ON GENERATION. 363 



the prime and principal fertilizer, whence all mediate causes 

 receive the fecundity imparted. For example, the chick is 

 derived from the punctum saliens in the egg, not only as re- 

 gards the body, but also, and this especially, as respects the 

 life (anima) : the punctum saliens, or heart, is derived from 

 the egg, the egg from the hen, and the hen has her fecundity 

 from the cock. 



Another condition of the prime efficient is discovered from 

 the work achieved, viz., the chick, because that is the prime 

 efficient in which the reason of the effect is principally dis- 

 played. But since every generative efficient engenders ano- 

 ther like itself, and the offspring is of a mixed nature, the 

 prime efficient must also be a certain mixed something. 



Now, I maintain that the offspring is of a mixed nature, in- 

 asmuch as a mixture of both parents appears plainly in it, in 

 the form and lineaments, and each particular part of its body, 

 in its colour, mother-marks, disposition to diseases, and other 

 accidents. In mental constitution, also, and its manifesta- 

 tions, such as manners, docility, voice, and gait, a similar tem- 

 perament is discoverable. Tor as we say of a certain mixture, 

 that it is composed of elements, because their qualities or vir- 

 tues, such as heat, cold, dryness, and moisture, are there dis- 

 covered associated in a certain similar compound body, so, in 

 like manner, the work of the father and mother is to be discerned 

 both in the body and mental character of the offspring, and in 

 all else that follows or accompanies temperament. In the mule, 

 for instance, the body and disposition, the temper and voice, 

 of both parents (of the horse and the ass, e. g.} are mingled ; 

 and so, also, in the hybrid between the pheasant and the fowl, 

 in that between the wolf and the dog, &c., corresponding traits 

 are conspicuous. 



When, therefore, the chick shows his resemblance to both 

 parents, and is a mixed effect, the primary genital cause (which 

 it resembles) must needs be mixed. Wherefore that which 

 fashions the chick in the egg is of a mixed nature, a certain 

 something mixed or compounded, and the work of both pa- 

 rents. And if any kind of contagion, engendered under the in- 

 fluence of sexual intercourse, in which the male and female min- 

 gle and form but one body, either originates or remains in t)ie 

 body of the female, that, too, must be of a mixed nature or 



