AS to the _Forming Faculty_, it never errs or fails, but always performs its _Duty_, as far as depends upon it self, or its own _Intention_; tho’ indeed it often happens to be frustrated by the _Instrumentary Causes_: As the most ingenious _Artificer_ cannot finish his _Work_, however successfully begun, without a proportionable _Metal_ to work upon, and corresponding _Instruments_ to work by; So it is, in this _Case_, with the _Forming Faculty_: Hence it is that _MONSTERS_ are also pertinently call’d, as they undeniably are, the _Works_ of _NATURE_; however degenerating from its proper _END_, that it may effect something, even such a _MONSTER_, rather than that the indigested and unalterated _Matter_ should remain in the _WOMB_, and turn either to a _MOLE_ or a _STONE_, as has often happened[205]. Which being thus consider’d, we shall find the _Error_ or _Fault_ to ly either in the _Instruments_, in the _Matter_, or in the _Place_. FIRST then, as to the _Instruments_, of the _two_ above-mentioned, I take the _Imagination_ to have the most prevalent _Power_ in _CONCEPTION_; which I hope may be readily granted, considering how common a Thing it is, for the _MOTHER_ to mark her CHILD with _Pears_, _Plums_, _Milk_, _Wine_, or any _thing else_, upon the least trifling _Accident_ happening to her from thence; and _that_ even in the latter ripening _Months_, after the INFANT is entirely formed, by the _Strength of her Imagination_ only, as has been already manifestly set forth at large[206]. WHICH if so, Pray, what wonder is it, if the _Woman_ in time of _CONCEPTION_ (which is by far the more _critical Juncture_) should by the same reason _conceive_, and at last bring forth her FOETUS with a _Calf_’s, _Lamb_’s, _Dog_’s, _Cat_’s-_HEAD_, or the _Effigy_ of any other thing whatsoever? And _this_ the more especially, considering, that not only the _conceiving Woman_, but also the _copulating Man_, may effect the same thing; if he should imprudently set his Mind on such Objects, or employ his perverted _Imagination_ that way. Now this absurd _Imagination_ takes even place also among the very _BRUTES_, as _Lemnius_ relates[207] of a _Sheep_ with a _Seal’s_, or _Sea-CALF’S HEAD_, having no doubt seen that Animal in the critical Time of _Conjunction_ or _Conception_.