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CHAP. II. Of VIRGINITY.
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VIRGINITY is an entire State of Nature in this Point; and nothing else, than the Integrity of the Muliebrian Parts from the Violence of Virile Congress.
TOUCHING the real Signs of VIRGINITY, many learned Controversies have risen; particularly as to the Membrane, call’d Hymen: Some great Anatomists and Physicians[25] strenuously denying its Existence, and representing it as some preternatural Production; and Others[26] as vigorously maintaining the contrary Opinion. Upon which Contention, if I may humbly offer my Sentiment; the later Authorities are so commonly receiv’d, that (I think) this Dispute sufficiently decided.
WE find the Reality of it has been abundantly confirm’d by the Greeks, as it was discover’d by the Arabians of old: And the Gentiles, for that very Reason, call’d their Nuptial God, Hymeneus. But, moreover, being since so positively asserted, by so many famous and learned Men, who openly vouch and aver that they have found and seen it; I do not see why we should longer doubt of this Membrane’s being to be found in Most, if not in All, VIRGINS, to distinguish them from the rest of their Sex: Especially since ’tis certain, that something extraordinary happens in the first Coition, which made Terentius call it, Coitio Acerrima. Upon which Notion, Catullus’s Verses are very elegant and à propos: viz.