The Anatomy of Melancholy

The word. Parable as an adjective means obtainable or readily available. It does not refer here to a story with a moral lesson.

In Burton. Burton asks what employment a newly qualified scholar can obtain. Schoolteaching or serving as a lecturer or curate offers a relatively accessible route, but the low pay and dependence on patron or parish undermine its security.

The places. Parable describes the available course of employment. (p. 131; DJR-047-12.)

In this edition. “most parable and easie” → “most readily available and easiest” (DJR-047-12). Readily available keeps the word attached to opportunity. The following terms explain the work and subsistence the route offers.

See also. Receipt; Physick.

Paracelsian

Source forms: spagirically; Paracelsians

The word. Paracelsian identifies the medical tradition associated with Paracelsus. Spagirically refers to chemical or alchemical methods of preparing substances within that tradition.

In Burton. In discussing scents, Burton directs readers seeking chemically prepared remedies to Croll. In his account of medical employment, self-styled Paracelsians instead join a hostile catalogue of competing practitioners. The practical reference and the polemical use have different functions.

The places. Spagirically describes the preparation of remedies in Croll. (p. 394; DJR-105-19.) Self-styled Paracelsians appear in the crowded field of practitioners. (p. 134; DJR-047-38.)

In this edition. “spagirically prepared” → “prepared by chemical methods” (DJR-105-19); “Paracelsians, as they call themselves” → “self-styled Paracelsians” (DJR-047-38). Chemical methods explains the preparation without turning it into a present-day standard of chemistry. Self-styled preserves Burton’s distancing qualification in the hostile list.

See also. Physick; Essence and quintessence.

Parasite

Source forms: Parasites

The word. Parasites are flattering dependants, with the older association of people dining at another’s expense. Their dependence gives the praise a self-interested character.

In Burton. Burton asks who can resist excessive applause. The flatterers raise a ruler beyond exemplary heroism to supposed divinity, so that praise itself becomes a means of overthrowing his judgment.

The places. Parasites inflate the ruler’s standing through extravagant praise. (p. 125; DJR-046-01.)

In this edition. “those Parasites” → “those parasites” (DJR-046-01). The retained word is explained through dependence and flattery. The article does not read it as a biological description.

See also. Collogue; Ambodexter; Proletary; Clown.

Parrhesia

Source forms: parrhesiam

The word. Parrhesia means frank, open or free speaking. The Latinized form parrhesiam occurs in a marginal comment on Burton’s style.

In Burton. The margin’s claim that there is no style except frank speaking accompanies Burton’s declaration that his pen matches his mind. Calling a spade a spade and preferring substance to words turn openness into an authorial stance, expressed through repeated Latin and English formulations.

The places. The marginal term accompanies the declaration of plain, outspoken writing. (p. 12; DJR-005-26.)

In this edition. “parrhesiam” → “frank speaking” (DJR-005:B44; margin); “as free, as loose” → “as outspoken as I am unrestrained” (DJR-005-26). Frank speaking comes from the translated marginal note; outspoken expresses the related claim in the body. Both are kept distinct from the rhetorical repetitions they accompany.

See also. Cento; Action; Apologize.

Passion

Source forms: passions; passion