Now upon these grounds we are most commonly mistaken, defining that by situation which they determined by motion; and giving the term of right hand to that which doth not properly admit it. For first, Many in their Infancy are sinistrously disposed, and divers continue all their life á¼ÏιÏÏεÏοί, that is, left handed, and have but weak and imperfect use of the right; now unto these, that hand is properly the right, and not the other esteemed so by situation. Thus may _Aristotle_ be made out, when he affirmeth the right claw of _Crabs_ and _Lobsters_ is biggest, if we take the right for the most vigorous side, and not regard the relative situation: for the one is generally bigger then the other, yet not alwayes upon the same side. So may it be verified what is delivered by _Scaliger_ in his Comment, that Palsies do oftnest happen upon the left side, if understood in this sense; the most vigorous part protecting it self, and protruding the matter upon the weaker and less resistive side. And thus the Law of Common-Weals, that cut off the right hand of Malefactors, if Philosophically executed, is impartial; otherwise the amputation not equally punisheth all.
Some are á¼Î¼Ïιδέξιοι, that is, ambidextrous or right handed on both sides; which happeneth only unto strong and Athletical bodies, whose heat and spirits are able to afford an ability unto both. [SN: _Apt for contention._] And therefore _Hippocrates_ saith, that Women are not ambidextrous, that is, not so often as Men; for some are found, which indifferently make use of both. And so may _Aristotle_ say, that only Men are ambidexterous; of this constitution was _Asteropæus_ in _Homer_, and _Parthenopeus_ the _Theban_ Captain in _Statius_: and of the same, do some conceive our Father _Adam_ to have been, as being perfectly framed, and in a constitution admitting least defect. Now in these Men the right hand is on both sides, and that is not the left which is opposite unto the right, according to common acception.
Again, Some are á¼Î¼ÏαÏιÏÏεÏοὶ, as _Galen_ hath expressed it; that is, ambilevous or left-handed on both sides; such as with agility and vigour have not the use of either: who are not gymnastically [SN: _Strongly or fit for corporal exercise._] composed: nor actively use those parts. Now in these there is no right hand: of this constitution are many Women, and some Men, who though they accustom themselves unto either hand, do dexterously make use of neither. And therefore although the Political advice of _Aristotle_ be very good, that Men should accustom themselves to the command of either hand: yet cannot the execution or performance thereof be general: for though there be many found that can use both, yet will there divers remain that can strenuously make use of neither.