The Anatomy of Melancholy

The word. Passion can mean an emotion, an attack of illness, or an affliction and suffering. Its sense depends on whether Burton is describing feeling, a bodily episode or distress endured.

In Burton. The reported case of Katherine Gualter uses passions beside convulsions for violent attacks. Lovers pass from passions to actions, so the word there names feelings or emotions. David’s temporary passion is the affliction expressed in a psalm, with its temporary character emphasized.

The places. Passions names attacks accompanying convulsions. (p. 53; DJR-031-24.) Passions is contrasted with lovers’ actions. (p. 510; DJR-127-51.) A temporary passion names David’s suffering. (p. 695; DJR-164-04.)

In this edition. “strange passions and convulsions” → “strange attacks and convulsions” (DJR-031-24); “passions to actions” → “feelings to actions” (DJR-127-51); “actions and passions” → “actions and emotions” (DJR-127-51); “temporary passion” → “temporary affliction” (DJR-164-04). Attacks, feelings, emotions and affliction preserve the distinct contexts. A single emotional equivalent would obscure the first and third examples.

See also. Appetite; Affection; Perturbation; Anger; Fear; Sorrow.

Pathetical

Source forms: pathetical

The word. Pathetical means impassioned or emotionally forceful. In this example it describes a declaration of enthusiasm.

In Burton. Scaliger’s admiration for poetry becomes an outburst in which authorship of a few admired lines outweighs imperial rank. Pathetical marks the intensity of his preference.

The places. Pathetical characterizes Scaliger’s declaration about poetry. (p. 280; DJR-081-11.)

In this edition. “pathetical protestation” → “passionate declaration” (DJR-081-11). Passionate declaration avoids the narrower present-day suggestion of pitiable inadequacy that pathetic might introduce.

See also. Action.

Perturbation

Source forms: perturbation; perturbations

The word. Perturbation is a disturbance of the emotions or mind. In the Stoic argument it names a disordered passion that excludes wisdom; in the treatment heading it identifies the disturbances to be corrected.

In Burton. Burton first presents the stringent claim that even the slightest emotional disturbance is incompatible with wisdom. The later heading turns to practical responses, including resistance and confiding grief to a friend.

The places. Perturbation appears in the statement of the Stoic ideal. (p. 43; DJR-012-13.) Perturbations identifies the subject of the practical counsel. (p. 289; DJR-083-01.)

In this edition. “the least perturbation” → “the slightest disturbance of the emotions” (DJR-012-13); “Perturbations of the minde rectified” → “Disturbances of the mind corrected” (DJR-083-01). Disturbance retains the shared sense while emotions and mind follow the particular contexts. The heading’s corrected states the aim of the ensuing counsel.

See also. Non naturals; Passion.

Philter

Source forms: philters; philtrum

The word. A philter or philtrum is a love potion. Burton also uses the term figuratively for flattery that wins attachment and favour.

In Burton. The witchcraft account attributes power to potions that change affections. In the merchant’s case, friends suspect such a potion, but the physician assigns a bodily cause and reports relief after treatment. The political example makes flattering speech itself a potion by which dependants gain office.

The places. Philters are credited with compelling or changing affection. (p. 55; DJR-031-41.) A suspected philtrum is displaced by the physician’s explanation. (p. 78; DJR-036-07.) Philters figuratively names the flattering means of gaining favour. (p. 421–422; DJR-110-23.)