CHAPTER XVIII. ARCHITECTURE AND DWELLINGS OF THE NAHUAS. Architecture of the Ancient Nations -- General Features of Nahua Architecture -- The Arch -- Exterior and Interior Decorations -- Method of Building -- Inclined Planes -- Scaffolds -- The use of the Plummet -- Building Materials -- Position and Fortification of Towns -- Mexico Tenochtitlan -- The Great Causeways -- Quarters and Wards of Mexico -- The Market Place -- Fountains and Aqueducts -- Light-houses and Street-work -- City of Tezcuco -- Dwellings -- Aztec Gardens -- Temple of Huitzilopochtli -- Temple of Mexico -- Other Temples -- Teocalli at Cholula and Tezcuco 553 CHAPTER XIX. MEDICINE AND FUNERAL RITES AMONG THE NAHUAS. Mexican Contributions to Medical Science -- The Botanical Gardens -- Longevity -- Prevalent Diseases -- Introduction of Small-Pox and Syphilis -- Medical Treatment -- The Temazcalli -- Aboriginal Physicians -- The Aztec Faculty -- Standard Remedies -- Surgery -- Superstitious Ceremonies in Healing -- Funeral Rites of Aztecs -- Cremation -- Royal Obsequies -- Embalming -- The Funeral Pyre -- Human Sacrifice -- Disposal of the Ashes and Ornaments -- Mourners -- Funeral Ceremonies of the People -- Certain Classes Buried -- Rites for the Slain in Battle -- Burial among the Teo-Chichimecs and Tabascans -- Cremation Ceremonies in Michoacan -- Burial by the Miztecs in Oajaca 591 CHAPTER XX. GOVERNMENT, SOCIAL CLASSES, PROPERTY, AND LAWS OF THE MAYA NATIONS. Introductory Remarks -- Votan's Empire -- Zamná's Reign -- The Royal Families of Yucatan, Cocomes, Tutul Xius, Itzas, and Cheles -- Titles and Order of Succession -- Classes of Nobles -- The Quiché-Cakchiquel Empire in Guatemala -- The Ahau Ahpop and Succession to the Throne -- Privileged Classes -- Government of the Provinces -- The Royal Council -- The Chiapanecs -- The Pipiles -- Nations of Nicaragua -- The Maya Priesthood -- Plebeian Classes -- Slaves -- Tenure of Lands -- Inheritance of Property -- Taxation -- Debtors and Creditor -- Laws and the Administration of Justice 630 CHAPTER XXI. EDUCATION AND FAMILY MATTERS AMONG THE MAYAS. Education of Youth -- Public Schools of Guatemala -- Branches of Study in Yucatan -- Marrying-Age -- Degrees of Consanguinity allowed in Marriage -- Preliminaries of Marriage -- Marriage Ceremonies -- The Custom of the Droit du Seigneur in Nicaragua -- Widows -- Monogamy -- Concubinage -- Divorce -- Laws Concerning Adultery -- Fornication -- Rape -- Prostitution -- Unnatural Crimes -- Desire for Children -- Childbirth Ceremonies -- Rite of Circumcision -- Manner of Naming Children -- Baptismal Ceremonies 661