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THE^[47]Arabian Philosophers join’d in this Opinion, establishing it for a Fundamental Maxim among them; that whatever the constant Mind affected with a fervent Desire, would be effected: As in the Case of the MIND of Him, who is vehemently in Love, whatever it affects, has an Efficacy to cause Love; and so in other such like Cases.

BUT however, to come closer to the IMAGINATION of the Pregnant Woman, who knows not that it affects the Infant in the Womb? Whence is it then that we have so many deform’d Persons, crooked Bodies, ugly Aspects, distorted Mouths, wry Noses, and the like, in all Countries; but from the IMAGINATION of the Mother; while she either conceives such shapeless Phantasms in her Mind, or while she frequently and intently fixes her Eyes upon such deform’d Persons or disagreeable OBJECTS? Wherefore it is very wrong, and highly imprudent in Women that have conceived, to please themselves so much in playing with Dogs, Squirrels, Apes, &c. carrying them in their Laps or Bosoms, and feeding, kissing, or hugging them, as I have both often heard, and seen with my own Eyes.