As to the action by which this inward
orifice of the womb is opened and shut, it is purely natural; for were
it otherwise, there could not be so many bastards begotten as there are,
nor would any married women have so many children. Were it in their own
power they would hinder conception, though they would be willing enough
to use copulation; for nature has attended that action with so pleasing
and delightful sensations, that they are willing to indulge themselves
in the use thereof notwithstanding the pains they afterwards endure, and
the hazard of their lives that often follows it. And this comes to pass,
not so much from an inordinate lust in woman, as that the great Director
of Nature, for the increase and multiplication of mankind, and even all
other species in the elementary world, hath placed such a magnetic
virtue in the womb, that it draws the seed to it, as the loadstone draws
iron.
The Author of Nature has placed the womb in the belly, that the heat
might always be maintained by the warmth of the parts surrounding it; it
is, therefore, seated in the middle of the hypogastrium (or lower parts
of the belly between the bladder and the belly, or right gut) by which
also it is defended from any hurt through the hardness of the bones, and
it is placed in the lower part of the belly for the convenience of
copulation, and of a birth being thrust out at full time.
Pages:
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169