The Anatomy of Melancholy

The word. Obligation can mean a written bond or binding pledge. Assurances are instruments securing property or title, and evidence can mean a legal document or title deed. These senses concern enforceable claims and their records, not merely a general duty, confidence or proof.

In Burton. The contrast between paid services and scholarship includes a clerk’s work on a bond. Burton praises the brevity of older property documents, then mocks people who can barely read one. In the religious discussion, obligation describes the supposed pledge by which people have bound themselves to the devil.

The places. A clerk receives payment for an obligation. (p. 37–38; DJR-011-09.) Assurances belong to transfers and guarantees of property. (p. 51; DJR-013-36.) Evidence names the document read with difficulty. (p. 138; DJR-048-31.) Obligation describes a binding pledge in the report of recovery. (p. 705; DJR-166-10.)

In this edition. “for an obligation” → “for drawing up a bond” (DJR-011-09); “conveyances, assurances” → “transfers of property and guarantees” (DJR-013-36); “scamble at a piece of Evidence” → “stumble through a legal document” (DJR-048-31); “by obligation given themselves to him” → “bound themselves over to him” (DJR-166-10). The renderings identify the particular instrument or act of binding. The last remains part of a reported supernatural claim, not confirmation of a pact’s power.

See also. Church patronage; Usury; Dowry and jointure.

Leisure

Source forms: otiosum otium

The word. Otiosum otium means idle leisure. Leisure names time free from occupation; the added adjective can make that freedom a matter of unproductive inactivity. Its exact attachment in Burton’s sentence is awkward.

In Burton. After wondering what absorbed Socrates, Burton turns abruptly to the destructive solitude of melancholic people. The phrase stands at that turn. His contrast is clear enough, but assigning idle leisure decisively to Socrates would make the syntax more definite than it is.

The places. Idle leisure appears at the transition from Socrates to destructive solitude. (p. 90; DJR-038-18.)

In this edition. “otiosum otium” → “idle leisure” (DJR-038-18). The literal equivalent preserves the repeated idea of unoccupied time. The abrupt transition remains rather than being resolved by an explanatory addition.

See also. Mirth; Solitude.

Lenitive

Source forms: lenitive; lenitives

The word. Lenitive means easing or soothing. In the prescription of electuaries it has the more specific sense of gently laxative; in the spiritual medical metaphor it names a soothing remedy.

In Burton. The regimen supplies medical help where ordinary evacuation fails. Later, Scripture is compared to an apothecary’s shop containing many different classes of remedies, among which lenitives soothe the afflicted mind. The shared idea of relief takes its precise sense from each setting.

The places. Lenitive electuaries assist evacuation. (p. 237; DJR-071-28.) Lenitives are part of the metaphorical pharmacy of Scripture. (p. 283; DJR-081-36.)

In this edition. “lenitive electuaries” → “laxative electuaries” (DJR-071-28); “lenitives” → “soothing remedies” (DJR-081-36). Laxative identifies the intended bodily action. Soothing remedies preserves the broader sense in the theological comparison.

See also. Alteratives.

Ligation and ligature

Source forms: ligation; ligatures

The word. Ligation means binding or suspension. A ligature can be a binding or tied-on charm. The common idea of binding takes a physiological sense in sleep and a magical sense in the catalogue of purported remedies.

In Burton. Burton explains sleep through a suspension of the senses caused by vapours blocking the passage of bodily spirits. In the discussion of cures, ligatures stand beside spells, images, amulets and love potions as means whose efficacy and lawfulness are questioned.