The Anatomy of Melancholy

In Burton. Burton’s discussion of evacuation places electuaries among the treatments proposed when the body does not discharge its ordinary wastes naturally. They stand beside suppositories, preserved prunes and other preparations, so the noun identifies one particular medicinal form within a varied list.

The places. Lenitive electuaries appear among proposed aids to evacuation. (p. 237; DJR-071-28.)

In this edition. “lenitive electuaries” → “laxative electuaries” (DJR-071-28). Electuaries remains as the name of the preparation; laxative makes the intended action explicit. The local note explains the sweet vehicle and the gentler force of lenitive.

See also. Receipt.

Emblem

Source forms: impresse; impresses

The word. An impresse is a symbolic device or emblem, often associated with a motto. Impresses can therefore name images that carry an argument, rather than impressions left on a surface or on the mind.

In Burton. The bending branch is the device attributed to the Colonna family. Its Latin motto and Burton’s explanation disagree about bending and breaking; an explanation of the emblem must preserve that difficulty. In the praise of love, rings and other figures suggest ideas through symbols, devices and emblems.

The places. The Colonna branch is called an impresse. (p. 353; DJR-096-36.) Poets convey ideas about love through symbolic devices. (p. 416; DJR-109-18.)

In this edition. “an Impresse” → “their emblem” (DJR-096-36); “Symbols, Impresses, Emblemes” → “symbols, devices and emblems” (DJR-109-18). Emblem and device convey the visual and symbolic function. Neither rendering resolves the contradictory explanation of the branch.

See also. Art; Antick.

Empiric

Source forms: empiricks; Empericks in policie; Empericks; empirick; Empirick

The word. An empiric practises from experience or particular remedies without the learned physician’s systematic account of causes. Burton often uses the term disparagingly, but its force varies. It does not mean a practitioner of modern empirical science.

In Burton. The medical discussion contrasts relief from particular remedies with treatment based on causes. Elsewhere, Burton admits that an empiric may accomplish remarkable cures because the patient trusts him. Political empirics are similarly people exercising a profession without adequate training. A later example of acquired confidence uses the term more neutrally.

The places. Impoverished clergy turn to empirical healing. (p. 16; DJR-006-18.) Unqualified rulers are political empirics. (p. 48–49; DJR-013-20.) Empirical treatment is contrasted with knowledge of causes. (p. 37; DJR-028-03.) Patient confidence can favour an empiric. (p. 96; DJR-039-29.) The learned physician is distinguished from untrained practitioners. (p. 226; DJR-069-04.) Experience produces confident practitioners. (p. 295–292 [296]; DJR-084-13.)

In this edition. “empiricks” → “empirical healers” (DJR-006-18); “Empericks in policie” → “untrained practitioners of politics” (DJR-013-20); “Empericks” → “Empirical practitioners” (DJR-028-03); “An Empirick” → “An empiric” (DJR-039-29); “Empericks” → “untrained practitioners” (DJR-069-04); “bold Empericks” → “confident practitioners” (DJR-084-13). The varied renderings preserve the professional contrast without giving every occurrence the same degree of condemnation.

See also. Physick.

Emulation

Source forms: κακοζηλίαν; emulation; honest emulation

The word. Emulation is rivalry or a wish to equal or surpass another. It can be honourable and useful, or misguided and excessive. The Greek kakozēlia in the satire emphasizes a perverse form of imitation.