chapter entitled "_De approximeron_," a formidable Latin word defined
by Gilbert as sexual impotence. An elaborate discussion of the
physiology of generation and the phenomena of impotence is followed by
a collection of remedies for the condition, of which the best that can
be said is that they are probably no less effective than most of the
modern drugs recommended for the same purpose. Concerning a function
over which so many fond superstitions still linger in the public mind
we may, perhaps, charitably forgive Gilbert for the introduction
of an empirical remedy for sterility, which, he assures us, he has
often tried and with invariable success, and which enjoys the double
advantage of applicability to either sex.

"Let a man, twenty years of age or more, before the third hour of
the vigil of St. John the Baptist, pull up by the roots a specimen of
consolida major (comfrey) and another of consolida minor (healall),
repeating thrice the Lord's prayer (_oratio dominica_). Let him speak
to no one while either going or returning, say nothing whatever, but
in deep silence let him extract the juice from the herbs and with this
juice write on as many cards as may be required the following charm:

"_Dixit dominus crescite._ [symbol: dagger]. _Uthihoth._ [symbol:
dagger]. _multiplicamini._ [symbol: dagger]. _thahechay._ [symbol:
dagger]. _et replete terram._ [symbol: dagger]. _amath._

"If a man wears about his neck a card inscribed with these identical
words written in this juice, he will beget a male. Conversely, if a
woman, she will conceive a female" (f. 287b).

Gilbert, however, cautions the bearer of this potent charm of the
possible dangers of satyriasis incurred thereby, and offers suitable