LETTER II.

_To Dr._ John Lawson, _sometime President of the College of Phisicians_, London.

SIR,

As your Knowledge in the _Coptic_ or antient _Egyptian_ Language, in the _Arabic_ and _Oriental_ Tongues, as likewise your extraordinary Skill both in _Phisic_ and _Philology_, best testifie you to be the fittest Judge of an Art of such Antiquity as _Embalming_; so your favourable Approbation of my Notions herein, has encourag’d me to endeavour finding out the true Progress and exact Method of practising that Art. In order hereunto I first think it not amiss to give a short Geographical Description of the Kingdom of _Egypt_, as also to take notice of the Salubrity of its _Air_ and _Water_, [Sidenote: What to be consider’d as relating to _Embalming_.] Fertility of its _Soil_, and Sagacity of its _Inhabitants_, together with several necessary Remarks on their _Religion_, _Customs_, _Arts_, _Diseases_ and _Phisic_, nay, whatever else may tend to the right Understanding of this Noble but lost Art.

Tho’ _Embalming_ be the chiefly intended Scope of this Letter, yet considering the _Egyptians_ have been always allow’d the first Inventors of Arts and Sciences, and that this particular manner of _Embalming_ was at first us’d by them only, it may be requisite to consider every particular circumstance of Time and Place, the several Drugs, Plants, Minerals and other Advantages which accru’d to them beyond other Nations, and likewise to inquire into the Reasons which induc’d them to study this Art, as also by what means and after what manner they came to find it out.

This indeed may seem to some a Digression from our Subject, yet the Consequence of it will not prove a little advantageous to the Reader, besides, like the Interlude of a Tragedy, may somewhat divert the Melancholiness of our _Discourse about the Dead_. But before I proceed to particulars, I shall speak somewhat of _Egypt_ in general, [Sidenote: _Egypt_, how scituate and bounded.] which the antient Geographers plac’d partly in _Africa_ and partly in _Asia_, making the River _Nile_ the Boundary between those two great parts of the World; but _Egypt_, according to the most common receiv’d Opinion, is at present held to be all scituate in _Africa_, and bounded on the _East_ by _Idumæa_, and the _Arabian Gulph_ or _Red Sea_, on the _West_ by the Desarts of _Barca_, _Lybia_ and _Numidia_, on the _North_ by the _Egyptian Sea_, being part of the _Mediterranean_, and on the _South_ by _Nubia_, the last City of _Egypt_, that way being _Assuan_. [Sidenote: Its Denomination.] This Country, says _Heylin_ in his Cosmography, _p._ 841. has had several Names given it by prophane Authors, as, _First_, _Aeria_, from the Serenity of its Air, which is seldom Cloudy. _Secondly_, _Potamia_, from the propinquity of the Sea, which washes two sides of it. _Thirdly_, _Ogygia_, from _Ogyges_, a suppos’d King thereof. _Fourthly_, _Melampodus_, from the black colour of its Soil. _Fifthly_, _Osiria_, from the God _Osiris_, here in high esteem. _Sixthly_, and lastly, it was call’d _Ægyptus_, which in the end prevail’d over all the rest, either from _Ægyptus_ Brother of _Danaus_, once King hereof (in the Stories of this Nation better known by the Name of _Rameses_) or else from _Ægyptus_, the old Name of the River _Nile_, whose annual overflowings bringing Soil and Rubbish from the higher Countries, gave occasion to some to believe it rais’d into firm Land, and gain’d out of the Sea, who therefore call’d it _Nili Donum_, the Gift of _Nile_; yet some there are who would have it call’d _Ægyptus_, from _Aiguphtus_, deriv’d from _Aicoptus_, which signifies the Land or Country of _Coptus_, that being suppos’d to have been antiently its chief City, built by _Coptus_, whose Genealogy and Descent is thus describ’d by Father _Vansleb_ in his Relation of _Egypt_, p. 3. Cham, says he, _one of the three Sons of_ Noah, _had four Male Children_, Cus, Misraim, Fut _and_ Canaan; Cus _was Father of the_ Abyssins, Misraim _of the_ Copties _and_ Nubians, Fut _of the_ Africans, _and_ Canaan _of the_ Syrians _and their Neighbours_. Misraim _after the Deluge, as_ Macrizi _an Arabian Historian says, pitch’d upon_ Egypt, _made there his Abode, and left that and the Country, as far as the farthest Part of_ Africa, _to his Posterity: He had likewise four Sons_, Ischemun, Atrib, Sà _and_ Coptus, _among whom he equally divided the Land of_ Egypt. Coptus _had all that Tract of Land from_ Assuan _or_ Isvan _to the City of_ Coptus; Ischemun _all the Country from that City to_ Menuf _or_ Memphis, Atrib _had the heart and middle of_ Egypt; _now call’d_ Delta; _and_ Sà _all the Continent, from the Province of_ Beheire _as far as_ Barbary: _They all built Cities in their several Dominions, calling them after their own Names. After the decease of their Father, the four Brothers were at variance about the Soveraignty, neither of them caring to endure a Partner; at length they resolv’d to end their Controversy by Battel, which was to give the chief Command to the Victor._ [Sidenote: Govern’d by _Coptus_.] Coptus _the youngest overcame the rest, and was consequently acknowledg’d chief Lord by all. He chose the City of_ Menuf _or_ Memphis, _where his Father liv’d, for his Residence: From this first King all the Race of the_ Egyptians _have been since call’d_ Copties: _From him likewise the_ Greeks _gave the Name of_ Αἰγύπτος _to the Land of_ Egypt, _by changing_ K. _into_ G. _which was allowable not only in that Language, but also in the_ Arabian. _The_ Moors _and_ Copties, _natural Inhabitants of_ Egypt, _now call it_ Massr, _from_ Misraim, _eldest Son of_ Cham, _and Gran-Child of_ Noah, _who first laid the Foundation of that Kingdom after the Deluge: From this_ Misraim _the_ Turks _have also nam’d_ Egypt Missir, _which is very near the Hebrew_ Misraim; _and the_ Jews _to this Day call it_ Eretz Misraim, _the Country of_ Misraim. This may suffice as to its Denominations and Etimology.

[Sidenote: Its _Extent_.]

_Nubiensis Geographia_ makes it to extend in length from _Assuan_ to the _Mediterranean_, 25 Days Journey, which is about 655 English Miles, and in breadth 8 Days Journey or 200 Miles; but _Sandys_ and _Vansleb_ agree ’tis from _North_ to _South_ only 560 Miles, the latter alledging it scarce possible to declare its length precisely, by reason they are not wont in that Country to measure by Miles or Leagues, but by Camels Journeys only. As to its breadth, _Leo Africanus_ says, _p._ 296, it is from _East_ to _West_ 50 Miles, being narrow towards the _South_, but broader to the _North_ towards the _Mediterranean_. _Sandys_ likewise, _p._ 72. says, That by reason of its being so contracted among barren Mountains, it is in many Places hardly 4, in few above 8 Miles broad, till not far above _Cairo_ it begins by degrees to enlarge it self, and so continues even to the Sea, being between _Rosetta_ and _Damiata_, which stand on the _West_ and _East_-Confines of that which is overflow’d by the natural Course of the River, 140 Miles, and from _Rosetta_ to _Alexandria_ 30.

[Sidenote: Antient and modern _Division_.]

Concerning the Division of this Country, the Ancients have taken occasion to divide it first into high and low, and then into high, middle and low; the higher they call’d _Thebais_, from a Place call’d _Thebes_, at present _Saida_; the middle they nam’d _Septanomos_, from the seven _Nomi_, Provostships or Governments it contain’d, at present _Bechira_ or _Demesor_; the lower and more particular _Egypt_ they call’d _Delta_, from its likeness to the Figure of the _Greek_ Letter Δ. _Egypt_, according to _Sandys_, p. 85. is now divided into three Parts or Provinces; that which lies _South_ of _Cairo_ is call’d _Sahid_, that between _Cairo_, _Rosetta_ and _Alexandria_, _Errif_, that between _Cairo_, _Damiata_ and _Tenese_, _Maremnia_, _Bechiria_: The _Pharaohs_ and _Egyptian_ Nobility resided in _Saida_, the _Ptolomies_ in _Errif_, and the _Romans_ and _Greeks_ along the Sea-Coasts.

[Sidenote: The River _Nile_.]

I must now proceed to speak of the River _Nile_, which crossing great part of _Æthiopia_, and then entring _Egypt_, runs the whole length of that Kingdom, and after dividing and spreading it self into many Branches, ends in the _Mediterranean Sea_. This River was thought by the Ancients not to have its equal, and is still reputed one of the most considerable of the World, having somewhat wonderful and peculiar to it self, whether one considers its _Source_ or _Effects_. To this River _Egypt_ ows its Fertility, and its Inhabitants the greatest of Felicities, their Health and Fortunes, yet neither could their rich Princes or wise Priests ever discover its _Source_ or _Origin_. ’Tis this has baffl’d the greatest Philosophers, and withstood the Attempts of all their Kings, _Roman_ Emperors, Sultans and other Potentates, who, notwithstanding they endeavour’d it with vast Expenses, always prov’d unsuccessful: Thus _Sesostris_, _Ptolemy_ and _Cyrus_ sought for it in vain; _Alexander_ the Great consulted the Oracle of _Jupiter Ammon_ in order to find it out, and _Cambyses_, as _Strabo_ witnesses, spent a whole Year to the same purpose, yet both were disappointed: _Julius Cæsar_ also, if we may believe _Lucan_, said, He would have given over his pursuit of the Civil War, could he but have been sure to find out this Secret, yet has its Spring-Head remain’d undiscover’d till of late Years, when it was happily pitch’d upon by the _Portugueses_, which makes me of the Opinion of _Le Bruyn_, That no Persons are more capable of making these Searches and Discoveries than the _Roman Missionaries_; for on one hand they make it their Duty and perpetual Employment to go about everywhere gaining Proselites, and subjecting them to the See of _Rome_, and on the other, under pretence of Devotion, and by virtue of their poor and simple Habit, may easily penetrate the most remote Countries, inaccessible to other Travellers by reason of the Dangers that are to be met with. Now ’tis certain almost all those Missionaries, especially the _Jesuites_, are most capable of making these Searches, by reason of their insinuating and cunning Ways, so that making it their Business, as they commonly do, they must be most likely to succeed therein; ’tis therefore to their Care and Pains we are indebted for two considerable Discoveries, of the Source and Rise of this River; the first made by _Peter Pais_, and the second by Father _Telles_ a Jesuit, which last being the shorter Account, yet no less Correct, I shall here insert it as he has given it us in his History of _Æthiopia_, printed at _Lisbon_.

[Sidenote: The Rise and Course of the River _Nile_.]

_In the Kingdom of_ Gojam, _about_ 12 _Degrees from the Equinoctial towards the_ West, _and in the Province of_ Sacahala, _inhabited by the_ Agaus, _in a Field of no great extent, incompass’d by many high Mountains, is a small Lake, over which one may cast a Stone, full of Bushes and low Trees, whereof the Roots are so thick and intangl’d, that in Summer one may pass over them dry shod. In the middle of this Lake are two great and deep Fountains very near each other, whence issues out a clear Water that runs under these Bushes and Shrubs, in two several Channels. Towards the_ East, _and about the distance of a Musket-Shot, they turn to the_ North. _About half a Mile from thence there appears a great deal of Water, and a considerable River, into which run many other Streams. About 15 Miles farther it receives another larger Water call’d_ Gema, _which looses then its Name. A little farther, turning towards the_ East, _it receives two other considerable Streams call’d_ Kelti _and_ Branti: _Near this Place is the first fall of the River; not much farther running towards the_ East, _it enters the Lake of the_ Abyssins, _nam’d_ Bahr Dembea, _or the Sea of_ Dembea. _When it has pass’d through this Lake, without mingling with its Waters, it receives many other great Rivers, and chiefly the River_ Tekeze _near_ Egypt. _So soon as_ Nile _is out of the Lake_ Dembea, _it turns to the_ South-East, _leaving on the left the Kingdoms of_ Beg-amidr, Amhara _and_ Voleca; _afterwards running towards the_ South, _it has on the_ South-East _the Kingdom of_ Sauva, _and then turning again to_ East-North-East, _has on the_ South, Ganz, Gafata _and_ Bizamo, _passing through the Countries of_ Gonga _and_ Gafre; _a little farther it passes by_ Fascalo, _then enters the Country of_ Funch _or_ Nubia, _whence it runs into_ Egypt, _as Father_ Telles _affirms_. But how it is there distributed and divided, I shall shew by and by, after I have mention’d two of its Principal _Cataracts_ or _Cascades_ of a surprizing Nature.

[Sidenote: Its _Cataracts_.]

One of these is at _Ilack_, in _Numidia_, and the other above _Siene_ in _Egypt_, being 12 Days Journey from each other. _Ptolomy_ calls the most Southern, the _Great Cataract_, and the other, which he places about _Siene_, now _Assuan_, the _Lesser_. This falls about 50 foot, but the other three times as high, which last rouling off the Rocks into a vast Abyss, the Waters, says _Sandys_, p. 73. make such a roaring Noise, that a Colony, planted there by the _Persians_, were made almost Deaf with it, and glad to abandon their Habitations, tho’ otherwise plentifully provided with all Necessaries of Life. The adjoyning People nevertheless are of that incredible boldness, that daring to commit themselves in little Boats (capable of holding only two, whereof the one Steers and the other Rows) unto the raging Current, and impetuous Eddies, have been seen to pass the Streights of the Rocks by little Channels, and at length to rush down with the Stream, to the amazement of all Beholders, who giving them up for lost, beheld them a while after as if shot out of an Engin, far from the place of their Fall, rowing safely in the asswaged Waters; but _Danet_ will not allow the Noise made by the Cataracts, renders the neighbouring Inhabitants Deaf, tho’ the same may be heard 3 Days Journey off, and the Waters which rush down appear like Smoak, being forc’d with so great a violence, that they form a kind of Arch, and leave so great a space between, that a Man may pass it without being wet: There are also Seats cut under the Rocks, where Travellers may rest themselves.

The other _Cascade_, as _Sandys_, p. 73. tells us, is a little above the place where once stood the City _Elephantis_: There two pointed Rocks nam’d _Crophi_ and _Mophi_, or the Veins of _Nilus_, lift up their eminent Heads, making the lesser Cataract by falling down with a furious Cascade into the upper _Egypt_; then running from _South_ to _North_ very leisurely, it divides its self into two navigable Branches. That towards the _East_ runs into the Midland Sea near _Damiata_, heretofore _Pelusium_, while the other inclining to the _West_, and formerly call’d _Canopus_, falls into the self same Sea a little below _Rosetta_, making, of the richest Portion of the Land of _Egypt_, a triangular Island, call’d _Delta_, in that being thus inclos’d between these two Branches and the Sea, it bears the form of that Letter. Two other Branches there are which run between these, but poor in Water, besides divers Channels cut by the Labour of Man, for better Conveyance during the Time of Inundation.

[Sidenote: Its _Ostiaries_ or _Mouths_.]

_Herodotus_ and _Strabo_ reckon up seven Mouths of the _Nile_, but _Egypt_ has been so much chang’d since their Time, that there is hardly any appearance or remembrance of the seven Cities they mention. _Ptolemy_, in his Geography, expresly gives the names of nine; but surely most of them must have been stop’d up by the Sands, since at present there are but three or four at most, as is affirm’d by _William_ Arch-Bishop of _Tyre_, in his IX. Book, _De Bell. Sac._ cap. 33. and by _Le Bruyn_ in his Voyage to the _Levant_, p. 161. who went on purpose to make such Discoveries. But this is however remarkable, that the fresh Waters of the _Nile_, keeping themselves united in a Body, and falling into the salt Water or Sea, change the Colour of the _Mediterranean_ farther than any part thereof can be seen from the Shore. [Sidenote: Its _Inundation_.] Yet amongst all the Misteries of Nature, none is more wonderful than the Overflowing of this River, nor any Thing more Beneficial; since to this alone the Inhabitants owe not only their Riches but their Health, the most malignant Diseases immediately ceasing at the Approach of it, and Famine and Dearth are as quickly expell’d. It brings a Mirth and Joy to those People, and of a meer Desart it was before, for such is _Egypt_ unwater’d by the _Nile_, makes that Country the most fruitful of any in the habitable World.

Now the Earth, which had been so long scorch’d by the violent heat of the Sun, is plentifully refresh’d with abundant Waters, and the very Cattel seem to rejoyce at the approaching verdant Season: Boats are row’d where not long before Men trod, and the Waters fill up the dusty Channels and long empty’d Cisterns, covering in many Places the whole superficies of the Land, making it appear as a troubl’d Lake. Nor is this an unpleasant sight to the Natives, who think the less they see of their Country, the more their Comfort will be. During this Inundation they keep their Beasts and Cattel on the tops of such little Hills, as either the Providence of Nature, or Industry of Man has prepar’d, where they abide, waiting patiently for the decrease of the Waters. On these Hills also stand most of their Towns and Villages, appearing, in the time of the Flood; like so many Islands, the People in the mean Time holding Commerce and continual Traffick, by intercourse of Boats and Shallops, in which they transport their marketable Commodities from one Place to another.

[Sidenote: Time of its Increase.]

This Increase of Waters begins about the 16th or 17th of _June_, when the _Nile_ swells above its Banks for the space of 40 Days, and in as many more gathers its Waters again to their proper Bounds; so that its greatest height is about the end of _July_, and decrease about the beginning of _September_. If it begins sooner or later, the People give Judgment whether there will be more or less Water, and consequently are advertis’d to the end they may take Order for what they have to do. The Increase is known by certain Pillars in their Towns, and particularly in the Castle of _Roude_, which stands in a little Isle opposite to old _Cairo_, where the _Bassa_ resides, during the Solemnity of opening the _Khalis_ or Channel, which passes thro’ and fills the Cisterns of _Grand Cairo_. It is also known in the Fields by _Asps_, _Tortoises_, _Crawfish_, _Crocodiles_, &c. who remove their Eggs or Young from the Banks of the _Nile_, immediately before the Inundation, and lay them up where they may be preserv’d.

[Sidenote: Its Effects.]

Now answerable to the Increase of this River is the Plenty or Scarcity of the succeeding Year. _Heylin_ in his Cosmography writes, If it flow not to the height of 15 Cubits, then the Earth will be deficient in her Abundance or Increase for want of Moisture; and if it surmount the superficies of the Earth, more than 17 Cubits, then, like a drunken Man, it cannot produce its natural Operation, having its Stomach cloy’d and surcharg’d as it were with too much Liquor; but if a moderate flowing happen, then can no Country boast of a like Fertility, the Flood bringing with it both Earth and Water into a sandy and thirsty Soil, which as well manures as moistens it with the Fat and pregnant Slime it leaves behind, and, as I said before, produces both Riches and Health; for the _Plague_, which here oftentimes miserably rages, upon the first Day of the Flood instantly ceases, insomuch, that whereas 500 had died at _Cairo_ the Day before, on the Day following there dies not one Man. But if it at any Time happens that the River does not thus overflow the Country, then is it commonly the fore-runner of a following Dearth. Thus, when this River flows but to 16 Degrees, they fear a Famine, but when it comes to 23, ’tis a sign of a good Year, whereas when ’tis too high the Inundation is dangerous. _Thevenot_ says, If it rises but to 16 Foot, a Famine unavoidably follows for want of Water; and if it swells to 24, there will be a Dearth, because the Seed-Time must be lost. There are besides many other rare Properties belonging to this River, which to relate would make my Digression too long, and my intent was only to mention such Things as chiefly tend to a Natural History, among which, those curious Observations made by Father _Vansleb_ are most to my purpose, which therefore I shall insert as follows:

[Sidenote: Remarkable _Observations_ on the _Nile_.]

_This is remarkable of_ Nile, _says my Author, That it begins to increase and decrease on a certain Day, and that when it first increases, it grows green and afterwards appears red: The Day on which it begins to increase is Yearly the_ 12th _of_ June, _according to the_ Copties _Account, or the_ 17th _according to Ours, when the Natives observe the Feast of St._ Michael _the Arch-Angel, on which Feast the Drops begin to fall: Now these Drops, according to the Opinion of the Inhabitants, are Tokens of the Mercies and Blessings of GOD. They believe GOD sends the Arch-Angel, St._ Michael, _on that Day to cause the River to be Fruitful; this is the common sentiment the People have, but the Learned say, these Drops are a kind of Dew, which falls towards the last quarter of the Night, near the Morning, and causes the River to be Fertile, Purifies the Air from all Infection of_ Camsin, _and gives Strength and Virtue to whatever it falls upon_.

[Sidenote: _Cause_ of its _Fertility_.]

_These Drops are doubtless the sole Cause of the Fertility of the_ Nile; _for as soon as the Dew is fallen, the Waters begin to corrupt and turn of a greenish Colour: This Colour increases more and more till the River appears as a Lake cover’d all over with Moss; this Colour is to be seen not only in its great Channel, but also in all the Bounds and Branches that come from it, the Cisterns only preserving their Water pure; some Years this green Colour continues about 20 Days, and sometimes longer, but never above 40. The_ Egyptians _call this Time_ il chadraviat, _for then they suffer much, the Water being corrupt and unwholesome, and because good Water is very scarce. These Drops or Dew purifie the Air, for so soon as ever they begin to fall, the_ Plague _ceases to be mortal, none die of it; the Air becomes wholesome, all Diseases are disarm’d, and if any Person happens to be sick of it, he shall be sure not to die. This Dew gives Life to every Thing, and when it falls on the Wheat, causes it to continue many Years without Corruption or Worms, nay makes it far more Nourishing than any Corn on which it has never come. For this Reason the Natives never house the_ Grand Signiors _Corn till this Dew be fallen, to the end it may keep the longer free from Worms_.

[Sidenote: Its _Increase_.]

_The Increase of this River proceeds from several Causes; the first and chiefest of which, is the Fermentation caused therein by this Dew, which falls precisely at the Time before-mention’d. The continual Rains of_ Æthiopia, _that come in_ July, August _and_ September, _which is the Winter Quarter of this Country, together with the great Torrents of Water that rush down from the Mountains, into the Rivers that flow into the_ Nile, _may be look’d on as another Cause of its Increase; for I cannot conceive the Fermentation can last 100 Days, and singly cause it to increase so much as it is wont. The third Cause are the Westerly Winds call’d_ Maestrals, _and by the_ Egyptians Maltem, _which begin about 12 Days before the Dew comes, and continue about four Months without Cessation; they blow directly into the_ Nile, _and hinder the fresh Water from coming out, so that it returns back, which causes the River to swell. So soon as the green Colour is gone, the River begins to turn red and very muddy; ’tis then no doubt the Fermentation is past, and the Waters of_ Æthiopia _are arriv’d in_ Egypt, _which are of that Colour, by reason of the red Earth the furious Torrents from the Mountains carry along with them; for ’tis not probable the Land of_ Egypt, _which is very black, should give that Tincture. In the Year_ 1673, _at the beginning of_ July, _the Water began to turn red, which continu’d to the end of_ December, _the Time the River ordinarily returns to its usual bigness. The_ Egyptians _have an Art to make this muddy Water as clear as Cristal; so soon as the Water-Bearers have fill’d their Vessels, they rub them in the inside with a Paste made of pounded Almonds, which in a short Time causes the Water to become very clear. In such Places where this Paste is not to be had, they use instead of it the Kernels of Apricocks, pounded after the same manner, and some say the Flower of little Beans will have the same Effect._

[Sidenote: _Operation_ of its _Waters_.]

_The Waters of this River have several Operations, for_, First, _They bring a Loosness on new Comers, in case the Parties drink them at their first arrival, and it continues about eight Days_. Secondly, _They cause an Itching in the Skin, which troubles those that drink them when the River increases: This Itch is very small, appearing first about the Arms, then on the Stomach, and afterwards spreading all over the Body, which causes grievous Pain. This Itch comes not only on such as have drunk of the River, but such as drink out of the Cisterns fill’d with River-Water; it lasts about six Weeks._ Thirdly, _About the Months of_ June, July, August _and_ September _it turns into Sweat, but is not so in any other Time of the Year_. Fourthly, _When this Water covers the Earth, it fattens the Land with the Slime it leaves behind. Monsieur_ Thevenot _is mistaken in his Travels into the_ Levant, _where he says, This Slime makes the Ground so fat, that if Sand were not mingl’d with it, it would Rot and Choak whatever is put into it; and that in_ Egypt _they take as much Pains to carry Sand upon their Land, as we do to lay Dung. This is not generally so, for they never use Sand but for Melons, Cucumbers, and such like Fruits, which grow best in sandy Grounds; they never use it for other Fruits and Grains._ Thus far _Vansleb_.

[Sidenote: Their _Virtues_ and _Goodness_.]

_Sandys_, speaking in Commendation of these Waters, says, They procure liberal Urine, curing Pains in the Kidnies, and are a most sovereign Remedy against the _Hypocondriacus Affectus_, or Wind-Melancholy. They are not unpleasantly cold, but of all others the most sweet and wholsome, by reason of their being well concocted by the Sun, which at all Times is, in some part or other, directly over them, and by the length of their Course, running from _South_ to _North_, besides _Ambages_ above 41 Degrees, so that from this River there ascend no Vapours, the Humour being rarifi’d by so long a Progress, which tho’ exhal’d, assumes no visible Body, but undistinguishably mixes with the pure Air, agreeing with the same in tenuity. _Thevenot_ speaks much to the same purpose in his Travels to the _Levant_, fol. 245. where he says, This Water is so wholsome, it never does any harm, tho’ drank to never so great a degree, by reason it comes a great way over Land, to wit, from _Æthiopia_, so that in so long a Course, thro’ so hot a Country, the Sun has Time to correct and purifie it from all Crudities, and indeed it is sweated out as fast as one drinks it.

[Sidenote: Used instead of _Drink_.]

They have no other Water to drink in _Egypt_, therefore most of their Cities, Towns and Villages stand on the Borders of this River; there are also many Canals and deep Ponds which have been caus’d to be cut at convenient Distances, by the Care and Magnificence of their Kings, for the Refreshment and Use of the People, who indeed need no other Drink. The Waters of this River are of such excellent Taste and Virtue, that when _Pescennius Niger_ heard his Souldiers murmur for want of Wine, he thus reply’d, _What! crave ye Wine and yet have_ Nile _to drink of?_ The first Kings of _Egypt_ made such account of them, that they almost drank nothing else; and when _Ptolomy Philadelphus_ marry’d his Daughter _Berenice_ to _Antiochus Theos_, King of _Assyria_, he gave orders that from Time to Time the Waters of _Nile_ should be carry’d her, that she might drink no other Liquor. And indeed all Authors agree these Waters are sweet, healthful and nourishing, and that they keep a long Time without corrupting, for being left to settle but a small Season, they become clean, clear, and so sweet and pleasant, that they excel all others for smoothness and flavour. _Gabriel Sionata_ in his Tract _De Moribus Orientalium_, p. 27. observes, That the Waters of _Nile_, being only kept in Pans three Days, and during that Time expos’d to the heat of the Sun, turn to a pure white Salt; so that the Land of _Egypt_ has an inexhaustible supply of that which is so needful for the Life of Man, and that at small Expence. Moreover, whatever is here valuable proceeds from the Munificence of this River, whose Annual overflow is the only Cause of that wonderful Fertility of the Soil of this Country, which is so great that it is rather to be admir’d than describ’d.

[Sidenote: Fertility of _Egypt_.]

In Times past it was reputed the Granary of the whole World, insomuch, that it was not thought possible for the _Roman_ Empire to subsist without its affluence. Also, after _Selimus_ Emperor of the _Turks_ had conquer’d this Country, he was heard to say, That now he had taken a Farm would plentifully feed his _Jemoglans_. Monsieur _Thevenot_ says, _Egypt_ may well be stil’d an Earthly Paradise; for so great is its increase, that in many Places they reap two considerable Crops a Year; Hay they mow four Times, and as for Pease, Beans, and other Garden-Ware, those grow spontaneously all the Year round. All kinds of Fruit are exceeding plentiful, Grapes only excepted, which it may be Nature keeps back as thinking the Natives of _Egypt_ can want no Wine, since they have so good Water. In a Word, _Lucan_ thus characterizes this Country:

_Terra suis contenta Bonis, non indiga Mercis Aut_ Jovis, _in Solo tanta est fiducia_ Nilo.

A Land that needs nor Trade nor Rain, a Soil Pleas’d in it self as confident in _Nile_.

[Sidenote: The _Red Sea_.]

Next we shall speak of the _Red Sea_, as having been so very Famous, both for the miraculous Passage of the _Israelites_ as upon dry Land, and the drowning of _Pharaoh Cenchres_, and all his Followers, as likewise for that thro’ it the Spices of _India_ and _Arabia_ were first brought to _Alexandria_, and thence dispers’d by the _Venetians_ throughout all _Europe_, _Africa_ and _America_, as _Heylin_, p. 852. testifies. The _Turks_ call this Sea the _Gulf_ of _Mecca_, and the Ancients nam’d it the _Arabian Gulf_ or _Red Sea_, the reason of which last, see in Sir _Thomas Brown_’s _Vulgar Errors_, p. 261 and 262. who also tells us several Princes have attempted to cut thro’ the _Isthmus_, or narrow Tract of Land, that parts the _Arabian_ and _Mediterranean Seas_, but whose intent was not immediately to unite those Waters, but to make a Navigable Channel betwixt the former and the _Nile_, the Marks whereof remain to this Day. This was first attempted by _Sesostris_ King of _Egypt_, and afterwards by _Darius_ King of _Persia_, but, for fear of drowning the Country, at length relinquish’d by them both; yet the same Thing was long after re-attempted, and in some measure effected by _Ptolomy Philadelphus_. Now the _Grand Signior_, who is Lord of all this Country, conveys his Gallies into the _Red Sea_ by the _Nile_; for bringing them down to _Grand Cairo_, they are there taken to pieces, carry’d upon Camels Backs, and afterwards put together again at _Sues_, his Port and Naval Station for that Sea, whereby he in effect puts the Design of _Cleopatra_ in execution, who after the Battle at _Actium_, in a different manner, would have convey’d her Gallies into the _Red Sea_. Here, as the same Author affirms, Coral grows in great abundance.

[Sidenote: The _Lake_ of _Mœris_.]

As concerning the Lakes of _Egypt_, that of King _Mœris_ is not only the most admirable, but likewise the largest of all, denominated after his own Name, as is testify’d by _Herodotus_, _Diodorus Siculus_ and _Pliny_; a Work the most useful and wonderful, says _Greaves_ in his _Pyramidographia_, p. 11. if rightly consider’d, that ever was attempted by Man. In the midst of this Lake that King erected two _Pyramids_, one in Memory of himself, and the other of his Wife, each being 600 Feet in height. The Description of both these and of this Lake we have in _Herodotus_; the latter we find also in _Strabo_, but no where so fully as in _Diodorus Siculus_, Lib. 1. therefore I shall relate his Words: _Ten Schænes_ (600 Furlongs, tho’ _Strabo_ and _Artemidorus_ before him observe a difference of _Schænes_ in _Egypt_) _above the City_ Memphis, Mœris _dug a Lake of admirable Use, the Greatness of which is incredible, the Circumference of it being said to be 3600 Furlongs, and the Depth in many Places 50 Fathom (200 Cubits or 300 Feet.) Now who that shall seriously consider the vastness of this Work, can forbear asking how many Myriads of Men were employ’d on it, and in how many Years they accomplish’d it? The common Benefit of this Undertaking to those that inhabit_ Egypt, _as also the Wisdom of its Royal Contriver, no Man can sufficiently admire; for since the increase of_ Nile _is not always the same, and that the Country is ever made more Fertile by its moderate Rise, this King contriv’d a Lake to receive the superfluity of the Water, that neither the greatness of the Inundation unseasonably drowning the Country, might occasion Marshes or Lakes, nor the Rivers flowing less than required, corrupt the Fruits for want of Water. This Prince therefore caus’d a Ditch to be cut from the River_ Nile _to this Lake, 80 Furlongs long and 300 Feet broad, by which, sometimes receiving in, and sometimes letting out the Water, he exhibited a seasonable quantity thereof to the Husbandmen, the mouth of this Ditch being sometimes open’d and sometimes shut, yet both not without much Art and great Expence, for he that would either open the_ Sluces _or shut them, was under a necessity of expending at least 50 Talents. This Lake, thus benefiting the_ Egyptians, _has continu’d even to our Times, and from its Author is at this Day call’d_, The Lake of _Mœris. He left a dry place in the midst, on which he built a_ Sepulcher _and two_ Pyramids, _each a Furlong high; one of these he made for himself, and the other for his Wife, placing on each a Marble Statue sitting on a Throne, imagining that by these Works he should transmit to Posterity an indelible Remembrance of his Worth. The Revenue arising from the Fish of this Lake he gave to his Wife for her Unguents and other Ornaments, which is said to have been not less worth to her than a Talent a Day; for according to common report there are 22 sorts of Fish in it, which are taken in such huge quantities, that those who are perpetually employ’d in salting them, of which there is a very large number, can hardly dispatch the Work._ Thus far _Diodorus Siculus_, whose Description of this Lake, as it is much fuller than that of _Herodotus_, so _Herodotus_, Lib. 2. has this memorable Observation which _Diodorus_ omitted. _He says this Lake was made by Hand, as is apparent, because almost in the midst of it there stand two_ Pyramids, _50 Fathoms above Water and as many under: On each of these there is a_ Colossus _of Stone, sitting on a Throne; so that by this means, these_ Pyramids _must in all be 100 Fathoms high_. _Strabo_ likewise, _Lib._ 17. says, _This Lake is wonderful, being like a Sea both for largeness and Colour_.

[Sidenote: The _Dead Sea_ or _Lake Asphaltites_.]

But now I am speaking of Seas and Lakes I will mention one more, which tho’ not in _Egypt_ but in _Palestine_, is not yet above 2 _Italian_ Miles off _Damiata_, as _Le Bruyn_, p. 138. assures us. This Lake is very beneficial as well to the _Holy Land_, in that it plentifully furnishes that Country with Salt, as to _Egypt_, by reason of its large store of Bituminous Matter, of great use in _Embalming_: By some it is call’d _Mare Mortuum_, and by others the _Lake Asphaltites_. The Name of this Sea is suppos’d to have been given it from its largeness and saltness, being 70 Miles long and 16 broad, and so extream salt, that its Water burns like Fire when tasted, and boils up weighty Bodies, insomuch that whatever living Creature is thrown into it, sinks not easily. It is call’d the _Dead Sea_, perhaps from its heavy Waters hardly to be mov’d by the Winds, or else because it has no visible efflux into the Ocean, nor is at all increas’d by the River _Jordan_, and many other Waters that flow into it, or _Thirdly_, In that no living Creature can breath in it, but is on the contrary suffocated by its Bituminous Steams, the great abundance whereof also occasions it to be call’d _Lacus Asphaltites_. Now of this _Asphaltum_ or _Bitumen_ there are several Camel-Loads taken out of it Dayly, as _Thevenot_ assures us, which raise a very great Revenue. _Diodorus Siculus_ moreover tells us, there rise such large pieces of _Bitumen_ out of the midst this Lake, as are 2 or 300 Feet square; the greater sort the Inhabitants term Bulls, and the lesser Calves, which, swimming on the surface of the Water, appear at a distance like so many Islands. The Time of the Lakes throwing up this _Bitumen_, which is Yearly, may be perceiv’d above 20 Days before it comes; for everywhere round, for many Furlongs, a Steam arises with great stench, which changes the natural Colour of all Gold, Silver or Brass near it, till it be again exhal’d; and inasmuch as all adjoyning Parts are thus corrupted with the heat and stench of this Lake, the Inhabitants are commonly infected with Diseases, and their Lives thereby shortn’d. This was once a fruitful Valley, compar’d for delightfulness with Paradise, and call’d _Pentapolis_ from its five Cities; but which being destroy’d by Fire from Heaven, it was thereupon converted into this filthy Lake and barren Desolation which surrounds it, a fearful Monument of Divine Wrath, for the Wickedness of _Sodom_ and _Gomorrha_, two of these five Cities, from the former of which it is also call’d the _Lake_ of _Sodom_. But I make mention of this Lake chiefly for the sake of its _Asphaltum_, so much us’d in the _Embalmings_ of the _Egyptians_, and not that its stench can any ways incommode or prove unhealthful to _Egypt_; for that Country has neither Seas Lakes nor Rivers less prejudicial or more beneficial than the _Nile_, a River sufficient of it self to water the Country, fertilize its Soil, and thereby render its Inhabitants both chearful and healthy.

[Sidenote: Climate of _Egypt_.]

Another Thing to be consider’d, as very useful in the _Natural History_ of _Embalming_, is the Climate of _Egypt_, whether hot or cold, dry or moist, or compriz’d under other general Heads, such as those of the _Heavens_, _Air_, _Water_, _Earth_, _Winds_, _Seasons_, &c. which Qualities, as they are in great measure occasion’d by the _Nile_, so are they also best explain’d by setting forth those of that River, with their Effects; for _Egypt_ by reason of its Southerly Situation is very hot, and during the whole Summer almost insupportable, which being farther increas’d by the reflexion of the Sun on its sandy Soil, renders the Air so exceedingly warm that one can hardly breath in it, which is indeed one of the greatest Inconveniencies _Egypt_ lies under. This heat unavoidably dries up all the Rivers for near six Months together, so that the People must of necessity die with Famine, did not the _Nile_ overflow and fill up their empty Channels, thereby relieving them, thirsty as their Soil. Now the Property of this River is the more remarkable, in that it differs from those of all others, which are only full in Winter; whereas, on the contrary, this overflows in Summer, when there is most occasion for it, as if purposely design’d by Providence to save a famish’d and scorch’d Country. Moreover this is worth taking notice of, that the Soil of _Egypt_ being naturally Sandy and Steril, and withal very dry and scorch’d, is by means of the overflowing of _Nile_ sufficiently water’d, and by the fat Mud it leaves behind made very Fertile and fit for Tillage.

[Sidenote: The _Air_ very hot.]

The Air also of this Country, especially about _Cairo_, and farther towards the _South_, because so near the Line, is extream hot, for there, says _Ogilby_ in his Description of _Egypt_, p. 115. the Sun casts its Beams perpendicularly from _Cancer_, during which Time of violent Heat the People are wont to dwell in Caverns; nay in _Cairo_, in the midst of every House, there are Wells with Water in them, which not only cool the Mansions but refresh their Inhabitants: They have likewise contriv’d large Pipes or Funnels in the midst of their Houses, which standing right up into the Air, with broad Mouths like Bells, and lying open to the _North_, receive the cool Air, which is thereby sent down into the lowermost Rooms. For shade also in the Streets, every Dwelling has a broad Penthouse; and for further refreshment the Inhabitants use Bathing, having curious Bagnio’s of fresh and clear Water from the River _Nile_, without any mixture either of Herbs or medicinal Ingredients.

[Sidenote: Cool’d by the _Nile_ and Annual _Winds_.]

The Heat of this Country is moreover somewhat moderated by the overflowing of _Nile_, and the continual blowing of cool Northerly Winds, otherwise it would be so vehement, neither Man nor Beast could be able to breath in it. In Winter the Air is _hot_ and _dry_, tho’ sometimes a little _cool_, yet generally extream hot, and more prejudicial to the Head than any other part of the Body. _Sandys_ says, p. 76. It is as hot with them in the depth of _Winter_, as with us in the midst of _July_. The Air a Nights is cool, which after Sun-rising becomes a little warm, at Noon very hot, but at Night returns to be cold again, so that its inequality breeds many Diseases; nevertheless, in as much as it is exceeding Serene, being constantly free both from Rain, Clouds, Mists, Fogs, Hail, Snow, _&c._ which rarely happen, it is accounted very healthful; and in this Sense we must take _Herodotus_ Lib. 2. where he says, _The_ Egyptians _are the Healthiest People of the World, by reason of the immutability of their Air_. But that it Rains, Hails and Snows sometimes in that Country, tho’ many of the Ancients deny it, is plainly confirm’d by several modern Writers, wherefore Sir _Thomas Brown_ places that assertion among his Vulgar Errors, and _p._ 260 thus confutes it. _’Tis confirm’d_, says he, _by many, and believ’d by most, that it never Rains in_ Egypt, _the River_ Nile _plentifully supplying that Defect, and bountifully requiting it by its Inundation; yet this must be understood in a qualify’d Sense, that is, that it Rains there but seldom in Summer, and very rarely in Winter_. [Sidenote: Rain in _Egypt_.] But that great Showers do sometimes fall on this Region, besides the Assertion of many Writers, is confirm’d by the Honourable and Occular Testimony of Sir _William Paston_, Bar^{t.} who affirms, That not many Years since it rain’d in _Grand Cairo_ for divers Days together. The same is likewise attested as to other parts of _Egypt_ by _Prosper Alpinus_, who liv’d long in that Country, and has left us an accurate Treatise of the Medicinal Practice there: _Cairi, raro decidunt Pluviæ, Alexandriæ, Pelusiiq; & in omnibus Locis Mari adjacentibus, pluit largissime & sæpe_. That is, _It Rains seldom at_ Cairo, _but at_ Alexandria, Damiata, _and other Places near the Sea, very often and plentifully_. The same likewise is to be inferr’d from this Author concerning Snow, _Rarissime Nix, Grando_, &c. _It seldom either Snows or Hails, wherefore we cannot deny Snow or Hail never to fall because they happen but seldom._ The rarity of them however may be the occasion of that Saying of _Horace_, Lib, 3. Ode 26.

_Memphim carentem Scythonia Nive._

Scorch’d _Memphis_ knows no _Scythian_ Snows.

To all this may be added the Testimony of the Learn’d Mr. _Greaves_, whose Words, as you may find them, _p._ 74, 75. of his accurate Description of the _Pyramids_, I will here insert, by reason they not only prove these Rains, but likewise impart some curious Observations on the Air of _Egypt_ and _Nile_. _I cannot_, says he, _sufficiently wonder at the Ancients who generally deny’d the fall of Rains in_ Egypt. _Plato_ in his _Timæus_ speaking of this Country, where he had liv’d many Years, writes thus, Κατὰ δὲ τὴν δὲ τὴν χώραν οὔτε τότε, οὔτε ἄλλοτε, ἄνωθεν ἐπὶ τὰς ἀρούρας ὕδωρ ἐπιῤῥεῖ. _i. e._ But in that Country no Rain falls on the Ground at any Time. _Pomponius Mela_ in express Terms relates, _That_ Egypt _is_ Terra expers Imbrium, miré tamen fertilis; _whereas for two Months_, viz. December _and_ January, _I have not known it Rain so constantly, and with so great impetuosity at_ London, _as I found it to do at_ Alexandria, _the Winds continuing_ N. N. W. _which caus’d me to keep a Diary, as well of the Weather as of my Observations in Astronomy, and that not only there, but also at_ Grand Cairo. _My very noble and worthy Friend, Sir_ William Paston, _observ’d at the same Time that there fell much Rain; so likewise about the end of_ March _following, being at the_ Mummies _somewhat beyond the_ Pyramids _towards the_ South, _there fell a gentle shower of Rain for almost an whole Day together: But it may be the Ancients meant the upper part of_ Egypt, _beyond_ Thebes, _about_ Siene, _and near the_ Catadupæ _or_ Cataracts _of_ Nile _and not the lower Parts; for there indeed I have been told by the_ Egyptians _it seldom Rains, wherefore_ Seneca _Lib._ 4. Natur. Quæst. _may have written true, where he says_, [Sidenote: Snow in _Egypt_] In ea parte quæ in Æthiopiam vergit, _speaking of_ Egypt, aut nulli Imbres sunt aut rari. _But where he says_, Alexandriæ Nives non cadunt, _’tis false; for at my being there in_ January _it snow’d one whole Night. However, farther towards the_ South _than_ Egypt, _between the_ Tropicks, _and near the_ Line, _in the Country of_ Abyssinia _or_ Æthiopia, _there falls every Year, for many Weeks together, store of Rain, as the_ Abyssins _themselves have related at_ Grand Cairo, _which may likewise be confirm’d by_ Josephus Acosta, _Lib._ 1. De naturâ Orbis novi, _where he observes, that in_ Peru _and some other Places, lying in the same Paralel with_ Æthiopia, _they have abundance of Rain. [Sidenote: Cause of the Inundation of _Nile_.] This then is the true Cause of the Inundation of_ Nile _in the Summer-Time, it being then highest when other Rivers are lowest, and not those which are alledg’d by_ Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus, Plutarch, Aristides, Heliodorus _and others, who are all extreamly troubl’d to give a Reason for the Inundation of this River, imputing it either to the peculiar Nature of its Water, the obstruction of it by the_ Etesiæ, _or else to the melting of the Snows in_ Æthiopia, _which however I verily believe rarely fall in those hot Countries, where the Natives, by reason of the extream Heats, are all Black, and where, if we credit_ Seneca, Argentum replumbatur, _Silver is melted by the scorching Climate, or in a word, to some other such like Reasons of small weight. In_ Diodorus Siculus _I find_ Agatharcides Cnidius _giving almost the same Reason I have done, whose Assertion however those Times gave but little credit to, yet does_ Diodorus _seem to agree with it in these words_, Lib. 1. _Agatharcides Cnidius_ has come nearest the Truth, he affirming that every Year, in the Mountains about _Æthiopia_, there are continual Rains from the Summer Solstice to the Autumnal Equinox, which cause this Inundation of _Nile_. _The Time of this is so certain, that I have known the_ Egyptian _Astronomers put down many Years before in their_ Ephemerides, That such a Day of such a Month the _Nile_ will begin to rise. Thus far _Greaves_, to which I may add an Experiment of the Lord _Bacon_’s concerning the scarcity of Rain in _Egypt_. [Sidenote: An _Experiment_ concerning the scarcity of _Rain_ in _Egypt_.] _’Tis strange_, says he, _p._ 161. _of his_ Natural History, _the River_ Nile _overflowing as it does the Country of_ Egypt, _there should nevertheless be little or no Rain known in that Country. The Cause must lye either in the Nature of the_ Water, _the_ Air, _or of both. As for the_ Water, _it may_, First, _be ascrib’d to its long Course; for swift running Waters vapour less than those that are standing, as those that have been sometimes boyling on the Fire, do not cast so great a steam as they did at first: Now ’tis certain the Waters of_ Nile _are sweeter than others in taste, and excellent good against the_ Stone _and_ Hypocondriacal Melancholy, _which shews they are_ Lenifying. Secondly, _The Reason of this Inundation may be, that these Waters running thro’ a Country of a hot_ Climate _and flat, without shade either from Woods or Hills, the_ Sun _must thereby necessarily have greater power to concoct them. As for the_ Air, _whence I conceive this want of Showers chiefly comes, the Cause must be, that the_ Air _of it self is thin and thirsty, and therefore so soon as ever it gets any moisture from the_ Water, _it imbibes and disperses it throughout its whole Body, not suffering it to remain in a_ Vapour _whereby it might breed_ Rain. Now tho’ it is not to be deny’d that Rains fall sometimes in _Egypt_, yet this may however be averr’d, that they happen but seldom, therefore the Air must consequently be more settl’d than ours and freer from Vapours, Fogs, or the like, which renders it not only healthful, but very beneficial in preserving and _Embalming_ Bodies, they being by nothing so much damnify’d as by uncertain Weather, [Sidenote: Moist _Air_ prejudicial to _Embalming_.] of which we have too sad Experience in this our moist Climate. We are therefore forc’d to supply the want of this, either by a total exclusion of the Air by _Air-Pumps_, by immerging our dead Bodies into Spirituous or Balsamic Liquors, or else by driving away all Damps and Moistures by moderate Fires. This every one knows who has been us’d either to Confectionery, preserving natural Curiosities, or the like, to whom the giving, relaxing or molding Things, serves as a _Thermometer_ whereby to distinguish the several changes and varieties of the Weather.

_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_.]

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

[Sidenote: _Chymistry_ Invented by _Hermes_.]

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

Footnote 3:

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

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

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

[Sidenote: How useful in _Embalming_.]

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

[Sidenote: A _Surgeon_ the proper _Embalmer_.]

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

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

[Sidenote: _Mathematics._]

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

[Sidenote: _Thebes._]

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

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

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

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

Footnote 4:

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

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

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

A. The Ruines of the antient City of _Memphis_.

B. The City of _Babylon_, now _Grand Cairo_.

C. The River _Nile_ flowing from _South_ to _North_.

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: Old _Cairo_.]

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

Five Miles _North-East_ of the City _Cairo_, lyes a Village call’d _El Matharia_, [Sidenote: _Matarea._] where, in a Garden, is preserv’d the _Balsam Plant_ as a great Rarity: [Sidenote: The _Balsam Plant_.] Some falsly attribute the natural Production of it to this Country, and some to other Places, tho’, truly speaking, ’tis brought from _Mecca_ in _Arabia Fælix_, beyond the _Red Sea_, by the _Turkish_ Pilgrims when they go to visit _Mahomet_’s Tomb, and so has been cultivated in several Places, and renew’d by the same means whenever it dy’d. Thus the _Balsam Plant_ grew and prosper’d in _Judæa_, as is attested by _Theophrastus_, _Pliny_, _Justin_, and many more; nay by _Galen_ also, who purposely travel’d into _Palæstin_ to see and learn the Virtues of this _Balsam_ of _Syria_; likewise from the Story of _Cleopatra_, who obtain’d some Plants of _Balsam_ from _Herod_ the Great, to transplant in _Egypt_. Yet that this Plant was not in _Judæa_ before the Time of _Solomon_, that great Collector of Vegetable Rarities, appears from the Account of _Josephus_, who relates how the Queen of _Sheba_, a part of _Arabia_, brought, among other Presents to that King, some Plants of the _Balsam-Tree_, as one of the most valuable Things in her Country; whereby it appears it was not an original Native Plant of _Judæa_, and others affirm also that it had not its natural Growth there, utterly denying it was peculiar to that Country, or only to be seen in two Gardens about _Jericho_. We are to rely chiefly on the Credit and Authority of _Joannes Veslingius_ and _Prosper Alpinus_, who rightly conclude the natural and original Place of this Plant to be in _Arabia_, about _Mecca_ and _Medina_, where it still plentifully grows, and Mountains abound therewith. From hence it has been carefully transported, by the _Basha’s_ of _Grand Cairo_, to the Garden of _Matarea_, where, when ever it dies, it is renew’d from those parts of _Arabia_ where it grew, from whence the _Grand Signior_ yearly receives a Present of _Balsam_ from the _Xeriff_ of _Mecca_, still call’d by the _Arabians_ _Balessan_, and whence ’tis suppos’d the _Greek_ Apellative _Balsam_ arose. The Shrub, which produces this Liquor, is about two Cubits high, with few Leaves, like to those of Rue, always green, and somewhat inclining to white, yet which fall not off in Winter. The Wood is gummy, cleaving to the Fingers, and outwardly of a reddish colour, with Branches of the same that are long, streight, slender and odoriferous, with a few Leaves disorderly plac’d, sometimes three, five or seven together, after the manner of the Mastic-Tree: It bears a few small white Flowers, like _Acatia_ or the _Egyptian_ Thorn, which are of a pleasant scent, but fade in a little Time. After the Blossoms follow yellow fine scented Seeds, inclos’d in a reddish black Bladder, very sweet, and containing a yellowish Liquor like Honey: They are bitterish and a little tart on the Tongue, and of the same shape and bigness with the Fruit of the Turpentine-Tree, in the middle thick, and at the ends pointed. The Juice call’d _Opobalsamum_, drops in the Summer-Time from the slit of the insected Bark, which no sooner comes into the Air but it turns whitish, afterwards green, then of a gold colour, and lastly becomes paler. When ’tis first dropp’d ’tis clear, but instantly turns thick and cloudy, and when old grows like Turpentine. ’Tis at first of so strong a Smell, that in many it causes the Head-Ach, and in some a sudden bleeding at the Nose; but this strong and sharp Savour at length changes into a pleasant Scent, which in old _Balsam_ is so weak that you can hardly discover any Smell at all.

There is another sort of _Balsam_ brought from _Cairo_, in Flasks and Leather-Bottles, which is very odoriferous, yet not the pure Liquor or Gum issuing from the Bark of the aforesaid Tree, but drawn out of the Wood and green Branches by boyling. Another sort is press’d out of the Seeds, and many times sold for the right, tho’ not so strong scented nor so bitter in Taste. There is no Medicine more generally us’d by the _Egyptians_ than the _True Balsam_, which they esteem a kind of _Panacea_ for all Diseases, both external and internal, curing therewith divers sorts of Wounds, as also the bitings of venomous Creatures. They use it moreover as a Preservative against the Plague, and to drive away Agues or Fevers that proceed from Putrifaction. The Seeds and green Branches, are likewise us’d against all Distempers that the _Balsam_ it self is: The same Virtue is ascrib’d to the Wood; but the _Balsam_, term’d by the _Greeks_, _Opobalsamum_, is the strongest, the Seed or _Carpobalsamum_ more gentle, and the Wood or _Xylobalsamum_ the weakest of all. But the chief Use of the _Balsam_ for our Purpose, is preserving the dead Bodies of Kings and Princes; from which Quality, and on account of its Analogy with _Embalming_, the _Art_ it self deriv’d its Name from it, as we shall show hereafter, when we come to speak of its _Etymology_: Its other Virtues, which are very many, together with a more general Description of it, the manner of extracting the Liquor, and the true signs of its Goodness when unsophisticated, I intend to treat of more fully in my _Pharmacopœia_, in the Chapter of _Balsams_, &c. therefore shall here only insert the Draft of this Plant, which is very scarce, taken out of _Prosper Alpinus de Plantis Ægyptiacis_, and represented in our third Plate.

We come next, according to the Method propos’d, to speak of _Alexandria_, [Sidenote: _Alexandria._] so call’d from _Alexander_ the _Great_, who built this City upon a Promontory, thrusting it self into the Sea, by which on the one side, and the Lake _Mareotis_ on the other, it is exceeding well defended. Here _Alexander_ built himself a large and stately Palace of admirable Workmanship, and all the succeeding Kings of _Egypt_ so enlarg’d and beautify’d this City, some with Ports and Arsenals, and others with magnificent Temples, and such like rich Donations, that it was then judg’d by many to be second, if not the first City of the World; being exceeding Populous, and plentifully provided with all sorts of Provisions and other Necessaries. _Diodorus Siculus_ tells us, when he was there, he was inform’d by those that kept the Rolls of the Inhabitants Names, that there were above 300000 Freemen, and the King receiv’d above 6000 Talents yearly Revenue. This City _Alexander_ peopl’d with _Greeks_, immediately upon his Conquest of _Egypt_, and some of his Successors had their Residence here for 900 Years. This was the _Metropolis_ of _Egypt_ before _Grand Cairo_ was built; but _Alexandria_ is now so ruinous, says _Thevenot_, that many Strangers ask where it is even when they are in the middle of it, yet are there such fair remains among the Ruines, as shew it to have been a wonderful Place. One of the finest Things, now to be seen there, are the Walls, which, tho’ ruin’d, are so Magnificent, one must needs confess they have been matchless. These Walls are strengthn’d with stately ranks of Pillars, and have 118 great square Towers, with a little one betwixt every two, nay, they are so neatly contriv’d, that there are stately Casemates underneath, which may serve for Galleries and Walks: In each Tower there is a large square Hall, the Vault whereof is supported by great Pillars of _Thebaic_ Stone; there are a great many Chambers above, and over all a large Platform, above 20 Paces square. In short, all these Towers are so many Palaces, able to contain 200 Men each. The Walls are several Foot thick, and have every-where Port-holes in them, and formerly encompass’d the antient Town, fortify’d by such Towers. Next to the Walls, the finest piece of Antiquity that has withstood the rage of Time, is the Pillar of _Pompey_, [Sidenote: _Pompey_’s Pillar.] scituate about 200 Paces from the City, upon an Eminence or little Hill, whereby it is seen at a great distance: This Pillar stands on a square Pedestal seven or eight Foot high, and each Face about 14 Foot over; the Pedestal is fix’d on a square Base about half a Foot high and 20 broad, made of several Stones cemented together. The Body of the Pillar consists only of one Stone, which some believe to be of _Granit_; but _Thevenot_ and others affirm, ’tis a sort of Cement, which, in process of Time, grew into Stone, or else was cast on the spot, for ’tis aver’d for truth, the Ancients had the Secret of casting Stones. But others absolutely deny this Stone was so made, affirming the antient _Egyptians_ got these Pillars and Obelisks, that are to be seen at so many places in _Italy_, at _Saide_, where they pretend many have been cut out and brought by Water down the _Nile_: If this be true, what extraordinary Barks or Water Carriages must they have had, to bring so great a weight, and in so large a bulk, as was that of this Pillar, nay, what Engins to raise it on its Pedestal? _Thevenot_ says, No Artificer could be found that would undertake to remove it to another place, and that it is 120 Foot high, but _Le Bruyn_, who measur’d it, found it to be but 90, yet as much as six Men could grasp round, which, according to his Calculation is 38 Feet. On the top is a fine Chapiter, proportionable to the bigness of the Pillar, but made of a distinct piece of Stone. ’Tis said _Julius Cæsar_ erected this Pillar in memory of the Victory he obtain’d over _Pompey_.

[Sidenote: _Cæsar_’s Palace.]

At some Paces distant is _Cæsar_’s Palace, but all ruin’d, says _Thevenot_, except some Pillars of _Porphiry_ that are now entire and standing, yet the Frontispiece is still pretty sound, being a very lovely piece of Architecture. About 80 Paces wide of _Pompey_’s Pillar is a _Khalis_ or _Canal_ of the _Nile_, dug by the antient _Egyptians_ to bring Water to _Alexandria_, which has no other to drink. This, when the _Nile_ swells and breaks down a Bank, fills the Cisterns that are purposely made under the City, and which are very magnificent and spacious; for _Alexandria_ is all hollow underneath, being an entire Cistern, whose Vaults are supported by several fair Marble-Pillars, and upon these Arches the Houses are built. Now this Water of the _Nile_, so convey’d by the _Khalis_ under the Town, is by Wheels, with Earthen Pitchers or Buckets, drawn up into the private Cisterns of each House. There are likewise to be seen at _Alexandria_ two very stately Obelisks of _Theban_ Marble, intermix’d or speckl’d with Veins of various colours: One of these remains entire, but so sunk into the Earth, that it appears without a Pedestal. The other is quite bury’d in the Ground, except the Pedestal only, which is about 10 Foot high; each of these are of one entire Stone, 100 Foot in height and eight in breadth, suppos’d to be larger than those at _Rome_, and mark’d with such like _Hieroglyphical_ Figures.

[Sidenote: Palace of _Cleopatra_.]

Near these Pillars or Obelisks are the Ruins of _Cleopatra_’s Palace, by whose stately Chambers or Apartments, in some part remaining entire, it may reasonably be conjectur’d, it was a very superb and magnificent Building, as likewise by some remains, still to be seen on the Sea-side, of a Gallery supported by many fair Pillars, and running outwards to the Mouth of the Harbour, so that any one might embark there from the Palace. _Thevenot_ tells us, in his Travels to the _Levant_, p. 125. that this City abounds with Marble, Porphiry and _Thebaic Stone_ or _Granit_, as also that among the Ruins, there are several very curious Stones to be found, such as _Agats_, _Garnets_, _Emeralds_, &c. like to Medals, some engrav’d with Heads, others with Idols, and some with Beasts, all being different from each other, and serving heretofore for _Talismen_ or _Charms_. These are so excellently well wrought, that certainly nothing now-a-days can come up to them, whereby it appears either their Engravers were wonderful Artists, or else they had the Art of casting, or at least of softning Stones; for tho’ some of these are so small one can hardly finger them, yet are they nevertheless all engrav’d or otherwise wrought to perfection.

This City of _Alexandria_ was likewise very famous for its Academies or Colleges, endow’d with large Revenues, and planted with such Persons as were eminent in Liberal Sciences, who were drawn thither by Rewards, and cherish’d by Favours, thro’ which means _Alexandria_ became the _Parnassus_ of the Muses, and the School of all good Literature. The chiefest and most memorable Place of all these was the _Serapion_, [Sidenote: The _Serapion_.] or Temple of the God _Serapis_, for sumptuous Workmanship and magnificent Building inferior to none but the _Roman_ Capitol. It had a curious _Portico_ of a Mile in length, whereto adjoyn’d a Court of Justice and a Grove: In this last, the Followers of _Aristotle_’s Doctrine had a peculiar School, whereof the _Alexandrians_, as _Eusebius_ and _Nicephorus_ write, would needs impose the Charge on Bishop _Anatolius_, for his extraordinary Knowledge in all Arts. St. _Mark_ the Evangelist was here first Divinity-Professor, whose Successor erected a School for _Theology_, wherein, for the advancement of the Christian Religion, several of the most learn’d Men were appointed Readers, who scholastically handled the main and fundamental Points only: Among these was _Pantænus_, who read both Divinity and Philosophy to all such as came to hear him, which, as it is conceiv’d, gave the first hint to the instituting of Universities throughout the rest of Christendom, insomuch that, from so small a beginning, the Schools of _Alexandria_ became so great and eminent, that _Nazianzen_ gave them the Title of Παντοίας παιδεύσεως ἐργαστήριον, _The Shops or Workhouses of all Learning_. Here also St _Jerom_, St. _Basil_, St. _Gregory_ and others were educated, and _Philo-Judæus_ likewise became eminent, for in this Academy the _Jews_ had a flourishing and populous Synagogue; but what greatly encreas’d the glory of this Assembly, was that most wonderful Library of _Ptolemy Philadelphus_, [Sidenote: Library of _Ptolemy_.] Son of _Ptolemeus Lagus_, the second of that Name of the Line of the _Egyptian_ Kings, first establish’d by him, and afterwards augmented and enrich’d by his Successors; for this King being an exceeding Lover of all Arts and Sciences, he, with great Labour and much Expence, made a Collection of all manner of Books, as well in Divinity as in all Arts, Sciences, History, and the like, some of which he obtain’d from _Greece_ and other places, but the _Pentateuch_, and the rest of the Old Testament, he procur’d from _Judæa_. Then wrote this King to _Eleazer_ the High Priest, to send him six out of every Tribe to Translate this Book for the common Use. These _Ptolemy_ receiv’d at _Alexandria_ with exceeding great civility, and erected several convenient Mansions for them, wherein every one was by himself to Translate the Holy Law, which they so perform’d, according to the Testimonies of _Josephus_, _Clemens Alexandrinus_, _Eusebius_ _Nicephorus_, St. _Austin_, and other learned Writers, that they not only us’d the same Sense, but the very same Words also, yet that certainly not without the special Grace and Assistance of the Holy Spirit. Now this is the Translation which bears the Name of _Septuagint_ to this very Day. [Sidenote: The _Septuagint_.] Moreover, this King sent to the _Chaldeans_, _Romans_ and other Nations for Books, all which he likewise commanded to be Translated into the _Greek_ Tongue. One _Phalerius Demetrius_, a Learned _Athenian_ Exile, was Keeper of this Library, which amounted, as _Agellius_, _Ammianus Marcellinus_ and _Diodorus Siculus_ alledge, to 700000 Volumes, and was afterwards from Time to Time very much augmented by the succeeding Kings, ’till at length this invaluable Treasure of _Manuscripts_ (for then the _Art_ of _Printing_ was not so much as thought of) was burn’d in the Civil Wars between _Pompey_ and _Cæsar_, in the 183 _Olympiad_, after it had continu’d about 124 Years. This _Cæsar_ ever after accounted the greatest of his Misfortunes, that he, who was so great a Lover of Arts and Sciences, should be Cause of the destruction of so incomparable and unparalel’d a _Library_.

[Sidenote: The _Serapion Library_.]

Another _Library_ was afterwards erected by _Cleopatra_ in the _Serapion_, a Building of great Excellency and wonderful Art: This was greatly adorn’d and enrich’d by the assistance of _Marc Anthony_, who acquir’d the _Attalian_ and _Pergamæan_ Libraries, and which continu’d during the Time of the Primitive Christianity; when, in the Days of _Theodosius_ the Great, it was demolish’d, as a harbour of Infidelity. Among other remarkable Places in this City of _Alexandria_, was the _Seraglio_ call’d _Somia_, belonging to the Palace, famous for its being the Burial-Place of the _Ptolemys_, and of _Alexander_ the Great, [Sidenote: _Alexander_’s _Sepulchre_.] whose Body lay here inclos’d in a Sepulchre of Gold; but _Cybiosactes_ despoil’d it of that precious Cover, after which, it was cover’d with Glass, and so remain’d to the Time of the _Saracens_, as _Sandys_, p. 87. informs us. Now since the Burial of _Alexander_ the Great was manag’d, in all respects, suitably to his Grandeur, whereby it not only exceeded all others in regard of Expence, State and Pomp, but also in point of curiosity of Workmanship, _Diodorus Siculus_, Lib. 18. cap. 3. thought fit to recommend to Posterity these remarkable and entertaining Matters concerning it, _viz._ That to _Aridæus_, Bastard Son of _Philip_, and Brother of _Alexander_, whom he succeeded, the care of his Funeral, and preparing a Chariot to convey his Body to the Temple of _Jupiter Ammon_, was commited. First therefore he provided a Coffin of beaten Gold, wrought in form and proportion to his Body: This he fill’d with Aromatic Spices, as well to delight the Senses, as to preserve the Corps from Putrifaction, and then fitted it exactly with a Cover of Gold, which again was over-spread with a purple Pall, embroider’d with Gold, and near it were plac’d the Arms of the Deceas’d, thereby to represent the Acts of his Life. Then were these plac’d in a Chariot under a Triumphal-Arch of Gold, beset with precious Stones, and supported by Pillars and Chapiters of Gold also, made after the _Ionic_ Order. On each side the Arch stood a Golden Image of _Victory_ bearing a Trophy, and on the top was a Gold-Fringe of Net-Work, from which hung Bells so large, that they might be heard at a great distance. Under this Portico or Arch was plac’d a four square Throne of Gold, adorn’d with little Coronets of various beautiful Colours. On every side of this Arch, from a Net-Work of Gold, a Finger thick, hung four Tables or Pannels, whereupon were pourtray’d all sorts of Creatures. In the first Table was represented _Alexander_ sitting in a Chariot, with a Royal Scepter in his Hand, his Armour-Bearer before him, and his Life-Guards, compleatly arm’d, round about him. In the second follow’d Elephants, adorn’d in their proper Habiliments, on which sat _Indians_ before, and _Macedonians_ behind, arm’d according to the Customs of their respective Countries. In the third might be seen Squadrons of Horse drawn up in Battalia; and in the fourth appear’d a Fleet order’d in a Line of Battel. At the entrance into this Arch were plac’d Golden Lions, looking sternly towards those that should offer to enter. On the out-side of the Arch, and middle of the Roof, was plac’d on a purple Carpet, a Crown of Gold, so large, that by the reflection of the Sun-Beams, it darted such an amazing splendor and brightness, that at a distance it appear’d like a flash of Lightning. The whole Work was set upon two Axel-Trees, the ends of which were likewise of Gold, representing Lions Heads with Darts in their Mouths. The whole Machine was mov’d by four Wheels, whose Spokes and Naves were also over-laid with Gold, and there were four Poles to draw it by, to each of which were yok’d 16 of the largest and finest Mules that could be got, in all 64. Every Mule was adorn’d with a Crown of Gold, Bells of Gold on either side their Heads, and rich Collars about their Necks, set off and beautify’d with precious Stones. After this manner did the Chariot set forth, the sight of which was more stately and pompous than can be imagin’d, so that its Fame brought together Multitudes of Spectators; for the People out of every City, whither it was coming, met it, and then ran back again before it, never satisfy’d with the delight they took in gazing on it; and, suitable to so stately a Show, attended a vast company of Workmen and Pioneers to clear the way for its Passage. Thus _Aridæus_ (who spent two Years in Preparations for it) brought the King’s Body from _Babylon_ to _Egypt_. _Ptolemy_, in Honour to this great King, met the Corps with his Army as far as _Syria_, where he receiv’d and accompany’d it with great Respect and Observance; for he had resolv’d not to conduct it to the Temple of _Jupiter Ammon_, but to keep it in this City which _Alexander_ had built, being the most famous almost of any in the World. For this end he built a Temple in Honour of _Alexander_, in greatness and stateliness of Structure, becoming the Glory and Majesty of so great a King; and in this Repository laid the Body, and honour’d his Exequies with Sacrifices and magnificent Shows, agreeable to the State of a Demi-God: Thus much for the glorious Sepulchre and Burial of the greatest Monarch perhaps that ever liv’d. Next we shall take notice of two _Physiological_ Observations on the Earth and Water of _Egypt_, made by Father _Vansleb_ in his Voyage thither, p. 109. 111. where, speaking of _Alexandria_, he tells us the Earth thereabouts is full of _Nitre_, which is easily prov’d by the following Experiment, _viz._ That if you take a piece of Earth and set it in the hot Sun, it will become white as Snow on that side that is towards the Sun. Also in the _Grand Signior_’s Salt-Pits, that are out of this City, near the _Khalis_ or Chanel of _Cleopatra_, he took notice of two things very remarkable: _First_, That the Water of _Nile_, the sweetest and freshest in the World, makes a Salt, not only whiter than ordinary, but likewise very excellent. _Secondly_, That this Salt has the taste of Violets. The last thing, but not the least, that I have to say of _Alexandria_, [Sidenote: Isle of _Pharos_.] is concerning the famous Isle of _Pharos_, which stands over-against the City, and was formerly a Mile distant from the Land, but joyn’d to the Continent by _Cleopatra_, on the following occasion, says _Heylin_, p. 849. The _Rhodians_, then Lords of the Sea, us’d to exact some Tribute or Acknowledgement from every Island within those Seas, and consequently from this: Their Embassadors, upon this Occasion, sending to _Cleopatra_ to demand this Tribute, she deferr’d it for seven Days, under pretence of celebrating a Solemn Festival, but in the mean Time, by raising huge Dams and Banks in the Sea, both with incredible charge and speed, she united the Island to the Shoar, which finish’d, she sent away the _Rhodians_ empty-handed, with this witty Jeer, _That they were to take Toll of the Islands, and not of the Continent_. A Work of great rarity and magnificence this, both for its extent, taking up the space of seven Furlongs, and thence call’d _Heptastadium_, and the incredible speed wherewith it was finish’d. Upon a Promontory hereof, on a Rock, environ’d by the Sea, _Ptolemy Philadelphus_ caus’d a Watch-Tower to be built for the benefit of Sailors, (the Seas upon that Coast being very unsafe and full of Flats) to guide them over the Bar of _Alexandria_. This _Pharos_ or Watch-Tower was of wonderful height, ascended by Steps, and having many Lanthorns at the top, wherein Lights burn’d nightly, as a Direction to such as sail’d by Sea; yet oftentimes the multitude of Lights appearing a far off as one, and being mistaken for a Star, procur’d contrary effects to the promis’d Safety. This had the repute of the Worlds seventh Wonder, call’d after the Name of the Island, and is at this Day a general Name for such Towers as serve to that purpose. The Materials of it were white Marble, and the chief Architect _Sostratus_ of _Gnidos_, who grav’d upon it this Inscription: Sostratus _of_ Gnidos, _Son of_ Dixiphanes, _to the Gods Protectors for the safeguard of Sailors_. This Inscription he cover’d over with Plaister, and inscrib’d thereon the Name and Title of the King, Founder of this Tower, to the end that when the King’s Name should be wasted and wash’d away, his own, which was cut on Marble, might be celebrated to Eternity.

To the South side of the City of _Alexandria_, near the Lake _Mareotis_, wherein the Sepulchres of King _Mœris_ and his Wife were Pyramidically built, adjoins the _Labyrinth_, [Sidenote: The _Labyrinth_.] not much inferior to that Structure, as will appear from that Description given by _Sandys_, p. 88. where he tells us, ‘That in the midst of this _Labyrinth_ were 37 Palaces, belonging to the 37 Jurisdictions of _Egypt_; to which resorted the several Presidents to celebrate the Festivals of their Gods (who had herein their particular Temples, moreover 15 Chapels, containing each a _Nemesis_) and also to advise of Matters of Importance relating to the Public Good. The Passages thereunto were thro’ Caves of a miraculous length, full of dark and winding Paths, and Rooms within one another, having many Doors to confound the Memory and distract the Intention, and leading into inextricable Error: Now mounting aloft, and then again re-descending, not seldom turning about Walls infolded within each other, in the form of intricate Mazes, not possible to thred or get out of without a Conductor. The Building was more under Ground than above, being all of massy Stone, and laid with that Art, that neither Cement nor Wood was us’d in any part of the Fabric. The end at length being attain’d, a pair of Stairs of 90 Steps, conducted into a stately _Portico_, supported by Pillars of _Theban_ Marble, and this again gave entrance into a spacious Hall, the place of general Conventions. All this Hall was of polish’d Marble, and adorn’d with Statues both of Gods and Men. The Chambers were so dispos’d, that upon their opening, the Doors gave Reports no less terrible than Thunder. The first Entrance was of white Marble within, adorn’d throughout with Marble Columns, and divers Figures.’ _Dedalus_ is said to have imitated this, in that _Labyrinth_ he built in _Crete_, yet expressing hereof scarce the Hundredth part; for, as _Heylin_ observes, it fell as short of the Glories of this, as _Minos_ was inferior to _Psammiticus_ (the Founder) in Power and Riches. ‘Whoso mounted the top, should see as it were a large Plan of Stone, and withal, those 37 Palaces environ’d with solid Pillars, and Walls consisting of Stone of a mighty size. At the end of this _Labyrinth_ stood a square Pyramid of a marvelous breadth and answerable height, being the Sepulchre of King _Ismandes_ that built it.’ [Sidenote: By whom, and to what end built.] But who built this _Labyrinth_, and to what end, Authors differ very much, and _Pliny_, who writes a great deal of it, gives no certain Reason why it was made. ’Tis said it was first built by King _Petesucus_ or _Tithoes_, altho’ _Herodotus_ affirms ’twas the Work of all the Kings, and lastly of _Psammiticus_. The cause of building it is as variously reported: _Demoteles_ thinks it to have been the Palace of _Motherudis_; _Lycias_, that it was the Sepulchre of _Mœris_ (of which Opinion is also _Diodorus_) but most believe ’twas built as sacred to the Sun. _Bellonius_ thinks it to have been a Sepulchre rather than any thing else, for such like magnificent Works, as was also the _Mausoleum_, were commonly rais’d for that end, and _Herodotus_ clearly describes this wonderful _Labyrinth_ to have been built for a Sepulchre, telling us, ‘The Kings of _Egypt_, where they perform’d their Sacred Rites, resolv’d to leave a common Monument of themselves, therefore in that Place, which is a little above the Lake of _Mœris_, and near the City of _Crocodiles_, they built a _Labyrinth_, which _Herodotus_ himself saw, and which he says was much bigger than Fame had represented it; for if any one should reason with himself about the Walls and nature of this Work, according to the Narration of the _Greeks_, he would never conceive the Labour and Charge of this _Labyrinth_. The Temple of _Diana_ at _Ephesus_ is very well worth mentioning, yet are the _Pyramids_ far greater, the least of which equals the largest Labour of the _Grecians_; and tho’ this _Labyrinth_ likewise excels them, yet does the Lake _Mœris_, near which it is built, and the Description of which you have at _p._ 141. afford much greater admiration.’ The former of these, _viz._ the _Labyrinth_, is said to have been for the Sepulchre of those Kings that built it, and for the Sacred Crocodiles; and the latter to contain the Sepulchres of King _Mœris_ and his Wife.

[Sidenote: The Wall built by _Sesostris_.]

Not to describe particularly that prodigious Wall built by _Sesostris_, which defended the _East_ side of _Egypt_, against the Irruptions of the _Syrians_ and _Arabians_, being 1500 Furlongs in length, and extending from _Pelusium_ by the Desart as far as _Heliopolis_; we come next to speak of those famous Walls belonging to the City of _Babylon_ in _Chaldea_, built by _Semiramis_ the Wife of _Ninus_, a Princess, who being naturally of an high aspiring Spirit, was ambitious of excelling all others in glorious Actions. So soon therefore as she had bury’d her Husband _Ninus_, [Sidenote: _Ninus_ his Sepulchre.] King of _Assyria_, in the Royal Palace, and rais’d over him a Mound of Earth of wonderful bigness, which as _Ctesias_ reports, standing at some distance from the City that lay in the Plain, appear’d like a stately Cittadel, being 9 Furlongs high and 10 broad: She provided her self of 2000000 Artists and Workmen to build this City of _Babylon_ in one Year, [Sidenote: _Babylon_ in _Chaldea_.] so ordering it that the River _Euphrates_ should flow thro’ the midst of it, as _Diod. Siculus_, Lib. 2. cap. 1. informs us. She next encompass’d it with a Wall as many Furlongs in circuit as there are Days in the Year, _viz._ 365: This Wall was 300 Foot high and 75 broad, insomuch that Coaches might meet and turn upon it; She adorn’d it with 250 Turrets of suitable proportion: Then she made a Bridge 5 Furlongs in length, over the narrowest part of the River, and Floor’d it with great Joists and Planks of Cedar, Cypress and Palm-Tree, 30 Foot long: At each end of this Bridge, just on the Brink of the River, she built a Palace, whence she might have a Prospect of the whole City: Then in a low Ground she sunk a four square Pond, every Square being 300 Furlongs and the depth of the whole 35 Foot, lining it with Bricks, cemented together with a sort of _Bitumen_ of a very glutinous Nature like _Asphalt_, which work’d out of the Earth so plentifully thereabouts, that it not only supply’d the People with Fuel, but serv’d them also instead of Mortar for their Buildings, and with which both the Palaces and Walls of this City were cemented. Afterwards, by turning the River aside, she made a Passage in the nature of a Vault from one Palace to another, and then let the Water again into its former Channel, which immediately overflow’d the whole Work, by which means she could go under the River when she had not a mind to pass over it. She likewise made two brazen Gates, one at each end of this Vault, as also Banqueting-Houses of Brass, into which passages were open’d by certain Engins. Here might be seen brazen Statues of _Ninus_, _Semiramis_ and all the great Officers, as likewise Armies drawn up in _Battalia_. These Palaces were moreover surrounded with Walls, 30 Furlongs in circuit, with Turrets on them 140 Yards high, on whose Bricks were pourtray’d, before they were burn’d, all kinds of living Creatures, with great Art and curious Painting, particularly a general Hunting of all sorts of wild Beasts, each Beast being four Cubits high: Among these was _Semiramis_ on Horseback, striking a Leopard thro’ with a Dart, and near her _Ninus_ her Husband peircing a Lion with his Lance.

In the middle of the City she built a Temple to _Jupiter Belus_ of exceeding great height, [Sidenote: Temple of _Belus_.] by the advantage of which, the _Chaldean_ Astrologers observ’d the setting and rising of the Stars. Upon the top of it she plac’d three Statues of _Jupiter_, _Juno_ and _Rhea_, all of beaten Gold. That of _Jupiter_ was about 40 Foot high, and _Juno_ held in her hand a Scepter adorn’d with precious Stones. These three Statues weigh’d 2830 _Babylonish_ Talents, and for these Deities, there were plac’d on an Altar of beaten Gold, 40 Cubits long and 15 broad, Censors, Cups and Drinking-Bowls of Gold likewise, weighing at least 3230 Talents. Besides the richness of this City, it was so vast and great that _Aristotle_ said, it ought rather to have been call’d a Country, adding withal, that when the Town was taken, it was three Days before the farthest part had notice of it.

[Sidenote: The _Pensil Garden_.]

Here likewise was the _Pensil Garden_ so much fam’d, being 400 Foot square, with an ascent to it like to the top of a Mountain, and having Buildings and Apartments out of one into another, like a Theatre. Under the Steps of the Ascent were Arches, gradually rising one above another, and supporting the whole Building, the highest Arch upon which the Platform of the Garden was laid being 50 Cubits high, and the Garden it self surrounded with Battlements and Walls 22 Foot in thickness. The whole Fabric was floor’d over with massy Stones, 16 Foot long and 4 broad, and these again cover’d with Reeds run over with _Bitumen_, upon which were laid double Tiles, set together with hard Plaster, and those cover’d with Sheet-Lead, that the wet which should drain thro’ the Earth might not rot the Foundation. Upon all these was laid Earth of a convenient depth, which was planted with all sorts of Trees, that for largeness and beauty might delight the Spectators. The Arches had in them many stately Rooms of all kinds, and for all purposes; one of these had a certain Engin, that drew plenty of Water out of the River for watering the Garden, after such manner as none above knew how it was done. This Garden was built in latter Ages by _Cyrus_, at the request of a _Persian_ Courtesan, who, coveting Meadows on the tops of Mountains, desir’d the King, by an artificial Plantation, to imitate the Land in _Persia_.

_Semiramis_ built other Cities on the Banks of _Euphrates_ and _Tigris_, and likewise caus’d a great Stone to be cut out of the Mountains of _Armenia_, 125 Foot in length and 5 in breadth and thickness, which she convey’d to the River by the help of many yokes of Oxen and Asses, and there putting it on board a Ship, brought it to _Babylon_, where she set it up in the most remarkable Place, as a wonderful Spectacle to all Beholders. [Sidenote: _Obelisk_ of _Semiramis_.] This from its shape was term’d an _Obelisk_, signifying in _Greek_, a _Spit_, and accounted, says _Diodorus_, one of the seven Wonders of the World; from whence we have a very good Argument, that the _Egyptian Obelisks_ were cut out of Rocks or Quarries, and not cast as some have suppos’d. _Semiramis_ having finish’d these Works, went to the Mountain _Bagistan_ in _Media_, which is 17 Furlongs from top to bottom, and there caus’d her own Image to be carv’d on the side of the Rock, and 100 of her Guards with Lances round about her. She also made a Garden on the middle of an exceeding high Rock, and built therein stately Houses of Pleasure, from whence she might have both a delightful Prospect into her Garden, and view her Army encamp’d below on the Plain: Likewise that she might leave behind her a lasting Monument of her Name, she in a short Time, yet at vast expence, made a shorter Passage towards _Ecbatana_, for by hewing down the Rocks, and filling up the Valleys, she laid that Way open and plain, which to this Day is call’d _Semiramis_’s _Way_. She plentifully supply’d _Ecbatana_ with wholsome Waters, by means of a Canal she dug, 15 Foot over and 40 Foot deep, beginning from the foot of the Mountain _Orontes_, and as she went thro’ _Persia_ and _Asia_, she plain’d all along the way before her, levelling both Rocks and Mountains. On the other hand, in Champagne Countries, she rais’d Eminences, whereon she either built Towns and Cities, or else Sepulchres for her Officers and great Commanders. Many other wonderful Things were done by this Queen, which seem to exceed common Belief; but as for those more admirable Works of the _Egyptians_, _Herodotus_, _Diodorus Siculus_, _Strabo_, _Pliny_ and others are full of Relations of what they have been, and the present Remains of some of them at _Rome_ are sufficient Arguments to evince there were such, so that we should but loose Time in endeavouring to prove that which we now hope every one is satisfied of. Our next business therefore, must be to enquire how these Arts came first to be found out, and by what means they were accomplish’d and brought to so great Perfection: What these Arts and Sciences were, suppos’d by Authors to have been found out by the _Egyptians_, I have already shown else-where, so shall here only add, that _Hermes_ or _Mercury_ is reported by _Diodorus Siculus_ and other Writers, to have been the chief Inventor of them; but as no _Art_ was ever invented and compleated at one Time, so neither was it ever invented and perfected by one Person so far, but another could add somewhat more commodious or advantagious to it.

Now, as to the first Invention of Things, I shall consider these three principal Causes: [Sidenote: _Arts_ how first Invented.] _First_, _Necessity_ is said to have been the _Mother_ of Invention, by reason it puts Mens Minds upon thinking how to supply their Wants, with such Things, and after such manner as they have most occasion for. _Secondly_, _Unexpected Experiments_, as when you aim and try to find out one Thing, and accidentally light on another: Thus ’tis said _Gun-Powder_ and divers other considerable Things have been found out by Chance, and innumerable others by experimental _Chymistry_. _Thirdly_, _Natural Philosophy_, or Observation of the Instincts of all living Creatures, has suggested many noble Thoughts and Fancies to Men, both for Imitation and Invention. Now tho’ we cannot assert that Men at first learn’d _Architecture_ from the _Beaver_, which builds himself a House for shelter and security in the Winter Time, yet are we certain they took the several Ornaments of Building either from Birds, Beasts and Fishes, or from the Leaves, Flowers and Fruits of Plants. Thus the _Grecians_ generally us’d the Leaves of [5]_Acanthus_, and the _Jews_ those of Palm-Trees and Pomegranates in their Buildings. Nor is it less probable their Weaving might be found out from the Spider or Silk-Worm, than that the Fish call’d _Nautilus_, or the little Mariner, was _Navigiorum Archetipus_, the first Type or Pattern of a Ship, who when he is to Swim, contracts his Body and Finns into the form of a Galley under Sail. From the sight whereof, some (as _Pliny_ conceives) took the first hint of framing a Ship, as from the sight of a Kite flying in the Air, who turns and steers his Body with his Tail (as Fishes also do in the Water) some have devis’d the Stern and Rudder of a Ship. _Iidem videntur Artem gubernandi docuisse Caudæ flexibus, in Cælo monstrante Natura quod opus esset in profundo_, Pliny _Lib._ 10. cap. 10. _They seem to have taught Men the Art of Steering a Ship by the flexures of their Tails, Nature shewing in the Air what was needful to be done in the Deep._ ’Tis also observ’d by that great _Naturalist_ Mr. _Ray_, that the Trunk of a Bird’s Body does somewhat resemble the Hull of a Ship, the Head the Prow, which is for the most part small, that it may the more easily cut the Air, and the Tail serves to steer, govern and direct its flight. We read there was a Beast in _Egypt_ call’d _Cynocephalus_, of a very strange kind, kept in the Temple of _Serapis_, which, during the Time of the two Equinoxes, made Water 12 Times in a Day, and as often in the Night, regularly and at even Spaces of Time; from the Observation of which, they divided the Natural Day into 24 Hours, that Beast being as it were their Clock and Dial, both to divide their Day, and reckon their Hours by. This probably gave _Ctesibius_ of _Alexandria_ an hint to invent the _Clepsydræ_ or Water Glasses, which distinguish’d the Hours by the fall or dropping of Water, as _Clepsammidiæ_ or Sand-Glasses did by the running of Sand; and to shew they ow’d the Invention of these Water-Glasses to the _Cynocephalus_, they us’d to carve one on the top of them, as may be seen in _Kircher_ in _Mechanica Ægyptiaca_. Now _Egypt_ was both in respect of its Scituation as well as natural production of curious Things, a mighty help to the Invention and improvement of Arts and Sciences; for as _Casalius de veter. Ægypt. Ritibus_, p. 35. tells us, _Arithmetic_ was first found out by their great Commerce, and _Geometry_ from the River _Nile_’s Annual over-flowing the Fields, and removing their Bound-Marks, which occasion’d great Disputes among them, so that by the frequent measuring of the Ground it was deriv’d into this Art. And as for _Astrology_, the quality of the Climate and scituation of the Country was such, as gave them an advantage above others, more clearly to discern the rising and setting of the Stars, for by reason of the perpetual Serenity of the Air, they found out the Course of the Sun, Moon and Stars, with their Constellations, Aspects and Influences, and moreover by their often Worshipping those Planets, beheld and contemplated them more seriously, and from thence became the most skillful _Astrologers_ in the World, as _Firmianus Divin. instit._ Lib. 2. cap. 14. says: Hereby also being made more perspicacious, and observing of natural Things, they invented _Physick_, for, as _Prosper Alpinus_, [Sidenote: _Physic_, how first found out.] Lib. _de Medicina Ægyptiorum_ reports, They took the hints of curing divers Diseases from brute Beasts and Animals. Thus _Phlebotomy_ or Bleeding was found out from the _Hippopotomos_ or River-Horse, which lives in the _Nile_, for when this Beast is grown over fat with continual Gluttony and Gormandizing, he searches out for a sharp pointed Reed on the Banks of the River, and having found one fit for his purpose, sticks it into his Thigh, and wounds a certain Vein there; when having sufficiently emty’d his Plethoric Body by Bleeding, he closes, and as it were plasters up the Orifice with Mud. Also that a certain Bird call’d _Ibis_, about the Banks of _Nile_, first taught the _Egyptians_ the way of administring _Clysters_; for this Bird has been often observ’d, by means of his crooked Bill intromitted into the _Anus_, to inject salt Water, as with a Syringe, into its own Bowels, and thereby to exonerate its Paunch when too much obstructed. Dogs are commonly known when Sick to Vomit themselves by eating Grass. Swine, so soon as they perceive themselves ill, refuse their Meat, and so recover by Abstinence. ’Tis reported the wild Goat taught the use of the _Dictamnus_, for drawing out of Darts and healing Wounds, and the Swallow the use of _Celandine_ for recovering the Sight; whence we may as well infer, that from the diversity of Bodies, such as Flies, Spiders, Gnats, Bees, Pismires, Grashoppers, Locusts, Frogs, _&c._ inclos’d in Amber, the _Egyptians_ might first learn the Art of _Embalming_; [Sidenote: How _Embalming_.] but since these things appear rather Fabulous, and the pleasant Flights of acute Wits and inquisitive Naturalists, than solid Truths to be rely’d on, we must have recourse to the fourth _Cause_, _viz._ That their Opinion of the _Metemsychosis_ or Transmigration of the Soul, and other such like religious Principles, first oblig’d them to study this Art, and perhaps the known Virtues of _Opobalsamum_, so good against Mortifications and Putrifactions, might suggest to them the use of it in preserving the Bodies of Princes, as the Balsamic, Sulphurous and Bituminous Nature of their _Asphalt_, taught them to use that for the poorer sort of People; besides, whatever way it was first found out, it was as easie for them to do it as for us to believe it, says _Gabriel Clauderus_ in _Methodo Balsamandi_, p. 41. because they excell’d all other Nations in Learning and Invention, so that by applying themselves with the utmost diligence to the study of this Art, they could not fail of attaining the perfection of it, especially since this Region was, above all others, the best accommodated with an extraordinary fruitfulness and plenty of Aromatic and Medicinal Things, necessary as well for all Physical Uses as for the decent performing of their _Embalmings_. Now _Sandys_, p. 38. tells us abundance of Practitioners in Physic are frequently invited to _Cairo_ by the great store of Simples there growing. Add to this the extraordinary Diligence of the _Egyptian_ Kings and Priests, both in rewarding Arts and being solicitously intent on finding out the Nature of Things themselves, not by indulging Superstition, but by a strict search and scrutiny, not trusting to plausible Appearances, but only to Experiments and Demonstration. To prove this we shall show such infallible Methods for the Invention and Improvement of all Arts and Sciences, that they could not easily miscarry in their Designs; for besides the famous Library of _Ptolemy Philadelphus_, and that in the Temple of _Serapis_, there was at _Cairo_, as _Prosper Alpinus de Medicina Ægyptiorum_ relates, a University or place of Study call’d _Gemelhazar_, which paid yearly out of the public Stock of the Academy 300000 pieces of Gold for Books, Food, Stipends, _&c._

Footnote 5:

’Tis said the Ornaments of the _Corinthian_ Chapiter were invented from seeing a Maid rest her Basket on a Tomb over-grown with this Plant; of which see _Vitruvius_.

The Invention of Arts and Sciences may be partly imputed to the goodness of their Laws, [Sidenote: Goodness of their _Laws_.] and their strictness in observing them; the _Egyptians_ alledging this as an undeniable Argument, that the best Laws were made and instituted among them, in that the Native Kings had Reign’d in _Egypt_ for the space of above 4700 Years, and that their Country during all that Time had been the most prosperous and flourishing in the World, which could never have been so if the Inhabitants had not been civiliz’d and brought up under good Laws, and a liberal Education in all kinds of Arts and Sciences. To effect this therefore they divided their People into three Orders: _First_, Priests. _Secondly_, Artificers and Husbandmen. And, _Thirdly_, Military Persons or Souldiers. Now each Person strictly keeping to his own Province, Art flourish’d in a right Line, and Sciences were not attack’d by rustic and ignorant Pretenders, but only practis’d by Priests, who were the chief of their Nobility, and liv’d separate from all others least their Learning should be any ways divulg’d. Nor was it lawful for any but Priests Sons to enter the Colleges where these Sciences were taught, whereby the more polite Knowledge was secur’d to the Priests, and mechanic Arts and Trades practis’d only by the inferior People. Now the better to effect and propagate this, they had three Laws that mightily encourag’d the Study and Invention of Arts, on which their chief Felicity depended, as _Diodorus Siculus_ witnesses. _First_, In that they honour’d and esteem’d all such as were the first Inventors and Promoters of useful Things. _Secondly_, In that he who pretended to more Arts than one, incurr’d a most grievous Punishment. And, _Thirdly_, In that every one was oblig’d to appear annually before the Governour of the Province to show how he got his Living, which if he could not prove, or was found to subsist by unjust means, he was infallibly punish’d with Death. Thus all Men were employ’d, [Sidenote: _Arts_ most flourishing in the Reign of _Amasis_.] and every Art carry’d to the highest perfection in the Reign of _Amasis_, who enacted the third Law. Now, as a further Argument of the _Egyptian_ Industry, hear what _Fl. Vopiscus_ relates of the _Alexandrians_: _Civitas_, says he, _[Alexandria] opulenta, dives, fæcunda, in qua Nemo vivit otiosus, alii Vitrum conflant, ab aliis Charta conficitur, alii Linyphiones sunt: Omnes certe cujuscunque Artis & videntur & habentur; Podagrosi quod agant habent, habent cæci quod faciant, ne Chiragrici quidem apud eos otiosi vivunt_. [Sidenote: _Alexandria_, how Industrious and Flourishing.] Alexandria _is a plentiful and opulent City, in which none live idle: Some blow Glass, others make Paper, a third sort weave Linnen, and in a word, all have some Trade or Work. Those that have the Gout in their Feet or are Blind have something to do, and even such as have the Gout in their Hands are not idle._ This shows how every Art was cultivated: Likewise their Industry and number of Hands as plainly prove the facility of performing those seemingly incredible and stupendious Works, which has taken us up so much Time to relate; for ’tis said, throughout the whole Country of _Egypt_, [Sidenote: _Egypt_, its number of Cities and Inhabitants.] in the Reign of _Amasis_, there were reckon’d no fewer than 20000 Cities, and that it was esteem’d the most populous Country of the World. _Diodorus Siculus_ tells us it had in it above 18000 Cities, as might be seen register’d in their Sacred Records; and in the Time of _Ptolemeus Lagus_ there remain’d above 3000. Once, they say, in a general _Census_ taken of all the Inhabitants, they amounted to Seven Millions, and even at the Time of _Diodorus_, there were no less than Three Millions of People, [Sidenote: How it came to be so numerous.] which wonderful Encrease some think might be effected by the constant drinking of the _Nile_ Water, which had the Virtue of making the _Egyptian_ Women Prolific, so as commonly to bring forth three or four Children at a Birth. This may a little abate the wonder, how the Children of _Israel_ could multiply to that degree in so short a space, that in 430 Years, from 70 Persons, which came with _Jacob_ into _Egypt_, he became a mighty Nation; for it is said, at their departure, there journey’d, from _Rameses_ to _Succoth_, about 600000 Men, besides Women and Children. Now how populous the Land from whence they came was, may be collected not only from their commanding such mighty Powers as were under them, but also, as has been before observ’d, from the several Accounts of that Kingdom, given us by _Herodotus_ and _Diodorus Siculus_; for it is reported that _Sesac_ or _Sesonchis_ arm’d 400000 Foot, 60000 Horse and 1200 Chariots against _Rehoboam_, and that King _Cheops_ or _Chemnis_ employ’d 360000 Men in erecting one of the _Pyramids_. ’Tis also farther said, they built other stupendious Works, such as the _Labyrinth_, _Obelisks_, _Colossus’s_, &c. [Sidenote: By what Means such wonderful Works were perform’d,] as not knowing otherwise how to expend their Treasure or employ their People, thro’ which means their Kings, by their great Riches and infinite numbers of Men, left behind them such eternal Monuments of their State and Grandure, which altho’ they bear the name of _Wonders_ to this very Day, as seeming very difficult to have been perform’d, yet were such Works render’d easie enough, if we consider so vast a multitude of Hands as were employ’d about them, and this being rightly consider’d, we may well enough believe what _Herodotus_ says of _Egypt_, _That it had more wonderful Works than all the Nations of the World besides_.

[Sidenote: and to what End.]

Thus having shown how the _Egyptians_ were the first Inventors and Propagators of Arts and Sciences, we will next show to what end they built those admirable Structures with so great Labour and Expence, thinking not as _Aristotle_, Lib. 3. _Polit._ who makes them to have been the Works of Tyranny, or as _Pliny_, Lib. 26. cap. 12. conjectures, that they built them partly out of Ostentation, and partly out of State-Policy, to divert their People from Mutinies and Rebellion by keeping them employ’d, but that they erected them as Repositories for their Dead, which they did from a Belief they had of the Immortality of the Soul, and an Opinion they held of the Metempsychosis or Transmigration of it from one Body to another: ’Tis true, those Arguments alledg’d by _Pliny_ might be Secondary Motives, yet says _Greaves_ in his _Pyramidographia_, p. 45. the true Reason depends upon higher and more weighty Considerations, [Sidenote: _Theology_ of the _Egyptians_, or _Metempsychosis_.] springing from the _Theology_ of the _Egyptians_, who as _Servius_ shews in his Comment on these words of _Virgil_, Lib. 3. _Æneid._ where that Poet describes the Funeral of _Polydorus_,

——_Animamq; Sepulchro Condimus_——

believ’d, _That as long as the Body endur’d so long should the Soul continue with it_, which also was the Opinion of the _Stoicks_: _Hence the_ Egyptians, _skilful in Wisdom, keep their Dead_ embalm’d _so much the longer, to the end the Soul may for a long while continue with the Body, lest it should quickly pass into another. The_ Romans _acted quite contrary, burning their Dead, that the Soul might suddenly return into the generality of Things, that is, into its own Nature_; wherefore, says _Greaves_, that the Body might not either by Putrifaction be reduc’d to Dust, out of which it was first form’d, or by Fire be converted to Ashes (as the manner of the _Greeks_ and _Romans_ was) the _Egyptians_ invented curious Compositions, besides intombing their Dead in stately Repositories, thereby to preserve them from Rottenness, and render them Eternal. _Nec cremare, aut fodere fas putant, verum arte Medicatos intra penetralia collocant_, says _Pomponius Mela_, Lib. 1. cap. 9. Also _Herodotus_ in _Thalia_ gives the Reason why they neither burn’d nor bury’d their Dead, for discoursing in his third Book of the Cruelty of _Cambyses_, and his commanding the Body of _Amasis_, an _Egyptian_ King, should be taken out of his Sepulchre, be whipp’d and us’d with all contumely; he reports, after all this he order’d it to be burn’d, _Commanding that which was not Holy, for the_ Persians _imagin’d the Fire to be a God, [Sidenote: _Fire_ thought by the _Persians_ a _God_.] and neither the_ Egyptians _nor they were accustom’d to burn their Dead: The_ Persians, _for the Reason before alleg’d, because they conceiv’d it unfit for a God to devour the Carcass of a Man; and the_ Egyptians, _because they were persuaded the Fire was a living Creature, [Sidenote: By the _Egyptians_ a living Creature.] devouring all Things it receiv’d, and after it was satisfy’d with Food, dy’d with that it had devour’d. Nor was it their Custom to give their dead Bodies to Beasts (as the_ Hyrcanians _were wont to do) but to_ Embalm _or Salt them, not only for this Reason, but also that they might not be consum’d with Worms_. The term ταριχεύειν, i. e. _Salting_ or _Embalming_ the Dead, us’d by _Herodotus_, is also us’d by _Baruch_ and _Plato_. _Lucian_ likewise in his Discourse _de Luctu_, treating of the several kinds of Burial practis’d by divers Nations, says, _The_ Grecians _burn their Dead, the_ Persians _bury them, the_ Indians _anoint them with the Fat of Swine, the_ Scythians _eat them, and the_ Egyptians (ταριχεύει) Embalm _them_: Which manner likewise is alluded to by _M. Aurelius Antoninus_, under the word τάριχος: His Words are these, _That which the other Day was excrementitious Matter, shall within few Days either be_ τάριχος, _an_ Embalm’d _Body, or down right Ashes_; in the one expressing the Custom of the _Egyptians_, and in the other that of the _Romans_. By Salting or _Embalming_ the Soul, according to the Belief of the _Egyptians_, was oblig’d to abide with the Body, and the Body on its part became as durable as Marble, insomuch that _Plato_, who liv’d in _Egypt_ with _Eudoxus_ no less than 13 Years, as _Strabo_ witnesses, brings it for an Argument, in his _Phædon_, to prove the Immortality of the Soul, thro’ the long duration of these Bodies, which surely would have been yet more conclusive with him, could he but have imagin’d they should have continu’d so solid and entire even to this Day, as we find many of them are: _For this Reason St._ Austin [Sidenote: _Egyptians_ believ’d the _Resurrection_.] _truly affirms the_ Egyptians _had a Belief of the Resurrection, in that they carefully preserv’d their Dead; for they had a Custom among them of drying up the Bodies, and rendring them as durable as Brass_: These, in their Language they call’d _Gabbares_, whence the gloss of _Isidore_, _Gabbares mortuorum in Vulcanius_ his Edition, or as _Spondanus de Cæmet. sacris_, Lib. 1. pars 1. cap. 5. reads, _Gabbares mortuorum condita Corpora_.

The manner how the _Egyptians_ prepar’d and _Embalm’d_ these Bodies is very copiously, and by what I observ’d at my being there, says _Greaves_ in his _Pyramidographia_, p. 48. faithfully describ’d by _Herodotus_ and _Diodorus_; in which Matter, tho’ I cannot totally dissent from Mr. _Greaves_, for their Account may be true, yet is it not so copious as they make it, but imperfectly related, or at least so far that some Passages are hardly to be understood or made out, which may easily be allow’d without Reflection on those famous Men, since they treated of the Matter only as _Historians_ and not as _Physicians_: My business therefore shall be, after relating their own Words, to reconcile their Differences, explain the Difficulties, and compare the Opinions of _Annotators_ and _Physicians_ on this _Art_, and lastly, to suggest some new Thoughts, as plausible, and perhaps as true as any, especially since it is all but guesswork, and the true _Art_ may have entirely perish’d with the antient _Egyptians_, either by Inundation, Fire, Irruptions of Enemies, or other hostile Devastations. I will begin first with _Herodotus_, whose Words serve as well to shew the several Ceremonies of _Sepulture_ as their _Embalmings_, and whom we find in his Second Book call’d _Euterpe_, thus speaking of the _Egyptians_:

[Sidenote: _Herodotus_’s Account of the _Egyptian Funerals_.]

_Their Mourning_, says he, _and manner of Burial are after this kind: When any Man of Quality dies, all the Women of that Family besmear their Heads and Faces with Dirt; then leaving the Body at home, they go lamenting up and down the City with all their Relations, their Apparel being girt about them, and their Breasts left naked. On the other hand the Men, having likewise their Cloaths girt about them, beat themselves. These things being done, they carry the dead Body to be_ Embalm’d; _for which, there are certain Persons appointed who profess this_ Art. _These, when the Body is brought to them, shew to those that bring it certain Models of Wood, painted like the Dead Person that is to be_ Embalm’d. _One of these they say is accurately made (which I think not lawful to name;) then they shew a second inferior to it and of an easier Price, and next a third cheaper than the former, and of a very small value, which being seen, they ask them what Pattern they will have the dead Body prepar’d by: When they have agreed on the Price they depart, and those with whom the dead Corps is left proceed to_ Embalm _it after the following manner: First of all they, with a crooked Iron, draw the Brain out of the Head thro’ the Nostrils, and then fill up the Cavity with Medicinal Ingredients. Next, with a sharp_ Æthiopic _Stone, they cut up that part of the_ Abdomen _call’d the_ Ilia, _and that way draw out all the Bowels, which having cleans’d and wash’d with Palm-Wine, they again rinse and wash with Wine perfum’d with pounded Odours; then filling up the Belly with pure_ Myrrh _and_ Cassia _grosly powder’d, and all other Odours except_ Frankincense, _they sow it up again. Having so done, they salt it up close with Nitre 70 Days, for longer they may not salt it. After this number of Days are over, they wash the Corps again, and then roul it up with fine Linnen all besmear’d with a sort of Gum commonly us’d by the_ Egyptians _instead of Glue. Then is the Body restor’d to its Relations, who prepare a wooden Coffin for it, in the shape and likeness of a Man, and then put the_ Embalm’d _Body into it, and thus inclos’d place it in a Repository in the House, setting it upright against the Wall. After this manner they with great expence preserve their Dead, whereas those who to avoid too great a Charge desire a mediocrity, thus_ Embalm _them: They neither cut the Belly nor pluck out the Entrails, but fill it with Clysters of Oil of_ Cedar _injected up the_ Anus, _and then salt it the aforesaid number of Days. On the last of these they press out the_ Cedar _Clyster, by the same way they had injected it, which has such Virtue and Efficacy that it brings out along with it the Bowels wasted, and the Nitre consumes the Flesh, leaving only the Skin and Bones: Having thus done, they restore the dead Body to the Relations, doing nothing more. The third way of_ Embalming _is for those of yet meaner Circumstances: They with Lotions wash the Belly, then dry it with Salt for 70 Days, and afterwards deliver it to be carry’d away. Nevertheless, beautiful Women and Ladies of Quality were not deliver’d to be_ Embalm’d _till three or four Days after they had been dead_. Ea de causa facientes, ne cum Fæminis isti Salinarii concumbant. Deprehensum enim quendam aiunt coeuntem cum recenti Cadavere Muliebri, delatumq; ab ejusdem Artificii Socio. _But if any_ Egyptian _or Stranger was either kill’d by a Crocodile, or drown’d in the River, the City where he was cast up was to_ Embalm _and bury him honourably in the Sacred Monuments, whom no one, no, not a Relation or Friend, but the Priests of_ Nile _only might touch, because they bury’d one who was something more than a dead Man_.

[Sidenote: _Diodorus Siculus_’s Account of the _Egyptian Funerals_.]

_Diodorus Siculus_, Lib. 1. relates the Funeral Ceremonies of the _Egyptians_ more distinctly and clearly, and with some very remarkable Circumstances. _When any one among the_ Egyptians _dies_, says he, _all his Relations and Friends, putting Dirt upon their Heads, go lamenting about the City, till such time as the Body shall be bury’d. In the mean time they abstain from Baths and Wine, and all kinds of delicate Meats, neither do they during that time wear any costly Apparel. The manner of their Burials is threefold; one very costly, a second sort less chargable, and a third very mean. In the first_, they say, _there is spent a Talent of Silver, in the second 20_ Minæ, _but in the last there is very little Expence. Those who have the care of ordering the Body, are such as have been taught that Art by their Ancestors. These shewing to the Kindred of the Deceas’d a Bill of Expences of each kind of Burial, ask them after what manner they will have the Body prepar’d; when they have agreed upon the matter, they deliver the Body to such as are usually appointed for this Office. First he who has the name of Scribe, laying it upon the Ground, marks about the Flank on the left side, how much is to be cut away. Then he who is call’d the Cutter or Dissector, with an_ Æthiopic _Stone, cuts away as much of the Flesh as the Law commands, and presently runs away as fast as he can: Those who are present persuing him, cast Stones at him, and curse him, hereby turning all the Execrations, which they imagin due to his Office, upon him. For whosoever offers violence, wounds or does any kind of injury to a Body of the same nature with himself they think him worthy of Hatred; but those who are call’d the_ Embalmers, _they esteem worthy of Honour and Respect: For they are familiar with their Priests, and go into the Temples as Holy Men, without any prohibition. So soon as they come to_ Embalm _the dissected Body, one of them thrusts his Hand thro’ the Wound into the_ Abdomen, _and draws forth all the Bowels but the Heart and Kidnies, which another washes and cleanses with Wine made of Palms and aromatic Odours. Lastly, having wash’d the Body, they anoint it with Oil of Cedar and other Things for above 30 Days, and afterwards with Myrrh, Cinamon and other such like Matters; which have not only a power to preserve it for a long Time, but also give it a sweet Smell; after which they deliver it to the Kindred, in such manner that every Member remains whole and entire, and no part of it chang’d, but the beauty and shape of the Face seems just as it was before, and may be known, even the Hairs of the Eye-Lids and Eye-Brows remaining as they were at first. By this means many of the_ Egyptians, _keeping the dead Bodies of their Ancestors in magnificent Houses, so perfectly see the true Visage and Countenance of those that dy’d many Ages before they themselves were born, that in viewing the Proportions of every one of them, and the Lineaments of their Faces, they take as much delight as if they were still living among them. Moreover, the Friends and nearest Relations of the Deceas’d, for the greater Pomp of the Solemnity, acquaint the Judges and the rest of their Friends with the Time prefix’d for the Funeral or Day of Sepulture, declaring that such a one (calling the Dead by his Name) is such a Day to pass the Lake, at which Time above 40 Judges appear, and sit together in a Semicircle, in a place prepar’d on the hither side of the Lake, where a Ship, provided before-hand by such as have the care of the Business, is hal’d up to the Shoar, and steer’d by a Pilot, whom the_ Egyptians _in their Language call_ Charon. _Hence, they say_, Orpheus _upon seeing this Ceremony while he was in_ Egypt, _invented the Fable of Hell, partly imitating therein the People of_ Egypt, _and partly adding somewhat of his own. The Ship being thus brought to the Lake-side, before the Coffin is put on board, every one is at liberty by the Law to accuse the Dead of what he thinks him guilty. Now if any one proves he was an ill Liver, the Judges give Sentence the Body shall be depriv’d of Sepulture; but in case the Informer be convicted of false Accusation, then is he severely punish’d. If no Accuser appear, or the Information prove false, then all the Kindred of the Deceas’d leave off Mourning, and begin to set forth his Praises, yet say nothing of his Birth (as the Custom is among the_ Greeks) _because the_ Egyptians _all think themselves equally Noble: But then they recount how the Deceas’d was educated from his Youth, and brought up to Man’s Estate, exalting his Piety towards the Gods and Justice towards Men, his Chastity and other Virtues, wherein he excell’d; and lastly, pray and call upon the Infernal Deities to receive him into the Society of the Just. The common People take this from the others, and consequently approve all is said in his Praise by a loud shout, setting likewise forth his Virtues in the highest strains of Commendation, as one that is to live for ever with the Infernal Gods. Then those that have Tombs of their own, interr the Corps in places appointed for that purpose, and they that have none, rear up the Body in its Coffin against some strong Wall of their House. But such as are deny’d Sepulture on account of some Crime or Debt, are laid up at home without Coffins: Yet when it shall afterwards happen that any of their Posterity grows Rich, he commonly pays off the deceas’d Persons Debts, and gets his Crimes absolv’d, and so buries him honourably, for the_ Egyptians _are wont to boast of their Parents and Ancestors that were magnificently bury’d. ’Tis a Custom likewise among them to pawn the dead Bodies of their Parents to their Creditors, but then those that do not redeem them fall under the greatest Disgrace imaginable, and are deny’d Burial themselves at their Deaths._

[Sidenote: Reflections on the _Egyptian Embalming_.]

Thus far _Herodotus_ and _Diodorus Siculus_ have given the largest and clearest Accounts of any of the Ancients of the Funeral Ceremonies and _Embalmings_ of the _Egyptians_, but there are still remaining some dubious and difficult Points necessary to be known, for the better understanding this _Art_: We shall make some Quere’s and Reflexions thereon, and endeavour to reconcile them by the Opinions of the more refin’d Artists, the modern Physicians.

[Sidenote: The _Mourning_ of the _Egyptians_.]

First then of the Mourning of the _Egyptians_, by them very strictly observ’d for a long time, and perform’d after the following manner: When any of their Kings dy’d they lamented his Death with a general Mourning, making sad Lamentations, putting Dirt upon their Heads, rending their Cloaths and beating their Breasts; they shut up their Temples and Markets, and prohibited all Festivals and Rejoycings; they abstain’d from all delicate Meats and costly Apparel, from Baths, Perfumes and Ointments, and neither made their Beds nor accompany’d with their Wives, but express’d all the signs of an extraordinary Affliction, that they could have done for their own Child. This their Mourning continu’d till the Body was bury’d, which was no less than 72 Days, during which, both Men and Women, and those about 2 or 300 in number, went about the City twice a Day without any thing on but a Linnen-Cloath girt about their Bodies, from beneath their Breasts downwards, renewing their Grief, and intermixing the Virtues and Praises of the deceas’d Prince with their Sighs and Outcries. Much the same Ceremonies were observ’d in their private Funerals, some of which we shall insert from the Writings of the famous _Don Antonio de Guevara_, Historiographer to the Emperor _Charles_ V. who in his 10th Letter, English’d by Mr. _Savage_, thus writes: ‘Of all Nations, none we read of made so much adoe about their Dead as the _Egyptians_, who, when ever a Friend dy’d, always shew’d him far more Respect than while he liv’d; insomuch that if a Father lost a Son, a Son a Father, or one Friend was depriv’d of another, they us’d to shave off half their Hair as a _Hieroglyphic_ to demonstrate they had parted with half of themselves. Also the _Egyptian_ Women, when their Husbands, Children or Relations dy’d, were wont to tear their Flesh, and scratch their Faces with their Nails. Likewise the lesser Priests, at the Funerals of the greater, were accustom’d to mark their Flesh with red hot Irons, either on their Hands, Arms or Breasts, to the end that when ever they beheld those Scars they might immediately be dispos’d to lament their loss. In like manner they had a Custom, that when ever a King or Prince dy’d, all his Officers were instantly oblig’d to slash themselves with Knives in some visible part of their Bodies; insomuch, that he who was observ’d to have most Wounds, was always look’d upon to be the greatest Mourner. All which Ceremonies being in themselves superstitious, and no doubt invented by the Devil, forasmuch as the _Egyptians_ were all naturally Necromancers, Magicians, Wizzards and Astrologers, and for that they were not only a damage to the Living, but also no Advantage to the Dead; GOD forbad the Children of _Israel_ (who living so long in _Egypt_, had contracted many ill Customs from those People) both marking and cutting their Flesh, as appears from _Leviticus_ 19. 27, 28. where he Commands the _Israelites_ neither to _round the Corners of their Heads, nor mar the Points of their Beards: To make any Cuttings in their Flesh, or print any Marks upon it on account of their Dead_.’

[Sidenote: How the _Egyptians Embalm’d Bodies_.]

Thus _Herodotus_ and _Diodorus Siculus_ having first describ’d the manner of _Mourning_ among the _Egyptians_, they next proceed to give an Account of their _Embalmings_, telling us, That whilst the Ceremonies of _Mourning_ were performing, they carry’d the Dead to be _Embalm’d_, as I suppose, to a certain place appointed for that purpose, where Persons resided who profess’d that Art, being well experienc’d therein, and taught it by their Ancestors. These show’d the Relations or Persons that brought the Body, and had commission for ordering the Funeral, certain Models or Patterns of Wood, painted in the likeness of _Embalm’d_ Bodies, [Sidenote: Three different kinds of _Embalming_.] being of three several kinds and Prizes, suitable to every one’s Condition and Quality; some very Rich and Costly, others of a moderate Price, and a third sort cheaper and of very little Value. Having agreed upon the Sort and Price, they immediately go about _Embalming_ the Body, and as _Herodotus_ tells us, first of all draw out the Brain, with a crooked Iron, thro’ the Nostrils, infusing in its place, by the same way, several Medicaments, which as it is contrary to our Custom of Dissection, that begins with the _Abdomen_, seeing its Contents soonest putrifie and become offensive even in our cold Country, and much more would do in so hot a Climate as that of _Egypt_, if neglected; so the extraction of the Brain, after the manner propos’d by him, is a very difficult and tedious piece of Work, if possible to be perform’d at all; but his wrong beginning of this Work of _Embalming_ is not so material a Mistake, as his amusing us with a Story of drawing forth the Brain thro’ the Nostrils with a crooked Iron, (by which I suppose he means some particular sort of Instrument) and not farther explaining himself how or after what manner it was done; and indeed I believe he could not, the thing being in it self impracticable and ridiculous, which any one skill’d in _Anatomy_ will readily agree to. But grant it could be done, the afore-said extraction of the Brain thro’ the Nostrils, must nevertheless so dilacerate the cartilagineous parts of the Nose, that the carnous and cutaneous parts would sink, and thereby render the Face deform’d. More agreeable therefore to Reason is what _Gryphius_ in _Tract. de Mum. Wratislav._ p. 45. asserts, That it might be more commodiously extracted thro’ a large _Foramen_, made in the hinder part of the Head, near the upper _Vertebræ_ of the Neck; but that this was not the right way neither, I am thoroughly convinc’d from the Skull of an _Embalm’d_ Body I have by me, which has no such Apertion. [Sidenote: The _Brain_ how extracted.] To reconcile therefore this seeming difficulty, I will shew a Method how ’tis possible to be perform’d by a convenient Instrument which I have devis’d, and intend to describe in another Place, contenting my self here to tell you, That by injecting Oil of _Cedar_, or the like corrosive Medicine thro’ the Nostrils, or thro’ the Ears, by a Passage privately made into the Skull, the Brain may be consum’d and brought away, and the Skull, by injections of spirituous and aromatic Wines, be thoroughly wash’d and cleans’d; and lastly fill’d with melted _Bitumen_ or sweet Balsams, that acquire a solid Consistence when cold. And altho’ _Greaves_ seems well satisfy’d with _Herodotus_’s Account, yet is his Observation, _p._ 49. of his _Pyramidographia_, more agreeable to this Opinion of mine, where he tells us, That having caus’d the Head of one of the richer sort of _Embalm’d_ Bodies to be open’d, he found in the hollow of the Skull the quantity of two pounds of Medicament, which had the consistence, blackness and smell of a kind of _Bitumen_ or Pitch, and by the heat of the Sun was become soft.

_Diodorus Siculus_ begins more methodically with the _Scribe_ or _Designer_, [Sidenote: The _Scribe_ or _Designer_.] an Officer so call’d, who draws upon a piece of Paper, or marks on the Body it self, the part that was to be open’d, _viz._ The Flank on the left side. [Sidenote: _Dissector._] Then the _Dissector_ made the Incision (_without cutting off any of the Flesh, or running away so soon as he had done_) and thrusting his Hand into the Belly, drew out all the Guts, which, as _Plutarch_ writes, were cast into the River _Nile_, _Tanquam inquinamenta Corporis_, as defiling the Body: But _Diodorus_ tells us, The Body was embowell’d by one of the _Embalmers_, which altho’ it appears to me a more filthy and detestable Work than making the Incision, [Sidenote: _Embalmers_ much honour’d.] yet he says the _Embalmers_ were highly honour’d and respected, being familiar with the Priests, and entring into the Temples as Holy Men, whereas he excludes the _Dissectors_ from out of that number, as performing an odious Operation hateful to all Men. In this distinction however I am apt to think he’s either intirely out, or has mistaken it for just the contrary; for, as we have already shown, _p._ 181. _Anatomy_ was not only generally approv’d, but likewise often perform’d by Holy and Great Men, such as the _Egyptian_ Priests and Kings, who would either have practis’d or taught better, in case it had been so heinous a Crime as this Author makes it; whence, without doubt, those that did this pious and necessary Office towards preserving the Dead, must needs have been equally honour’d with the _Embalmers_, and what seems yet clearly to confirm this, is that sometimes the _Art of Embalming_ has been call’d _Honesta Anatomia_.

Now the Instrument with which this Incision was made was an _Ethiopic_ Stone call’d _Basaltes_, [Sidenote: _Basaltes_ an _Ethiopic_ Stone.] and nam’d from its hardness and colour like to Iron, that word in the _Ethiopic_ Language signifying Iron, and this Stone being much harder than that Metal, it might very probably be whet to a keen edge or point, and so be ceremonially us’d instead of an Incision-Knife, like as the antient _Jews_ were wont to use Knives made of Flints in their Circumcision, _Joshua_ 5. 2.

[Sidenote: The _Embowelling_ a Corps.]

As to the Exenteration or Embowelling the Body, we are not to imagine they drew out only the Brain and Guts, but likewise the Lungs, Stomach, Liver, Spleen, and other _Viscera_, except the Heart and Kidnies, which being carnous and fleshy might very likely be left, as being easier to be preserv’d than the moist parts. The former they might probably leave to be _Embalm’d_, as being the principal Bowel of the whole Body, and source of vital Heat (wherefore it has been frequently preserv’d apart by several People) but for what Reason, or out of what Superstition they left the latter I cannot readily conjecture.

Then having empty’d the Head, Breast and Belly of their Contents, they first wash’d and cleans’d them with Phænician or Palm-Wine, compounded of aromatic Spices and sweet Odours, [Sidenote: The _Body_ stuff’d with medicinal Ingredients.] and afterwards stuff’d them with a mixture of sweet scented Drugs, Spices and Balsams, such as _Myrrh_, _Aloes_, _Saffron_, _Cassia_ or _Cinamon_, _Opobalsamum_ and the like, _Frankincense_ only being excepted, because that was by them consecrated to their Gods. These Ingredients had not only a power to preserve the Body for a long Time, but also gave it a sweet and agreeable Smell. This done, they sew’d up the Incision or Passage thro’ which they drew forth the Bowels; but _Antonius Santorellus_ in his _Post-Praxis Medica_, p. 136. not without Reason observes, That tho’ Aromatics are of a drying quality, yet as they are likewise heating, they may occasion a Fermentation in the Body; therefore I am apt to think _Myrrh_ and _Aloes_ were the basis of the Composition, and that Aromatics were us’d only in small quantities, and that rather to conciliate a grateful Odour to the Body than preserve it from Putrifaction. Yet I am not ignorant at the same time of what some alledge of Aromatics, that by their innate balsamic Virtue, by their bitterness and oleaginous Sulphur, or penetrability of their volatil Salts, they resist Putrifaction. Neither am I ignorant of what _Bellonius_ affirms, Lib. 2. _De Medicato Funere_, p. 27. that neither _Myrrh_, _Aloes_ nor _Saffron_ have so much Virtue as to consume the Humidity of a dead Body, nor being hard Bodies can penetrate so far as to enter the Bones and replete their Cavities. Furthermore asserting, That if _Aloes_ were us’d in _Embalming_ they would give the Body a bitter taste, whereas no Mummies have been ever found to have such a taste; and this is also taken notice of, says the aforesaid Author, by _Valerius Cordus_, one who wrote more truly of the _Mummies_ than all the Physicians of his Time had done: But I suppose both these Learned Men spoke rather from their experience of common Bodies, _Embalm’d_ with _Cedar_, _Asphalt_ or _Pissasphalt_, than from the Bodies of Princes and rich Men, which being _Embalm’d_ after the best manner, with odoriferous and aromatic Gums and Spices, had in that Composition a mixture of fine _Aloes_, and this any one will the readier grant, who considers the manner of the [Sidenote: _Myrrh_, _Aloes_ and _Cinnamon_.] antient _Jews_ or _Hebrews_ _Embalming_ with _Myrrh_, _Aloes_ and _Cinamon_, which they learn’d of the _Egyptians_ by living so long among them, chiefly differing in this, That the _Hebrews_ Anointed or _Embalm’d_ their Dead without Exenteration, thereby intending only to render the Body sweet and free from Putrifaction for a short Time, or ’till its Burial, whereas the _Egyptians_ Embowell’d and _Embalm’d_ theirs for Eternity. But here still arises another Controversie, _viz._ What is to be understood by the Word _Aloes_ in Balsamation? Whether _Agalochum_ or _Lignum Aloes_, a Wood of a very pleasant smell, or _Aloes_, an express’d Juice from the Leaves of a Plant, a Gum of a strong Odour? Most Annotators on the word _Aloes_, mention’d in the Holy Scripture, as in _Prov._ 7. 17. _Cant._ 4. 14. _John_ 19. 39. interpret it the _Wood Aloes_, being an excellent sweet scented and aromatic Perfume; and since it is also of a bitterish Taste, and indu’d with some balsamic Qualities, ’tis not absur’d to think it was us’d together with other Ingredients in _Embalming_, yet according to a physical Judgment in this _Art_, we nevertheless believe that _Aloes_, the Gum or inspissate Juice of a Plant, so manifest for its extraordinary and incomparable bitterness and efficacy to resist Putrifaction, was one of the chief Ingredients in their Composition, for otherwise the Scripture would have given a more peculiar signification of the Word, to distinguish the _Wood_ from the _Gum_: So that he who determines that both might have been apply’d, one to correct the ill Savour of the other, may commit no great Mistake, or at least if he thinks, that the _Wood_ was chiefly us’d in their perfuming Ointments, and the _Gum_ in their _Embalmings_.

The Body being stuff’d full of aromatic and sweet Odours, they sew’d it up again, and then salted it with _Nitre_ for the space of 70 Days, as _Herodotus_ relates; yet _Diodorus Siculus_ speaks nothing of this Salting, but in its stead substitutes the manner of Anointing: Both which Terms of _Salting_ and _Anointing_ Authors confound one with another, and under the same denomination express two different Operations or Works, and yet seem to make them perform’d by the same Persons: For those who are said to be the _Embalmers_, [Sidenote: The _Salters_ or _Pollinctors_.] are call’d by some _Taricheutæ_ or _Salitores_, _a verbo_ ταριχεύειν, _Salire_ or _Sale durare_, and by others _Pollinctors_, _ab unguendis Cadaveribus quasi polluti, vel a verbo pollingere, quod est, polliendo ungere, vel Pellem ungere_, &c. whose Office and Business was to exenterate or embowel the Body, to wash and cleanse it, and to salt and anoint it. These again, some say, were much honour’d and respected, and others on the contrary, That they were so abominated that they would not suffer them to live in the City; which latter I am most apt to believe, as performing a very vile and servile Work, therefore might well be look’d upon as polluted Persons. Who then were the true _Embalmers_, properly so call’d, and had in most esteem, I shall anon show; but must first proceed to speak of their _Salination_, and the Virtues and Qualities of _Nitre_ and other Salts.

[Sidenote: _Nitre_ why us’d in _Embalming_.]

‘_Bellonius_, Lib. 3. cap. 8. _De Medicato Funere_, tells us, the _Egyptians_ and other _Eastern_ Nations, attributed very great Virtues to _Nitre_ for preserving the Carcasses of the Dead, and that notwithstanding other Salts and Aromatics, endu’d with astringent and exsiccating Qualities, might have the same Virtue, yet since none were more efficacious, _Embalmers_ or Salters were wont chiefly to use _Nitre_. Those both the _Greek_ Historians and Physicians have sufficiently describ’d, but since they so disagree about this, I think it not improper to treat more particularly of it. _First_, _Herodotus_ tells us, The _Egyptians_ salted the dead Body 70 Days, and afterwards adds the use and reason of it, because, says he, Salt consumes the Flesh, and leaves nothing behind it but Skin and Bones; whence it appears _Nitre_ was in very great esteem among them for preserving the Dead. But now, says _Bellonius_, there is so great scarcity of _Nitre_ in _Europe_, that no Physician can say he has ever seen the true, for certainly a Man may be as well cheated in that Salt as in any Drugs now commonly us’d. Some there are who promiscuously use many Things instead of it, and others that as erroneously assert there are two sorts of it, one factitious and another natural, and I very much wonder that several excellent Physicians should not have taken notice, that the _Saltpetre_ we now-a-days use is not the true _Nitre_: Nor have any of the Ancients distinguish’d _Nitre_ into artificial and natural, one made by Art, and the other a concrete Body dug out of the Earth; for all _Nitre_ is certainly made by Art, after the manner of other Salts, and not conceal’d in the Earth, but found above it. Nor is there any native _Nitre_ dug out of the Earth, altho’ it may be made from Water; for Rain-Water being the purest, lightest and sweetest of all Waters, makes the best _Nitre_; so likewise does the _Nile_-Water, which from the force of its Mud, soon condenses the _Nitre_. Now to know where _Nitre_ may be found, read _Theophrastus_, Lib. 3. cap. 22. who gives this as a very plain Argument, That where _Palm-Trees_ grow in plenty, as they do in _Africa_, _Syria_, and the like Countries, there the Soil will always be Nitrous; for tho’ these Trees require the circum-ambient Air to be hot, that their Fruits may ripen, yet they nevertheless covet a salt Soil to refrigerate their Roots; whence we may gather that a Virtue in Earth to make _Nitre_ is more wanting than in Water: But in _Africa_ _Nitre_ was cheaper than Salt, for tho’ Salt was both artificially made and dug out of the Rock, yet by reason of a Tax and Duty upon it, it was not so easie to be got as _Nitre_, which naturally concreted in the Vallies, and might be had without any Expence; wherefore the _Arabians_, who liv’d not far from the Sea, and the _Egyptians_, who had _Nitre_ so cheap among them, us’d it before Salt, which they were forc’d to seek for and get in more remote Places; nay, they us’d to eat _Nitre_ with their Radishes and Pot-Herbs, after the same manner as we now do Salt. And thus, so soon as the Inhabitants had first made Trial of _Nitre_, using it in their Bread, Pottage, Gruels, with their Flesh and other Food, and finding it wholesom, sought for no other Salt, but us’d _Nitre_ in its stead, and taught the neighbouring Countries to do the like. But the _Macedonians_ made their Bread with a sort of _Nitre_ call’d, [Sidenote: _Chalastræum Nitrum._] _Chalastræum Nitrum_, _a Chalastra Civitate_, Plin. 13. 10. a pure sort of _Saltpetre_, which, for the most part, they rather chose to make use of than Salt. _Nitre_ took its rise in many parts of _Europe_, _Asia_ and _Africa_, but Authors know that of one Country from another, by the goodness and badness of it, tho’ _Nitre_ in general be commended by all, [Sidenote: _Nitrum Berenicum._] and _Galen_ praises the _Nitre_ of _Berenice_ of _Pentapolis_ in _Egypt_.

‘Those Springs call’d by _Pliny_, _Fontes amari_, on the Shoar of the _Red-Sea_, would have had but little bitterness, had not the Soil been Nitrous. All the Fountains likewise of _Arabia_ are bitterish, by reason of the nitrous Earth thro’ which they pass, and that Lake near the City of _Chalastra_ in _Macedon_ affords much _Nitre_. [Sidenote: _Nitri spuma._] Authors call it _Nitri spuma_, _Aphronitrum_, and by several other Names. _Galen_ orders this stony Matter first to be burn’d, and then levigated to a Powder; whereby it plainly appears our _Saltpetre_ is not _Nitre_. There is nothing more frequently mention’d by _Absyrtus_, in his Book of Farriery, than _Nitre_; and it was also us’d by _Ganea_, and the Skilful have observ’d many Things to grow tender by _Nitre_, especially the Roots of Herbs, which are also made whiter by it, and Coleworts and Pot-Herbs greener.’ Some call the Flower of the _Lapis Assius_, _Nitre_, a kind of Stone of which Coffins were formerly made, which wasted dead Bodies: ‘But I would advise the Reader, says _Bellonius_, not to believe that _Nitre_, which we speak of, to have any affinity with the Salt commonly so call’d. [Sidenote: _Armenian Nitre._] _Avicenna_ prefers the _Armenian Nitre_ before the _Egyptian_, and _Dioscorides_ very much praises the _Nitre_ of _Buna_. [Sidenote: _Nitre_ of _Buna_.] The common People daily use the _Nitre_ of _Turkey_, [Sidenote: _Nitre_ of _Turkey_.] tho’ we are nevertheless ignorant whence it comes, and there is nothing more common among the Merchants of _Nitria_, _Memphis_, _Constantinople_ and _Damascus_ than what they vulgarly call _Natron_. It grows very plentifully in the _Eastern_ Countries, and is much us’d in Dying Silk and Wool. _Serapio_ also confounds _Borax_, which the Goldsmiths use, with _Nitre_; but _Nitre_ is truly made by the benefit of the Soil and the force of the hot Sun, wherefore ’tis call’d by some of the _Greeks_ _Halmirhaga_, [Sidenote: _Halmirhaga._] deriving its Name partly from its bitterish Taste, and partly from its being got out of the Earth at _Nitria_, a City of _Egypt_, so call’d from _Nitre_. At _Naucratis_ and _Memphis_ there are places where _Nitre_ grows, and where the Water is pour’d into it like Sea-Water into Salt-Pits. Between _Memphis_ and _Jerusalem_ we saw a Desart concreted with _Nitre_, from whence so great a quantity might be taken, that many Ships might have been easily laden therewith; which Desart, so concreted with _Nitre_, was longer than half a Mile, and when I past by it in the Night-Time, I thought it had been cover’d with Salt; and when the Moon shon, it rebounded up to the Pupils of my Eyes, and dazl’d them with its splendor. In it Camels, Horses and Mules had left the impression of their Footsteps, and when I lighted off my Horse and had cut some of it up, I found it to be of the same kind which I had before seen at _Memphis_. _Nitre_ therefore is not dug out of a Mountain, or found in the Cavity of a Subterranean Den, or any where cover’d with Earth, but gather’d up a concrete Body from the surface of a Desart or solitary Place, and is to be ascrib’d more to the Earth than Water, by reason the Earth has there a kind of nitrous Substance. When Rain, Fountain or the _Nile_-Water has stood long in a Valley, it at length becomes nitrous, by exhaling up to its self a salt Matter or Substance from the bottom, which afterwards concretes, with the heat of the Sun, and becomes much harder than Salt. The whole mass of _Nitre_ is not concreted in one and the same Day, but gradually and by degrees increases and becomes dry. The first Concretion has no great thickness, but when wet again with other Water, it adds by little and little another Covering. This growing harder and harder, so long concretes that it at last becomes a Foot and half thick, by which it comes to pass that the Face of the _Nitre_ keeps a certain likeness to crusted _Cadmia_; for the whole Mass consists of right courses in equal Circles, and is not divided by intricate Windings, which Remark argues, that _Nitre_ arises from a level Superficies or concretes in a certain solitary Place. Moreover the porous _Nitre_ is dissolv’d in Water, but so that you cannot see the least Settlement in it, altho’ a great deal of an earthy Substance be found among it; and as a further Argument of the Truth of this, its very Ashes show it contains in it a great mixture of earthy Particles; for burning once a Pound of crude _Nitre_, I found four Ounces of Ashes remain’d, whereas our _Saltpetre_, if it but touch Fire, immediately flames, and is in an instant resolv’d into Air; whence we collect, that it consists of very subtil Parts, for ’tis very pungent on the Tongue, has great Tenuity, and plentifully provokes Spitle. [Sidenote: Three kinds of _Nitre_.] There are three sorts of _Nitre_, but that which is of a Rose-colour, or whitish and porous like Sponge, such as is brought from the Islands of _Buna_, _Dioscorides_ prefers to the rest, being hard and solid for the most part like that of _Egypt_, and which indurates into heaps like Stone, which therefore are call’d by the _Greeks_ Βουνοί, from the resemblance they have to Hills. The second sort of _Nitre_ is not so well distinguish’d by _Dioscorides_ as by _Galen_, who is thought to have us’d the name of _Spuma Nitri_ two ways, first by dividing the words, Ἀφρὸς νίτρου, and secondly, by compounding them into Ἀφρόνιτρον, which distinction _Pliny_ also seems to have observ’d where he calls the _Spuma Nitri_ by the _Latin_ word _Operimentum_, interpreted by _Avicenna_’s Annotator, _Capistrum Nitri_, not because the _Nitre_ ferments or foams up in an old Valley, or that it is in it self a light Froth, but by reason the _Spume_ of _Nitre_ lyes on the top of the _Nitre_, and flowers of it self in Nitre-Works or Vallies in the Day-Time; for _Nitre_ flowers with the Dew which falls in the Night, and then increases its Superficies and is perfected in the Day-Time, which Covering therefore is rightly call’d by _Avicenna_’s Interpreter _Capistrum_, but better by _Pliny_, _Operimentum_. Of this _Dioscorides_ thus writes: [Sidenote: _Spuma Nitri._] ‘That _Spuma Nitri_ is best which is lightest, friable, biting and of a purplish Colour, such as is brought from _Philadelphia_ in _Lydia_. The second sort is that of _Egypt_, which likewise is to be had in _Magnetia_ in _Caria_.’ How this Efflorenscence which _Pliny_ sometimes calls _Operimentum_, sometimes _Spuma Nitri_, and at other times _Aphronitrum_, is generated, we have shewn before, so shall next show what _Aphronitrum_ is, for I distinguish between _Aphronitrum_ and _Spuma Nitri_, that is, the _Operimentum_ or Covering. But _Pliny_ confounds _Aphronitrum_ and _Nitrum_ together, so that I really believe both _Pliny_ and _Serapio_ have taken what they have written of this Matter from the same Fountains; for _Serapio_ speaking of _Nitre_ says, There are two sorts of it, one call’d _Nitre_, which is _Saltpetre_, of a reddish Colour, saltish and bitterish Taste, soon discovering its burning Quality, [Sidenote: _Borax._] and another sort call’d _Borax_, us’d by the Inhabitants of _Yaya_ in working up their Bread, to make it look clear after ’tis bak’d. But that sort call’d artificial _Borax_ is an incisive and abstersive _Saltpetre_, made from a nitrous Matter, being a mixture of Lead and _Kali_ mingl’d together and put over the Fire, and this seems to be nothing else but that which the Goldsmiths use. _Rhasis_ also is in a manner of the same Opinion with _Serapio_, for he says, of the two sorts of _Borax_, that which is made artificially, and is white and froathy, is much better than that of an earthy colour and dusty. It is from this that _Tincar_ is made and seal’d. [Sidenote: _Tincar._] _Pliny_ has not omitted to mention this sealing as _Galen_ and _Dioscorides_ have likewise done, therefore I will insert his Words the better to show that his sealing of _Tincar_ is the same with that of the _Arabians_. The next Age of _Physicians_, says he, deliver’d that _Aphronitrum_ was gather’d in _Asia_, distilling into soft Caves or Dens, which they call’d _Colycæ_, and afterwards dry’d in the Sun. The best sort is that of _Lydia_, which is very light and friable, and almost of a purplish Colour, and brought thence in little Cakes or Trochisks, which words seem intirely to answer those of the _Arabian_; for, What can this Author mean by Trochisks, but the same thing which _Serapio_ calls little seal’d Pieces? But _Rhasis_ adds, That the _Egyptian Nitre_ was brought in Vessels pitch’d over, least it should melt; and _Pliny_ shows, that the next Age of Physicians deliver’d it was gather’d in _Asia_. Perhaps in the Time of _Dioscorides_, and also before his Time, they did not use to Seal the _Spuma Nitri_ and _Aphronitrum_. [Sidenote: _Lydian Nitre._] _Pliny_ gives the Preference to the _Lydian_, and, moreover, when he describes the Marks of chusing it, he gives the same to the _Aphronitrum_ as _Dioscorides_ does to his Ἀφρόνιτρον. But that I may speak freely what I know of those three, they all proceed from the same Mass, altho’ from the different Places and Earth, they acquire a different colour, for some are of a Rose-colour, and others white. The _Operimentum_ or Covering falls in _Lydia_ and _Egypt_. The greatest use of _Nitre_ in _Laconia_ is for scouring Bodies. But since the Mass of _Nitre_, when long kept in Houses, consumes and wastes away by degrees, insomuch that that which was before hard, becomes gradually soft and crumbling, more-especially if it be kept in a moist place, nevertheless it does not discontinue being a Mass or Lump, but only becomes softer than _Nitre_. Physicians, when they remark or take notice as it were of a certain kind of _Metamorphosis_, of that which was before hard, so easily to become softer, think its Name ought to be chang’d, and its Virtues ascrib’d apart. But that which I have said concerning the alteration of _Nitre_, I have found true by experience, in some I brought with me out of the Eastern-Countries; for having given a great part of it to my Friends, some of them complain’d it was turn’d to Powder, and others, who had kept it in a moister place, that it was grown softer, and had chang’d its Colour. _Pliny_, Lib. 31. cap. 10. says, The Nature of _Nitre_ is not to be esteem’d very different from Salt, and this he the more diligently asserts, inasmuch as those Physicians who have written of it, were ignorant of its true Nature, altho’ none has written more carefully of it than _Theophrastus_. He says, moreover, some _Nitre_ is made in _Media_, the Vallies growing white and hoary with dryness. After the Rain or Fountain-Water is exhal’d from it, it is condens’d by the Soil, and converted into _Nitre_. Hence appears, as I said before, that those are very much deceiv’d, who report _Nitre_ to be a certain Subterranean Matter like to Metal. _Pliny_ afterwards adds, That the sort of _Nitre_ call’d _Agrium_, in _Thrace_ near _Philippi_, is less mix’d with Earth than any other sort; but I dare affirm _Nitre_ is now no longer made in _Thrace_, for when I travell’d thither, and to and fro in the _Philippian_ Country, that I might see this _Nitre_, I could find none either about the Ruins of the before-mention’d City or the adjacent Region. [Sidenote: _Chalastræum Nitrum._] The _Chalastræum Nitre_ took its Name from the City _Chalastra_. This I believe to be that sort which _Alexander_ call’d _Bucephalum_, from the Name of his Horse. Nitrous Waters, says _Pliny_, are found in many places, but without any Power of condensing, which agrees with what I have already said, that all nitrous Waters will not make _Nitre_; so likewise all nitrous Earth, altho’ Water be pour’d over it, will not make _Nitre_, for ’tis necessary it should have a Virtue of thickning by the Sun, therefore this Virtue is believ’d not to be wanting in the Water, but in the Earth, for ’tis certain _Nitre_ may be made out of the lightest, purest and sweetest Water. _Nitre_ is very heavy in it self, for it sinks in Water like a Stone. The best _Nitre_, says _Pliny_, is very plentiful in _Macedonia_, [Sidenote: _Nitrum Chalastricum._] and is call’d _Chalastricum_, being white and pure like to Salt. The Lake is nitrous, and out of its middle a sweet Fountain flows; there _Nitre_ swims, about the rising of the Dog-Star, for nine Days together, and in as many ceases, then swims again, and afterwards ceases again, by which ’tis apparent the heat of the Sun condenses the _Nitre_, provided the Nature of the Soil be answerable, as _Pliny_ witnesses in these words: The Nature of the Soil is what breeds _Nitre_, as is apparent, in that where it is wanting, neither Salts nor Showers avail any thing. This is also very wonderful, that tho’ the Spring be always seen to flow, yet neither does it increase the Lake nor run over; but if it Rains in those Days in which it is bred, the _Nitre_ will become more Salt, and worse if the _North_-Winds happen to blow, for they violently stir up the Mud: In this place indeed ’tis produc’d, but more plentifully in _Egypt_, [Sidenote: _Egyptian Nitre._] tho’ a worser sort, for ’tis of a dark colour and stony. It is made almost in the same manner with Salt, only they let the Sea run into their Salt-Pits, but the River _Nile_ into their _Nitre_-Works. The _Nile_-Water being drawn off they dry it, and again infuse it in _Nitre_-Water 40 Days successively, but if it Rains they add less of the River-Water. So soon as it begins to condense, it is taken away least it should be dissolv’d in their _Nitre_-Works, but if laid up in heaps it will keep. Thus much _Pliny_ speaks of _Nitre_, which abundantly shows it is no where dug in any Mountain or Soil, but as I have shown before, immediately so soon as it has begun to condense, and it Rains, they take it away, and lay it up in heaps, that it may last, for otherwise it would be melted by the Rain in their _Nitre_-Works. What _Pliny_ says afterwards seems obscure, _viz._ That the thinnest part of _Nitre_ is best, and consequently the Efflorenscence is better, nevertheless the foul sort is useful for some Things, as for dying Purples, Scarlets, _&c._ by which words ’tis evident he means two sorts of _Nitre_, one very fine call’d _Spuma Nitri_, [Sidenote: _Spuma Nitri._] which he prefers for the best, and another course, us’d for dying Colours. The _Nitre_-Works in _Egypt_ are very famous, and were wont to be only about _Naucratis_ and _Memphis_: The worst are about _Memphis_, for there it lapifies in heaps, and from that cause many Hillocks are stony, of which they make Vessels. They also very frequently boil it with Sulphur upon Coals till it is melted; and use it in those things they would have keep a long while. There are _Nitre_-Works where it comes out reddish from the colour of the Earth. Thus far of _Nitre_; next _Pliny_ mightily commends the Efflorenscence of _Nitre_, yet says, The Ancients deny’d it could be made, but only when the Dew fell and the _Nitre_-Places were pregnant, but not when they brought forth, therefore could not be done by hastning or stirring up altho’ it fell. Others think it was bred by Fermentation, _&c._’ Thus far of _Nitre_ according to _Bellonius_, _Pliny_ and others.

[Sidenote: _Pickle_ made of _Nitre_.]

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.

[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_.]

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_.

[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.

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_.

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.