=_Tractatus de Hermaphroditis_:=

=OR, A=

=TREATISE=

=OF=

=HERMAPHRODITES, =

=CONTAINING=

 I. A Description of the several Sorts of HERMAPHRODITES, and how the Law regards them in respect to Matrimony. 

 II. Intrigues of HERMAPHRODITES and Masculine FEMALES, and of the outward Marks to distinguish them. 

 III. The material Cause and Generation of HERMAPHRODITES, of unnatural BIRTHS, Generation of MONSTERS, extraordinary CONCEPTIONS, &c. 

=_LONDON_:=

=Printed for E. CURLL _Fleet-street_. =

=MDCCXVIII. =

PREFACE. 

_Prefaces now a Days are rather Apologies for the Works to which theyare prefix'd, than written for Instruction; and generally a ludicrousScene is expected, if the Performance be of an airy Nature; or, if not, at least an introductory Specimen of what the Reader may hope for in theBody of the Work_. 

_I shall make no Apology for my Subject, notwithstanding an impudentLibeller has endeavour'd to load Authors and Publishers of Works ofthis Nature with the utmost Infamy; and herein I admire at the Front ofthe Fellow, to pretend to Chastise others for Writing only, when hepractises a great deal more Iniquity than any Book extant can prompt himto, every Day that comes over his Head_. 

MY _Design in the following Sheets is meerly as an innocentEntertainment for all curious Persons, without any Views of incitingMasculine-Females to Amorous Tryals with their own Sex; and I amperswaded there will not be one single_ HERMAPHRODITE _the more in theWorld, on account of the publishing this_ TREATISE. 

IT _may be expected by some faithless Persons, that I should producean_ HERMAPHRODITE _to publick View, as an incontestible Justification ofthere being Humane Creatures of this kind; but as I have no Authority totake up the Petticoats of any Female without her Consent, I hope to beexcus'd from making such demonstrable Proofs; and if I had such a Power, the Sight might endanger the Welfare of some pregnant Female, whoseCuriosity would spur her to a particular Examination_. 

_The Intrigues of my_ HERMAPHRODITES _are indeed very amazing, and asmonstrous as their Natures, but that many Lascivious Females divertthemselves one with another at this time in this City, is not to bedoubted: And if any Persons shall presume to Censure my Accounts, grounded on a Probability of Truth, I shall be sufficiently reveng'd inproclaiming them, what my_ HERMAPHRODITES _are found to be in theConclusion_--Old Women. 

_I confess, all Histories of extraordinary Conceptions from theseIntrigues, or by Women without actual Copulation, are equally fabulouswith those of the Engendring of Men: It would be as surprizing to find aMan with a teeming Belly, as to see a Woman increase there meerly by herown Applications_. 

_I doubt not but this small_ TREATISE _may put some Persons upon aprevious Examination of Robust Females, that they may be at a certaintywith respect to mutual Enjoyment; but I would not have them rashlyconclude from large Appurtenances only, that they are unnatural, but, onthe contrary, agreeable Companions. _

_To conclude, I fear not the Censure of_ HERMAPHRODITES, _nor of thosethat would be such to satisfy their vicious Inclinations; neither am Iunder any apprehensions from the Censure of our Reforming Zealots_. 

 * * * * *

_Tractatus de Hermaphroditis_:

OR, A

TREATISE

OF

HERMAPHRODITES. 

The Secrets of Nature have in all Ages been particularly examin'd byAnatomists and others, and this of _Hermaphrodites_ is so verywonderful, that I am perfectly assur'd my present Enquiry will beentirely acceptable to all Lovers of curious Discoveries; and as it ismy immediate Business to trace every Particular for an ampleDissertation on the Nature of _Hermaphrodites_, (which obliges me to afrequent Repetition of the Names of the Parts employ'd in the Businessof Generation) so, I hope, I shall not be charg'd with Obscenity, sincein all Treatises of this Kind it is impossible to finish any one Headcompleatly, without pursuing the Methods of Anatomical Writings. 

Though in _Ovid_'s _Metamorphosis_, _Salmacis_'s being in Love with_Hermaphroditus_, and not succeeding in her amorous Wishes, her prayingto the Gods to join their Bodies in one, has no Weight in it; yet, thatthe Notions of Hermaphrodites are not entirely fictitious, I need onlymention the Servant of _Montuus_, who took his Hermaphrodite to be aMale when he lay with his Maids, and for a Female when she lay with herHusband to propagate their Species, the two Hermaphrodites of_Licetus_, and the Story of _Ausonius_, which he relates of anHermaphrodite of _Bonavento_ in _Italy_; and Histories are full ofConfirmations, that many Persons in the World have had the privy Partsof both Sexes. 

For the Definition of the Word Sex, it is no other than a Distinction ofMale and Female, in which this is most observable, that for the Parts ofthe Body, there is but little Difference between them; but the Femalesare colder than the Males, and abound with more superfluous Moisture;wherefore their spermatick Parts are more soft and humid, and all theirnatural Actions more vigorous than those of Men: But Hermaphrodites area mixture of both Sexes, and to both incompleat. 

In all Ages Hermaphrodites have been talk'd of, though particularVouchers have been many times wanting, which is generally the Casewhere a Deficiency of the Secrets of Nature is to be detected; theamorous Parts are certainly more valuable than any other principal Partsof the Body, as they afford the greatest pleasure of Life; and there isalways the greatest Difficulty attends the Discoveries of Impotency, (which is less obnoxious) and nothing but the Force of the Law executedby a lascivious Female, in the State of Matrimony, will occasion aRecord of a want of Substance for the amorous Adventure. 

It is natural to suppose, that these Persons of a mix'd Nature call'dHermaphrodites, have had generally more Prudence and Conduct than tomarry under such Incapacities, which would prevent an agreeableConsummation in the amorous Embrace, (however they may sport and dallywith each other) as they must expect nothing but the greatest Resentmentand highest Indignation from the Persons they have presumptuouslyespous'd, and must inevitably tend to their being expos'd to the World, as Prodigies and Monsters; and they have in Times past been the moreeffectually deterr'd from engaging in Matrimony, as they wereimmediately on their Discovery cast into the Sea or some large Rivers, or banish'd into some desolate Island, as presages of dire Events, andthe worst of Calamities. 

But the Civil Law does not regard Hermaphrodites as Monsters, it permitsthem to make a Choice of either of the two Sexes for the Business ofCopulation, either in the Capacity of Men or Women; but if theHermaphrodite does not perform his Part agreeable to Nature, the sameLaw inflicts the Punishment due to Sodomy, because he has abus'd onePart, contrary to Matures Laws. This must be determin'd by thePredominancy of the Parts, for there are some Hermaphrodites so veryvigorous as to embrace Women, and others whose Parts are so dispos'd asto receive with pleasure the Caresses of Men; and where there is nothingto hinder the amorous Action, but that they are capable of enjoyingmutual Pleasure, it would be a piece of injustice to prohibit theirNuptials. 

Monsieur _Venette_[A] tells us, that there are five kinds ofHermaphrodites: The first have the privy Parts of a Man very entire;they make Water and Engender like other Men, but with this difference, that they have a pretty deep Slit between the Seat and the Cod, which isof no Use in Generation. 

The second Sort have also the Parts of a Man very well proportion'd, that serve either the Functions of Life or Generation; but they have aSlit not so deep as the first Sort, which being in the midst of theCods, presses the Testicles on each side. 

The third Sort have no visible privy Parts of a Man, only a Slit, through which the Hermaphrodite makes Water. This Cavity is deeper orshallower, according to the plenty or default of Matter employ'd for theforming of it, yet one may easily find the Bottom of it with one'sFinger. The Terms never flow by this way, and this kind of Hermaphroditeis a true Man as well as the two others above mention'd; for these sortsof Hermaphrodites become Boys, about the Age of fifteen, in an Instant, and are as valiant in the Adventures of Love as other Males, and this isoftentimes affected by some violent Action, as _Mary Germain_, mention'dby _Parĉus_, leaping over a Ditch, strain'd herself, and becameinstantly a Man, through the coming forth of the privy Parts. 

This may be a sufficient Caution to young Gentlemen not to be too hastyin their Marriages, lest, in a vigorous Consummation with a veryyouthful Partner, the imaginary Female should at once appear anHermaphrodite. 

The fourth Sort of Hermaphrodites, are Women who have the _Clitoris_bigger and longer than others, and thereby impose upon the Vulgar, whoknow but little of the Parts they are compos'd of, and of these kinds ofHermaphrodites, _Columbus_ says he examin'd all the Parts, and found noessential Difference from other Women; the only Sign that they are Womenis, that they suffer the flowing of their Terms every Month. 

The fifth Kind, are those that have neither the Use of the one nor theother Sex, and have their privy Parts confus'd, and the Temper of Manand Woman so inter-mix'd, that one can hardly say which is mostpredominant; but these sorts of Persons are rather a kind of Eunuchsthan Hermaphrodites, their _Penis_ being good for nothing, and theirTerms never flowing. Of this Kind was the _Bohemian_ Woman, that pray'd_Columbus_ to cut off her _Penis_, and to enlarge her _Vagina_, that shemight the more freely, as she alledg'd, join amorously with a Man. 

These are the several Sorts of Hermaphrodites, mentioned by Monsieur_Venette_; and the four first of them, tho' they have the Name, yetNature has not refus'd them the Advantage to make use of their GenitalParts, and to Engender as others. The Male Hermaphrodite may getChildren, and the Female conceive; so that neither the one nor the otherdiffer from Men or Women, but only by a superfluity or a deficiency ofParts, and such as does not disturb the business of Generation. 

The fifth Sort are call'd perfect Hermaphrodites, because they areincapable of using either of the Sexes; but some Persons fancy there area sort of Hermaphrodites which can make use of both Sexes, and Engenderboth ways, though this is easily confuted, when we consider that one ofthe privy Parts of an Hermaphrodite is generally useless, as beingcontrary to the Laws of Nature, and what confusion would it be, to findin one and the same Person a Man's and Woman's Testicles, a Womb and a_Penis_? A Woman's Genital Parts and a Man's are too different to admitof such an Union, and to change the Use upon any occasion. 

Agreeable to the list mention'd Opinion, some Naturalists will have it, that an Hermaphrodite, which is very vigorous as to both Sexes, mayEngender within himself, without the Company of another Person, havingMatter to form a Child, a Place to conceive it, and proper Liquid forNourishment: In the same manner as _Jack Hares_ engender once in theirLives, and that _Stags_ do the same, which is maintain'd by the learned_Langius_: But these Generations are both impossible and ridiculous, theNaturalists must certainly be deceiv'd, in taking some Parts of theFemale for the Testicles of the Male; and what probability is there thatthe Seed should come out of one Part and into the other, without losingits Spirits, and altering considerably in changing of Place? And if sucha Thing were possible, the Temperament that engenders Masculine Seedmight as well engender Feminine, and produce the Terms at the same Timeor something else in proportion to it. 

Women having Beards, and being a large Masculine Size, have beensometimes, by the Ignorant, accounted Men, tho' they were true Women;and it cannot be said, that one Sex is chang'd into another, for wenever heard of Men that became Women, and that their, privy Parts wereabolish'd; or turn'd within, in order to form the Genital Parts of aWoman. The Hermaphrodites of _Licetus_, which conceiv'd and broughtforth Children, were real Women taken for Men, by reason of the lengthand bigness of their _Clitoris_: And the Fisherman's Wife, mention'd by_Antonius de Palma_, was only a Male, call'd the third sort ofHermaphrodites undiscover'd, which was afterwards manifested in thecoming out of the Parts of a Man, when she had been fourteen Yearsmarried. The Case was the same with _Emilia_, marry'd to _AntoniusSperta_, mention'd by _Potanus_ who was accounted a Woman twelve Years, but was afterwards reputed a Man, and married again to a Woman. 

For the Discovery of the Male and Female Hermaphrodite, theseObservations will be serviceable: A Person that is bold and sprightly, having a strong Voice, much Hair on the Body, particularly on the Chinand privy Parts, with the rest of such Signs as discover Manhood, arecertain Demonstrations that the Hermaphrodite has the privy Parts of aMan in a more predominant manner than those of the other Sex; andcontrarywise, if an Hermaphrodite has good Breasts, Skin smooth andsoft; if the Terms appear at their due Intervals; if there be asparkling and agreeableness in the Eyes; and if other Signs areobserv'd, that commonly distinguish a Woman from a Man, these areArguments that the Hermaphrodite has the Privities of the Female Sex ofa good Conformation; and if the _Vagina_ is not too defective, such anHermaphrodite ought to pass for a Woman. 

I doubt not but there are many Persons in the World of both Species, particularly of the Female Sex, who would willingly assume tothemselves the Parts belonging to Hermaphrodites, if they could have avigorous Use of the Members of both Sexes, upon any lustful Inclination;a lascivious Female would be transported at the Thoughts of acting thePart of a Man in the amorous Adventure, and a lecherous Male wouldpropose equal Pleasure in receiving the Embraces he use to bestow; buttho' most Persons agree that Women have the greatest Sense of Enjoymentin the Act of Copulation, (as without all question they must, by theSituation and Disposition of the Parts) yet they would be more forwardin satisfying this brutal Curiosity than those of the opposite Sex. Menare more easy to be limited in the Pleasures of _Venus_ than Women; asthey are endu'd with more Reason, so they are generally easily satisfiedin those Enjoyments, which were chiefly design'd for the propagating oftheir Species. 

If two Persons, being Hermaphrodites, should Marry with an expectationof pleasing each other, as Male and Female by turns, they'll meet with aDisappointment, for the Reasons already mention'd, _viz_. That one ofthe Members of Hermaphrodites is most commonly useless, and if a Manshould by chance be married to a Person of his own Sex, before the Partsare come down, (which, as I have observ'd before, sometimes happens, where Persons are wedded in an Age of Infancy) a great Disappointmentwill ensue to the Husband, when his Partner shall take the Constitutionof a Man, and be ready to engage with him, instead of his encounteringwith her; and in respect of a masculine Woman's being taken by theLength of her _Clitoris_ for a Man, _Daniel de Bantin_ only sported withhis Wife, but was got with Child himself by one of his Companions. The_Clitoris_ not being perforated, the Hermaphrodite can furnish no Matterfor Generation. 

The _Clitoris_ in Women suffers erection and falling in the same manneras the _Penis_ in Men; and the _Vagina_ likewise swells to make thePassage streight and easy, for the reception of the _Penis_ in the Timeof Enjoyment. Sometimes the _Clitoris_ will grow out of the Body two orthree Inches, but that happens not but upon extraordinary Occasions, upon violent Inclinations to Copulation, over much Heat of thePrivities, _&c. _ and by this means a Man will be hinder'd from knowinghis Wife; but the larger it is, so as no way to prevent their mutualEmbraces, the greater is the Pleasure, especially to the Female; andwithout this Part, the fair Sex would neither desire the Embraces of theMales, nor have any Pleasure in them, or Conceive by them. 

Women well furnish'd in these Parts may divert themselves with theirCompanions, to whom for the most part they can give as much Pleasure asMen do, but cannot receive in any proportion the Pleasure themselves, for want of Ejaculation, the Crisis of Enjoyment to the Male in theIntrigues of _Venus_. I am inform'd that Diversions of this nature arefrequently practis'd by robust and lustful Females, who cannot with anyprospect of safety to their Reputations, venture upon the Embraces of aMan, though they are never so strongly enclin'd. The unnatural Pleasuresof this kind are finely illustrated in the following Song, written byMr. ROWE, which I take it will not be improperly inserted in this Place. 

[Footnote A: Le Tableau de l'Amour Conjugal, par Monsieur _Venette_. Paris 1710. ]

SONG. 

 I. 

 _While_ SAPPHO, _with harmonious Airs, Her dear_ PHILENIS _charms, With equal joy the Nymph appears, Dissolving in her Arms_. 

 II. 

 _Thus to themselves alone they are, What all_ Mankind _can give; Alternately the happy Pair All grant, and all receive_. 

 III. 

 _Like the_ Twin-Stars, _so fam'd for Friends, Who set by Turns and rise; When_ one _to_ THETIS _Lap descends His_ Brother _mounts the Skies_. 

 IV. 

 _With happier Fate, and kinder Care, These_ Nymphs _by_ Turns _do reign, While still the_ Falling, _does prepare The Rising, to sustain_. 

 V. 

 _The Joys of either Sex in Love; In each of them we read, Successive each, to each does prove, Fierce Youth and yielding Maid_. 

 * * * * *

_Intrigues of Hermaphrodites and Masculine Females_. 

The hotter the Climate, the stronger are the Inclinations to Venery. When I was formerly in _Italy_; there happened a notable Adventure inthe Neighbourhood of _Rome_, between a certain Lady call'd _Margureta_, one of a noble Family in the Papal Dominions, and a Lady of _France_, whose Name was _Barbarissa_: These two Females were in their Staturesvery near equal to the largest siz'd Male; they had full and roughFaces, large Shoulders, Hands and Feet; and but slender Hips, and smallbreasts: In short, they resembled Men in all respects, but theirDresses, their Gates and Voices, and indeed they were suspected to beHermaphrodites. These Ladies, I am inform'd, paid frequent Visits toeach other, and 'twas always observ'd, that no Body was admitted totheir splendid Entertainments, which heighten'd the Curiosity of aServant in the Family of _Margureta_, to attempt a Discovery of theirIntrigues, they always locking themselves in, the moment they haddispatch'd their Suppers: In order to this, on a Time, this Servant, call'd _Nicolini_, with a piercing Instrument of Iron, and theAssistance of an Artificer, ingeniously made a Communication for theSight into the next Room, by working a small Hole through the Wainscot, opposite to the Bed, in the Chamber wherein the two Masculine Ladiesaccustom'd to solace themselves. At the next Meeting, _Nicolini, _ to hisno small surprise, had a Prospect of the two Females embracing eachother, with a succession of Kisses of no short Duration. After this theyboth drew up their Petticoat, and exposing their Thighs to view, theymutually employ'd their Hands with each other, in the same Manner, andwith the same force of Inclination, as a juvenile Gallant would make hisApproaches to what he most admires in a beautiful _Belinda_, at the sameTime continuing the closest Salutations; at last one of the Femalesthrew herself down upon the Bed, and displaying her self commodiously, the other immediately begun the amorous Adventure, covering herCompanion so effectually, that _Nicolini_ could not possibly discoverany farther Particulars: They had not continu'd their Sportings longbefore _Margureta_, which officiated now instead of the Man, arose from_Barbarissa_, and turning towards the Window with her Cloaths up in herArms, _Nicolini_ immediately discover'd something hang down from herBody of a reddish Colour, and which was very unusual: They bothpanting, and almost breathless, retir'd from the Bed to a Table, wherethey sat down and refresh'd themselves with sufficient Quantities ofgenerous Wine. About an Hour after this, they began to renew theirFrolicks, and it being _Barbarissa_'s turn to caress, who was not soMasculine as _Margureta_, to incite the falling down and erection of herFemale Member, she turn'd over a large Book, amply stor'd with obscenePortraitures, wherein the amorous Combat was curiously describ'd in theutmost variety of Postures which were ever practic'd, or the Head of ayouthful and ingenious Painter could invent; but this not having theEffect expected, _Margureta_ strip'd her self naked, as did likewise_Barbarissa_, and both dancing about the Room, they gave each otherrepeated Strokes with their Hands on their white Posteriors; and thislikewise failing to move _Barbarissa_, _Margureta_ open'd a Cabinet, and taking from thence a large Birchen Rod, she flogg'd _Barbarissa_lustily, her Buttocks seeming to yield to that amorous Discipline; uponthis, something appear'd from the Privities of _Barbarissa_, like untowhat _Nicolini_ had observ'd of _Margureta_, and they instantly put ontheir loose Gowns, and ran to the Bed, where _Barbarissa_ embracing herCompanion, did her Work effectually. After their Sportings were over, that each had return'd the Favours receiv'd, they decently dress'dthemselves, and sat them down again to the Table, where, after drinkinga Bottle or two of the richest _Italian_ Wines, they kiss'd each otherin the most loving manner, and _Margureta_ rang the Bell for _Nicolini_to light _Barbarissa_ down Stairs, who immediately taking leave of_Margureta_, was carried in a Chair to her Place of Residence. 

This Story sufficiently shews the unnatural Intrigues of some MasculineFemales, where by the falling down and largeness of the _Clitoris_, they have been taken for Men, as mention'd in my Description ofHermaphrodites, and are capable of every Action belonging to a Man, butthat of Ejaculation. I next insert an Intrigue between two Females moreextraordinary than the former, by reason in this, Art was only employ'd, and in the other there was something of Nature in it, tho' viciouslyapply'd: I shall introduce it with several Adventures which happen'd inthis Cafe before the Scene was accomplish'd, and which I doubt not willbe acceptable. In the City of _Ferara_, 'tis reported, there some timesince liv'd two Damsels who were of reputable Descent, and theirEducation was equal to that of the greatest Quality in the Territoriesof _Italy_; the Name of one of them was _Theodora_, and of the other_Amaryllis_: _Theodora_ was the Daughter of an eminent Courtier, and inher Person most beautiful; her Shape was form'd according to the nicestRules of Symetry; her Waste was slender, her Breasts were full andround, and for Whiteness equall'd the falling Snow; her Face was exactlycompos'd, the Features strong and yet beautiful; her Cheeks more livelythan the Rose and Lilly; her Eyes sparkled beyond the most shiningPlanets; her Teeth excell'd the best polish'd Ivory; soft as Velvet wereher Lips, and redder than Vermillion; her Hand and Arm more white thanMilk; her Feet small, and her Gate stately, and on her Shoulders weredisplay'd her auborn Tresses, hanging in Ringlets to her Waste; inshort, every Part that was visible invited to hidden Charms; her Lookswere languishing, and her Eye-Balls large, which, perpetually rowling, cast a thousand Darts at all Beholders. _Amaryllis_ the Daughter of awealthy Merchant and no less admir'd for her Beauty than the lovely_Theodora_; she was made up of Perfections, and whomsoever she sawunguarded, she was sure to captivate: These two Ladies were both of themcross'd in their amorous Inclinations; _Theodora_, before she wasthirteen Years of Age, had made a powerful Conquest over the Affectionsof a Youth of Gallantry, his Name was _Leander_, and he was the eldestSon of a Nobleman of _Naples_; but _Theodora_'s Father having no regardto the Happiness of his Daughter, after _Leander_ had made hisAddresses, he forbad him his House, not approving the Circumstances orthe Character of the young Gentleman; for the Father of _Theodora_ was amercenary Courtier, having no regard to any but such as were in theirNature Misers and sanctified Hypocrites, and _Leander_ being a Gentlemaninclin'd to Extravagancy. _Leander_ setting a greater value upon hisEducation, Manners and good Nature than his Fortune, was oblig'd todesist in his Pretensions and to sink under the oppression of Avarice:He determin'd to leave _Ferara_, since he was there to see hisHappiness, no more, however, he resolv'd to send his Fair One, a moving_Billet Doux_ before his Departure, which he did, and it was as follows. 

 To the _GODDESS_ of _Ferara_, the Beautiful _THEODORA_. 

 _Divine Creature, It is not to be admir'd that I, the meanest of your Servants, should berejected by your wealthy Parents, and that Heaven should deny me aHappiness which it self only ought to enjoy; Why did Nature make you soBeautiful and Deserving, and me so unworthy of your Affection? My miseryincreases with your Happiness, unless you participate my Pains; you arein the Bud of your Beauty, which when full blown, will be like the Sunin the midst of the Horizon, Illuminating the whole World, but itspenetrating Rays not to be gaz'd upon. You are the Lilly and I am theThorn; you beautify the rich fertile Vale, whilst I retire to the barrenMountains. I will pass the Alps 'till I approach the most aspiringMount, and there, in view of_ Ferara, _I will lay me down and bid theWorld Adieu. When I am gone, remember that you had once a Lover whocould sacrifice every thing for our Service, and without you he couldenjoy nothing. I have not only concerted my Journey from_ Ferara, _butlikewise to the_ Elysian Groves; _if my grizly Ghost should terrify thatsordid Wretch your Father, 'tis no more than he deserves, and if myShade appears to you, look on that unconcern'd which cannot injure you. My last Request to you is to take care of your self, who am_

 Your despairing Lover, But Admirer, LEANDER

_Theodora_ receiv'd this moving Letter with a Concern proportion'd tothe melancholly Occasion; she communicated it to an intimateAcquaintance, who likewise express'd the utmost Uneasiness; the thoughtsof the Catastrophe of the Loves of _Theodora_ and _Leander_ presented alively Idea to _Theodora's_ Companion, of the Miseries and Misfortunesattending Mankind. "Hard is the Case (says she) that _Leander_, one ofthe finest young Gentlemen of _Naples_, should be sacrific'd to amercenary Wretch, a Wretch, that in the midst of plenty is poor andmiserable, and who, tho' he has all Things to compleat his Happiness, his avaricious Temper will not permit him to enjoy the commonNecessaries of Life: The Pleasures of living he's a Stranger to, helives despis'd, and will die unpitied: But such is the inequality ofFortune's Favours, that Merit must stoop and Ideots be advanc'd to thehighest Pomp and Magnificence. It is entirely out of your Power to givethe pitied _Leander_ the least Relief; your Father's House is a Nunnery, he has his Locks and Keys to secure you, and his Spies for Intelligence;but I advise you to send the unfortunate Youth an Answer to his mournfulEpistle. " Upon this, _Theodora_ immediately call'd for Pen, Ink andPaper, and wrote the following Answer. 

 To the unfortunate LEANDER. 

_I am sorry that you had the Misfortune ever to see me, and the more forthat in vain I seek your Relief; it is not in my Power to forward eitheryour Happiness or my own, which I confess I should think compleat, if mymercenary Father would consent to my Espousals; but it is so far fromthis, that I am to see for the future, so that the Lilly you admire nowdroops its Head, and the whole Vale's enclouded at my sorrowful Fate; Iwould willingly accompany the Briar to the Mountains. Impute not to meyour approaching Calamities, which only increase with _Theodora'_s. Think me no longer handsome, who have so many Imperfections to sullythose Trifles you call Beauties; No, range me with Deformity, sinceother Ideas may increase your Pain. I desire you to forget me, of I amoblig'd to endeavour not to remember you. _

 Your most disconsolate

 Lover, THEODORA. 

Upon receipt of this Letter, _Leander_ quitted _Ferara_ with a Griefinexpressible, but however had Resolution to finish his Journey to thePlace of his Nativity without self Violence, but soon after, resign'd amiserable life. 

I come now to the Story of _Amaryllis_. _Amaryllis_ was formerly deeplyin Love with a Gentleman of _France_, (she being originally of thatKingdom) whose Name was _Sempronius_; his Person was stately and verywell proportion'd; his Face was ruddy and inclining to be large; hisEyes full and lively, with Eye-Brows and Beard pretty thick; of a darkbrown Colour; and his Skin was clear, his Shoulders were strong and wellset, and Limbs rather large than small, but exactly shap'd: He wasperfectly good natur'd, complaisant in his Behaviour, and gallant in hisAmours, his Dress was easy and genteel, his Approaches sprightly, andhis Conversation the most endearing. _Amaryllis_ was extremly fond of_Sempronius_ and _Sempronius_ was fond of _Amaryllis_, without eachother they were equally unhappy; repeated Visits introduc'd each comingDay, and innocent Embraces crown'd the Night: Love and Liberty weretheir constant Themes, and nothing was wanting but the MarriageCeremony to compleat their Felicity; but it so fell out, that after aDay was appointed for celebrating their Nuptials, that a young Gentlemanof _Spain_ call'd _Richardo_, envying the Happiness of _Sempronius_, made several Attempts to disconcert his Measures; and one Night, takingwith him an Officer of Justice, whom he brib'd to his Interest, herepair'd to the House of _Amaryllis_; and knocking with great Violence, _Amaryllis_ was very much alarm'd; but she sent down her Servant toenquire into the Occasion of this uncommon Approach. The Servant nosooner open'd the Door, but _Richardo_ and the Officer of Justiceenter'd the House, (beating down the Servant) and immediately ascendedthe Stairs in pursuit of _Sempronius_; during this Bustle, _Amaryllis_suspecting a Design against _Sempronius_, (_Richardo_ having formerlyoffer'd his Service to her, and Revenge being the common Consequence ofa Disappointment with a _Spaniard_) lock'd him into a private Closet, which was no sooner done, but _Richardo_ enter'd the Room with his Sworddrawn, _Amaryllis_ having but just Time to secure her Lover. _Richardo_demanded of _Amaryllis_ the gay _Sempronius_ as a Criminal, telling herhe had committed a Rape on the Body of the virtuous _Maria_ a Ladycelebrated for Beauty, and to whom all _Italy_ could not produce anEqual, the Officer ran about the Room, crying, "Justice, Justice, where isthe Villain _Sempronius. "_ They search'd the Room very diligently, andnot finding _Sempronius_ at last _Richardo_ address'd himself to_Amaryllis_ in these Words: "Madam, I hope you have more Virtue andHonour than to shelter a Criminal, especially where one of your mostbeautiful Sex is concern'd, and the greatest Innocence has beenviolated: If you allow your House to to be a Sanctuary for Offenders ofthis Nature, Justice will require Satisfaction at your Door; you mayyour self expect the same Injury to your Person, and I am now prepar'dto shew a Resentment that will not be pleasing to _Amaryllis_, eithercomply with my Desires in producing the Criminal, or expect to fall myVictim. " This Speech very much confounded _Amaryllis_; the Designs of_Richardo_ she could not easily penetrate, whether against her self or_Sempronius_ the Plot was laid, or whether it extended to both, shecould not determine: But at last she summon'd her Courage and herReason, and with a look of Indignation peculiar to her Sex, she answer'dthus the malicious and designing _Richardo_: "What Crimes _Sempronius_has been guilty of, is to me a Secret, but that _Richardo_ deserves theCharacter now given of _Sempronius_ is very obvious, and needs noDifficulty for me to affirm; your brutal Inclinations are not easilysatisfied: When you made your Addresses to me, your Designs were baseand dishonourable; you more than once attempted with force to violate myChastity, and for ought I know you are now come upon the same Errand:What could make you approach me in this hostile manner, but to Ravish_Amaryllis_, or to Murder _Sempronius_, under a pretence of Justice? Butlet the Event be what it will, I'll not deliver up him who is dearer tome than Life, but dare a Villain to his worst. " This heroick Speech madeby _Amaryllis_ dash'd _Richardo_ for the present; but he being resolv'dto prosecute his Intentions (which indeed were both to Murder_Sempronius_ and ravish _Amaryllis_, as she had guess'd) he advanc'dnearer to _Amaryllis_, and took her in his Arms, upon which she cry'dout with violence, whereupon _Sempronius_, who had heard every thingthat had pass'd, open'd the Closet Door, and sallying out Sword in Handto defend himself and his Mistress, _Richardo_ rush'd from _Amaryllis_and attack'd _Sempronius_; they fought sometime without any seemingAdvantage on either Side, 'til at length the Officer belonging to_Richardo_ knock'd down _Sempronius_ and _Richardo_ ran him to theHeart, _Amaryllis_, through the Negligence of the Officer, had anopportunity of escaping to a neighbouring House, where, he acquaintedthe Inhabitants with the dismal Tragedy; upon this Warrants were issu'dfrom the next Magistrates for Apprehension of _Richard_, but took Postfor _Germany_, where secur'd himsef: in a famous Monastery. In greatdespair and confusion _Amaryllis_ left the Kingdom of France andtravell'd into _Italy_, to to forget this barbarous Treatment of herunfortunate Lover. At first she propos'd to retire to some CountryVillage, and spend the remainder of her Life in Sighs and Groans, andcomplaining Sonnets; for this purpose she compos'd the following Lines. 

SONG. 

 I. 

 _Since gay_ SEMPRONIUS _now is gone, What Comfort yields my Life? I shall Unhappy be alone, My Breast is fill'd with Strife. _

 II. 

 _The Sun is set e'er Noon arrived, Sad Glooms around me spread, No flowing Joys the Lad surviv'd, He's now rang'd with the Dead. _

 III. 

 SEMPRONIUS _Dear, where are ye stole? Could I but find thee strait, I'd cut the Thread of Life my Soul On thy bless'd Shade would wait. _

 IV. 

 _If to th' infernal Regions, Woe, _ SEMPRONIUS _is confin'd; His Ghost I'll trace, persue below To ease my tortur'd Mind. _

 V. 

 _I still in vain, alas! prepare In vain I strive to sleep; My Breast is fill'd with deadly Care I'll lay me down and weep. _

 VI. 

 _All worldly Joys I bid adieu, All Pleasures I forsake; SEMPRONIUS still I'll sleep with you; I'll with the Touth awake. _

_Amaryllis_ did not long continue her Resolution of going into theCountry, fearing an invincible Despair would ensue; and upon advisingwith a Bosom Friend, she was disuaded from it: Her Intimate thought itmight be a Diversion to her Melancholly to repair to some popular City, where a variety of Conversation and airy Entertainments, might, ifpossible, eraze the Memory of her deceas'd Lover. Accordingly_Amaryllis_ immediately set out for _Ferara_, where she had been but aninconsiderable Time, before she accidentally fell into the Company of_Theodora_, whose Disappointment, already related, was little inferiorto hers, and both repeating their Stories, they found so near aResemblance in their Misfortunes, that they resolv'd to live together asSisters or inseperable Companions, and to use their utmost Artifices forthe Relief of each other. I have been led into this seeming Romance, toshew particularly the fatal Disappointments attending these twobeautiful Females, which were very extraordinary, especially those ofthe Latter; and to shew, in a particular manner, how these two Ladiesfirst became acquainted, as an Introduction to what follows. I come nowto their Female Intrigues, which were no less uncommon than theirMisfortunes. 

_Theodora_ and _Amaryllis_ liv'd together some Time, and at last by theconstant perusal of airy Books, and a few entertaining Companions, theyhad in some, measure forgot their unfortunate Lovers, but they resolv'dnever for the future to fix their Affections upon any Man living; andliving in Luxury, in the prime of their Years, in a hot incitingClimate, they at length were naturally inclin'd to the most abominablePollution: They provided artificial _Penis's_ of the largest Dimensions, and with Ribbons they fasten'd the Root of the Instrument, in the sameSituation as Nature has plac'd the Substance in Man; they frequentlyembrac'd one another by turns, as Man and woman in the amorousAdventure; and when their Vigour was so much abated, that they were nolonger able to struggle, the Female uppermost withdrew, and takinganother Instrument in her Hand, she us'd it on her Companion with anInjection of Moisture, which, with the rubbing, occasion'd such atickling, as to force a discharge of Matter and facilitate the Pleasure. This was their daily Practice for a considerable space, 'till at last aConfident of _Theodora_'s who was sometimes admitted as variety in theseBrutal Enjoyments, for a large Sum of Money reveal'd their Intrigues to_Philetus_, a Youth of a very comly Person, but a little Effeminate, whopassionately admir'd the beautiful _Theodora_, and who had made severalAttempts on her in vain. 

_Philetus_ being let into the Secret of _Theodora_'s Intrigues, by theAssistance of the Confident, resolv'd to personate a Lady of the firstFigure at _Rome:_ In order to this, he furnish'd himself with a veryrich and costly Female Habit, and by the Use of Paint, which alter'd hisEye-Brows, Cheeks, Hair, &c. And shaving every Day, he was sufficientlydisguis'd; all Things being now concerted with _Theodora's_ Confident, _Philetus_ was admitted to wait upon _Theodora_ and _Amaryllis_, with afeign'd Message from a Lady of their Acquaintance at _Rome_, and wasentertain'd with the utmost Respect and Grandeur, with occasion'dfrequent Visits between _Philetus_ and _Theodora_, and at length therewas such an Intimacy contracted, by the Management of _Philetus_ and theConfident, that _Philetus_ was permitted to be present in theirFrolicks, and at last offering his Service to _Theodora_; she with agreat deal of difficulty accepted his Embraces having not the leastsuspicion of the Design; so that _Philetus_ taking the artificial_Penis_ in his Hand, went to the Window from the Ladies, and pulling uphis Petticoats, pretended he had fix'd it round his Waste, and puttingthe Instrument in a Furbelow of his Gown, he advanc'd to the Bed where_Theodora_ was laid in an airy Manner to receive him; the Sight of thebeautiful _Theodora_, in this captivating Posture, caus'd an immediateErection with _Philetus_, and fill'd his Breast with amorous Fire; heapproach'd his Charmer with a Lover's' vigour, and _Theodora_ was stilla Stranger to the Intrigue, 'till the moment of Ejaculation, which wasnot usual with the same Instrument in her Embraces with _Amaryllis_:When this happen'd she was prodigiously surpriz'd, and endeavouring todisengage her self from _Philetus_, he folded her more closely in hisArms; and in the greatest Transport told her, he was her constantAdmirer _Philetus_: She upbraided him for this perfidious Method ofbringing about his Designs; however, upon his telling her, That herstrict way of Living made an uncommon Stratagem absolutely necessary, that he hop'd she would excuse what Love had prompted him to, and thatnotwithstanding what had past, his Designs were honourable; _Theodora_considering, what had happen'd, and experiencing a material Differencebetween Art and Nature, agreed, on his humble Request, to Marry him; anda Priest was immediately sent for, who solemniz'd their Nuptials. Whenthe Ceremony was over, _Theodora_ sung this Stanza. 

 _The Shadow I'll no longer try Or use the pleasing Toy A sprightly Youth I can't defy, The Substance I'll enjoy. _

After these Adventures were over, _Amaryllis_ likewise submitted toMatrimony with a Gentleman of _Ferara_; and they both enjoy'd thegreatest Happiness, making no difficulty to forget all Sorrows past. The next Intrigues I shall mention, are of two famous Hermaphrodites, who were more vigorous than common in their Parts, at _Urbino_. It isnot many Years ago (as the Story relates) that there liv'd at _Urbino_two Hermaphrodites, famous for their Intrigues, and indeed they werearriv'd to that consummate pitch of Impudence, that they were notasham'd to own their Bestiality, they not only frolick'd with eachother, but with both Sexes in general; their Names were _Diana_ and_Isabella_, both of reputable Birth, and well Educated. _Diana_ on aTime being invited to the Nuptials of a certain Nobleman of _Urbino_, accompanied him to the House of a noted Clergyman, some distance fromthe Residence of _Diana_, to be a Witness to the solemnization of theMarriage, and being arriv'd there, every thing was instantly providedfor the Ceremony; the Bride was attir'd in the richest Brocade Silks, with the finest Linnen that could be purchas'd; her Neck and Breastswere exposed very low, and heav'd with Desire, filling the Bridegroomwith amorous Imaginations, her Hair was adorn'd with the most beautifuland odorous Flowers, which surrounded her heavenly Face, and made itappear like a Rose in its bloom, in a delightful Garden, just ready tobe gathered. The Bridegroom was dress'd in Cloth of Gold, and Linnen of_Flanders_ lac'd; on his Head was a flaxen Peruke reaching to his Wasteof very great Value, and by his Side a Sword, whose Hilt was set withDiamonds. 

The Parson by this time being ready to perform his Office, the Bride andBridegroom, and _Diana_ were usher'd into a great Hall, hung round withScripture Paintings, particularly of our Saviour, illustrating his wholeLife from his Birth, and being laid in the Manger to the Time of hisCrucifixion. When the Service was over, and the wedded Couple hadjoin'd their Hands and Hearts, a splendid Entertainment was provided bythe Parson to refresh them after the Fatigue of their Journey, whichcontinuing 'till it was late in the Evening, the Bride and Bridegroom, and _Diana_ had not time for their Return to _Urbino_, whereupon theParson, in good Manners, first took Notice of it, and withal offer'dthem the Use of his House, which they accepted, considering it would atleast be hazardous, if not impossible to reach _Urbino_ that Night. 

The Bride and Bridegroom, and all the Company, were as merry as waspossible, and after Supper, Directions were given by the Parson forpreparing the Beds; but before the usual Time of retiring to Rest, hisBrother coming accidentally from _Bonona_, there arose some Difficultywith the Parson in the disposal of his Guests, he having no more Bedsthan two at liberty: At last they agreed that _Diana_ should lye withthe Parson's Wife, who was a very handsom Woman, and the Parson and hisBrother were to pig together, whereby there would be a Bed at theService of the Bride and Bridegroom. Several Bottles of _Champaign_ and_Burgundy_, and of fine _Italian_ Wines being drank, the Bride andBridegroom were put to Bed with a great deal of Solemnity; afterwards_Diana_ and the Parson's Wife were lighted to their Apartment, and heand his Brother repair'd to theirs. 

_Diana_ observing the Parson's Wife to be a beautiful Woman, particularly as she undress'd her self, had a very strong Inclinationfor her usual Sportings; and in order to carry on an Intrigue withsafety, she softly bolted the Chamber Door, which being done, they bothwent to Bed, the Parson's Wife putting out the Candle. They had not beenlong in Bed before _Diana_ began to kiss the Parson's Wife withFreedom, but she not suspecting any thing farther, and supposing itmight proceed more from Wine than any thing else was pretty easy, 'tillat last _Diana_ threw her self upon her, and began an Adventure, verydispleasing, which surpriz'd her to that degree, that she cried outvehemently. 

The Family, which had not been long at rest, alarm'd at thisunseasonable Noise, arose; the Parson came to his Wife's Chamber Door, and finding it bolted within, he call'd to her to know the occasion ofthis Disturbance; she answer'd, "That she had a Man or a Monster in Bedwith her, one that was then violating her Person. " The Parson supposingthis to be a Design to Cuckold him, order'd his Servants to break openthe Chamber Door, which being instantly effected, he rescu'd his Wifefrom the Power of _Diana_. After this he seiz'd _Diana_, and uponExamination, finding her to be an Hermaphrodite, having the Members ofboth Sexes, he order'd his Servants to carry her to the Garret, and tyeher hands and Legs together, and then to put her into the Bed of theMaid-Servant. This being done, the Parson went to Bed again, as didlikewise his Wife, and the Family was at rest the whole Night; and theNoise, though it was great, did not disturb the Bride and Bridegroomafter their Enjoyments of Wine and Love. 

The next Morning the Parson arose early, and going to the Bride andBridegroom, acquainted them with what had happen'd relating to his Wifeand _Diana_, who expressing a very great Concern, and withal protesting, that the Injury was offer'd without the least Design on their Parts, theParson was reconcil'd to them, but turn'd _Diana_ out of Door with theIndignity she deserv'd. _Diana_ immediately return'd to _Urbino_, asdid likewise the Bride and Bridegroom some Hours after, having firstmade the Parson a Present of a Purse of Gold for his Service and verygreat Civility. 

It was not long after this, that _Isabella_ walking in the Streets of_Urbino_, in the close of the Evening, a Foreign Count, of lusciousInclinations passing by her, gave her an amorous Look, and addressingher with a great deal of Complaisance, she seem'd for his Purpose, andindeed she long'd for a pleasing Variety, having met with no uncommonAdventure for a considerable Time. 

The Count observing her inclin'd to Pleasure, invited her to his House, which she at first rejected, but after a great deal of Intreaty andPersuasion she condescended, not rightly apprehending the Consequence, with a Gentleman that was a perfect Stranger to her. When they werearriv'd at the House of the Count _Isabella_ was handed through severalRooms of State to an Anti-Chamber, where he was desir'd to sit down, the Count calling for his Servants to prepare a costly Supper; while theSupper was dressing, he kiss'd and dally'd with _Isabella_, but she wasunexpectedly shy, behaving her self with a great deal of gravity; atlength the Supper was brought, consisting of Fish, Fowl, Ragooes, Soops, &c. Dress'd to the heighth of the Mode; they both eat heartily anddrank very freely of noble Wines. After the Supper was over, the Countrenew'd his Addresses to _Isabella_, who seem'd a little morecompliable, but would not allow him the Fredom he desir'd, which had theusual Consequences of encreasing his Inclinations: It growing late, hecarry'd her, to his Chamber, where after some Time, she, was oblig'd togo to Bed with him. 

The Count, after he was in Bed, being inspir'd with Love, began theamorous Adventure with _Isabella_, before he had thoroughly examin'd theSecrets of Nature; and after a short Space, finding an Uneasiness in hisamorous Struggles, he put down his Hand to discover what it was, andfeeling something like the Testicles of a Man, he rose from her in thegreatest Confusion, and calling to his Servant for a Candle, in hispassion he pull'd out a sharp Pen-knife and cut off the external Membersof _Isabella_, highly resenting the Affront, and very much displeas'dwith himself, that he should embrace a Monster. _Isabella_ made ahideous Outcry, which disturb'd the whole Neighbourhood, but the Countsending for an experienc'd Surgeon, to prevent the Effusion of too greata Quantity of Blood, it issuing out with great violence, kept her at hisHouse all Night, and sent her the next Morning in a Chair to herCompanion. 

_Isabella_ was a considerable Time before she recover'd of this greatWound, but at length growing well, and _Diana_ having very much suffer'dby her extravagant Frolicks, they liv'd together as Man and Wife (beingnow better qualified for it) a considerable Space, 'till on a Time theyhad a very great Quarrel, which occasion'd a Separation; and _Diana_reviving her former Diversions, met at last with the same Fate as_Isabella_, her masculine Instrument being likewise sever'd from herPrivities, after which, both of them liv'd to be harmless old Women. These Intrigues being very remarkable, I thought fit to insert them forthe Entertainment of the curious Reader; I now proceed to the Nature andGeneration of Hermaphrodites. 

 * * * * *

_Of the material Cause and Generation of_ Hermaphrodites

There are several Reasons assign'd by Naturalists for the Cause andProduction of Hermaphrodites. Some are of Opinion that Hermaphroditesare form'd whilst the Terms are upon Women, which being always impure, they can produce nothing but Monsters; but to this it may be answer'd, that when Children are conceived during the Sowing of the Terms, thereis a greater probability of their being born with the Itch, or otherscorbutick Distempers, than of their being Hermaphrodites. 

Others believe, that the Man and the Woman having equally contributedto Generation, the forming Power which endeavours to render the Matterwhereon it works like unto those it came from, imprints the Charactersof Man and Woman upon it: And that some have been able to engender in adouble Capacity, as to have a Child with one Breast resembling that of aWoman, and the other that of a Man; but this Opinion is very fabulous, for the uniting Faculty, which is the Effect of the Soul, is not capableof making such very great Differences; and Generation beingaccomplish'd, thro' the Fermentation of the Seed only, it cannotseparate their Actions after they are mix'd. 

Some Naturalists tell us, that where Nature design'd Seed in the Wombfor a Male only, (as working up for the best, and aiming at the highestPerfection of its Workmanship) too much Cold and Moisture accidentallyfalling into the Work, before it is perfected in the Womb, at the sametime there being too great a quantity of Seed and menstrous Blood, whatwas intended for Man in part degenerates, and renders the Infant of adouble Sex or Nature, placing it in the middle of both Sexes, as seemingto participate of Male and Female. 

Others say. That Nature having always a particular care of thePropagation of Mankind, endeavours for the most part to produce Females:And thus we may observe, the Number of Men Hermaphrodites to exceed theWomen ones, Nature having chalk'd out to the first the Lines of aWoman's privy Parts. To this Opinion it is objected, that Nature beingnothing but the Power of God in the production of Creatures, it neverworks but according to his Orders upon the Matter that is given theFemale; and of consequence Hermaphrodites depend more upon theDisposition of the Matter for Generation, than upon any previous Designof Nature. 

Some are of Opinion, that God having created Man and Woman, we haveessentially within us a Faculty to become either the one Sex or theother; for which Reason it is no wonder if an Hermaphrodite is sometimesproduc'd, since we are potentially so. This Notion is drawn from_Plato_; and though some part of the Scripture may at first seem tofavour it, yet, strictly consider'd, one may find a quite differentSense; and this Opinion was condemn'd by Pope _Innocent_ III. 

The Ancients were of Opinion, that there is a certain Cell in the Wombof some Women, into which the Seed falling, when _Mercury_ and _Venus_, or _Mercury_ and _Luna_ are in Conjunction, an Hermaphrodite isengender'd; or that the Conjunction of _Mars_ and _Venus_ disposes theMatter that serves for the forming of the Child so confusedly in theMother's Womb, that it becomes the Cause of the Birth of anHermaphrodite. In answer to this, those Planets are too remote from usto be the proximate Causes, and to have an absolute Influence on theBody of the Child that is forming in its Mother's Womb; and admittingsuch a Conjunction might cause a Deformity, it would not appear howeverin two Hermaphrodites born at different Seasons: But in _Turkey_, andother Eastern Countries, where these Planets have the greatestInfluence, Hermaphrodites are more numerous than in the Western Parts ofthe World, and they are oblig'd to go in different Habits from otherPeople (_viz_. With Cloaths partly belonging to Men and partly Women) toprevent their lying with any; and if they go without these Habits theyare punish'd severely. 

These are the various Opinions of curious Naturalists; but to proceed toother Particulars which are more probable, we must more nicely examinethe Nature of the Seed to find out the cause of the Confusion of Sexes. The Seed is for the most part indifferent as to the two Sexes, and if ithappens to meet with a Ball or Egg in the Horns of the Womb that is fullof Spirits, and includes a hot, dry, and close Matter, it willimpregnate so as to produce a Boy; but if the Seed meets with a Ball orEgg, not hot nor dry or fill'd with Spirits, tho' it will animate it, yet 'tis with less strength, so as a Girl will be produc'd. And if theMatter contain'd in another Ball, is exactly temper'd in its Quantities, and equal in its parts, so as there is no Predominancy, the Seed of theMan by its superior Power will determine this matter for a Boy or aGirl: But if a Man's Seed dispos'd to determine the temperate Seed of aWoman to one of the two Sexes has not a sufficient quantity of Spiritsto effect it, and the Seed of the Woman prevails for the contrary Sex, then an Hermaphrodite is form'd, who has relation to one and the otheraccording to the different Endeavours of the animated Seed of the Man orWoman. 

The Intelligence whose Business it is to compose the little Body ofHermaphrodites, is very much disturb'd to meet with a Matter that isintractable for the regular forming of the Genital Parts. On one sidethe Matter is moist and loose, on the other close and dry; here 'tis hotand there 'tis cold. This Matter is so different and consists of suchrebellious Particles, that 'tis impossible to manage it, and thequantity of Matter is so small that it is destitute of Heat, withoutwhich the Intelligence cannot perfectly form all parts of the Body. Ifthe Matter turns to a Male, he will be too dull and too cold toEngender, and will be imperfect in his privy Parts; if it proves aFemale, she will in time be of too hot and dry a Nature, and will beDeficient of Organs for the Seed and menstruous Blood, in order to Formand Nourish a Child. 

This Intelligence, or the immortal Soul that works from the Beginning, in all probability about the thirty fifth Day begins to be employ'd inmaking the privy Parts of a Boy, for which purpose it lays hold on theMatter at first Elected for that end, and which it put in the firstplace, where the privy Parts ought to be. This being done, it workscontinually, but wanting Matter to perfect the privy Parts, it borrowsof the Neighbouring Parts, chusing rather to render others Disfigur'd, than to be wanting in the compleat Forming of the Parts that must servefor Generation. 

But when there is not Matter enough to Form the genital Parts of a Boy, the oeconomy of the Intelligence Husbands it and places and disposesall things so well for the perfect forming of the Parts that 'tis not tobe express'd, but the situation is inward, as wanting Heat and Strengthof Matter to push them out, after this the Intelligence proceeds in theForming of the privy Parts of those Hermaphrodites who are countedGirls, but are really Boys. These seem to Change Sexes, and in time cometo be Men, and Marry, and get Children. The natural and genital Heatincreasing daily, pushes out the privy Parts about the Age of fifteen, twenty, or twenty five, 'till which time they lie hidden. These must beat full Age before they are able to Caress a Woman; and where after thecoming out or the privy Parts they Copulate, it will be a hard matterfor them to Engender, being in their Nature Cold. 

As the Intelligence wants Matter for the Forming of the privy Parts ofthe three first sorts of Hermaphrodites, so there is more than there isoccasion for in the fourth. About the forty fifth Day, the Intelligencebeing at a loss how to place the Matter it has receiv'd for the AmorousParts, determines at last to make the _Clotoris_ bigger and longer thanordinary, and to leave to the inward genital Parts of a Girl a naturalFigure, that they may one Day serve for Generation. These sorts ofHermaphrodites as I have already observ'd, have frequently pass'd forMen, being in reality nothing but Women. 

But in short, the Intelligence must accomplish its Work, of what Mattersoever it be; it begins to work, and will without doubt make Parts insome measure determin'd to either Sex, provided the matter be not sounequal, and of such a different Complexion as to make it impossible toeffect it, when it Forms an Hermaphrodite, and sometimes a Monster thatis neither Man nor Woman, as having no privy Parts, either of the one orthe other. 

 * * * * *

_Of unnatural Births; Monsters, and extraordinary Conceptions. _

Hermaphrodites being Monsters in Nature, it is no more than what may bereasonably expected that my Account of their Generation, should befollow'd with some very extraordinary unnatural Births, monstrousProductions of another Kind, and wonderful Conceptions. 

The Heathen Philosophers, were so prejudic'd to the Opinion of Woman'sbeing an imperfect Animal, (alledging that Nature always propos'd toherself the Generation of Males as being the most accomplish'd piece ofWorkmanship;) that they look'd upon Woman as a Monster in Nature; butthe Scriptures teach us, that Man and Woman are equally perfect in theirKind, and Nature cannot be suppos'd to produce more Monsters thanperfect Beings, which must be the Case, if this Opinion were allow'd, Women being more numerous than the Men. 

Monsters are deprav'd Conceptions, defin'd by the Ancients to beexcursions of Nature, and are always Vicious, either in Figure, Situation, Magnitude, or Number. When they bear the resemblance of aBeast, they are said to be vicious in Figure; when the Parts aredisproportion'd, as that one Part is too big for the other; (which is athing very common by reason of some Excrescence) they are vicious inMagnitude; if the Ears were on the Face, or the Eyes on the Breast, &c. As was seen in a Monster born at _Revanna_ in _Italy_, in the Year 1570, They are vicious in Situation, and when having two Heads or four Hands, and two Bodies join'd, as had a Monster born at _Zarzara_ in the Year1540, they are vicious in Number. 

In the Reign of _Henry_ the 3d, there was a Woman deliver'd of a Child, having two Heads, four Arms, and two Bodies which were join'd down tothe Navel. The Heads were so plac'd that they look'd contrary ways. Itwas the Female Sex, and both Heads would speak, laugh and cry; and bothEat and be Hungry together, but there was but one Fundament to disburdenNature; sometimes one would Speak, and the other would keep silence, andsometimes both speak at the same time. It liv'd several Years, but oneof them surviving the other, it carried the Dead one so long, that atlast it fainted with the Burden. And at a Village call'd _Ubaten_ in_Flanders_, a Child was Born which had two Heads and four Arms, appearing like two Maids joyn'd together, having two Arms lifted upbetween and above the Heads, the Thighs being plac'd as it were crossone another. 

In the Year 1579, A Monster was Born in _France_, cover'd all over withHair like a Beast, its Navel being in the place where his Nose shouldhave been, his Eyes plac'd in the Situation of the Mouth; and its Mouthwas in the Chin. It was of the Male-kind, and liv'd but a few Days, affrighting all that beheld it. And near _Elselling_ in _Germany_, inthe Year 1529, there was a Boy Born with one Head and one Body, havingfour Ears, four Arms, and four Feet, and but two Thighs, and two Legs:This Birth, in the Opinion of the Learned, proceeded from a Redundancyof Seed beyond what was sufficient for one Child, but not enough forTwins, wherefore Nature Form'd what she could. There might be many otherparticular Instances given of Monstrous Births, as some stickingtogether by the Bellies, others by the Breech; some Born without Arms orLegs others without Heads, yet have they liv'd for some time, till wantof Sustenance made them pine away and Die, as having no place to receiveit, and others with Heads like Dogs, Wolves, Bears, and other Beasts. But I shall proceed to the cause of their Generation. 

The Natural Cause of Generation of Monsters, according to the Ancients, is either in the Matter, or in the Agent; in the Seed or in the Womb:The Matter may be unable to perform its Office two ways; by Defect, orby Excess: By Defect, when a Child hath but one Arm, or one Leg, &c. And by Excess, when it hath three Hands or two Heads. The Agent or Wombmay be in Fault several ways, as in the forming Faculty, which may betoo strong or too weak, by which a deprav'd Figure is oftentimesproduc'd, the ill Conformation of the place of Conception will cause aMonstrous Birth; and the imaginative Power at the time of Conception, isso forcible, that it stamps a Character of the thing upon the Child; sothat the Child of an Adulteress, by the strength of Imagination may havea nearer resemblance of her Husband, than of the Person who begat it. And some Histories mention, that through this Imaginative Faculty, aWoman at the time of Conception, beholding the Picture of a Blackamoor, produc'd a Child resembling an Ĉthiopian. 

Monsters are sometimes Engender'd by unseasonable amorous Embraces, aswhen a Man enters on the Pleasures of Venus at a time as the monthlyFlowings are upon his Wife; For this being against Nature, it is nowonder that it should produce an unnatural Offspring. If therefore aMan's desire be never so great for Copulation at such a time, yet theWoman ought not to admit of his Embraces; the issue of those uncleanEmbraces proving often Monstrous, or dull and heavy, and Defective intheir Understandings. 

Sometimes by a corruption of Seed, Monstrous Shapes are form'd, which bysome is ascrib'd to the bad Influence of the Planets, that werepredominant at the time of Conception; and sometimes the straightness ofthe Womb is attended with many Inconveniencies, for Nature not havingsufficient room to frame her Work in, the Child is rumpled up, whichoccasions some to have hump'd Backs, crooked Arms, and Legs, roundShoulders, Wry Necks, and the like. 

The divine Cause of these Monstrous Generations, proceeds from thepermissive Will of our Great Creator, who many times suffers Parents tobring forth such Deform'd Creatures as a Punishment for their Lust: Andsome Authors are of Opinion, that outward deformity of Body is generallya Sign of the Pollution of the Heart, as a Curse upon the Child for theIncontinency of the Parents. 

In the Writings of some Authors mention is made of Monsters engender'dby infernal Spirits; and as the Scriptures give us to understand thatthe Angels being taken with the Beauty of the Daughters of Men, went inunto them, and that from such a Conjunction, Giants were Born, so we mayinfer that if Angels can mix Amorously with Women, and engenderChildren, the Devils who only differ from Angels by their Fall, may alsodraw Women into immodest Pleasures, and Defile them with their Embraces:But it is highly inconsistent to suppose that our Creator who is allPurity, would permit the worst of Spirits to propogate his diabolicalOffspring. 

Devils assuming to themselves Human Shapes, in the opinion of AncientWriters, may abuse both Men and Women, and with wicked People use carnalCopulation. St. _Austin_ yields to this Notion, and that Generation maythereby be effected; but his Opinion was grounded more upon thedepositions of Melancholly superstitious Persons, than from anydemonstrable Proofs; and 'tis impossible that such an unnaturalConjunction can produce a humane Creature, though some will have it thatit may, and that his Malice shall be a Sign of his Extraction. 

The _Rabbins_ beleived that the _Silvani_, _Pans_ and _Fauni_, call'd_Incubus's_ and the _Tutelar_ Gods, were Creatures left imperfect thefirst _Friday_ Evening, and not finish'd by God, as being prevented bythe ensuing Sabbath; for this reason they alledg'd, these Spirits loveMountains and dark Places only, and never appear but in the Night time:And the _Incubus's_ not only Court and desire to Caress Women, but haveactually Caress'd them. 

_Hierenimus Cardanus_ writes of a Maid which was got with Child by aDevil, she thinking it had been a fair young Man who had Enjoy'd her;and some Witches fancy they have been at the Sabbath, and Caress'd bythe Devil, whose Privy Parts were full of Bristles, Scaly, and the Seedcold as Ice; but this has proceeded only from a distracted Brain:Besides we learn from Scripture that Devils being pure Spirits, arequite different Substances from those of Men. That they have neitherFlesh nor Blood, nor Privities, and consequently no Seed for Generation. That though they sometimes assume Bodies, these Bodies are only form'dof Air, and do not Live, neither can they exercise the Operations ofLife: That having no occasion to hope for Posterity, as being Eternaland Unhappy, they cannot be suppos'd to be desirous of perpetuatingtheir Species or to take pleasure in the Embraces of Women. 

The Stories of Women having Commerce with Devils, are very Fabulous, andproceed chiefly from Dreams and Nocturnal Illusions; a Lecherous andMelancholly Woman seiz'd with the Night Mare, may verily beleive thatthe Devil Caresses her; especially if her Fancy is taken up with Talesof Witches. _Leo Africanus_ tells us, That what is attributed toDevils, is committed by Lascivious Men, and Lecherous Women, whoperswade others, that they are Caress'd by Devils. The Witches of theKingdom of _Fez_, according to History, are very desirous that Peopleshould beleive them to be familiar with Devils, and for that Reasonendeavour to tell surprizing Stories to those that consult them; they donot require any Fees from handsome Women that come to see them, but onlyintimate the Desire their Master has to Caress them for a Night. TheHusbands take these Impostures for Truth, and surrender their Wives tothe Gods and the Winds. Night being come, the brawny Sorcerer (whoEmploys the Persons abovemention'd, to ensnare fine Women to hisCaresses) Embraces the fair one closely, and Enjoys her instead of theDevil. If this Ignorance and Superstition prevail'd in this Kingdom, Idoubt not but it would very much Pleasure the frolicking Libertines. 

 * * * * *

_Extraordinary Conceptions_. 

Before I begin to trace any Particulars of extraordinary Conceptions, Ishall insert a surprizing Account of a Woman that went Twenty five Yearswith Child, from the Writings of Monsieur _Baile_, which contains agreat deal of Variety relating to untimely Generations. 

_Margaret Matthieu_ a _Cloth-worker_'s Wife at _Tholouse_ in _France_, in the Year 1653, and towards the Ninth Month of her Reckoning, had thePains of Woman's Labour upon her at Church; and some part of the Watersbeing already voided, she acquainted the People about her, that shefear'd she should be Deliver'd in the Church. Immediately she wascarried to a Neighbouring House, and her Pains abating upon the Reliefshe there met with, she was afterwards convey'd Home, where her Painsreturn'd with more Violence than before. Upon this, Doctor _Cartier_, and Doctor _Mulatier_ two famous Physicians, and Mr. _Cortade_ a veryskilful Surgeon were sent for, and endeavour'd, tho' in vain, to giveher Relief. She continued for two Months under the torture of theseviolent Pains, and voided Clots of Blood without Fibres or any carnousMatter. Afterwards she voided a white Humour, that was sometimestinctur'd with Blood; and her Breasts were fill'd with an extraordinaryquantity of Milk. About the Fifth Month the Flux of the Blood ceas'd, and she recover'd her Strength by Degrees, being still incommoded with atroublesome Load in Her Belly, and never easy but when she lay upon herReins. 

From the Year 1653 till the Year 1678, she suffer'd now and then asviolent Pains as those of Child-birth. When they attack'd her mostseverely, she entreated the Surgeon to rip up her Belly, and so put anend to her Misery. She was troubled with frequent Swoonings, andunaccountable Longings for certain sorts of Aliment. Some of the Womenabout her affirm'd, that they saw the Child move several times; but theSurgeon and the Apothecary, who observ'd her very narrowly, and werefrequently call'd, could never perceive any other Motion than that whichattended the Mother's turning from one side to the other; for then theLump fell to the side upon which she lay. 

During this space of time, which was Twenty five Years and some Months, this Woman had several fits of Sickness, and at last died of acontinual Fever, in _January_ 1678, being in the Sixty second Year ofher Age. 

The next Day after she was Dead, Mr. _Cortade_, open'd her Corps, in thepresence of Monsieurs _Gaillart_, _Baile_, _Laborde_ and _Grangeron_ allfamous Physicians; and of Mr. _Labat_ and _Corboneau_, two notedAnatomists. Having cut up the Muscles, and the _Peritonĉum_, they foundthe Cawl schirous, and somewhat carnous, and about two Fingers breadththick. 'Twas stretched over the Mass they sought for and adher'd to it. When they lifted it up, they turn'd over the whole Heap, towards theBreast of the Deceas'd Person, and then they had some Apprehension thatthe shapeless Mass was a Child: At first View they doubted it, because'twas found out of the Womb, but their Doubts were quickly dispell'd, when they put a Knife into it and felt the Bones, and saw Nails andToes upon one of the Feet, that they separated from the Mass. 

Before they meddled further with the Mass, they had a mind to see whatCondition the parts of the _Abdomen_ were in, and particularly the Womb, upon which they found a Body, which being hard like a Stone, enclos'd agreat Ulcer that spread its self over the Bottom of the Womb. Upon theWomb side it had a Cavity full of white and thick _Pus_, without anynoisome Smell. On the Opposite Side 'twas hollow, and resembled theconvex Side of an Oister. The rest of the Womb was in its Natural State, and they met with no considerable Accident in the Neighbouring parts. 

They cut out the Mass, and carried it to the Surgeon's House, to beview'd at their leisure. The whole Mass was encompass'd with a callousMatter, under which they found all the Parts of a Child harden'd andhalf putrified; and these weigh'd Eight Pound. They cut up all the_Viscera_ in the three Cavities, the particulars whereof may be read inMr. _Baile_'s Book of Anatomy. This is the Account given by Mr. _Baile_. I come now to extraordinary Conceptions. 

Some Authors affirm, that a young Man having spilt some Seed in a Bath, a Girl afterwards Bathing in the same Water, the Seed was suck'd in bythe Girls Womb, and she became with Child. But Monsieur _Dionis_ is notof this Opinion: He will not allow the Womb an attractive Faculty, so asto suck up from the outer Extremity of the Neck, and oblige it to repairto its Cavity. And the Seed being a Liquor, would be so blended with theWater, that 'tis impossible all its particles should rally, and continuetheir Activity and prolifick Quality, till their Arrival in the Womb. 

And the History reported by _Riolanus_ favours the Opinion against thosewho maintain that Generation may be perform'd by shedding of the Seed onthe Cabia of a Woman's Privities. The _Vagina_ of the Woman mention'd bythis Writer, was shut up with Scars after a troublesome Child-birth, tosuch a Degree as only to leave a small Hole for the passage of the Termsand Urine, through which also pass'd the Husband's Seed that got herwith Child; this might not hinder these two Persons from Copulatingstrictly; nay, there must have been a strict Alliance and the Womb, bycontracting of the Passage, must in this Case have drawn the Seed asgreedily as an hungry Stomach attracts the Victuals by the Mouth. 

Some Persons have believ'd that a Woman may Engender, without theApplication of a Man's Privities. They tell us of a Woman that was gotwith Child in the Embraces of her She-Companion, who but a little beforecame from her Husband's Arms: And of a young Woman that was foundBreeding by no other Cause than her Father's having by chance Pollutedhimself in the same Bed where she was: But these Stories seem to becontriv'd to cover the Lasciviousness of Women, and conceal the Vice ofan impure Love. 

There is a Story in some Authors, that having put Human Seed into a Violclose stopp'd, and plac'd it for some time in a Dunghill that wasmoderately hot; they observ'd that the Particles drew up themselves insuch Order, as to assume the Form of a Child. This (say they) comes topass after the same manner as the Forming of a Chick in an Egg, whichrequires only a temperate Heat to Hatch it. But they agree, that 'twasimpossible to Nourish this Infant, which according to them, perish'dbefore 'twas intirely Form'd. If this Observation were true, it wouldmake us believe that the whole Matter of which the Child is Form'dproceeds from the Man. But this Story wants Confirmation, as doeslikewise the following Relation Communicated in a Letter by Mr. _Donat_Surgeon to the Army in _Italy_, relating to a Man's Conception. 

_I am at this very time employ'd in tending a Person of Quality that'scome a great way off. In the right Side of his_ Scrotum _he had a greatLump, bigger than the Head of a Child; which I cut off, and afterwardsty'd up the Spermatick Artery. This Lump was a Mass of Flesh, all overSpermatick, and very Solid, with very hard Bones in every part. 'Twascontain'd in an After-birth with a great deal of Water. The SpermatickVessels which perform'd the Office of those we call Umbilical, wereovergrown much beyond their Natural size. The Circumstances thatoccasion'd this Generation, confirms the Effect that follow'd. In_ June_last, the Gentleman us'd a great deal of Liberty with a certain Lady, without coming to actual Enjoyment; upon which he was seiz'd with acutting pain in the right Testicle, which after two Hours becameinsensible. In process of time a Tumour rose by degrees, which wasjoined to the Testicle, and was as big as a_ Turkey'_Egg. The 8th of_December _last, this Gentleman came hither incognito; but put off theOperation 'till this time, by reason of the cold Season. In the meantime the Swelling increas'd so much, that the_ Scrotum _being uncapableof a greater Extension; it reach'd all over the Groin, and I had a greatdeal of trouble in tying the Spermatick Vessels at Rings of the Abdomen. This is an Experiment that shews, that the whole Substance of Man iscontain'd in the Male Seed; and that Women furnish only the Vessel, andthe Substance of Growth and Nourishment. I have preserv'd thisProduction to justify the Truth of my Assertion. _

Donat. 

Sisteron, _May_ the 3d. 1697. 

FINIS.