Buyers</i> struck with -Confusion at these Reproaches, went away without buying, asham’d -of their Stupidity<a id='r367' /><a href='#f367' class='c019'><sup>[367]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f367'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r367'>367</a>. </span>Fa <i>Calmet</i> under <i>Terah</i>, vol. xiii.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Q. <i>What might move Men to the first Idolatry?</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>Perhaps it might be a <i>strong Attachment to the Senses</i>, which -they made their sovereign Judges in Spirituals: It was hard for -vulgar Heads in those Days of Darkness to elevate their Thoughts -above sensible Objects.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>Another Reason, may be the <i>Pride of the human Mind</i>; -that is not satisfied with rational plain Truths, but will adulterate -them with foolish Imaginations: Hence it was that they -would have such Objects of Worship, as might immediately strike -their sensible Powers; nothing would serve their Turn but a Divinity -visible to the Eye, therefore they brought down the Gods -to the Earth, and represented them under certain Images, which -by degrees commenced inferior Deities.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Egyptian Priests</i> not being able to persuade the <i>People</i>, -that there were any <i>Gods</i> or <i>Spirits</i> superior to Men, were constrained -to call down Demons, or Spirits, and lodge them in Statues, -and then bring forth those Statues to be visible Objects of -Adoration, and from hence sprung Idolatry.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Among the Pagans were various Opinions about religious -Images. <i>Some</i> looked upon them as only Representatives of the -true God, as <i>Seneca</i>, a Stoick Philosopher, and <i>Plato</i> a Native of -<i>Athens</i>, and a noted Academick.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>OTHERS</i> said, they did not adore material Images, but the -Gods in them, into which they were drawn by virtue of their -Consecration, or, in a more modern Language, their Canonization<a id='r368' /><a href='#f368' class='c019'><sup>[368]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f368'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r368'>368</a>. </span><i>Arnobius</i>, lib. vi.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>SOME</i> were of Opinion, that after the Consecration of Images, -the Gods actually incorporated with them, or were animated -by them, as Man’s Body is by the Soul<a id='r369' /><a href='#f369' class='c019'><sup>[369]</sup></a>. The vulgar -Heathen paid their Adoration to Images as if they were real Gods; -which monstrous Practice was ridiculed by the most sensible Pagans, -as appears farther on<a id='r370' /><a href='#f370' class='c019'><sup>[370]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f369'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r369'>369</a>. </span><i>Trismegistus</i>, a learned <i>Egyptian</i>, a great Philosopher, a great Priest, and a -great King.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f370'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r370'>370</a>. </span>See <i>Lactantius</i>, lib. ii.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Use and Worship of Images has been long, and still is -controverted. The <i>Lutherans</i> condemn the <i>Calvinists</i> for breaking -the Images in the Churches of the Catholicks; and at the -same time they condemn the Romanists (who are professed Image-Worshippers) -as Idolaters. The modern <i>Jews</i> condemn all Images, -and suffer no Pictures or Figures in their Houses, much -less in their Synagogues, or Places of Worship.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>The <i>Mahometans</i> have a perfect Aversion to all Images. This -is it that made them destroy most of the beautiful Monuments of -Antiquity, both sacred and profane, at <i>Constantinople</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The old noble <i>Romans</i> preserved the Images of their Ancestors -with no little Care, and had them carried in Procession in their -Funerals and Triumphs.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>SECT. II.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This Part entertains us with various Instances of Pagan Deifications, -<i>viz.</i> of Men, Beasts, and Things without Life.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>I. <i>MEN transformed into Gods.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>I Begin with their <i>deified Men</i>, that is, <i>dead Men</i>, who being -canonized, past for <i>reputed Gods</i>. Note here, some are of -opinion, that the word <i>God</i>, among the Heathen, did not mean -the uncreated eternal Being, but some <i>most excellent superior Nature</i>; -and accordingly, they gave the Appellation of <i>Gods</i> to <i>all -Beings</i> of a Rank higher, and more perfect than Man.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>principal Gods</i> among the antient Heathens were <i>Jupiter</i>, -<i>Mars</i>, <i>Mercury</i>, <i>Neptune</i>, <i>Apollo</i>, <i>Juno</i>, <i>Vesta</i>, <i>Minerva</i>, <i>&c.</i> -The <i>next sort of Gods</i> were called <i>Demy-Gods</i>, or <i>Gods adopted</i>; -and these were Men canonized and deify’d. Now, as the <i>greater -Gods</i> had possession of Heaven in their <i>own Right</i>, so these <i>lesser -Gods</i> had it by <i>Donation</i>, being translated into Heaven, because -they were Men renowned for their Virtues, and had lived as Gods -upon Earth; and these at first were called <i>Teraphim</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The first certain Account of these we have in <i>Genesis</i>, where -’tis said, <i>Rachel</i> had <i>stoln her Father’s Images</i>. Chap. xxxi. 19. -the <i>Teraphim</i> of her Father in the <i>Hebrew</i>, which <i>Laban</i>, (ii. 30.) -calls his <i>Gods</i>, Hebr. <i>Eloha</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The word <i>Teraphim</i> is <i>Hebrew</i>, others say <i>Egyptian</i>: Be that -as it will, we find it about thirteen times in our Bible, and is -commonly interpreted <i>Idols</i>, <i>Images</i>, <i>sacred</i>, <i>superstitious Figures</i>. -<i>Spencer</i> maintains the word to be <i>Chaldee</i>, and that those Images -were borrowed from the <i>Amorites</i>, <i>Chaldeans</i>, or <i>Syrians</i>, and -that the <i>Egyptian Serapis</i> is the same thing with <i>Teraphim</i> of the -<i>Chaldeans</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A Learned <i>Jew</i> says the <i>Teraphim</i> were in human Shape, -and that when raised upright, they spoke at certain Hours, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>under certain Constellations, by the Influence of the celestial Bodies. -<i>R. David de Pomis ... Cyclopædia.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>This <i>Rabbinical Fable</i> seems to be grounded on <i>Zech.</i> x. 2. -<i>The Idols</i> (Hebr. <i>Teraphim</i>) <i>have spoken Vanity....</i> Some of the -learned <i>Jews</i> will have it to denote the Knowledge of Futurity, -and for this Signification they quote <i>Ezek.</i> xxi. 21. <i>The King of -Babylon stood ... at the Head of the two Ways ... he consulted with -Images</i>; with <i>Teraphim</i>, says the <i>Hebrew</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The same <i>Rabbi</i> adds, that to make the <i>Teraphim</i> they kill’d -a first-born Child, clove his Head, season’d it with Salt and Oil; -that they wrote on a Plate of Gold the Name of some impure -Spirit, laid it under the Tongue of the Dead, placed the Head -against the Wall, lighted Lamps before it, prayed to it, and it -talk’d with them.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Others hold, that the <i>Teraphim</i> were brazen Instruments -which pointed out the Hours of future Events, as directed by -the Stars.—Some think that the <i>Teraphim</i> were Figures or Images -of a Star engraven on a sympathetic Stone, or Metal corresponding -to the Star, in order to receive its Influences: To these Figures, -under certain Aspects of the Stars, they ascribe extraordinary -Effects.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Talismanical Opinion, says a Learned Pen<a id='r371' /><a href='#f371' class='c019'><sup>[371]</sup></a>, appears the -most probable.... All the Eastern People are still much addicted -to this Superstition of <i>Talismans</i>. The <i>Persians</i> call them <i>Telesin</i>, -a Word approaching to <i>Teraphim</i>. In those Countries no Man is -seen without them, and some are even loaded with them. They -hang them to the Necks of Animals, and Cages of Birds, as Preservatives -against Evils. Such were the <i>Samothracian Talismans</i>, -which were pieces of Iron, formed into certain Images and set in -Rings....</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f371'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r371'>371</a>. </span>Father <i>Dom. Calmet</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Labanic Images</i> are supposed to be the most antient, if -not the first religious Images, made of some precious Metal, and -had their Birth in <i>Laban</i>’s Country, that is, <i>Chaldea</i>, or <i>Mesopotamia</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>From <i>Laban</i>’s History, it seems as if these <i>Teraphim</i> were -Pictures or Images of certain Persons deceased; that is, they were -a sort of Idols, or superstitious Figures venerated by them as -<i>Demy-Gods</i>. That they were such artificial Portraitures of Men, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>is evident from that Instance in <i>Michal</i>, who, to deliver <i>David</i> -her Husband from bloody Assassins that threaten’d his Life, laid an -<i>Image in his Bed</i>, a <i>Teraphim</i>, says the <i>Hebrew</i>, that is, a material -Image, probably a Figure of Wood, or Sticks hastily made -up, drest in Man’s Clothes, to make those sent by King <i>Saul</i> -to apprehend him, believe he was sick.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Why does <i>Laban</i> call them his Gods? Very probably because -he believed they retain’d their Affection for Mankind in the invisible -World, and being rank’d among the Gods, might be serviceable -to his Family, therefore adopted them to be Guardians -of his House. They were only his <i>domestick Gods</i>, and not the -established Gods of the Country; and ’tis very likely they might -be the Images of <i>Noah</i> and his <i>Sons</i>; or some other illustrious -Ancestors, whom he had chosen for his <i>Tutelary Gods</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Scripture mentions another sort of <i>Teraphim</i>, sometimes -consulted by the <i>Jews</i> as an Oracle, not imagining that thereby -they abandon’d the Worship of the true God. Such was the -<i>Teraphim</i> that <i>Micha</i> made and set up in his House, and to which -he appointed a <i>Priest</i> of the <i>Levitical Race</i>, with an <i>Ephod</i> or -Sacramental Garment, by the Influence of which he flatter’d himself -that God would bless his House. This probably might be -some <i>Hieroglyphical Figure</i>, to which the superstitious <i>Jews</i> attributed -the Virtue of an Oracle, and the Power of foretelling -Things to come: Hence speaking Teraphims.</p> - -<p class='c013'>From these <i>Teraphim</i> came the <i>Lares</i>, or the Household Gods -of the old <i>Romans</i>, who before the Laws of the Twelve Tables, -used to bury the Dead in their Houses; from whence arose that -great Veneration they had for their <i>Lares</i> and <i>Penates</i>, a kind of -domestick Divinities, worship’d in Houses, and esteem’d Protectors -of Families, which were nothing else but the supposed -Ghosts of those who formerly had belonged to the Family, whom -they represented by Images, which they placed in the Chimney-Corner, -or near their Doors.</p> - -<p class='c013'>These were also look’d upon as Guardians of the Highways, -near to which their Images were fix’d for the Benefit of Travellers, -therefore call’d <i>Dii Viales</i>, Gods of the Roads. ’Tis said by the -Prophet, <i>The King of Babylon stood at the parting of the Way</i>, and -consulted <i>with the Images</i>; with the <i>Teraphim</i>, says the <i>Hebrew</i>, -<i>Ezek.</i> xxi. 21. which the <i>Jewish</i> Interpreters say were prophetick -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>Images, endued with the Gift of Prediction; so far from being -mere Idols, that they gave out Oracles, and foretold Things to -come.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some think <i>Laban</i>’s <i>Teraphim</i> to be such, and that <i>Rachel</i>, -having observed how her Father did divine by them, and fearing, -by consulting with them, he might know which way <i>Jacob</i> went, -and follow after and murder him; to prevent so fatal a Catastrophe, -she took away his <i>Oracles</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Those sacred Images might, at first, be made in honour of -departed Relatives, or illustrious Persons; but by degrees degenerated -into religious Adoration. Thus the <i>Manes</i> of the Dead -were worship’d by them under the Figure of their <i>Teraphim</i>, in -some place of the House, and probably where they had deposited -the Remains of their Ancestors, as some think.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Lares</i> were also called <i>Penates</i>: To these they paid religious -Homage with Sacrifices; so the <i>Roman Satirist</i> says, and -calls these images his <i>dear little House-Gods</i>; and then observes, -that they were crown’d with Garlands of Flowers in Summer, -and in Winter with Shaving of Horns colour’d. To these <i>Waxen-Gods</i> -the <i>Romans</i> addrest themselves with Offerings of Frankincense -and Cakes<a id='r372' /><a href='#f372' class='c019'><sup>[372]</sup></a>....</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f372'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r372'>372</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Oh parvi nostrique Lares quos thure minuto</div> - <div class='line'>Hic nostrum placabo, Jovem Laribusque paternis</div> - <div class='line'>Thura dabo, atque omnes violæ jactabo colores</div> - <div class='line'>Cuncta nitent——</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Juvenal. Sat.</i> ix. <i>v.</i> 137. & <i>Sat.</i> xii. <i>v.</i> 89.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>They were supposed to be the Spirits of such, who had lived -well on the Earth, and in consequence of it, were happy; so on -the other hand, those who lived ill here, did after Death wander -up and down in Horror, and were supposed, by the Vulgar, to -be Hobgoblins, call’d <i>Lemures</i>, <i>i. e.</i> restless Ghosts of departed -Spirits, who return to the Earth to terrify the Living.</p> - -<p class='c013'>These are the same with <i>Larvæ</i>, which the Antients imagined -to wander round the World, to frighten good People, and -plague the bad. All these were imagin’d to be the Ghosts of the -Dead: They pray’d to the Good for Protection, and sacrificed to -the Evil to pacify their Rage: For this reason they had their -<i>Lemuria</i> or <i>Lemuralia</i> at <i>Rome</i>, where on the 9th of <i>May</i>, a Feast -was solemnized in honour of the <i>Lemures</i>, and to pacify the -<i>Manes</i> of the Dead, especially those who died without Burial, to -prevent their giving disturbance to the Living.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>The first <i>Men</i> that were <i>deified</i>, or made Gods, are supposed -to be the Heads of Families, Founders of Empires, and Benefactors -of Provinces——who, after their decease, were highly -reverenced. <i>Noah</i> and his Sons seem to be the first and chief animated -Deities of the Pagans, under the Names of <i>Saturn</i>, <i>Jupiter</i>, -<i>Neptune</i> and <i>Pluto</i>; hence <i>Demons</i>, another Name given to -Spirits, which were supposed to appear to Mortals, with intention -to do them Good or Hurt.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The first Notion of Demons, ’tis said, sprung from <i>Chaldea</i>, -thence it spread among the <i>Persians</i>, <i>Egyptians</i>.... <i>Pythagoras</i> -and <i>Thales</i> were the first that introduced <i>Demons</i> into <i>Greece</i>, -where <i>Plato</i> fell in with the Notion, which he explains thus, -<i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>... By <i>Demons</i>, he understood Spirits inferior to Gods, and -yet superior to Men, which inhabiting the middle Region of the -Air, kept up the Communication between the Gods and Men, -carrying up the <i>Prayers</i> and Offerings of Men to the Gods, and -bringing down the <i>Will</i> of the Gods to Men. He allow’d of -none but good ones, tho’ his Disciples (finding themselves unable -to account for the Origin of Evil) adopted another kind of Demons, -who were Enemies to Man<a id='r373' /><a href='#f373' class='c019'><sup>[373]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f373'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r373'>373</a>. </span><i>Gale</i>’s <i>Court of the Gentiles</i>, part I. chap. viii.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Apocryphal Book of <i>Enoch</i> abounds with the Names of -Angels and Devils; but that Book is not of any great Antiquity, -tho’ the Prophecy be: it does not appear to have been known by -the antient <i>Jews</i>. St. <i>Jude</i> is the first that cited it. The Authority -which this spurious Book of <i>Enoch</i> has received from some -of the Antients, is the reason of our meeting with several of its -Opinions, scatter’d in their Writings. <i>Ibid.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>LACTANTIUS</i>, one of the most eloquent Authors of his time, -(and therefore called the <i>Christian Cicero</i>) was of Opinion there -were two sorts of Demons, celestial and terrestrial<a id='r374' /><a href='#f374' class='c019'><sup>[374]</sup></a>: The <i>celestial</i> -are the fallen Angels, who having been seduced by the Prince of -Devils, engaged themselves in impure Amours; the <i>terrestrial</i> are -they who issued from the former, as Children from their Parents: -These last, who are neither Men nor Angels, but a Medium between -the two Natures; were not plunged into Hell, neither -were their Fathers admitted into Heaven: The terrestrial Angels -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>are impure Spirits, and Authors of all the Evils committed on -Earth<a id='r375' /><a href='#f375' class='c019'><sup>[375]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f374'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r374'>374</a>. </span><i>Chambers</i>’s <i>Cyclopæd.</i> <i>Calmet</i>’s <i>Hist. Dict.</i> vol. i. p. 434.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f375'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r375'>375</a>. </span><i>Lactantius</i>, lib. ii. cap. 14. <i>Lugd.</i> <i>Bat.</i> 1652.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Many of the Antients have allotted to every Man an Evil -Angel, who is continually laying Snares for him, and inclining -him to Evil, as his Good Angel does to what is Good. The -<i>Jews</i> have still the same Sentiments at this day. Another <i>Father</i> -thinks, that every Vice has its Evil Angel, presiding over it; as -the Demon of Avarice, the Demon of Pride, of Uncleanness<a id='r376' /><a href='#f376' class='c019'><sup>[376]</sup></a>....</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f376'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r376'>376</a>. </span><i>Origen.</i> Homil. xv. in Josh. <i>Calmet.</i> ibid.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Pagan Theology</i>, nothing more common than those good -and evil Genii, and the same superstitious Notion got among the -<i>Israelites</i>, by Commerce with the <i>Chaldeans</i>; but I don’t apprehend -that by Demon, they meant the Devil, or a wicked Spirit, -tho’ it be taken under that Idea by the Evangelists, and also some -modern <i>Jews</i><a id='r377' /><a href='#f377' class='c019'><sup>[377]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f377'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r377'>377</a>. </span><i>Cyclopædia.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>We are not without some Remains of those antient Representations: -Among the various Rarities in the <i>Musæum</i> at <i>Leyden</i> in -<i>Holland</i>, is the Effigies in Sculpture of <i>Osiris</i>, the <i>Egyptian God</i>; -’tis made of Wood, and now almost consum’d with Age: There -are three other <i>Egyptian</i> Idols of Stone; an Image of <i>Isis</i> (who -married <i>Osiris</i>, King of the Country) giving suck to her Orr. -Another Effigies of <i>Isis</i>, the <i>Egyptian Goddess</i>, upon a little <i>Egyptian</i> -Coffer, containing the Heart of an <i>Egyptian</i> Prince embalm’d -therein.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The antient Pagans, had almost as many <i>Goddesses</i> as <i>Gods</i>; -such were <i>Juno</i>, the <i>Goddess of Air</i>, <i>&c.</i> Queen of Heaven, and -of the Gods; was represented sitting on a Throne with a Crown -of Gold on her Head: This was the Patroness of the female Sex. -Every Woman had her <i>Juno</i>, or Guardian; as every Man had -his <i>Genius</i>. She was the Goddess of Marriages, which were not -deem’d lawful without the Parties first addrest her. One Branch -of her Office was to attend them in Labor, when they pray’d, -<i>Help, Juno Lucina</i><a id='r378' /><a href='#f378' class='c019'><sup>[378]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f378'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r378'>378</a>. </span><i>Juno Lucina fer opem.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>She was ador’d by all Nations; her Temple was open on the -Top and had no Doors, it being impious to think of confining -the Gods to a narrow Inclosure. Yea, many of the Antients -would erect no devotional Temples, from a Persuasion that the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>whole World is the Temple of God. The <i>Sicyonians</i> would build -no Temple to their Goddess <i>Coronis</i>: Nor would the <i>Athenians</i> -erect a Statue to the Goddess <i>Clemency</i>, who they said was to live -in the <i>Hearts of Men</i>, not <i>within Stone-Walls</i>. The Goddesses -were numerous, but I shall add no more.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They did not only enroll <i>Men</i> and <i>Women</i> among their Gods, -but they had also <i>Hermaphrodite-Gods</i>. Thus <i>Minerva</i>, according -to several of the Learned, was both Man and Woman, and -worshipped as such under the Appellation of <i>Lunus & Luna</i>. -<i>Mithras</i>, the <i>Persian Deity</i>, was both God and Goddess; there -were Gods of Virtue, Vice, Time, Place, Death ... Infancy. -Not Men only, but every thing that relates to Mankind, has also -been deified, as Infancy, Age, Death, Labor, Rest, Sleep, Virtues, -Vices, Time, Place.... Infancy alone had a numerous Train of -Deities. They also ador’d the Gods of Health, Love, Fear, Pain, -Indignation, Shame, Renown, Prudence, Art, Science, Fidelity, -Liberty, Money, War, Peace, Victory....</p> - -<p class='c013'>Thus we have seen, that nothing more common among Pagans, -than to place Men among the Number of Deities; yea, -some of them would not wait for their Deification till Death. -Thus <i>Nebuchadnezzar</i>, King of <i>Babylon</i>, procured his <i>Image to -be worshipped</i> while he was living. Thus <i>Augustus</i> had Altars -erected and Sacrifices offered to him while alive. He had Priests -called <i>Augustales</i>, and Temples at <i>Lyons</i>, and several other Places. -He was the first <i>Roman</i> who carried Idolatry to such a pitch: -Having in a most respectful manner view’d the embalm’d Body -of <i>Alexander the Great</i>, was ask’d, if he would see <i>Ptolemy</i>’s also? -he answer’d, <i>His Curiosity was to see a King, not a Man</i>. His -Favourite Poet complements him with the Title of God<a id='r379' /><a href='#f379' class='c019'><sup>[379]</sup></a>. Yea, -the <i>Ethiopians</i> deem’d all their Kings <i>Gods</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f379'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r379'>379</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>——Deus nobis hæc otia fecit.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c033'>II. <i>Inanimate Things turn’d into Gods.</i> -Things without Life were made into Gods by the Heathens: -The Sun, Moon, and Stars seem to be the first Idols, or false -Gods, to whom they paid a divine Regard. <i>Possidonius</i> defines a -<i>Star</i>, a <i>divine Body</i>. The <i>Zabii</i> erected Images to the Stars, -which they fancied to be so many Gods, and that they influenced -the Images consecrated to them; yea, and communicated the prophetick -Spirit to Men.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>The <i>Sun</i> and <i>Moon</i> were by the idolatrous <i>Israelites</i> called the -<i>King</i> and <i>Queen</i> of Heaven, and the Stars were supposed (as it -were) to be their Militia, form’d for their Guards, with which -they were always surrounded.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>PHILO</i> of <i>Alexandria</i>, (called <i>Philo</i> the <i>Jew</i>, a <i>Platonick</i> -Philosopher) imputes to the Stars a great part of whatever happens -on the Earth; and says, they are not only Animals, but even -most pure Spirits; that our Air is replete with Animals and Spirits, -which are continually descending to animate Bodies. He -had borrow’d these odd Notions from his Master <i>Plato</i>, Chief of -the Academicks. <i>Origen</i> one of the Fathers, who flourish’d in -the third Century, was guilty of the same Mistake<a id='r380' /><a href='#f380' class='c019'><sup>[380]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f380'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r380'>380</a>. </span><i>Philo Leg. Alleg. Origen.</i> t i. <i>Maimon. in Calmet.</i> under the word <i>Star</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The sacred Books, in some places, seem to ascribe Knowledge -to the <i>Stars</i>, when they praised God at the beginning of the -World, <i>Job</i> xxxviii. 7. but the Stars were not then created, therefore -it’s generally supposed they were <i>Angels</i>. Since then the Sun, -Moon and Stars are excited to praise the Lord; the Moon withdrew -its Light, and the Sun stopt its Course at the Command of -<i>Joshua</i> ... and perhaps one reason of their strange Opinions about -the heavenly Bodies, might be owing to these and the like Expressions; -not knowing that these Words were meerly popular, -and not to be understood literally, for then we must say that the -Earth, the Trees, the Waters, are animated, since we find in -Scripture some Expressions that would insinuate as much.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Arabians</i> who sprung from <i>Ishmael</i>, worshipped the Sun, -Moon and Stars, in which they were conducted by their Priests -who were cloathed in white Vestments, wearing Mitres and -Sandals, which at first were only Soles tied to the Feet with Strings. -In Authors that speak of ecclesiastical Rites, and Ornaments, -we find the word <i>Sandals</i> to signify a valuable kind of Shoes, -worn by the <i>Prelates at Solemnities</i><a id='r381' /><a href='#f381' class='c019'><sup>[381]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f381'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r381'>381</a>. </span><i>Benedictus Baudovinus de Calceo Antiquo.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>We find <i>Sandals</i> also used by the Ladies, very different in -form: When <i>Judith</i> went to the Camp of <i>Holofernes</i>, she put -<i>Sandals</i> on her Feet, at the sight of which he was captivated; -for ’tis said, <i>Her Sandals ravish’d his Eyes</i>. These were a magnificent -sort of Stockens, like Buskins, of an extraordinary Beauty<a id='r382' /><a href='#f382' class='c019'><sup>[382]</sup></a>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>and were proper only to the Ladies of Condition, who generally -had Slaves to carry them.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f382'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r382'>382</a>. </span><i>Judith</i> x. 4.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>N. B.</i> The real <i>Buskin</i> was the <i>Cothurnus</i>, a very high Shoe -rais’d on Soals of Cork, wore by the ancient Actors in Tragedy, -to make them appear taller, and more like the Heroes they represented, -most of whom were supposed to be Giants.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Persians</i> had no Temples, Altars, nor Images, holding -such little Things improper for the high Gods. Therefore they -worshipp’d upon the Top of Hills, where they offer’d Sacrifices -to the Sun, Moon, and Stars. The <i>Babylonians</i> adored the -Sun, to which the King offer’d every Day a white Horse -richly furnish’d: The Sun was in high Esteem among the <i>Phenicians</i>, -whose Priests were crown’d with Gold. The <i>Tartars</i> and -<i>Cathaians</i> worship the Sun, and Stars, to which they offer the first -Fruits of their Meat every Morning before they eat and drink -themselves. They have divers Monasteries of Idols, to whom -they dedicate their Children.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Nova Zembla</i> there is no Religion prescrib’d by Law, but -they worship the <i>Sun</i>, so long as ’tis with them, and the Moon -and North-Star in its absence. In <i>China</i> are great Numbers of -sacred Temples, where the Priests have so much Power over their -Gods, that they may beat them when they don’t answer their -Expectation: Their <i>chief</i> Gods are the <i>Sun</i>, <i>Moon</i>, and <i>Stars</i>, -where they are not christianis’d.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the <i>Philippine Islands</i>, the Natives worship the <i>Stars</i>, -which they hold to be the <i>Children</i> of the <i>Sun</i> and <i>Moon</i>: Their -Priests, for the most part, are Women. The <i>Japonians</i> worship -an Image, with three Faces, by which they mean, Sun, Moon, -and the elementary World<a id='r383' /><a href='#f383' class='c019'><sup>[383]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f383'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r383'>383</a>. </span><i>Acosta</i>, and <i>Jesuits</i> Ep. in <i>R. Oliver</i>. <i>Noort</i>’s Navigation.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>America</i> their chief Deities are the Sun and Moon; which -they honour with Dances and Songs. In <i>Virginia</i> and <i>Florida</i>, -when they eat, drink, and sacrifice, they use to throw up towards -the Sun, some part of their Food: The <i>Spaniards</i> taking -Advantage of this Superstition, made the poor ignorant People -believe they were Messengers sent to them from the Sun; whereupon -they submitted to the <i>Spanish</i> Yoke. <i>Hacluyt</i>, <i>ibid.</i> At -<i>Mexico</i>, when they sacrificed a Man, they pull’d out his <i>Heart</i>, -and offer’d it to the <i>Sun</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>In <i>South-America</i>, they worship evil Spirits in various Forms, -and Sun and Moon. When it thunders, and lightens, they say -the <i>Sun</i> is angry with them: When the Moon is eclipsed, they say -the <i>Sun</i> is angry with her.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Peru</i>, next to their chief God, they worship’d the Sun, -and after it, the Thunder. They took Sun and Moon for Husband -and Wife. In the seventh Month they sacrificed to the Sun, -and in the tenth to the Honour of the Moon.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The same Paganism was profest among the <i>Europeans</i>; yea -the <i>Greeks</i> and <i>Romans</i> that were the most knowing and polite Nations, -their chief Gods were Sun, Moon, and Stars.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Air, and Meteors in it, were made into Gods: Thus -the <i>Persians</i> ador’d the Wind; Thunder and Lightning were honour’d -under the Name <i>Geryon</i>. Comets and the Rainbow also -have been prefer’d from <i>Meteors</i>, to be <i>Gods</i>. <i>Socrates</i> deify’d the -Clouds, if Credit may be given to <i>Aristophanes</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Their high Veneration for <i>Water</i> was such, that to spit, to -urine, or wash in a River was made a high Crime; perhaps, the -<i>Water of Jealousy</i> that determin’d the Case about the <i>Jewish</i> Women, -suspected of Adultery, might heighten their Veneration for -this Element.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Sicily</i>, Rivers were worshipped by the <i>Agrigentes</i> (in the -shape of a beautiful Boy) to which they sacrificed.... The <i>Cathaians</i> -worship Earth and Water.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Indians</i> count the River <i>Ganges</i> sacred, and to have a -Power of expiating their Sins. When the Idolaters wash in it, -they cry, <i>Oh Ganges, purify me!</i> And when any are sick, they dip -them in it, in order to recover their Health. The Water of this -River is convey’d to such as live at a distance, and are not in a -Capacity to travel; so that they ascribe as much Virtue to this -River, as the Papists do to their holy Water, and chief Relicks.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The People of <i>Bengal</i> don’t only worship the River <i>Ganges</i>, -but give Divine Honours to its Image. <i>Bernier</i> says, that Kingdom -is well water’d by Channels cut out of the <i>Ganges</i>, which is -visited by many Pilgrims, who think themselves happy if they -can wash in it. There is also a Well in that Country, which -they adore, and think, by washing therein, they are purify’d from -their Sins. Their <i>Priests</i> travel about with the <i>Water</i> of the -<i>Ganges</i>, which they sell at vast Prices; because the poor ignorant -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>People are made to believe, that by drinking this Water, they -obtain Pardon of their Sins.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Inhabitants of <i>Peru</i> in <i>America</i>, fling the Ashes of their -Sacrifices into the River, follow the same six Leagues, and pray -the River to bring that Present to <i>Virachoca</i>, a superior Deity. -<i>Acosta.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Persians</i> and <i>Chaldeans</i> express their God by <i>Fire</i>, to -which they perform Adoration, and bring it Food, crying to -it, <i>Eat, Oh my Lord Fire!</i> To throw dead and dirty Things -into the Fire, yea to blow it with their Breath, was High Treason.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Magicians</i> say, that this <i>Fire</i> was convey’d to them from -Heaven; and that it was for this Reason that they kept it so religiously. -That they preserve a constant Fire on their Altars, is -evident from History. They are said to have Fires still subsisting, -which have burnt above a thousand Years. We read of such Fire -kept up with superstitious Care in the Temple of <i>Jupiter Ammon</i>, -and in that of <i>Hercules</i> at <i>Gades</i>. So it is in <i>Egypt</i>, and in most -of all the eastern Countries, and <i>Virgil</i> tells that <i>Iarbas</i> the <i>Getulian</i> -could boast of a hundred Temples he had erected with -Altars, blazing with perpetual Fire, the eternal Guard of the -Gods<a id='r384' /><a href='#f384' class='c019'><sup>[384]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f384'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r384'>384</a>. </span></p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Centum aras posuit, vigilemque sacraverat ignem,</div> - <div class='line'>Excubias divûm æternas.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Virg.</span> Æneid. 4.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>That which gave occasion to perpetuate the Fire in Pagan -Temples, might be from the perpetual Fire kept in the Temple -at <i>Jerusalem</i>, which descended from Heaven upon the first Victims -sacrificed by <i>Aaron</i> and his Son. Hence the <i>Vestals</i> were appointed -express, to keep up the sacred Fire of the <i>Romans</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Kings of <i>Persia</i> never went abroad without having some -Portion of the sacred Fire carried before them: The Historian -giving an Account of the March of <i>Darius</i>’s Army,—says, that -they carried Fire upon Altars of Silver, in great Ceremony,—that -they had it in great Veneration, calling it the <i>sacred and eternal -Fire</i>, and that the <i>Magi</i> came after, singing Hymns according to -the <i>Persian Mode</i><a id='r385' /><a href='#f385' class='c019'><sup>[385]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f385'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r385'>385</a>. </span>Quint. Curtius, lib. 1. Hyde de Pers. Relig. c. iii. p. 69.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>God appear’d to <i>Moses</i> under the Form of a Fire burning in -a Bush. The Camp of <i>Israel</i> in the Wilderness was conducted -in the Night by a Pillar of Fire. Now God having made several -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>Revelations of himself, under the Appearance of Fire, might give -occasion to the <i>Chaldeans</i> and <i>Persians</i> to entertain such enormous -Veneration for Fire, which is a Symbol of the Deity: <i>The Lord -thy God</i>, says <i>Moses, is a consuming Fire</i>. At their high Solemnities -they set several Trees (hung with diverse Sorts of Beasts for -Sacrifice) on fire; this they did after they had carried about -these Fires in Procession.</p> - -<p class='c013'>I Shall add here, a remarkable Contest that happen’d between -the <i>Chaldean</i> and <i>Egyptian</i> Priests about the <i>Superiority of -their Gods</i>.... In the time of <i>Constantine</i> the <i>Chaldean Priests</i>, to -prove that <i>Fire</i>, which was their God, excell’d all other Gods -in Power, travell’d over the Earth, carrying <i>Fire</i> with them, -which soon consum’d all the Statues and Images of other Gods; -whether of Brass, Silver, Stone or Wood, says <i>Suidas</i><a id='r386' /><a href='#f386' class='c019'><sup>[386]</sup></a>, who -gives a large Account of it, under the Word κανωπος. At length -coming into <i>Egypt</i>, and making this Challenge; the <i>Egyptian -Priests</i> agreed upon a <i>Battle of the Gods</i>, and immediately brought -into the Field one of their Idols, which was a large Statue of -<i>Nilus, full of Water</i>, and full of little Holes, which they stopt -with Wax not discernable, and so artificially, that the Water -was kept in.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f386'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r386'>386</a>. </span>Vol. I. pag. 1368.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Chaldeans</i> (not aware of this Device) begun the Action, -with much Assurance, and with Eagerness put Fire around the -<i>Egyptian Statue</i>, which soon melted the invisible Wax, and the -Water gushing forth from all Parts, immediately put out the Fire, -and drown’d the hitherto <i>invincible Deity</i> of the <i>Persians</i>; the -Tragedy ended in a triumphant Shout of Laughter among the -Spectators: And I might add<a id='r387' /><a href='#f387' class='c019'><sup>[387]</sup></a> how the <i>Arabians</i> and <i>Indians</i>, -<i>Peruvians</i>, <i>Lithuanians</i>, and <i>Vandals</i> worship’d Vegetables,—the -<i>Scythians</i> Iron. Trees and Plants have been made Gods. -Leeks and Onions were Deities in <i>Egypt</i>. The ancient <i>Gauls</i> -and <i>Britons</i> bore a particular Devotion to the <i>Oak</i>; from which -their Priests took their Names. <i>Ceres</i> and <i>Proserpina</i>, worship’d -by the Ancients, were no other than Wheat, Corn, Seed.—The -<i>Syrians</i> and <i>Egyptians</i> ador’d Fishes. What were <i>Tritons</i>, <i>Nereids</i>, -<i>Syrens</i>, but Sea-Gods? Insects, as Flies, and Ants, had their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>Priests and Votaries: Yea, <i>Minerals</i> were erected into <i>Deities</i>. -The <i>Finlanders</i> ador’d <i>Stones</i>. I don’t see what can be said for -such an Instance of Stupidity. To say the Practice took its rise -from <i>Abram</i>’s anointing the <i>Stone</i> that he made use of for a Pillow, -when he went to <i>Mesopotamia</i>, does not lessen the Reproach. -The <i>Mahometans</i> think that <i>Jacob</i>’s Stone was convey’d to the -<i>Temple at Jerusalem</i>; and is still there in a <i>Mosque</i> or <i>Turkish</i> -Temple, where the Temple at <i>Jerusalem</i> stood before the final -Desolation. The monstrous Stupidity of Pagans in their Devotions -will further appear in the Close of this Performance.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f387'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r387'>387</a>. </span><i>Ruffin.</i> Hist. Ecclesiastica, lib. 2. -<i>Stanley</i>’s Lives of the Philosophers, part 16. chap. 8. page -28.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Now among all these Instances of Idolatry, the Adoration of -the <i>Sun</i> was the most excusable; for, who can behold that stupendous -Globe of Fire and Light in perpetual Motion, Splendor, -and universal Usefulness to Mankind, without awful Admiration, -and warm Emotions of Mind? No wonder then to find that it has -been the Object of Adoration so long, and in so many Places. It -was the Sun very probably that was worship’d by the <i>Phenicians</i> -under the Name of <i>Baal</i>, by the <i>Moabites</i> under the Name of -<i>Chemosh</i>, by the <i>Ammonites</i> under the Name of <i>Moloch</i>; by the -degenerated <i>Israelites</i> by the Name of <i>Baal</i>, the King of the Host -of Heaven, to whom they join’d the Moon, whom they called -<i>Astarta</i> or Queen of Heaven.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Worship was perform’d upon high Places, in Groves, -and upon the Roofs of their Houses, which in those Countries, -were flat. It was against this kind of Worship that <i>Moses</i> warn’d -the <i>Israelites</i>, and threatens the Transgressors with Death. <i>Deut.</i> -iv. 19, ’tis said <i>Josiah</i> King of <i>Judah took away the Horses</i>, that his -Royal Predecessors had given to the Sun, and were fix’d at the -Entrance into the House of the Lord, and <i>burnt the Chariots of -the Sun with Fire</i>.</p> - -<p class='c033'>III. <i>Animal Gods.</i> -In the next place, I shall briefly touch upon some Brutes and -Birds, <i>&c.</i> that received Divine Honours from the Pagan People, -and even from those who were supposed to excel their Neighbours -in Understanding and Wisdom.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Thus <i>Crocodiles</i>, <i>Serpents</i>, <i>Eagles</i>, <i>Dogs</i>, <i>Cats</i>, <i>Wolves</i>, <i>Oxen</i>, -were worship’d by the People of <i>Egypt</i>, those celebrated Sons -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>of Wisdom; but their greatest Solemnities were consecrated to -the God <i>Apis</i>, or <i>Serapis</i>, under the Image of an Ox or Bull.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They had an Ox consecrated to the Sun, which they fed at -<i>Heliopolis</i> in <i>Egypt</i>: They had another called <i>Apis</i>, dedicated to -the Moon, and fed at <i>Memphis</i>, (for some time, the royal City) -where he had his Temple, and the Devils gave out their Oracles. -In the time of St. <i>Jerom</i>, who flourish’d in the fourth Century, -they worshipped here a brass Bull as a God.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The famous God <i>Osiris</i> was adored under the Figure of this -Beast, and when dead, it was buried with great Solemnity and -Mourning: And ’tis observable, that his Birth-day was celebrated -thro’ the whole Kingdom. <i>N. B.</i> ’Tis very probable, that the -<i>Israelites</i> worshipped the golden Calf in the same manner as the -<i>Egyptians</i> did their Bulls, their Cows and Calves.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Before I proceed, give me leave to speak something of this -golden Idol, which was the Figure of a Calf, which the <i>Israelites</i> -cast, and set up to worship in <i>Moses</i>’s Absence; who, upon -his return from the Mount, burnt the Figure, ground it to Powder, -and made the People drink it mixt with Water, <i>Exod.</i> xxxii. -The Learned are divided in their Sentiments on this Article; that -is, the golden Calf, that was burnt and pulverized.</p> - -<p class='c013'>To pulverize Gold and render it potable, is an Operation in -Chymistry of the last Difficulty; and ’tis hard to conceive how -it should be done at that time, before Chymistry was heard of, -and in a Wilderness too, where they had no proper Instruments. -Many therefore suppose it to be done by a Miracle. But the chymical -Art seems to be of greater Antiquity, and was very probably -practised in the antediluvian World by <i>Tubal Cain</i>. <i>Moses</i> -is the next Chymist mention’d in the Bible, whose Skill in -chymical Operations, in pulverizing the golden Calf, seems to be -incontestable, and artificial.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Art is now much improved. Bid a Chymist convert -Gold into Glass; and by means of a burning Concave, or otherwise, -he presently does it: Ask him to Shew you Gold in Powder, -and by mixing a little <i>Antimony</i> with that Metal, he will soon -render it pulverable<a id='r388' /><a href='#f388' class='c019'><sup>[388]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f388'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r388'>388</a>. </span><i>Boerhaave</i>’s <i>new Method. Proces.</i> 268, 317.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>But to return: Among other living Creatures, the <i>Egyptians</i> -also paid a great Devotion to <i>Dogs</i> and <i>Cats</i>. We read of a certain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span><i>Roman</i> Soldier, that was like to be torn to pieces by the People, -for having <i>kill’d a Cat by Accident</i>; and that when a Dog -happen’d to die, the whole House went into Mourning<a id='r389' /><a href='#f389' class='c019'><sup>[389]</sup></a>: Yea, -in case of a great Famine, they would eat Man’s Flesh, before -they would touch their sacred Animals; <i>ibid.</i> The Stork, Raven, -Eagle, Hawk, Ibis, and other Birds, have had divine Honours -paid them in <i>Egypt</i> and other Places....</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f389'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r389'>389</a>. </span><i>Diodor. Siculus, Herodot.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The City of <i>Mendez</i> in <i>Egypt</i> worshipped a <i>Goat</i>; the City -of <i>Mira</i>, the <i>Crocodile</i>. In other Provinces they erected Altars -to Lions, Baboons, Wolves.... The <i>Hog</i> was ador’d in the Island -of <i>Crete</i> (now <i>Candy</i>) in the Mediterranean. Bats and Mice -had Altars consecrated to them in <i>Troas</i> and at <i>Tenedos</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Nothing can be supposed more ridiculous than the Adoration -given by the <i>Egyptians</i> to their brutal Deities, which were -either within or near their Temples; had Tables with delicious -Meats and Beds prepared for them, and when any of them died, -they went into Mourning, prepared sumptuous Funerals and -magnificent Tombs for them, as may be seen at large in <i>Diodorus -Siculus</i>, <i>Herodotus</i>, and others<a id='r390' /><a href='#f390' class='c019'><sup>[390]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f390'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r390'>390</a>. </span><i>Plut. Herodot. Jurieu’s Critical History.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Some indeed ridiculed their senseless and stupid Neighbours, -tho’ they themselves were not Masters of superior Sense in their -Devotions. <i>Anaxandrides</i> reproaches the <i>Egyptians</i> for their -wretched and foolish Idolatry; but after all, this was only one -Idolater deriding another. <i>Dionysius</i> was the most notorious this -way: And most knavish in this kind was the <i>Painter</i>, who, -when he should have drawn the Picture of <i>such a Goddess</i> for a -<i>Grecian</i> City, drew the <i>Picture of his own Mistress</i>, and so made -her to be adored by the Citizens.</p> - -<p class='c013'>What Man could have forbore laughing, said the <i>Greek</i> -Poet above, to see an <i>Egyptian on his Marrowbones, praying to an -Ox as to a God, or howling over a sick Cat, fearing lest his scratching -God should die</i>?</p> - -<p class='c013'>Upon the whole, ’tis no easy matter to discover the real Sentiments -of the Heathens about their Gods: they admitted so many -superior and inferior Deities, who shared the Empire, that all -was full of Gods.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some of the Antients say, that a certain <i>subtile Matter</i> that -made Stars <i>intelligent</i>, did reside in their sacred Animals, Plants -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>and Men, and escaped Death: And this made them fit to partake -of such Worship, as they gave to the Stars.——<i>Sanchoniatho</i> -meant only, that the celestial Bodies are intelligent, and see what -is done here below, and therefore were to be adored as Gods<a id='r391' /><a href='#f391' class='c019'><sup>[391]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f391'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r391'>391</a>. </span><i>Sanchoniatho’s Phœnician Hist.</i> by the Learned Bp. <i>Cumberland</i>, vol. i. p. 20, 21.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>SECT. III.</div> - <div class='c026'><i>Adoration of</i> <span class='sc'>Serpents</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The next thing that comes under Consideration is, the <i>Worship -of Serpents, which is observed thro’ all the Pagan Antiquity</i>. -The Devil, who, under the Shape of a Serpent, tempted our -first Parents, has, with unwearied Application, labour’d to deify -that Animal, as a Trophy of his first Victory over Mankind. -The Conquest made by the <i>old Serpent in Paradise</i>, and the wonderful -Cures made by the <i>Shadow of a Serpent in the Wilderness</i>, -contributed very much towards making that hateful Creature so -venerable in the Eyes of so many Nations.</p> - -<p class='c013'>God having past Sentence upon the Serpent, Satan <i>consecrates -that Form</i> in which he deceived the Woman, and introduces it -into the World as an Object of religious Veneration: This he did -with a view to enervate the Force of the divine Oracle, the -Seed of the Woman. Scarcely a Nation upon Earth, but he has -tempted to the grossest Idolatry, and in particular got himself to -be worshipped in the hideous <i>Form of a Serpent</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Almighty foreseeing this general Delusion, guarded the -World against it, by inspiring Men with the greatest Aversion to -that venemous Creature, and yet was the Tempter ador’d in most -places under the Appearance of a Serpent. If you say, that Men -worship other Creatures; I answer, Those are beneficial to Mankind, -and not so odious and hurtful as those who carry Poison -in their Tails and Teeth.</p> - -<p class='c013'>How surprizing this! that a Serpent, a Beast to which Mankind -has a strong natural Aversion, should be <i>ador’d by Creatures -of Reason</i>, and yet <i>nothing more common</i>, as will appear by the following -Instances from Antiquity.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>EGYPT</i> was a Country that abounded with Variety of Serpents, -and where they were generally held in the greatest Veneration. -The supreme God was represented by them in the <i>Form</i> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>of a <i>Serpent</i> with a Hawk’s Head, because of the wonderful -Agility of that Bird. We see no Table of <i>Osiris</i> and <i>Isis</i>, two -<i>Egyptian Idols</i>, without a Serpent joined to them<a id='r392' /><a href='#f392' class='c019'><sup>[392]</sup></a>. This <i>Isis</i> -married <i>Osiris</i>, King of that Country, and govern’d with so -much Wisdom and Gentleness, that the <i>Egyptians</i> paid divine -Honours to them, who had been such Blessings to the Land.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f392'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r392'>392</a>. </span><i>Macrobii Oper. Sat.</i> cap. xx.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>In <i>Egypt</i> is a Serpent of the Aspick Kind, called <i>Thermutis</i>, -to which they gave divine Worship; therefore crown’d with it -the Statue of their Goddess <i>Isis</i>. In the Corners of the Temples, -they built little Chapels under ground, where they carefully fed -this <i>Thermutic Serpent</i>, as a <i>sacred Genius</i><a id='r393' /><a href='#f393' class='c019'><sup>[393]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f393'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r393'>393</a>. </span><i>Ælian de Animalibus</i>, lib. x. <i>Conrad. Gesner. de Serp.</i> p. 32.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Egyptians</i> also paid divine Honours to the <i>Crocodile</i>, that -monstrous kind of Serpent, particularly the Inhabitants of <i>Arsinoë</i>, -and they who dwelt in the Neighbourhood of <i>Thebes</i>, and the -Lake <i>Mæris</i>; among whom ’twas fed by their Priests with Bread, -Wine, Flesh, and diverse Rarities<a id='r394' /><a href='#f394' class='c019'><sup>[394]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f394'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r394'>394</a>. </span><i>In Jonstonus de Quadruped</i>, cap. viii. p. 142.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>THÆAUTUS</i>, so often mentioned by <i>Sanchoniatho</i>, attributed -some Deity to the Nature of the Serpent; an Opinion approved -by the <i>Phenicians</i>, therefore look’d upon as holy and immortal, -and comes into the sacred Mysteries<a id='r395' /><a href='#f395' class='c019'><sup>[395]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f395'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r395'>395</a>. </span><i>Euseb. Præp. Evangel.</i> l. i. c. 10. from <i>Philo Biblius</i>, the Translator of -<i>Sanchon</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>They represented the World by a Circle, in the middle of -which was a Serpent, representing the good Demon, or Genius -of the World, by which ’tis animated, and is a <i>Symbol</i> of the -Almighty Creator. Behold here the Blasphemy of Satan, in -giving to God the Form of a Serpent, which he had borrow’d -himself to make war against God in Paradise. They sometimes -represented their Gods with the Bodies of Serpents, and honour’d -those odious Animals with divine Worship, as Symbols of <i>Apollo</i>, -of the <i>Sun</i>, and of <i>Medicine</i>, and were put into the Charge of -<i>Ceres</i> and <i>Proserpine</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>HERODOTUS</i> observes, that in his time, near <i>Thebes</i>, -there were to be seen tame Serpents, adorn’d with Jewels, and -consecrated to <i>Jupiter</i>, which did no harm to any body: When -they died, they were buried in <i>Jupiter</i>’s Temple<a id='r396' /><a href='#f396' class='c019'><sup>[396]</sup></a>. <i>Ælian</i> speaks -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>of domestick Serpents, that were in the Houses of the <i>Egyptians</i>, -and look’d upon as <i>household Gods</i>; and of another Serpent worshipped -in a Tower at <i>Melitus</i> in <i>Egypt</i>, that had a Priest and -other Officers attending it, and served every day upon an Altar -with Meal kneaded up with Honey, which the next day was -found to be eaten. <i>In Melite Eg. Draco divinis honoribus afficitur -in turri quadam</i> ... <i>adsunt ei sacerdotes & ministri; mensa</i> ... -<i>ex farina subacta</i>.... Herod. lib. ii. cap. 17.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f396'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r396'>396</a>. </span><i>——Ex Crocodilis alunt. appendentes auribus vel gemmas—sacris in arnis -sepeliant.</i> <i>Euterpe</i>, lib. ii. p. 186.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Phenicians</i> also sacrificed to <i>Dragons</i>, calling them their -<i>good Angels</i>, their propitious and kind Spirits. Nothing more -common in the Heathen Religion, than the Appearance of a Serpent -in some Form or other.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Babylonians</i> worshipped a <i>Dragon</i>, which the Prophet -<i>Daniel</i>, by a Commission from the King, killed; which, one -would think, was sufficient to convince the Royal Idolater of his -egregious Stupidity in worshipping a Creature as Conservator of -Mankind, that could not preserve its own Life. They represented -the World by a Circle in the Form of a <i>Greek Theta</i> Θ, and the -<i>good Demon</i>, by a <i>Serpent</i> in the midst of it; under which Figure, -the Protectors of Countries and Cities, called tutelary Gods, were -worshipped.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Arabians</i> reputed Serpents <i>sacred Beings</i>, and therefore -would allow no Violence to be offered to them; and this Superstition -yet remains among those People, according to <i>Veslingius</i>, -says my Author. They take them into their Houses, feed and -worship them as the <i>Genii</i>, or Guardians of the Place: Not only -Men, but every kind of Things, had its peculiar <i>Genius</i>. Two -were assigned to each Person, a good and evil Genius, and those -were thought to attend them from the Cradle to the Grave. We -read of a sacred Dragon that was kept in <i>Phrygia</i> in <i>Asia Minor</i>, -whose Residence was in a Wood, dedicated to <i>Diana</i>, Goddess -of the Woods.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Among other strange Animals in the <i>East-Indies</i>, <i>Alexander</i> -found in a Cave, a <i>monstrous Dragon</i>, which the Inhabitants -counted sacred, and was adored by them, and daily supplied with -Food: The poor, ignorant, superstitious People, humbly addrest -the <i>Conqueror</i>, not to attack that <i>holy Place</i>, and disturb the Repose -of their God. The victorious Army hearing its hideous and -dreadful Roarings, were not a little terrify’d; they only saw its -monstrous Head, when stretch’d out of its Mansion, and its Eyes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>appeared to them to be as big as a large <i>Macedonian Buckler</i>, a -Species of defensive Armour<a id='r397' /><a href='#f397' class='c019'><sup>[397]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f397'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r397'>397</a>. </span><i>Conrad. Gesner.</i> p. 44, 45. <i>Gyllius.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The King of <i>Calicut</i> (in the <i>East-Indies</i>, the most powerful -of all the <i>Malabar</i> Princes) causes little Cottages to be erected -for sacred Serpents, to guard them against the Inclemency of the -Weather, and ’tis made Death to hurt them, being they are look’d -upon as heavenly Spirits; and they believe them to be such for -this Reason, because <i>they kill Men so suddenly by the Wound they -give, which is only a little Puncture, and would not prove fatal if -given by other Creatures</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is observed by some, that Serpents at this day are highly -honour’d in the Kingdom of <i>Calicut</i>, on this side the <i>Ganges</i>, -where the Inhabitants call their King <i>Samori</i>, or <i>Zamorin</i>, that -is, Sovereign Emperor, and God upon Earth. The Dragon being -a Serpent of the vigilant Tribe, was constituted and made -Guardian of their Houses, of their oracular Temples, and of all -their Treasures.</p> - -<p class='c013'>These Protectors of Places and Possessions, they call’d Tutelary -Gods, and were worshipp’d by them under the Symbol of -<i>Serpents</i>, without whose Sanction no Methods of Protection were -available.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is remarkable, that where the Figure of two Serpents was -erected in any place, it was look’d upon as a Sign of consecrated -Ground; that is, that the Place was holy, being dedicated to some -God; for which Superstition they are ridiculed by one of their own -Writers, <i>viz.</i> <i>Persius</i> the Satirist, that lived under <i>Nero</i>, who -tells us, that Children were forbid to empty themselves in those -Places, and not so much as make-water, for the Place is holy, -as appears by the <i>Picture of the two Serpents</i>; the Language of -which is, Profane not holy Ground.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Would you, Sir, have your Poem pass for a sacred Composure, -then paint two Serpents in the Front of it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Behold here the Original of that Popish Superstition, which -forbids Men to make-water in the Church-Yard<a id='r398' /><a href='#f398' class='c019'><sup>[398]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f398'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r398'>398</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Pinge duos angues, pueri, sacer est locus, extra</div> - <div class='line'>Meite——</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Satir.</i> i.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>At <i>Alba</i>, in a Wood not far from <i>Juno</i>’s Temple, is a Dragon -worshipp’d by the Inhabitants, and for their greater Honour, fed -by Virgins, thereby intimating, that Innocence was a proper Attendant -on the Gods.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>In <i>Epirus</i>, south of <i>Macedonia</i>, is a certain place sacred to -<i>Apollo</i>, and wall’d about, within which are kept <i>sacred Dragons</i>, -fed likewise by a Virgin Priestess, uncloathed, which they believe -to be most acceptable to their idol Gods<a id='r399' /><a href='#f399' class='c019'><sup>[399]</sup></a>; called by <i>Juvenal</i>, -one of their own Poets, <i>wenching Gods</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f399'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r399'>399</a>. </span>Ælian. lib. ii. cap. 2. ἱερεια γυμνη παρθενος.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Epiroticks</i>, who highly venerated <i>Apollo</i>, honour’d his -Temple with a <i>consecrated Dragon</i>, which they worshipp’d in solemn -remembrance of his killing the <i>Pythonic Serpent</i>. It were -well if the same Spirit of Gratitude reign’d amongst <i>Britons</i>, towards -the Heroes that deliver’d their Country from the great Ecclesiastical -Dragon, by the glorious Revolution.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Near <i>Lavinium</i> was a Grove of serpentine Gods, dedicated -to <i>Juno</i> of <i>Argos</i>, which was a City in <i>Peloponnesus</i> (famous for -the Shrine of <i>Æsculapius</i>) now the <i>Morea</i>, one of whose Rivers is -called <i>Styx</i>; or rather a Well, whose Water is so cold and venemous, -that it often kills such that drink thereof; and therefore -design’d by the Poets, to be a River of Hell: ’Tis said by some, -that <i>Alexander</i> was poison’d with it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It’s well known what Worship was paid to the Serpent at -<i>Epidaurus</i>, a <i>Peleponnesian City</i>, and the Manner how ’twas pretended -that Serpent was brought to <i>Rome</i>, which is as follows, -<i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Romans</i> being sorely distrest by a Plague, they sent a -<i>Galley</i> with Ambassadors to <i>Epidaurus</i>, to bring the Serpent consecrated -to <i>Æsculapius</i> to <i>Rome</i>, which of its own accord went -aboard the Galley, and which was landed in the Isle of <i>Tyber</i>, -where divine Honours were paid to it; upon which the Plague -ceased.——Take it as represented by the Historian, who says, -... That the Plague raging terribly at <i>Rome</i>, and in the -Vicinity, above three Years, did not abate, by any divine or human -Remedy, tho’ Men had tried both; therefore by the Counsel -of the <i>Delphic Oracle</i>, ten Ambassadors were sent to fetch -the Statue of <i>Æsculapius</i>, that was ador’d in the Body of the great -Serpent; hereupon, a very strange thing ensued, and manifestly -true, both from many faithful Historians, and building the <i>Temple</i> -(dedicated to it) in the <i>Isle of Tyber</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>When the <i>Roman Ambassadors</i> had delivered their Commands -to the <i>Epidaurians</i>, who brought them into the Temple of <i>Æsculapius</i> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span> ... while they were admiring a huge Shrine, a great -Serpent sliding of a sudden from the <i>Adytum</i> (which was a Place -of Retirement in the Pagan Temples, where Oracles were given, -into which none but Priests were admitted) upon sight of it the -Priests, in a devout Posture, said to the Company, <i>that the Deity -shrouded itself in that Form</i>, and when it appear’d in this <i>Fashion</i>, -’twas look’d upon as a <i>happy Omen</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Serpent was seen for two Days in the Temple, and afterwards -disappeared, but on the third Day it past thro’ the Croud -(which gazed on and worship’d) and went directly to the Port -where the <i>Roman Galley</i> stood; and having enter’d into it, laid -itself down in the Cabin of <i>Q. Ogulnius</i>, the chief Ambassador. -They set sail from thence ... and soon arrived at <i>Rome</i>. The -whole City came out to see this wonderful Thing——Altars were -built, Incense burnt, and Sacrifices offer’d. The Serpent swam -over to the <i>Isle of Tyber</i>, (which afterwards was called <i>Æsculapius</i>’s -<i>Isle</i>) and since was never seen.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Senate concluding this Island to be the Place chosen -by the God, decreed that a Temple should be built for <i>Æsculapius</i> -there—whereupon the Plague ceased. The Temple grew famous -for rich Offerings, in Consideration of their Deliverance -from the Plague by that Deity<a id='r400' /><a href='#f400' class='c019'><sup>[400]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f400'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r400'>400</a>. </span><i>Livy.</i> lib. xi. <i>Quære</i>, Whether the -Historian’s Faith kept pace with his Pen?</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>VALERIUS MAXIMUS</i> says, that the Priests looking -into the <i>Sibyls Books</i>, observed there was no other way to restore -the City to its former Health, but by bringing the Image of <i>Æsculapius</i> -from <i>Epidaurus</i> ... upon which Ambassadors were sent<a id='r401' /><a href='#f401' class='c019'><sup>[401]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f401'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r401'>401</a>. </span><i>Val. Maxim.</i> lib. i. cap. 8. See <i>Ovid. Metamorph.</i> lib. 25.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Poets and Mythologists, in order to shew there was no -Distemper but <i>Æsculapius</i> could cure, said, he raised the Dead. -Thus at the Request of <i>Diana</i>, he restor’d <i>Hippolytus</i> to Life, -who had been torn to pieces by his Horses. We can’t doubt of -the Credulity of the People in thinking him rank’d among the -Gods, after so many Temples, Inscriptions, and Medals dedicated -to his Memory.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The most famous Temples consecrated to <i>Æsculapius</i>, were -that of <i>Epidaurus</i><a id='r402' /><a href='#f402' class='c019'><sup>[402]</sup></a>, that in the Isle of <i>Co</i>, that of <i>Cyrene</i>, that of <i>Pergamos</i>, that in the Isle of <i>Tyber</i><a id='r403' /><a href='#f403' class='c019'><sup>[403]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f402'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r402'>402</a>. </span><i>Pliny Nat. Hist.</i> lib. 4. c. 5.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f403'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r403'>403</a>. </span>For these, see <i>Strabo</i>, <i>Val. Maximus</i>, -<i>Herodot., Livy</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>As to the Inscriptions in honour of <i>Æsculapius</i>, <i>Gruterus</i> -has these following, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Æsculapio, Hygeæ, & ceteris Diis & Deabus.</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Deo Æsculapio, & Hygeæ, conservatoribus.</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Deo Æsculapio, & Deæ Hygeæ.</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c031'><i>N. B.</i> The Title of Conservator, or Saviour, was the ordinary -Elogium of <i>Æsculapius</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Isle of <i>Co</i>, there was a Coin whereon <i>Æsculapius</i> was -called the <i>Saviour</i>; and so on a Coin of <i>Ancyra</i>. Games are also -mentioned, instituted in honour of him as Saviour. The Symbol -of <i>Æsculapius</i> was a <i>Serpent</i>, or <i>Dragon</i>, about a <i>little Rod</i>, as -may be seen in several Medals, and by the Testimony of the -Poet<a id='r404' /><a href='#f404' class='c019'><sup>[404]</sup></a>. Wherever he was worship’d in Statues of a <i>human Figure</i>, -a <i>Staff was put into his Left-hand, with a Serpent about it</i>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f404'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r404'>404</a>. </span><i>Ovid. Metam.</i> lib. 5. Qualis in æde.... Esse solet, baculumque tenens agreste -sinistra.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This seems to be the reason why Antiquity represents the first -Masters of Physick (as <i>Hermes</i>, <i>Æsculapius</i>, <i>Hippocrates</i>, in their -Statues and Medals) with a <i>Viper</i> added to their <i>Figure</i>; and also -why they worship’d those <i>Physicians under the Form of Serpents</i><a id='r405' /><a href='#f405' class='c019'><sup>[405]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f405'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r405'>405</a>. </span><i>Salomonis Cellarii—Origines & Antiquitates Medicæ.</i> Printed at <i>Hall</i> in <i>Saxony</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Serpent of <i>Æsculapius</i>, the reputed God of Physick, had -its Rise from the miraculous Cures done by <i>Moses</i>’s <i>Serpent</i> in the -Camp of <i>Israel</i>. Serpents of bright and golden Colour were all -counted sacred to <i>Æsculapius</i>, and were cicur’d, or made tame by -human Arts. A <i>Dragon</i> was usually annex’d to his <i>Image</i>, and -to that of <i>Health</i>, nothing being thought <i>available</i> without the -<i>Presence of a Serpent</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>At <i>Pella</i> in <i>Macedonia</i>, the Royal Seat, and <i>Alexander</i>’s Birth-place, -were <i>Dragons</i> of a large Bulk, but of a gentle Nature, -maintain’d at the Expence of the Government, as Creatures bearing -a <i>sacred Character</i>, and worthy of the publick Regard. Because -many tame Serpents were kept in that Place, the fabulous -Poets said, <i>Alexander was born of a Serpent</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The People of <i>Argos</i> in <i>Greece</i>, had Serpents in such great -Veneration, that nobody was suffer’d to kill them with impunity<a id='r406' /><a href='#f406' class='c019'><sup>[406]</sup></a>. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>The <i>Pagan Temples</i> were wont to be haunted with Serpents, in -so much that it grew into a Phrase of Speech, the <i>sacred Serpent</i><a id='r407' /><a href='#f407' class='c019'><sup>[407]</sup></a>. -And thus Serpents are deified and solemnly enrolled among the -Gods.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f406'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r406'>406</a>. </span><i>Ælian.</i> lib. xii. cap. 34.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f407'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r407'>407</a>. </span>Sacer anguis.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>SANCHONIATHON</i>, a <i>Phœnician Historiographer</i>, and -<i>Philo Biblius</i>, who translated his Antiquities, have left us a full -Account of the Origin of the <i>Apotheosis</i>, or <i>Canonization of Serpents</i><a id='r408' /><a href='#f408' class='c019'><sup>[408]</sup></a>; -which leads me to say something of what the Ancients -called <i>Apotheosis of departed Souls</i>, and the Strange Ceremonies -used in the <i>Apotheosis</i> or <i>Deification</i> of the deceased Emperor, who -had deserved well of their Country.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f408'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r408'>408</a>. </span><i>Sanchoniathon</i> is supposed by some to be -cotemporary with <i>Gideon</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>APOTHEOSIS</i> among the Ancients was a Pagan Ceremony -whereby Emperors and great Men were placed among the -Gods, called also <i>Deification</i>, and <i>Consecration</i>: Temples and -Altars were erected to the new Deities, <i>viz.</i> Serpents and Men, -Sacrifices offered to them; and for that end, Colleges of Priests -were instituted for the Honour of these Demi-Gods.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was one of the Doctrines of <i>Pythagoras</i>, which he borrowed -from the <i>Chaldeans</i>, that useful and virtuous Persons, after -their Death, were raised into the <i>Order of the Gods</i>. Hence the -Ancients <i>deified</i> all the Inventors of Things that were beneficial -to Mankind, and those who had done Services of Importance to -their Country.</p> - -<p class='c013'>By degrees these <i>new Gods</i> grew very numerous. One of -their own Poets rallying them for frequent Deifications, introduces -poor <i>Atlas</i>, who is said to <i>bear the Heavens on his Shoulders</i>, -complaining, that he was ready to sink under the Number and -Weight of so many <i>new Gods</i>, as were every day coin’d, and -added to the Heavens, which made his Shoulders to warch. -<i>N. B.</i> <i>Atlas</i> in Anatomy is the Name of the first <i>Vertebra</i> of the -Neck, which supports the Head, and is the highest, so called in -allusion to the famous Mountain <i>Atlas</i> in <i>Africa</i>, suppos’d to be -the highest in the World, so that it seems to hold up the Heavens; -and also to the Fable that makes <i>Atlas</i> King of <i>Mauritania</i> -in that Country, to bear up the visible Heavens. I now -proceed to the Description which we have in <i>Herodian</i>, a <i>Greek</i> -Historian in the third Century, who in speaking of the <i>Apotheosis</i> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>of the Emperor <i>Severus</i>, gives us a very full Account of that strange -Ceremony, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>... After the Body of the deceased Emperor had been -burnt with the usual Solemnities, they placed an Image of Wax -perfectly like him, but of a sickly Aspect, on a large Bed of -Ivory, covered with Cloth of Gold, which they exposed to publick -View at the Entrance of the Palace-Gate.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The greatest Part of the Day the Senate sat ranged on the -left side of the Bed, drest in Mourning Robes; the Ladies of -the first Rank sitting on the right side, in plain and white Robes, -without any Ornaments.... This lasted for seven Days successively; -during which, the Physicians came from time to time to -visit the Sick, always making their Report that he grew worse, -till at length they publish’d it, that he was dead.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This done, the <i>young Senators</i> and <i>Roman Knights</i> took the -Bed of State upon their Shoulders, carrying it thro’ the <i>Via sacra</i> -to the old <i>Forum</i>, where the Magistrates used to divest themselves -of their Offices: There they let it down between two kinds -of Amphitheatres; in the one, were the Youth, and in the other -the Maidens of the first Families in <i>Rome</i>, singing Hymns set to -solemn Airs in praise of the Deceased.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Those Hymns ended, the Bed was carried out of the City -into the <i>Campus Martius</i>, in the middle of which Place was erected -a kind of square Pavilion; the Inside thereof was full of -combustible Matter, and the Outside hung with Cloth of Gold, -and adorned with Figures of Ivory, and various Paintings.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Over this Edifice were several others, like the first in Form -and Decoration, but less; always diminishing, and growing slenderer -towards the Top, and a great many aromatick Perfumes, -and odoriferous Fruits and Herbs were thrown all around: After -which, the Knights made a Procession in solemn Measures about -the Pile; several Chariots ran round it, those who conducted -them being clad in purple Robes, and bearing the Images of the -greatest <i>Roman</i> Emperors and Generals.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This Ceremony ended, the new Emperor came to the <i>Catafalco</i> -or Pile with a Torch in his hand, and at the same time -Fire was put to it on all sides by the Company, the Spices and -all Combustibles kindling all at once. While this was doing, -they let fly from the Top of the Building an <i>Eagle</i>, which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>mounting into the Air with a Firebrand, carried the Soul of the -dead Emperor along with it into Heaven, as the <i>Romans</i> believ’d; -and thenceforward <i>he was ranked among the Gods</i>. ’Tis for this -Reason that the Medals wherein the <i>Apotheoses</i> are represented, -have usually an Altar with Fire upon it, or however an Eagle -taking its Flight into the Air, and sometimes two Eagles<a id='r409' /><a href='#f409' class='c019'><sup>[409]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f409'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r409'>409</a>. </span><i>Herodian</i>, who writ his History in 8 Books, from whom we have the Ceremonies -of the Apotheosis of the <i>Roman</i> Emperors, lib. 4.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>A certain Emperor being asked, what he had done to -merit an <i>Apotheosis</i>? He answered, <i>He had always studied to resemble -the Gods</i>. And being asked again, In what did he endeavour -to be like them? He answered, <i>In having as few Wants -as possible of my own, and doing good in the most extensive Way to -others</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There is no Place so remote in the World, but has been -polluted with this monstrous Idolatry, <i>of worshipping Serpents</i>. -The northern Historians tell us, the People of <i>Lithuania</i> in <i>Poland</i> -worship’d Serpents; and ’tis not long ago, since that gross -Idolatry was abolish’d, of which <i>Sigismund</i> Baron of <i>Herberstein</i>, -gives us this memorable Story, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>——Returning, says he, from <i>Massovia</i> near <i>Wilna</i>, my -Host acquainted me, he had bought a Hive of Bees, from one -of these <i>Serpent-Worshippers</i>, whom with much ado he had persuaded -to kill the Serpent, and worship the true God: Within -a while after coming that Way, he found the poor Fellow miserably -tortured and deformed, his Face wrinkl’d and turn’d awry; -and demanding the Cause of it, he answer’d, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>THAT this Judgment was inflicted upon him for killing his -God</i>, and that he was like to endure heavier Torments if he did -not return to his former Worship. Which brings to my Mind -a Passage in one of the Fathers, relating to the <i>Carthaginians</i>, -who having been compelled by <i>Agathocles</i> King of <i>Sicily</i> to -leave off those horrid Sacrifices of human Victims to <i>Saturn</i>, forbore -them a long time: But a great Calamity being brought -upon them for disusing those human Sacrifices; and to atone -for their Neglect, <i>they sacrificed at once two hundred Children of -the noblest Families in</i> Carthage<a id='r410' /><a href='#f410' class='c019'><sup>[410]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f410'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r410'>410</a>. </span>Cum victi essent ab Agathocle rege Siculorum, iratum sibi -Deum putavisse, itaque ut diligentius piaculum solverent -ducentos nobilium filios immolasse. Lactantius. Lib. 1. Sect. 21. p. 67. <i>Lugd. Batav.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>But to return to the <i>Baron</i> of the North, who adds, That -in his Time, the People in <i>Samogitia</i>, East of the <i>Baltick</i> Sea, -did still pay <i>divine Honours to a Serpent as a Deity</i>.... Some of -those that inhabit the Deserts, adore a <i>four-footed Serpent</i>, -under the Name of <i>Givosit</i>. Few Families there, are without -<i>Serpents</i>, for their <i>Domestick Gods</i>, to whom they give more than -ordinary Veneration, tho’ at the same time they profess the Christian -Faith<a id='r411' /><a href='#f411' class='c019'><sup>[411]</sup></a>, which <i>Jagello</i> their Prince received <i>Anno Domini</i> -1386. <i>ibid.</i></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f411'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r411'>411</a>. </span>Atlas <i>Europe</i>, p. 261.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>English</i> Cosmographer accounts for them thus, <i>viz.</i> -“The People anciently had <i>Fire</i> and <i>Serpents</i> for their Gods, -nourishing the last in their Houses, and keeping the other -continually burning; the Priests of the Temple always adding -Fuel, that it might not fail. The Vestal Fire was not kept -more carefully at <i>Rome</i>, nor with greater Ceremony.... To -this God, (whom they call’d, Lord of the <i>Smoke</i>,) they used -to sacrifice young Pullets, to the other their Cocks<a id='r412' /><a href='#f412' class='c019'><sup>[412]</sup></a>.” The -Seed of this Idolatry is so implanted in them, that ’tis said, that in -a Village of the King’s, called <i>Lovaniski</i>, their chief City, they -do, to this day <i>worship Serpents</i>. <i>ibid.</i></p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f412'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r412'>412</a>. </span><i>Heylin</i>’s Cosmogr. lib. 2. <i>Poland</i> p. 143.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Lithuanians</i>, ’tis said, ador’d three Gods, <i>Fire</i>, <i>Wood</i>, -and <i>Serpents</i>. These last were counted their <i>Guardian Gods</i>. And -according to a certain Historian, this kind of superstitious and -diabolical Worship continues yet in some Parts of the Kingdoms -of <i>Norway</i> and <i>Vermolandia</i><a id='r413' /><a href='#f413' class='c019'><sup>[413]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f413'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r413'>413</a>. </span><i>Olaus Magnus</i>, Archbishop of <i>Upsal.</i> History of the <i>Goths</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Inhabitants of <i>Prussia</i> were barbarous and wild in the -highest degree, having of old no manner of Religion, or next -to none, and first began <i>with the Worship of Serpents</i><a id='r414' /><a href='#f414' class='c019'><sup>[414]</sup></a>. There -are Countries in the <i>Indies</i>, says <i>Jurieu</i>, where Serpents are worship’d -to this day.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f414'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r414'>414</a>. </span><i>Erasm. Stella</i> in the Antiquities of <i>Prussia</i>. Lib. 1.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>ARISTOPHANES</i>, in the Comedy entitled <i>Plutus</i>, observes -that the Deity gave the Sign, <i>viz.</i> by <i>hissing</i>; upon which -two monstrous Dragons skip’d out of the Temple<a id='r415' /><a href='#f415' class='c019'><sup>[415]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f415'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r415'>415</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Δυω δρακοντ’ εκ του νεω. Fragmenta p. 52.</div> - <div class='line'>Dixerat hæc adytis cum lubricus anguis ab imis.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'><span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>When <i>Æneas</i> sacrificed to the <i>Manes</i>, (the departed Soul) -of his Father <i>Anchises</i>, he saw a <i>Serpent</i> come out of his -Grave, which he concluded to be either the <i>Tutelar God</i> of his -Father, or of that Place, which was counted a good Omen. -We have an Account of some Priests in <i>Asia</i> that expose to -publick View a Serpent in a brazen Vessel, attended with a great -Variety of Musick. The Serpent appears in an erect Posture, -opens its Mouth, and instead of a forked Tongue, appears the -Head of a beautiful Virgin<a id='r416' /><a href='#f416' class='c019'><sup>[416]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f416'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r416'>416</a>. </span><i>Phil. Melanchton.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>NICHOLAS de Lyra</i> makes mention of such another idle -Conceit, <i>viz.</i> That the Serpent assumed the Face of a beautiful -Maid, when it tempted <i>Eve</i>. <i>N. B.</i> In the <i>German Bibles</i> printed -before <i>Luther</i>, among other Figures may be seen that of a Serpent -with the Face of a very handsome Maid.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In short, so great was the Devotion paid to Serpents, that -Persons and Things were denominated from them: Yea, some -would be thought to proceed from Serpents, as the highest Degree -of Honour. <i>Cadmus</i>’s Companion was called a <i>Serpent</i>, so -the Giant in <i>Homer</i>, and a certain Prophet in <i>Pausanias</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Primitive Church were an heretical Sect, called <i>Ophites</i>, -that is Serpents. In <i>Cyprus</i>, and about the <i>Hellespont</i>, were a certain -People that went by the Name <i>Serpent</i>. So a Soothsayer in <i>Messenia</i>, -<i>&c.</i> But these came short of <i>Alexander the Great</i>, and -<i>Scipio Africanus</i>, who were said <i>to be born of Serpents</i>, which they -look’d upon to be the <i>brightest Insignia</i> in their <i>Escutcheon</i>; but -more of this <i>Serpentine Pride</i> in the next Chapter.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In such wonderful Esteem were <i>Serpents</i> among them, that -all manner of Creatures were called by their Name, as Stars, -Animals, Plants, Trees, Herbs, Rivers, Stones, Islands, Proverbs.... -Nothing was accounted Divine and Grand, unless graced -by a Serpent<a id='r417' /><a href='#f417' class='c019'><sup>[417]</sup></a>. From this <i>Divinity</i> ascrib’d to Serpents, <i>Pherecides</i> -took occasion to make a Dissertation concerning the Deity -called <i>Ophion</i>, from Οφις, a Serpent<a id='r418' /><a href='#f418' class='c019'><sup>[418]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f417'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r417'>417</a>. </span>Conradus Gesner.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f418'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r418'>418</a>. </span>Euseb. Præparat. Evang.</p> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c026' /> -</div> -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span> - <h4 class='c047'>CHAPTER V.<br /> <br /><span class='sc'>Contents.</span></h4> -</div> -<p class='c044'><i>Reasons for worshipping Serpents, seem to rise from Misapplication -of some Scripture Passages: But especially, 1. From the Triumphs -of the Paradisaic Serpent. Pagan History from</i> Moses. -<i>In the primitive Church, a Sect of Christians worship’d Serpents, -and said the Serpent in Paradise was a good Creature. 2. -From the miraculous Cures done by the brazen Serpent.</i> Alexander -<i>affected the Honour of being begot by a Serpent, ador’d as a -God, by a Decree of the Priests.</i></p> - -<p class='c033'><i>WHAT Reason can be assigned for giving religious Worship -to Serpents?</i> I answer,</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is no easy Matter to find out the Original of Pagan Idolatry, -having no authentick Records of those remote Times, therefore -Conjectures, or nothing must content the honest Enquirer: -Something may be offer’d, without going beyond our Depth. -Before I proceed, it may be proper to observe, <i>viz.</i> That Knowledge -sprung from the Sons of <i>Noah</i>, who doubtless instructed -their Successors in the History of the Creation, the Conquest of -Paradise by a Serpent, that introduced the Knowledge of Good -and Evil upon Earth.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Those whom we call <i>Heathens</i>, at first were Members of the -true Church; the further Men went from the Spring, the Streams -grew more muddy, and strange Constructions were put upon the -History of <i>Adam</i> and <i>Eve</i>, <i>Noah</i>, and his Progeny, which in process -of Time was metamorphosed into a Narrative of Fooleries and -fabulous Gods.</p> - -<p class='c013'>So the <i>Mosaick</i> History of their Travels thro’ the Wilderness, -and the Promulgation of the Law upon Mount <i>Sinai</i>, were strange -and stupendous Events, that soon spread over the Nations in some -Shape or other.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the <i>Phœnician Theology</i>, we find the Creation described, -almost in the Terms used by <i>Moses</i>. <i>Diodorus Siculus</i> says, the -Antients liv’d upon Roots and Fruits. The <i>Phœnician</i> Records -mention <i>Ujoris</i>, <i>i. e.</i> <i>Adam</i>, the first that wore Garments -made of Animal Skins. The <i>Vulcan</i> of the Heathen was the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span><i>Tubal-cain</i> of <i>Moses</i>, (<i>Gen.</i> iv. 22.) the first Artificer in Brass and -Iron: <i>Plato</i>’s <i>Atlanticus</i> is a Fable founded upon the History of -<i>Noah</i>’s Flood: The Fable of the Giants storming Heaven, is taken -from the Builders of the Tower of <i>Babel</i>, as before: Yea, -says a Learned Father (after <i>Numenius</i>, the celebrated <i>Pythagorean</i> -and <i>Platonist</i>) what is <i>Plato</i> but <i>Moses in an Athenian Dress</i><a id='r419' /><a href='#f419' class='c019'><sup>[419]</sup></a>? -But to be more particular,</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f419'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r419'>419</a>. </span>Τι γαρ εστι Πλατων η Μωσης αττικιζων. <i>Quid -enim est Plato, nisi Moses qui loquitur Atticè?</i> Or, <i>Quid enim -aliud est Plato, quam Moses Atticissans</i>? Clementis Alexandrini -Opera, Strom. lib 1. <i>Coloniæ</i> p. 342.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>1. <i>SATAN</i>, who conducted the War in <i>Eden</i>, display’d his Art -under the Form of a Serpent, which <i>Moses</i> represents as a Creature -of superior Wisdom, and Illuminator of Mankind. Now the -Tradition, that the <i>first Serpent</i> had not only the Gift of speaking, -but of communicating Science, and had held a Conference with -the first Woman, to the vast Increase of her Knowledge, might -at last swell to such a degree, that ignorant People might attribute -to that Serpent, and her Race, a kind of Divinity; and for -this Reason also, because in the Perfections of the Mind she exceeded -our first Parents, who being constituted Governors of the -Earth, must be supposed to be furnish’d with extraordinary Accomplishments: -But, says Tradition, here is one who infused -greater Knowledge into them, and made them more wise; and -they, for contesting with the <i>Wisdom of the Serpent</i>, were turned -out of Paradise, and ordain’d their Dwelling to be among the -Beasts of the Field.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Surely, might the People say, so great a Being as this Serpent -merits our awful Regards. Now, how far such Thoughts -might operate in those early days of Ignorance and Superstition, -I determine not: The Serpent indeed, is said to be more subtle -than the Beasts of the Field, but not more wise than <i>Adam</i> and -<i>Eve</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is more strange, to think that in the primitive Church there -were certain Hereticks call’d <i>Ophites</i>, took their Name from -<i>Ophis</i><a id='r420' /><a href='#f420' class='c019'><sup>[420]</sup></a>, who worshipped the Serpent that betray’d <i>Eve</i>, and ascribed -all sorts of Knowledge to that Animal, maintain’d ’twas a -good Creature, and that our first Parents were instructed by it to -know Good and Evil. Yea, they believed, “the Serpent that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>tempted <i>Eve</i> was the <i>Christ</i>, who afterwards came down and -was incarnate in the Person of <i>Jesus</i>: That it was <i>Jesus</i>, but -not the <i>Christ</i>, that suffer’d; for which reason they made all -Proselytes to their Sect, to renounce Jesus<a id='r421' /><a href='#f421' class='c019'><sup>[421]</sup></a>.” If a Sect of -Christians speak after this manner, what Ideas must the Heathen -form of things?</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f420'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r420'>420</a>. </span>A <i>Greek</i> word that signifies <i>a Serpent</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f421'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r421'>421</a>. </span><i>Calmet.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>One of the Fathers speaking of these Hereticks, observes how -they affirm’d,——<i>That Wisdom made itself a Serpent</i>——had given -Knowledge to Man, and that the Position of Man’s Bowels, -winding about like Serpents, shews that there is in us a hidden -Substance that engenders the Figure of Serpents<a id='r422' /><a href='#f422' class='c019'><sup>[422]</sup></a>. Surely those -Fathers of the Church were Children in Understanding, that gave -way to such mystical Conundrums. Call them no more Fathers, -but Children of Antiquity.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f422'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r422'>422</a>. </span><i>Irenæus adv. Hæres.</i> (lib. 1. cap. 34.—<i>sophiam -serpentem factam</i>—) who flourish’d in the close of the 2d -Century.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>These Hereticks, in the Consecration of the Eucharist, always -had a Serpent ready in a Box, which they produced on that -Occasion, making it come out by certain Charms, and lick the -Bread, and having kissed the same, they eat it<a id='r423' /><a href='#f423' class='c019'><sup>[423]</sup></a>. Another Historian -expresses it thus, <i>viz.</i> “When their Priests celebrated their -Mysteries, they made one of these Creatures to come out of -his Hole, and after he had roll’d himself upon the Things that -were to be offer’d in Sacrifice, they said <i>Jesus Christ</i> had sanctified -them, and then gave them to the People to worship them<a id='r424' /><a href='#f424' class='c019'><sup>[424]</sup></a>.” -<i>N. B.</i> I don’t apprehend how the <i>Learned Abbot</i> makes them -bring in the Name <i>Jesus</i> here, a Name which in the same Page -he says, they obliged their Proselytes to renounce.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f423'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r423'>423</a>. </span><i>Bingh. Index Heret.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f424'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r424'>424</a>. </span><i>Calmet</i>’s <i>Histor. Dict.</i> vol. ii. p. 668.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This strange Superstition seems to be derived from the Heathen, -who at the Feasts of <i>Bacchus</i>, used to carry a <i>Serpent</i>, and -to cry, <i>Evia, Evia</i><a id='r425' /><a href='#f425' class='c019'><sup>[425]</sup></a>: And <i>Evia</i>, says <i>Clemens Alexandrinus</i>, -if it be asperated, <i>Hevia</i>, signifies in the <i>Hebrew</i>, a <i>female Serpent</i>. -Dr. <i>Lightfoot</i> observes, that there being no such Word in -the <i>Hebrew</i>, <i>Clemens</i> must mean the <i>Chaldee</i>, in which <i>Hivia</i> -signifies a Serpent.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f425'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r425'>425</a>. </span>Ευια, ευια.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>2. The Reputation gain’d by the Serpent in Paradise, was heighten’d -by the wonderful Cures done by the brazen Serpent in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>Wilderness. As this strange Occurrence was capable of various -Glosses, so it must undergo different Constructions. The <i>Brazen -Serpent</i> was brought to <i>Canaan</i>, where ’twas kept in remembrance -of the miraculous Cures their Forefathers had received from it in -the Wilderness; and, ’tis probable, the <i>Israelites</i> themselves were -the first that paid divine Honours to it, and the Idolatry might -begin in the days of the Judges; others say, under the Kings of -<i>Judah</i><a id='r426' /><a href='#f426' class='c019'><sup>[426]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f426'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r426'>426</a>. </span><i>Jurieu</i>, vol. ii. from <i>Rabbi Kimchi</i>, who -says they burnt Incense to it, from the time the Kings of <i>Judah</i> -had corrupted themselves ... <i>in locum</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It lay quiet there, <i>until those Days, the Children of Israel burnt -Incense to it</i>. That is, from the days <i>Israel</i> began to commit -Idolatry, to the days of <i>Hezekiah</i>; who, to prevent the Growth -of that Serpentine Idolatry, <i>brake in pieces the brazen Serpent that -Moses had made</i>. 2 Kings xviii. 4.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Sound of the strange Cures done by the <i>brazen Serpent</i>, -soon spread over the forsaken Nations, who, observing how the -Wounded were healed by looking at it, conceived it to be a proper -Instrument to be their Mediator, and consequently a fit Object -for their Adoration, when even the Wounded in <i>Israel</i>, by addressing -to its Shadow, were healed.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It is most probable, that the Adoration of Serpents by the -Pagans, sprung from these two Fountains,</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Wisdom of the Serpent</i> in Paradise, and the <i>miraculous -Cures</i> done by the <i>Shadow of a Serpent</i> in the Wilderness; which -were improved by the Devil to secure his Honour and Interest, -who wanted not Priests to display the Glories of their Character, -to make the Serpent honourable in the sight of his Vassals. From -hence, the <i>Egyptians</i>, <i>Phenicians</i>, yea most Nations, did imagine -the Serpent to have some <i>Divinity in its Nature</i>, and for that -reason (as hinted before) honour’d it with sacred Homage; this -the Devil did, with a view to lessen Men’s Esteem for the Almighty -Creator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hence also some Men of superior Dignity have affected to -be esteem’d more than meer Men, making this as an Argument, -that they were <i>begot by Serpents</i>, as we observed already, therefore -I shall only add, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>That <i>Alexander the Great</i>, after he had taken <i>Rhodes</i>, <i>Egypt</i> -and <i>Cilicia</i>, addrest <i>Jupiter Ammon</i> to know his Original, for his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>Mother <i>Olympias</i> had confest to his Father <i>Philip</i>, that <i>Alexander</i> -was not begot by him, but by a <i>Serpent</i> of <i>vast Bulk</i>; whereupon -<i>Philip</i> was divorced from his Wife <i>Olympias</i>, and <i>Alexander</i> -was saluted Son of <i>Ammon</i>, and by Order of the Priests, his Companions -were enjoin’d to worship him as a <i>God</i>, and not as a -<i>King</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>ALEXANDER</i>, when he had conquer’d <i>Darius</i> III. surnam’d -<i>Codomannus</i>, and was possest of the <i>Persian</i> Empire, writ to the -<i>Grecians</i>, that they should <i>decree him to be a God</i>. Hereupon -several Decrees were made: The <i>Lacedemonians</i> exprest their -Compliance in this short Decree, <i>viz.</i> <i>Forasmuch as</i> Alexander -<i>would be a God, let him be a God</i>. Thus with Laconick Brevity, -fashionable among the <i>Lacedemonians</i>, they humour’d and reproved -the Pride of their King at once<a id='r427' /><a href='#f427' class='c019'><sup>[427]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f427'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r427'>427</a>. </span>Επειδἡ Αλεξανδρος βουλεται Θεδς ειναι εσο Θεος. Æliani variæ Hist. lib. ii. cap. xix.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>VARRO</i> was of Opinion, that all gallant and heroick Men -should believe themselves, tho’ falsly, to issue from the Gods ... -that upon this Supposition, they might attempt great things -with more Courage, and prosecute them with more Ardency; and -tho’ the Motive was but imaginary, yet might produce glorious -Effects<a id='r428' /><a href='#f428' class='c019'><sup>[428]</sup></a>. When <i>Varro</i> writ this, ’tis probable he had <i>Alexander the -Great</i> in his view.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f428'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r428'>428</a>. </span>Ex Diis genitos—<i>Aug. de Civitate Dei.</i> cap. 4.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Such is their Opinion of their King in <i>China</i>, that they think -he is descended from the Race of some Demi-God, and so adore -him accordingly. They believe there is some Divinity in his -Blood, in so much that he never marries any but his next Relatives, -for fear of staining the Royal Blood<a id='r429' /><a href='#f429' class='c019'><sup>[429]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f429'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r429'>429</a>. </span><i>Howel</i>’s <i>Londinopolis</i>. p. 384.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Among the Antients, Serpents were Emblems of Power; -therefore <i>Epaminondas</i>, the brave <i>Theban</i> General, to encourage -his Army against a powerful Enemy, <i>bruised the Head of a Serpent</i> -before them as a Prognostick of Victory.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Thus King <i>James</i> I. tho’ the <i>Dupe of all Christendom</i>, says a -certain Gentleman, yet was the grand Idol of the Court-Clergy. -That Pedantry which would have brought a School-Boy under -the just Discipline of the Rod, in him was represented by his parasitical -Preferment-hunting Ecclesiasticks, as divine Eloquence, -and the Inspiration of the Almighty....</p> -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span> - <h4 class='c047'>CHAPTER VI.</h4> -</div> -<p class='c044'><i>Reasons for worshipping hurtful as well as useful Creatures, founded -on a Notion of two eternal contrary Principles: They believe God -was good, and could not be the Author of moral Evil, therefore -fram’d the Ditheistical Doctrine; an Error, espoused by some -primitive Christians, confuted by the Sentence past upon the Serpent. -Reasons for worshipping different Species of Animals by -the</i> Egyptians.</p> - -<p class='c033'>Whence arises the Honour given by Heathens to different -Species of Beings, to the noxious and hurtful, as -well as to the salutary and beneficent Tribe?</p> - -<p class='c013'>Probably, it might be from their observing the <i>Mixtures -of Good and Evil</i> in the visible Creation, when as yet in their -infantile State of Knowledge: The reason of this they could not -otherwise account for, but by giving into the Notion of <i>two distinct -independent governing Powers</i>; the one a good, the other an evil -Genius: accordingly they worshipped Creatures that were useful, -as being the Ministers of the good Genius; and those that were -hurtful they paid Homage to, out of servile Fear, and to ingratiate -themselves into their Favour. In the Morning they worshipped -the <i>celestial Gods</i>; in the Evening, the <i>infernal</i>: On the -Plain they worshipped the terrestrial Gods, on Hills the supernatural; -in Grotos and Caves, the infernal.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hence it is they asserted a Duplicity of Gods, <i>viz.</i> Two -perceptive self-existent Beings, one the Principle of Good, and -the other of Evil. This Opinion originally sprung from a strong, -firm Persuasion, <i>That God was invariably Good, and therefore could -not possibly be the Author of the Evil upon Earth</i>. Nor could they -otherwise solve the Difficulty about the Entrance of moral Evil -into our World, but by supposing another eternal self-existent evil -Cause.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Yea, some among the primitive Christians fell into the Error -of asserting this <i>Ditheistical</i> Doctrine; that is, two self-existent -Principles in the Universe, to wit, a <i>good God</i>, and an <i>evil Demon</i>. -Thus the <i>Cerdonites</i>, an heretical Sect, that sprung up in the second -Century, held there were two Gods; one, the Author of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>all good, the other, of all evil Things. So the <i>Marcionites</i> held -two contrary Gods; and in the third Century, the <i>Manichees</i> -did the same.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Perhaps, this might be one reason why God past Sentence -upon the Devil in the Serpent, in the presence and hearing of our -first Parents, <i>viz.</i> to prevent the Error of imagining that there -was any Principle of Evil, which was independent upon the Almighty. -The Sentence past upon Satan in the Curse upon the -Serpent, was a Conviction to <i>Adam</i> and <i>Eve</i> of his Dependency -upon the Almighty Creator, before whose Tribunal he now was -constrained to appear, to receive the Sentence merited by those, -who make a Lye, and tempt their Fellow-creatures to rebel.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>REASONS about the Adoration of different kind of Animals -by the</i> Egyptians.</p> - -<p class='c013'>If you ask, that if they worshipped a Serpent, why did they -pay religious Honours to so many other Beasts? I answer, This -monstrous Idolatry begun in <i>Egypt</i>, and the first occasion for it -seems to be this, <i>viz.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'><i>OSIRIS</i>, a certain King of <i>Egypt</i>, who reign’d with great -Equity and Mildness, having divided his Kingdom into several -distinct Provinces, appointed Presidents over them, and in their -Banners he placed the Figures, or Pictures of certain Animals, that -bore some Similitude to the Peculiarities of those Countries, over -which they were to preside: Thus to the Governor, whose Land -was proper for Tillage, he design’d an <i>Ox</i> in his Standard, to -which the Inhabitants of that Place paid a particular Veneration, -which in process of time was worshipped by the whole Nation, -for its Usefulness, and as the Symbol of Agriculture: Hence the -Image of <i>Osiris</i> is set off with Horns.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>golden Calf</i> which <i>Aaron</i> made in the Wilderness, and -the Calves set up by <i>Jeroboam</i> to be worshipped in his Kingdom, -were an Imitation of the idolatrous Adoration, which the <i>Egyptians</i> -paid to their <i>Bull Apis</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>That part of the Country, in which was abundance of Water, -the King set a <i>Crocodile</i> (an amphibious Animal) in his Banner, -that was to govern there, which was had in high Veneration, -especially in the City of <i>Mira</i>; and at last the <i>Crocodile</i> was -worshipped all over <i>Egypt</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>Where the Country abounded with Wood, a <i>Dog</i> was fixt -in the Governor’s Standard, to which the <i>Egyptians</i> gave no little -Veneration, especially Sportsmen ... as the Poet observes<a id='r430' /><a href='#f430' class='c019'><sup>[430]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f430'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r430'>430</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Oppida tota canem venerantur, nemo Dianam.</i></div> - <div class='line'>The Dog whole Towns, <i>Diana</i> none implore.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Juvenal. Satir. xv.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>That which gives some colour to this Partition of <i>Osiris</i>’s -Kingdom, is, “that God ordained very near the same thing to be -observed in the Encampments of the <i>Israelites</i>, when he divided -the twelve Tribes into four Bodies, and allotted to one of the -three Tribes, belonging to each Body, <i>the Figure of an Animal -to be placed in the Banner</i>: Thus, that of <i>Reuben</i> carried the -Figure of a <i>Man</i>; that of <i>Judah</i>, a <i>Lion</i>; that of <i>Dan</i>, an -<i>Eagle</i>; and that of <i>Ephraim</i>, an <i>Ox</i><a id='r431' /><a href='#f431' class='c019'><sup>[431]</sup></a>”.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f431'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r431'>431</a>. </span><i>Jurieu’s Crit. Hist.</i> vol. ii.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>After this manner the <i>Egyptian</i> Monarch did place in their -Banners the Figures of certain Animals, which by degrees were -usher’d into their Religion and Temples. -<i>N. B.</i> These Banners thus painted with different Animals, -were fixt upon Poles, between their several Provinces, by which -their Bounds were determined. <i>Semiramis</i>, being conquered by -<i>Staurobates</i>, Antiquity feign’d she was changed by the Gods into -a Dove, the Bird of <i>Venus</i>, which is the reason why the <i>Dove</i> -was worshipped by the <i>Babylonians</i>, and why they gave it in their -Ensign.</p> - -<p class='c013'>I Conclude this Part with some Instances, that are given of -the Sottishness of <i>Pagans</i> in what they called religious Worship, -which indeed is almost incredible, if they were not common, and -well attested.—— The <i>Egyptians</i> did not only worship variety of -Beasts, but also the Figures of them, as the Representatives of -their Gods: Each City and District entertain’d a peculiar Devotion -for some particular Beast or other, in honour of which they -built Temples; yea, every one of the <i>Pagan Deities</i> had his own -Beast, Tree and Plant consecrated to him. Thus the <i>Pigeon</i> was -consecrated to <i>Venus</i>; the <i>Dragon</i> and <i>Owl</i> to <i>Minerva</i>; the <i>Eagle</i> -to <i>Jupiter</i>; the <i>Cock</i> to <i>Æsculapius</i> and the <i>Sun</i>. This, says <i>Jurieu</i>, -is the true Origin of the <i>Egyptian Idolatry</i>. <i>Ibid.</i> Who -adds, The <i>Egyptians</i> assign’d to their Gods certain Animals, as -their Representatives, and being introduced into the Temples, -as the Images were in some Christian Churches, they at last began -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>to worship them. This points out the Impiety of admitting -any symbolical Representations of Divinity into Places of publick -Worship.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Nothing more monstrous than the <i>Divinity</i> of the <i>Pagans</i>; -their Gods were innumerable. Every thing on <i>Earth</i>, in the -<i>Sea</i>, in the <i>Heavens</i>, yea, and in <i>Hell</i>, had their <i>peculiar Gods</i>. -If <i>Egyptians</i>, who past for the wisest of Mortals, paid religious -Adoration to <i>meer Animals</i>, not only to Serpents, but Apes, -Wolves, yea, Dogs, Cats, ... and to Vegetables, as Onions, -Garlick ... what shall we think of stupid Nations, who had no -Claim to Wisdom?</p> - -<p class='c013'>Even in <i>Athens</i> (that celebrated Fountain of Light) were -more Idols than in all <i>Greece</i>; yea, so numerous were their Idols, -that they had almost as many Gods as Men<a id='r432' /><a href='#f432' class='c019'><sup>[432]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f432'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r432'>432</a>. </span>Facilius possis Deum, quam hominem invenire.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><i>STRABO</i>, <i>Procopius</i>, and <i>Ben Jonas</i> say, the antient <i>Persians</i> -kept and worshipped their <i>perpetual Fire</i> on Mount <i>Albors</i>, -a Branch of <i>Caucasus</i>. The <i>Japonese</i> worship the Devil, and the -Head of their Religion is called <i>Dair</i>, whom they worship as a -God. <i>Atlas.</i></p> - -<p class='c013'>I Should rather think the <i>Persians</i> ador’d the supreme God, -under the Image of <i>Fire</i>, by reason ’tis Fire gives Motion to every -thing in Nature, and therefore they made it an Emblem of Divinity.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Hebrews</i> kept up the <i>holy Fire</i> in the <i>Temple</i>, and the -<i>Vestals</i> were appointed to keep the sacred Fire of the <i>Romans</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'><i>VULCAN</i> was worshipped among the Antients, and particularly -the <i>Egyptians</i>, as the <i>Inventor of Fire</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The People of <i>Egypt</i> exceeded most Nations in depreciating -Divinity by gross Superstitions and Idolatry; they did not err in -worshipping Mortals only, but they gave Reverence to Beasts, -Birds, Insects, Winds, Earth, Water, Air, Fire, Plants, <i>&c.</i> -whom <i>Rhodius Anaxandrides</i>, one of themselves, derides in this -manner:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>I sacrifice to God the Beef, which you adore;</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>I broil th’</i> Egyptian <i>Eels, which you as God implore</i>.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span><i>You fear to eat the Flesh of Swine, I find it sweet:</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>You worship Dogs, to beat them I think meet,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>When they my Store devour.<a id='r433' /><a href='#f433' class='c019'><sup>[433]</sup></a></i>——</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote c026' id='f433'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r433'>433</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Bovem colis, ego Deis macto Bovem;</div> - <div class='line'>Tu maximum anguillam, Deum putas: ego,</div> - <div class='line'>Obsoniorum credidi, suavissimum,</div> - <div class='line'>Carnes suillas, tu caves, at gaudeo</div> - <div class='line'>His maximè. Canem colis, quem verbero.</div> - <div class='line'>Edentem, ubi deprehendo, forte obsonium.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>Thus <i>Juvenal</i>, another Heathen Poet, ridicules their religious -Fooleries:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Oh happy Nations! which, of their own sowing,</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Have store of Gods, in ev’ry Garden growing.<a id='r434' /><a href='#f434' class='c019'><sup>[434]</sup></a></i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote c026' id='f434'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r434'>434</a>. </span></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c039'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Porrum & cæpe nefas violare & frangere morsu,</div> - <div class='line'>Oh sanctas gentes quibus hæc nascuntur in hortis</div> - <div class='line'>Numina!——</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Sat.</i> xv. <i>l.</i> 8, 9, 10.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c031'>The Images of the Gods, says <i>Seneca</i>, are worshipped; these -they pray unto and adore, and while they greatly admire them, -at the same time despise the Workmen that made them<a id='r435' /><a href='#f435' class='c019'><sup>[435]</sup></a>. Which -also <i>Sedulius</i> their Poet scoffs at, saying,——Who worship Vanities -... despise their own Maker ... fear the Works of their -own Hands.... What Madness! that Man should ugly Shapes -adore, of Bulls, Birds, Dragons, the vile Half-Dog, or Half-Man, -on Knees for Aid implore<a id='r436' /><a href='#f436' class='c019'><sup>[436]</sup></a>.——</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f435'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r435'>435</a>. </span>Simulachra Deorum venerantur——fabros qui ilia fecêre, -contemnunt.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f436'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r436'>436</a>. </span>Heu miseri vana colunt——ut volucrem, turpemque Bovem, -torvumque Draconem, sem-hominemque canem supplex -homo pronus adoret.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Yet among the Nations were some who thought it Impiety -to represent their Gods by Images, as the <i>Persians</i>, <i>Indian Brachmans</i>, -<i>&c.</i><a id='r437' /><a href='#f437' class='c019'><sup>[437]</sup></a> Yea, the <i>Romans</i>, for 170 Years, would not allow -Images in their Temples, observing the Law of <i>Numa</i>. It was -<i>Tarquinius Priscus</i> that followed the Vanity of the <i>Grecians</i> (a -Nation of all others, excepting <i>Egypt</i>, most deluded by the old -Serpent) set up the Images of their Gods, which even the Learned -<i>Varro</i> bewailed and condemned. The <i>Mahometans</i> have a perfect -Aversion to Images. The <i>Jews</i> hate all Images, will not allow -any in their Houses, much less in Places of Worship. But to -proceed:</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f437'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r437'>437</a>. </span><i>Hospinian. de Origine Imaginum.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The apostate <i>Indians</i> worship both Gods and Devils, over -which they acknowledge a Supreme, who sends forth other Deities -as his Deputies; which they think to be the Souls of good -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>Men; and Devils, the Souls of the Wicked.... They imagine -the Sun and Moon to be Gods; their Idols are represented as -Monsters of the kind<a id='r438' /><a href='#f438' class='c019'><sup>[438]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f438'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r438'>438</a>. </span><i>Atlas Asia.</i> page 662.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>“In the Kingdom of <i>Pegu</i> in the East, the People are exceeding -superstitious, and scruple not to worship the Devil, whom -they reckon the Author of Evil; as they do God, of Good: -And in all Calamities, their first Addresses are to the evil Spirit, -for Deliverance; and they make Vows to him, which they -perform upon their Recovery, with the Assistance of their -Priests, whom they call the Devil’s Father, and he directs them -to make sacred Feasts with Musick.” Many of them run about -in the Morning with a Torch in one Hand, and Rice in the -other; pretending to give the Devil his Breakfast, that he may -not hurt them that Day. Others at their Meals, throw part of -what they have over their Shoulders, to feed him, before they -eat any themselves. <i>Ibid.</i> p. 662.</p> - -<p class='c013'>At <i>Tavay</i> in that Country, they replenish their Houses with -Victuals, and leave them for three Months, that the Devils may -dwell and feed there, and be favourable all the rest of the Year. -<i>ibid.</i> They have a sort of Monks called <i>Talapoins</i>, who endeavour -to root out this Devil Worship, but without effect.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Aruspices</i>, were an <i>Order</i> of <i>Priests</i> among the antient -<i>Romans</i>, who pretended to foretell Events, chiefly by inspecting -the Entrails of Beasts killed in Sacrifice ... Birds, and celestial -Appearances. <i>Cato</i>, who was one of the <i>Augurs</i>, conscious of -their impious Politicks, used to say, <i>He wondered how one Priest -could look at another without laughing in his Face</i>. These Augural -Priests made a College, or Community; they bore an Augural -Staff or Wand, called <i>Lituus</i>, made in form of a <i>Crozier</i>, or a -Bishop’s Staff, or Shepherd’s Crook, as the Ensign of their Office -and Authority—— And what is most ridiculous is, that no Affair -of Moment could be resolved upon, without first consulting these -holy Cheats; and their Advice, be what it would, was by a Decree -of the Senate appointed to be exactly and religiously observed. -<i>Ornithomancy</i>, or Divination by Birds, was, among the <i>Greeks</i>, -the same with <i>Augury</i> among the <i>Romans</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>At <i>Angola</i> and <i>Congo</i> in the <i>East-Indies</i>, wooden Idols, resembling -Negroes, are erected in the midst of their Towns, which -they daily worship. ’Tis their Belief they are never sick, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>when their Idols are angry with them; therefore to appease them, -they pour at their Feet the <i>Wine of Palms</i>. They wash, paint, -and new cloath their Dead, and bury with them Meat, Drink, -and some of their Goods, and sprinkle the Grave with the Blood -of Goats. Their Priests are in such high Esteem, that they think -Plenty and Famine, Life and Death, are in their power<a id='r439' /><a href='#f439' class='c019'><sup>[439]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f439'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r439'>439</a>. </span>See <i>Purchas</i>.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The old Inhabitants of <i>Virginia</i> believed many Gods, but -one principally, who made the rest ... and that the Woman -was made before the Man, and propagated by the Help of one -of the inferior Gods. The Natives are <i>Anthropomorphites</i>, giving -to their Gods the Forms of Men.... When they go abroad, -they carry their Gods about with them, and in Matters of Doubt -ask Counsel of them. Much of their Devotion consists in howling -and dancing about Fires, with Rattles in their Hands. -<i>Quære</i>, Whether this Custom be not the Original of Castanets or -Snappers in Dancing<a id='r440' /><a href='#f440' class='c019'><sup>[440]</sup></a>?</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f440'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r440'>440</a>. </span><i>Hackluit in Purchas.</i></p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Another Instance of monstrous Degeneracy, we have among -the <i>Phenicians</i>, who offer’d yearly Sacrifices to <i>Saturn</i> of -young <i>Infants</i>; and in the Temple of <i>Venus</i>, practised not only -Whoredom, but the most unnatural Sin of Sodomy also; yea, -by the Laws of their Religion, were bound to prostitute their -Daughters to <i>Venus</i>, before they married them: In their Temple -the Women who refused to be shaved, were obliged to yield up -their Honour to Strangers for one day.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the Country, now called <i>New Spain</i>, the old Inhabitants -would neither eat nor drink, till they had cast towards the Sun, -some part of their Food; nor would they smell a Flower, without -throwing up in the Air some Leaves of it, thereby acknowledging -the Gods to be their great Benefactors: Tho’ this be ridiculous, -yet having an Air of religious Gratitude, it is commendable. -Among other Idols ador’d at <i>Mexico</i>, they had one -called <i>Vitziliputzli</i>, placed in an azure colour’d Chair, with <i>Serpent’s -Heads</i> at each Corner.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Yea the Pagans, to authorize their own Crimes, and justify -their vicious Lives, have constituted licentious, drunken, vicious -Gods, <i>&c.</i> Instances of this kind we have in their religious Institutions, -as the <i>Saturnalia</i> of the <i>Romans</i>, which were Feasts -sacred to the God <i>Saturn</i>: This Feast was observed in <i>December</i>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>at first kept for one day, then for three days, and afterwards for -seven days. So sacred was this Festival, that while it lasted, no -Criminals were to be executed, no War to begin.... And yet at -the same time, a Sanction was given to universal Debauchery; all -Rules of Virtue and common Decency were intirely banished, and -all things run into a wild Scene of Distraction and Lewdness, and -all this under the Umbrage of doing Honour to their Gods<a id='r441' /><a href='#f441' class='c019'><sup>[441]</sup></a>.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f441'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r441'>441</a>. </span>Uno die ... trium dierum ... septem dierum ... Bellum fumere nefas habitum——<i>Macrobii -opera</i>, <i>Londini</i>, A. D. 1694. p. 155, 160, 168.</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The same Game was acted in the <i>Lupercalian</i> Feasts, instituted -in honour of the God <i>Pan</i> (under the shape of a <i>Goat</i>) whose -Priests, on the Morning of the Feast, ran naked thro’ the Streets, -striking the married Women they met, on the Hands and Belly -with <i>Straps</i> cut out of <i>Goats Skins</i>, which was held an Omen, -promising Fruitfulness, and happy Deliveries.</p> - -<p class='c013'>I shall only add the <i>Bacchanalian</i> Feasts, celebrated in honour -of <i>Bacchus</i>, the God of Wine, and Master of the Revels; -sometimes called <i>Orgia</i><a id='r442' /><a href='#f442' class='c019'><sup>[442]</sup></a>, from a <i>Greek</i> Word that signifies Anger -and Rage, because in the Celebration of it, People acted in so raging -and furious a manner, as if they had been absolutely distracted. -These religious Feasts were not only encumber’d with a great number -of Ceremonies, but attended with most notorious Dissoluteness; -for Men and Women met at them, all naked, except their Heads -and Hips, that were shaded with Vine Leaves.</p> - -<div class='fn'> - -<div class='footnote' id='f442'> -<p class='c020'><span class='label'><a href='#r442'>442</a>. </span>Οργη</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Women, who were installed Priestesses, during this Feast, -ran thro’ the Streets, and other Places, cover’d with Tyger’s Skins, -Scepters in one Hand, and Torches in the other, howling and roaring -out the Praise of <i>Bacchus</i>, with Hair dishevell’d, dangling about -their Shoulders. They were call’d <i>Mœnades</i> from their Madness, -<i>Thyades</i> from their Rage, <i>Bacchæ</i> from their Intemperance.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Poets tell us, that in the <i>Bacchanalian Train</i>, were a -Croud of <i>Nymphs</i> and <i>Naiades</i>, a sort of Heathen Divinities; some -crown’d with Ivy, their Hair loose, and intermix’d with Snakes, -clothed with the Skins of Beasts, and girt about with large Serpents, -and running frantick in the Woods and Mountains.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In short, their sacred Games, Festivals, and Sacrifices, were -little more than drunken Banquets, nocturnal Revels, tumultuous -Dancings, all wild, ridiculous and extravagant.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><i>F I N I S.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c012' /> -</div> -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span> -<img src='images/i241.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c029'>INDEX</h2> -</div> -<ul class='index c012'> - <li class='c048'>A.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>ACONTIA</i> Serpent, (the Figure, Plate <a href='#Page_4'>4</a>;) why call’d a flying Serpent, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Adam</i>, why not made impeccable, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Converse betwixt him and Angels, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— in Innocency put in mind of Death, <a href='#Page_181'>181</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— his Fall described by <i>Pagans</i>, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a>, <a href='#Page_3'>3</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— —— —— —— by <i>Mahometans</i>, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Adder</i>; see <i>Viper</i>. (the Figure, <a href='#pl-1'>Plate 1</a>)</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Agnasen</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Air</i>, ador’d by <i>Pagans</i>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Alexander the Great</i>, and <i>Alexander the Little</i>, <a href='#Page_140'>140</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Amodytes</i> Serpent, describ’d, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Amphisbæna</i>, a two-headed Serpent, describ’d, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Instances of one in <i>Oxfordshire</i>, and in <i>Chiapa</i> in <i>America</i>, [<a href='#TN-1'>TN</a>]</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ambua</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_107'>107</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ameiva</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Americina</i>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Anacandia</i> Serpent, [<a href='#TN-1'>TN</a>]</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ants</i>, their Penetration, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— in <i>America</i> great Master-Builders, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a>, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Remarkable Sorts in the <i>East-Indies</i>, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Anguis laqueus</i>, or the Ensnaring-Serpent, <a href='#Page_136'>136</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Animals</i>, turn’d into Gods by <i>Pagans</i>, <a href='#Page_213'>213</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Their Adoration ridicul’d by some of themselves, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a>, <a href='#Page_237'>237</a></li> - <li class='c048'><span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span><i>Apollo</i>, catechis’d for his dubious Answers, <a href='#Page_77'>77</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— His She-Priest, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Apotheosis</i>, or Deification describ’d, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Asp</i>, (the Figure, Plate <a href='#Page_2'>2</a>,) described, <a href='#Page_59'>59</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Its Foresight, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— A Poem on the Asp and its Poison, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Highly venerated among the <i>Egyptians</i>, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Attaligatus</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a></li> - <li class='c012'>B.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Basilisk</i> Serpent, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-3'>Plate 3</a>) describ’d, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— why call’d King of Serpents, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— (<i>African</i>, <a href='#pl-3'>Plate 3</a>)</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Battle</i> of the Gods, <a href='#Page_212'>212</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Bees</i>, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-5'>Plate 5</a>) their Sagacity, great Geometricians, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Their Sting describ’d, <a href='#Page_148'>148</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Birds</i>, why some here only in Winter, and others only in Summer, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Biobi</i>, or green Serpent describ’d, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Bibera</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_107'>107</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Bitin</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_137'>137</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Blowing</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_130'>130</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Boignacu</i> Serpent, very beautiful, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Boytiapua</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— An Instrument of Conjuration, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Bomsnake</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Boicupecanga</i> Serpent, prickle-back’d, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Boitiapo</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_117'>117</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Brochet de Torre</i>, or Land-pike, <a href='#Page_124'>124</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Brimstone</i> Snake, <a href='#Page_130'>130</a></li> - <li class='c012'>C.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cabiri</i>, characteriz’d, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Caudisonant</i>, or Rattle-Snake, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-7'>Plate 7</a>) describ’d, <a href='#Page_91'>91</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Its Wounds and Cures, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cameleon</i>, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-5'>Plate 5</a>) describ’d; the reason why it appears in a change of Colours, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Why call’d a living Skin, <a href='#Page_97'>97</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Canina</i> Serpent, describ’d, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— A Domestick Animal, <a href='#Page_104'>104</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Camruana</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Carapobeba</i>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a></li> - <li class='c048'><span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span><i>Cæcilia</i> Serpent describ’d, why call’d blind, <a href='#Page_80'>80</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cencris</i> Serpent describ’d, why call’d miliary, <a href='#Page_80'>80</a>, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cerastes</i>, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-1'>Plate 1</a>) describ’d, the Executioner of Justice, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a>, <a href='#Page_5'>5</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ceylon</i>, a Land of Delights, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ceylonic Hotambæia</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_115'>115</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Chickens</i>, produc’d by artificial Heat, <a href='#Page_6'>6</a>, <a href='#Page_147'>147</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Chastity</i> conjugal, how try’d, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Charming</i> of Serpents, various Instances, <a href='#Page_62'>62</a>, <a href='#Page_3'>3</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— of Rats, a remarkable Instance in <i>Germany</i>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— of Serpents, by a Wand, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cheese</i>, an odd Custom in Antiquity about it, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Chicken</i> Snake, <a href='#Page_131'>131</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cherubims</i>, Emblems of Mercy and Justice, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_6'>6</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Christ</i>’s Death, publish’d before that of <i>Adam</i>, <a href='#Page_180'>180</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cleopatra</i>, her own Executioner by a Serpent, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cloth</i>, wash’d in Fire, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cobres Capellos</i> Serpent, describ’d, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Colour</i> Green, why hated by the <i>Turks</i>, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Blue, why hated by the <i>Persians</i>, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cordylus</i>, a noxious Reptile, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Corn</i> Snake, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Crocodile</i>, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-5'>Plate 5</a>) describ’d at large, <a href='#Page_118'>118</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— eats Stones, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'>—— venerated in <i>Egypt</i>, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'>—— the occasion of a War, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'>—— a Judge of Controversies, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— the manner of destroying it, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Symbol of the Deity, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Creation</i>, a Poem, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cuckold</i>, its Origin, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cuckow</i> Spittle, Grashoppers hatch’d in it, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Cucurijuba</i>, a Serpent monstrous, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> - <li class='c012'>D.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Darkness</i>, the Destruction of Colours, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Dæmons</i> explain’d, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Devil</i> ador’d, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Distempers</i> cur’d by manual Touch, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a>, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Dipsas</i> Serpent, describ’d; its Wounds bring incurable Thirst, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> - <li class='c048'><span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span><i>Dogs</i>, superiour to Men in the Sense of Smelling, <a href='#Page_66'>66</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— the manner of Sensation philosophically explain’d, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Providence vindicated in that matter, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Dopon</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Dragons</i> describ’d, various Sorts and Forms, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— monstrous one slain by <i>Gozon</i>, Knight, by a strange contrivance, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— another slain by the <i>Roman</i> Army, <a href='#Page_76'>76</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Dragon</i>, <i>Pythian</i>, Guardian of the <i>Delphick</i> Oracle, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Dragons</i>, Guardians of Treasures, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— winged, describ’d, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-2'>Plate 2</a>), <a href='#Page_192'>192</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— <i>Æthiopian</i>, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-2'>Plate 2</a>)</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Druina</i> Serpent, describ’d, <a href='#Page_83'>83</a></li> - <li class='c012'>E.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Eagles</i>, how they take their Prey, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ecatoth</i>, or Serpent-of-the-Wind, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Eggs</i>, the reason of Propagation by them, <a href='#Page_5'>5</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— the Method wonderful, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Egg</i>, Symbol of the World, <a href='#Page_6'>6</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Eggs</i> hatch’d in Ovens, the Young ones generally imperfect, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'>—— mysterious Egg.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Egg</i>, a surprizing Compound, <a href='#Page_128'>128</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— the White of it a most singular Menstruum, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'>—— how reduc’d to the likeness of Poison, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Egyptians</i>, a People of Contradiction, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— whipp’d their inattentive Gods, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Elephantia</i> Serpents, why so call’d, <a href='#Page_86'>86</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Elops</i> Serpent, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-3'>Plate 3</a>) describ’d, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Elephants</i>, Creatures of great Bulk, <a href='#Page_86'>86</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— subject to Resentment, Instances of it, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— a Battle betwixt them and Serpents, <a href='#Page_91'>91</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ethetulla</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Eve</i>, how she came to converse with the Serpent, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— her Converse with it before the Account of <i>Moses</i> very probable, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— a Negative would have preserv’d her Innocence, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a></li> - <li class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>F.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Faith</i>, the Magnet of Magicians, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Fascinating</i> Eyes, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Fish</i>, how they breathe in Water, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Fire</i>, ador’d, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Funerals</i>, their first Institution, <a href='#Page_181'>181</a></li> - <li class='c012'>G.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Generation</i> equivocal exploded, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ghalghulawa</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_114'>114</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Giraupiagara</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Gobe Moujes</i>, <a href='#Page_124'>124</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Gods</i>, Men transformed into them, <a href='#Page_201'>201</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— inanimate Things turn’d into them, <a href='#Page_207'>207</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Goddesses</i>, Women transform’d into them, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Golden</i> Calf, <a href='#Page_214'>214</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Grotto di Cani</i>, a particular Account of it, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_6'>6</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— —— Experiments made in it by Mr. <i>Addison</i>, <a href='#Page_26'>26</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Grotto de i Serpi</i>, a remarkable subterraneous Cavern, and Hospital for particular Diseases, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ground</i> Rattle-Snake, <a href='#Page_125'>125</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Griffin</i> describ’d, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Guaku</i>, or <i>Lyboya</i> Serpent describ’d, one of the most monstrous, <a href='#Page_102'>102</a></li> - <li class='c012'>H.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Harus</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Heathens</i>, their Fictions about Punishments in Hell, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— their Opinion about Heaven, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Hereditary</i> Right, the Title, how try’d, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Hemorrhous</i>, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-1'>Plate 1</a>) describ’d; its Wounds force the Blood out thro’ every Pore of the Body, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Horse</i>-Tail, a <i>Turkish</i> Standard, the Original of it, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Hooded</i>, or Monk Serpent, <a href='#Page_115'>115</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Horn</i> Snake, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Hornet</i>, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-7'>Plate 7</a>) describ’d, <a href='#Page_148'>148</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Hydrus</i>, or Water-Snake, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a>, <a href='#Page_141'>141</a>, <a href='#Page_2'>2</a></li> - <li class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>I.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Japonians</i>, their way of punishing Christians, <a href='#Page_47'>47</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Jararaka</i> Serpent, describ’d, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Jacore</i> Lizard, [<a href='#TN-1'>TN</a>]</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ibiara</i> Serpent, describ’d, <a href='#Page_99'>99</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ibitobaca</i> Serpent, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-4'>Plate 4</a>) describ’d, <a href='#Page_102'>102</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ibiboboca</i> Serpent, describ’d.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Ibizacoan</i> Serpent, Cure of its Wound very singular, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Idolatry</i>, the Original of it, <a href='#Page_197'>197</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— more ancient than Image-Worship, <a href='#Page_198'>198</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— the Incentives to it, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Jeboya</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Images</i>, why <i>Laban</i> call’d them Gods, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Inchantment</i> by noxious Herbs, <i>&c.</i> <a href='#Page_47'>47</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Indian</i> Prince, a very remarkable Saying of his about <i>Spanish</i> Cruelty, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Insects</i>, little, great Executioners, <a href='#Page_139'>139</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— various Instances, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Iquanna</i> Serpent, describ’d, <a href='#Page_102'>102</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Iron</i>, one of the hardest Metals, yet the most brittle, <a href='#Page_130'>130</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Israel</i>, why punish’d by Serpents, <a href='#Page_188'>188</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— why punish’d by fiery Serpents, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c012'>K.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Kakaboya</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Kingdom</i> won by an Heroick Answer, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>King</i> Snake, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Sashes made of its Skin, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Koko</i> Serpent, a Representation of the <i>French</i> Monarch, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a>, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Kukuruki</i> Serpent, describ’d, <a href='#Page_99'>99</a></li> - <li class='c012'>L.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Lancashire</i> Beauties, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Lacertus viridis</i>, or green Lizard, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Les Anoles</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Les Roquet</i> Serpent, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Light</i>, how the Sensation of it is produc’d, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— all Colours depend upon it, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Long</i> black-Snake, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a></li> - <li class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>M.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Magical</i> Balls, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Magick</i> Art, the Original of it, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— its Degeneracy, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— surprizing Instances of magick Wit, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Magick</i> Egg, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Magicians</i>, St. <i>Matthew</i>’s wise Men in their time, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Manima</i> Serpent, monstrous, <a href='#Page_111'>111</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Malcarabeta</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Malpolon</i> Serpent, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Manballa</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_114'>114</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Maboujas</i>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— , an Emblem of the old Serpent, <a href='#Page_124'>124</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Macacoatl</i>, an horned Serpent, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Marine</i> Dragon, or Serpent, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Men</i>, Giants and Pygmies among ’em, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Mexico</i>, two unparallel’d Instances of Cruelty, one by the <i>Mexican</i>, the other by <i>Spanish</i> Priests, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a>, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Milk</i>, its wonderful Nature describ’d, <a href='#Page_128'>128</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Mithridate</i>, the Original of its Name, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a>, <a href='#Page_5'>5</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Monoxillo</i>, or Mucronated-Serpent, <a href='#Page_137'>137</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Musk</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Musk</i> Rats, and Musk Cats, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Musk</i>, a short Account of it, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a>, <a href='#Page_17'>17</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Musick</i>, its wonderful Effects on the Mind and the Body in several remarkable Instances, 156 to <a href='#Page_160'>160</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Conjectures about medicinal Cures by it, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a></li> - <li class='c012'>N.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Natrix-Torquata</i> Snake, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-5'>Plate 5</a>), <a href='#Page_142'>142</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Nintipolonga</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_114'>114</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Noya</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> - <li class='c012'>O.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Obsidian</i> Stones, Looking-Glasses made of them, <a href='#Page_105'>105</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Opium</i>, the Darling of the <i>Turks</i>, <a href='#Page_21'>21</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Orators</i>, as well as Poets enthusiastical, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Oracular</i> Answers, various Opinions about them, <a href='#Page_77'>77</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Otus</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a></li> - <li class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>P.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Pareas</i> Serpent describ’d, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Paper</i>, that is incombustible, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Parrot</i>, a rational Dialogue betwixt it and Prince <i>Maurice</i>, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a>, <a href='#Page_5'>5</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Parthians</i>, the best Fighters when retreating, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Paradise</i>, Self-denial a Duty there, <a href='#Page_180'>180</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Threatnings necessary there, <a href='#Page_181'>181</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Pagan</i> Fables founded on the Writings of <i>Moses</i>, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Persian</i> Kings, their <i>Recipe</i> for an easy Death, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>People</i>, without Fraud, <a href='#Page_125'>125</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— have no Name for it, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Pimbera</i> Serpent, describ’d, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Pluto</i>, his Attendants and Executioners cover’d with Snakes, as the <i>Harpies</i>, <i>Furies</i>, <i>Cerberus</i>, <i>Chimæra</i>, <a href='#Page_47'>47</a>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Poison</i>, vegetable Instances of it, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Mineral, various Instances in Damps from Copper, Mercury, Tin, Lead, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Animal, Debates about the Seat of it in Serpents, <a href='#Page_26'>26</a>, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— various Remedies for it, as Oil, experimented on one <i>William Oliver</i>, bit by a Serpent; <i>Lichen Cinereus Terrestris</i>, <i>Venice</i> Treacle, and several Vegetables, <i>&c.</i>, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a>, <a href='#Page_30'>30</a>, <a href='#Page_31'>31</a>, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— one Drop of it a Match for a Sea of Blood, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— when not dangerous, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— exhaustible in Serpents by quick repeated Acts, but soon recruited, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Poetical</i> Apology for a Sot, <a href='#Page_73'>73</a>, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Polonga</i> Serpent, describ’d, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Priests</i>, their Genius for Cruelty. See <i>Mexico</i>.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Prussians</i> and <i>Lithuanians</i>, Serpent-Worshippers, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a></li> - <li class='c012'>R.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Rattle</i>-Snake. <i>Vid.</i> Caudisonant.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Red</i>-belly Snake, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Red</i>-back Snake, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Rivers</i> ador’d, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Rubetarian</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— —— loud and pretty, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>S.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Sandals</i>, used by the Ladies, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Salamander</i>, (the Figure, Plate <a href='#Page_5'>5</a>,) described, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— how said to live in the Fire, <a href='#Page_93'>93</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— <i>Corvini</i>’s Experiment upon one, <a href='#Page_94'>94</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Salamander’s-Wool</i>, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— —— Shrouds made of it for Kings, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Satan</i>, why punish’d under the Figure of a Serpent, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Scorpions</i>, (the Figure, Plate <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>,) Countries destroy’d by them, as in <i>Æthiopia</i>, <i>Amyclæ</i> a Town in <i>Italy</i>, <i>Pescara</i> an ancient City in <i>Italy</i>, <i>India</i>, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>, <a href='#Page_6'>6</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— their various Kinds, Sizes, and malignant Nature, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— the <i>Persians</i> curse by them, <a href='#Page_88'>88</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Scytale</i> Serpent, (the Figure, Plate <a href='#Page_2'>2</a>,) described, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— —— an Aggregate of charming Colours, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Scolopendra</i>, (the Figure, Plate <a href='#Page_5'>5</a>,), <a href='#Page_151'>151</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Serpents</i>, general Description of them, <a href='#Page_2'>2</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— their Mode of Propagation viviparous and oviparous, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a>, <a href='#Page_5'>5</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— their Sagacity, with regard to their different Lodgments, <a href='#Page_6'>6</a>, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— during Winter, sleep with open Eyes, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— their Enemies, <i>viz.</i> Eagle, Hawk, Stork, Ibis, Ichneumon, Magaure, and some Vegetables, <a href='#Page_10'>10</a>, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Dust, not their original Food. A moral Reflection upon it, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— their Food, which they swallow whole, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a>, <a href='#Page_13'>13</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— their Size, some monstrous, others remarkably small, <a href='#Page_13'>13</a>, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a>, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a>, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a>, <a href='#Page_146'>146</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— their Apparatus for Motion curious, <a href='#Page_17'>17</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— their Skin an elegant Composition, <a href='#Page_18'>18</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— of special Service to Mankind, of great Use in Physick, various at home and abroad, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a>, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— the common Food of many Nations in <i>Europe</i>, <i>Asia</i>, <i>Africa</i>, <i>America</i>, 38 to <a href='#Page_40'>40</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Instruments of divine and human Vengeance, <a href='#Page_44'>44</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— <i>Jewish</i> Camp infested with them, <a href='#Page_44'>44</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Victory gain’d by them on Sea and Land, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Serpent</i>, its Contest with St. <i>Paul</i>, <a href='#Page_44'>44</a></li> - <li class='c048'><span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span><i>Seps</i>, (the Figure, Plate <a href='#Page_1'>1</a>,) why call’d the putrid Serpent, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Serpens Indicus Coronatus</i>, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Serpens Putorius</i>, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a> - <ul> - <li>The Sea <i>Serpent</i>, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-6'>Plate 6</a>)</li> - </ul> - </li> - <li class='c048'><i>Serpent</i> de Boa, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a> - <ul> - <li>Mistress of <i>Serpents</i>, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-6'>Plate 6</a>)</li> - </ul> - </li> - <li class='c048'><i>Serpent</i>, an Account of a remarkable one in <i>Lancashire</i>, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Serpent</i> in Paradise, various Opinions about it, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a> - <ul> - <li><i>American</i> Serpent, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-3'>Plate 3</a>)</li> - </ul> - </li> - <li class='c048'><i>Serpent</i> brazen, <a href='#Page_191'>191</a>, <a href='#Page_2'>2</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— prefigur’d Christ, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— <i>Israel</i>, why cured by it, <a href='#Page_195'>195</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Serpents</i>, the Adoration of them, 216 to <a href='#Page_227'>227</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Reasons for that Worship, <a href='#Page_228'>228</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Worshippers of ’em among Christians, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Shrew</i>-Serpent, <a href='#Page_151'>151</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Shekina</i> describ’d, <a href='#Page_187'>187</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Silence</i>, a Pythagorick Rudiment, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— the Safety of <i>Venice</i>, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Sin</i>, its first Entrance, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Sleep</i>, a living Death, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Snake</i> common, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-4'>Plate 4</a>) describ’d, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Spiders</i>, (the Figure, <a href='#pl-5'>Plate 5</a>)</li> - <li class='c048'>—— Black, (the Figure, Plate <a href='#Page_4'>4</a>,) their various Kinds, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— their Autumn Webs, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— <i>American</i>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Stellio</i>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Stupid</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_136'>136</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— —— a living Loadstone, as describ’d by some, <a href='#Page_136'>136</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Sun</i> and Moon, chief Deities of the <i>Pagans</i>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Swamp</i> Snakes, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a></li> - <li class='c012'>T.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tarciboya</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tapayaxin</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Taraguira</i>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Taraquico Aycuraba</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tapayaxin</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_137'>137</a></li> - <li class='c048'><span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span><i>Tapayaxin</i> Serpent, the Friend of Man, <a href='#Page_137'>137</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tamacolin</i> Serpent, of the Toad kind, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tame</i> and tractable Serpent, <a href='#Page_140'>140</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tarantula</i>, (the Figure, Plate <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>,) its Poison and Cure by Musick; the Manner how, 151 to <a href='#Page_155'>155</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Teuthlacokauqui</i> in <i>Mexico</i>, call’d the Fortress of the Serpents, describ’d, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tetzawhcoatl</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_104'>104</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Terpomongo</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_111'>111</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— —— a Symbol of Friendship, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tejuguacu</i>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tejunhana</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tetzaucoatl</i>, or the rare Serpent, <a href='#Page_139'>139</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Teraphim</i>, explain’d, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tleoa</i>, or <i>Tetloa</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_140'>140</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— an Inhabitant of the Mountains, <a href='#Page_141'>141</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Toads</i>, as large as Cats and Dogs, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Tzicatlinan</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— —— the Darling of the Ladies, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c012'>V.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Vegetation</i>, none without Air, <a href='#Page_3'>3</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Vegetables</i>, sleep in Winter, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— worshipped, <a href='#Page_212'>212</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Vectis</i>, <a href='#Page_131'>131</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Vipers</i>, different from the Snake, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— a Battle betwixt one and a Magpye, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— Battle betwixt one and a Dog, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— don’t eat after they are taken, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Vipera Indica Tricolor Major</i>, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Vipera Zelanica Minor, Maculis eleganter Variegata</i>, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Unison</i>, its Wonders, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a></li> - <li class='c012'>W.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Wasps</i>, (the Figure, Plate <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>,) describ’d, <a href='#Page_148'>148</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Wepelon</i> Serpent, <a href='#Page_115'>115</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Woman</i> with two Horns, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Women</i> warlike, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— the hard Condition of their Marriage, <i>ibid.</i></li> - <li class='c048'><span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span><i>Words</i>, their Efficacy, Instance of it in <i>Cæsar</i>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Worms</i>, Instances of Execution by them, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_5'>5</a></li> - <li class='c048'><i>Worship</i> of hurtful Creatures, why, <a href='#Page_233'>233</a></li> - <li class='c048'>—— of different Animals in <i>Egypt</i>, the Reasons, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a></li> - <li class='c012'>Y.</li> - <li class='c048'><i>Yellow</i> Snake, <a href='#Page_130'>130</a></li> -</ul> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><i><span class='c049'>F I N I S.</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i252.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c012' /> -</div> -<p class='c013'> </p> - -<div class='tnbox'> - - <ul class='ul_1'> - <li>Transcriber’s Notes: - <ul class='ul_2'> - <li><a id='TN-1'></a>There are several index entries that have no page reference attached - to them. - </li> - <li><a id='TN-2'></a>There is a missing footnote <a href='#TN-2t'>here</a>. - </li> - <li><a id='TN-3'></a>These corrections have been made to this text when the target could - be unambiguously identified. - </li> - <li>The heirarchy of the different divisions (Part, Section, Chapter) is not clear. 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