Question .

AMongst all liuing creatures , why hath Man onely his face and countenance lifted vp towards 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 ?

Answer

Vnto this question there are diuers answers : first , 〈◇〉 proceedeth from the will of the creator himselfe . And although that answer be true , yet in this out purpose it seemeth not to be of force , because that so all questions might easilie be dissolued .

Secondly , I answer , that for the most part cuery workeman doth make his first worke worst , and then his second better , and so God creating all other beasts before man , gaue them their face looking downe to the earth , and then secondly hee created man , as it doth appeare in Genesis , vnto whom he gaue an honest shape lifted vp vnto heauen . But yet this answer doth not seeme to be to the purpose , because it is drawne from diuinitie , and doth also derogate from the goodnes of God , who maketh all his workes perfect and good .

Thirdly , it is answered , that man onely among all liuing creatures is ordayned vnto the kingdome of Heauen , and therefore hath his face eleuated and lifted vp vnto Heauen , because that despising worldly and earthly things , he ought to contemplate on heauenly things .

Fourthly , that the reasonable soule is like vnto Angels , and finally ordayned towards God , as it appeareth by Auerroes in the first de anima , and therefore he hath a figure looking vpward .

Fiftly , that a man is a microcosme , that is , a little world , as it pleaseth Aristotle to say in the eight of his Phys . and therefore he doth command all other liuing creatures , and they obey him .

Sixtly , it is answered , that naturally , there is vnto euery thing , and euery worke , that forme and figure giuen , which is fit and proper for his motion ; as vnto the Heauen roundnes , to the fire a pyramidall forme , that is , broade beneath and sharpe towards the top , which forme is most apt to ascende : and so man hath his face vp to Heauen , to behold and wonder at Gods workes .

Question . Why is the head of beastes hayrie ?

Answer . The answer according vnto the opinion of Constant is , that the hayres are an ornament of the head , and of the brayne , and the brayne is purged and euacuated of grosle humors , by the growing of the hayre , from the highest vnto the lowest parts , which passe through the pores of the exterior flesh , and doc become drie and are conuerted into hayres . This appeareth to be true , because that in all mans body there is nothing drier then the hayres , for they are drier then the bones , as Albertus Magnus doth affirme , because that some beastes are nourished with bones , as dogges , but no beast can digest feathers or hayre , but doe voyde them vndigested , and are so due that they are vnfit for nutriment .

Secondly , it is answered , that the brayne is purged fowre manner of wayes , first , of superfluous watery humors , by the eyes : from melancholy by the eares : of choler by the nose : of fleume by the hayre , and that is the intent of the Phisitian .

Question Why haue men longer hayre on 〈◇〉 head then other liuing creatures ?

Answer 〈◇〉 3 degenerat animal . saith , that man hath the moystest brayne of all liuing creatures , from the which the sweat proceedeth , which is conuerted into the long hayre of the head .

Secondly , it is answered , that the humors in man are fat , and doe not become due easilie , and therefore the hayre growe long in 〈◇〉 in other beasts the humors are easilie dried , and therefore their hayre grow not so long .

Question , Why do the hayre take deeper roote in mans skin then in other liuing creatures ?

Answer . Because they haue greater store of nourishment in man , and therefore growe more into the inward part of man . And this is also the reason , why in other beasts the hayre doth alter and change with the skin , and not in man , 〈◇〉 it be sometime in a searre or wound .

Question . Why haue women longer hayre then men ?

Answer . Because women are moyster than men , and more flegmatick , and therefore there is more matter of hayre in them , and by a consequence , the length also of their hayre doth follow . And further more this matter is more increased in women then in men , from the interior parts , and especially in the time of their monthlie tearmes and flowres , because the matter doth then ascend , wherby the humor which breedeth the hayre doth encrease . And Albertus doth say , that if the hayre of a woman in the time of her flowers be put into doung , a venemous serpent is engendered of it .

The second answer is , because women want beards , and so the matter of the beard doth goe into the matter of hayre .

Question . Why haue some men soft hayre , and some men hard ?

Answer . Wee answer with Aristotle , that the hayre hath proportion with the skinne : of which some is hard some thick , some subtill and soft , some grosse ; therefore the hayre which groweth out of a thick and grosse skin , is thick and grosse ; and that which groweth of a subtill and fine , is fine and soft . Also when the pores are open , then there commeth forth much humor , and therefore hard haire is ingendered : and when the pores are straite , then there doe growe soft and fine hayre . And this doth Aristotle shew in men , in whom we haue an euident token , because women haue softer hayre then they , because that in women , the pores are shut and are straite by reason of their coldnes .

Secondly , because that for the most part , cholerick men haue harder and thicker hayre then others , by reason of their heate , and because the pores are euer open in them , and therefore also they haue beards sooner then others And therefore the Philosopher saith , that those beasts which haue hard hayre are bouldest , because that such hayre proceedeth of heate and choler , the which choler maketh men to fight . Aristotle also giueth example in the Beare and the Boare : and contrariwise those beasts which haue soft hayre , are fearefull , because they be colde , as the Hare and Hart . Aristotle doth also giue another reason of the softnes and hardnes of the hayre , drawne from the climat where a man is borne : because that in a hot region hard and gresse hayre is ingendered , as it appeareth in the Aethiopians , and the contrarie is true in a colde counney , as towards the North .

Question . Why haue some men curled hayre and some smoothe ?

Answer . The answer is , that the cause of the curling of the hayre is great abundance of heate , so that if there be much heate in a man then his hayre doth curle , and grow vpward . And a signe of this is proued true , because that sometimes a man doth enter into a bath smoothe hayred , and afterward by the bath becommeth curled . And therefore the keepers of bathes haue often curled hayre , and also the Aethiopians and cholericke men . But the cause of the smoothnes , is the abundance of moyst humors , which tend downeward , and a proofe of this is , because that women for the most part haue smoothe hayre , because they haue much humiditie in them and small heate .

Question . Why doe women shew their 〈◇〉 by the hayre of their 〈◇〉 part , and not else where , but men in the breast .

Answer . We answer Phisitian like , because that in man and woman there is abundance of humiditie in that place , but more in women , because men haue the mouth of the bladder in that place , wherein the vrine is contained , of the which the hayre in the breast is ingendered , and about the nauell . But of women is said , that the humiditie of the bladder , and of the matrix or wombe is ioyned and meeteth in that low secret place , & therefore is dissolued & separated in that place , through much vapors and fumes , which are the cause of hayre , and the like dooth happen in other places where hayre is , as vnder the armes .

Question . Why haue not women beards ?

Answer . Because they want heate , as it appeareth also in some effeminate men , who are beardles for the same cause , because the are of the complexion of women .

Question . Why dooth the hayre growe in those which are hanged ?

Answer . Because their bodies are exposed to the sunne , the which through his heate , dooth dissolue all the moysture into a fume or vapour , of which the hayre doth growe and increase .

Question . Why is the hayre of the beard grosser and thicker then else where , and the more men are shauen , the thicker and harder it groweth ?

Answer . Because thar according vnto the rule of the Phisitian , by how much the more the humor or vapour of any liquor is dissolued , by so much the more the humour remayning dooth drawe to the same place : and therefore how much the more the hayre is shauen , so much the more the humors gather thither , and of them the hayre is engendered , and doe there also waxe hard .

Question . Why are women smoothe and fayre in respect of men ?

Answer . The answer is according vnto Arist 1. de generat , animal because that in women all humiditie and superfluitie , which are the matter and cause of the bayre of the bodie is expelled with their monthly tearmes , the which superfluitie remaineth in men , and through vapors doth passe into hayre . And a signe of this is , because women haue seldome any running at the nofe , or impostume , or 〈◇〉 , because such matter is expelled also . And we see some olde woemen begin to haue a heard in their olde age , that is after fortie or fiftie yeares of age , when their flowers haue ceased , as Aristotle doth teach 〈◇〉 . de 〈◇〉 .

Question . Why doth man onely aboue all other creatures waxe 〈◇〉 and gray , as 〈◇〉 and Aristotle affirme ?

Answer The answer according vnto the Philosophers is , because that man hath the hottest harr . of all huing creatures : and therefore nature being most wise , least man should be suffecated through the heate of his hart , hath placed the hart which is most hot , vnder the braine which is most colde , to the end that the heate of the hart may be tempered with the coldnes of the braine , and contrariewise , that the coldnes of the braine may be heated with the heate of the hart , that thereby there might be a temperature in both . A signe to proue this , is because that of all huing creatures , man hath the worst breath . Furthermore man doth consum● halfe his life in sleeping : which doth proceede on the great excesse of the coldnes and moisture 〈◇〉 the braine , and by that meanes doth want naturall heate to digest and consume that moystnes : the which heate he hath sufficiently in his youth , and therefore in that age is not graye , but in his olde age that heate faileth , and therefore the vapours ascending from the stomack , remaine vndigested and vnconsumed for want of naturall heate , and then putrifie , of which putrifaction of humors the whitenes doth follow , which is called graynes or hoarenes . Whereby it doth appeare that hoarenes is nothing else , but a whitenes of the hayre , caused by the putrifaction of humors about the rootes of the hayre , through the want of naturall heate in olde age . Sometimes also graynes is caused by the naughtines of the complexion , which may well happen in youth , and sometimes by reason of the moystnes vndigested , and sometimes through ouer great feare or care , as it appeareth in Marchants , Saylers , theeues , from thence commeth those verses . Cura &c.

Cura facit canos , quamuis homo non habet annos .

Question . Why doth red hayre grow white sooner then other ?

Answer . According vnto the opinion of Aristotle , because that rednes is an infirmitie of the hayre , for it is engendred of a weake and infirme matter , that is to say , of a matter corrupted with the flowres of the woman , and therefore they waxe white sooner then blacke hayre .

Question . Why doe Wolues grow grislie ?

Answer . The better to vnderstand this question , note the difference betwixt graynes and grislynes , because that graynes is caused through the defect of a naturall heate , but grislienes through deuouring and eating , as Aristotle witnesseth , 7. de animal . The Wolfe being a very deuouring beast , and a great eater , he letteth it downe gluttonoasly without chewing , and that at once enough for three dayes : of which meate grosse vapours are engendered in the Wolfes body , & by a consequence grislienes Secondly , graynes and grislines do differ , because graynes is onely in the head , and 〈◇〉 lines ouer all the bodie .

Question . Why doe horses grow grissie or graye ?

Answer According vnto Aristotle , because they are for the most part in the sunne , and in his openion also , heate dooth accidently cause putrification , and therefore of that kinde of heate , the matter of the hayre doth putrifie , and by a consequence , they are very quicklie pild .

Question . Why doe men become balde , and trees fall their leaves in winter ?

Answer . Aristotle doth giue the same reason for both , because that the want of moysture in hoth , is the cause of the want 〈◇〉 hayre & of the leaues . And this is proued because that a man becommeth balde through Venerie , because that leacherie is a letting forth of naturall humiditie & heate . And so by that excesse in carnal pleasure , moysture is consumed , which is the nutriment of the hayre , and therefore baldnes doth insue . And this is euidently proued in Eunuches , and women which doe not growe balde , because that they doe not depart from that moystnes . And these upon Eunuches are of the complexion of women .

But if you aske why Eunuches be not bald , nor haue not the gowte , as Hippocrates saith ? The answer is according vnto Galen , because the cause of baldnes is drines , the which is not in Eunuches , because they want their stones , the which doe minister heate vnto al the parts of the bodie , and the heate doth open the pores , the which being open , the haire doth fall .

Question . Why are not women bald ?

Answer . Because they are cold & moyst , which are the cause that the haire remaineth : for moistnes doth giue nutriment vnto the haire , and the coldnes doth bind the pores .

Question . Why are bald men deceitfulli according vnto the verse :

Si non vis falls , fugias consortia calui .

Answer . Because baldnes doth witnesse a cholerike complexion , which is hot and drie , and cholerike men are naturally deceitfull , according vnto that verse :

Hirsutus , fallax irascens , prodigus , audax .

And therefore it followeth , a primo ad vltimum , that bald men are deceitfull and craftie .

Question . Why are not blinde men naturallie balde ?

Answer . Because that according vnto Aristotle , the eye hath much moisture in him , and that moisture which should passe through by the substance of the eyes , doth become a sufficient nutriment of the haire , and therefore they are seldome bald .

Question . Why doth the haire stand on end when men are afraid .

Answer . Because that in time of feare , the 〈◇〉 doth goe from the outward parts of the bodie vn to the inward , to the intent to helpe the heart , and so the pore , in which the haires are fastened are shutvp , after which stopping and shutting vp of the pores , the standing vp of the haire doth follow , as it is seene in brute beasts , as hogges , wilde bore , 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 .

Of the Head .

Question . Why .

Answer . Because that this figure 〈◇〉 , most fit to 〈◇〉 any thing into it , as 〈◇〉 doth 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 and the head doth containe in him the is also seene in a materiall spheare .

Question . Why hard ?

Answer . Aristotle saith because he doth 〈◇〉 in 〈◇〉 the 〈◇〉 part of the 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 and also because the braine may bee defended thereby as with a shield .

Question . Why is not the head absolutely 〈◇〉 , but somewhat 〈◇〉 .

Answer To thee and that the three creekes or cels of the braine 〈◇〉 be the better distinguished , that is , the 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 in the fore head , the discoursing or reasonable part in the middle and the memorie in the 〈◇〉 most .

Question . Why doth a man list vp his head towards the between ?

Answer . Because the imagination is in the forepart of the head or braine , and therefore it lifteth vp it selfe , that the creekes or cels of the imagination may be opened , and that the spirits which rise in the heart , hauing their concourse thither , may helpe the imagination .

Question . Why doth a man when he museth , or thinke on things past , looke downe towards the earth ?

Answer . Because the cell or creek which is behinde , is the creeke or chamber of memorie , and therefore that looketh towards heauen , when the head is bowed downe , and so that cell is opened , to the end that the spirits which perfite the memorie should enter in .

Question . Why is not the head fleshie like vnto the other parts of the bodie ?

Answer . Because that according vnto Aristotle , the head would be too heauie , and could not stand stedfastly , and therefore it is without flesh . Also a head loaden with flesh doth betoken an euil complexion .

Question . Why is the head subiect vnto aches and griefes ?

Answer . According vnto Constant . by reason of euill humours , which proceede from the stomacke , and ascend vnto the head , and disturbe the braine , and so cause the paine in the head . And sometime it proceedeth of ouer much filling of the stomacke : because that according vnto the opinion of Galen , two great sinewes passe from the braine to the mouth of the stomacke , and therefore these two parts doe suffer griefe alwaies together . Sometime the ach doth proceed of drinking strong wine , or fuming meats , as garlike and onions , and sometime of 〈◇〉 in the stomacke , whereof spung quotidian feuers .

Question . Why haue women the headach more ostner then men ?

Answer . Albertus saith , that it is by reason of their monthly tearmes , which men are not troubled with , and so a most vncleane and venemous 〈◇〉 dissolued , the which 〈◇〉 a passage vpward , doth cause the head to ake .

Question . Why white ?

Answer . There 〈◇〉 answers . The 〈◇〉 , because it is cold . 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 in the mother of white as the Philosopher doth teach .

The 〈◇〉 , because it may receiue the similitude and likenes of all colours , which the white colour can best doe , because it is most simple .

Qusetion . Why are in the head ?

Answer . Because ( as Albertus saith ) the braine is there , of what all 〈◇〉 do depend and are directed by all the 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 , and by and all the 〈◇〉 are gouerned .

Question Why death , if the braine or 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 ?

Answer . Because the heart and the braine are two of the parts which 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 and therefore left for cure .

Question Why ?

Answer . Because it may impression , peareth in print of the seale .

Question . Why is the braine cold ?

Answer . This is answered two waies . First , because that by his coldnes it may cleere the vnderstanding of man , and make it subtile . Secondly , that by the coldnes of the braine the heate of the heart may be tempered : and this is Aristotles intent , lib . de animal .

Of the Eyes .

Question . WHy haue we one nose and two eyes ?

Answer . Because the sight is more necessarie for vs then the smelling : and therefore it doth proceede of the goodnes of nature , that if wee receiue any hurt or losse of one eye , that yet the other should remaine , and so wee see that the spirit , with which wee see , called spiritus visiuus , is directed vnto one eye , as it is plaine in the common perspectiue .

Question . Why haue children in their youth great eyes , and why doe they become smaller and lesser in their age ?

Answer . According vnto Aristot . de generat it proceedeth from the great humiditie of the brain , and for the same cause children are very sleepie .

Question . Why doe blacke eyes see well in the day time , and badly by night ?

Answer . According vnto the opinion of Aristotle , it proceedeth from the want of fire , and for the assembling and meeting together of light and humour in the eyes , which are lightened by reason of the sunne , and purged , and in his absence darkened , which dooth lighten the eysie humour .

Question . Why doth the blewish gray eye see badly in the day time and well by night ?

Answer Because ( saith Aristotle ) grainesse is light and shining of it selfe , and the spirits with which wee see are weakened in the day time , and strengthened in the night .

Question . Why be mens eyes of diuers sorts ?

Answer . This proceedeth ; saith Aristotle , by reason of the diuersitie of humors . The eye therefore hath foure couerings , and three humors . The first is called Consolidatiue , which is the outermost , which is strong and fat . The second is called a hornie skinne or couering , to the likenes of a horne , and that is a cleere couering . The third is called Vuea , of the likenes of a grape . The fourth is called a Cobweb : but according vnto the opinion of some , the eye doth consist of seuen couerings or skinnes , and three humours . The first is called Albugitieus , for the likenes vnto the white of an egge . The second Clacial , that is like vnto yee . The third Vitreus , that is cleere like a glasse . And that diuersitie of humours , causeth the diuersitie of eyes .

Question . Why are men which haue but one eye good Archers , and why doe good Archers commonly shut one eye , and why doe such as behold the starres looke thorow a trunke with one eye ?

Answer . This matter is handled in the perspectiue art , and the reason is , as it dooth appeare in the booke of Causes , because that euery vertue and strength vnited and knit together , is stronger then it selfe dispersed and scattered . Therefore all the force of seeing dispersed into two eyes , the one being shut , is gathered vnto the other , and so the sight is fortified in him , and by a consequence he doth see better and 〈◇〉 with one eye , being shut , then both being open .

Question . Why doe such as drinke much and laugh much , shed teares ?

Answer . Because that whilest they drinke , the aire which is drawn in doth not passe out through the windpipe , and so with force is directed & sent to the eyes , passing out by the eyes , and so dooth expell the humors of the eyes , the which humors being so expulsed , doe bring teares .

Question . Why doe such as weepe much , vrine but little ?

Answer . Because ( saith Aristotle ) that the radicall humiditie of a teare and of vrine , are of one and the same nature . And therefore where weeping doth increase , there vrine doth diminish . And that , they be of one nature it is plaine by the taste , because they are both salr .

Question . Why do some which haue cleere eyes , see nothing at all ?

Answer . By reason of the opilation , and naughtines of the sinewes with which wee see . For the temples being destroyed , the strength of the sight cannot bee carried from the braine vnto the eye . As the Phisolopher doth teach , lib . de sens . & sensato .

Question . Why is the eye cleere and smooth , like vnto a glasse ?

Answere . Because the things which may bee seene , are better beaten back from a smooth thing then otherwise , that thereby the sight should bee strengthened .

Secondly I answere , it is because the eye is very moist , aboue all the parts of the body , and of a watrish nature . And as the water is cleere & smooth , so likewise the eye .

Question . Why doe men which haue their eyes deepe in their 〈◇〉 see well a stirre off , and quickly , and the 〈◇〉 of other beasts ?

Answer . Because ( saith Aristotle 2. de 〈◇〉 animal . ) the force and power by which wee see is not dispersed in them , 〈◇〉 doth goe directly vnto the thing which 〈◇〉 seene . And this is 〈◇〉 by a similitude : because that when a man dooth stand in a deepe ditch , or well , he dooth see in the day time , standing in those places the starres of the 〈◇〉 as Aristotle dooth teach , in his 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 , because that then the power of the sight and the beames are not 〈◇〉 .

Question . their eyes farre out , and not ferre out their head , see but 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 distance ?

Answer . Because saith Aristotle ) the beames of the sight which passe from the eye , are 〈◇〉 on euery side , and doe not goe directly vnto the thing which is seene , and therefore the sight is weakened .

Question . Why are many beasts , whelps , and 〈◇〉 whelps ?

Answer . Because such beasts are not as yet of perfect 〈◇〉 and 〈◇〉 , and the courte of nutriment dooth not worke in them . And this is proued by a similitude of the swallowes , whose eies if they bee taken out when they are little ones in the neast , will growe againe . And this is plaine in many other beasts , which are brought forth before their time , as it were dead , as whelps , beares , & this reason dooth belong rather vnto the perspectiue , then the naturall Philosopher .

Question . Why doth the eyes of a woman which hath her flowers , staine a newe glasse , as Aristotle saith , De som . & vigil . And this is the like probleme , why doth the Basilisque kill a man with his sight ?

Answer . To the first , the answere is , that when the flowers doe runne from the woman , then the most venemons ayre is dissolued in the , the which doth ascend vnto the womans head , and she hauing griefe of her head , doth couer it with many vailes and kerchiefes : and because the eyes are full of small vnsensible holes , which are called pores , there the ayre seeketh a passage , and so doth infect the eyes , which are full of bloud . And their eyes doe also appeare dropping , and full of teares , by reason of the euill vapour which is in them , and those vapours are euapourated and multiplied , vntill they come vnto the glasse before them : and by reason that such a glasse is very sound , cleane , and smooth , it doth easily receiue that which is vncleane .

To the second it is answered , that the Basilisque is a very venemous and infectious beast , and that there passe from his eyes venemous vapours , the which are multiplied vnto the thing which is seen by him , and cuen vnto the eye of man , the which venemous vapours or humours entering into the bodies , doe infect them , and so in the end the man dieth . And this is also the reason why the Basilisque looking vpon a shield perfectly well made with fast clammy pitch , or any hard smooth thing , doth kill himselfe , because the humours are beaten backe from this smooth hard thing vnto the Basilisque , by which beating back he is killed . And the like is sayd of a woman when she hath her monethly disease . Where of it followeth , that some old women doe hurt themselues when they looke vpon glasses , or other firme and solide things in the time of their tearmes .

Question . Why is not the sparkeling of cats eyes and wolfes eyes seene in the light , but in the darke ?

Answer . Because that the greater light dooth darken the leiser , and therefore in a greater light that sparkling cannot be seene : but the greater the darknes is , the easlier it is seene , and is made more strong and shining , because it is not then hindered by a greater externall light , which might darken it .

Question . Why dooth a man beholding himselfe in a 〈◇〉 presently forget his owne disposition ?

Answer . The answere is made in lib . de formed 〈◇〉 that the image seene by the glasse , doth represent it selfe weakly and vndirectly vnto the power of the sight : and because it is represented weakely , it is weakely also apprehended , and by a consequence is not long retained .

Question . Why is the sight recreated and refreshed by a greene colour , as this verse doth shew ?

Fons , speculum , gramen , oculis 〈◇〉 alleus 〈◇〉 .

Answer . Because the greene colour doth meanly moue the instrument of the sight , and therefore doth comfort the sight : but this doth not blacke or white colour , because these colours do vehemently stirre and alter the organe and instrument of the sight , and therefore make the greater violence : but by how much the more violent the thing is which is felt or seene , the more it doth destroy and weaken the sence : as Aristctle doth teach , 2. de anima .

Of the Nose .

Question . WHy doth the nose stand out further then the other parts of the head ?

Answer . There are two answers . The first , because the nose is as it were the sinke of the braine , by the which the fleume of the braine is purged . And therefore it dooth stand so foorth , least the other part should be defiled .

The second , according vnto Const . is , because the nose is the beautie of the face , and therefore it doth shew it selfe and shine . It doth smell also and adorne the face , as Boetius saith , De discipl . schol .

Question . Why hath man the worste smell of all other living creatures , as it doth appeare , 2. de anima ?

Answer . Because that man , as the Commentator saith , in respect of his quantitie bath the most moystest braine of all creatures . And thereforé by that exceeding moystnes and coldnes , the braine wanteth a good disposition , and by a consequence the smelling , seeing the instrument is not good , as Aristotle and Themist . doe teach . Yea , some men there be which doe not smell at all .

Question . Why doth the Vultur or 〈◇〉 smell very well , as the Commentator doth say ?

Answer . Because they haue a very dry braine , and therefore the ayre carrying the smell , is not hindered by the humiditie of the braine , but doth presently touch his instrument . And therefore he saith , that the Vultures , Tygers , and other beasts , came 500. miles to the dead bodies after a battade in Greece .

Question , Why did nature make the 〈◇〉 .

Answer . For three commodities . First , because that the mouth being 〈◇〉 , wee draw breath in by the nosthrils to refresh the heart with . The second commoditie is , because that the ayre which proceedeth from the mouth , dooth fauour badly because it dooth sauour of the vapours which use from the stomack , but that which we breathe from the nose is not so noysome . The third , because the fleume which dooth proceede from the braine is purged by them .

Question . Why doe men sneese ?

Answer . Because that the expulsiue vertue or power , and the sight should thereby bee purged , and the braine also from superfluities : because that as the lungs are purged by coughing , so the sight and the braine by sneesing . And those which sneese oft , are sayd to haue a strong braine : and thereupon the Phisitions doe giue sneesing medicaments to purge the braine . And such sick persons as cannot sneese , dye quickly , because it is a signe that their braine is wholly stuffed with euill humours which cannot be purged .

Question . Why cannot such as are apoplectikes , sneese , that is , such as are subiect easily to bleed ?

Answer . Because the passage and ventricules of the brain are stopped in them , and if they could sneese , their apoplexie would be loosed .

Question . Why doth the heate of the sunne prouoke sneesing , and not the heate of the fire ?

Answer . Because the heate of the sunne doth onely dissolue , and not consume , and therefore the vapour dissolued is expelled by sneesing : but the heate of the fire doth dissolue and consume , and therfore doth rather consume sneesing , then prouoke vnto it .

Of the Eares .

Question . WHy doe all beasts moue their eares , and not man ?

Answere . Because there is in man a certaine muscule neere vnto the iawe , which dooth hinder motion in the eares , and therefore that muscule being extended and stretched , men doe mooue their eares , as it hath bin seene in diuers men : but other beasts want that muscule or fleshy sinewe , and therefore doth moue their eares .

Question . Why is raine prognosticated by the pricking vp of the Asses eares ?

Answer Because the Asse is a very melancholy beast , and it proceedeth from melancholy that he doth foresee raine to come . In the time of raine all beasts doe pricke vp their eares , and therefore the Asse perceiuing that it will raine , doth pricke vp his eares before it come .

Question . Why haue small birds no eares ?

Answer Aristotle dooth answere , and say , that nature dooth giue vnto euery thing that which is fit for it . But if she should haue giuen birds eares , their flying would haue been hindered . Likewise fish doe want eares , because they would hinder their swimming , and haue onely certaine little holes , through which they doe heare , as Aristotle doth declare by the sea calfe .

Question . Why haue Bats eares , seaing they doe seeme to be birds ?

Answer . Because they are partly birds in nature in that they doe flye , by reason where of they haue wings : and partly they are of the nature of foure footed beasts , and in that respect they are hairie , because they are mise , and therefore nature as being wise , gaue them eares .

Question . Why hath onely man round eares ?

Answer . Because the shape of the whole and of the parts should be proportionable , and especially in things of one nature : for as a drop of water is rounde , so the whole water , as Iohn de sacre Rosco doth proue . And so because mans head is round , the eares incline towards the same figure : but the heads of other beasts are somewhat long , and so their eares are drawne into length also .

Question . Why did nature giue liuing creatures eares ?

Answere . For two causes . First , because that with them they should heare . Secondly , because that by the eares cholerike superfluitie is purged : for as the head is purged from fleugmatike superfluitie by the nose , so from cholerike by the eares .

Of the Mouth .

Question . WHy hath the mouth lippes to compasse it ?

Answer . According vnto Const . because the lips doe couer and defend the teeth : for it were vnseemely that the teeth should alwaies be seene . An other answer is , that the teeth are of a cold nature , and would therefore bee easily hurt , if they were not couered with the lippes . Another morall reason is , because a man should not bee too hastie in speech .

Question . Why hath man two eares , and two eyes , and but one mouth ?

Answer . Because a man should speak but little , and see and heare much . And withall , Aristotle doth say , that the hearing is the sence with which learning is gotten . And hee sayth , that the sight doth shew vs the difference of many things . And Senecae doth agree vnto this , affirming , that nature hath enuironed the tongue with a double cloister , the teeth and lips , and hath made the eares open and wide , and hath giuen vs but one mouth , to speake little , though we heare much .

Question . Why hath a man a mouth ?

Answer . For many commodities . First , because the mouth is the gate and doore of the stomacke . Secondly , because the meate is chewed in the mouth , and prepared and made readie for the first digestion Although Autcen doth hold that the first digestion is made in the mouth . Thirdly , because that the aire drawne into the hollow of the mouth for the refreshing of the heart , is made more pure and subtile . And for many other causes , which shal hereafter appeare .

Question . Why are the lips moueable ?

Answere . Because of forming the voyce and wordes , which can not bee perfectly done with out them . For as without a , b , c , there is no writing , so without the lips no voyce can well be formed .

Question . Why doe men gape ?

Answer . The glosse vpon the last part of Hippocrates Aphorisures sayth , that it proceedeth of wearisomnes , as when a man sitteth among such as he doth not knowe , whose companie he could willingly want .

Secondly , gaping is caused of the thicke fumes which fill the iawes , by the expulsion of the which is caused the stretching out and extension of the iawes , and opening of the mouth , and then a man doth gape .

Question . Why doth a man gape when he seeth an other man gape ?

Answer . This proceedeth of the imagination . And this is proued by a similitude : for an Asse is animal 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 , by reason of his melancholie , because he doth retaine his superstuitie a long time , and would neuer care 〈◇〉 pisse , vnlesse hee should heare an other pisse . And so a man dooth gape through imagination , when an other man doth gape .