The Works of Sir Thomas Browne, Volume 2Browne, Thomas, Sir
Religion
The Works of Sir Thomas Browne, Volume 2
Browne, Thomas, Sir
Christianity; Ethics; Religion and medicine
Now that which countenanceth, and probably confirmeth this opinion, is
the strange and unusual conformation of the wind pipe, or vocal organ in
this animal; observed first by _Aldrovandus_, and conceived by some
contrived for this intention. For in its length it far exceedeth the
gullet; and hath in the chest a sinuous revolution, that is, when it
ariseth from the lungs, it ascendeth not directly unto the throat, but
descending first into a capsulary reception of the breast bone; by a
Serpentine and Trumpet recurvation it ascendeth again into the neck; and
so by the length thereof a great quantity of air is received, and by the
figure thereof a Musical modulation effected. But to speak
indifferently, this formation of the Weazon, is not peculiar unto the
Swan, but common also unto the Platea or Shovelard, a bird of no Musical
throat; And as _Aldrovandus_ confesseth, may thus be contrived in the
Swan to contain a larger stock of air, whereby being to feed on weeds at
the bottom, they might the longer space detain their heads under water.
But were this formation peculiar, or had they unto this effect an
advantage from this part: yet have they a known and open disadvantage
from another; that is, a flat bill. For no Latirostrous animal (whereof
nevertheless there are no slender numbers) were ever commended for there
note, or accounted among those animals which have been instructed to
speak.
When therefore we consider the dissention of Authors, the falsity of
relations, the indisposition of the Organs, and the immusical note of
all we ever beheld or heard of; if generally taken and comprehending all
Swans, or of all places, we cannot assent thereto. Surely he that is
bit with a Tarantula, shall never be cured by this Musick; and with the
same hopes we expect to hear the harmony of the Spheres.
[Sidenote: _Of the Peacock._]
2. That there is a special propriety in the flesh of Peacocks, roast or
boiled, to preserve a long time incorrupted, hath been the assertion of
many; stands yet confirmed by _Austin_, _De Civitate Dei_; by _Gygas
Sempronius_, in _Aldrovandus_; and the same experiment we can confirm
our selves, in the brawn or fleshly parts of Peacoks so hanged up with
thred, that they touch no place whereby to contract a moisture; and
hereof we have made trial both in summer and winter. The reason, some, I
perceive, attempt to make out from the siccity and driness of its flesh,
and some are content to rest in a secret propriety thereof. As for the
siccity of the flesh, it is more remarkable in other animals, as Eagles,
Hawks, and birds of prey; That it is a propriety or agreeable unto none
other, we cannot with reason admit: for the same preservation, or rather
incorruption we have observed in the flesh of Turkeys, Capons, Hares,
Partridge, Venison, suspended freely in the air, and after a year and a
half, dogs have not refused to eat them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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