Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/188

 this Account of the Production of our Bodies, and of the Relation of the several parts, with the Five Elements.

'Out of the Eastern Region arises the Wind, out of the Wind Wood, or Plants, out of Wood Acidity, from thence the Liver, from the Liver the Nerves, from them the Heart: The Liver is generated the Third in Order, and perfected the Eighth: The Spirits of the Liver, as they relate to the Heaven (the Air) are Wind; as Wood in the Earth, as the Nerves in our Bodies, so is the Liver in the Limbs: Its Colour is Blue, and its Use and Action is to move the Nerves: The Eyes are the Windows of the Liver; its Tast is acid, its Passion or Affection is Anger: Anger hurts the Liver, but Sorrow and Compassion conquer Anger, because Sorrow is the Passion of the Lungs, and the Lungs are Enemies to the Liver: Wind hurts the Nerves, but Drought, the Quality of the Lungs, conquers Wind: Acidity hurts the Nerves, but Acrimony, or that sharp Tast which is proper to the Lungs, conquers Acidity, or Metal conquers Wood.'

'Out of the Southern Region arises Heat, out of Heat Fire, out of Fire Bitterness: From it the Heart is gene-