I believe also that the variations of the moon do not take place without exerting great influence upon the organization of animals and of all living things.  This is because bodies are differently disposed at its waxing and waning.  When she wanes they lose their density and become void.  When she waxes and is approaching her fulness they appear to fill themselves at the same time with her, thanks to an imperceptible moisture that she emits mixed with heat, which penetrates everywhere. cf. Alcman (ap. Plut., Sympos. iii. 10) who calls the dew Διὸς θυγάτηρ καὶ Σελάνας; and Plutarch himself in loc.  Virg., Georg. iii. 337, “Roscida Luna,” and Statius, Theb. i. 336: “Iamque per emeriti surgens confinia Phœbi Titanis, late mundo subvecta silenti Rorifera gelidum tenuaverat aera biga.”  For proof, see how those who sleep under the moon feel abundant moisture filling their heads; The baleful influence of “iracunda Diana” (Hor., De Art. Poet. 454) is an early belief, not yet extinct.  cf. the term σελήνιασμός for epilepsy, and “lunaticus” for the “moonstruck” madman.  Vide Cass., Quæst. Med. xxv. 1.  Perowne on Ps. cxxi. 6 notes, “De Wette refers to Andersen’s Eastern Travels in proof that this opinion is commonly entertained.  Delitzsch mentions having heard from Texas that the consequence of sleeping in the open air, when the moon was shining, was mental aberration, dizziness, and even death.” “Dass auch der Mond in heller Nacht dem ohne gehörigen Schutz Schlafenden schaden könne ist allgemeine Meinung des Orients und der köhlen Nächte wegen leicht möglich.  Vgl. Carne ‘Leben und Sitten im Morgenl.’”  Ewald, Dichter des A.B. ii. 266. see how fresh meat is quickly turned under the action of the moon; A fact, however explained.  Plutarch (Sympos. Prob. iii. 10) discusses the question Διὰ τί τὰ κρέα σήπεται μᾶλλον ὑπὸ τὴν σελήνην ἢ τὸν ἥλιον, and refers the decomposition to the moistening influence of the moon.  “Air, moisture, and a certain degree of warmth, are necessary to the decay of animal bodies…where moisture continues present—even though warmth and air be in a great measure excluded—decay still slowly takes place.”  J. F. W. Johnston, Chemistry of Common Life, ii. 273. see the brain of animals, the moistest part of marine animals, the pith of trees.  Evidently the moon must be, as Scripture says, of enormous size and power to make all nature thus participate in her changes.