Licetus_, &c. may be ascribed to the MOTHER, as chiefly proceeding from
the Power of her _Menstruum_. The _Second_ may (by the same Authority)
be ascribed to the _Power_ and _Spirit_ of the _Paternal Seed_; but it
is the more generally received Opinion, that the _vegetative Soul_ is
generated from the _Commixture_ of both Seeds with the _Menstruum_, and
therefore as much to be ascribed to the _one_, as to the _other_,
PARENT: And that also the _sensitive SOUL_ proceeds from the proper
_natural Faculty_ of the organiz’d _Fœtus_, as the _rational SOUL_ doth
from the immediate _Infusion_ of the great CREATOR. Touching which
_Infusion_, I desire not to meddle with the _Controversy_ that has so
long subsisted betwixt _Philosophers_ and _Divines_: Only as I have
noted in _Chap._ iv. the Opinion of the greatest _Masters of Nature_; so
if, in _this_, we could, from the Dictates of _Faith_ and _Religion_, as
well as from the Maxims of _natural Philosophy_, set the Matter in a
clearer _Light_, I humbly presume it would not be _disagreeable_: Since
the _Principles_ of EITHER, taken separately, are in themselves
_mysterious_, and can never be fully comprehended by _some_; whereas,
_both_ taken jointly, I mean, the Arguments of the _one_, to reinforce
the Positions of the _other_, may be satisfactory to _all_.
IN order to which, I _first_ observe; That the _Influx_ of celestial
Bodies exerts its Power very efficaciously in all _Sublunaries_ and
_Inferiours_. Hence, touching the _four Humours_ of our Bodies, MARS is
thought to excite the _yellow Bile_, as SATURN exasperates _Melancholy_;
and LUNA to encrease _Phlegm_, as SOL and JUPITER govern the _Blood_.
SECONDLY, I observe, That the Power and _Influence_ of the PLANETS lies
effectually in _Metals_, _Stones_, _Gems_, _Herbs_, _Roots_, and all
_Subterranean Bodies_; as _Gold_, _Silver_, _Copper_, _Iron_, _Tin_,
_Lead_, and whatever is contained in the _Bowels of the Earth_, whether
it tend to _Use_ or _Necessity, Profit_ or _Pleasure_; the _Virtues_ and
_Increase_ of them all proceeding from their _peculiar_ STARS.
THIS we may easily conceive, by considering that GOD, who made all
things for his singular, great, and good Ends, would never have
exhibited to us such a fair and spacious _Heaven_, such a _Course_,
_Order_, _Continuation_, and _Series_ of STARS to delight and feed our
_Eyes_, like an empty _Shadow_, or an idle _Picture_: But, to the
contrary, the _Trees_, the _Roots_, the _Branches_, the _Seas_, the
_Rivers_, the _Streams_, and whatever runs thro’ the Veins of the
_Earth_, or graces the Surface of _Sea_ or _Land_; yea, whatever is, or
may be distinguished by the Variety of _Things_ or _Names_, together
with our _Bodies_, and their implanted _Humours_, HE subjected to the
_Heavens_, that they might perceive some superiour _Impulse_, _Motion_,
and _Agitation_ from the STARS, and experience the Utility of their
_Effects_.
HENCE the learned _Arabians_ ascribed the _Bodies_, _Actions_, and
_Dispositions_ of Men to STARS and SIGNS: As _Proclus_ teacheth, that
_Superiours_ and _Inferiours_ are manifestly _one_ in the _other_. But
these _Inferiours_ are defin’d, some to be SOLAR, others LUNAR; on which
the SUN and MOON make strong _Impressions_, like those of the STARS and
SIGNS they are under. In reference to which, they distribute the _human
Body_ among the _Planets_ and _Signs_ of the ZODIACK; and most
ingeniously demonstrate, that as the _Triplicities_ of those _Signs_
answer one another, and agree in _Celestials_, so they also concur in
the _Members of the_ BODY; which Observation, daily _Experience_ also
confirms. As for example: By a _Coldness_ of the FEET, the _Belly_ and
_Breast_ are affected; and these _Members_ answering to the same
_Triplicity_, any proper _Medicine_ apply’d to the _one_, helps the
_other_; as by warming the _Feet_, the Pain of the _Belly_ ceaseth.
WHEREFORE, if we consider the many _occult Qualities_, and _secret
Influences_ of celestial Bodies, besides these _three_ which are
manifest to us, namely, _Heat_, _Light_, and _Motion_, we shall readily
and rationally agree with _Astrologers_, as well as _Philosophers_, in
this Point; that the _celestial Bodies_ concur with other _natural
Causes_, in the regular _Procession_ of all the different Steps of the
_Conformation_ and _Constitution_ of human CONCEPTION.
MOREOVER, in the Work of _Animation_, they concur not only _physically_,
but _efficiently_; not as formal, final, or material _Causes_, but
meerly by _Action_; upon which Great _Efficient_, all other _Causes_
depend. And yet they concur _efficiently_ not as the only particular,
immediate, and proximous _Agents_, but as the common remote, physical
_Agents_, moving _physically_. Now this _Aristotle_ also plainly
teacheth, saying; that, “As this _inferiour World_ hath Existence from
_superiour Beings_, so all worldly Existences must necessarily be
ordered and directed by _those_, as the common _efficient Cause_ of all
_Sub-celestials_.”
BUT I would farther observe, that the only ACTION of _those Bodies_ in
this Work, is to dispose and govern all proper, special, and singular
_Causes_ pertaining to _Nature_, preserving them _physically_; that is,
by their _Motion_, _Light_, and _Heat_.
THE reason I call _those Bodies_ the remote, not the proximous _Agents_
in the Work, is, because they do not in _Substance_, _Motion_, or
_Light_, immediately reach or touch the FOETUS; but only, by their
secret _Qualities_ and _Influences_, extended to these inferiour ORBS,
penetrate through, and affect the WOMB, tho’ never so closely shut up:
By which means, the _Spirit_ and _Power_ of the SEEDS, the _Faculties_
of the _Womb_, and all concurring _Causes_ are fomented, govern’d,
promoted, preserv’d, and determin’d.
HOWEVER, in this _Constitution_, (whatever _natural Causes_ may be
advanc’d) the great GOD is indisputably and undeniably the prime and
principal _Efficient_: for all other _Causes_, whether proximous or
remote, without his _Concurrence_, would be but vain and insufficient,
for the following Reasons.
I. HE is the only primary AGENT, not _physical_, because not acting
_physically_; not operating by _Motion_, because _immoveable_: but
without _Motion_, and all other _physical Helps_, he powerfully and
clearly displays HIMSELF, most eminently officiating by his own
_All-sufficiency_, and Appointment of _Nature_.
II. HE likewise, as the prime, common, remote, and physical CAUSE,
governs and directs all _other secundary Causes_ supereminently, which
are subjected to, and dependent upon HIMSELF; in constituting,
organizing, and fomenting the _CONCEPTION_.
III. HE finally, as the proper, proximous, and immediate CAUSE, or
AGENT, directing _none else_, nor using any _other Assistance_ in the
Work, neither being _directed_ nor _assisted_ by any _other_, gives to
the organiz’d human FOETUS its greatest Completion; and the _ultimate
finishing Stroke_ of consummate _Perfection_, by infusing and
communicating to it a _Mind_ in a rational _SOUL_, by which the FOETUS
becomes _MAN_.
AND this _Infusion_ comes immediately from, and of HIMSELF, who is (in
_Aristotle_’s Words): “The _Form_ and _Former_ of the UNIVERSE, the
ultimate _End_, the final and efficient _Cause_ of all _celestial
Bodies_, and _created Beings_.”
BUT now, as to the _Time_ of this great Work of ANIMATION, _Naturalists_
agree, that it requires double the _Space_ that FORMATION had from
_Conception_: which seems so far probable, because at _that time_, and
no sooner, the _Infant_ may be sensibly perceiv’d to move; and _that_ by
the _Influence_ of calid and siccid MARS, who (according to
_Astrologers_) now takes charge of it in the _third Month_. For by
virtue of his _hot Quality_, he perfecteth the _three_ principal
Members, separating the _Legs_, _Arms_, and _Head_ (in due proportion)
from the _rest_: Wherefore this _auspicious Planet_ is called the AUTHOR
of the _Infant’s Motion_. So that, in fine, conformable to what is laid
down in the preceeding _Chapter_, the Work of ANIMATION is perfected, at
soonest, about the 70th, and at latest, about the 100th Day from
_CONCEPTION_. Which being done, I proceed to the next _principal Work_
in constituting the MAN.
[Illustration]
CHAP. IX
_Of the MATURATION of the INFANT._
NATURALISTS allow the _Infant_, for its ripening in the _Womb_, and to
the legitimate _Time of Birth_, treble the _Space_ that ANIMATION had;
as _Physicians_ agree in allowing _this_ treble the Time that the _first
Motion_ had from _Conception_: and from hence the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th,
_&c._ are called _ripening Months_.
IN the _fourth Month, Astrologers_ will have the _Planet_ SOL to reign
over the INFANT; whose _calid Quality_ gives it entire LIFE, fully
perfecting the _Members_, excavating the _Bones_, and amplifying the
_Pores_ and _Passages_ of the Body.
AS, in the _Fifth_, VENUS presides over the INFANT; who, by her
_Frigidity_ and _Humidity_, mitigates the _Heat_ and _Siccity_ impressed
on it by the _superiour Planets_, absolutely perfecting the _Lineaments_
of the _external Members_. According to which Principles, she, in a
word, forms the _Privities_ of both _Sexes_; and adds Beauty and
Ornament to the _Nose_, _Mouth_, _Hands_, _Fingers_, and all the rest of
the _visible Parts_.
AS also, in the _sixth Month_, MERCURY takes his Turn to assist the
INFANT, which puts the last finishing Hand to the _Work_; perfecting the
_Organs_ of the _Voice_, enlarging the _Eyes_, _Eye-lids_, _Brows_, and
_Nails_; promoting and confirming the _Instruments_ of _Motion_; and at
last, absolving and compleating whatever the _others_ have commenced.
I shall only farther _hypothetically_ observe, that, if the INFANT was
perfectly _form’d_ about the 35th _Day_, it was _animated_ about the
70th, and consequently will be _born_ about the 210th _Day_, the last of
the 7th _Month_.
IF the _Formation_ was perfected about the 40th _Day_, the _Animation_
happen’d about the 80th, and the _BIRTH_ will (unluckily) happen towards
the close of the 8th _Month_.
IF _Formation_ happen’d the 45th, _Animation_ follow’d the 90th _Day_,
and the _BIRTH_ will succeed about the close of 9 _Months_.
IF _Formation_ was compleated the 50th, _Animation_ follow’d the 100th
Day, and consequently the _BIRTH_[21] will appear about the last of 10
_Months_; and so of any other certain _Time_, definite _Day_, or stated
_Hour_.
IT is, in all the above-mentioned _Cases_, to be farther animadverted,
that the MALE, as he proceeds from the more _calid_, _siccid_, and
_spirituous Seed_, arrives sooner to Perfection in _Formation_ and
_Animation_; and is consequently _sooner born_ than the FEMALE, whose
_Nature_ is more _cold_, _flaccid_, and _weak_, even in the WOMB: Hence
an Allowance of a few Days more or less[22], may be justly made,
according to the SEX.
[Illustration]
CHAP. X.
_Of the NUTRITION and POSTURE of the INFANT_.
THIS is manifest, that the FOETUS is nourished in the _first Months_, by
the _Umbilical Vessels_ only: But the several following _Reasons_ engage
me to think; that, in the _latter Months_, it is alimented by the
_Mouth_ also, and _That_ by a glutinous _limpid Liquor_: Which, being
(probably) secreted from the AMNION for that Purpose, is found to
surround it.
I. BECAUSE this _Liquor_, which seems very proper for that _Use_, is
found not only in the _Mouth_, but also in the OESOPHAGUS and _Stomach_
of the _INFANT_.
II. IT is found _changed_ in the smaller _Intestines_[23]; and being
_chylify’d_ in the _Ventricle_, it turns to _Excrements_, call’d
MECONIUM, in the RECTUM, or _strait Gut_.
III. WE find a _large_ Quantity of this _Liquor_, surrounding the FŒTUS
in the _first Months_, and but _little_ in the _last_; which cannot
probably be consum’d any _other_ way, than by the _INFANT_.
IV. BECAUSE[24] that the _Oesophagus_, _Intestines_, _lacteal Vessels_,
and _thoracick Duct_, may continue open, and be gradually accustomed to
their respective _Functions_.
THE Infant’s _Situation_, in the _first_ and _middle Months_, is
various; but, in the _latter_, it is commonly observ’d to be of an _oval
Figure_: Sitting, with the _Head_ hanging down, and the _Chin_ upon the
_Breast_; the _Neck_ bending forwards, the _Back_ is round; embracing
the _Knees_, which are drawn up towards the _Cheeks_ with its _Arms_;
the _Hands_ commonly hanging down, seem to embrace the _Feet_; the
_Heels_ cling close to the _Buttocks_; and while the _Head_ is
uppermost, the _Face_ is towards the _Mother’s Belly_.
BUT about the Time of _Birth_; the HEAD, which was always before
_Lighter_, becomes considerably _Heavier_ than any other Part. And its
ponderous _Bulk_ bearing much smaller Proportion to its _Substance_ than
it did before, must needs (consequently) tumble Heels over Head, in the
_Waters_ of the MEMBRANES; and the _Head_ falling downwards, the _Feet_
get uppermost, and the _Face_ is turn’d towards the _Mother’s Back_.
BUT because this is a painful and irksome _Posture_, however favourable
for its EXIT; the _Motions_ it makes for its Relief, occasion frequent
_Pains_ to the MOTHER, which cause a Contraction of the _WOMB_, for the
Expulsion of the _Infant_.
AND, in short, this being the _natural Posture_ of the _Infant_ in the
_WOMB_, its _preternatural Positions_ may from thence be easily
conceived.
[Illustration]
CHAP. XI.
_Of the_ MEMBRANES _and_ WATERS.
THE _MEMBRANES_ of the _Infant_, are _Two_ in number, the one
_exteriour_, call’d _CHORION_; the other _interiour, AMNION_: which are
so contiguously joined _one_ to the _other_, that they appear like one
and the same _MEMBRANE_; and, because they are only separable by _Art_,
as a _Silk-Lining_ from a _Cloth_, are sometimes call’d the _double
MEMBRANE_.
THE _Chorion_ is rough and unequal on the _Outside_, but smoother
_within_; where it closely unites itself to the thinner and transparent
_Amnion_.
THIS _Amnion_ covers the _Placenta_, and is fixed to the _Inside_ of the
_Womb_, by its _Circumference_ on all Sides.
THESE MEMBRANES contain the WATERS, in which the _Infant_ swims; which
WATERS encrease along with the _Infant_, generating by degrees, and
proceeding from the _moist Humours_, exhal’d (by way of _Transpiration_)
from the tender _Infant’s_ porous Body.
THESE WATERS are of infinite Service to the _Infant_, during the time of
_Maturation_: As they are to both _Mother_ and _Child_ in the time of
_BIRTH_; which hereafter will more amply appear. And as in Conception,
these MEMBRANES are form’d before the EMBRYO; being, as they are
commonly call’d, the _Coats of the Egg_: So, in time of _Labour_, they
always present themselves, with their peculiar WATERS, to the _ORIFICE_,
before the _Infant_ approaches.
IN Case of _TWINS_ or more _Children_; each has its proper MEMBRANES and
WATERS apart, in which they are separately wrap’d up.
[Illustration]
CHAP. XII.
_Of the SECUNDINE, or AFTER-BIRTH._
THE _SECUNDINE_ is a thick carnous _Mass_, of a soft _vasculous
Substance_, compos’d of the _maternal Menstrua_; which _waxes_ upon the
outside of the _Chorion_ in proportion with the Growth of the FOETUS;
encreasing (as the _Waters_ do) together with the _Infant_. It is also
called the _Womb-Cake_, or _Placenta Uterina_; but most commonly the
_Woman’s AFTER-BIRTH_.
IT is call’d _Placenta_, because of its flat circular _Figure_,
resembling a pretty thick round Cake; being about eight Inches
_Diameter_, and one _Thick_; a little thicker in the _Middle_, where the
_Umbilical Vessels_ are fixed, than at the _Edges_.
ITS _thickest spongious Part_ (properly call’d the _Placenta_) adheres
to the Bottom of the _Womb_ by innumerable _Vessels_, and the
Interposition of a very thin _Membrane_, which is a Continuation of the
_Chorion_.
ITS _Concave Part_ towards the _Infant_, is join’d to the
_Navel-String_, and encompass’d with a smooth _Membrane_, which it
derives from the _Chorion_ and _Amnion_.
THE _Vessels_ terminating in the _Navel-String_, are inserted at _one
End_, almost in the Center of the _Placenta_; as the _other End_ adheres
to the _Navel_ of the INFANT.
THE _SECUNDINE_ is rough and unequal on the _Outside_, and smooth and
soft on the _Inside_; and cannot be extracted, without breaking the
mentioned _Vessels_: From hence an Effusion of _Humours_ and Fluxion of
_Blood_ always follows it; which (according to the _Woman’s State of
Health_) is of a _fairer_, or _darker_, red _Colour_.
THE Use of the _SECUNDINE_, is to receive and absorb the _Nutritious
Juice_ from the WOMB; (as the _Intestines_ imbibe the _Chyle_) which it
afterwards transmits to the _Infant_, by the _Umbilical Vein_.
IN Case of TWINS, or more _Children_, if conceived at _one Time_, they
have but _one common SECUNDINE_, (notwithstanding the contrary Opinion
of _others_) which adheres to the _Fund_ of the WOMB, by the _Placenta_,
as above: Wherefore I must needs reject the _Testimony_ of such
MIDWIVES, who give out that they have found the _SECUNDINE_, _fix’d_ to
any _other Part_ of the WOMB; tho’ I experimentally know, that it is
sometimes found in the _Hinder Part_ near the LOINS, sometimes in the
_Forepart_, sometimes near the _Diaphragma_, sometimes in the _Right_,
and sometimes in the _Left Side_.
BUT however, we should be grossly mistaken, if from hence, we did
conclude, that the _SECUNDINE_ adher’d to _any other Part_, than the
_Bottom_ of the WOMB: Since such erroneous _Apprehensions_ are merely
occasion’d by the various _Motion_, or oblique _Position_ of the WOMB;
as hereafter will appear more at large.
[Illustration]
CHAP. XIII.
_Of the UMBILICAL VESSELS, or NAVEL-STRING._
THE three _Umbilical Vessels_ consist of _one Vein_ and _Two Arteries_;
which compose the _NAVEL-STRING_, and are wrap’d up in one strong
_Membrane_, proceeding from the CHORION and AMNION, between the _Navel_
and _Placenta_.
THE _Vein_ arises in the _Placenta_, from innumerable minute _Vessels_;
proceeding thence with _Spiral Contortions_ between the _Arteries_,
thro’ the _NAVEL-STRING_, and _Navel_, to the _Liver_ of the _Infant_;
terminating in the _Sinus_ of the _Vena Porta_, into which it pours the
_Blood_ and _nutritious Juice_ received in the _Placenta_; which
immediately proceeds to the _Vena Cava_, and _Heart_, thro’ a
_Cylindrical Canal_ (call’d VENOSUS) opposite to the _Umbilical Vein_.
THE _Arteries_, which are scarce half so large as the _Vein_, arise from
the ILIACS of the _Infant_, or from the AORTA. They pass both Sides of
the _Bladder_ to the _Navel_, and thence through the _NAVEL-STRING_, by
the like _Spiral Windings_, to the _Placenta_: where, after distributing
some _Branches_ to the AMNION and CHORION; they are divided into a very
great Number of _Sprigs_, transferring the _Blood_ from the _Fœtus_ to
the _SECUNDINE_.
THESE _Two Arteries_, with the above-mentioned _one Vein_, make up a
certain _Part_, twisted like a _Rope_, about one Inch thick, and near a
Yard long, call’d the _NAVEL-STRING_; which is so ordained of this
_Length_, that the _Infant_, by its _Motion_, may not pull the
_Placenta_ from the WOMB; and that, by its _Means_, the _SECUNDINE_ may
be commodiously extracted after the _Birth_.
IN Case of TWINS, or more _Children_, every one has its proper
_NAVEL-STRING_; the chief Use of which is, to convey the _Maternal
Blood_ and _nutritious Juices_ by the _Veins_ to the FOETUS, for its
_Aliment_: The _Arteries_ carrying back that which is unfit for this
_Use_, to the _Placenta_; whilst the _Fœtus_ is still supply’d with more
by the _Vein_: So that there’s a _continual Circulation_, or
Communication, between the MOTHER and her INFANT.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
SECT. II.
[Illustration]
CHAP. I.
_Of the SYMPTOMS peculiar to the State of MAIDEN-HOOD._
SUCH _Distempers_ as are incident to this SEX in _Childhood_, are
generally common to the _Other_; wherefore I shall take another
Opportunity to treat of them more _particularly_, and conduct the
_Child_, whether MALE or FEMALE, thro’ all the _Indispositions_, to
which its tender _Age_, or flexile _Nature_, may subject it, from the
Moment of _Birth_, until the Time of _Puberty_: At which _Age_, the more
delicate _Constitution_ of FEMALES, takes a quite different _Turn_ from
That of the _other Sex_.
AT this _Crisis_, or Juncture of Time, the _Imbecility_ of their
_natural Dispositions_ begins to display itself, by various and
different _SYMPTOMS_; to which, some are more, and some less, expos’d
from Henceforward; very few being altogether exempted from what is so
peculiar to their _State_: Wherefore (in the first place) I shall
undertake to lay down the _Causes_, the _Symptoms_, the _Degrees_ of
Danger, and the respective _Methods of Curing_ such _Diseases_ as are
incident to VIRGINS: Which leads me previously to define the
VIRGIN-STATE, in
[Illustration]
CHAP. II.
_Of VIRGINITY._
VIRGINITY is an entire _State of Nature_ in this Point; and nothing
else, than the _Integrity_ of the _Muliebrian Parts_ from the Violence
of _Virile Congress_.
TOUCHING the real _Signs_ of _VIRGINITY_, many learned _Controversies_
have risen; particularly as to the _Membrane_, call’d HYMEN: _Some_
great _Anatomists_ and _Physicians_[25] strenuously denying its
_Existence_, and representing it as some _preternatural Production_; and
_Others_[26] as vigorously maintaining the contrary Opinion. Upon which
_Contention_, if I may humbly offer my _Sentiment_; the _later
Authorities_ are so commonly receiv’d, that (I think) this _Dispute_
sufficiently decided.
WE find the _Reality_ of it has been abundantly confirm’d by the
_Greeks_, as it was discover’d by the _Arabians_ of old: And the
_Gentiles_, for that very Reason, call’d their _Nuptial God_, HYMENEUS.
But, moreover, being since so positively asserted, by so many _famous_
and _learned Men_, who openly vouch and aver that they have found and
seen it; I do not see why we should longer doubt of this _Membrane’s_
being to be found in _Most_, if not in _All_, _VIRGINS_, to distinguish
them from the rest of their _Sex_: Especially since ’tis certain, that
something _extraordinary_ happens in the first COITION, which made
_Terentius_ call it, _Coitio Acerrima_. Upon which Notion, _Catullus’s_
Verses are very elegant and _à propos_: viz.
_“Ut flos in Septis secretus nascitur hortis,
“Ignotus pecori, nullo contusus Aratro;
“Quem mulcent Auræ, firmat Sol, educat Imber,
“Multi illum Pueri, multæ optavêre Puellæ:
“Idem cùm tenui carptus defloruit ungui,
“Nulli illum Pueri, nullæ optavêre Puellæ.
“Sic Virgo dum intacta manet, tum chara suis; sed
“Cùm Castum amisit polluto Corpore florem,
“Nec Pueris jucunda manet, nec grata Puellis._
This I take to be a notable _Emblem_ both of the _HYMEN_ and of
_VIRGINITY_ itself.
OTHERS again affirm, that the _Effusion of Blood_, in the first ACT, is
common to all _VIRGINS_; founded upon the _Authority_ of the 22d Chap.
of _Deut_. &c: By which ’tis plain, that _this Criterion_ or _Mark_, has
been of the nicest _Consequence_ among the JEWS; as also in several
other _Nations_: according to _Claudianus_ in the _Epithalamium_ of
_Honorius_, viz.—
_“Et vestes Tyrio Sanguine fulgidas
“Alter Virgineus nobilitet Cruor:
“Tum Victor madido prosiliat Thoro,
“Nocturni referens vulnera prælii._
In short, many _Philosophers_, as well as _Poets_, hold _This_ for an
infallible Symptom.
HOWEVER, tho’ I must confess _This_ to be a certain _Sign_ of
_VIRGINITY_, when it does appear; yet, if it don’t, the _VIRGIN_ is not
therefore to be _suspected_: especially if she be more _adult_, in which
Case the _Parts_ grow both larger and firmer, by the long _Flux_ of the
_Menstrua_; and consequently this _Effusion_ cannot well be expected;
neither can it be supposed in case of any violent _Procatarctick_ or
_Primary Cause_ (and from _That_ she can be no more _secure_, than
another Person) which may break the HYMEN, and dilate the _Parts_ before
COITION. But besides,