The Anatomy of Melancholy

In Burton. The cloud covering the Sun and smoke rising through a chimney give visible form to his account of vapours ascending from the abdomen to the brain. Their supposed effect explains how ordinarily wise and judicious people may think and act in uncharacteristic ways.

The places. Cloud and smoke comparisons explain the darkening of the mind. (p. 200; DJR-062-18.)

In this edition. “obnubilate the minde” → “clouds the mind” (DJR-062-18). Cloud preserves the governing image while replacing the unfamiliar verb. The historical physiology remains distinguishable from the comparison used to illustrate it.

See also. Imagination; Vapours.

Obsession and possession

Source forms: obsession; possession

The word. Obsession here means harassment or assault by a spirit, placed beside possession by devils. It does not name an intrusive recurring thought in the modern psychiatric sense.

In Burton. Burton includes the paired terms in a catalogue of states classified under fury or madness, together with visions, prophetic transports, poetic frenzy and conditions attributed to poisons. The grouping records a historical scheme with several kinds of alleged cause.

The places. Obsession and possession appear among the reported kinds of fury. (p. 9; DJR-022-24.)

In this edition. “Obsession or possession of devils” → “demonic harassment or possession” (DJR-022-24). Harassment makes the older sense of obsession explicit. Possession remains the name of the reported supernatural state.

See also. Daemon and genius.

Occult

Source forms: occult

The word. Occult means hidden in its workings. In this passage it describes a quality whose attractive operation is not visible, without making occult a separate name for magic.

In Burton. Burton concedes an honourable, natural love and describes its force through a hidden snare and magnetic attraction. Occult belongs to that account of love’s compelling power, alongside adamantine and virtue.

The places. A hidden attractive property explains the supposed force of natural love. (p. 442; DJR-115-02.)

In this edition. “occult” → “hidden” (DJR-115-02). Hidden fits the immediate account. Magnetic and force clarify the neighbouring words, preserving their contribution to the image of attraction.

See also. Fascination; Virtue.

Oppilation

Source forms: oppilations

The word. Oppilations are blockages or obstructions within the body. The term belongs here to a list of harmful effects explained through digestion and humours.

In Burton. Burton’s catalogue moves from undigested matter and wind through obstruction, corrupt humours, excessive fullness and poor digestion to sudden death. Oppilation names one stage or condition in that accumulation of consequences.

The places. Oppilations occurs among the bodily consequences listed under Fernel’s authority. (p. 72; DJR-035-04.)

In this edition. “oppilations” → “obstructions” (DJR-035-04). Obstructions gives the general meaning without identifying a specific modern disease or location that the sentence does not specify.

See also. Concoction.

Ordinary

Source forms: ordinary preacher; ordinary

The word. Ordinary means regular or usual in these passages. An ordinary preacher holds a regular role; ordinary recreations are customary pastimes.

In Burton. The minister’s regular public activity makes his withdrawal through shame especially striking. The recreation catalogue describes familiar winter occupations rather than judging their quality as unexceptional.

The places. Ordinary identifies the minister’s regular preaching. (p. 99–100 [supplied; scan p. 200]; DJR-040-34.) Ordinary identifies customary winter recreations. (p. 274; DJR-079-41.)