^8 N AT.UR A A G I C K. ‘Boofo.

«jer may learn by the consideration of these wayes, to invent of himself other wayeshow to generate wonderful monsters. Vcmocrmuy as Aristotle faith, held that themixture of many feeds, when one is received into the wombe before, and anothernot long after, so that they are meddled and confounded together , is the cause ofthe generation of many Monsters, that sometimes they have two heads, and moreparts then the nature ot their kinde requires. Hence it is that thole birds whichuse often coitions , do oftentimes bring forth tuch births. But Empcdoctesy havingforecast all scruples and doubts within himself, seems to have attained the truthin this cafe : for he faith,that the causes of the generation of monstrous Creatures,are these.; either if the seed be too much, or if it be too little, or if it light not inthe tight place, or if it be scattered into many parts, or if the tongrediems be notrightly affected to procreate according to the ordinary course of nature. And Stra-jon assignes many reasons, why such monsters are generated; as, because some newseed is cast upon the former, or some of the former seed is diminished, or some partstransposed, or the wombe puffed up with winde. And some Physitians ascribe itprincipally to the place of conception, which is oft-times misplaced, by reason ofinflations. Aristotle faith, that such Creatures as are wont to bring forth manyycung ones at one burthen, especially such as have many cells or receipts for seedin their wombe, do most commonly produce monsterslor in that they bring forthsome that are not so fully perfect, thereby they degenerate more easily into mon-sters: especially of all other, the Pigs that are not farrowed at their due time, butsome certain dayes after the rest of the litter ; for these cannot chuse but be mon-sters in one part or other; because whatsoever is either more or less then that whichthe kind requires, is monstrous, and besides Nature. And in his book of Problemshe faith, that small four-footed Creatures bring forth monsters: but Man, and thegreater forts of four-footed beasts, as Horses and Asses, do not produce them so of-ten. His reason is, because the smaller kinds, as Bitches, Sows, Goats, and Ewes,are far more fruitful then the greater kinds are; for, of those, every one bringsforth at least one, and some bring forth for the m«st part, many at once. NowMonsters are wont to be produced then, when there is a commixtion or confusion ofmany seeds together , cither by reason of sundry copulations, or because of semeindisposition in the place of conception. Hence it is, that birds also may bringforth monsters ; for they lay egges sometimes that have a double yelk : and if therebe no small skin that keeps both the yelks asunder, then the confusion of themcaufeth the breed to become monstrous. Nature is earnest in the fashioning of aliving Creature; and first shapes out the principal parts of the body: afterwardsshe worketh sometimes more, sometimes lesse, as the matter can afford which (he.Works upon, still framing herself thereunto: whereby it ccmeth to passe, that if thematter be defective, then she cannot have her forth ; if it be overmuch, then is na-ture overcome, and so both wayes hindered of her purpose , and thereby bringsforth monstrous broods, as in artificial births hath been often seen; some beingdefective, as having but one leg,or but one eye; some exceeding the ordinary course,as having four eyes, or four arms, or four feet, and sometimes having both sexes inthem, which are called Hermaphrodites: and so, look how ycur art disposes andlayes things together, and after the same manner, Nature must needs accomplish herwork, and finish your beginnings. But whosoever wouldst bring forth any mon-sters by art, thou must learn by examples,and by such principles be directed, as herethou mayest find. First, thou must consider with thy self, what thines are likely andpossible to be brought to pasts: for if you attempt likely matters, Nature will assistyou, and make good your endeavours, and the work will much delight you: for voushall see such things effected, as you would not think of; whereby also you may findthe means to procure more admirable effects. There be many reasons and wayes,whereby may be generated

^Monsters in Man.

First, this may come by reason of inordinate or unkindly copulations, when the

seed