As for the Latine word _Vipera_, which in the Etymologie of _Isidore_ promoteth this conceit; more properly it may imply _vivipera_. For whereas other Serpents lay Eggs, the Viper excludeth living Animals; and though the _Cerastes_ be also viviparous, and we have found formed Snakes in the belly of the _Cicilia_ or Slow-worm; yet may the Viper emphatically bear the name. For the notation or Etymology is not of necessity adequate unto the name; and therefore though animal be deduced from _anima_, yet are there many animations beside, and Plants will challenge a right therein as well as sensible Creatures. As touching the Text of Scripture, and compellation of the _Pharisees_, by Generation of Vipers, although constructions be made hereof conformable to this Tradition; and it may be plausibly expounded, that out of a viperous condition, they conspired against their Prophets, and destroyed their spiritual parents; yet (as _Jansenius_ observeth) _Gregory_ and _Jerome_, do make another construction; apprehending thereby what is usually implied by that Proverb, _Mali corvi, malum ovum_; that is, of evil parents, an evil generation, a posterity not unlike their majority; of mischievous progenitors, a venomous and destructive progeny. And lastly, Concerning the Hieroglyphical account, according to the Vulgar conception set down by _Orus Apollo_, the Authority thereof is only Emblematical; for were the conception true or false, to their apprehensions, it expressed filial impiety. Which strictly taken, and totally received for truth, might perhaps begin, but surely promote this conception. More doubtful assertions have been raised of no Animal then the Viper, as we have dispersedly noted: and _Francisco Redi_ hath amply discovered in his noble observations of Vipers; from good reasons and iterated experiments affirming, that a Viper containeth no humour, excrement, or part which either dranke or eat, is able to kill any: that the _remorsores_ or dog-teeth, are not more than two in either sex: that these teeth are hollow, and though they bite and prick therewith, yet are they not venomous, but only open a way and entrance unto the poyson, which notwithstanding is not poysonous except it touch or attain unto the bloud. And that there is no other poison in this Animal, but only that almost insipid liquor like oyl of Almonds, which stagnates in the sheaths and cases that cover the teeth; and that this proceeds not from the bladder of gall, but is rather generated in the head, and perhaps demitted and sent from thence into these cases by salival conducts and passages, which the head communicateth unto them. CHAPTER XVII Of Hares.