Chapter XIII: Letter II (6)

Now this is generally agreed on, that after the Body was stuff’d with sweet Odours, Gums and Spices, it was macerated in a sort of Pickle, the Composition of which, tho’ unknown to us, is asserted by most of the Ancients to be made of _Nitre_. Nor is it proper for us, say _Penicher_, _Traite des Embaumemens_, p. 83. to explain one Obscurity by another that is greater; since this _Nitre_, so famous and mightily boasted of by the Ancients, is at this Day a Mistery, for the more one endeavours to show its Origin, by examining the different Descriptions given it, the more reason one has to doubt of its Existence. In the first place, they agree not in one point among themselves, [Sidenote: Different _Opinions_ of _Nitre_.] either as to its Colour, Figure or Quality; for some say ’tis white, others that ’tis red, and others again that ’tis of a Leaden or Ash-colour: Some there are who will have it of a porous Substance like a Sponge, others that ’tis solid and compact, and others that ’tis shining and transparent like to Glass. Nor do they less dissagree about its Virtue than its Form and Colour, for some say ’tis of a cold Nature, and others that it has a Caustic Quality, as _Herodotus_, who says, that it consumes the Flesh in such manner that it leaves nothing but Skin and Bones. Wherefore, after so many Contradictions and different Descriptions of the nature of this Mineral, what can we believe for certain? Have we not just reason to doubt that this _Nitre_ is but pretended? How should it come to be invisible if it were a Mineral? And again why should we not have it, if it be produc’d after the manner of our common Salt? The Sun, Moon and other Planets, as also the Earth have not ceas’d since their Creation to obey yearly such Orders as the Divine Providence has prescrib’d them, and their Productions have daily been the same from one Age to another. The Earth is the same Matrix for the formation of Vegetables and Minerals, and the Sun has not refus’d its Influences for their Generation. What therefore can be the reason, or by what accident should we at present be depriv’d of so precious a Salt? We cannot see why it should be so lost as never to be repair’d; but it is also reported that the true _Cinnamon_, _Bdellium_, _Costus Amomum_, _Balsamum verum_, _Malobathrum_, _Sal Armoniac_, _Myrrha_, and several Minerals, Gums and Plants are lost, yet certainly it is not so, but only the Knowledge and Use of them lost to many People; or perhaps they may not be found in those places where they were wont to grow, yet may be had in others, which often happens; so that they do not entirely Perish, but only change their Soil, by which means it may come to pass they may not commonly be known, and sometimes it happens they appear with a different Face, by reason of the diversity of the Place and temperature of the Heavens; wherefore, as St. _Chrisostom_ rightly concludes, none of those Substances or kinds of Things, which GOD has created from the beginning of the World, have ever been wanting or will ever perish. _Et Benedixit illa DEUS, & dixit, Crescite & multiplicamini: Verbum enim illud in præsentem usq; diem illa conservat, & tantum Tempus præteriit, neq; unum horum Genus imminutum est; nam Benedictio DEI, & Verbum quod dixerat, ut subsisterent & durarent, illis contulit._ _And GOD Blessed them and said, Be fruitful and multiply: Which Word has preserv’d them even to this present Day, so that the Time only is pass’d away, but not the least kind of them has perish’d; for the Blessing of GOD, and the Words which he spake, made them that they should endure for ever._

[Sidenote: The _Nitre_ of the _Ancients_ the same with our _Saltpetre_.]

The _Nitre_ therefore of the Ancients so renown’d, may be the same with our _Saltpetre_, as _Schroder_ and the learned _Etmuller_ think, and _Clarke_ more particularly in his _Natural History_ of _Nitre_, p. 12. asserts, That the _Nitre_ of the Ancients is the same with Ours: In which, says he, altho’ we dissent from some learned Philosophers, as _Matthiolus_, _Bellonius_, &c. yet are there others as learned with whom we agree, such as _Cardanus_, _Casimirus Siemienowicz Eques Lithuanus_, and more particularly also may be mention’d the Ingenious Mr. _Henshaw_, who has learnedly prov’d this Assertion to the _Royal Society_. But not to inforce this Opinion only by Authority but Reason, we affirm this to be the same from its Nature; for the Thing is yet in Being, and this bearing its Name may not unjustly challenge its Nature: And that this was known to the Ancients (as we affirm their _Nitre_ is to us) the Testimony of _Pliny_ plainly evinces, as the before-mention’d learned Author _Casimirus_ observes, _viz._ _Aperte enim Salem hunc, qui in Cavernis sua sponte in Rupium Superficies erumpebat, Florem & Spumam Nitri, Salemq; petrosum vel Petræ nominat_. But the Ancients seem not to observe this Ἀφρόνιτρον or Efflorenscence of _Nitre_ on Walls, and in Houses on Floors, as we do, they having had it in open Fields, tho’ we have not, neither was it so much in use with them as with us, and this gave occasion for the new Name of _Sal-petræ_ to be given to the old _Nitre_. Now, tho’ by _Pliny_’s and other antient Authors descriptions of _Nitre_, when compar’d with ours, they may seem to differ, yet may it not be a real difference, but only in degrees of purity, the like whereof we may see in Sugar and Salt, which by artificial Refining are made one and the same; and as it bears the same Name, so has it the same Qualities and Virtues, and was antiently us’d both by _Galenists_ and _Chymists_. [Sidenote: _Nitre_ us’d in _Cookery_.] Now it was this no doubt the Ancients us’d in their Aliments instead of common Salt; and ’tis by some affirm’d that Roots grow whiter if boil’d therewith, and Herbs greener: Moreover, ’tis well known to us Moderns that _Nitre_ or its Salt, separated in the Refining, gives a red colour to Neats-Tongues, Coller’d Beef, Bacon, _&c._ adding to it also a more savoury Taste, which does thereby both invite and please the Appetite.

Thus far of _Nitre_ according to the several Opinions of the before-mention’d Authors; but what the Composition was, wherewith the Ancients pickl’d the Body, whether with _Nitre_ or Salt, is not as yet determin’d. _Herodotus_ and divers others affirm it was salted with _Nitre_, yet some think the Virtue of Salt more commendable, finding it of so great use in preserving Flesh and Fish; others again do not think Bodies become unperishable by Salting, but are only preserv’d for some Months or Years, and if fresh Pickle be not added, or any part of the Body happen to be expos’d to the Air, it soon corrupts and stinks, for the Moisture of the Air dissolves the imbib’d Salt, and this issuing forth the Body soon perishes. This is farther remarkable from a Story of _Baronius_ in his Annals, [Sidenote: A _Body_ found _Preserv’d_ in a _Salt-Pit_.] of a Body found in a Subterranean Cave, full of salt Water, in the Mountains of _Saltzburg_, which was whole and incorrupt, the Skin white, the Eyes open and lively, and the whole remaining, with all its parts, firm and hard as a Stone, yet in three Days Time, being as it were impatient of the Air, it turn’d into Water and perish’d. From this Story we may learn that salted Bodies, altho’ they resist Corruption for a short Time, yet at length perish; [Sidenote: _Salt_ us’d with _Balsamics_ preserves _Bodies_.] nevertheless Salt, or such things as are Analagous to it, if us’d with other Balsamics, afford some help in the _Embalming_ of Bodies, whereby they are not dispos’d to the same Fluxion, as both Reason and Experience teach, and perhaps _Nitre_ being a more solid Body and not so apt to dissolve in the Air, might also on that account be preferr’d by the _Egyptians_. However, whether _Salt_ or _Nitre_ be to be understood by this Work of _Salination_ needs not much to be disputed, since both, by their known balsamic Virtue and innate Siccity, may assist in this Operation, even as in the preparing _English_ Hams, _&c._ we are wont to use them mix’d together, the one perhaps being more peircing and the other more durable, the former to give a grateful Taste, and the latter a pleasant Colour. But, as we cannot readily grant, that the _Salting_ us’d by the _Egyptians_, was effectual enough to preserve Bodies without Balsamic Medicines, so neither can we, that any means besides could hinder its Extraction or Dissolution, and therefore I am the more inclinable to think, _First_, That they did not drysalt the Body, but macerated it in a liquid Pickle, which equally surrounded it every-where, and peirc’d deeper thro’ the Pores of the Skin; and when they had let it infuse for a convenient Time, they anointed it with Oil of _Cedar_ for 30 Days together, as _Diodorus Siculus_ relates, and afterwards with _Myrrh_, _Cinamon_ and other Drugs, which Salting and Anointing took up in all 70 Days, according to the Account of _Herodotus_. The latter Ointment was us’d as well to give the Body a sweet Smell as to Preserve it; but, tho’ the former was held of great efficacy for that purpose, yet is it a thing as difficult to recover in these our Times, says _Penicher_, as it is to find out the Composition of the Pickle we have been speaking of, nevertheless we must make some attempt therein. First then, we will take notice of the different Appellations, by which the Ancients have us’d to express this Matter, calling it by the several names of a Gum or Rosin, a Liquor or Juice, an Oil or Ointment, and lastly a Pitch; [Sidenote: _Cedria_ what.] but which of all these they meant by the Word _Cedria_ will be better understood from a Description of that Tree, together with the several sorts of Juices extracted from it, and their Uses and Virtues. ’Tis true, as some Authors have said, a Matter so call’d may be drawn from other Trees, such as _Larch_, _Pine_, _Birch_, _Cypress_ and _Juniper_; but that which we mean is from the great _Cedar_, whose Leaves never fall, and which bears Fruit all the Year round. Its Wood, of all others, is esteem’d the least corruptible, and consequently, says _Pierius_, is the _Hieroglyphic_ of Eternity. The Ark of the Covenant, the Temple of _Solomon_, and that of _Diana_ at _Ephesus_, were all built with it, and for the same reason the _Egyptians_ often made their Coffins of it: The Ancients also us’d to anoint the Leaves and Covers of their Books with its Oil, thereby to defend them from Moths, Worms and the injuries of Time, whence it came to be spoken Proverbially of such a one as had deserv’d to be recorded to Posterity, _Cedro digna locutus_, in that his Writings were thereby preserv’d from perishing. Now this Tree affords three or four different sorts of Liquors or Juices: _First_, A thick, but clear Gum, of a good tho’ strong Odour, being a Tear that drops from young _Cedars_ after their Barks are pill’d off, and this is what they properly call’d _Cedria_. [Sidenote: _Gum_ of _Cedar_.] _Secondly_, A sort of Liquor drawn from the said Wood, [Sidenote: _Liquor_ of _Cedar_.] call’d by the _Syrians_ _Cedrum_, and which are the first droppings of these Branches of _Cedar_ when one burns them, for that which comes last is the _Pitch_ of _Cedar_, [Sidenote: _Pitch_ of _Cedar_.] being prepar’d after the same manner with other Pitch, as you may find describ’d in _Bellonius de Medic. Funer._ p. 40. _Lastly_, There is an _Oil_ of _Cedar_, [Sidenote: _Oil_ of _Cedar_.] express’d from the warm’d Fruit of this Tree, and call’d by _Pliny_ and _Delachampius_, _Cedrelæon_, as it were _Cedri-oleum_. These several Liquors have been so confounded by Authors, as to have been taken indifferently for one another, which perhaps was because they have almost all the same Virtues; yet I suppose the _Egyptians_ might adapt the Use of them according to their several Consistencies, and therefore employ’d the Gum with other Drugs in stuffing the Body, the first distill’d Liquor in their Injections, and the _Oil_, as more valuable, for their Anointings; or else might use the _Tar_ or _Pitch_ after the same manner as _Asphalt_ and _Pissasphalt_, for the inferior sort of People. [Sidenote: _Virtues_ of _Cedar_.] Now in respect to the Virtues of _Cedar_, besides that it heats and drys powerfully, it has likewise this particular and remarkable Quality, that after the nature of Septic and Escharotic Medicines, it corrodes and consumes the Flesh in a very short Time, if apply’d to a living Body; but, on the contrary, is a sovereign Preservative for the same Body the very moment ’tis depriv’d of Life; for consisting of hot, dry and subtil Parts, it consumes all superfluous Humidity, the cause of Putrifaction, and thereby preserves the dead Body, whereas in living Creatures, being rarify’d and put in action by the natural Heat, it disunites their Parts and consumes them. Those antient Physicians _Dioscorides_, _Galen_, _Paulus_, _Aetius_ and _Aegineta_ have all asserted, That the Nature of _Cedar_ was such as to preserve dead Bodies, but would consume the Living, whereupon, they not without reason have term’d it, _The Life of the Dead_, and _The Death of the Living_. Likewise _Diodorus Siculus_ tells us, the _Egyptians_ anointed the Bodies they were to _Embalm_ with Oil or Ointment of _Cedar_, for the space of 30 Days; whereas, _Herodotus_ gives us a quite different Account, how that, without cutting open the Belly and pulling out the Entrails, [Sidenote: _Clysters_ of _Cedar_ and their _Operation_.] they injected up the _Anus_ Clysters of Oil or Juice of _Cedar_, and then salted the Body 70 Days, at the end of which they squeez’d out the Clysters, which had such Virtue and Efficacy, that they brought away with them all the Guts and Bowels wasted. But in answer to this, _Clauder in Methodo Balsamandi_, p. 58. says, he cannot but believe that this Author had forgot to mention somewhat necessary to be done besides, and _Nardius_ laughs at it as a ridiculous Story, to imagine how these Clysters should spare the fleshy Parts, but rot the Bowels. But grant an intire Efficacy to this Balsamic Liquor, thus Clysterwise immitted into the Intestins, yet since it is well known to Physicians, that Medicines, this way exhibited to the Dead, immediately flow out again, the nervous and fibrous Parts, which before were us’d to retain them, operate no longer by reason of their Stupor and defect of Spirits. I cannot see, says _Clauder_, how a Clyster can be contain’d in a dead body so as to perform its Work, or if it should be intruded up by force, it cannot so quickly penetrate to the superior Parts; for it must waste the _Mesentery_, _Liver_, _Spleen_, _Stomach_ and _Guts_ before it can ascend into the Cavity of the Breast, by which time its Contents will be putrify’d, and that more-especially since nothing besides was done to prevent Corruption, but an external _Salting_. Wherefore, as was said before, he must needs have mistaken the Process, and perhaps if Bodies were _Embalm’d_ this way with _Cedar_ (which _Nardius_ utterly denies) without Incision and Exenteration, it might be perform’d by filling the Head, Breast and Belly with Pitch of _Cedar_ (the way of doing which I shall hereafter show) and then infusing and macerating the Body in its liquid Juice or Oil: And that the _Egyptians_ us’d to _Embalm_ Bodies with _Cedar_, appears farther from their preserving _Crocodiles_, _Hawks_ and other Animals, [Sidenote: _Animals Embalm’d_ with _Cedar_.] which they worshipp’d, with _Nitre_ and the Liquor of _Cedar_, and afterwards anointing them with odoriferous Unguents, they bury’d them in Sacred Places: _Diodorus Siculus_, Lib. 5. cap. 2. says, the _Gauls_ were wont to deposite the Heads of their slain Enemies, that were of any Quality, in Chests, having first _Embalm’d_ them with Oil of _Cedar_, &c.

The third sort of _Embalming_, us’d for the poorer sort of People, was perform’d, as _Herodotus_ tells us, by washing the Belly, and then drying it with Salt for 70 Days, after which ’twas deliver’d to be carry’d away. Now, as _Clauder_ says, if this was done without Exenteration, it appears the least probable of all, as daily experience shows; therefore we must look on that Historian as too credulous in the Relation of some Things, and perhaps as one that had forgot other Operations to be done, or medicinal Species to be added: But if the Belly was open’d and thoroughly wash’d and cleans’d, the Bowels flung into the River or else bury’d, and the Vessels empty’d of their Blood and Juices, and then the Body salted and dry’d in the Sun, it might probably be render’d very hard and durable, and not liable to dissolve or melt by any Damps or Moisture, _Egypt_ being a warm Country, and enjoying a perpetual Serenity of Air, even as Flesh and Fish when salted and dry’d in the Wind, Sun or Smoak, _&c._ may be preserv’d for some Years, if kept in a dry and warm place. _Diodorus Siculus_ speaks nothing of this third sort of _Embalming_, and _Gabriel Clauder_, _Johannes Nardius_, _Bellonius_, and other Physicians assert, there were only two sorts, [Sidenote: Only two sorts of _Embalming_.] one for the Rich and Noble, perform’d after a more accurate and costly manner, and another more vile for the poorer Sort; for _Nardius_ is of Opinion, that which was suppos’d to be perform’d with _Cedar_, was only a cheat of the _Libitinarii_ to pick the Pockets of the richer People; the first sort being perform’d with odoriferous Gums and Spices, and the latter with a strong scented Bitumen call’d _Asphalt_, or for want of that with _Pissasphalt_, which things are not mention’d in the Accounts of _Herodotus_ and _Diodorus Siculus_ relating to _Embalming_; yet from the occular Demonstration of several eminent Physicians, and their Experiments and Dissections of such Bodies as are commonly brought over for _Mummies_, it is plainly prov’d they were prepar’d with this Bituminous Matter, therefore we will next describe what that is. Now seeing Authors so much confound _Asphalt_ with _Pissasphalt_, and thereby become mistaken even in the word _Mummy_, I think it very necessary to show their differences, they being two sorts of _Bitumen_ that were commonly us’d by the _Egyptians_ in their _Embalmings_.

[Sidenote: _Asphalt._]

First then of _Asphalt_, a natural _Bitumen_ of a viscous and glutinous Substance, which swims on the surface of the Lake _Asphaltites_ in _Palestine_ (above 100 Miles from _Damiata_ in _Egypt_, whereas _Le Bruyn_ is grosly mistaken when he makes it but two _Italian_ Miles, as before quoted, _p._ 143.) and being driven by the Winds on the Shoar, there condenses by the heat of the Sun, and becomes tough and hard like Pitch. There is also _Bitumen_ found in several other places, as _Dioscorides_ relates, _viz._ in _Phœnicia_, _Babylon_, _Sydon_, &c. But this which comes from the Lake _Asphaltites_ in _Judea_, thence call’d _Bitumen Judaicum_, is the best of all, being clean and shining, of a black or purplish Colour, of a strong Smell, and that may easily be burn’d and crumbl’d between the Fingers. With this _Asphalt_ were _Embalm’d_ those of a middle sort, [Sidenote: How us’d in _Embalming_.] but by reason it was of too dry a Substance, _Naptha_ and liquid _Bitumen_, or _Oleum Petroleum_ were usually added to it by melting over the Fire, and then the Body being boil’d therein, the _Embalming_ was finish’d according to the accustom’d manner: To this purpose Authors give these Reasons for the use of _Asphalt_, that by its astringent and exsiccating Nature, it restrains that moisture which would lead to Corruption, and no less by its balsamic Quality and Viscosity hinders the fluid Atoms of the Air from penetrating the internal parts of the Body, thereby opening a way for its Dissolution. In like manner the poorer Sort were _Embalm’d_ with _Pissasphalt_, made fluid by some of the above-mention’d Oils; and seeing likewise there were said to be two kinds of this, one Natural and another Artificial, we will next enquire into them:

[Sidenote: Natural _Pissasphalt_.]

The Natural _Pissasphalt_, according to _Dioscorides_, _Valerius Cordus_ his Commentator, and others, is a kind of _Bitumen_ flowing from certain Mountains call’d _Ceraunii Montes_ in _Apollonia_, near the City _Epidaurus_, now _Ragusa_, whence being carry’d by the impetuosity of the River, it is cast on the Shoar and there condens’d into Clods, smelling like to a mixture of _Pitch_ and _Bitumen_, from whence it came to be term’d by the _Greeks_ _Pissasphaltos, a_ πίσσα, _vel_ πίττα _pix, &_ ἄσφαλτος, _Bitumen, quasi dicas Pici Bitumen_, and had the same Virtues with _Pitch_ and _Bitumen_ or _Asphalt_ mix’d together. ’Tis brought in great Plenty from _Valona_ to _Venice_ for pitching Ships, which it admirably performs if mix’d with the Pitch of _Pine-Trees_. ’Tis also brought from _Dalmatia_, being there dug near _Lesina_, not far from _Narenta_, and is likewise found in _Hungary_, where the Inhabitants call it _Fossil_ Wax; moreover ’tis to be had in _Transilvania_, and the Germans name it =Erdtwachs= and =Bergwachs=, that is Wax generated in the Earth or Mountains. The _Spaniards_ likewise call it, _Cera de minera_, mineral Wax, perhaps from its Consistency; but the _Arabians_ term it _Mumia_, whence, it may be, _Embalm’d_ Bodies came to be call’d _Mummies_, [Sidenote: Call’d _Mummy_.] from their being preserv’d with this _Pissasphalt_, and this we are the more apt to believe, since the true _Asphalt_ or _Bitumen Judaicum_ was very scarce, nor is it now to be had in the Shops, as some believe, but _Pissasphalt_ is sold in its stead. _Brasavolus_ thinks those dry’d Bodies of the _Arabians_ and other Nations, brought to us from _Syria_ and _Egypt_ for _Mummies_, were only fill’d with _Pissasphalt_, inasmuch as being the poorer sort of People in those Countries, they could not be suppos’d to afford the expence of a better _Embalment_, for the Rich and Noble, whose Bodies were _Embalm’d_ more costly with _Myrrh_, _Aloes_, _Cinamon_, _Balsam_, _Saffron_, and the like, were so carefully inclos’d in their private Sepulchres, that it was not only a very difficult matter to get at them, but also more rare to bring any of them over; whereas the Bodies of the Poor and Ignoble, stuff’d only with _Pissasphalt_, of so mean a price and after so slight a manner, were to be come at with little trouble and less suspicion. Thus the _Syrians_ and _Egyptians_ were wont to condite their Bodies, and the _Arabians_ also, from what _Matthiolus_ could learn from their Writings, esteem’d _Mummy_ to be _Pissasphalt_ rather than _Asphalt_, for, as _Avicenna_ writes, _Mummy_ performs the very same thing as _Asphalt_ does, when mix’d with _Pitch_; from whence we may easily conjecture, that the Bodies were only prepar’d with _Pissasphalt_. [Sidenote: _Bodies_ only prepar’d with _Pissasphalt_.] With this also _Serapio_ agrees, who, discoursing of _Mummy_, according to the Authority of _Dioscorides_, delivers the very same words as he does of _Pissasphalt_, affirming, there is _Mummy_ or _Pissasphalt_ in the Land of _Apollonia_, which, descending from the Mountains by the course of the River, is cast upon its Banks, and there coagulated like Wax, having the Smell of _Pitch_ mix’d with _Asphalt_, with some _Fætor_, and its Virtue is like to _Pitch_ and _Asphalt_ mix’d together, whence ’tis also thought our _Mummy_ is rather _Pissasphalt_ than _Asphalt_; for altho’ _Strabo_ says, The _Bitumen Judaicum_ was us’d for preserving Bodies, nevertheless he does not deny but they mix’d _Pitch_ with _Bitumen_, which makes an artificial _Pissasphalt_; [Sidenote: Artificial _Pissasphalt_.] but _Serapio_ and _Avicenna_ knew these Mixtures very well, since not only the _Syrians_, but, their Countrymen the _Mauritanians_ also made use of it. Also that which is sold to us for _Mummy_, is only the Body of an _Egyptian_, _Arabian_, or the like, _Embalm’d_ with _Pissasphalt_, neither is it always properly so, says _Struppius_, for they sometimes us’d to lay the Bones of a Human Body in their proper places, and pour’d over them melted _Pissasphalt_, [Sidenote: Sophisticate _Mummy_.] which working into the natural form and shape of the Body, they sent over for _Mummy_, and such is that which is brought to us even at this Day, having no particle of _Myrrh_, _Aloes_, _Balsam_, &c. mix’d with it, as manifestly appears from its Smell, Taste and Colour.

Thus having shew’d how the _Egyptians_ preserv’d their Dead after several ways, as by _Salination_ with _Aromatics_, _Salination_ with _Cedar_, _Asphalt_ or _Pissasphalt_, and by _Salination_ with _Salt_ alone, according to the Accounts of _Herodotus_, _Diodorus Siculus_ and the Observations of other Persons upon them, I will next add some other Remarks concerning the Nature of their _Embalmings_, and the respective Works of the several Persons employ’d therein; likewise, the manner of Rouling, Painting and Dressing their Dead, with the Ceremonies of Judging them, ferrying them over the Lake, keeping them in their Houses, setting them at their Tables, pawning them, _&c._

First then, we will suppose the _Egyptians_ had a certain Temple or Office wherein all Things were kept in order for _Embalming_ a Body, [Sidenote: An _Office_ of _Embalming_.] to which there belong’d, and where there resided all sorts of Persons who perform’d any particular part of that _Art_, as Washing, Salting, Anointing, _&c._ or else prepar’d any kind of Necessaries for the Funeral Pomp. Now these were distinguish’d by the several Names of a _Priest_ or _Physician_, an _Embalmer_ or _Surgeon_, a _Pollinctor_ or _Apothecary_, a _Dissector_ or _Anatomist_, a _Salinator_ or _Salter_ and a _Designer_ or _Painter_, also Νεκροκόσμος, a _Dresser_ of the Dead, and Ἐνταφιαστής, one that furnish’d all Necessaries for the Funeral, and bury’d the Body, being call’d in _Latin_ _Libitinarius_: That there was such an Office, appears not only from these several Persons, mention’d by _Herodotus_ and _Diodorus Siculus_, who were employ’d therein, and either profess’d the _Art of Embalming_, or perform’d some other part belonging to the Funeral Pomp, but is also prov’d from their saying, _That the dead Body was carry’d out to be Embalm’d_, which plainly implies some certain place allotted for that purpose. First therefore, we will suppose there belong’d to this Office a Clerk, [Sidenote: The _Clerk_.] who shew’d, the Friends of the Deceas’d, Patterns of all sorts of things belonging either to the _Libitinarii_ or Furnishers of the _Funeral_, or to the _Curatores Corporis_, the _Embalmers_, who having agreed with them after what manner, and at what Price they would have it done, enter’d it into a Book, and took care to see it perform’d accordingly. The President or Head of this College, we take to be one who was both a _Priest_ and _Physician_, [Sidenote: The _Physician_.] and therefore was highly Honour’d, and had in the greatest Esteem and Respect. As a _Priest_ he was qualify’d to instruct the several Officers in all Funeral Rites and Ceremonies, and confirm the People in the _Metempsychosis_, upon which those Matters were grounded: As a _Physician_, being skill’d in the _Art of Embalming_, and the Nature of all Vegetables and Minerals, he prescrib’d balsamic Medicines and odoriferous Unguents for the _Apothecary_ to compound and apply pursuant to his Directions, and instructed the _Surgeon_ how to perform the manual Operation. That there was a _Physician_ made use of in _Embalming_, appears very plainly from the Second Verse of the 50th Chapter of _Genesis_, where _Moses_, speaking of the Death of _Jacob_, says his Son _Joseph commanded his Servants, the Physicians, to Embalm his Father, and the Physicians Embalm’d Israel_; where by _his Servants, the Physicians_, seems to be meant either those properly belonging to his Person, it being antiently a Custom for Princes and Noble Men to have such in their Families to wait upon and take care of them, or by the Repetition _The Physicians Embalm’d_ Israel, might be meant those of the _Office_, since _Joseph_, being Viceroy of _Egypt_, might well command them, they being all his Servants and in subjection to him. [Sidenote: _Embalming_ of _Jacob_.] This leads me to digress a little in order to give a further Account of the _Embalming Jacob_, whereby will appear how far those Heathen Writers before-mention’d agree with the _Scripture_. First then there was a great necessity for _Embalming Jacob_, by reason his Body was to be carry’d a great way to his Sepulchre, and both _Herodotus_ and _Diodorus Siculus_ tell us, there were those in _Egypt_ that profess’d the Art of preserving Bodies from Corruption, which ’tis plain was part of the Physicians Emploiment, for the word _Ropheim_ (which we Translate _Physicians_) constantly signifies in Scripture such as cur’d or heal’d sick Bodies; but the LXX. here aptly enough Translate it Ἐνταφιαστὰς, (those that prepar’d and fitted Bodies for their Interment by _Embalming_ as we, says the Bishop of _Ely_, likewise Translate it) because that was their proper Business; whence ’tis _Pliny_, Lib. 11. chap. 37. says, _Mos est Ægyptiis Cadavera asservare Medicata_, _’Tis the Custom among the_ Egyptians _to preserve dead Bodies by the Physicians Art_. In this Art they excell’d all the World besides, Bodies of their _Embalming_ remaining entire even to this Day, and no question but _Joseph_, who spar’d neither Cost nor Pains, had his Father _Embalm’d_ after the noblest manner. [Sidenote: Perform’d in _Forty Days_.] _And Forty Days were fulfill’d for him (for so are fulfill’d the Days of those that are Embalm’d) and the Egyptians Mourn’d for him Threescore and Ten Days_, ver. 3. That is, Forty Days were spent in _Embalming_ him, which could not be finish’d in a shorter Time, for _Diodorus Siculus_ tells us of several Officers that were employ’d about it one after another, and that they anointed the dead Body with _Balsam_ of _Cedar_ for above 30 Days, and afterwards with _Myrrh_, _Cinamon_, and the like, which might make up the residue of 40 Days: But _Herodotus_ differs from him in this, by adding 30 Days more for Salting the Body with _Nitre_, which makes in all 70 Days, the full Time of their Mourning, [Sidenote: The _Time_ of their _Mourning_.] they being accustom’d to spend all that Time, which they were _Embalming_ the Body and preparing for the Funeral, in Mourning, the manner of which we have before describ’d, _p._ 241, 243, 245, 247. so shall here only farther take notice what some object, that this Mourning was immoderate, having more of Ambition than Piety in it; to which _Jacobus Capellus_ answers, That granting it be true, that _Joseph_ did not bring in this Custom, and had peculiar Reason to follow what he found in use, that they might be more condemn’d who vex’d the innocent Posterity, on whose Parent they had bestow’d Royal Honours; there is besides something due to Kings and great Men to distinguish them from common People. _Now when the Days of Mourning were past_, that is 70 Days, _Joseph went up to Bury his Father, and with him went up all the Servants of Pharaoh, the Elders of his House, and all the Elders of the Land of Egypt_, [Sidenote: _Funeral Procession._] ver. 7. The principal Persons in Authority and Dignity throughout the whole Country, as well such as were Governors of Provinces and Cities, Counsellors, _&c._ as such as were principal Officers at Court. _And all the House of Joseph, and his Brethren, and his Fathers House_, ver. 8. _And there went up with him both Chariots and Horsemen_, v. 9. as a Guard to him, which ’tis likely always attended him, as Viceroy of the Kingdom, but now might be necessary for his safety as he pass’d thro’ the Desarts. _And it was a very great Company._ That he might appear in great State at such a Solemnity. _When they came beyond Jordan they mourn’d with a great and very sore Lamentation seven Days_, the Time of public Mourning among the _Jews_ in succeeding Ages, as appears from several Instances, particularly, 1 _Sam._ 31. 13. _Eccl._ 22. 13. _Judith_ 16. 20. Moreover this shows the Lamentation was so exceeding great, that the Place where it was made was afterwards call’d _Abel-Mizraim_, [Sidenote: _Abel-Mizraim._] that is, _The Mourning of the_ Egyptians. But how they bury’d _Jacob_ when they came into _Canaan_, as also concerning the nature of the Cave wherein they laid him, see the Bishop of _Ely_’s Notes on the 50th Chapter of _Genesis_, from whom I have chiefly extracted this; and other Commentators, for I think it high time to return to the _Embalming_ of the _Egyptians_, according to the propos’d institution of an Office, in which having already shown the respective Emploiments of the _Clerk_ and _Priest_ or _Physician_, we shall next proceed to speak of the _Surgeon_ or _Embalmer_, and of all other inferior Officers under him, such as the _Dissector_, _Emboweller_, _Pollinctor_, _Salter_, and other dependant Servants, as _Dressers of the Dead_, _Painters_, _Carvers_, and the like.

[Sidenote: The _Surgeon_.]

The _Surgeon_, who was the chief _Embalmer_, generally directed and took care to see the several Operations perform’d in due order, and sometimes did them himself; for tho’ the _Curatores Corporis_, that were his Assistants and Servants, commonly Dissected, Embowell’d, Wash’d, Anointed and _Embalm’d_ the Bodies of the meaner sort of People, yet when any Prince or Nobleman was to be _Embalm’d_, after the richest and most curious manner, he perform’d the chief part of the Work himself, and this he was the more capable of as being both an exquisite _Anatomist_, and well vers’d in the Nature of all _Balsamic_ Medicines, whether _Galenical_ or _Chymical_, and tho’ he might be something inferior to the _Physician_, yet in conjunction with him, was he both the better able to consider the Nature of the deceas’d Person’s Distemper, or Cause of his Death, and accordingly to proceed in his _Embalming_; and lastly, he was very dextrous and knowing in the _Art_ of _Bandage_, whereby it appears his chief Business was to _Embalm_ and Roul up the Body, which, in respect to its being thus preserv’d by Balsamic and Medicinal Ingredients, artificially and topically apply’d, was said to be _Corpus Medicatum_, [Sidenote: _Corpus Medicatum._] a Body preserv’d from Putrifaction by _Embalming_. Now I cannot imagine, as some Authors affirm, they did this always in one road or manner, but that the Physician vary’d his Prescriptions, by adding one thing and subtracting another, increasing the quantity of one Ingredient or diminishing that of another, according to the Constitution of the Person, and Nature of his Disease, agreeable to which was the _Embalming_ perform’d; for ’tis certain some Medicines are more prevalent against Putrifactions than others, and that there ought to be a difference, as well, in the Composition of the Medicine, as in the _Embalming_ one that dy’d only thro’ a natural Decay, one that dy’d of some malignant Distemper, or one that dy’d of a _Hectic_ Feaver, which consumes and dries up the radical Moisture of the Body, and one that dy’d of a _Dropsie_, which colliquates the Body and makes it fluid with its Waters. In a word, there ought to be a difference even in an old Body and a Young; therefore, as the Doctor’s Prescriptions were vary’d, according to these Considerations, so was there a greater occasion for a skilful Apothecary, to take care of and see to the compounding the _Aromatic Powders_, _Oils_, _Balsams_, _Ointments_, _Cerecloths_, _Tinctures_, _Spirits_, and the like analogous Things, and their Application, according to the Directions of the _Doctor_; and as the _Surgeon_ had under him a _Dissector_, &c. [Sidenote: _Dissector._] who embowell’d and wash’d the Body, and did the like inferior Businesses, so had the _Apothecary_ Servants under him to make up the Medicines, administer Clysters and Injections, and to Anoint the Body, thence call’d _Pollinctors_. [Sidenote: _Pollinctor._] Thus was the chief Concern of the _Embalming_ a Body manag’d by the Advice and Assistance of the _Physician_, _Surgeon_ and _Apothecary_, as indeed it ought also to be perform’d at this Day, and not to have ignorant _Undertakers_ direct and act all things at their pleasure. But when Bodies were to be _Embalm’d_ without _Gums_, _Spices_, _Cedria_, _Asphalt_, _Pissasphalt_ or the like, such as the poorest People, who could not be at the expence of them, they were chiefly committed to the Care of the _Taricheutæ_ or _Salitores_, [Sidenote: _Taricheutæ Salitores._] who only prepar’d and dry’d them with _Salt_, and then such Bodies were call’d _Corpora Condita_, pickl’d or salted Bodies. [Sidenote: _Corpora Condita._] Thus having shown the principal Persons of this _Office_, and who directed and perform’d the _Embalming_, we will next give an account of those that provided all things necessary for the Funeral. These were such as the _Greeks_ call’d Ἐνταφιαστής, [Sidenote: Ἐνταφιαστής,] he that got the Body ready and prepar’d all Necessaries for the Interment; [Sidenote: Ἐνταφιοπώλις.] Ἐνταφιοπώλις, he that sold all Matters appertaining to Funerals, and Νεκροκόσμος the Dresser, [Sidenote: Νεκροκόσμος,] or one that put on the Ornaments of the Dead: But all these were term’d by the _Romans_ in general _Libitinarii_, [Sidenote: _Libitinarii._] the _Undertakers_ and _Furnishers_ of Funerals, who had the Care of preparing, letting out or selling the Ornaments and Dresses for the Dead, and of providing Mourners, mourning Habits, and whatever else was necessary for the Funeral Pomp; nay who eas’d the afflicted Friends of their Trouble. They were thus nam’d from _Libitina_, a Goddess whom the Ancients believ’d to preside over Funerals, and some took to be _Proserpina_, but others _Venus_, thereby to show, that as she was at the beginning of Life by Generation, so was she likewise at the end or conclusion thereof, inasmuch as in her Temple were kept and sold all things necessary for Funeral-Solemnities. Other _Officers_ were the _Herald_, _Painter_, _Carver_, &c.

[Sidenote: The _Herald_.]

The _Herald’s_ Business was to proclaim and give notice of the approaching Funeral, to summon and invite the Company, and lastly to marshall them in the Funeral-Procession, according to their respective Dignities and Quality. [Sidenote: _Painter._] The _Painter_ was to gild or paint the Body and Coffin, with _Hieroglyphic_ Characters, _&c._ [Sidenote: _Carver._] And the _Carver_ to make the Models of Wood that were to be shown to the deceas’d Person’s Friends, to denote that they _Embalm’d_ Bodies three several Ways, and at as many different Rates; they likewise wrought the Coffins into the shape and form of the Deceas’d. But we shall speak more of these in their order, after having first given some Particulars relating to the several Methods of the _Egyptian Embalming_, not hitherto so fully describ’d. [Sidenote: _Embalming_ with _Cedar_.] First then, we believe the manner of _Embalming_ with _Cedar_ might probably be invented to satisfie such whose Consciences would admit of no Dissection at all, and the most likely Method of performing it was by injecting into the _Brain_, thro’ the _Nostrils_, into the _Thorax_, thro’ the _Aspera Arteria_, and into the _Stomach_ and _Intestines_, thro’ the _Oesophagus_ and _Anus_, _Oil_ of _Cedar_, by the help of a _Siringe_ and _Dilator_. This being a subtil, hot, and rectify’d Oil of a _Caustic_ Nature, wasted and consum’d the Bowels like to quick Lime, and then the Body being hung up or plac’d in a declining posture, they press’d and squeez’d out the said Oil, which brought away with it the Bowels wasted. Then the Corps being wash’d and cleans’d, they again injected into all the _Cavities_ and _Venters_, as much as they could of a _Balsam_ distill’d from the Pitch of young _Cedars_, which being depriv’d of its corrosive and subtil Oil, had nothing of a _Caustic_ Quality remaining in it, but consisted only of drying, exsiccating and _Balsamic_ Parts. Then they laid the Body in Pickle for 70 Days; after which, having wip’d it, they anointed it with a sweet and drying Ointment, which perhaps from the _Basis_ of its Composition might be term’d _Unguentum Cedrinum_, [Sidenote: _Unguentum Cedrinum._] and then dry’d it in the Sun or otherwise, by which means all remaining Moisture, and the thinner and more subtil parts of the _Balsam_ being evaporated, the Body became hard, firm and solid, like to a _Colophony_ of Turpentine or Pitch.

[Sidenote: _Embalming_ with _Pissasphalt_.]

The second Way of _Embalming_ among the _Egyptians_ was perform’d with natural or factitious _Pissasphalt_, just in the same manner as I shall show with _Asphalt_, but only the natural _Pissasphalt_ was us’d for the midling sort of People, and the factitious for the poorer and common People and Slaves; nor was there any Curiosity in these more than the usual Exenteration, Salination and Coction in the _Bitumens_, for they neither us’d Roulers nor bestow’d Coffins on them.

The third sort, which was for the more substantial People, [Sidenote: _Embalming_ with _Asphalt_.] was more costly and exact, and perform’d with _Asphalt_ after this manner: The Corps being open’d, embowell’d, wash’d, cleans’d and salted after the usual Method, was put into a large Cauldron fill’d with _Asphalt_, or _Bitumen Judaicum_, made fluid with _Naptha_, and then boil’d ’till it had melted the Fat, and consum’d all the Humors and Juices which are the Principals of Corruption, by which means the soft parts of the Flesh were made firm, and the whole Body penetrated, and as it were pitch’d to the Marrow of the Bones, with this Bituminous Liquor. Then being taken out of the Cauldron, and swath’d up whilst it was yet hot, it at length became petrify’d and hard like to Marble.

_J. Sturt sculp._

_To Charles Bernard Esq^r. Serjeant Surgeon:
Who has been pleased to encourage this Work,
This Plate is humbly dedicated by
His most humble servant_ Tho. Greenhill.
]

[Sidenote: _Embalming_ with _Aromatics_ and _Balsams_.]

The fourth and last way is both Noble and Expensive, and was perform’d to the utmost Perfection, Art and Skill. The _Brain_ being extracted, and the _Thorax_ and _Abdomen_ releas’d of their _Viscera_, all the Cavities were thoroughly cleans’d with aromatiz’d Wine, and then repleted with a Composition of _Myrrh_, _Aloes_, _Cinamon_, _Opobalsamum_, _Saffron_, and the like; after which, they sew’d up the Incisions, and salted the Body with _Nitre_ for 70 Days, and then wiping and drying it from the Pickle or Salt, they anointed it with an Ointment made of aromatic, balsamic and odoriferous Ingredients, whence some Authors have call’d a Body so prepar’d, _Funus odoratum_. [Sidenote: _Funus odoratum._] This done, they swath’d it up with Roulers made of fine Linnen, and dipp’d in some _Balsam_, _Ointment_ or _Cerecloth_, which being dry, serv’d like Glue to stop the Pores, and hinder the Dissipation of the volatil parts of the Aromatics, as well as the Penetration of the Air. _Guichard_, cap. 10. p. 479. _des Funerailles des Ægyptiens_, thinks this Gum to have been _Acacia_, of which see _Dioscorides_, Lib. 1. cap. 134. _& apud Mathiol._ p. 115. But _Bellonius_ and other Authors think the Gum which _Herodotus_ says the _Egyptians_ us’d instead of Glue was _Cedria_, besmear’d on the Roulers in manner of a Cerecloth: [Sidenote: _Roulers_ how prepar’d, _&c._] Others say the Body was first anointed with a Gum, and then wrapped up in fine Linnen, and _Casalius de veter. Ægyptior. Ritibus_, p. 30. says, _Gummi Oleo inungebant_, which is more agreeable to the Observations I have made, That the Roulers seem’d either dipp’d _in Oleo seu Unguento Cedrino_, or after the Body was anointed with it, roul’d up and finish’d, then that the Bandages were prepar’d after the manner of a Cerecloth, with _Gum_ or _Rosin_ of _Cedar_, because this would have made them hard and brittle, whereas those which I have seen, were pliable and free from any _Gum_ or _Embalming_ Matter adhering to them, and no ways different from other Linnen, but only of a Cinnamon or Snuff-Colour; so that probably they might dip or anoint them with the Oil or Ointment of _Cedar_, rather to make them lasting and durable than to stick to the Body; for _Greaves_ tells us in his _Pyramidographia_, p. 50. that he had seen some of these Roulers so strong and perfect, as if they had been made but Yesterday. With these they bound and swath’d the dead Body, beginning at the Head and ending with the Feet. Over these again they wound others, so often one upon another, that there could not be less than a 1000 ells upon one Body. They interwove these Roulers so artificially and in such manner, says _Kircher_, as would puzzle the Ingenuity and tire the Industry of our Modern _Surgeons_ to find out, yet, with submission to him, it may not be so difficult to perform by any one tollerably skill’d in the _Art_ of _Bandage_ as he imagines, for, as I take it, they began with the Feet and Hands, and ended with the Head, contrary to what _Greaves_ asserts, tho’ I cannot say this of my own Knowledge, having never had any opportunity of unrouling such Bodies, but only offer the Consideration thereof, according to the appearance of the following Figures, of which the first shows the interior artificial Circumvolutions of the Roulers, the Body being first wrapp’d in fine Linnen, wherein _Egypt_ excell’d, as the Holy Scriptures testifie, _Prov._ 7. 16. &c. The second Figure represents the manner of the next Rouling, and the fourth shews the external Ornaments, painted with _Hierogliphics_, &c. [Sidenote: _Designer_ or _Painter_.] For when the Body was thus roul’d, the _Designer_ or _Painter_ cover’d the superficies of the Roulers with a kind of Paste or Gum, on which he gilded and painted Cyphers, Figures, Letters, Characters and other _Hieroglyphics_. The third Figure shows a Case to keep the Body in, made of Linnen, and painted in like manner with _Hieroglyphics_ in distinct Colours, having been found in the _Musæum_ of _Johannes Nardius_. Now concerning the nature and signification of these _Hieroglyphics_, [Sidenote: _Hieroglyphic_ Characters.] Authors variously write; but none have taken so much Pains, or div’d so far into the meaning of them, as the Learned _Kircher_, who pretends to explain all the _Hieroglyphic_ Characters painted on the Roulers and Coffins of the _Mummies_, in his _Oedipi Ægyptiaci Theatrum Hieroglyphicum_, where also, _p._ 412 and 414. you may find the particular Explanations of the third and fourth Figures. But since there remains no Alphabet or Dictionary of these Characters (for the entire Knowledge of _Hieroglyphics_ perish’d at the Time the _Egyptian_ Ceremonies ceas’d, and were abolish’d by the Irruption _Cambyses_ made into _Egypt_) we believe all those assiduous Penetrations into these Mysteries by _Kircher_ and _R. P. Menestrier_, are but imperfect Conjectures and meer Imaginations. However, having spoken of the _Egyptian_ Language in no part of this Book before, it may not be amiss to insert here some few Particulars concerning it. [Sidenote: Two sorts of _Languages_ and _Characters_.] First then, there were two sorts of Languages and Characters among the _Egyptians_; one common and us’d by all, constituted for their Trade and Commerce with Mankind, and which was that Tongue or Idiom call’d the _Coptic_ or _Pharonic_, and the other us’d only by Priests, Prophets, _Hierogrammatists_ or Holy Writers, and the like Persons in Sacerdotal Orders. The first was written from the Right Hand to the Left in Characters not unlike the old _Greek_; but the latter consisted not of Letters, Syllables or Words, but thro’ the Image and Pictures of Things, they endeavour’d to deliver their hidden Conceits in the Letters and Language of Nature. Thus by a representation of the several Parts and Actions of Man, the shape of Artificers Tools and Instruments, the form of all sorts of Animals, Beasts, Birds and Fish, the resemblance of the Sun, Moon, Planets and the like, they exactly read and understood every thing couch’d within those _Hieroglyphics_. For Example, the Crocodile was the Emblem of Malice; the Eye the Preserver of Justice and the Guard of the Body; the Right Hand, with its Fingers open, signify’d Plenty, and the Left, with its Fingers clos’d, Preservation and Custody of Mens Goods and Estates. To express their _Eneph_ or Creator of the World, the _Egyptians_ describ’d an old Man in a blew Mantle, with an Egg in his Mouth, which was the Emblem of the World, and express’d their Notion of Divinity by an Eye on a Scepter, by an Eagle’s Head, _&c._ Of which see more in Sir _Thomas Brown_’s _Vulgar Errors_, cap. 20. where he rightly observes, that of all Nations that suffer’d by the Confusion of _Babel_, the _Egyptians_ found the best Evasion; for tho’ Words were confounded, they invented a Language of Things, and spake to each other by common Notions in Nature, whereby they discours’d in silence, and were intuitively understood from the Theory of their Impressions; for they assum’d the shapes of Animals common to all Eyes, and by their Conjunctions and Compositions were able to communicate their Conception to any that co-apprehended the _Syntaxis_ of their Natures. This many conceive to have been the Primitive way of Writing, and of greater Antiquity than Letters; and this Language indeed might _Adam_ well have spoken, who understanding the Nature of Things, had the advantage of Natural Expressions, _&c._ But to add two or three Examples more out of _Orus_: For Eternity the _Egyptians_ painted the Sun and Moon, as Things which they believ’d to have had no beginning, nor were likely to have any ending; for a Year they painted a Snake with his Tail in his Mouth, to show how, one Year succeeding another, the World was still kept in an endless Circle; for a Month they painted a Palm-Tree, by reason at every new Moon that Tree sends forth a new Branch; for GOD they painted a Falcon, as well in that he soars so exceeding high, as that he governs the lesser Birds, for Integrity of Life they painted Fire and Water, both because these Elements are in themselves most pure, and by reason all other Things are purify’d by them; for any thing that was abominable to the Gods they painted a Fish, because in their Sacrifices the Priests never us’d them, and the like of which you will find innumerable Instances in _Pierius_’s Book of the _Egyptian Hieroglyphics_. Now what so great a number of these Sacred Characters inscrib’d on their _Obelisks_ and _Mummies_ signify’d, Authors seem to differ about, some looking on them as _Charms_ and _Necromancy_, [Sidenote: _Hieroglyphics_, their _Signification_.] and others thinking they did thereby endeavour not so much to express as hide their Meanings, to amuse and awe the Vulgar; but I am more inclinable to think they always contain’d some History of the Life and Death, Virtues and Actions of the Deceas’d, or else some Religious Ceremonies, and the like; for _Diodorus Siculus_, Lib. 1. cap. 4. writes of _Sesoosis_, that he erected two Obelisks of polish’d Marble 120 Cubits high, on which were inscrib’d a Description of the large extent of his Empire, the great Value of his Revenue, and the number of the Nations by him conquer’d; and what sort of Writing this was, is explain’d a little before, where, speaking of the like Works, he says, he erected Pillars whereon were inscrib’d in _Egyptian_ Letters call’d _Hieroglyphics_ these Words: Sesoosis _King of Kings and Lord of Lords subdu’d this Country by his Arms_. Also _Lib._ 5. _cap._ 3. he writes of a Golden Pillar whereon were Letters inscrib’d, call’d by the _Egyptians_ Sacred Writing, expressing the famous Actions of _Uranus_, _Jupiter_, _Diana_ and _Apollo_, written, as they say, by _Mercury_ himself, whom most Authors agree with him to have been the first Inventor of these _Hieroglyphic Characters_.

[Sidenote: _Dresses_ and _Ornaments_ of the _Mummies_.]