Chapter IX: Letter II (2)

_Egypt_ has not only an advantage of other Countries by the goodness of its _Water_, serenity of its _Air_, and warmth of its _Climate_, but also derives a yet farther Benefit in regard of _Embalming_, [Sidenote: _Sand_ how useful in _Embalming_.] from the Nature of its _Sand_ and _Soil_, the usefulness of which has in this respect been sufficiently experienc’d by Modern Artists. Thus it is reported curious Florists preserve both the form and colours of beauteous Plants, by laying them in Sand, drying them in an Oven, or the like; and thus some modern _Embalmers_ have, by hot Sand laid on prepar’d Bodies, dry’d up the superfluous Moisture, and reduc’d their _Embalming_ Matter to a just Consistency: ’Tis likewise observable some Sands will naturally _Embalm_ without any addition of Balsamic Ingredients. Moreover, ’tis probable the Sea-Sands may have the like Effect, provided they be not too often wet; for thus a Body being first pickl’d or salted, as it were with the Sea-Brine, may afterwards, when dry’d by the Wind or Sun, remain firm and durable as long as it shall be preserv’d free from Wet or Moisture; and partly of this Opinion perhaps was Mr. _William Glanvill_ of the _Temple_, who having so order’d it in his Will, was bury’d in the _Goodwin-Sands_, which tho’ they cannot preserve him, as before alledg’d, because so often wet, yet he being inclos’d in a leaden Coffin, that must in Time sink to the bottom, they may by their coolness help to keep his Corps entire for many Years; or at least by being so secur’d, he will be defended from the rapine of Animals, or disturbances of Sextons: But the Sands of _Egypt_ being much more hot, from the reflection of the scorching Sun, are capable of Preserving Bodies without either Salination or _Embalming_, and that only by exhaling and drying up the Humidities and adventitious Moisture, insomuch that it has occasion’d no small Contests among some Authors, which of the two is the truer Mummy, that dry’d in the _Sands_, or that which is _Embalm’d_ with Balsams and Aromatics. _Le Fevre_ in his _Chymistry_, p. 138. is entirely of the first Opinion; but I shall refer such Disputes to their proper Places.

[Sidenote: _Mummies_ found in the _Sands_.]

Of those sorts of _Mummies_ there have been many casually found in the Desarts of _Egypt_, _Lybia_, _Arabia_, &c. suppos’d to have been Travellers suffocated by great drifts of Sand, rais’d by sudden Tempests; for it sometimes so happens, that contrary Winds arising of a sudden, agitate the Sands with such impetuosity, that they over-whelm Passengers and Beasts with their Burthens, who perishing thus unawares, are thro’ the power of the hot Sun and parching Sand so dry’d, they become fix’d and for ever undissolvable.

[Sidenote: _Drying Quality_ of the _Earth_.]

Next as to the Medicinal Virtue of the Soil of _Egypt_, and how far it may be serviceable in _Embalming_ and preserving Bodies, every one, who does but consider its great Stipticity and drying Nature, will be very well satisfy’d: Besides this Earth is never much dampt by Rains or Springs, but kept constantly dry by the warmth of the Sun. _Aetius_ and _Galen_ commend it as good against _Phlegmons_, _Oedematous_ Tumors, and immoderate Fluxes of the _Hæmorhoids_; also that it cures Dropsies meerly by anointing with it, of which see more in _Olaus Borrichius_, p. 146. Thus having consider’d the _Water_, _Air_ and _Earth_ of _Egypt_, I will next add some Observations of Father _Vansleb_ on the Seasons of the Egyptian Year, with their Computation of Time, calculated according to the Account of the _Copties_.

[Sidenote: _Seasons_ of the _Year_.]

The _Egyptians_ reckon their _Autumn_ from the 15th of _September_ to the 15th of _December_. _Winter_ begins with them the 15th of _December_, and ends the 15th of _March_. _Spring_ begins the 15th of _March_, and ends the 15th of _June_. _Summer_ begins the 15th of _June_, and ends the 15th of _September_. They allot every _Season_ just Three Months, and begin their Year in _September_, as I observ’d before. Every Month has Thirty Days, which in Twelve Months make Three hundred and sixty Days; but because there yet want Five to complete the Year, they add those at the end of all, and call them _Epagomene_, which signifies _added_.

[Sidenote: _Temperate Season._]

The most temperate Season, has still somewhat of _Spring_ or _Autumn_ in it, which two last cannot well be distinguish’d in _Egypt_. Now the mild Weather commences in _September_, then they begin to breath the fresh Air, but, as about this Time, the Fields are all so cover’d with Water, one cannot Walk nor Travel by Land; an Abode there is not pleasant till the middle of _November_, for then the Country’s dry, the Ways free, the Waters run into their Channels, the Air pleasant, the heat of the Sun supportable, the Fields green and sweet, and refreshing Gales blow every-where. In short, the Season is then very comfortable, and so continues ’till the middle of _April_.

[Sidenote: _Cold Season._]

The cold Season, answerable to our _Winter_, begins about the middle of _December_. It is a delightful Time, unless in those seven Days which the _Arabians_ term, _Berd il agiuz_, (_the cold of the old Hag_.) They begin about the 7th of _February_, and continue to the 14th. The Mornings are then exceeding cold, the Sky cloudy, Rains fall, and the Winds are continually boisterous. Now tho’ Winter be in this Country extream mild, yet do Persons of Quality always wear furr’d Gowns from the Month of _November_ to that of _March_, not on account of any great cold, for there is hardly any at this Time; but because the Weather is then more variable, and the _Egyptians_ fear to be incommoded by Distempers, which such a changeable Time occasions.

[Sidenote: _Intemperate Season._]

_Summer_ is the worst and most troublesome Season, by reason of the excessive heat of the hot Winds, and the perilous Diseases that are rife about this Time, which the _Egyptians_ term _Camsins_, and we _Easter_: This dangerous Season begins about the _Easter_-Monday of the _Copties_, and ends with their _Whitson_-Monday. About this Time the Winds, the _Arabians_ term _Merissi_, are boisterous; they are so hot and troublesome, People are ready to be stifl’d by them, and raise in the Air so much Straw and Sand, the Sky is almost darkned with it: This Sand is so subtile, it penetrates every little chink and cranny. About this Time _Malignant Fevers_, _Dysenterys_, and many other Diseases commonly reign, the least of which is incurable if not resisted by necessary Remedies timely apply’d; nay, when these Winds blow, Bodies that were healthy before, will sicken and grow out of order.

[Sidenote: The _Winds_ which blow most in _Egypt_.]

These Southerly Winds blow not every Day in this Season, nor every Year in the same manner, or with a like impetuosity. ’Tis not possible to express the Peoples Joy when they favour them by becoming mild. Besides the two chief Winds which blow in _Egypt_, viz. _Merissi_ and _Maltem_, I must farther take notice, that not only the Southern Winds are term’d _Merissi_, but also the Eastern. These blow commonly twice every Year, at _Easter_, call’d, as I have already said, _Camsin_, and from the Month of _November_ to the middle of _February_. The Winds call’d _Maltem_ or _Teijah_ are Westerly ones; they begin about Twelve Days before the Rains fall, and last ’till the Month of _November_, during which Time scarce any other Wind blows. The Winds _Merissi_ are hot and spoil the Corn, whereas these nourish and refresh it, and not only so, but prove comfortable both to Man and Beast, since they are cooling and afford strength.

[Sidenote: _Rains_ or _Mists_ of _Egypt_.]

The ordinary Time for _Rains_ and _Winds_, which might be compar’d to our _Autumn_, begins in the Month of _December_, and lasts ’till _January_ or _February_, tho’ at _Rosetta_ and _Alexandria_ the Rains fall at other Times, by reason of the propinquity of the Sea, nay sometimes it happens to be misty and moist at a Season when none expect it, which often proves so considerable as to wet ones Cloaths, as much as a shower of Rain: But these moist Mists are more frequent about _Cairo_ than any where else. They usually begin about _November_, before the rising of the Sun, and continue all _Winter_. Some happen in other Seasons, and many times in _Summer_, as _Vansleb_ observ’d in the Year 1672. at the beginning of _August_, when returning back from _Fium_ to _Mocanan_, a Village about Four Hours from _Cairo_, he saw over that City so thick a Mist, he could neither see the Buildings there, nor the _Pyramids_ that are near, tho’ the Air was clear where he stood.

[Sidenote: _Dew_ of _Egypt_.]

Throughout all the Seasons of the Year, when the Nights are serene, so much Dew falls it may well be taken for a moderate Shower, whereas when ever the Sky is cloudy no Dew must be expected. Were it not for these Dews, there would neither be Grass nor Corn in _Egypt_; the Trees would bear no Fruit, nor could the wild Beasts in the Desarts live, here being neither Fountains nor Rivers, and the Rains falling but seldom. [Sidenote: _Thunder_ seldom heard.] _Thunder_ is rarely heard, for in all the Time _Vansleb_ liv’d in _Egypt_, he says, he heard that noise but twice, _viz._ on the First of _January_ and the Fourth of _May_, 1673.

[Sidenote: _Seasons_ why to be observ’d in _Embalming_.]

These Things are to be regarded the more particularly, in that the temperature of Seasons conduces much to the preservation of Bodies, which is so far to be consider’d, as it acquaints us when is the best and most proper Time for Pickling, Preserving or _Embalming_ Bodies; what Time of the Year, Day or Moon is best for gathering Fruits, Flowers, Plants, _&c._ in order to the well preserving and laying them up, as also what Places are fittest for Repositories for them after they are gather’d and prepar’d; for there are some, both Places and Airs, where Sweet-Meats will give and dissolve, bak’d Meats, Pyes, _&c._ gather mould, Liquors mother, and Flesh or Fish corrupt sooner than in others, wherefore such Places are to be avoided as exceeding prejudicial to _Embalm’d_ Bodies, in as much as they will dispose what is not preserv’d, to Putrifaction, and what is, to Relaxation. For this Reason my Lord _Bacon_ advises us well, to be very careful in our choice of Places for this purpose, and to the end the aptness or propensity either of the Air or Water, to corrupt or putrifie, may be easier found out, proposes the following Experiments: [Sidenote: _Experiments_ of the _Air_.] _First_, To lay Wool, Sponge or a piece of Bread in a Place one would make Tryal of, and then to observe whether it be wetter or more ponderous than the same was when laid in other Places, by which one may judge whether the Place design’d be in a moist or gross Air. _Secondly_, To expose raw Flesh or Fish to the open Air, or lay them on the Earth, when if they quickly corrupt, ’tis a sign of a disposition in that Air to Putrifaction. _Thirdly_, The quick Putrifaction of Waters or Dews may likewise disclose the Qualities of the Air and Vapours of the Earth more or less corrupt: ’Tis good also to make Trial not only of the moisture and dryness of the Air, but of the Temper thereof in heat or cold; for that may concern Health variously, and whatever in this respect conduces thereto, the same is to be observ’d in _Embalming_. _Fourthly_, The goodness of Airs is likewise to be known by placing two Weather-Glasses in several Places, where no shades or inclosures are, and then remarking their difference, and the like. Now these sorts of Experiments serve for a natural Divination of Seasons, shewing them much better than any Astronomers can do by their Figures. They also inform us of the wholsomness or unwholsomness of Dwelling-Places, and where to erect Granaries for Corn, Store-Houses for Fruits, Green-Houses for Plants, Vaults for Wine, and Conservatories for other Things which require keeping either hot, or cold and dry.

[Sidenote: Of the _Water_.]

Next as to Waters, this may serve for one Trial of their goodness, _viz._ To observe which will keep sweet the longest, for such likewise denote the Healthfulness of any Place: Now, how far the goodness of Waters tend to the preservation of Bodies and Things, may well enough be observ’d from Brewing, Washing, Baking, and the like; for those that make the strongest Drink, are ever the best concocted and most nourishing; those that bear Soap well, fret not out Cloaths like those that are hungry, but are fat, smooth and soft in Taste, which is also allow’d to be a general sign of good Water; so likewise such as are lightest and most apt quickly to boil away, are always best. Now these are the most useful in making Bread, Pyes, _&c._ and will keep them longest without moulding; but of all _European_-Waters that of the River _Thames_ is the most noted for making Sea-Beer and Bisket, which are carry’d the longest Voyages, and into the hottest Countries of both _East_ and _West-Indies_.

[Sidenote: The _Air_ and _Water_ of _Egypt_ very good.]

By these Considerations on the Air and Water, we may see the great advantage _Egypt_ receiv’d from the clearness and dryness of the one, and sweetness and softness of the other, to which _Herodotus_ chiefly attributes the Health and long Life of those People, as we, in some measure, may the continuance and duration of their _Embalmings_; for, as inequality of Air is pernicious to Health, so it is also to _Embalming_, therefore we find the Winter-Seasons are not so proper for this Art as the Summer, as producing much Rain, with misty or foggy Weather, which disposes all things to Putrifaction, in so much that Flesh is then hardly to be kept from being musty or stinking, by reason it will not so well take Salt at that Time. Things preserv’d with Sugar relax, and dry’d Things, imbibing the moisture, either rot or mould, which Mouldiness is a beginning of Putrifaction, that afterwards turns to Worms or odious Stinks. [Sidenote: Inequality of _Air_ bad for _Embalming_.] Now as inequality of Air produces Putrifaction, so does also an interchangeableness of heat and cold, wet and dry, as may be observ’d from the mouldring of Earth in Frost and the Sun, or in the more hasty rotting of Wood that is sometimes wet and sometimes dry; so likewise a certain degree of heat or cold preserves and keeps Bodies from Putrifaction, whereas a tepid heat inclines them to it; for, tho’ such a weak degree of heat may put the Spirits in a little motion, yet is it not able to digest the Parts, or rarifie them, as may be seen by Flesh kept in a Room that is not cool, whereas in a cold and wet Larder ’twill keep much longer, and we observe that Vivification, as the Lord _Bacon_ says in his _Nat. Hist._ p. 74. (whereof Putrifaction is the bastard Brother) is effected by such soft Heats, as the hatching of Eggs, commonly practis’d at _Cairo_, the heat of the Womb, _&c._ whereas such a heat as breaths forth adventitious Moisture best preserves Bodies; for as wetting hastens Corruption, so convenient drying (whereby the more radical Moisture is only kept in) puts back Putrifaction: So we may also observe that Herbs and Flowers, when dry’d in the shade or hot Sun, for a small space keep best. For these Reasons the warm Climate of _Egypt_ must needs conduce best to the preservation of Things and _Embalming_ Bodies, provided it be not attempted in the extream heat of the Summer, which is between _Easter_ and _Whitsontide_, at which Time the hot Southerly Winds blow, which bring malignant Fevers, Plagues and great Putrifactions. Thus much as to the temperature of the Air shall suffice; next we must speak of the _Egyptians_.

[Sidenote: The antient _Egyptians_.]

The antient and true _Egyptians_ were the _Copties_ or _Copts_, so call’d, as I have formerly shown, p. 126. from _Coptus_, Son of _Misraim_, who became King of _Egypt_ upon the Decease of his Father, and his Conquest over his Brothers; for those who now inhabit that Country, according to _Sandys_, _Heylin_ and others, [Sidenote: _Character_ of the modern _Egyptians_.] are much degenerate from the Ingenuity and Worth of their Ancestors, being not only Ignorant but Barbarous, devoted to Luxury and Venery, and naturally addicted to detract from what is Good and Eminent, nay, in a word, they are both Cowardly and Cruel. In their Dealings they are more Observant than Faithful; of a Genius much inclin’d to Craftiness, and very eager of Profit. Such as inhabit the Cities apply themselves to Merchandize, grow Rich by Trading, are reasonably well Habited, and not very differing from the _Turks_ in Dress and Fashion. Those in the Country, who follow Husbandry, are affirm’d to be a brutish and nasty People, crusted over with Dirt, and stinking of Smoak and their abominable Fuel; for they burn their own Dung, and that of Cattle, instead of Wood, which is here so scarce it is sold by weight, and us’d only by Foreigners and the richer sort. Nothing now remains among them of the laudable Arts of their Ancestors, but a ridiculous affectation of Divination and Fortune-telling, in which, and some other cheating Tricks, they are very well vers’d, great numbers of them wandring from Place to Place, to get their Livelihoods that way. This occasions Vagabonds and Straglers of other Nations, who pretend to the same false Arts to assume their Names. The whole Body of the present Inhabitants is an hotchpotch or medly of many foreign Nations, such as _Moors_, _Arabians_, _Turks_, _Greeks_, _Jews_, _Franks_, &c. the natural _Egyptians_ making the least part of the number.

[Sidenote: The _Make_, _Complexion_ and _Temper_ of the _Egyptians_.]

Now as concerning the Make, Complexion, Temper and Constitution of the _Egyptians_ in general, that varies according to the different Quality or Employ of the Person or Sex. Those that dwell in _Cairo_ and other Cities are gross, corpulent and sanguine, whereas the wandring _Arabians_ and Husbandmen are meagre and slender, very active and nimble, yet withal hairy, sweaty, and almost scorcht and burnt up with the Sun. The People in general are of a mean Stature, tawny Complexion, and spare Bodies, and this is remarkable of them, that tho’ their Country be in the same Climate with _Barbary_, yet are they not black, but tawny or olive-colour’d. The Women are of the same Complexion with the Men, yet well shap’d and featur’d, did not they too much affect a seeming Corpulency, which if they cannot get in Flesh they will be sure to have in Cloaths. [Sidenote: Their _Women_ fruitful in _Children_.] They Marry at Ten, or at farthest at Twelve Years of Age, being very fruitful, some bearing Three or Four Children at a Birth; and those that are born in the Eighth Month live to a good Age, and are not in such danger of Death, as in other Countries.

[Sidenote: Their _Constitutions_ and _Habits_ of _Body_.]

As to the Constitutions of the _Egyptians_, they are hot and dry, being by nature very wakeful and little inclin’d to sleep. They are of a chearful Temper, yet delight much in an idle and lazy kind of Life, being immoderate Votaries to _Venus_. Their continual Bathing, drinking the Waters of _Nile_, and using cold Food, mightily lessen and alter their heat and drought; but then this inconveniency ensues, that they have cold and raw Stomachs full of Phlegm, which not only proceeds from such cold Dyet, but also from the extraordinary heat of the Air, whereby the natural heat is overcome.

[Sidenote: Are very long _liv’d_.]

They are nevertheless said to be longer liv’d than those of other Countries, it being common to find among them People of above a Hundred Years of Age. The reason of this longœvity Phisicians differ greatly about, yet assign, as the chiefest Cause of it, next to the Air, the spare way of living of that People, they eating little Flesh, but store of Roots, Fruits and Herbs, nor often drinking any Wine, but commonly Water, and sometimes Beer, which _Herodotus_ Lib. 1. Sect. 77. assures us the antient _Egyptians_ made. On the contrary, all _Europeans_, who drink abundance of Wine, and eat much Flesh, are for the most part short liv’d. [Sidenote: A _Problem_ concerning _Diet_.] _Therefore whether it were not better for us to conform to the simple Diet of our Forefathers? Whether pure and simple Waters be not more healthful than fermented Liquors? Whether there be not an ample sufficiency in the Food of Honey, Oil, and several parts of Milk; in the great variety of Grains, Pulses and all sorts of Fruits, since either Bread or Beverage may be made almost of all of them? Whether Nations have rightly confin’d themselves to peculiar Meats? Whether the common Food of one Country be not more agreeable to another? How indistinctly all Tempers apply to the same, and how the Diet of Youth and old Age is confounded, are Considerations worth our notice_, says Sir _Thomas Brown_ in his _Vulgar Errors_, p. 138. _and might not a little prolong our Days_; yet must not this Discourse, therefore I will proceed to speak of some Diseases the _Egyptians_ have been always liable to. [Sidenote: Their _Diseases_.] These are occasion’d either by the intemperate Air, the Summers here being exceeding hot and sultry, or else by reason the Poor, who are very numerous, are necessitated to eat foul and unwholsome Food, such as the flesh of Camels, of Crocodiles, (by some worshipp’d and consequently held Irreligious) rotten salt Fish, and mouldy stinking Cheese, by them call’d _Gibnehalon_. They are also accustom’d to drink muddy and corrupt Waters, whereby is ingendred much Choler, thick and adust Blood, gross and crude Humours, which create many Distempers, the chief of which, and most to our purpose, are _Sore Eyes_ and _Blindness_, _Scabs_ and _Leprosie_, _Dropsie_, _Frenzie_, _Malignant Fevers_, _Poxes_ of both kinds, _Plague_ and _Pestilence_, &c. which tho’ other Nations are likewise subject to, yet it being not so constantly or grieviously, these may properly enough be nam’d, _The Plagues of_ Egypt; wherefore I shall a little expatiate upon them, with a suitable Application to our Subject of _Embalming_.

[Sidenote: _Sore Eyes_ and _Blindness_.]

_First_, I shall take notice of the incredible number of blind People in _Egypt_, but more-especially in _Cairo_, where sore Eyes or _Opthalmia_ are so common, scarce half the Inhabitants escape them. Nay, new-born infants are so troubl’d with this Distemper, that it is sometimes hardly to be cur’d, for it seems a Disease lodg’d in the Blood, of which the Natives give this Reason, _viz._ That the subtile Particles of the Lime, wherewith their Houses are built, being carry’d about by the Wind, stick so close to the Eyes, that they not only cause Inflammations, but likewise insensibly mixing with the Blood, occasion this Distemper to be Hereditary; to which _Sandys_ adds, as other Causes of this Disease, the reflecting heat of the Sun, the salt Dust of the Soil, and the Inhabitants excessive Venery; wherefore did they not use frequent Bathings in this Country, the stinking Sweat of their Bodies, mix’d with this Dust, which so continually rises and adheres to them, wou’d, by stopping their Pores, not only render them nasty and frowzy, but also their Blood becoming Pruriginous, and exalted by the salt and corrupt Diet, [Sidenote: _Scabs_ and _Leprosie_.] wou’d, as it often does, produce _Mange_, _Scabs_ and _Leprosies_; so that to keep themselves sweet, clean and free from these Diseases, they are wont to use constant Bathings, and refrain from salt Meats, which are very unwholsome to these _Eastern_ Nations. _Herodotus_ assures us they in his Time abstain’d from Swines Flesh, as particularly apt to beget _Leprosie_ in hot Countries, if salted, and if not, or well roasted, infallibly brings a _Diarrhæa_, or else turns to some dangerous Fever or Surfet. _Hippocrates_, Lib. _Poss._ _p._ 5. observes, it throws some People into a _Cholera Morbus_, that is, It works vehemently upon them by Choleric Vomits and Stools. _Plutarch_ likewise remarks, that the very Milk of this Beast being drank, produces the _Scab_, &c.

[Sidenote: _Dropsie._]

The _Egyptians_ also from their too frequent use of _Colocasia_, _Bammia_, _Melochia_, _Beets_, and such like Herbs as occasion thick and tough Flegm, are often troubl’d with the _Dropsie_, which swells and puffs up their Legs, with abundance of hard and gross Humours, like the Legs of an Elephant, tho’ indeed they feel no pain, but are only unweildy to walk.

[Sidenote: _Apoplexy._]

At _Cairo_ rages that most terrible Disease call’d by the _Arabians_, _Dem el Muia_, which in few Hours seizes the Brain like an Apoplexy, and bereaving it of Sense, soon dispatches the Patient. Every Year once the _Egyptians_ are surpriz’d by this Disease, and multitudes die dayly of it. At the same Time Children are wont to be greatly afflicted with a malignant kind of _Pox_, [Sidenote: _Small Pox._] bred out of venemous Damps, arising from the corrupt Waters of _Caleg_, a Branch or rather Trench cut from the _Nile_ to _Alexandria_. Every Year, when that River rises 8 or 10 Cubits, it falls into this Trench, and so runs thro’ the whole City; so that, at the retiring of the River, this Water, remaining without motion, stagnates and corrupts: It first becomes green, then black, and at length sends fourth Pestilential Vapours, whereby the Air is polluted and this Infection caus’d, wherefore, some Time before it is expected, all the Children thereabouts are remov’d to other Places. _Sandys_ also tells us, [Sidenote: _French Pox._] the _French Pox_ is exceedingly rife among the _Egyptians_, which however is not to be wonder’d at if we consider their hot Constitution, excessive Venery, _&c._

[Sidenote: Malignant _Agues_.]

In _Alexandria_ many malignant and mortal _Agues_ reign about the Time of their Harvest, occasion’d by drinking the tainted and foul Waters, which the Townsmen keep from Year to Year in Wells under their Houses. But the most destructive of all Diseases to the _Egyptians_ is the _Pestilence_ or _Plague_, [Sidenote: _Plague._] which very frequently visits them, and is the more prevalent in that they seek no Remedy for it, as believing none can die of it but such as are destin’d by GOD. For this Reason they never go about to avoid any infected Person or Place, for that they look upon as Irreligious. Nay the very Cloaths or Houshold-Goods of such as die of this Distemper, are instantly sold in the open Market by Outcry, which none are afraid to buy, thro’ which mad obstinacy, in this their foolish Opinion, the Plague has in _Cairo_, during only the space of six or seven Months, sometimes swept away above Five hundred thousand People, as was observ’d in the Year 1580.

Those _Plagues_ which come out of _Barbary_ are the most pernicious and of longest continuance, of which kind was the before mention’d; whereas such as come from _Greece_ or _Syria_ are more mild and of a shorter duration; for this Disease is seldom or never occasion’d by Putrifaction of Air in _Egypt_, unless the _Nile_, overflowing the Country too high, leaves its Waters a long while on the Ground, whereby the whole Land becoming a corrupt and standing Lake, that by the Southerly Winds and Summers heat, may be ripen’d and made fit to send up infectious Steams. That _Plague_ which begins in the first Months of Summer is the worst, whereas that which comes later is milder and ceases sooner. But let the _Plague_ rage never so fiercely, when the Sun enters _Cancer_, which is the Time of _Nile_’s overflowing, it wholly ceases, insomuch that not one then dies of it, as has been before shown. The Reason of this so sudden alteration seems to be the even and constant Temperature of the Air, thro’ the blowing of the anniversary _North Winds_, which then begin to rise and oppose the moist Nature of the _South Winds_, call’d _Camsin_. Now these cooling, as well the Air as Mens Bodies, and taking away the Cause (the infectious Heat) the Effect soon ceases.

Thus far have I shown how the infection of Air and Water may occasion many Diseases, which therefore are carefully to be avoided as pernicious to _Embalming_: I shall now only observe, that as the even Temper and good Humour of Man tends much to his Health and long Life, so that healthy State and Constitution, either affords a Natural _Embalming_, or at least such Bodies are easiest to be preserv’d. But whether those Bodies that dy’d of the Plague, or other malignant Distempers, could with any Art be preserv’d, is a _Quære_ of no small concern in this our _Natural History_, and must needs to the _Egyptians_ bring a great scruple of Conscience, who believ’d the _Metempsychosis_ or Transmigration of Souls, to think what must become of such Bodies as were not _Embalm’d_? Since therefore no History can give us any satisfaction herein, we are inclinable to believe they could not any ways be preserv’d, by reason of the immediate tendency of such tabid Carcasses to Putrifaction, and yet we know not but the _Egyptians_ might do more in this case than others could, both thro’ the efficacy and goodness of their Medicines, and their not being afraid of the infectious Steams which issue from such Bodies, during their hot _Embalming_; which brings me next to enquire into their Skill in _Physic_, _Anatomy_ and _Chymistry_. In order to this, I shall first begin with the Rise and Progress of their Physic, according to the Opinion of the Learned Dr. _Grew_; and then shew its Effects, and how it was practis’d, as affirm’d by _Herodotus_, _Diodorus Siculus_, _Prosper Alpinus_, and others.

[Sidenote: _Egyptians_ first Authors of _Medicine_.]

‘The _Egyptians_, says Dr. _Grew_ in his _Cosmologia Sacra_, p. 265. being from sundry Causes (some of which we have already discours’d of) the most diseas’d of all People, were also the first Authors of Medicine. _Mizraim_ their first King, otherwise call’d _Menez_, _Osiris_, _Dionisius_ and _Bacchus_, all being Names of the same Person, together with his Wife _Isis_, apply’d himself to furnish his People with wholsome Food. He with Wine, which he had learn’d to make of his Grandfather _Noah_; [Sidenote: _Osiris_ taught them _Drink_ and _Food_.] and with Water, in making the best use of the River _Nile_; and She, by teaching them, among so many various sorts of Roots and Fruits, [Sidenote: _Isis_ salubrious _Plants_.] wherewith _Egypt_ abounds, to distinguish the _Noxious_, many of which, as _Sulpitius Severus_ and _P. Alpinus_ observe, are very sweet and tempting, from those which are wholsome and fit to eat; from whence she was call’d Ὑγεία and _Salus_.

‘Their next King was _Orus_, by _Herodotus_, _Diodorus Siculus_ and _Athenagoras_ in his Apology to the _Christians_, said to be _Osiris_’s Son. This Prince seeing Food already provided for, bethought himself of some means, such as they were, for the cure of Diseases. The first step he took, being affrighted with a _Plague_, was to offer Sacrifice to the Celestial Bodies, which he suppos’d Gods, and the only Arbiters of Life and Death. Therefore _Anebo_ the _Egyptian_ Priest, [Sidenote: These _Orus_, Son of _Osiris_, apply’d for _Physic_, by Sacrificing them.] personated by _Jamblichus_, in his Book of the _Egyptian Mysteries_ says, That, even in his Time, they knew no other way of curing that Disease; and what _Isis_ had found out for Food, he thought best apply’d to this purpose. So _Porphyrius_ in his Book of Sacrifices tells us, the most ancient _Egyptians_, _Cœlestibus litabant_, with Herbs, Roots and Fruits, which at first _Orus_ offer’d singly, but afterwards compounded, supposing them thereby, as is intimated by _Proclus_, the more acceptable.

‘The _Plague_ and other contagious Diseases, being blown away, as they commonly were and are, by the _North Winds_, _Orus_ thought it decent to solemnize his Sacrifices with Music; [Sidenote: To which he added _Music_.] and that he had excellent Skill herein, is witness’d by _Diodorus_, from whence also he is taken to be the _Egyptian Apollo_. Now finding Music acceptable to the People, he apply’d that also, with the Sacrifices to which it was annex’d, towards the cure of Diseases; for which Reason Music is by _Jamblichus_, in his Book aforesaid, enobl’d with the Title of Divine. And it seem’d, for many Ages after, so necessary to Medicine, as to give occasion to _Thessalus_, Head of the Methodic Sect in the Reign of _Nero_, to brag, That he could make Physicians without the help either of Astrology or Music. Thus all Music consisting in a proportionate Measure, he saw it requisite the Notes or Tunes, and Words he us’d with them, should be commensurate one to the other, and so became the first Poet or Maker of Verses; [Sidenote: And _Poetry_.] which being us’d with Music, were suppos’d to have the same Divine Virtue, and came at length to be us’d alone in the cure of Diseases. And it is by _Sanchuniathon_ affirm’d, that _Misora_, that is _Misraim_, [Sidenote: Thence thought to be the _Egyptian Apollo_.] was one of those two antient Gods, whose Sons were the Inventors of Medicinal Charms, which as it seems were all the means _Orus_, or the _Egyptian Apollo_, invented for the cure of Diseases, _viz._ _Sacrifices_, _Music_ and _Charms_, upon which three he began likewise to build the Art of Divination; and as a branch hereof, his Magical Prognostics in relation to Diseases. ’Next to _Orus_ succeeded _Athothus_; by _Sanchuniathon_ nam’d, _Taautus_; by the less antient _Egyptians_, [Sidenote: _Athothus_ the antient _Egyptian Mercury_,] _Thoyth_, and by the _Greeks_ in _Alexandria_, _Thoth_. He was the most antient _Egyptian Mercury_; said by _Manetho_ and _Eratosthenes_ to be Son of _Menez_ or _Mizraim_, and was therefore younger Brother to _Orus_, whom he succeeded by _Noah_’s Gift, as is witness’d by _Sanchuniathon_: _Saturnus, in Deum Taautum a Misore Natum, Egypti Regnum contulit_. This Man, to add to what his Predecessor had done, [Sidenote: The Inventor of _Images_,] was the Inventor of Images, dedicated to the Sun, Moon and Stars, with their Figures upon them, according to their position in the Heavens, supposing they would be more effectually mov’d by the Sacrifices offer’d to them, if thereby honour’d and represented. And that none might be without what he thought so necessary for the Peoples Health, he caus’d the making not only of Images of Gold and Silver, but certain Sculptures or Paintings upon Wood or some other Ground. The Figures or Marks, made upon all these, [Sidenote: _Characters_,] were properly call’d _Characters_, and were the original of all those us’d by Magicians in after Times for the cure of Diseases: Whence it is these _Characters_, which were properly made, are said by _Jamblichus_ to be _Diis congrui_, that is, agreeable to the Celestial Bodies, they were suppos’d to represent; in which Sense also the Author of the Epistle to the _Hebrews_, speaking of the Second Person in the Sacred Trinity, uses the same word.

‘The same _Athothus_, observing how naturally the Music of the Sacrifices put the Body into many Motions, [Sidenote: and _Dancing_.] took thence occasion to reduce the motion of the Feet, as _Apollo_ had done those of Speech, to a proportionate Measure, that is, to an artificial Dance. That he was first Author hereof, is agreed from his being describ’d with Wings, not only on his Shoulders, but Heels; and that he had taught the People to apply it to Religion, is as evident from the _Jews_, who had learn’d of the _Egyptians_ to dance about the Golden Calf. Now, seeing this naturally conduces towards the cure of some Diseases, ’tis likely he hereupon invented several sorts of Dances, not as yet considering their natural but magical Aptitude to divers kinds of Diseases, supposing certain Numbers and Measures, might as well as Words, have a Divine Power. Now that he might make his Motions with greater ease in so hot a Country, ’tis probable he danc’d half naked, as _David_ did before the Ark, disdaining the Author of this Ceremony should shew more Zeal before an Idol, than he did before the true GOD. Therefore as the word _Gymnasium_ does properly signifie the Place where People exercise themselves when stripp’d; so upon this Foundation, which _Athothus_ or the first _Egyptian Mercury_ laid, was afterwards rais’d the _Gymnastic Art_. For this Cause also _Jamblichus_, speaking of the Powers which flow from the Gods, among those which co-operate with Nature, mentions only the _Medicinal_ and _Gymnastic_ as the two principal, and of kin to each other; nor is there ground to imagine, that in Medicine, _Athothus_ or the first _Mercury_, understood any Thing more. So that all the means the _Egyptians_ made use of hitherto in the cure of Diseases, _viz._ ’till about the 350th Year after the Flood, were to be referr’d intirely to their practical _Theology_, stil’d by _Jamblichus_ θεουργική τέχνη, of which their magical Medicine was a principal part. [Sidenote: Sacrific’d _Animals_, and learn’d _Embalming_ and _Anatomy_.] After him they began to Sacrifice Animals as well as Plants, and learn’d the _Art_ of _Embalming_. The Priests had hereby an opportunity of observing the structure of the inward Parts; and so of making many, both Anatomic and Pathologic Remarks. In doing this it appears by what _Pliny_ says, _Lib._ 19. 5. _That Kings themselves did often assist_. Also frequently perceiving the inefficacy of their _Magic_, they began likewise to enquire into the Physical power of Herbs, and other Remedies proper for the cure of Diseases, and the Cures suppos’d to be made, whether by natural or magical Arts, were preserv’d by some sort of Memoirs made of them by the Priests, [Sidenote: _Serapis_ or _Apis_ the _Egyptian Æsculapius_.] wherein a more especial care was taken by _Serapis_ or _Apis_ one of the Chief, and the _Egyptian Æsculapius_. Upon these accounts, the Priests, as they were the Doctors in Philosophy, [Sidenote: _Priests_ the proper _Physicians_.] so were they the only Physicians, properly so call’d, by whom Directions were given to _Surgeons_, _Embalmers_, and all other Operators appertaining to Medicine. They were also of that honourable Degree, as _Gyraldus_ reports from _Plato_, that out of them the Kings were often chosen. For altho’ the Servants of _Joseph_, who _Embalm’d_ his Father, were term’d Physicians, yet are we to understand those Men, who were directed by the Priests, the true Physicians, to be only Operators in curing the Infirm or _Embalming_ the Dead. Wherefore the _Septuagint_, who knew the Law in this Case, do not say, the Command was given τοῖς Ἰατροῖς but τοῖς ἐνταφιασταῖς, a sort of Men to whom the Care of Funerals was committed.

‘The next and greatest Improver and Patron of the _Egyptian_ Medicine, [Sidenote: _Hermes Trismegistus._] was _Hermes Trismegistus_, so call’d says _Diodorus Siculus_, and others after him, from ἑρμηνεύω, by reason he interpreted the _Hieroglyphics_ and Sacred _Language_: But this tho’ he did, yet the derivation of his Name from thence is a fiction; for according to the _Greek_ manner of deriving a Noun from a Verb, he should not have been call’d Ἑρμῆς but Ἑρμηνεὺς; and therefore on the contrary, as Ἑλληνίος, ἑλληνίζω and other like Words, are all deriv’d from Ἕλλην the Son of _Deucalion_, who first planted _Greece_; so ἑρμηνεύς, ἑρμηνεύω, and other Words of the same nature are all deriv’d from Ἑρμῆς; for the Original whereof, we are not to look into _Greece_ but _Egypt_, where we find _Armais_, one of their Kings, and somewhat junior to _Moses_, [Sidenote: Suppos’d to be _Armais_.] as _Hermes_ is also said to be. The radical Letters in both are also the same. This _Armais_ was also call’d _Amersis_ or _Mersurius_, and so by mistake _Mercurius_; the _Coptic_ Letter _Sima_ being written like the _Roman_ C, and also _Trismegistus_, or thrice very great, answerable to a like _Egyptian_ Name, now lost, given him, [Sidenote: A great _Philosopher_, _Priest_ and _King_.] as he was esteem’d a great Philosopher, a great Priest and a great King.

[Sidenote: The second _Mercury_.]

‘This second _Mercury_, having before him a considerable stock of Observations provided by the Priests, and several others of his own, compos’d all, as _Jamblichus_ from _Sulencus_ and _Manetho_ reports, into many thousands of Volumes, that is, of so many Leaves roul’d up of Books, afterwards made of these Volumes. _Clemens Alexandrinus_, _Strom._ 6. says, _There were Forty two which were useful_; six of them appertaining to Medicine, _viz._ of _Anatomy_, _Diseases_, _Surgery_, _Pharmacy_, particular Medicines for the _Eyes_, infected with many Diseases in _Egypt_, and lastly for _Women_; which Books became, as may be gather’d from _Diodorus Siculus_, as it were the Statute-Law in _Egypt_, for the practice in Physic in after Times. [Sidenote: The great establisher of _Magic_.] Yet in all these Books, it is certain, with the physical Account of Things, there was a mixture of _Magic_; the Author of them being the great Establisher of this Art. Now if some Chronologers are not mistaken when they say _Armais_ was the King who was drown’d in the _Red-Sea_, then this same _Armais_, that is, _Hermes Trismegistus_ must be the very Man, who by his Magicians contended with _Moses_; and was therefore rais’d up, the more remarkably to confound them at his fall. It is manifest the Books now and antiently extant, under this _Hermes_’s Name, are all of this Nature; which tho’ not written by him, but by certain of the later _Egyptian_ Priests, are believ’d by _Jamblichus_, _Porphirius_ and others, faithfully to represent his Sense. Therefore _Celsus_, also quoted by _Origen_ against him, _Lib._ 8. tells us, as a piece of _Egyptian Philosophy_, in his Time current, That the Body of Man was divided into Thirty six Parts; each of which was possess’d with a _God_ or _Dæmon_, which being call’d upon by the _Magi_, cur’d the Diseases of the parts they possess’d. And as they appropriated several unto one Man, so, says _Herodotus_, did they to every Beast one; to all, says _Justin_, but the _Hog_. And by the Author of the Book entitul’d, _Trismegisti Asclepias_, the same in effect is said of Plants and Stones, _viz._ That there was τὸ Θεῖον, something of Divinity in them all; nor was the magical Ceremony laid aside in _Galen_’s Time, as appears by what he reports of one _Pamphilus_, _Qui ad Præstigiaturas Ægyptias versus fuit, junctis Incantationibus quas obmurmurat, cum Herbas colligunt_. Also the Author of the Book, _De Medicamentis Expertis_, ascrib’d to _Galen_, speaking of the _Egyptian_ Priests, has this passage, _Laudamus Medicos Altarium_, Ægyptiorum puta, _qui curant cum Cibis Sacrificiorum_.

[Sidenote: _Magical Medicine_ spread over most _Countries_.]

‘Nor did magical Medicine keep within _Egypt_ only, but was thence spread abroad into most other Countries, partly as they fell under the Government of some of their conquering Kings, and partly as _Egypt_ was the great Academy, to which the Philosophers of other Nations made their resort, and whence Physicians were often call’d unto Foreign Princes, who, with their physical, carry’d abroad their magical Skill. The younger _Apollo_ was Author of _Divination_ in _Greece_, as the elder was in _Egypt_. Also in _Epidaurus_, _Cous_ and other Places, his Temple was always full of sick People; as was likewise that of _Æsculapius_.

[Sidenote: _Medicines_, why call’d _Pharmaca_.]

‘Medicines were term’d _Pharmaca_, which antiently signify’d Poysons, because it was believ’d, unless they were magically us’d, they would do more hurt than good; therefore _Jarchas_, in his Life of _Apollonius_, tells us also, They who were esteem’d Sons of _Æsculapius_ had made but small proficiency in the Art of Medicine, _Nisi Æsculapius, juxta Patris sui Vaticinia, Morbis proficua Remedia composuisset_. Nor were the Oriental Nations without their _Teraphim_, a sort of constellated Images, by them so call’d, and us’d, among other purposes, in the cure of Diseases; from whence θεραπεύω, signifies both to worship and heal. _Eusebius_ also in his _Prol. ad_ Lib. 4. _Præp. Evang._ reduces all to _Theology_, as in _Egypt_, so among the rest of the _Gentiles_: _In Gentilium Theologia Civili, continentur Oracula, Responsa, & Curæ Morborum_. So true is that Saying of _Celsus_, concerning _Hippocrates_ in his Præface: _Primus Disciplinam hanc_, Medicinalem puta, _ab studio Sapientiæ separavit_: that is, from _magical Theology_, the reputed Wisdom of those Times.’

That this was the antient state of Medicine in _Egypt_, and all over the World, is farther apparent from the _Hebrews_, being peremptorily requir’d to expel from among them, all such as practis’d the same, _Deut._ 18. 10, 11. Those who Sacrifice their Children, as the _Phænicians_ did for a Remedy against the Plague, as also Diviners, Observers of Times, Enchanters, Witches, Charmers, Consulters of Familiar Spirits, Wizards and Necromancers; so many kinds of Magicians, who among other Things, undertook the Cure and Prognostics of Diseases, so many several ways, particularly the Charmer, _v._ 11. term’d by the _Septuagint_, φαρμακὸς ἐπαείδων ἐπαοιδήν one that us’d Medicines and Charms together: [Sidenote: _Magic_ us’d in _Embalming_.] Thus was _Magic_ so generally mix’d by the _Egyptians_ with their _Physic_, that the very Dead that were _Embalm’d_ were not free from it. This appears from the various Ornaments of their _Mummies_, being adorn’d with painted Characters and Hieroglyphics, and defended by several little Idols or Averruncal Gods. Some of these were plac’d within the Bodies, as suppos’d, perhaps to preserve them from Corruption; and others were sow’d to their out-sides, plac’d upon their Tombs, or in their Burial-Vaults, there to guard them from external Injuries, and by the various Shapes they represented, to deter Men from violating them; but of these we shall speak more particularly in another place.

Yet however Superstitious and Idolatrous the antient _Egyptians_ were in Magical Physic, they were soon convinc’d of the inefficacy of such Practices, therefore study’d other Methods and Physical Remedies, which might prove more prevalent; and altho’ they did not immediately leave off the former, yet was it to the latter only their admirable success in Physic was owing. In like manner are we to believe the preservation of dead Bodies was not effected by those Charms or Idols, found about them, but purely perform’d by an extraordinary Skill in _Medicine_ and _Anatomy_, and particularly in that exquisite _Art_ of _Embalming_. In this, that they might be the better instructed, and more thoroughly knowing, they took such infallible Methods, as none could hardly be ignorant of that part they were to perform; for they had these several Persons belonging to and employ’d in _Embalming_, [Sidenote: _Persons_ how qualify’d for _Embalming_.] each performing a distinct and separate Office, _viz._ a _Designer_ or _Painter_, a _Dissector_ or _Anatomist_, a _Pollinctor_ or _Apothecary_, an _Embalmer_ or _Surgeon_, and a _Physician_ or _Priest_, which last was a great _Philosopher_, and taught and instructed the others in these Ceremonies, as we shall shew in its proper Place.

By this means, not only the Art of _Embalming_, but likewise every branch of Physic, flourish’d and came to the greatest perfection, whereas, in our Age, every Art grows the more imperfect as it incroaches on another, and the civil Wars now a Days between _Physicians_, _Surgeons_ and _Apothecaries_ have been the chief occasions of reducing Physic to so low an ebb; for whilst these have been fighting for each others Countries, the Monarchy was usurp’d by _Quacks_ and _Undertakers_, who are the only _Vultures_ that attend such Battles, in order to prey immediately on the vanquish’d Enemy. Now did every one keep to his own Province, as they did formerly in _Egypt_, there would be none of these Divisions among us, but every Art would flourish and stand upon its own Basis, and yet, I assure you, it would be found more difficult to understand, and perform one Art rightly, than to acquire a superficial Knowledge of many Things, in other Businesses, which relate little to the Purpose. [Sidenote: No _Quacks_ or _Undertakers_ in _Egypt_.] To prevent these, there were in _Egypt_ no Pretenders to Physic in general, nor any Artists who medl’d with anothers Province, each keeping strictly to his own, as _Herodotus_ assures us in his _Euterpe_, where he tells us, some only profess’d curing Diseases of the Head, others of the Ears; some were Oculists, others Tooth-Drawers; some for particular Diseases in Men, and others for those in Women. In a word, there were Physicians for every Disease, but none pretended to more than one. The same thing was observ’d in other Arts, for better maintaining of which, a Law was enacted, that if any Person exercis’d more than one Profession or Trade, he should incur the most grievous of Punishments; and King _Amasis_ also made a Law, That such as had no Profession or Trade at all, or did not yearly make appear, to the Governors of the Provinces how they lawfully got their Livelihoods, should be punish’d with Death. This Law _Solon_ borrow’d of the _Egyptians_, and carry’d to _Athens_, where he had it put in practice: Is it not therefore a shame for us, who, no doubt, esteem our selves a much more polite People than those Heathens were, to suffer a sort of Men call’d _Undertakers_, to monopolize the several Trades of _Glovers_, _Milliners_, _Drapers_, _Wax-Chandlers_, _Coffin-Makers_, _Herald-Painters_, _Surgeons_, _Apothecaries_, and the like.

[Sidenote: _Art_ can never Flourish where they are.]

Art can never flourish where ’tis assum’d by every ignorant Pretender, nor be brought to any perfection, while practis’d by illiterate Persons. We may as well expect one, that has never seen a Campaign, should understand Military Discipline; or one that has never been at Sea, Command and Steer a Ship rightly, as that an _Upholsterer_, a _Taylor_, _Joyner_, or the like _Undertaker_, should be well skill’d in the misterious _Art_ of _Embalming_. These are the present Grievances, as well in Sciences as Trade, and ’till such Time as _Quacks_ and _Undertakers_, _Hawkers_, _Pedlers_ and _Interlopers_, and all such Persons, as were not brought up in the Emploiment they profess, be remov’d; we can think no otherwise but that _Art_ must sink, Trade be ruin’d, and every public Office, as well at Court as in the Country, be ill serv’d: For whence came every Art and Science, nay all kinds of Learning, to flourish so mightily in _Egypt_? And how came it to pass the _Egyptians_ so much excell’d, and perform’d more wonderful Works, than all the World beside, but only by strictly confining every Artist to his particular Emploiment, and punishing all that any ways interfer’d with another? But lest we may seem to dwell too long on this Subject, which we think also more convenient to be discours’d of in another part of this Book, we will next proceed to consider, besides their Pharmacy, the extraordinary Skill of the _Egyptians_ in other Branches of _Physic_, such as _Anatomy_, _Chymistry_, _Surgery_, &c.

[Sidenote: _Egyptians_ well skill’d in _Anatomy_.]