Function and Service of the Nose

Firstly, air must flow through the nostrils to nourish and maintain the sensory and lively spirits; some even believe it helps cool the heart. The nose also plays a role in breathing: while one speaks, drinks, or attentively thinks elsewhere, the breath can gently pass out and be drawn back in. Although, it is easiest to do both simultaneously with the mouth, which has led to the belief that people with an extended nose over the mouth (commonly known as "hook-nose" in popular discourse) are less prone to dying quickly, as the spirit exiting the mouth re-enters the nose. However, it might be said more accurately that the spirit exits through the nose at death, because it was initially breathed in through this path in the creation of man, as mentioned by Job with 'the breath in the nostrils.' This suggests that it leaves via the same path it entered. However, those who know what dying is and can distinguish between physical and thinking mind will dismiss such sayings as fables. The service of the nose in breathing becomes most apparent when one experiences blockages in the head or is suffering from dry and congested brains. Thus, it becomes clear that the impurities of the brain, like mucus and phlegm, must be expelled through the nose. Furthermore, the nose provides the correct tone and sound to the voice; as one can hear if one pinches the nostrils while speaking.

Translation Notes:
The text discusses ideas about the physiological and philosophical functions of the nose, using terms that reflect historical beliefs and theories about bodily functions and health.