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The Anatomy of Melancholy
The Anatomy of Melancholy

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of The Anatomy of Melancholy is here in full — 867 sentences across 174 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/173 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
SUBSECT.
III.—_Compound Purgers_.
Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.
At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.
Oxymel.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Anatomy of Melancholy

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of The Anatomy of Melancholy is here in full — 867 sentences across 174 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/173 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
SUBSECT.
Line 2
III.—_Compound Purgers_.
Line 3
Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.
/ˈkɑːmpaʊnd ˈmedəsənz wɪtʃ pɜːrdʒ ˈmelənkɑːli ɑːr ˈiːðər ˈteɪkən ɪn ðə suːˈpɪriər ɔːr ˌɪnˈfɪriər pɑːrts suːˈpɪriər æt maʊθ ɔːr ˈnɑːstrəlz/
Line 4
At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.
Line 5
Oxymel.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

applauds verb US /əˈplɔːdz/

third-person singular of “applaud” — clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

From this reading “At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.”

compound noun US /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

a whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts

From this reading “Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.”

dipped adjective US /dɪpt/

having abnormal sagging of the spine (especially in horses)

From this reading “At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.”

medicines noun US /ˈmedəsənz/

plural of “medicine” — the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques

From this reading “Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.”

outwardly adverb US /ˈaʊtwərdli/

with respect to the outside

From this reading “At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.”

purge verb US /pɜːrdʒ/

oust politically

From this reading “Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.”

scilla noun US /ˈsɪlə/

an Old World plant of the genus Scilla having narrow basal leaves and pink or blue or white racemose flowers

From this reading “At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.”

senna noun US /ˈsenə/

any of various plants of the genus Senna having pinnately compound leaves and showy usually yellow flowers; many are used medicinally

From this reading “At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.”

All words in this reading · 56

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

4236

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

applaudsverbUS /əˈplɔːdz/

third-person singular of “applaud” — clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

appliedadjectiveUS /əˈplaɪd/

concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

CompoundnounUS /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

a whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts

From this reading III.—_Compound Purgers_.

dippedadjectiveUS /dɪpt/

having abnormal sagging of the spine (especially in horses)

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

headnounUS /hed/

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

Helleboratum

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

helleborenoun

perennial herbs of the lily family having thick toxic rhizomes

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

IIInoun

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading III.—_Compound Purgers_.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

inferioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfɪriər/

of or characteristic of low rank or importance

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

inwardlyadverbUS /ˈɪnwərdli/

with respect to private feelings

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

linennounUS /ˈlɪnən/

a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

liquidadjectiveUS /ˈlɪkwəd/

existing as or having characteristics of a liquid; especially tending to flow

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

madnessnounUS /ˈmædnəs/

obsolete terms for legal insanity

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

medicinesnounUS /ˈmedəsənz/

plural of “medicine” — the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

melancholynounUS /ˈmelənkɑːli/

a feeling of thoughtful sadness

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

mouthnounUS /maʊθ/

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

nostrilsnounUS /ˈnɑːstrəlz/

plural of “nostril” — either one of the two external openings to the nasal cavity in the nose

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

outwardlyadverbUS /ˈaʊtwərdli/

with respect to the outside

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

Oxymel

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Oxymel.

partsnounUS /pɑːrts/

the local environment

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

piecesnounUS /ˈpiːsəz/

plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

purgeverbUS /pɜːrdʒ/

oust politically

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

Purgers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading III.—_Compound Purgers_.

Quercetan

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

scillanounUS /ˈsɪlə/

an Old World plant of the genus Scilla having narrow basal leaves and pink or blue or white racemose flowers

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

Scilliticum

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

sea-onion

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

sennanounUS /ˈsenə/

any of various plants of the genus Senna having pinnately compound leaves and showy usually yellow flowers; many are used medicinally

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/

characterized by good substantial quality

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

SUBSECT

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading SUBSECT.

superioradjectiveUS /suːˈpɪriər/

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

swallowedverbUS /ˈswɑːloʊd/

past form of “swallow” — pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

Vinum

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

warmadjectiveUS /wɔːrm/

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Compound medicines which purge melancholy, are either taken in the superior or inferior parts: superior at mouth or nostrils.

winenounUS /waɪn/

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading At the mouth swallowed or not swallowed: If swallowed liquid or solid: liquid, as compound wine of hellebore, scilla or sea-onion, senna, Vinum Scilliticum, Helleboratum, which [4236]Quercetan so much applauds for melancholy and madness, either inwardly taken, or outwardly applied to the head, with little pieces of linen dipped warm in it.

Chapter 12 of The Anatomy of Melancholy by Robert Burton holds 867 sentences, grouped into 174 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 12 of The Anatomy of Melancholy contain?

Chapter 12 holds 867 sentences of The Anatomy of Melancholy, unabridged, divided into 174 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 12 of The Anatomy of Melancholy by Robert Burton exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 867 sentences, grouped into 174 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

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Vocabulary met early in The Anatomy of Melancholy

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Anatomy of Melancholy, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
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Chapter 2
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Chapter 3
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