like as diseases of the body may have appropriate exercises. Bowling is good for the stone and reins;[1] shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for head; and the like. So if a man's wit be wandering, let him study the mathemathics; for in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again. If his wit be not apt to distinguish or find differences, let him study the schoolmen; for they are cymini sectores.[2] If he be not apt to beat[3] over matters, and to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study the lawyers' cases. So every defect of the mind may have a special receipt.
LI. Of Faction.
Many have an opinion not wise, that for a prince to govern his estate,[4] or for a great person to govern his proceedings, according to the respect of factions, is a principal part of policy; whereas contrari-
- ↑ Reins. Kidneys.
- ↑ Splitters of cumin, that is, hair-splitters. Cumin is an oriental plant with small, aromatic seed. "Antoninus Pius, who succeeded him, was a prince excellently learned, and had the patient and subtle wit of a schoolman; in so much as in common speech (which leaves no virtue untaxed) he was called Cymini Sector, a carver or divider of cummin seed, which is one of the least seeds; such a patience he had and settled spirit, to enter into the least and the most exact differences of causes; a fruit no doubt of the exceeding tranquillity and serenity of his mind; which being no ways charged or incumbered, either with fears, remorses, or scruples, but having been noted for a man of the purest goodness, without all fiction or affectation, that hath reigned or lived, made his mind continually present and entire." Advancement of Learning, I. vii. 7.
- ↑ To beat over. To beat out, to get to the bottom of.
- ↑ Estate. State.
