WHICH excellent Opinion is fully proved by _Levinus Lemnius_ (another great _Master_ of NATURE): According to whose authentick Judgment also, there are likewise many things[38] of an _occult specifick Quality_, and _secret Effect_, for answering the same ENDS, as well as _Fecundity_ itself: which both common _Reason_ and daily _Experience_ confirm for TRUTH. BUT because I lie under the Disadvantage (at present) of writing in our _vernacular Tongue_, it may be proper to pass by, what (otherways) might be plentifully said on this _Head_: However I shall observe, that the _Generality_ of RULES are most commonly calculated for _Persons_ of a discording Constitution of natural _Temperaments_ and _Faculties_; which _Difference of Constitution_ brings often false and ungrounded _Reproaches_ upon the Reputation of fruitful WOMEN. From whence it is justly to be remarked, that, tho’ few or no _Children_ are got meerly by ART; yet if a little _Dexterity_ or ingenious _Subtilty_ was used with some WOMEN, there would not (perhaps) _One_ in _Three_ of those, who are rashly accounted so, be found _BARREN_. II. AS to the _unsuccessful_ ACT of _Coition_, I shall refer what may be offer’d on _that Point_, until I come to treat of _Sterility_, in SECTION viii: And therefore I shall only farther observe _Here_, that the _Parties_ ought not to encounter with full _Stomachs_, _Bellies_, or _Bladders_; much less when BOTH, or EITHER, are _weary_, _fatigu’d_, _depriv’d of Sleep_, _angry_, _troubled in Mind_, or in any other real respect _out of Order_. For in these _Cases_, it is very detrimental to the Health[39] of such imprudent _Parents_; and (if _Conception_ follows) it infallibly _intails_ some respective EVIL upon the _Innocent Production_: Because all the _Affections_ or _Disturbances_ of their MINDS, virtually devolve upon the EMBRYO. And besides, as (by such perverse Means) the _Conception_ becomes _irregular_; so also does the _Maturation_, _Nutrition_, and _Birth_ carry the same _Impression_: For from the least _Perturbation_ of _SPIRIT_, the _Infant_ may contract various _Blemishes_ of BODY, as well as _Errors_ of MIND. WHEREFORE, in fine, as this _Affair_ is to be undertaken with a serene and contented _Mind_, a chearful and undisturbed _Heart_, so it ought to be perform’d with _Moderation_ and _Decency_: Not in any _brutal Manner_ or _Posture_; but according to the rational _Law_ and proper _Instinct_ of _Nature_. [Illustration] CHAP. VI. _Remarks upon COPULATION._ Supposing now this amicable _Engagement_ of NATURE to be over, I may be modestly allow’d (I hope) to add a few Words upon its necessary _Consequences_; and _First_, of what has happen’d in the ACT, _Retention_, and _Conception_ following.