Aristotle [pseud.]

Aristotle's Masterpiece, or, The Secrets of Generation Displayed in all the Parts Thereof

London

Printed for W.B. and are to be sold by most booksellers in London and Westminster

1694

A "Mothers strange Imaginations, and divers Phantasms" "deform the Body" of her child

Now a monstrous Habit or Shape of Body, is contracted divers ways, as from Fear, sudden Frights, extraordinary Passion, the influence of the Stars, the Mothers strange Imaginations, and divers Phantasms, which the Mind conceive, deform the Body, and render the children of an improper shape, and many times not perfect in either Sex; sometimes the whole course of Nature is changed, either when the Principles of Generation are vitiated, or the Organs unfit, so that the natural Faculties, to propagate and form the Child, cannot perform their Office exactly; for as the most ingenious Artist can bring nothing to perfection, if his Materials be bad, or out of order, so Nature wanting the force of her Faculties, or not having fit matter, must of necessity proceed preposterously in forming the Child. As in the Art of melting Metals, it may be observed, if the matter be impure, and not well cleansed, the Vessels or Receiver Oblique , and full of windings, not well joynted, the Corners set awry, and full of Chinks or Plates; if loosed or holds ill together, it is apparent Men cast ill-shaped Figures. So if the Womb or the Matter be unfit, or ill tempered, 'tis possible, without an extraordinary over-ruling Providence; but above all, unseasonable or intemperate Venery, is the cause of so many monsterous shapes.
(pp. 43-4)

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EEBO

Aristotle's Masterpiece, or, The Secrets of Generation Displayed in all the Parts Thereof ... Very Necessary for all Midwives, Nurses, and Young Married Women (Printed for W.B. and are to be sold by most booksellers in London and Westminster, 1694).

Mind and Body

01/08/2004