The Secret Miracles of Nature

...and are carried away by the effect. Also, that good omens, by which people wish for all things happy and healthy for others, assist toward a joyful outcome, and that all things follow according to the wish of the ancestors. 147

29 How it happens that, according to the common proverb, almost no one emerges better from illness or long travel, or adopts a more reformed life. 148

30 By what force and faculty stones or gems dug from the earth and sea, or taken from the bodies of animals This refers to "bezoars" or stones found in the organs of animals, which were highly prized in Renaissance medicine for their perceived magical and curative properties., are powerful, and by what reasoning they achieve any effect. 149

31 Concerning the outcomes of dreams, and to what extent they should be observed and faith placed in them. 151

32 Concerning the climacteric year original: "κλιμακτηρικῷ" (klimaktērikō). In ancient and Renaissance medicine, these were "critical years" in a human life, usually multiples of seven and nine, where one was thought to be at higher risk of death or major change., that is, the scalar and gradated year, the seventh and ninth, in which years the bodies of men undergo a manifest change—especially for old men in their sixty-third year Known as the "Grand Climacteric," the 63rd year (7x9) was considered the most dangerous year of a man's life.. Similarly concerning the reasoning of critical days original: "dies critici." These were specific days during an acute illness when a "crisis" was expected to occur, determining if the patient would live or die., that is, the judgments of diseases, by which Physicians undoubtedly announce the health or death of the sick. 153

33 By what reasoning a mirror reflects objects, and what advantage the bright smoothness of a mirror provides to students and those who tire their eyes with constant gazing; then by what reasoning it restores failing vision. 156

34 By what force and faculty Aqua Vitae original: "Aqua vitae," literally "Water of Life." This refers to distilled spirits or concentrated alcohol., or burning and caustic wine—commonly called Brandy original: "Brandewijn," the Dutch origin of the English word "Brandy," meaning "burnt (distilled) wine."—is powerful, and to whom it can be safely administered. Incidentally, some wonderful effects of this manufactured liquor. 158

35 The prodigious force and nature of Quicksilver original: "Argenti vivi," literally "living silver.", which the Belgians call Quicksilver original: "Quickziluer." due to its mobility. 160