, Prndtha 'tis true , that fometimes f rojm Qbftf u- 
ftions or other Morbifick Caufes, our Glands and fpft- 
er Vifcera are fo^nequally nouriflied as to grow to axi 
icnmenfe fize, and vaftly furpafs their ufual bounds 5 , 
by which means we often fee enormons -fwelliogs ^rife 
both in the inward parts and outward habit of the bo^ 
dy 5 yet fuch a preter-natural and great excefs of 
growth in a hard and bony part, I don't think yet has 
been ever obferved. 
Confidering then how grougdlefs an affertiou this is, . 
I need add no more concerning it howevef , fince 
the only doubt I forefee can be raifed, let us inquire 
into it yet tnore particularly, and propofe it with all 
the advantage 'tis capable ^ that fo we may intirely ob- 
viate: and Iktisfy whatever objedUon rnayJ^^^^ 9m 
this fcorc. ' - 7 ^ ; ^ 
In favour then of thia fancy , let us fuppofe it ojay- 
be alledged, that Infants far gone in the Rickets^ are 
frequently obferved to have great Heads in proportioa 
to their fmall emaciated Bodies, and that young Chil-> 
diren are alfo Uable to another Malady by the Phyfjck; 
ans, called Hjdrocephdm^ or Dropfie in the head ^ 
which fometimes fo dilates it^ as to fwell their Skull 
to a more immenfe fize. But neither of thefe diforders 
("fori take the caufe to be much the fame in both 
cafes, only differing in degreej otherwife affefl; the 
head, than by a preter-natural colleftion of ferous hu- 
mours inclofed in the Brain, they extend the yielding 
fides of the weak and tender Skull, but do not in the 
leaft increafe its bony fubftance 5 nay, on the contra-' 
ry, they rather diminifh it 3 for 'tis always obferved 
that they reduce it to a more than ufual thinnefs, and 
fometimesj as 1 have feen my felf, to be no thicker than 
an Egg-fhell or Parchment. 
Nor can fuch Diftempers poffibly affefl: thofe of a- 
dult ages, fo as to enlarge their Skulls ; becaufe all the 
Bones 
