Claudii Alberii Triuncuriani De concordia medicorum disputatio exoterica

A decorative drop cap 'E' begins the chapter.

CHAPTER I.

THAT there is a Physiognomic Anatomy: this is to say, that the doctrine of Physiognomic Anatomy is not a feigned and invented thing, but that such an anatomy is positioned in reality and nature in our Organon, as I have said, we have proven. It is entirely the act of an inconsiderate man to seek reasons for things that do not exist. Therefore, it had to be proven first that Physiognomic Anatomy is not an invented fable, before we could seek the reasons for investigating sympathizing things that suffer together and antipathetic things that resist one another original Greek: "τὰ συμπάσχοντα, καὶ ἀντιπάσχοντα". What pertains to the method of investigating sympathizing and antipathetic things, this is placed in signs. And since the form of man is the norm of forms, not otherwise than as man himself is the master and norm of the other animals: so that you may prosper in Physiognomic Anatomy, it is necessary to consider diligently the nature, figure, temperament, and affections of every terrestrial animal, even the smallest, and to recall all observations to the anatomy of man as if to a norm, even beginning with reptiles, in which the distinction of parts is obscure. Nor indeed should we disdain these smallest things which appear.