Sir Thomas Browne's Hydriotaphia and The Garden of Cyrus is a collection of two essays written by the English author and physician in the 17th century. The first essay, Hydriotaphia, is a reflection on burial customs and the meaning behind the various ways that people have buried their dead throughout history. Browne explores the symbolism and significance of different burial practices, from simple interment to elaborate tombs and mausoleums. He also considers the philosophical and religious implications of death and the afterlife.The second essay, The Garden of Cyrus, is a more playful and imaginative work that explores the symbolism of the number five and the shape of the quincunx in nature and art. Browne draws on a wide range of sources, including classical mythology, biblical stories, and scientific observations, to explore the various ways in which this pattern appears in the world around us.Together, these two essays offer a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the most original and creative thinkers of the 17th century. Browne's prose is rich and evocative, blending scientific observation with poetic imagery to create a unique and compelling vision of the natural world and our place within it. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of ideas, philosophy, or the art of creative nonfiction.This Is A New Release Of The Original 1896 Edition.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.