182 



NOVUM OROANUM 



We have also biformed foetus, mingled species and 

 the like. 



XXXI. In the tenth rank of prerogative instances, we 

 will place the instances of power, or the fasces (to borrow 

 a term from the insignia of empire), which we are also wont 

 to call the wit or hands of man. These are such works as 

 are most noble and perfect, and, as it were, the masterpieces 

 in every art. For since our principal object is to make na 

 ture subservient to the state and wants of man, it becomes 

 us well to note and enumerate the works, which have long 

 since been in the power of man, especially those which are 

 most polished and perfect: because the passage from these 

 to new and hitherto undiscovered works, is more easy and 

 feasible. For if any one, after an attentive contemplation 

 of such works as are extant, be willing to push forward 

 in his design with alacrity and vigor, he will undoubtedly 

 either advance them, or turn them to something within 

 their immediate reach, or even apply and transfer them 

 to some more noble purpose. 



Nor is this all: for as the understanding is elevated and 

 raised by rare and unusual works of nature, to investigate 

 ; and discover the forms which include them also, so is the 

 same effect frequently produced by the excellent and won 

 derful works of art; and even to a greater degree, because 

 I the mode of effecting and constructing the miracles of art 

 is generally plain, while that of effecting the miracles 

 of nature is more obscure. Great care, however, must be 

 taken, that they do not depress the understanding, and 

 fix it, as it were, to earth. 



For there is some danger, lest the understanding should 

 be astonished and chained down, and as it were bewitched, 

 by such works of art, as appear to be the very summit and 



