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 upon these grounds we are most commonly mistaken, defining that by
situation which they determined by motion; and giving the term of right
hand to that which doth not properly admit it. For first, Many in their
Infancy are sinistrously disposed, and divers continue all their life
Ἀριστεροί, that is, left handed, and have but weak and imperfect use of
the right; now unto these, that hand is properly the right, and not the
other esteemed so by situation. Thus may _Aristotle_ be made out, when
he affirmeth the right claw of _Crabs_ and _Lobsters_ is biggest, if we
take the right for the most vigorous side, and not regard the relative
situation: for the one is generally bigger then the other, yet not
alwayes upon the same side. So may it be verified what is delivered by
_Scaliger_ in his Comment, that Palsies do oftnest happen upon the left
side, if understood in this sense; the most vigorous part protecting it
self, and protruding the matter upon the weaker and less resistive side.
And thus the Law of Common-Weals, that cut off the right hand of
Malefactors, if Philosophically executed, is impartial; otherwise the
amputation not equally punisheth all.
Some are Ἀμφιδέξιοι, that is, ambidextrous or right handed on both
sides; which happeneth only unto strong and Athletical bodies, whose
heat and spirits are able to afford an ability unto both. [SN: _Apt for
contention._] And therefore _Hippocrates_ saith, that Women are not
ambidextrous, that is, not so often as Men; for some are found, which
indifferently make use of both. And so may _Aristotle_ say, that only
Men are ambidexterous; of this constitution was _Asteropæus_ in _Homer_,
and _Parthenopeus_ the _Theban_ Captain in _Statius_: and of the same,
do some conceive our Father _Adam_ to have been, as being perfectly
framed, and in a constitution admitting least defect. Now in these Men
the right hand is on both sides, and that is not the left which is
opposite unto the right, according to common acception.
Again, Some are Ἀμφαριστεροὶ, as _Galen_ hath expressed it; that is,
ambilevous or left-handed on both sides; such as with agility and vigour
have not the use of either: who are not gymnastically [SN: _Strongly or
fit for corporal exercise._] composed: nor actively use those parts. Now
in these there is no right hand: of this constitution are many Women,
and some Men, who though they accustom themselves unto either hand, do
dexterously make use of neither. And therefore although the Political
advice of _Aristotle_ be very good, that Men should accustom themselves
to the command of either hand: yet cannot the execution or performance
thereof be general: for though there be many found that can use both,
yet will there divers remain that can strenuously make use of neither.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account