CENTURY X. 523 



virtue unto inanimate things ; as that the skin of a 

 sheep devoured by a wolf, moveth itching ; that 

 a stone bitten by a dog in anger, being thrown at 

 him, drunk in powder, provoketh choler. 



977. It hath been observed, that the diet of women 

 with child doth work much upon the infant; as if the 

 mother eat quinces much, and coriander-seed, the 

 nature of both which is to repress and stay vapours 

 that ascend to the brain, it will make the child inge 

 nious ; and on the contrary side, if the mother eat 

 much onions or beans, or such vaporous food ; or 

 drink wine or strong drink immoderately ; or fast 

 much ; or be giving to much musing ; all which 

 send or draw vapours to the head : it endangereth 

 the child to become lunatic, or of imperfect memory : 

 and I make the same judgment of tobacco often 

 taken by the mother. 



978. The writers of natural magic report, that 

 the heart of an ape, worn near the heart, comforteth 

 the heart, and increaseth audacity. It is true that 

 the ape is a merry and bold beast. And that the 

 same heart likewise of an ape, applied to the neck 

 or head, helpeth the wit; and is good for -the fall 

 ing sickness : the ape also is a witty beast, and hath 

 a dry brain ; which may be some cause of attenua 

 tion of vapours in the head. Yet it is said to move 

 dreams also. It may be the heart of a man would 

 do more, but that it is more against men s minds to 

 use it; except it be in such as wear the reliques of 

 saints. 



979. The flesh of a hedge-hog, dressed and eaten, 



