(I) 
C H A P. I 
The Argument of the TreatiJe, 
T He Hiftory of brutes, which by fome is 
not unfitly called , i,aoy^ol(pix, or a De- 
fcription of living creatures ^ is that part 
of Pbyfickj which treateth <£ Brute beafis. 
We may properly call this one part of Phy ftckjy 
becaufe it treateth of the nature of things ; for 
is either Phyftckj properly fo called , or 
you may divide it into Metaphyjic^s , and Mathe- 
matlckj. Phyfickj ^to^txXy fo called comprehen- 
deth under it the nature of Meteors, Metals , 
flams , Stars , the four Elements , men , and 
Brutes. Some would have the confideration of 
Brutes be brought under Medicine , which I 
think belongeth more properly to Philofophy j 
for here in this treatife o£ Animals you have 
the nature , property > motions , generation , 
ftrength , fliape and ufe of Brutes. But I fhall a 
little fhew the ufe and benefit that this treatife 
will be of,not Only to phyficians,but alfo to all fcho- 
lars, and more efpecially to Divines j for con- 
fider ; 
I . The dignity of it , which Authors tel us, in 
any art or fcience , arifeth from the efficient' 
caufe , or the obje£l: : The inventors of this 
fcience have been learned and pious men in all 
ages* Gen, 2, 20, Adam gave names fuitable Xq 
B . afi 
