Chapter X: Letter II (3)

That the _Egyptians_ must needs understand the natural _Oeconomy_ of the Body, appears in that they were the first that employ’d their Industry in searching out the inward Nature of Animals by _Anatomy_, and first open’d Human Bodies to discover their respective Diseases. _Olaus Borrichius_, _Lib. de Ægypt. Sap._ p. 141. brings many Arguments to prove their Knowledge in _Anatomy_; and among them, this out of _Aulus Gellius_, Lib. 10. c. 10. _Veteres Græcos, annulum habuisse in Digito sinistræ Manus, qui minimo est proximus: Romanos quoque Homines aiunt sic plerumq; Annulis usitatos; Causam esse hujus rei Appion in Libris Ægyptiacis hanc dicit; Quod insectis apertisq; Humanis Corporibus, ut mos in Ægypto fuit, quas Græci_ Ἀνατομὰς _apellant repertum est Nervum quendam tenuissimum, ab eo uno Digito, de quo diximus, ad Cor Hominis pergere ac pervenire: Propterea non inscitum visum esse, eum potissimum Digitum tali Honore decorandum, qui continens & quasi connexus esse in principatu Cordis videretur_. _That the antient_ Greeks _wore a Ring on that Finger of the left Hand, which is next to the little one: And it is likewise said of the_ Romans, _that they for the most part wore their Rings in the same manner; of which_ Appion, _in his_ Egyptian _Treatises, gives this Reason; That the_ Egyptians _in Dissecting, and opening Human Bodies, which was a Custom among them, call’d by the_ Greeks Anatomy, _found a certain slender Nerve, deriv’d from their Finger above-mention’d, which crept along ’till it inserted it self into the Heart; wherefore they thought convenient that Finger should chiefly be adorn’d with such Honour_. _Macrobius_, as quoted by _Polydor Virgil_, _de Rerum Inventione_, p. 140. affirms likewise, _Quod ille Digitus annulo ornatur, quia ab eo Nervus quidam ad Cor pertinet_. Also in _Saturnius_, Lib. 7. c. 13. _Disarius_, in consulting the _Egyptian_ Books of _Anatomy_, says, he found the same. _Orus_ adds, that for this Reason the _Egyptian_ Priests anointed that Finger with sweet Odours; which Doctrine however, _Conringius_ says, deserves rather to be laugh’d at than confuted; nevertheless, _Borrichius_ thinks there may perhaps be a more secret consent between that Finger and the Heart, than young _Anatomists_ are aware of, therefore endeavours to prove the same, _p._ 143. However, says he, we need not wonder if the _Egyptians_ were sometimes in the dark, when at this Day the _Anatomy_ of the _Greeks_ is so empty; and surely ’twas as easie a matter for the _Greeks_ to have added something more solid, to the _Egyptian Anatomy_, as for us Moderns to have so much improv’d it after them. But nothing was invented and perfected at the same Time, therefore we must not imagine the _Anatomy_ of the _Egyptians_ to have been so compleat as ours is now. Yet he that shall think the wise _Egyptians_ could be so absurd as to believe the Heart Annually increas’d the weight of two Drams, for the space of Fifty Years, and afterwards gradually decreas’d for Fifty more, must needs be guilty of too great credulity, since none can doubt but that Persons of all Ages were open’d by them, in order to _Embalming_, and therefore such like Follies must of necessity have been refuted by ocular Inspection and Demonstration. That which _Conringius_ chiefly builds upon, is, that all the _Anatomy_ of the _Egyptians_ was only instituted for the use of _Embalming_; yet, which is likewise confuted by _Pliny_, Lib. 19. c. 5. where speaking of the _Phthiriasis_, he says, The Cure thereof was found out in _Egypt_, Kings being accustom’d to Dissect dead Bodies, for that purpose: The words are plain, _In Ægypto Regibus Corpora mortuorum ad scrutandos Morbos insectantibus_. This I look upon to be the chief intent of their _Anatomy_, and not the use of _Embalming_, since, if we may believe _Diodorus Siculus_, those who were the _Dissectors_ very probably understood no more than what they were directed to perform by the _Priest_ and _Scribe_. The same Author assures us it was even a very unthankful Office to perform that; for no sooner had they finish’d their Incision, but they were forc’d to run away, the By-standers most commonly flinging Stones at them, as abhorring to see them exercise such seeming Cruelty on their Friend or Relation. Yet this does not disprove their Skill or Practice of _Anatomy_ for other Purposes, since, besides the foregoing Arguments, we are assur’d they were well acquainted with _Ostiology_; [Sidenote: And _Ostiology_.] for _Galen_, Lib. 1. _De admin. Anatom._ advising as well ocular Inspection as reading good Authors, says, _It is best to be done at_ Alexandria, _where Physicians, expose to the sight of their Auditors, the Discipline of the Bones_. On the contrary, tho’ the _Egyptian Embalmers_ did not rightly understand _Anatomy_, yet is that _Art_ nevertheless very requisite to be known, by those who would be thoroughly acquainted with the more exquisite Methods of the Moderns; for hereby they may be instructed how to keep the Muscles, make Skeletons, and prepare Schemes of the Nerves, Arteries and Veins, as likewise to preserve the Brain, Lungs, Stomach, Bowels, _Uterus_, and other curious Preparations, which serve instead of Books or Pictures for the Instruction of young Pupils, and refreshing the Memories of more experienc’d Practicers. In a word, I may justly say, to _Anatomy_ are owing those rare Inventions of _Steno_, _Swammerdam_, _Ruysh_, _Blanchard_, _Bilsius_ and others, for their new Methods of _Embalming_.

[Sidenote: _Chymistry_ Invented by _Hermes_.]

As _Chymistry_ is said to have had its Rise in _Egypt_, so is it also generally suppos’d to have been invented by _Hermes_. But that this Art was somewhat different from what we at this Day understand by that Denomination, appears from the Etymology of the Word, which the _Greeks_ call, χημεία, ἡ τοῦ ἀργύρου καὶ χρυσοῦ κατασκευή, _al._ χυμία, i. e. _Fusio Metallorum_; _præfixo artic. [Sidenote: The _Art_ of making _Gold_ and _Silver_.] Arab_, Al, _Alchimy_, _Chymistry_; or, The Art of melting and counterfeiting Metals. _Suidas_ likewise calls _Chymistry_, The preparation or making of _Gold_ and _Silver_. This was the true _Philosophers Stone_ which so enrich’d that Kingdom, and brought all their Arts to a mighty Perfection; and in quest of which, so many Persons of all Nations have since fruitlesly consum’d both their Lives and Fortunes. Whereas, on the contrary, by this Art the Wealth of the _Egyptians_ was increas’d to that immense degree, that they study’d means how to expend what they had heap’d up. On this occasion _Pliny_, Lib. 36. c. 12. thus writes: _Dicuntur_, says he, _obiter & Pyramides in eadem Ægypto, Regum Pecuniæ otiosa & stulta Ostentatio_. But besides their _Pyramids_, their _Obelisques_, _Colossus’s_, _Monuments_, _Pensile Gardens_ and _Cities_, their _Labyrinth_, Lake _Mœris_, and the like stupendious Works, which cost so many Millions of Talents, are sufficient Arguments of their Skill in _Alchymy_, whence they receiv’d so vast a supply of Riches. ’Tis recorded of _Ptolomy Philadelphus_, he spent at one pompous Show at _Alexandria_, and that even when _Egypt_ was declining, 2239 Talents, as _Athenæus_ reckons up, _Deipn._ Lib. 5. c. 8. Not to mention their Statues and Temples of entire Gold, or the Cedar Ship, built by _Sesostris_, which was 280 Cubits in length, the outside cover’d with Gold, and the inside with Silver, as _Diodorus_ asserts. We have a sufficient remarkable instance of their great Riches in the Tomb of _Osymanduas_, describ’d by the same Author, about which there was a Circle of Gold 365 Cubits in compass, and one Cubit thick, which Circle was afterwards carry’d away by _Cambyses_, the _Persian_ Monarch, when he conquer’d _Egypt_; besides which, as _Marcellinus_, Lib. 6. reports, he took out of _Thebes_ 300 Talens of Gold, and at least 2300 of Silver. Now, since no Authors mention any Gold Mines in the Time of _Osiris_ or _Hermes_, whence can we imagine they should acquire such exceeding great Wealth, but from the _Chymic Art_ of transmuting Metals? Besides the _Egyptian_ Mines, which perhaps were afterwards discover’d, could yeild but little Profit, because of the vast Expence and Labour they must be at in Digging them. What farther seems to confirm their Knowledge in this misterious _Art_, is that, as _Suidas_ reports, the Emperor _Dioclesian_ upon his taking _Alexandria_, search’d with the utmost diligence for all these _Chymical_ Books, written by the Ancients, and burn’d what he found, both to prevent the _Egyptians_ growing thereby Rich and Rebelling against him. It was nevertheless thought, the Art of making Gold remain’d for some Time, among the _Egyptians_ of the first Rank, at _Colchis_, and that by _Jason_’s Golden Fleece, was meant a Book of _Chymistry_ written on Sheep-skin or Vellum, which he fetch’d from thence. However, at last this _Art_ was lost, and perhaps for these following Reasons: [Sidenote: How the _Egyptians Arts_ came to be lost.] _First_, Because the _Egyptian_ Priests, who were Masters of all Sciences, conceal’d their _Chymistry_ as much as might be, lest others, excited by their Happiness, might envy their Treasure, and consequently hasten their Ruin. _Secondly_, Because these Priests were so obstinate and resolute, they would rather chuse to suffer the greatest Tortures than discover their Art. _Thirdly_, In that their _Chymical Books_, &c. being written in secret Characters, and consequently understood by few, were laid up in Subterranean Vaults, or private Recesses of their Temples, for fear of the Incursions of their Enemies, thro’ which means some never came to light. And, _Lastly_, by reason of the hostile Invasions of the _Persians_, _Ethiopians_, _Romans_ and others, who ransack’d the Temples of _Memphis_, _Thebes_ and _Alexandria_, where these _secret Arts_ were kept, burnt that famous Library of _Ptolemy Philadelphus_, which contain’d about 700000 Volumes, and destroy’d in like manner the _Serapion_. All this consider’d, we need not wonder if this, as well as their _Art_ of _Embalming_, be lost. But ’tis farther to be noted, as their _Chymistry_ was very profitable to them in making Gold and Silver, [Sidenote: The _Art_ of tinging _Glass_ and making Artificial _Stones_.] so in teaching them how to give beautiful Tinctures to Stones and Glass, as also Enamel, make Pastes, and the like, was equally curious and delightful. They were wont to make Drinking-Glasses, call’d [3]_Allassontes_, which would change colour like a Pidgeons Neck; one of which, as _Vopiscus_ relates, being presented by an _Alexandrian_ Priest to the Emperor _Adrian_, was esteem’d by him as a great Gift and rare Invention. They could likewise tinge the _Lapis Obsidianus_ and _Cyanos_, with various beautiful Colours, as _Pliny_, _Lib._ 36. _c._ 26. and _Lib._ 37. _c._ 9. relates. Also _Seneca_ _Epist._ XC. tells us _Democritus_, by being well acquainted with the _Egyptians_, discover’d how to soften Ivory, and by boiling a Stone, learn’d how to convert it into an Emerald; for those People are said to have made Gems so artificially, they imitated the natural both in lustre and hardness. Moreover, _Appion Plistonices_ writes, there was to be seen in the Labyrinth of _Egypt_ a Colossus of _Serapis_ 9 Cubits high of an entire Emerald, which surely must have proceeded from a Chymical Operation, since neither of the _Indies_ have hitherto been able to produce the like Rarity. By all this ’tis plain the antient _Egyptians_ knew the more secret and profitable part of _Chymistry_, but whether that relating to Physic was practis’d by them, in the same manner as with us, is a Matter of some concern in _Embalming_, but, by reason of the scarcity of their Monuments or Books, not so easie to determine. Yet that they were not wholly ignorant thereof, appears by their _Æs ustum_, _Ærugo_, _Alumen ustum_, _Diphryges_, _Misy_, _Sory_, _Nitre_, _Sal Armoniac_, _Salts_ latent in Ashes, _Calcinations_, and the like Operations which require the help of Fire; [Sidenote: The _Art_ of _Distilling_, _Calcining_, &c.] as also in that they were acquainted with the _Art_ of _Distilling_, whereby Bodies were made Incorporeal, rarify’d into Fumes, and afterwards kept from evaporating by help of _Alembics_, _Matrasses_ and _Retorts_ well luted to their Heads and Receivers. These Vessels were made of Glass, and some of them with their Figures have been describ’d by _Zosimus_, an antient _Chymist_ of _Panopolis_, in his Book περὶ ὀργάνων καὶ καμίνων, from whence _Olaus Borrichius_ had his Plate in his Book _De Hermetis Ægyptiorum sapientia_, p. 156. Now certainly, after all has been said, no Body will pretend to dispute the use of _Chymical_ Preparations in _Embalming_, [Sidenote: _Chymical Medicines_ useful in _Embalming_.] who has heard of the wonderful Effects of the _Spiritus Solomonis_, the _Spiritus universalis Clauderi_, the _Spiritus Matricalis Blancardi_, the _Sal enixum Paracelsi_, _Sal mirabile Glauberi_, _Succinum liquidum Kerkringij_, the _Arcanum Bilsij_, and other Chymical Spirits, Tinctures and Balsams, too many to be enumerated here, therefore I intend to describe them at large in my _Pharmacopœia_.

Footnote 3:

Ἀλλάσσοντες, i. _Variantes, Sc. Calices, quod essent versicolores_.

[Sidenote: _Surgery_ Invented and Improv’d in _Egypt_.]

_Surgery_, which was another branch of their _Physic_, was, as _Sanchuniathon_ asserts, invented by _Æsculapius_ the _Egyptian_, first of that Name, Son of _Jupiter_, and Brother of _Mercury_, who reign’d at _Memphis_ according to the report of _Clemens Alexandrinus_. After his Name several others were so call’d, who, in succeeding Ages, contriv’d any new Methods of dressing or binding up Wounds, or added any thing else which was curious to _Surgery_. This _Art_ increas’d much in _Egypt_, as _Celsus_ Lib. 7. _Præf._ witnesses; and _Philoxenus_, a very good Author, compos’d many Books thereof. _Egypt_ also was the chief place famous for _Surgery_, insomuch that _Cyrus_ King of the _Persians_, when he found no Remedy for a Disease in his Eyes, among his own _Physicians_ and _Surgeons_, friendly besought _Amasis_ King of _Egypt_, that he would send him an Oculist, whom he accordingly receiv’d with desir’d Success, as _Herodotus_ in his _Thalia_ acquaints us. Likewise both the _Greeks_ and _Romans_, in case of necessity, requir’d and receiv’d the like Benefit from the _Egyptians_; but that their _Surgery_ was so complete as ours is now, none will allow, nevertheless, this must be granted, that they had some Medicaments which we stand in need of; for _Dioscorides_, Lib. 5. c. 158. and _Pliny_, Lib. 36. c. 7. make mention of the _Lapis Memphitis_, which being powder’d and mix’d with Vinegar, they us’d to anoint any part with which they intended to Burn or Cut, and it so stupify’d it without any danger, that the Patient underwent the Operation almost without any Pain.

[Sidenote: How useful in _Embalming_.]

_Surgery_ therefore being of that antiquity, and so well known by the _Egyptians_, ’twill be expected I should apply it to our Subject of _Embalming_: Wherefore, as was before mention’d, _p._ 177. there being several Persons employ’d to _Embalm_ a Corps, as they were directed by the _Physician_, so one of those, to wit the _Embalmer_, we take to be properly a _Surgeon_, inasmuch as by understanding the nature of Fermentation and Putrifaction, both of the Juices and Blood, as also how to cure Mortifications in the Living, he might thereby be better enabl’d to prevent the like Qualities in the Dead. This he is likewise more capable of, by being well acquainted with Galenical and Chymical Medicines, and Anatomical Preparations and Experiments; in which Matters, seeing _Physicians_ are generally most knowing, _Santorellus_ thought it their Property, and consequently wrote a Book on this Subject, entitl’d, _Post Praxis Medica_, which shews what a Physician has to do after his Patient is dead, _viz._ To prescribe proper Remedies for _Embalming_ him, as the _Egyptian Priests_ or _Physicians_ were wont to direct their Operators to do. So that ’tis plain, the true Office of the _Physician_ was to prescribe, the _Apothecaries_ to compound Medicines, anoint the Body, _&c._ and the _Surgeons_ to _Embalm_ and roul it up; [Sidenote: It teaches the _Art_ of _Bandage_.] an _Art_ which scarce any of our Moderns can equal, and perhaps I may have been the first that has imitated it, as Mr. _Talman_, one of our _Masters_ of _Anatomy_, can witness I perform’d on the Body of Sir _Robert Jeffrys_, whom we _Embalm’d_.

[Sidenote: A _Surgeon_ the proper _Embalmer_.]

He therefore whom the _Egyptians_ call’d the _Embalmer_, was strictly speaking the _Surgeon_, for as much as the _curing the Corps_ was to be perform’d by a manual Operation, and local application of Medicines, a Thing which requir’d much care, skill and dexterity, and which, a Person that is not as well acquainted with this, as Balsamic Medicines, can never perform as he ought, or be able to invent any new Method; whereas _Frederic Ruysch_, a good _Physician_, a great _Anatomist_ and Reader of _Surgery_ at _Amsterdam_, was well skill’d in this _Art_ of _Embalming_, as his several Preparations of the Veins, Arteries, _Uterus_, &c. testifie, all which, Doctor _Brown_, President of the College of Physicians _London_, affirms he saw most accurately done at _Ruysch_’s House at _Amsterdam_, and which he particularly mentions in his Book of Travels, _viz._ The Lymphatic Vessels so preserv’d, that their Valves were very perspicuous, and the very minute Vessels of an excarn’d Liver clear and shining. He likewise says, he saw the Muscles of Children dissected and kept free from Corruption; as also an entire Body preserv’d, and the Face of one without the least spot, change of colour, or alteration of the Lineaments, from what might be expected after Death, and yet _Ruysch_ had kept them Two Years, and hop’d so to continue them.

We have insisted the longer on _Physic_ and its particular Branches, such as _Anatomy_, _Chymistry_, _Surgery_, &c. in as much as they not only teach how to prevent and cure Diseases, but likewise to _Embalm_ dead Bodies. Yet seeing the _Egyptians_ were famous in other Arts and Sciences, such as _Painting_, _Carving_, _Architecture_, _Astronomy_, _Geometry_ and the _Mathematics_, some of which conduc’d very much to their _Embalmings_, and others to the erecting and compleating their _Pyramids_ and _Monuments_; it may not be impertinent to enquire into those Arts, by which _Egypt_ grew into such repute, that it was generally esteem’d, in respect to its Magnificence, [Sidenote: _Egypt Mistress_ of the _World_, and _Mother_ of all _Arts_ and _Sciences_.] _The Mistress of the World_; to its Fertility, _The Magazine or Store-House of the World_; and to its Antiquity, _The Origin, or Mother of all Arts and Sciences_. This Digression I hope will be the more pardonable, in that it will be somewhat diverting to the _Lovers_ of _Art_, and also help to give a true Notion of the several Ceremonies and great Expences us’d about their _Embalm’d_ Bodies. [Sidenote: _Egyptians_ their _Antiquity_.] We will first therefore begin with their _Antiquity_, for from thence we may expect the first Progress or Invention, tho’ perhaps not the Perfection of _Arts_; in which point the _Egyptians_ would make us believe, the first Men were form’d in their Country, and give so great a number of their Kings, and so long a duration of their Reigns, as to deduce their Origin some Thousands of Years before the Creation of the World; asserting also that they were govern’d by the Gods about 25000 Years, before their Kingdom fell into the Hands of Men: But however questionable this Tradition may be, yet is it not to be doubted but the _Egyptians_ were of very great _Antiquity_, and perhaps the antientest People of the World, from whom _Laws_, _Arts_, _Sciences_ and _Ceremonies_ were first deriv’d to other Countries. [Sidenote: Their _Inventions_.] Now the Inventions commonly attributed to them are, _Geometry_, _Arithmetic_, _Music_, _Astrology_, _Physic_, _Necromancy_ or _Sorcery_, _Carving_, _Painting_, _Enameling_, _Fluxing_ of _Metals_ and _Stones_, curious Works in _Glass_, and making of fine _Linnen_, _Mathematical Machines_ and _Automata_, _Pneumatic_ and _Hydraulic_ Engines, and various other _Mechanical Curiosities_; in a word, all kinds of _Learning_ and _Ingenuity_, but more particularly they were the first Inventors of the _Art_ of _Embalming_. Some of these we have already mention’d, therefore shall only speak of those not hitherto treated of. _First_ then, The _Thebans_ boast they were the most antient _Philosophers_ and _Astrologers_, [Sidenote: _Astrology._] as having found out the first Rules for the Improvement of those _Sciences_, since they most accurately observ’d the Courses of the Sun, Moon and Stars, their Eclipses, Constellations, Risings, Aspects and Influences, dividing thereby their Years into Months, and grounding their Divinations on their hidden Properties; yet did they so manage their Prognostications, that they could certainly foretel every particular Event.

[Sidenote: _Mathematics._]

In the _Mathematics_ and _Mechanical Powers_ the _Egyptians_ were particularly famous, for they had Engines whereby they could raise their _Obelisques_, and hoist up vast Stones to so incredible and prodigious a height as their _Pyramids_ are. They also devis’d other wonderful Machines for divers purposes, as some for dreining Marshes, others for watering Gardens, of which _Diodorus Siculus_ says, In the pensile Garden of _Semiramis_ there was an Engine, that, thro’ certain Conduits or Conveyances from the Platform of the Garden, drew a great quantity of Water out of the River, yet no Body was the wiser or knew how it was done. A third sort of Machines they had for destroying and confounding their Enemy, with which last they had once almost reduc’d _Julius Cæsar_ to extream despair, when he invested _Alexandria_ with his whole Army; for as _Aulus Hirtius_, Writer of that War, relates, _Ganymedes_ with Wheels and other Machines of great force, pump’d the Water out of the Sea, and threw it from high Places, with that great force and violence on _Cæsar_’s Men, that they thought of raising the Seige. He farther adds, That by those means he also made all their Water so salt they could not drink it. But besides these they had a sort of Water-Works for pleasure, as their _Organa Hydraulica_ or Water-Organs, and others for measuring Time, as the _Clepsydra_ or Water-Hour-Glass. They had likewise other Machines which mov’d with the Air or Wind, and some _Automata_ that went by invisible Springs; for, as _Cælius Rhodiginus_ relates, the _Egyptians_ made some Statues of their Gods both to walk of themselves, and also to utter certain Words articulately. As to their Motion, that may be ascrib’d to some Wheels and Springs within, and their Voice or Speech, to some Air forc’d up thro’ Pipes plac’d in their Heads and Mouths. _Kircher_ in _Tom._ 2. _Oed. Ægyptiac._ gives many Examples of _Pneumatical_ Engines, among the _Egyptians_, in their Temples. Yet is there none so remarkable as the Statue of _Memnon_, which was made by the _Theban_ Priests with that Art and Contrivance, that in the Morning, on the rising of the Sun, and the striking of its Beams upon it, it utter’d a kind of Music. This was so famous a piece of Work, that Men travell’d from far to see it. _Lucian_ the _Sophister_ went to view that Miracle, as he terms it, and as he tells us in his _Philopseudes_. The same did the Emperor _Severus_, as _Spartianus_ informs us, and _Germanicus_, as _Tacitus_, and _Strabo_, that judicious _Geographer_, went to see it; the like did _Apollonius Tyanæus_, as _Philostratus_ writes, which Matter need not seem fabulous, says _Natalis Comes_, to any that shall understand the Power of Art and Human Wit, nor how expert the _Theban_ Priests were in all _Mathematical Sciences_. But I need say no more in particular of their Art of Building, Carving or Painting, [Sidenote: Their wonderful _Works_ in _Architecture_.] since those will appear much more conspicuous by a Relation of such stupendious and beautiful Works as were the City of _Thebes_, together with its stately Sepulchres, Obelisks and Temples, all built by them. The Sepulchre of King _Osymandua_, the Cities of _Memphis_, _Cairo_, _Babylon_ and _Alexandria_, the Tower of _Pharos_, the long Wall built by _Sesostris_, the _Labyrinth_, their _Pyramids_, _Obelisks_, _Columns_, _Colossus’s_, _Statues_, _Sphinx’s_, _Monuments_, _Subterranean Vaults_ and _Lamps_, and other like admirable Works, testifie their extraordinary Skill and Ingenuity in all kinds of Arts to be such, as neither the _Greeks_, _Romans_, nor any other Nation were afterwards capable of. But that you may not, Sir, be put off with a bare enumeration of them, I will give such a particular account of them, as will, I dare say, not only surprise and divert the Reader, but also lead him into every minute Circumstance of their _Embalming_.

[Sidenote: _Thebes._]

_First_ then of _Thebes_, a very rich and glorious City, once the Regal Metropolis of all _Egypt_, and built by _Busyris_, who resided in it. It was call’d by the _Egyptians_ _Heliopolis_, or the City of the _Sun_, and by _Strabo_, _Diospolis_, or _Jupiter_’s City, by reason he was there worshipp’d. It was in circuit about 140 Furlongs, or 17 Miles and an half, and was adorn’d with so many stately Monuments both of Gold, Silver and Ivory, such multitudes of Colossus’s and Obelisks, cut out of entire Stone, such exceeding splendid Temples, Palaces and Tombs of the old _Egyptian Pharaohs_, and other such like Ornaments and stupendious Rarities, that it was not only look’d upon to be the most beautiful and stately City of _Egypt_, but of all others in the World; for it is recorded, that not only King _Busyris_, but all his Successors also from Time to Time beautify’d and adorn’d it, and ’tis certain it had in it 20000 Chariots of War, and that there were 100 Stables all along the River, from _Memphis_ to _Thebes_, towards _Libya_, each of which was capable of containing 200 Horses. _Pomponius Mela_ says, _Thebes_ was so exceeding Populous, it could draw out of every Gate 10000 armed Men, and that the _Greek_ Word _Hecatompolis_, which as some think signifies an hundred Gates, according to which, _Thebes_ was so call’d by _Homer_, is not to be understood literally, but rather to be explain’d to relate to an hundred Palaces, in which so many Princes had their Residence. _Pliny_, Lib. 36. c 14. will have the whole City to have stood upon Arches, so made on purpose, that the _Egyptian_ Kings might march their Armies this way and that way under the Houses, without being discover’d. In this City were also four Temples, very wonderful for their beauty and largeness, of which, the most antient was 13 Furlongs, or above a Mile and half in circuit, and 45 Cubits high, and had a Wall 24 Foot thick. The Ornaments of this Temple were suitably magnificent both for Cost and Workmanship, and the Fabric continu’d ’till _Diodorus Siculus_’s Time, but the Silver, Gold, and other Ornaments of Ivory and precious Stones, were carry’d away by the _Persians_ at such Time as _Cambyses_ burn’d the Temples of _Egypt_. ‘Here, says _Diodorus Siculus_, Lib. 1. cap. 4. were the wonderful Sepulchres of the antient Kings of _Egypt_, which for State and Grandeur far exceeded all that Posterity could attain to even to this Day. The _Egyptian_ Priests say, That in their Sacred Records there were register’d 47 of these Sepulchres, yet which is not only reported by the _Egyptians_, but by many of the _Grecians_ likewise, who travel’d to _Thebes_ in the Time of _Ptolemeus Lagus_, and wrote Histories of _Egypt_. Among these, one was _Hecatæus_, who agrees with what _Diodorus_ relates, _viz._ That when he was there, which was in the 180th _Olympiad_, there remain’d only 17 of these Sepulchres. [Sidenote: _Osymandua_’s Tomb.] Of the first of these, that of King _Osymandua_ was 10 Furlongs in compass, and at the entrance, they say, there was a Portico of vari-colour’d Marble, 45 Cubits in height and 200 Feet long. Thence going forward, you came into a four square Stone-Gallery, every Square being 400 Feet, supported by Beasts instead of Pillars, each of which was of an entire Stone, 16 Cubits high, and Carv’d after the antique manner. The Roof was also entirely of Stone, each Stone being 8 Cubits broad, with an azure Sky all bespangl’d with Stars. Passing out of this, you enter’d another Portico like the former, but more curiously carv’d, and adorn’d with greater variety. At the entrance stood 3 Statues, each of one entire Stone, being the Workmanship of _Memnon_ of _Scienitas_. One of these was sitting, whose Foot measur’d 7 Cubits, and in the whole magnitude, exceeded all other Statues in _Egypt_. The other two were much less, reaching but to the Knee, the one standing on the right Hand, and the other on the left, being the Mother and Daughter. This Piece is not only commendable for its greatness, but likewise admirable for its Workmanship, and the excellency of the Stone, that in so great a Work there was not to be discern’d the least flaw or blemish. Upon the Tomb there was this Inscription:

‘_I am_ Osymandua, _King of Kings; if any would know how Great I am,
and where I lye, let him excel me in any of my Works_.

‘There was likewise at the second Gate another Statue, of the Mother by her self, of one Stone, 20 Cubits high; upon her Head were plac’d Three Crowns, to denote she was both Daughter, Wife and Mother of a King. Near this Portico, they say, there was another Gallery, more remarkable than the former, in which were various Sculptures representing his Wars with the _Bactrians_, who had revolted from him, against whom, ’tis said, he march’d with 400000 Foot and 20000 Horse, which Army he divided into four Bodies, and appointed his Sons Generals of the whole.

‘In the first Wall might be seen the King assaulting a Bulwark environ’d with the River, and fighting at the head of his Men, against some that made up against him, assisted by a Lion in a terrible posture; which some affirm must be understood to be a real Lion that the King bred up tame, went along with him in all his Wars, and by his great strength ever put the Enemy to flight. Others make this Construction, that the King being a Prince of extraordinary Courage and Strength, he was willing to set forth his own Praises and bravery of Spirit, by the representation of a Lion. In the second Wall were carv’d the Captives dragg’d after the King, represented without Hands and Privy Members, to signifie that they were effeminate Spirits, and had no Hands when they came to fight. The third Wall represented all sorts of Sculptures and curious Images, in which were set forth the King’s Sacrificing of Oxen, and his Triumphs in that War. In the middle of the _Perystilion_ or Portico, open to the Air at top, was rear’d an Altar of polish’d Marble, being of excellent Workmanship, and equally to be admir’d for its Magnitude. In the last Wall were two Statues, each of entire Stone, 27 Cubits high, near which three Passages open’d out of the Portico into a stately Room, supported by Pillars, like a Theatre for Music. Every side of the Theatre was 200 Feet square. Here were many Statues of Wood, representing Pleaders and Spectators looking upon the Judges. Those which were carv’d on one of the Walls were 30 in number, and in the middle sat the Chief Justice, with the Image of Truth hanging about his Neck, his Eyes clos’d, and many Books lying before him. This signify’d that a Judge ought not to take any Bribes, but only to regard the Truth and Merits of the Cause. Next adjoyning was a Gallery full of diverse Apartments, in which were all sorts of delicate Meats ready serv’d up. Near this was represented the King himself, curiously carv’d and painted in glorious Colours, offering as much Gold and Silver to the Gods as he yearly receiv’d out of his Mines. The Sum was there inscrib’d (according to the rate of Silver) to amount unto 32 Millions of [4]_Mina’s_, which is about 100 Millions of Pounds Sterling. Next was the Sacred Library, on which were inscrib’d these words, _The Cure of the Mind_. Adjoyning to this were the Images of all the Gods in _Egypt_, to every one of which the King was making Offerings, peculiarly belonging to each of them, that _Osiris_ and all his Associates, who were plac’d at his Feet, might understand his Piety towards the Gods, and his Righteousness towards Men. Next to the Library was a stately Room, wherein were 20 Beds to set upon, richly adorn’d, in which were the Images of _Jupiter_ and _Juno_ together with the Kings, and here it’s suppos’d the King’s Body lay interr’d. Round the Room are many Apartments, wherein are to be seen all the Beasts that are accounted Sacred in _Egypt_, very curiously painted. Thence you ascend to the top of the Monument or Sepulchre, which having mounted, there appears a Border of Gold round the Tomb of 365 Cubits in compass, and one in thickness; within the division of every Cubit were the several Days of the Year ingraven, with the natural Risings and Settings of the Stars, and their Significations, according to the Observations of the _Egyptian_ Astrologers. In this manner they describe the Sepulchre of King _Osymandua_, which seems far to exceed all others both for Magnificence and curiosity of Workmanship.’ Now he who shall seriously consider this, as also several other Passages in _Herodotus_ and _Diodorus Siculus_ of the stupendious Works of the _Egyptians_, says _Greaves_ in his _Pyramidographia_, p. 9. must needs acknowledge, that for Magnificence, if not for Art, they far exceeded the _Grecians_ and _Romans_, even when their Empires were at the highest pitch and most flourishing: Wherefore those _Admiranda Romæ_, collected by _Justus Lipsius_, are hardly admirable, if compar’d with some of these. At this Day there is scarce any great Column or Obelisk remaining in _Rome_ worthy of Note, which has not antiently been brought hither out of _Egypt_.

Footnote 4:

Every _Mina_ is about 3_l._ 2_s._ 6_d._

_Thebes_ sunk and fell to decay, upon removing the Court to _Memphis_, [Sidenote: _Memphis._] a great and eminent City, built by _Uchoreus_, as _Diodorus Siculus_, Lib. 1. relates, but _Sandys_ says ’twas built by _Ogdoo_, and call’d _Memphis_ after the Name of his Daughter, compress’d, as they feign, by _Nilus_ in the likeness of a Bull. Hereupon this became the Regal City, and Strength and Glory of all _Egypt_, being exceeding Populous, and adorn’d with a world of Antiquities. It was particularly famous for the Temple of _Apis_, the Subterranean Vaults or Burying-Places, and the Pyramids or stately Sepulchres of the Kings, erected within a few Miles of it.

M: V^{dr} Gucht Sculp:

To the Honourable James Saunderson Esqꝫ, who has been pleas’d to
encourage this Work, this Plate is humbly dedicated by his most
humble Servant Thomas Greenhill.
]

The God most esteem’d by the _Egyptians_, and ador’d at _Memphis_, [Sidenote: The God _Apis_.] was _Apis_, a coal-black Ox, with a white Mark on his Forehead, the figure of an Eagle on his Back, and having Hair on his Tail of two kinds. When this God happen’d to die, none valu’d their Hair, tho’, as _Lucian_ says, they had as good as _Nisus_, but shav’d it all off in token of their Grief. Also _Diodorus Siculus_, Lib. 1. cap. 6. says, They were then as much concern’d, as at the Death of their own Children, and laid out in the Burial of this God, as much, if not more than all their Goods were worth; for when _Apis_ thro’ old Age dy’d at _Memphis_, in the Reign of _Ptolomeus Lagus_, his Keeper not only spent all the Provision he had heap’d up, in burying him, but also borrow’d of _Ptolomy_ 50 Talents of Silver for the same purpose. Nay even in our Time, says the same Author, some of the Keepers of these Sacred Creatures, have lavish’d away no less than 100 Talents, in maintaining them whilst alive. After the pompous Funeral of _Apis_ was over, those Priests that had the charge of the Matter, sought out another Calf, which they substituted in its stead, with the same Marks as the former; and this pass’d for a great Miracle among them, but certainly it was not difficult for evil Spirits, who might take pleasure in deceiving these People, to represent to a Cow, when she went to Bull, an Ox with those Marks, as _Jacob_ made the Goats and Sheep of the same colours, by placing speckl’d Rods before the Eyes of the Dams at the Time of their Coition. Thus, having found an Ox to their Mind, an end was immediately put to all further Mourning and Lamentation, and the young God was led by the Priests thro’ the City of _Nilopolis_, fed 40 Days, and afterwards put into a Barge, in a golden Cabbin, transported to _Memphis_, and plac’d in _Vulcan_’s Grove. For the Adoration of this Ox, they give this Reason, _viz._ That the Soul of _Osiris_ pass’d into the Ox _Apis_, and consequently into all the rest that were successively substituted in his stead: [Sidenote: Sepulchre of _Osiris_.] But some say, the Members of _Osiris_, kill’d by _Typhon_, were thrown by _Isis_ into an Ox made of Wood, and cover’d with Ox-Hides (from whence the City of _Busiris_ took its Name;) and this, as it is reported, she did, because, as she was in search of her Husband, a very handsome Bull appear’d to her, which she believ’d to be him, and whom she afterwards caus’d to be Honour’d in _Egypt_, under the Figure of that Animal. Many other Things are fabulously reported of _Apis_, which would be too tedious to relate in particular; therefore I need only consider whether the Adoration and Worship of that Creature, came first in use from being the Sepulchre of _Osiris_, [Sidenote: Of _Mycerinus_’s Daughter.] or from the Account _Herodotus_ in his _Euterpe_ gives of the Daughter of _Mycerinus_, bury’d in like manner, which we shall here relate, _viz._ That one of the _Egyptian_ Kings, _Mycerinus_ by Name, seeing himself depriv’d of Heirs by the Death of his Daughter and only Child, spar’d nothing whereby he might express how sensibly he was touch’d with this Loss, and consequently indeavour’d to immortalize her Memory, by the most superb and sumptuous Structure he could possibly devise. Instead therefore of a Monument he order’d a Palace to be erected for her, with a great Hall in the midst of it, adorn’d with abundance of Figures and Statues, all glittering with precious Stones. After this, he caus’d her Corps to be deposited in a Coffin of incorruptible Wood, fashion’d after the likeness of an Ox, which was cover’d all over with Plates of Gold, and had a purple Mantle cast over it. The Figure of this Ox was kneeling, having a Sun of Massy Gold between his Horns, and being enlightn’d by a Lamp hanging before him, whose Flames were fed with a most odoriferous Oil. Round about the Hall stood Perfuming-Pans and Censers, which continually threw up clouds of sweet Scents and Perfumes. In another Parlour adjoyning to this, stood about 20 great Images, partly naked and carv’d in Wood, which as the Priests report were the Concubines of _Mycerinus_. But some there are who speak otherwise of this Ox and those Figures, _viz._ That _Mycerinus_ falling in Love with his Daughter ravish’d her, who thereupon hanging herself for Grief, her Father bury’d her in this Ox, and the Servants who betray’d the Daughter, and slew the Mother, were represented by these Images, as having been accessary to such Wickedness. This Sepulchral Story, _Porus_ has very well delineated in _Porcachius_, after the manner you’ll find represented in this first Plate. But to return to the City _Memphis_, said to have been in circuit about 20 Miles; _Greaves_ tells us, there is not now so much as the Ruines of any such Place to be seen, altho’ Monsieur _Thevenot_ affirms, those pretty near the _Mummies_, enclining towards the _Nile_, are doubtless the Ruines of that City, whose Inhabitants, even at this Day, in imitation of their Ancestors, bury their Dead without the Gates, and consequently make use of the Plain for a Burying-Place. Yet _Sandys_ avers, ’tis not likely they should carry their Dead so far, when they have as convenient a place belonging to their City, and this is also agreeable to what some of the Ancients write, _viz._ [Sidenote: _Subterranean Caves._] That on these Subterranean Caves the City _Memphis_, and several other Places thereabouts were built, as on so many Vaults or Arches. Without doubt they bury’d in both places, tho’ cheifly in the Plains of _Egypt_ and _Libya_, where, in Caves and Grots under Ground, are said to be about 40 Sepulchres of their Kings. In these they were very curious, sparing no cost, but roofing them over like so many great Halls, and dividing them into several Apartments, with Passages out of one into the other, alotting also to each Family or Person, one suitable to his Quality and Expense he had been at in making them. These were like those _Hypogea_ of the _Greeks_, or _Cryptæ_ of the _Romans_, p. 95, 96. and are thus describ’d by _Sandys_, p. 103. Not far above _Memphis_, near the brow of the _Libyan_ Desarts, and straitning of the Mountains, are the Sepulchres or Graves of the antient _Egyptians_, who have been there from the first inhabiting that Country, and who coveted that place of Burial, as suppos’d to contain the Body of _Osiris_. When discover’d, they are to be seen after this manner: By the removal of a certain square Stone (which is very close fitted, and cover’d over with Sand for privacy sake) a descent appears like the narrow mouth of a Well, with holes on each side of the Wall to descend by, yet which are so troublesome, that many, says _Sandys_, who go thither on purpose to see them, refuse to go down into them. Some of these are near 10 Fathom deep, leading into long Vaults, hewn out of Rocks, with Pillars of the same, and which seem to have belong’d to particular Families: Under every Arch lye the Bodies that have been _Embalm’d_, &c. Here also are several Pyramids and Obelisks to be seen, adorn’d with _Hieroglyphical_ Inscriptions, which set forth the Riches and Power of those Kings; but these we shall more particularly treat of in another place, and therefore here only represent to you the _Ichnography_ and _Schenography_ of the antient Burial-Places of the _Egyptians_, near the _Pyramids_, out of which the _Mummies_ are brought, with a Prospect of _Memphis_, _Babylon_, _Cairo_, &c. The Scituation and Disposition of these, I presume, will appear very plainly describ’d in this second Plate, taken out of _Johannes Nardius_, at the end of his _Lucretius_, with the Mistakes amended.

J. Kip Sculp.

To Nathaniel Long Esq_{ꝫ} who has been pleas’d to encourage this Work,
this Plate is humbly dedicated by
His most humble Servant Thomas Greenhill.
]

A. The Ruines of the antient City of _Memphis_.

B. The City of _Babylon_, now _Grand Cairo_.

C. The River _Nile_ flowing from _South_ to _North_.

D. A carv’d Stone the Cover of the Well.

E. The Well or Passage thro’ which they descended into the arch’d
Chamber.

F. A Stone-Coffin carv’d with _Hieroglyphicks_, containing another
of Wood mark’d G. which that it may be the better seen, is shown in
another place, having an Image standing thereon, and some Tutelar
Gods. At the Well or Passage E. a Servant holding by a Rope,
descends with his Master upon his Shoulders, whom having set down at
the bottom of the Well, he creeps upon his Belly through a Foramen
at H. and then enters into a magnificent arch’d Chamber, in the
middle of which is plac’d a Marble-Tomb, F. having a _Mummy_ in it.
Out of this, many Passages lead into other Chambers, which are so
numerous and intricate, the way out is almost as difficult to find,
as that of a Labyrinth.

From _Memphis_, the Court of the _Egyptian_ Kings is said to have remov’d to _Alexandria_, and afterwards to _Cairo_; [Sidenote: _Babylon._] but in respect that _Babylon_, now _Cairo_, lies opposite to _Memphis_, as is seen at Letter B, and this second Plate thereby better describ’d, I will begin with that first. This, in opposition to the great City of _Babylon_ in _Chaldæa_, built by _Semiramis_, was also for distinction sake call’d the _Egyptian Babylon_: It is said to have been founded by _Cambyses_ the _Persian_ Monarch, the first that made this Kingdom stoop to the Yoke of a Foreign Power, and was by him peopled with some _Babylonians_ or _Chaldæans_ transplanted thither. It stood at some distance towards the _South_ of _Cairo_, where now appear nothing hardly but great Mountains of Ruines, among which many of the Christian Temples and Monasteries lye in rubbish. The Castle hereof serv’d long after for a Garrison of three Legions, appointed to defend this Country in the Time of the _Romans_. Adjoyning to this Castle are Store-Houses, [Sidenote: _Granaries_ of _Joseph_.] suppos’d to be of the Granaries of _Joseph_, which, as they say, he built, and therein laid up Corn against the ensuing Famine. In all they were seven, but now three only are standing, which are also employ’d to the same use: From hence, for the space of 20 Miles up the River, there are nothing but Ruines.

[Sidenote: Old _Cairo_.]

From the Ruines of this City, _Babylon_, Old _Cairo_ was rais’d, being heretofore a most stately City, but now in a manner desolate, having been alter’d several Times, as the Conquerors or Lords of the Country thought fit. At length a more convenient and pleasant place of Abode was pitch’d upon, when about half a League off the Old, [Sidenote: New _Cairo_.] they built New _Cairo_, which for a long Time has been, and at present is, the chief City or _Metropolis_ of all _Egypt_. The _Italians_ call it _Alcairo_, and others, by way of Excellency, _Grand Cairo_. It is scituate on the _East_ side of _Nile_, in a very pleasant Plain, at the foot of the rocky Mountain _Muccat_, winding therewith, and representing the form of a Crescent. It stretches, says _Sandys_, p. 92. _South_ and _North_, with the adjoyning Suburbs, five _Italian_ Miles, and is in breadth scarce one and a half where it is broadest; but as to the bigness or circumference of this City, Authors differ very much, because some will have it consist of four Parts, _viz._ Old _Cairo_, New _Cairo_, _Boulac_ and _Charafat_, which, if we compare with _London_, the City of _Westminster_ and Borough of _Southwark_, we shall find it at least three times bigger. For it is said, the parts of _Cairo_, together with its Suburbs, are 10 or 12 Leagues in length, 7 or 8 in breadth, and 25 or 30 in circuit, and yet is this City so exceeding Populous, that the People pass to and fro in throngs, altho’ the Women, according to the Custom of that Country, seldom or never appear abroad. Once in seven Years ’tis visited with a terrible Pestilence, insomuch that 1000 or 1500 have dy’d in a Day, nevertheless, if not above 300000 die within the Year, the City is reckon’d to be in good Health, and there is hardly any miss of the Deceas’d. There are said to be in it 18000 Streets, 23000 Mosques, and 200000 Houses, besides several Markets, Exchanges, Hospitals, and other magnificent Structures. Every Street is known by its Name, and fortify’d with a great Gate at each end, which at Night, to prevent Tumults and Uproars, are lock’d up with wooden Locks, and open’d with a Key of the same; for here all the Locks and Keys, even of the City Gates themselves, which are plated with Iron, are made only of Wood. The number of Men, which every Night guard this City, is 28000. There is a _Canal_ or _Khalis_, as they call it, which runs the whole length of the City, and conveys thro’ it Water from the _Nile_. At the _South_ end it is fortify’d with a stately Castle (the Palace of the _Mamaluke Sultans_) scituate on the top of a Mountain, overlooking the City and a great part of the Country. It is so large it seems a City of it self, environ’d with high Walls, divided into Partitions, and enter’d by Doors of Iron, and has within it spacious Courts, which in Time past were the places of Exercise. Now the Ruines of those antient Buildings only show how sumptuous they have formerly been, for there are Pillars of solid Marble yet standing, of so immense a Magnitude, that how they came thither is not the least to be wonder’d at. ’Tis not therefore without reason that this City was nam’d _Grand Cairo_, which is reported in great measure to be encompass’d with a Wall, and in which, says _Thevenot_, there are so many curious Things to be seen, that a very large Book might be fill’d with the relation of them. Among some of the extraordinary Things to be seen at _Cairo_, [Sidenote: The _Hatching_ of _Chickens_.] is the artificial way of Hatching Chickens, upon which the aforesaid Author well observes, it might be thought a Fable to relate that Chickens are to be hatch’d without Hens sitting upon the Eggs, and yet a greater to say, that Chickens are sold by the Bushel, nevertheless they are both true. To effect this, they put their Eggs into Ovens, and heat them with a temperate warmth, which imitates so well the natural heat, that Chickens are form’d and hatch’d in them; but for the particular manner of this, I must refer you to _Thevenot_ in his Travels, _p._ 144. where it is to be found more plainly describ’d. To _Cairo_ are brought, over Land by the _Caravan_ from _Mecca_, all sorts of Perfumes, Aromatics, precious Stones and Gums, [Sidenote: _Drugs_ brought by the _Caravan_.] such as _Olibanum_, _Frankinsence_, _Mastic_, _Myrrh_, _Amber_ and _Opobalsamum_, also _Indian_ Stuffs, _Indico_, and other rich and valuable Commodities. The _Caravan_ consists of many Thousands of Pilgrims, that Travel yearly to _Mecca_, out of Devotion and for Traffic. That City is distant from _Cairo_ 40 easie Days Journey, separated by a Wilderness of Sand, that lies in drifts, and is often dangerous to the Traveller, when mov’d by the Wind, thro’ which he is guided in many places by the Stars only, as Ships are in the Ocean. The whole _Caravan_ has above 1000 Horses, Mules and Asses, and 500 Camels. These are the Ships of _Arabia_, and their Seas are the Desarts. The City of _Mecca_, Capital of _Arabia Fælix_, lying near the _Red Sea_, is a Place of great Traffic, not only by reason of the _Indian Caravans_, that repair thither yearly with their Commodities, but also of the Country adjoyning, whose precious Productions have procur’d it the Name of _Happy_. From hence they go to _Medina Talnabi_, or the _City_ of the _Prophet_, where in a little Chappel, lighted by 3000 Lamps that burn there perpetually, lye _Mahomet_, _Omer_ and _Haly_, in plain Tombs of the antique Fashion, cut out like Lozenges. That of _Mahomet_ (not hanging in the Air as is reported) is cover’d with green, having on the side a Carbuncle as big as an Egg, which yields a marvellous Lustre. These meet again the rest of the _Caravan_ at the place appointed, as _Sandys_, p. 97. tells us, who gives the foregoing Account.

The Balsam Plant

Tho. Platt. sculp.

To M^r. James Petiver Apothecary, F.R.S. who has been pleas’d to
encourage this Work, this Plate is humbly dedicated by
His most humble Servant Thomas Greenhill.
]