It is not denied there have been bicipitous Serpents with the head at each extream, for an example hereof we find in _Aristotle_, and of the like form in _Aldrovandus_ we meet with the Icon of a Lizzard; and of this kind perhaps might that _Amphisbæna_ be, the picture whereof _Cassianus Puteus_ shewed unto the learned _Faber_. Which double formations do often happen unto multiparous generations, more especially that of Serpents; whose productions being numerous, and their Eggs in chains or links together (which sometime conjoin and inoculate into each other) they may unite into various shapes and come out in mixed formations. But these are monstrous productions, beside the intention of Nature, and the statutes of generation, neither begotten of like parents, nor begetting the like again, but irregularly produced, do stand as Anomalies in the general Book of Nature. Which being shifts and forced pieces, rather then genuine and proper effects, they afford us no illation; nor is it reasonable to conclude, from a monstrosity unto a species, or from accidental effects, unto the regular works of Nature. Lastly, The ground of the conceit was the figure of this Animal, and motion oft-times both ways; for described it is to be like a worm, and so equally framed at both extreams, that at an ordinary distance it is no easie matter to determine which is the head; and therefore some observing them to move both ways, have given the appellation of heads unto both extreams, which is no proper and warrantable denomination; for many Animals with one head, do ordinarily perform both different and contrary Motions; Crabs move sideling, Lobsters will swim swiftly backward, Worms and Leeches will move both ways; and so will most of those Animals, whose bodies consist of round and annulary fibers, and move by undulation; that is, like the waves of the Sea, the one protruding the other, by inversion whereof they make a backward Motion. Upon the same ground hath arisen the same mistake concerning the Scolopendra or hundred-footed Insect, as is delivered by _Rhodiginus_ from the Scholiast of _Nicander_: _Dicitur à Nicandro_, ἀμφικαρὴς, _id est dicephalus aut biceps fictum vero, quoniam retrorsum_ (_ut scribit Aristoteles), arrepit_, observed by _Aldrovandus_, but most plainly by _Muffetus_, who thus concludeth upon the Text of _Nicander_: _Tamen pace tanti authoris dixerim, unicum illi duntaxat caput licet pari facilitate, prorsum capite, retrorsum ducente cauda, incedat, quod Nicandro aliisque imposuisse dubito_: that is, under favour of so great an Author, the Scopolendra hath but one head, although with equal facility it moveth forward and backward, which I suspect deceived _Nicander_, and others.