The
less pure are cast to the outside, and with these seed is circled round
and the membrane made, in which that seed that is most pure is wrapped
round and kept close together, that it may be defended from cold and
other accidents, and operate the better.
The first thing that is formed is the amnios; the next the chorion; and
they enwrap the seed round like a curtain. Soon after this (for the seed
thus shut up in the woman lies not idle), the navel vein is bred, which
pierceth those skins, being yet very tender, and carries a drop of blood
from the veins of the mother's womb to the seed; from which drop the
vena cava, or chief vein, proceeds, from which all the rest of the veins
which nourish the body spring; and now the seed hath something to
nourish it, whilst it performs the rest of nature's work, and also blood
administered to every part of it, to form flesh.
This vein being formed, the navel arteries are soon after formed; then
the great artery, of which all the others are but branches; and then the
heart, for the liver furnisheth the arteries with blood to form the
heart, the arteries being made of seed, but the heart and the flesh, of
blood. After this the brain is formed, and then the nerves to give sense
and motion to the infant. Afterwards the bones and flesh are formed; and
of the bones, first of all, the vertebrae or chine bones, and then the
skull, etc.
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