The Anatomy of Melancholy

The places. Alterative treatment is a branch of the pharmaceutical synopsis. (scan p. 324; DJR-067-13.) Alteratives and cordials are distinguished in a discussion of purging. (p. 365; DJR-099-28.)

In this edition. “Alterative” → “Alterative treatment” (DJR-067-13); “Alteratives and Cordials” → “alteratives and cordials” (DJR-099-28). The technical name is retained so that the divisions of Burton’s medical scheme remain recognizable.

See also. Cordial; Lenitive; Corrected medicines; Purging; Physick.

Ambodexter

Source forms: ambodexters

The word. An ambodexter is a double-dealer who serves opposed sides for personal advantage. Burton’s plural ambodexters is applied to moral conduct.

In Burton. The satire groups ambodexters with hypocrites and compares them to pictures that show a lion from one angle and a lamb from another. A later denunciation places them among people whose apparent sociability conceals self-interest. In both places the emphasis falls on contradictory outward faces and opportunistic dealings.

The places. Changing pictures illustrate the opposed faces of hypocrites. (p. 36; DJR-010-28.) Double-dealing forms part of a catalogue of selfish conduct. (p. 109; DJR-042-38.)

In this edition. “ambodexters” → “double-dealers” (DJR-010-28); “ambodexters” → “double-dealing” (DJR-042-38). The equivalents convey the moral accusation without suggesting a person’s physical dexterity.

See also. Parasite; Temporize.

Anatomical arteries

Source forms: aspera arteria; vocall artery; Carotides; juglars; Venosal Artery

The word. Burton’s anatomical vocabulary does not map directly onto modern artery and vein names. Aspera arteria and vocal artery name the windpipe; the venosal artery belongs to the historical account of the pulmonary vessels.

In Burton. The lung passage sends air to the heart through a venosal artery and connects that route with the windpipe. The discussion of breathing likewise uses vocal artery for the airway. Elsewhere the carotides carry a strong pulse, while juglars swell in the account of excessive drinking. The latter examples must remain distinct from the older airway terminology gathered under this editorial heading.

The places. Historical vessel and airway names in the account of the lungs. (p. 19; DJR-024-16.) The vocal artery carries inhaled air. (p. 25; DJR-025-34.) The carotides are named in a description of the pulse. (p. 180; DJR-058-16.) Swollen juglars occur among the reported effects of excess drinking. (p. 306; DJR-086-31.)

In this edition. “aspera arteria” → “windpipe” (DJR-024-16); “Venosal Artery” → “venosal artery” (DJR-024-16); “vocall Artery” → “windpipe” (DJR-025-34); “Carotides” → “carotid arteries” (DJR-058-16); “juglars” → “jugular veins” (DJR-086-31). “Venosal artery” is retained where replacing the name would silently recast Burton’s physiological claim.

See also. Organical parts.

Anatomical membranes

Source forms: rim; Tunicles

The word. Rim can denote an abdominal membrane or lining; tunicles are thin membranes or coverings. The anatomical location matters more than the everyday shape suggested by rim.

In Burton. In the division of the lower body, the rim separates the region of the navel and flanks from that above it. In the account of head melancholy, membranes and tunicles are possible seats of the offending humour around the brain. Burton uses these coverings as landmarks within his organization of bodily regions and disease.

The places. The rim marks a division in the lower bodily region. (p. 17; DJR-024-05.) Membranes and tunicles surround the brain. (p. 176; DJR-057-23.)

In this edition. “Rim” → “abdominal membrane” (DJR-024-05); “Membranes, and Tunicles” → “membranes and coverings” (DJR-057-23). The modern text explains the type of structure without assigning a more precise modern anatomical identity than the passage warrants.

See also. Organical parts.

Anatomy

Source forms: living anatomy; anatomies