Moderate Physical Proportions

Conversations often cause the ears pain with endless chatter about the past, whether they ramble about the pig, or the old lady who kept going. Those who make the effort to reach half a dozen are aware like their own belly when full. They act manly, discussing the Bible or claiming to be promoted by the sexton. Enough of these blusterers; women, too, could imbibe with a group of tipsy misfits and partake in brandy revelries.

Just as mentioned nations are distinguished by certain knowledge, so should it be noted that in these and all past matters, there can be significant disorder in proportion, which can largely alter a person due to diseases, suppressions, and other misfortunes. We should not forget to add the various stages and states of old age.

Since, essentially, individuals differ in childhood compared to adulthood, and in youth often differ from old age, so there is no minor difference in the proportions between a child and an adult. It is where we shall see that the said nature commonly divides into four or five equal parts, up to eight equal parts measured with the head, protruding and expanding in place, as we will discover.

It has long been observed that common human life seldom extends beyond 60 or 70 years. And the great Psalmist David confirmed the same in his hymns when he establishes the utmost limit at ninety. It is something upon which ancient physicians also seem to agree...

Translation Notes

1. "Koster" refers to "sexton," a person who looks after the church and churchyard, sometimes acting as a caretaker. Not directly translatable but refers to a church role.

2. "Mannetje spelen" translates to acting manly, perhaps demonstrating stereotypical traits of masculinity.

3. "Selse" and similar terms refer to old expressions about time and effort with a nuanced context possibly unfamiliar to modern audiences.