O PRIRODNOFILOZOFIJSKIM ZAPISIMA VEZANIMA UZ LJUDSKU REPRODUKCIJU IZ HRVATSKOGLAGOLJSKOGA LUCIDARA

Abstract

The article outlines parts of Lucidar dealing with human reproduction: the anatomy of the uterus, growth and feeding of the fetus, and the fetus’ nature which is determined by the parents’ behavior. These parts reflect views of authors of the Antiquity (notably Aristotle) and some scholastic thinkers, and are deeply permeated by Christian philosophy. Particular attention is given to the words matrikš, plodnica and monstrum sangvinis. A simplified form of konwledge can be discerned from these texts, as well as indications of the spiritual and intellectual atmosphere of Croatian Glagolism of the late Middle Ages. Particular attention is given to a probable mixing up of words “menstruum” and “monstrum”, which can be a simple lapsus calami or indication of lack of knowledge of Latin terminology, but it can also reflect the scribe’s oppinion on the lesser value of women? This is illustrated in the paper by the fact that some forms of male deviant behavior were termed monstruous in medieval religious literature, which were brought into connection with female mensturuosity. It is shown how medieval Croatian Glagolitic texts tried to unite explaining with regulating.

Key words: Croatian Glagolitic literature, natural philosophy, human reproduction, “Lucidar”, vernacular terminology