Chapter XIV: Letter II (7)

But to return to the manner of _dressing_ and _adorning_ the _Embalm’d_ Bodies, such as is represented in Figure the 4th, where you may see the Image and Form of a Woman set off with various Ornaments, the signification of whose _Hieroglyphic Characters_ you have explain’d by _Kircher_, in the Book and Page before-mention’d; we shall next proceed to give an account of an extraordinary fine _Mummy_ which _Pietro della Valle_ saw and describes in this manner, _viz._ That upon it was the Figure of a young Man, dress’d in a long Gown, gilded and sprinkl’d over with _Hieroglyphic_ Emblems from Head to Foot, set off with precious Stones, with the Hair of his Head black and curl’d, and his Beard of the same colour, but short; a Chain of Gold hung about his Neck, having a Medal with the Image of the Bird _Ibis_ on it, with many other Marks and Characters, which give us to understand this young Man was possess’d of great Dignities. In his Right Hand he held a Golden Bason full of red Liquor, and in his Left a Fruit somewhat resembling an Apple: He had a Gold-Ring on his Thumb, and another on his little Finger, likewise Sandals which cover’d the Soles of his Feet only, and were ty’d above the Instep with Straps or Latchets. On a Fillet or Rouler hanging at his Girdle, one might plainly read the word _Eutichi_, which signifies _Good Time_. By his side was a Woman yet more richly and mysteriously adorn’d, with an Ox, the Image of _Apis_ or _Isis_, at her Feet. In a word, both these Figures were painted like to the Saints of the Ancients. When the dead Bodies of the _Egyptians_ were _Embalm’d_, roul’d, painted and adorn’d after the manner we have describ’d, as you may partly see at Figures the first, second and fourth, they put them into Cases or Coffins made of Linnen pasted to a great thickness, or else of Wood carv’d in the similitude and likeness of the Person deceas’d, as you may see at Figures the third and fifth; the first of which shows the back part of a Linnen-Case for a _Mummy_, painted with several Colours, as is to be seen in the Collection of _Johannes Nardius_; and the other how a roul’d Body lies plac’d in a wooden Coffin, as may be seen in the _Musæum_ of the Great Duke of _Tuscany_.

Jos. Nutting Sculp.

To D^r. John Lawson who has been pleas’d to encourage this Work, this
Plate is humbly dedicated by his most humble Servant Thomas
Greenhill.
]

[Sidenote: _Coffins_ of _Sycamore_.]

These Coffins were sometimes made of _Cedar_, but most commonly of _Sycamore_, a large Tree, very plentifully growing in _Egypt_ and _Judæa_, which bears Leaves like to the _Mulberry_-Tree, but larger, and Fruit like to a Fig, not sprouting from the Branches, but from the Stock or Body of the Tree. ’Tis call’d by us the _Egyptian_ Fig, by them _Giumez_. Its Leaves afford a pleasant shade, its Fruit refreshment to such as Travel in the Plains of those hot Countries, and its Wood serves not only for Coffins but Buildings. ’Tis also a Tree so lasting and well rooted, that the _Sycamore_ which _Zacheus_ ascended, is still shown in _Judæa_ to Travellers, as is also the hollow _Sycamore_ at _Matarea_ in _Egypt_, where the Blessed Virgin is said to have remain’d for some Time, which tho’ it savour of the Legend, says Sir _Thomas Brown_ in his Observations on _Scripture-Plants_, p. 12. yet it plainly shows what Opinion the _Egyptians_ had of the lasting Condition of this Tree to countenance their Tradition, of which likewise they might not be without some Experience, since the Learned _Greaves_ observes, _p._ 57. that the old _Egyptians_ made Coffins of this Wood, of which there are many frequently found among the _Mummies_, very fair, entire and free from Corruption even at this Day, nay after the Revolution perhaps of 3000 Years. Of these Coffins _Greaves_ tells us, _p._ 50. he had seen many fashion’d after the likeness of a Man, or rather resembling one of those _Embalm’d_ Bodies, which, as we have describ’d before, are bound about with Fillets or Roulers, and wrapp’d in a Shroud of Linnen; for as in those there is the shape of a Head, with a kind of painted Vizard or Mask fastned to them, but without any appearance of their Arms or Legs, in like manner is it with these Coffins, the Lids of which have the shape of the Head of a Man, with a Face painted on it resembling a Woman, the residue being one continued Trunk. At the end of this Trunk is a Pedestal somewhat broad, on which it stood upright in the Reconditory, as _Herodotus_ relates. Some of these Coffins are handsomly painted without with several _Hieroglyphics_; opening two of them he found within, over the Body, [Sidenote: _Scroles_ painted with _Characters_, &c.] divers Scroles fastned to the Linnen-Shroud: These were painted with Sacred _Characters_, in Colours very lively and fresh, among which were, in a larger size, the Pictures both of Men and Women, some headed like Hawks, others like Dogs, _&c._ These Scroles ran either down the Belly and Sides, or else were plac’d on the Knees and Legs. On the Feet was a Linnen-Cover (and so were all the Scroles before-mention’d of Linnen, it being not lawful for them to use Woollen) painted with _Hieroglyphics_, and fashion’d like a high Slipper. On the Breast was a kind of Breast-Plate, made with folds of Linnen cut Scallop-wise, richly painted and gilt. In the midst of the bend at the top, was the Face of a Woman with her Arms extended, on each side, at the two outmost ends, was the Head of a Hawk fairly gilt, by which they represented the Divine Nature. Thus far _Greaves_. Moreover _Thevenot_, _Bellonius_, _Nardius_ and others observe, [Sidenote: Several things found included in the _Mummies_,] that the _Egyptians_ were wont to put within the Cavities of the Breasts and Bellies of their _Embalm’d_ Bodies, such Things as they generally lov’d most in their Life-Time, _viz._ Books, Writings, Arms, Medals, Money and pieces of Antiquity, little Vessels, or any sort of antient Houshold-Goods; also little Idols and Images of the Gods which they Worshipp’d whilst alive, _&c._ _Kircher_ tells us in his _Oedipus Ægyptiacus Theatr. Hierogl._ p. 420. that _Nardius_ sent him two Roulers mark’d with _Hieroglyphics_, and roul’d up in the manner of a Scrole, taken out of the Breast or Belly of a Mummy; adding also that the _Egyptians_ did not only look on such _Hieroglyphics_ as Symbols of the greatest Secrecy, but also that they had a power to obtain Protection of those Gods to whom they were fastned, and that these Roulers signify’d nothing else but the Funeral Pomp, which was perform’d as magnificently as possible, especially if it were of a King, Priest or the like, the Explanation whereof see in the Page above-mention’d. _Gulielmus Rondeletus_, a Physician of _Montpelier_, kept as a great Rarity 20 Leaves of antient Paper, [Sidenote: as _Papers_,] taken out of the Breast of a _Mummy_, which was fill’d with old _Arabic_ Letters, yet none could read it, tho’ the _Jews_ of _Avignon_ conjectur’d it contain’d the Life of the Deceas’d; but nothing is so commonly found in these Mummies, as Idols of various sizes, tho’ generally about half a Foot or a Span long, form’d either of Potters Earth, glaz’d or varnish’d and bak’d, or else of Stone, Metal, Wood or the like. Some of all these kinds Mr. _Greaves_ brought over, and particularly mentions one cut out of a _Magnes_ or Loadstone, in the form and bigness of a _Scarabæus_: See _p._ 48. of his _Pyramidographia_. _Camerarius_, _Horar. subcisivar._ Cent. 1. cap. 14. speaks more remarkably of those made of Brass, [Sidenote: _Brass-Images_,] affirming they were chiefly us’d in that manner, by reason they had great Virtue to preserve dead Bodies from Putrifaction, especially, since _Pierius_ in his Book of _Hieroglyphics_ witnesses, that Brass-Nails were stuck into the Body for the same purpose; but this is not to be credited by any one physically skill’d in the Virtues of Minerals, _&c._ We have more reason to believe these Idols were so plac’d out of Superstition, especially seeing many are the Figures of _Isis_, _Osiris_, and other Gods; nor did they only place them in the inside of dead Bodies, but also hung them there on the out-side, sewing them to the Roulers and Ornaments, and likewise plac’d them in their Sepulchres: These from their Office or Use were distinguish’d by several Names, [Sidenote: _Averruncal_ and] such as _Averruncal_ or _Apotropæan_ Gods, so call’d because they were thought to avert Evil; [Sidenote: _Prophylactic_ Statues.] others were term’d _Prophylactic_ Statues or Portable _Amulets_, which they carry’d as Charms about their Necks, Arms and Girdles; and a third sort, in general Esteem among them, [Sidenote: _Serapes._] were the _Serapes_, the same with what the _Hebrews_ call’d _Teraphim_, the _Latins_, _Penates_ and _Lares_, being _Tutelar_ Gods, appointed to defend and keep certain Places, and some of these they carry’d along with them where-ever they went. Of this number were _Osiris_, _Isis_, _Nepthe_, _Horus_, _Harpocrates_, _Arveris_, _Apopis_ and innumerable others of the like kind, which altho’ they were all in the Nature of _Genii_, and the same in Substance, differing only in their Effects, yet, says _Kircher_, as they were deputed to the Custody of private Things, so they obtain’d the Name of _Tutelar_ Gods, and were accordingly Worshipp’d for private Deities. Thus some were Country-Gods, others Defenders of Cities, and a third sort Keepers of private Houses. There have been great numbers of these brought out of _Egypt_, of various sizes and compos’d of different Matter, such as Earth, Stone, Wood, Metal or the like, [Sidenote: Their _Forms_ and _Actions_.] differing both in Form and Actions, some appearing like _Mummies_ and roul’d up in the same manner, others with deform’d and threatning Countenances thereby to strike an awe and terrifie, to which purpose they held various Instruments in their Hands, such as Hooks and Harping-Irons, Sheilds, Whips, and the like; but all these kinds of Statues were adorn’d with _Hieroglyphic_ Characters both before and behind, nay, some all over, whence they came to be call’d _Polycharacteristic_ Statues, of which you may see above 50 several Figures, with their Descriptions, in _Kircher_’s Book before-mention’d, _Syntagma_ 16, 17, 18 and 19. I shall here therefore only insert two Plates out of _Johannes Nardius_’s Annotations on _Lucretius_, whereof all the Statues and Figures were in his own Custody and _Musæum_, and of which the first Plate represents the foreside and backside of eight Wooden Images, without either Arms or Legs, adorn’d in a manner with the same Dresses, Ornaments and Characters as the _Mummies_, about a Cubit and half long, which the _Egyptians_ were wont to place on their Tombs and Coffins, as may be seen at _p._ 203. The 9th Figure shews a Linnen Ornament for the Breast, distinctly painted with divers Colours, wherein was express’d the true way of opening Bodies in order to their _Embalming_; from which also appears, that they open’d the _Thorax_, tho’ neither _Herodotus_ nor _Diodorus Siculus_ make any mention thereof. The 10th Figure shews an Alabaster-Urn or Pot mark’d with _Hieroglyphics_, and fill’d with _Asphalt_, with which they us’d to _Embalm_ their Bodies, and the 11th is the Cover of the Pot with a Dog’s Head on it.

M: V^{dr}: Gucht Sculp.

To Doctor Hans Sloane who has been pleas’d to encourage this Work,
this Plate is humbly dedicated by
His most humble Servant Thomas Greenhill.
]

The second Plate represents such Figures as the _Egyptians_ hung on their _Embalm’d_ Bodies, which were made of glaz’d and colour’d Earth, or else of Brass: The first nine are deform’d, with horrid Countenances, either of Men or Animals, some joyning their Hands, others bearing on their Knees, or else hanging them down. The 1st and 9th, which look most terrible with a Lion’s Countenance, represent the _Mophtæi Genii_; the 2d has the Face of the Dog _Anubis_; the 3d and 7th have the monstrous Beards of the Priests of _Isis_; the 4th and 6th are the _Nepthæi_; the 5th represents _Horus_, a Boy with a monstrous Head; the 8th has the Face of a Boy likewise, with a loop-hole on the Back, to sew it to the _Mummies_, as have also the 1st, 2d, 4th, 6th, 20th, 21st and 25th Figures, tho’ not altogether so conspicuous. The 12th and 14th, as also the 19th and 25th are the same, with the 1st and 9th, signifying the _Genii Mophtæi_; the 11th and 15th are the same with the 4th and 6th; the 16th, 21st and 23d carry great Stones on their Heads and Shoulders, as it were threatning to fling them at such as offer’d to disturb them, or else to bury them under them; the 10th is a _Scarabæus_; the 13th a _Phallus occulatus_, which they carry’d about with them as one of the greatest _Amulets_ they could use against Sterility; the 17th and 18th are two Crocodiles, likewise carry’d along with them to appease _Typhon_; the 20th and 24th with Hawks Heads represent _Osiris_; the 22d is most monstrous of all, carrying a Bushel on its Head, all the Figure being compos’d of Head and Belly. It denotes _Serapis_, of whom they say there was a Statue in _Alexandria_ of that Magnitude, that it touch’d both sides of the _Serapian_ Temple; the 26th is _Harpocrates_ holding his Finger on his Mouth, to shew the Silence religiously observ’d by the _Egyptians_ in their Mysteries; the 27th is the Ox _Apis_, before describ’d _p._ 200, and the 28th the Statue of _Isis_, giving Suck to her Son _Horus_.

J. Nutting Sculp.

To Doctor William Gibbons who has been pleas’d to encourage this Work
this Plate is humbly dedicated by
His most humble Servant Thomas Greenhill.
]

These were the true _Phylacteric_ and _Averruncal_ Statues of the _Egyptians_, some made portable with Handles, and others with a square piece of Wood proceeding from their Pedestal, whereby they were the better fix’d on Tombs. Some again were put within the Bellies of the Mummies, and others hung about the outsides of them, and that as well to preserve the Bodies from Putrifaction as the Sepulchres from Rapine, [Sidenote: Their _Use_ and _Virtues_.] which they were suppos’d to effect by their Divine Power, or Magical Virtue, or else by their terrible and deform’d Countenances were thought to strike a Dread into every approaching Adversary.

Thus the Body being _Embalm’d_ and adorn’d with _Hieroglyphic_ Characters, magical Amulets, Statues and the like, and every thing else got ready for the Funeral, it was on the last Day or Time appointed for the Burial, put on board a Ship call’d _Barris_, and by the Ferry-Man, _Charon_, [Sidenote: _Charon._] wafted o’er the Lake _Acherusia_; which lies on the _South_ side of _Memphis_, where being landed on a Plain, the chief Burial-Place of the _Egyptians_, and which is fabl’d by the _Greeks_ to be the _Elysian_ Fields, they plac’d the Corps on a Bier, before the Mouth of the Sepulchre, when the Judges, Priests and common People surrounding it, [Sidenote: Manner of _Judging_ the _Dead_.] one who was purposely appointed to rehearse impartially the _Funeral-Oration_, openly declar’d the Virtues, Vices and Actions, nay whole Life and Conversation of the Deceas’d, and after all the Evidences were examin’d (every one having a free power to accuse the dead Person) according to the majority of Votes and judgment of the Judges, the Corps was dispos’d of. If he had liv’d Virtuously he was honour’d with the greatest Praises and Commendations, and consequently magnificently Interr’d; but if Viciously, he was mightily exclaim’d against and depriv’d of Sepulture. This made even the Kings themselves to live uprightly, fearing so much as to anger the common People whilst alive, lest they should thereby incur their eternal Hatred after their Death. This Custom of the _Egyptians_ examining and trying their Dead, _Bossuet_ in his History of the World, _p._ 457, takes notice of as a very extraordinary kind of Judgment which none escap’d, affirming, ‘It was a Consolation at the Time of Death to leave their Names in esteem among Men, and of all Human Blessings, this was the only one which Death cannot ravish from us; but it was not suffer’d in _Egypt_ to commend all the Dead indifferently, that was an Honour to be had only from a public Judgment. The public Accuser was heard, if he prov’d the Conduct of the Deceas’d bad, then was his Memory condemn’d and he depriv’d of Sepulture. The People admir’d the power of their Laws, which reach’d them even after Death, and every one being touch’d by the Example, was afraid to dishonour his Memory and Family: But if the Defunct was not convicted of any Crime, then had he an honourable Interment. They made his Panegyric, but medled not in the least with his Birth: All _Egypt_ was Noble, and besides, they receiv’d no farther Commendations than what they had got by their Merits. Moreover, the _Egyptians_ were very curious in Preserving dead Bodies: Thus their Gratitude to their Kindred became Immortal. Children, by seeing the Bodies of their Ancestors, call’d to mind their Virtues, which the Public had made such Acknowledgements to, and they were incited to love those Laws which had so recommended them to them. This Custom of Judging Kings after their Deaths, says he _p._ 457. seem’d so holy to the People of GOD, that they have always practis’d it. We read in the Scriptures wicked Kings have been depriv’d of the Burial of their Ancestors; and we learn from _Josephus_, that that Custom lasted even to the Time of the _Asmoneans_: This gave Kings to understand, that tho’ their Majesty put them above Human Judgments whilst alive, yet were they not above them when Death had equall’d them with other Men. Likewise our Author further adds, _p._ 454. That to prevent borrowing, which was the Parent of Idleness, Frauds and Branglings, the Decree of King _Asychis_ did not suffer any to borrow, [Sidenote: _Pawning_ the _Dead_.] but on condition he pawn’d the Body of his Ancestor to him of whom he borrow’d; and it was reputed both an Impiety and Infamy together not to redeem it so soon as ever he could, so precious a Pledge was it reckon’d, and he that dy’d before he had acquitted himself of that Duty, was deny’d Burial.’

Now how the Bodies, which are said to have been bury’d, were laid up, is somewhat difficult to determine, since Authors speak so variously of their Burial; for some say they were bury’d either in their private or proper Sepulchres, or else in a public Reconditory, and others say they kept the Dead in their Dwelling-Houses. Now which of these was most us’d by such as could indifferently afford the Expence of either, I will not pretend to determine, however, the great variety of Sepulchres, found even at this Day, plainly proves they bury’d in the Fields and Plains, whereas the other is but traditionally asserted, yet not altogether improbable to be done by so Superstitious a People, of whom it is reported that some, especially the richer Sort, put their _Embalm’d_ Bodies in Cases carv’d after their own likeness, [Sidenote: The _Dead_ kept in _Houses_,] and these they set up in their Halls or Parlours in great Order (perhaps in Niches) being very richly adorn’d, where they took great delight to see a long Race of their Ancestors, in a manner, with as great satisfaction as if they were alive, and they were Conversing with them. Nay, _Herodotus_, _Pomponius Mela_ and _Lucian_ assert, [Sidenote: and plac’d at _Table_.] they plac’d them at Table like Guests, and made merry with them by Eating and Drinking; yet, when they were necessitous, they scrupl’d not to give them as a Pledge for Money they borrow’d, yet then took particular Care, both punctually to pay the one and redeem the other: But as for such as bury’d their Dead out of their Houses and Villages, in the Fields and Plains, they built Sepulchres for them as noble as possible, some after one Fashion, and some after another, every one according to their own Fancy, or the Charges they could best spare; for they chose rather to have their Monuments magnificently built than their Dwelling-Houses, laughing at the _Greeks_ and other Nations, who caus’d theirs to be rais’d with great expence like to Palaces, notwithstanding they were to live but a very little while in them, and at the same time neglected their Tombs, where they were to lye for a much longer Time. But the _Egyptians_ acted just contrary; they despis’d the present Life, and took little care in building their Habitations, looking upon them only as so many Inns or Baiting-Places, where they were to Inhabit but for a Season, whereas the Glory of a future Life, that was to be procur’d by Virtue, they greatly esteem’d, and consequently spent their whole Care, Study and Riches about the magnificence of their Sepulchres, [Sidenote: _Sepulchres_ call’d _Eternal Houses_.] which they call’d Sempiternal or Eternal Houses, looking upon the Time they were to dwell here on Earth as nothing, in respect of the stay they were to make in the Grave. And hence it is no Nation in the World has been so curious as the _Egyptians_ in their Funeral Ceremonies, Preserving the Dead, and magnificence of Sepulchres, which, besides abundance of private Structures, those Obelisks at _Rome_ and the Pyramids of _Egypt_, do not only testifie, but will for ever be numbred among the Wonders of the World.

* * * * *

These, Sir, are my humble Thoughts and Opinion concerning the Funerals of the _Egyptians_, which I entirely submit to your better Judgment, hoping you will pardon this Interruption of your precious Time from more weighty Concerns, and candidly accept the mean, but grateful Performance of,

_SIR_,

_Your most Obliged and_

_Devoted Humble Servant_,

Thomas Greenhill.

THE

Art of Embalming.