The same also is to bee understood of things that are looked upon and examined by men sworn and appointed for that purpose, before they bee signed: as Cloth which is marked with peculiar marks, by which it may be known, that in examining they were found good, and proved. Why is a seal put upon Letters, but that there is a certain bond, which it is lawfull for no man to violate? For a seal is a confirmation of Letters, whence they are of all men accounted ratified. Without a seale an Acquitance is void, and of no force. After the same manner many things are marked with few letters, names, or words, as books, which being writ upon the outside but with one word, doe presently shew what is contained within. The same rule also there is for glasses and boxes in Apothecaries shops, all which are discerned by peculiar names, or papers put upon them. Unlesse that were done, who could discern so many Waters, Liquors, Syrups, Oyles, Powders, Seeds, Unguents, &c. and all simples? After the same manner doth the Alchymist in his Elabatorie mark with names, and papers all Waters, Liquors, Spirits, Oyles, Flegms, Crocus, Alcali, and all species, that thereby hee may when there is occasion make use of any of them, and know them: without the help of which his memory could never bear them. So also may all houses and buildings bee marked with numbers or figures, that the age of every one of them by the first sight of the number may presently be known. These and other things that are marked I was willing to shew to you, that these being comprehended, I might bee the better understood by you in the rest, and so the signification of every thing might bee the more plain, and clear. [Illustration: *decorative divider*] _Of the Monstrous Signes of Men._ [Sidenote: Divers monstrous signes or Markes.] [Sidenote: What monstrous signes shew.] Many men are brought forth deformed with monstrous marks, or signes: so one abounds with one finger, or Toe, another wants one. The fingers of some grow all together in the mothers womb. Another hath a wry foot, arm, or neck, &c. and brings it with him out of the womb. Another hath a bunch in his back: so also, are Hermaphrodites born, _i.e._ they which are both Male, and Female, and have the members both of Man, and Woman, or else want both. I have observed many of these monstrous signs, as well in Males, as in Females, all which are to bee accounted for monstrous signes of secret evil ascendents. Whence that proverb is made good; The more crooked, the more wicked: Lame members, lame deeds. For they are signes of vices, seldome signifying any good.