V. It seems most evident, That many Diseases may be Cured by a convenient Diet.

AND if this be so great a truth as Physitians have hitherto ge­nerally esteemed it to be, then he that is acquainted with the Nature of Ali­ments, and the Process of Nutrition, will probably cure Diseases with grea­ter certainty and less trouble to the Pa­tient, than him that is utterly ignorant of both these: And who is more like to be a Possessor of this knowledge, than a judicious learned Physitian? For,

1. He understands the Nature of Aliments, whether Animal or Vege­table; he knows that such among them as are most temperate, and have no sensible Operation are more a­greeable to the body, and nourish more than others which abound with active parts, whose Purging Vomi­tive, [Page 178] Sweating, Diuretick, or other Qualities, render them unfit for Nu­trition. As also, that most, if not all things that are used for food, although they be not active in so high a degree as others which come commonly in use for Medicine, that yet they often cause great alterations in the body, according to the quantity, quality, right, or unsutable application there­of; and find that the Cause and Cure of many, if not most Diseases, have their dependance on a good and regu­lar, or a bad inordinate Diet. But this will be made more evident by de­scending to particulars. I think nothing can be more plain and evident, than that Onions, Shalutes, Horse-radish, Capers, Olives, Broom-buds, Pepper, Cinnamon, Nutmegs, Salt, Sugar, But­ter, Vinegar, Wine, and Oyl, are active alterative substances; and yet they are often taken alone, or variously com­pounded to make savory picquant Sauces which are supposed to pro­mote [Page 179] digestion by rendring the food more grateful, and by strengthning the ferment of the stomach. But besides these there are many Vegetables which come frequently in use among all peo­ple, and in some Countres with Bread, Cheese, and Milk are almost their only food, such are Melons, Pom­pions, Cucumbers, as also Turneps, Carrots, Parsnips, Skirrets, Radishes, Pease, Beans, Artichocks, and other Thistles, Asparagus, Hop-tops, Cab­bages, Coleworts, Cauleflowers, Comfry, Lettuce, Purslain, Parsly, Sage, Leeks, &c. (not to mention va­rious kinds of fruits) These are either boyled, or eaten crude; alone, or variously compounded according to pleasure, being rendred more grate­ful, or as is thought wholesome, by the addition of Butter, Vineger, Pep­per, or other of the mentioned active substances. I shall not insist on the great difference that there is in sub­stance and qualities, between Flesh [Page 180] and Fish, the variety of both being unimaginable; especially if we con­sider the various wayes of preparing them for food, and the additaments that are used to render them more agreeable to the Palate: Concerning which Physitians have wrote intire Volumns. Now the body partaking of the nature of the Aliments (which I suppose no one will deny, or if they should, I could demonstrate it by un­questionable experiments and obser­vations) They having such various qualities, and there being so great a variety in the complexions and con­stitutions of men, it will necessarily follow, that some of those Aliments may be contrary to a good sound con­stitution of body; & if a person indulge himself much in the use of them, his health will by degrees be impaired, and a bad texture or disposition of blood superinduced, which would have been prevented: and if recent, easily removed by sutable nourish­ment, [Page 181] especially if this regular good Diet be long continued.

Now the Physitian being bet­ter than any other person acquainted with the properties of most things that are commonly eaten, and with the temper of his Patient, can teach him what to eat, and which to avoid; what will prove beneficial to him, which are hurtful. Besides, he gives him some general Rules in reference to Diet, yet not so strict and severe, but that they may be easily without any trouble or inconvenience observed. These Rules may respect men either in a Healthful, Neutral, or Diseased state.

1. For a man in Health, the Physi­tian prescribes him not any set time or hours whercin he should take his repasts, only that he should not eat another plentiful meal, till what he eat before be well digested, and passed out of his stomach. Then for the Quality of his food, that it be such as [Page 182] is most agreeable to his constitution and imployment; a gross food being most sutable to those that are of a strong robust, a more fine and deli­cate to such as have a more spare and weakly complexion: he allows them also such food as being long accusto­med to, they find agreeable to them, there being Idiosyncracies or peculi­arities in some men, whereby some food agrees well with them, which would be noxious to others seeming­ly of the same constitution. As for Quantity, that they should eat only so much as abates, not gluts their appe­tite; and after which they find them­selves rather more than less lightsome than they were before eating: That its better to eat little and often, than much and at once; that as near as they can, they keep to an equality for substance, not quantity, making allowances for meats that have little nourishment, as substracting from what are very nutritive, as Swines flesh, &c. And [Page 183] if they live temperately, to exceed once or twice in a month in eating and drinking their ordinary stint, which is found to promote perspira­tion the great preserver of health, and enables the stomach to bear any ac­cidental overcharge, there being few persons that can at all times com­mand their Appetites; and such a surplusage is dangerous to those that have long observed exactly a regular Diet, not varying the quantity of their food. Then lastly for Order, he ad­vises that they should not eat imme­diately after any great exercise of body or mind, and that they avoid all those things which hinder the con­coction or distribution of the nourish­ment, and use whatsoever promotes it. Some such general rules as these observed (abating hereditary and con­tagious Diseases which yet are in a great measure prevented by an order­ly Diet, and are less dangerous when we lapse into them) will keep them [Page 184] in perfect health: For then the food will be readily converted into good chyle, which conveyed into the veins, the blood not being overcharged with quantity, and the food being before well prepared and opened by the fer­ment of the stomach, becomes upon reiterated circulations, a most noble generous liquor, and in its passage through the brain a pure unmixed spirit will be sublimed or sepera­ted from it, free from preternatural acidities which cause many Dis­eases.

This subtle and sincere Liquor or Spirit supplies the Nerves and Muscles with what is necessary for Animal Actions, the Lungs, Sto­mach, Spleen, and other Viscera, And the parts destined for the Propa­gation of the Species with so much as is necessary to keep them in a due Tone and enable them to perform all these actions for which they were in­stituted. The rest of the blood visi­ting [Page 185] the most extream parts of the body, and others retired from sight, where percolated through Parenchymous fibrous or bony substances, it leaves with each part what is Congruous to it: And so long as this course is continued without interruption, health also will be uninterrupted.

Whereas on the contrary high Compounded nourishment, whose quantity and substance is often varied, especially if it be more then the Sto­mach can well digest, must by a Me­chanical necessity cause Diseases. For if the quantity be greater then the ferment of the Stomach can dissolve the Chyle will enter the Blood Crude, and being more then that is used to assimilate at once, and not well opened by a previous digestion, it by insensible degrees depraves the best constitution, for then the blood supplies the Brain, Nerves, Viscera, and Musculous parts with unsutable Spirits, and nourish­ment which affecting them after an [Page 186] unusual manner, pain or somewhat worse, is in time the result of this bad or irregular Diet. Then for the quality of the food if it abound too much with Oyly and Spirituous parts, it puts the blood into that great com­motion or Ebullition we stile a Fever, if with cold Crude juyces as Melons, Cucumbers or Cherries, it some­times extinguishes the Native-heat, and if the sick escape they are usually stigmatized by blotches or eruptions all over their bodies or in some parti­cular parts, whereat the Morbous matter is excluded. Lastly, if Salt be predominant in the nourishment it causes various Maladies, especially of the Genus nervosum often occasions strange disorders in the whole mass of blood and sometimes Corrodes the External parts which it deforms and and tortures in Ulcers, Fistula's, Can­cers and other painful, loathsome and formidable Diseases. All which might have been prevented, and if timely [Page 187] care had been taken, cured by a suta­ble and orderly Diet. For an ill Crasis or Constitution of the blood doth not always, presently, display it self in such bad Syptoms as to deserve the denomination of a disease, this by Physitians is called a Neutral-state which may be first Checkt, and then redressed by Diet. For although if we will examine things strictly there is no middle between sickness and health, yet because it is so hard to find a Stan­dard for either of them; therefore Physitians have agreed on this third, as an expedient the better to express their thoughts: so that we apprehend a man is in perfect health who is free from pain or any Indisposition, per­forms in his own and the Physitians opinion all Animal and Natural Acti­ons as well as if he were in perfect health, we account a Neutral state to be a slight propension to a disease, when the ferment of the Stomach begins to be perverted, the blood somewhat [Page 188] depraved, and yet no very ill Symptom appears, No function of the body is much hindered or interrupted at least not very sensibly; As when by too strict and severe a diet the body be­gins to be Emaciated, the Nerves dis­affected, or when by drinking to freely the body is inclining to a fever, dropsie or Consumption, to the same or other diseases, by eating frequently too much, or such food as suits not with the Stomachical Ferment being to it hard of Digestion, or meat endowed with any other ill quality: by fre­quent excesses crudities being accu­mulated which if they increase will display pernicious effects; But if timely discerned may be conquered without the help of Physick. As to avoid Repetition I shall manifest un­der the next head.

But suppose that a Disease is sensibly formed: Let us examine then what Diet can contribute to the Cure, Moderation, or Palliation of the Distemper.

[Page 189] To avoid prolixity, I shall menti­on only some general wayes of Cure by Diet, on which any understand­ing person may expatiate in his mind.

It's so well known that many In­dispositions are cured by Fasting or a spare Diet, that I need only mention it. Others are cured by a Diet axact for the quantity of food which hath laudible qualities, for what is taken being no more then can be well over­come and dislolved by the stomach, this conveyed into the blood soon renders it more spirituous, whereby what is crude is either digested, or carryed off in perspiration; so that Nature being duely▪ fed with a con­stant supply of good spirits, the bad texture of the blood is soon exchanged for one more innocent. Thus Con­sumptions and other Chronical Di­stempers have been frequently cured. Many diseases are overcome by a Diet contrary to the peccant matter; as [Page 190] Hecticks by a Milk Diet; Fevers by Ptisans; some Consumptions by Snails, and other glutinous substances; Hot Diseases by moist cold, Cold and moist by a hot and drying Diet. Some Diseases are alwayes moderated and often cured by substracting from the liquid part of the nourishment, as Catarrhs; others by allowing it more plentifully, as in that dreadful Disease called by Physitians Cholera Morbus, wherein if the Patient take great quantities of Posset-drink, or thin weak Chicken-broath, those affright­ful symptoms of Vomiting and Loose­ness soon cease, the liquor dilating that corrosive saline matter, which prick­ing the coats of the stomach, and in­testines, caused those violent workings upwards and downwards. And this is a remedy so certain that I never yet observed it to fail, and others who have had longer time and more oppor­tunities to make Observations than my self, and particularly he whom I take [Page 191] to be the first inventor of this easily parable effectual Remedy, do unani­mously affirme, That it hath scarcely ever frustrated their Expectations; and yet we know that many miscarry of this distemper, even where the pre­tended generous Remedies of the Chymists, and best methods of those whom they style Galenists have been imployed.

But to proceed: Another way of curing Diseases by Diet, and the last I shall mention, is with some sorts of food, which by a hidden or specifical property cure Diseases. Our instances shall be only in the Vegetable King­dom, whose Simples are numerous, and they differ from each other in many sensible properties, as Taste, Smell, Figure, Colour, and their in­ternal qualities are far more nume­rous; and between them also there are great differences and contrarie­ties. Some are of a hot, others cooling, moist, or dry Nature; some are saline, [Page 192] others oyly, &c. And most of them have several of these properties in some degree, all which may be suted to the removal of whatsoever is con­trary to, and less powerful than them­selves: now Diseases, if simple, are only an excess in one quality or other, which an appropriate nutritive simple judiciously applyed, if the quantity be sufficient, and especially if often reite­rated, doth usually redress. To make this more cleer, I will give one or two obvious examples of the same disorders caused and cured by diffe­rent Vegetables. It's well known, that Parsly eaten in a small quantity is apt to exasperate diseases of the Eye, and there are other Plants which prove more healing than that is hurtful, witness Eybright: And it hath been observed that even Turneps render the sight more acute, cure mode­rate Inflammations, and are commen­ded by Physitians to be of frequent use while persons are under cure for the [Page 193] Gutta Serena, Recent Cataracts, & other diseases incident to that tender part. But this will appear most evidently in the Sea Scorbute which is contracted usually by a bad Diet, salt meats, and nastiness; sometimes extremity of heat or cold combining to exaspe­rate it. 'Tis hardly to be imagined how deplorable a condition those persons that are highly afflicted with this distemper seem to be in, being to appearance absolutely incurable by the most generous Medicines, helped with the advice of the greatest Physiti­ans; yet such slight things as the juice of Limons, Fresh meat, but especially plenty of green Herbs presently di­spell all these horrid threatning Sym­ptomes, and that so suddenly that they seem to be cured by a Charm, those who were not able to stir a limb, were exercised with many grievous Maladies, in a week recovering per­fectly their former health; which per­haps long courses of Physick would [Page 194] never have restored to them in a much longer space. And we find, that not only the Sea Scorbute, but that also w ^ch. is on land contracted by eating salt meats, is more certainly and suddenly cured by a convenient diet, then by Physick. And an Eminent Physitian in this city assu­red me, that most ill habits of body occasioned by feeding much on salt meats, are soon cured by eating daily for a few weeks a good Quantity of almost any edible green herbs. And another no less considerable, who hath great dealing with Seamen, protested seriously to me, that he cures all those among them that are Scorbutically affected, only with young pease, ordred all manner of ways; eaten crude, boiled with, or without their shells, whose juice is to be plentifully mix'd with their broth; that this Remedy ne­ver failed him, nor the Seamen of cure: and this sometimes after the disease had eluded many very promi­sing Methods and Medicines.

[Page 195] We have hitherto treated of Meats, which Physitians, as I have shewed, can render medicinal. I now proceed to mention, Drinks, which are no less, nay more capable of being improved, by being impregnated with the virtues of Simples Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral, or their Preparations, and not become considerably distastful to the Palate, or nauseous to the Sto­mach. There are myriads of such pre­scripts in the books of Authors. I shall only mention that method which is of general use in order to the ex­tricating the virtues of Simples or Compositions, which is this: The ingredients are to be hung in fermen­ting liquors, whether Wine, Ale, Beer, or Cider, &c. and that their medicating properties are extracted by this method, dayly experience doth attest, many who either will not, or cannot use other Physick, being re­covered by ingredients thus prepa­red. For the fermenting liquors be­ing [Page 196] in a brisk motion, and abound­ing with active parts chiefly spiri­tuous, insinuate themselves into the most private recesses of the Simples or other materials, give motion enough to their active parts to loosen them from the more gross, and drive them into the liquor, and these freed, as­sociate with their deliverers to un­loose the rest. And that the Crasis, or chief parts and properties of Sim­ples are by this method obtained, is evidenced by the effects and tasts of the drinks exactly emulating those of the materials which were thus fermen­ted. As for what refers to Cures effected by these means, I dare bold­ly affirm, That there is scarcely any Chronical Disease, that is cured by the Shop Medicines, which may not be cured with more certainty, ease, and pleasure, by Drinks thus ordered, joyned with a regular Diet.

Thus have we shewed of how great advantage a convenient Diet is in or­der [Page 197] to the cure of Diseases. I have spoken more largly to this particular, not that I design to learn Physici­ans any new notion, they having many of them better digested thoughts on this subject, then these which are the Product of two hours Me­ditation; But I mention these things partly on the account of the Vulgar, that they may have other apprehen­sions of understanding Physicians, then they have hitherto entertained; as also that I might learn the Apothe­caries to know themselves, and their own insufficiency; or if they will not acknowledge it, to expose them so na­kedly to others, that, unless they will shut their eyes, they cannot but be­hold unpardonable weakness and great defects in most of those confi­dent blind Bayards, the Quacking Apothecaries; who before I have dis­missed them, will appear lean and scrannel, though now they seem plump and juycy. I shall therefore [Page 198] proceed to polish the mirror: wherein if impartial Spectators do view and compare them with Learned honest Physicians, they will find without any delusive Catoptrical trick, no less difference between them, then there is betwixt admired beauty, and hated deformity.

Therefore lastly, A Physitian will appear to be Superior to other pre­tenders, if we reflect on those many advantages he hath, whereof they are wholly destitute. He is accounted to to enjoy a great Piviledge, who hath been Educated by an Eminent Practi­cioner of Physick, who hath been free in his communications to him; and this is by the Vulgar accounted suf­ficient to constitute a person, who hath been in such circumstances an able Physitian: And the best plea the Apothecaries have, is, that they have collected the Practice of some wor­thy Physitian for most Diseases; now there is no Physitian but injoys the [Page 199] benefit of the writings of many hun­dred excellent persons, that were emi­nent in the same faculty before him: These have faithfully communicated their experiements and observations of the causes and symptoms of diseases, and of their cures; what methods and Medicines they found most benefi­cial, what things are injurious and to be avoided: And there are others who have left us their writings con­cerning the virtues of most Simple and Compounded Medicines, in what cases they have been found effectual; and many (which is perhaps the most profitable way of writing) have left us intire books of Medical Observa­tions, to which Physitians, who have a Scheme of them in their memories have recourse in difficult cases, and by Analogy know how to proceed, as do the Lawyers, on other occasions.

Now let us suppose with some that Physick is altogether Empyrical, being rather a Mass of Experiments then a [Page 200] Science perfectly formed & established on sound unquestionable verities (w ^ch is the most plausible plea Apothecaries or other pretenders can use) yet still it must needs follow, that he ought to be esteemed most able and sufficient, who is furnished with most and best ex­periments, either from his own ob­servation, or by reading of books which afford him the experiments of all the rest of the world, and can best conclude and argue from the Analogy, Correspondence, and Harmony, they have one to another. So that a studied Physitian must, in all consideration of reason, have far the advantage of any other.

Indeed it hath been objected by some that the diseases of one country & age are so vastly different from those of o­thers, that what is profitable to those thar live in one age, or to the inhabitants of one Country is not so to another. Which is not only a great mistake as I have else where demonstrated, but [Page 201] of bad consequence, leading us to the neglect of the writings of many Ex­cellent Persons, from which we do day­ly derive great assistance: For although I will not deny but that there may be some uncertainty, and the Analogy may not be altogether so exact, as we could desire; yet it is no otherwise then the variation of the Needle, touched by the Load-stone; which al­though it doth not always directly point to the Poles, but in some places considerably varies, so that the most skilful Mariners cannot certainly, though they can neerly determine where, and in what degree of Longi­tude they are; yet it is such a help that they cannot without great hazard ingage in long and dangerous voyages without it; and by it's direction, if no other ill accidents intervene, they usually arrive at the desired ports, though very remote from the place whence they set forth. So a Physitian by the help of his own and others ob­servations, [Page 202] for which he makes allow­ance, or abatements, as he sees occasion, Pilots most of his Patients almost, as surely as if his course were chalked out for him or directed by a line; So that patients, who venture them­selves in dangerous cases with Physi­tians and Apothecaries, do it only with this difference, the one (as it were) Imbarks for a long Voyage in a Leaking Skiff, with an Ignorant Pilot without Sayls, Compass, and other due Provisions, the other in a stanch fair Ship, well Riggid, provided with a skilful Pilot, good Compasses, and all other requisites for Navigation: And which is like to make the most short and fortunate Voyage, which is most secure from storms, foundring, or holding uncertain courses, is, I sup­pose easily determined? 'Tis true we read of some, that in a little Boat set out from New-England, and made a quick and safe Voyage to Ireland; and of others, who no better accom­modated [Page 203] Sailed from the Bermudas to Virginia; yet these Accidents are not frequent, and if they are registered, it is under the notion of extarordinary events. And besides none of these were so mad as to have neglected any helps they could have procured, it not being choice but necessity, that put them on such strange adventures, and to run so great a risque to escape dangers, which they could not other­ways avoid. But this is not the case of any that are sick, there being choice of means, so that for a man advisedly to hazard that, which is so precious and valuable as life, by committing himself to the care of ignorant un­skilful Empericks, when he might in a great measure secure it by consulting a sober Learned Physitian, is to put an affront upon his reason, or to dis­esteem his life; but certainly there are not many, who after so fair a warn­ing given them, will expose themselves to dangers, which they may so easily avoid. I will therefore now proceed, [Page 204] in compliance with my promise, to give an account of some of those numberless unworthy practises, the Apothecaries are manifestly guilty of, in Order to the disgracing Physitians, and insinuating or confirming a good opinion of themselves.

They will often commend to persons as preventive Physick, a gentle Purge, and at night a little Dose of Diascor­dium, Mithridate, Treacle or some­what else, in so small a quantity that it shall not disorder them; so that their Patient, for so they call them, finding that he hath received no prejudice by this Physick, and the purge possibly working kindly, (of which they a­mong the Physitians prescriptions may have enough) apprehends that he may be somewhat better, and so begins to have some confidence in the Apothe­cary; who doth not loose any hold he hath got. For soon after the Patient perhaps hath occasion for a Physitian, himself or some of his family being ill: If it be for any distemper they [Page 205] were formerly subject to, for which the Apothecary hath any of the Doctors Prescriptions; he then suggests that there is no necessity he should give himself the charge of sending for a Physitian who would prescribe the same things he ordered formerly, which prescriptions he hath by him, and is ready to make up for them; although now, as I shewed be­fore, the case may be so altered by complication or otherwise, which the Physitian would presently have dis­covered, that this, which did once give Relief, may be either highly prejudi­cial or ineffectual. Thus they do or­dinarily obtrude themselves and their Medicines on the sick especially if the disease be frequent and obvious, as the Measles, Small-pox, Fever, Scurvey; and some among them soar so high as the Venereal Lues: For they have seen persons often under courses for these diseases, and, having the prescripts still on the File, they know no reason why they should not cure them, as [Page 206] well as the Doctor: They therefore tell them that it is a great expence to gra­tifie the Physitian, and pay the Apothe­caries Bill, which in these courses they assure them, will amount to much (as indeed they do by their ordering) that they are throughly acquainted with the Physitians Method: which as I have already shewed, is a gross mi­stake and high presumption. But I can­not dismiss, without a further Check this frivolous pretence of the Apothe­cary, that because he hath most of those Medicines which the Physitian otdinari­ly imploys, therefore he ought to be allowed in the practice of Physick, it being a way of Argumentation not much unlike that, some silly fellow might make, who seeing a Lutinist play well to admiration, is there upon desirous to please himself, and gratifie the Company with the like Musick: But upon tryal although he have the same Instrument, as many Fingers as the Musitian, & the Notes prickt down before him; yet can produce no other [Page 207] harmony, then what is the result of discord: And would he not render himself yet more ridiculous, should he perswade himself his Musick is not inferiour to that of the Excellent Ar­tist, and becomes highly difpleased with the Company, because they do not bestow on him the same applause they gave to the person, he vainly en­deavours to imitate? There being re­quisite to the best performance of Mu­sick, not only a hand & instruments, but also an exact knowledge of the Rules of that Art, and frequent Exercise. So that for any to promise themselves the Art or habit without the use of the right means, which conduce to it's attainment, is the highest folly, and hath as little foundation in reason as an Attempt (according to our Com­mon homely Proverb) to make a Velvet Purse of a Sowes ear, or any other unsuitable matter.

But to leave this, and proceed in the account of our Quacking Apothe­caries, [Page 208] who by some such Artifices as we mentioned having scrued them­selves into families, that they take espe­cial care of them according to their mean ability, I am willing to admit, their interest, obliging them so to do, and you may be sure, they ply them with store of Physick; w ^ch how fatal it proves to those that have the Measles or Small-pox, is too well known. But if by good fortune the Patient escape, then they sufficiently Celebrate them­selves in all Companies, rendring the case somewhat more dangerous & dif­ficult, then really it was: whereby they make way for their Introduction into other families. But if (as is most likely) by their ill management, the Patients lapse into a dangerous condition, so soon as they are sensible thereof, they immediately advise them to send for a Doctor, who is oftentimes so Civil as not to animadvert on what hath been done amiss. If they recover, then he endeavours to perswade them, that the [Page 209] Physician proceeded in the very same course he intended to have followed; and that it was only for their satisfacti­on he was desirous to have the Physi­cian advised with. But if the person dies before the Physician was sent for, he cryes out with a wide mouth on malignity, which is for the most part no other then the effect of his ill ma­nagement; yet being dead he sparing­ly suggests that he fears the Physician took not a right course; and wishes that he himself had proceeded after his own method, which for any thing he knew might have recovered him: which suggestion taking with the hu­mour of the people, who are very prone to accuse the last medicines of any strange Symptomes which are often Fore-runners of death, the trea­cherous Apothecary makes a great advantage of his own miscarriages. Which double dealing having been detected by some Physicians, hath so highly displeased them that they have [Page 210] often been ready to take up a firm re­solution never to take care of any Pa­tients who had before been managed by Apothecaries; and had actually performed it, did they not apprehend it would be a breach of Christian charity to punish people so severely for imprudent actions extorted from them by an others over-bearing per­swasions and confidence. These are some of those many artifices the Apo­thecaries employ, I speak not at ran­dome what they may do, but what they have often actually done, many of which have fallen under my owne observation, others I have received from the Patients or Physicians them­selves, on whom they have thus im­posed. Now I appeal to the whole Nation, whether such great mischiefs and inconveniences as these I have already enumerated, ought not to be redressed; and that we may not think they are beyond the reach of any reme­dy, I shall now proceed to the mention [Page 211] of those proposals the Physicians make to the Apothecaries: with which if they comply, they will save themselves from ruine, which otherwise is at their heels. I have also thought fit to let the world know that we can sub­sist without them, and that probably much better then with them; I mean more to our own and the Patients sa­tisfaction or security, as in it's due place shall be made manifest.

Notwithstanding that Physicians and their Patients have been so highly injured by Apothecaries, that they might with the greatest justice utterly reject them; and although the nature of their crimes seem to be such, that they cannot safely keep any fur­ther correspondence with them: yet this is so far from being the design of the Physicians, that if any expedient can be excogitated (and such they ap­prehend they have found out) which may prove a fair ground for an ac­commodation, they are willing to [Page 212] forgive and forget all former miscar­riages, and give them such encourage­ment as reasonable and honest persons can desire. Now all that the Physici­ans expect of them, is that they keep in their own Station, and endeavour to answer the end of their institution. That is, First they shall give the Physi­cians sufficient security and assurance, that they will carefully and faithfully prepare their medicines; And second­ly, that this shall be their sole imploy­ment, they no more intruding them­selves into the Physicians, which is the practice of Physick. If these be not reasonable requests, let the Apo­thecaries themselves propose such as are, which the Physicians are ready to receive. Now that the Physicians can be satisfied with nothing less, if they have regard, either to their own credit and subsistence, or the welfare of the Patient, is easily evinced by a recapitulation of what was said before. For if it be true which I think was de­monstrated, [Page 213] That many Apothecaries are not well acquainted with the Ma­teria medica, and liable to be imposed on by Herb-women, Druggists, and others; If they trust to those for Me­dicines, that prepare them unfaithfully as 'tis manifest they do; If they them­selves use bad drugs in their compo­sitions and vent medicines which have lost most if not all their Medicinal vertue; Or if they are fraudulent in their compositions, leaving out fre­quently the chief Ingredients; If they substitute, add, and subtract at plea­sure; Are negligent, slovenly, and superficial in their compositions, sub­ject to mistakes, either from their own or Apprentices ignorance of the Latine tongue; and besides ut­terly unacquainted with Chymistry, a most material if not necessary part of Pharmacy; and instead of those noble Remedies, imploy such as they have from unfaithful persons, who ordinarily adulterate and sophisticate [Page 214] them. If all these may be affirmed (as they may most certainly be) of most Apothecaries, would not Physitians ex­pose themselves and their Profession to the scorn of the world, and might not their Patients deservedly load them with reproaches, should they still make use of their Medicines? And further, if the Apothecaries be absolutely unfit for the practice of Physick, why are they allowed in it? And that they are, was proved from the nature of Dis­eases, and those several wayes where­by they admit of cure. Where we shewed, that the Apothecaries are Masters neither of the cure by Method, Specificks, Arcana, or any other com­pounded of these; That they under­stand not Physiology, and are not capable of attending to all those cir­cumstances, which ought to be duely considered by a true Physician; That they understand not when Nature is to be left, to manage things after her own conduct: but on the contrary, [Page 215] that they disturbe her orderly moti­ons, and distract her in most regular Operations; That they are not ac­quainted with cure of Diseases, or preservation of health by Diet; That they ordinarily mistake simple Dis­eases for complicated, and these for such as are simple; That they are not furnished with those helps which are of great use to the Physician, such are the observations of the Ancients con­cerning the rise, symptoms, progress and cure of Diseases; and therefore deserve not the denomination of Phy­sicians, nor can without extream pre­judice to the publick, be permitted to follow the practice of Physick till they are better qualified for it. I hope then after such a Manifesto of grie­vances, the Physicians may either en­deavour their reformation, or desert them; and entertain such as will be more faithful to themselves, and to their Patients. But they are very un­willing, though highly provoked, to [Page 216] be an occasion of the ruin of so many as will upon their deserting them, be exposed to miserable exigencies; they will not therefore promote their downfal, till they deserve it by re­jecting verbally or implicitly the suc­ceeding modest proposals. It will therefore be expected:

That they do faithfully and carefully prepare all the Medicines they send out of their Shops, not trusting to whole-sale either Apothe­caries or other Medicine-mongers; That all the Drugs they use shall be viewed and approved of by one or more Physicians before they enter Compositions, as also the Drugs that are of dayly use; That once in three months a solemn Scrutiny be made by Physicians, deputed for that purpose, of all their Drugs and Compositions: who shall be impowred immediately to cause to be destroyed all such as are found unfit for use. We also re­quire, That they either themselves pre­pare [Page 217] their Chymical remedies, or give the Physicians such assurances, that they are faithfully and skilfully made as shall satisfie them; And that care be taken for the future, that no Apo­thecary entertain any for an Appren­tice that is not competently skilled in Latin tongue; and that they be first examined and approved by such Apo­thecaries as the Physicians shall de­pute. Further, Physicians observing the great inconveniencies which have ensued on Apothecaries having access to the Patients, which is not allowed of in many Countries, do also think it unreasonable that Apothecaries here should take that liberty, which for reasons mentioned is thought fit should be denyed them; especially having found upon due deliberation, that there is no need of them out of their Shops, where they are to look to the Composition of their Medi­cines: which in their absence often suffer through ignorance of their [Page 218] young Apprentices, whatsoever is commonly performed by them among Patients, being otherwayes easily ef­fected. Further, That they contract their number, or at least take care for the future, that it be not increased. And lastly, that such prizes be set on Medicines by Physicians as they shall think fit, who will take care that the Apothecaries have reasonable gain; That these be Printed, as in the Amster­dam and other Pharmacopoeia's, so no person can be cheated.

The Substance of what I have here delivered, is comprized in the last proposition mentioned, and insisted on by the Judicious Writer of that rati­onal discourse concerning the state of Physick, in these words, or to this effect.

That Physitians send bills to be made up by Apothecaries, as now they are; provided only that the Time and Man­ner of using them, be not set down nor the name of the Patient, That it be not [Page 219] sent by the Patient, but by their own servants; That it be returned to the Physitians again with the Physick it self, to be filed up by them or entred into a book with the Patients name and the time: the Physick so made and provided by the Physitians order to be fetcht at their own houses (as it is now at the Apothecaries shops) or from thence sent home by their own servants to the Pa­tient. And because we cannot safely trust to Apothecaries for Chymical Re­medies, they usually buying them of common Chymists or Operators, It is desired that the Colledge would erect a publick Laboratory, where all Chymi­cal Medicines fit to be used, shall be well and faithfully made upon the Faith and Authority of the Colledge; and that they shall expressly appoint those, whose Physick they shall think fit to buy, to provide all their Chymical Prepa­rations from thence; nor to permit the use of any other Chymical Preparations to any of their number, except he him­self [Page 220] make and prepare them, or have them from such Apothecaries as the Colledge being satisfied with their abi­lities and honesty shall approve of. And lastly, That the Colledge of Physi­cians (who herein will be soon imita­ted by others) Enact, That none of their number send bills to, or buy Phy­sick of, any Apothecary who takes on him the practice of Physick, till they are fully satisfied he is sensible of the injury done to them, and cease to do the like for the future.

Now how severe and unjust soever these Limitations may seem to the Apothecaries, yet in reality this is but a fair and moderate course be­tween them and Physicians; for it hin­ders not the Apothecaries making and selling of Physick to any that shall please to buy of them: which thing only belongs to their Trade. To vi­sit the Patient, feel his Pulse, and con­sider his Urine, discourse of the state of the Disease, and prescribe proper [Page 221] Remedies for it, is the business and care of the Physician: So that by this method the Interest of both will be preserved, and all causes of jealousie between the Physicians and them will for ever cease. The Physicians pra­ctice and profession will be so abso­lutely and intirely secured to himself, that the Apothecary cannot invade it; for he will never see a Physicians bill (from which they alwayes take direction) nor the Patient himself, and so be utterly ignorant of that case for which the Physick was prepared and used; nor will he hear the Phy­sicians reason and discourse of the due times and manner of Admini­string it, or explain the nature and cause of the distemper, nor have oc­casions of officious intervening be­tween the Physician and Patient, nor dispence the Physick with praise of his own great care and pains in pre­paring it as he is wont to do, all this the Physician obtains by only conceal­ing [Page 222] his bills (the writing of a bill being as it were the Mystery of his trade) in which therefore he doth no­thing, but what is held reasonable among all men.

Besides, This will insensibly lessen that exorbitant number of Apotheca­ries, which makes the trade scarce a competent subsistence. For as things are now, while the Master or their Servants, are imployed by the Phy­sitian to visit his Patients, and carry Physick about, they will be under a ne­cessity of taking several Apprentices; else they cannot perform such atten­dances abroad, and the business of their shop too: and this hath made so vast in increase of the trade within few years, as has rendred it but a mean way of livelihood to a great many, and very dangerous to the sick. Now as their number will by little and little grow less, so the trade will become better; and they who are of it, both for skill and estate much more [Page 223] considerable: and, which is of much greater consequence, Physick will be better prepared, for the Apothecaries will be more in their shops, and not leave things to raw, negligent Ser­vants, as is now often done; they not being sent about by Physitians to their Patients, or with Physick, no [...] engaged in any Quacking practice of their own, will have more leisure to attend making good Medicines, which is their proper business.

This in short, is the Summary of what we expect from them; and if it be not granted us, nothing remains, but that Physitians take Pharmacy into their own hands, supervise the making of their own Medicines, and dispense them themselves. And we have reason to apprehend that Phy­sitians will be put on a necessity of acting thus, it being highly impro­bable, that the generality of Apotheca­ries should be reduced to a sense and practice of their duty, having been so [Page 224] long accustomed to such bad courses. For Custom, we know, is a second na­ture, and where bad, they are not easily subdued by those that heartily desire and design it, how much less by Immoral men who if they amend, 'tis from a principle of fear; and therefore they will redeem every opportunity of infranchising themselves and get­ting loose from a restraint so trouble­some, and contrary to their inclinati­ons. Besides, how unwilling will they be to moderate their gain, lessen their number, which must necessarily be done, unless we will allow the men­tioned Inconveniencies, which cannot otherwise admit of a remedy. Be­sides, 'tis natural for some to be ambi­tious of practice, not only as it is gain­ful, but because it adds to their cre­dit and repute, conciliates them more respect, than people think ordinarily due to simple Apothecaries; and therefore to part with their imploy­ment in this kind, will not be with­out [Page 225] unspeakable regret and vexation. And besides, supposing, which is yet very improbable, that they should promise to keep within due limits, reform abuses, what other security can they give us besides their bare word or promise, which is so much the more unlikely to be valid; because, as I before intimated, it is not free but extorted: and 'tis absolutely impos­sible for any besides their own con­sciences to detect all their fraudulent practices. For though Physicians see and allow of their Ingredients, be­hold them mixed, what should hinder them, if any of the old Ferment remain, from increasing the quantity with bad Materials? And indeed, neither Laws of God nor Man, good Instructions, excellent Examples, or strict Ob­servance of their actions, can hinder those that are ill disposed from acting that secretly, which sinister respects keeps them from doing in publick. Therefore such a constitution of Phar­macy [Page 226] is desirable, where bad men shall be made good and faithful, ra­ther that where those that are inno­cent meet with daily temptations to be dishonest.

This will be accomplished by Phy­sicians taking it into their own hands; for then suppose them as bad as ma­lice, or the Apothecaries can render them, how little sense soever they re­tain of their duty, that of interest will strongly oblige them to have good Medicines. Machiavel some­where prudently advises, That if you would understand what mens designs or intentions are, learn what will con­duce most to promote their interest; and that they will chiefly aime at, although to the unwary Spectator, they may seem to look another way, and act another part then they intend. There are but two cases where this Maxim is ren­dred invalid. The one is, when men are over-awed with such a sense of Religion, as will not allow them to [Page 227] practice what they apprehend would be highly for their temporal advan­tage: but this is so far from hinder­ing the Physitian, that it is or ought to be the greatest incouragement he can meet with, the applauses and ac­quittances he will daily receive from his own conscience, proving an abun­dant recompense for the unusual trou­ble he will meet with in compounding and dispensing his own Remedies. The other occasion of invalidating the fore-quoted Maxime, is, when men mistake their interest and do not see it; which here is morally impossible for a Physitian's credit, and conse­quently his profit depending on the goodness and success of his Remedies, the better his Medicines are, the grea­ter will be his gain, the higher his re­pute: Whereas the Apothecary, let his Medicines be never so bad, runs little hazard, the Physitian only being usu­ally blamed if they cause people to miscarry; especially if the Apothe­cary [Page 228] can confidently affirm, that his Materials were choice, carefully and skilfully prepared, which they are ne­ver backward to do: adding, some­times such insinuations as have a ten­dency to disparage the Physitian, and introduce themselves, as was before intimated. Therefore now we proceed to shew that Physitians can manage Pharmacy. Secondly, That if they proceed in such Methods as we shall mention, or some other ana­logous great conveniencies, and ad­vantages to the Physician, and Pati­ent; nay, even to the publick, will be the result of such Procedures.

The Proposals that we make, are, That either every Physitian prepare and dispense his own Physick; or that they enter into Associations: either of which will be of great advantage to the publick. Nothing can in my opi­nion be objected against the first, un­less the Physitian himself pretend that it will be too great a trouble, and di­vert [Page 229] him too much from his other im­ployment, of visiting and advising the Sick, or consulting in private with his Books, Reason, and Experience, (as every honest Physitian doth) in order to the Recovery and Relief of his Pa­tients. Now to him that considers things attentively, this can be urged only by such Physitians as have a full imployment, which will afford them to keep in their own houses; or to have near them persons skilful in Pharmacy, whose only business it should be to provide such Medicines, whether Compound or Simple, as they shall have occasion to use in their practice, the Physitians directing and supervising them. So that supposing the Apothecary skilful, there will be little reason to fear miscarriages; for the Apothecary will have no tempta­tion to be unfaithful, because it will not benefit him, his gains not being contingent (as now) depending on the quantity of Physick he sells, his salary [Page 230] being we suppose fixt and certain. But rather on the contrary it is his in­terest to have the Physick as good as he can make it; for the greater suc­cess the Physitian hath, the more will be his imployment: and consequent­ly he will be the better able to gratifie the Apothecary for his care and trou­ble in preparing the Medicine he im­ployes so successfully. But suppose the Apothecary should have bad de­signs (which yet he can never have so long as he is in his wits) he will want opportunities to effect them; himself, and his Medicines being almost conti­nually under the Physitians inspecti­on, who allows no bad drugs admit­tance into his Operatory, and may if he please, see them mix'd and duly prepared.

But Physitians will be freed from much of this trouble, if they take the advice of that late judicious Wri­ter we have already cited, which is, That the most eminent among them [Page 231] entertain in their houses persons of three or four years standing in either of our Universities, who are to be received in the capacity, not of Ser­vants, but of young Students, Friends, or vertuous Companions, to be instru­cted in their worthy Profession; and brought up in the exercises of Anato­my, knowledge of Herbs, mixing and compounding of Medicines, (the drudgery resting on Servants) and visi­ting the sick under their direction: who when they are a little advanced, and studied in this Art, may be ap­pointed by the Physitian to observe Patients in his absence, and give him an account of their cases; by which means he will be ignorant of nothing material, although he be not there himself. They may also visit their La­boratories, and look after the Prepa­rations of those Medicines the Phy­sitians prescribe; which as it will much ease the antient, so it will be of great advantage to the young Physi­tian, [Page 232] who while he imployes his in­dustry in such services as these for the elder gains (besides what is learnt from Books and Authors) his long ex­perience sees his Patients, hears him discourse of their several Cases, consi­ders the Medicines provided for them, and observes their several effects: All which advantages are now given away in vain to Apothecaries, to whom the practice of Physick does not belong. And if this has been the course that all mankinde has ever taken to raise and propagate practical arts, and trades of daily use in humane life, why should it not be used in Physick, which is a practical Art of much greater conse­quence? especially if we consider how dangerous the errours of this Professi­on are, and how necessary a practical education is for any man that intends the exercise of it. And though some through pride or weakness disgrace this method as Mechanical; yet with­out doubt there are many ingenious [Page 233] young men in England, who would be very glad, and take it for a great honour to be thus received by some of the Grandees and great Practitioners: and their Friends think them well and honourably imployed.

But (to proceed in our discourse, which was interrupted by this season­able Digression) because young Phy­sitians, and such as have little imploy­ment cannot allow an Apothecary maintenance out of their small gain; it being therefore proposed, That Physitians enter into Societies or Com­binations, (which indeed they do natu­rally, and many such there are now in this City) more or fewer in a compa­ny, according as they have greater or less imployment: That these pro­vide a place which shall be the pub­lick Laboratory, for the preparing of all Physick, Chymical and Galenical. That they also procure one or more skilled in the Operations of both fa­culties; these to have, either the profit [Page 234] profit of all the Medicines that shall be prepared: or to have a certain sa­lary or allowance from the Physitians, yet to proceed to register Bills, and receive money, as if they were con­cerned only for themselves. So many Physitians frequenting the Laborato­ry, will be a double advantage; for if they meet with any new and ex­traordinary way of preparing any sort of Medicines, they will readily communicate it for the benefit of the Society: and so many supervising Drugs and Operations, it will be al­most impossible to erre, and difficult to cheat, if the Operator should have such a design, which would be the highest folly and madness in him who makes no benefit thereof, but is rather to his prejudice; as it will be also eminently of the Physitians, who therefore will not connive at, much less incourage, any Practices of that nature.

But to be more particular, the [Page 235] Reasons and Advantages of these pro­posals are very many, and of great Consideration.

For first, if this course be taken, It will free the Physician from much Anxiety and Hazard, from which, he cannot plead exemption (if an ob­serving considerative person) while he depends on the honesty, care, and skill of an Apothecary, in whom perhaps he hath little reason to con­fide, upon some or all of those ac­counts, I have already mentioned: Whereas now in this Constitution of Pharmacy, the Physitian will be satisfied his Medicines are good; and that he cannot be injured by the ma­lice or designe of unworthy, miscar­riages or mistakes of Ignorant or Careless Apothecaries.

2. This will also free the Patient from fears, jealousies, and dangers; to which, they will be subject so long as the Physitian shall repose so great a part of their trust in persons, who [Page 236] do seldome faithfully discharge what is committed to their care. How great a satisfaction will it be to them, for Physitians to put their affairs in such a Method, that all the Physick is prescribed, be prepared exactly after the Physitians direction? and That it will be very unlikely they should suf­fer from any of those mistakes and miscarriages, which have heretofore often happened? For the Patient knowing it is the Physitians interest to take care that his Medicines be pre­pared aright; that they are immedi­ately under his inspection; that the Operators have no bias clapt upon them, which should make them run aside, will throughly acquiesce in all that shall be done: which quiet­ness, composure, and satisfaction, will promote the Cure, according to that of Galen, Plures sanat, cui plures fidunt. There is greatest success where people have most confidence. Which in this case is far from presumption; [Page 237] For I see no reason, why they may not promise to themselves, and expect better success from Medicines, that are contrived with skill, and are pre­pared with the greatest care; than from such as are carelesly and slightly made, or which is worse, Adulterated. Which brings to my mind a third Ad­vantage.

3. If this course be taken, it will render Physick more successful. For Medicines will be better prepared, than now they are, the Physician taking care himself to have nothing but what is good; which he could not so well do, when it was made up out of his sight. Besides, He is under a ne­cessity of taking greater care to have all he uses very good, and most exact­ly prepared; for no man can now lay any miscarriage on the neglect or ignorance of an Apothecary. It rests altogether on himself, and he becomes responsible for it.

Further, the Profession of Physick [Page 238] will be exercised with greater success, if Physitians prepare and dispense their own Medicines, than now it is; because then, all sorts of men would apply themselves immediately to the Physitian, whereby he will have opportunities of seeing the disease in its first rise, which gives him a mighty advantage, for the true understanding and cure of it. Whereas now it is the unhappiness of the Physitian (and indeed chiefly of the Patient) that he is never almost sent for, till things are brought to extremity, and all opportunities of curing neer lost; Whereas if the Disease had been encountred in the first rise of it, with powerful and convenient Medica­ments, the Patient had been again re­stored to health: whose life it may be must now answer for the first omissi­on. Besides, that the Disease if met in the beginning, is often carried off with a little matter; which neglected, requires a long and troublesome [Page 239] course: Not to insist on this, that more coming than formerly to the Physitian, enlarges his business, and experience. Neither is it a mean convenience, that Physitians will have no temptations, to recede from experimented Methods and Medi­cines, which I fear now they some­times do, especially if they are easie, or obvious, lest they should bring themselves into contempt with Apo­thecaries, and discover their practice; so as they might use it to their preju­dice, which is now frequently done. Neither need they adde more Ingre­dients than are necessary, or those that are of great price, and little effi­cacy to serve dishonourable Interests. And preparing themselves the Phy­sick they give, will help them better to remember what had a good effect, and which had not, ot failed; and how to accomodate themselves to the same persons at other times.

4. This will mightily abate the [Page 240] charge and expense of Physick, the Physitians being contented with such moderate prices for their Medicines, as will discharge what they expend for Drugs in their Laboratories, among Servants and Operators; so that if at the years end their receipts for Me­dicines amount to so much as they have expended on them, it is all they promise themselves, or expect from others. For the Physitian will not, as the Apothecary now doth, depend upon the gain of the Physick he sells to such as come to him; but as he did before upon the Fees which he re­ceives from persons of condition and ability, when he is sent for out of his own house: for the trouble of selling his own Physick, he takes upon him only to advance the publick Interest, satisfie himself more in his own Pro­fession, minister to the necessities of the poor, and consult the greater secu­rity of all. Now the charge of Phar­macy (upon a modest compute) if [Page 241] this course be taken, will not arise to a sixth part of what is now paid to­wards it; for we can buy Druggs as cheap as any retail, Apothecaries, and every Physitian or Association of them, knowing what Compositions they shall chiefly have occasion for, such only are prepared, and so much of them, as they conjecture may be suf­ficient, till they have an opportunity again to make them, which shall al­ways be when the Ingredients are fullest of vertue and vigour. By which means they will avoid that great loss of Medicines which is frequent in an honest Apothecaries shop, where many Compositions are made, that are not used six times in a year; may perhaps not once in six years, as I have heard many of them seriously protest: which must necessarily occasion great losses, unless they are kept till they have op­portunities to vend them, as most of them do, although they retain nothing of the Medicine, they once were, be­sides [Page 242] the Name. So that in this case the Apothecary is inevitably exposed either to be a looser, or become dis­honest, This is to the prejudice of the patient, the other of himself, who must endeavour to repair his losses, by inhauncing the prizes of those that remain; which doth also obliquely reflect on the patient, although of the two 'tis more excusable, and both of them are avoided, by the expedi­ent we have proposed; Where the Medicines will be assuredly good, the Physitians interest obliging him to look to that, and withal afforded cheap, I mean at the same prizes they cost him; Physitians being a­bundantly requited for their care and pains in seeing to the preparing their own Medicines by the success they will have, and by it's necessary Conco­mitant, a full Imployment. But sup­pose a Physitian should sell his Phy­sick to the meaner sort of people, who give him nothing for his advice, as [Page 243] dear as the Apothecary now doth, it is still a great benefit to them, they ha­ving advice and Physick too for the same rate they paid for Physick alone.

5. The leaving off the common way of sending Patients to the Apo­thecaries, will be a great case to the publike; especially to the poorer sort of people, to whom now the Physi­tian will have a fair advantage of be­ing charitable, and exceedingly help­ful as he will be: either if he let them have their Physick at the same price it cost him, bestow it on them freely or (which I suppose will be most usual) teach them how to prepare it themselves. For it's well known that Physitians who are Masters of method, and well acquainted with the Medi­cinal properties of simples, do often effect great cures, by means, which to an injudicious Person will seem slight or trivial. And indeed if we seriously consider things, we cannot but con­clude that nature hath made perhaps [Page 244] no less plentiful provision of remedies for the poor than for the rich, that Diseases may be cured in the absence of Aurum potabile and costly Elixirs; without Magisterial Syrups, Apozems or other chargeable Compositions. We have I perswade my self Medi­cines at our doors▪ or neer us; we need only gather, and slightly prepare them, and certainly 'tis no great la­bour or trouble to make an Infusion or Decoction, to express the juyce, or dry the herb▪ and employ the powder: and yet these easie and obvi­ous Preparations are oftentimes (per­haps usually) no less effectual then those which are more elaborate. Now of how great advantage is it to the poor to be adopted Apothecaries by the Physitian; and instructed how to make their own physick, which costs them nothing but a little labour? These otherwise by reason of poverty must commit all to Nature, whereby they are often exposed to a manifest [Page 245] hazard; and many die who if they had seasonably consulted the Physi­tian might have been rescued with some common familiar remedy. Be­sides we shall frequently have op­portunities of obliging the poor in another way; For Physitians having for their patients many Ladies, Gentlewomen and other Persons of Consideration or Qualitys, whose charitable inclinations dispose them not only to feed and clothe the poor, but also to supply them with Phy­sick, if they knew what was proper for their Diseases, now a Physitian knowing what Distempers are most frequent in his neighbourhood, can instruct them what provision they should make in Order to their Cure, of Drugs, Simple distilled Waters, Syrups, Conserves, Spirituous or Cordial-waters; and those much bet­ter then any which are made in the Apothecaries shops. For I should sup­press truth, if I did not acknowledge [Page 246] to the honour of that Curious Sex, that all those preparations they them­selves make, are much superior to any the Apothecaries can produce. Now what I have mentioned, is not a meer supposition, or a thing desi­rable; but is daily practiced by many tender, sweet-natur'd Creatures: and if all Physitians improve the Interest they have in Wealthy, Generous Pa­tients, I perswade my self it will be­come a general Practice. Which if it should, as these gallant persons will be commended by all men, and be­loved by those towards whom they exercise this beneficial Charity; so without doubt these Actions will be acceptable to God, and have their reward in this life, and in that which is to come.

6. This will be of high advantage to Physitians, and those Patients of theirs that live in the Country, where multitudes miscarry, (and many even among the Gentry,) either under bad [Page 247] or for want of good Physick. For the Country Apothecaries not having certain vent for their Medicines, and few among them being well skilled in their Composition, to avoid charge and trouble, buy such things▪ as they have most frequently occasion for, of London Apothecaries who sell Me­dicines cheaper than the others can make them; and well they may, they being either the refuse of their Shops, or fraudulently compounded, I mean, made either with old or perished Drugs: or else they leave out the most costly, which are often the most effectual and active Ingredients. Now Physitians in the Country comporting with the common way of sending pre­scripts to the Apothecary, especially those that concern persons of Qua­lity; Which Physick, what effects it is like to have, I leave to others to con­jecture; for my own part I will not af­firm, That any are dispatched by it (though we have little reason to be­lieve [Page 248] bad Physick can have good effects) but of this I am most certain, that it lets many die (which is little better) whom probably it would have restored, had it been such as the Physitian presumes the Apothecary is furnished with. And but that it is contrary to my na­ture, and the design of this Discourse, to divulge any thing which might be a reproach to particular persons, I could name several gallant Gentlemen, exceedingly beloved in their Coun­tries, wherein they were very useful; who miscarried, as is verily thought (by those that are competent Judges) between the neglect and baseness of the Country and City Apothecaries. Whereas, when it shall be once de­clared by the Colledge of Physitians, That it shall be accounted to disgrace for any to prepare their own Physick; this will be the most pleasing News that can come to Physitians who live remote from great Cities, and have hitherto abstained from that practice, [Page 249] only to maintain their reputation, the Apothecaries and their adherents, endeavouring to blast the repute of those that provide, and give their Me­dicines themselves; branding them, in all Companies, with the ignomini­ous Titles of Empirick, and Mounte­banck: which injurious design often takes effect among those half-witted people, that are greater admirers of Formality, than Realities. But the Colledge having published such a Declaration, as I have mentioned, Physitians will receive greater encou­ragement from discerning persons, who certainly will be best satisfied with their Physick, when they have it from the Physitian himself, which surely will be as good as he can con­trive or [...]ke; otherwise he will ruine his Patient, his Reputation, and indeed himself by the loss of his livelyhood, and subsistence: for now if the sick miscarry, from any defects in the Phy­sick, the Physitian only can be blamed, [Page 250] it proceeding from his ignorance, or neglect, that he provided not better. Besides, in many parts of England, there are no Apothecaries, or the people are so poor, that the expense of Physick is intolerable to them; and therefore the Physitian cannot help them, if he prescribe only Shop-Me­dicines.

Now, Is it not a great shame, that Physicians should not be able to teach the poor, how to provide themselves with sutable Remedies? especially in the Country where Nature hath open so rich and large a shop, stored with all those materials Physitians can have occasion for, who want only the know­ledge of their virtues, or how to pre­pare them: with both which they will better acquaint themse [...]es, when they leave off the Apothecaries, and take Pharmacy into their own hands, which brings to my mind, those other Advantages that will attend such a state of Physick.

[Page 251] 7. Physitians preparing their own Medicines, and giving or selling them to the poor, without expecting any thing for advice, is a great advantage to the Publick, as it overthrows the practice of persons that are ignorant of the Art of Physick, who now take on them to Administer it, to the great prejudice and dammage of the people; especially the meaner sort, who now the charge of advice is taken away, and that of Physick lessened, will much more willingly address themselves to sober intelligent Phy­sitians, than to Apothecaries, and other Quacks or Mountebanks.

8. This improvement of Physick will be of great advantage to Philo­sophy.

First, Because thereby the practice of Physick being taken from those who have hitherto usurped it, and intirely secured to sober, learned Phy­sitians, will afford them somewhat more than an handsome subsistance; [Page 252] which of all persons living, they are most capable of improving, and most ready to imploy in Physiological Re­searches. This overplus will enable them to be much conversant with Anatomical experiments, not only a­bout Man, but other Animals; that by comparing their structures, they may attain to the knowledge of the true and natural uses of each part: they will also busie themselves more about the investigation of the nature and properties of Simples, and be more frequent in the practice of their composition; and some it's probable will engage deeply in Chymistry, a most noble Invention, which seems equally calculated for the benefit of Medicine, and Advantage of Philo­sophy.

But Secondly, Pharmacy being in the hands of Physitians, will give them many and great opportunities of advancing the Knowledge of Nature; Because (as a Learned person hath ju­diciously [Page 253] observed) Physitians will then be frequently invited to take notice of many excellent Phaenomena, for the use and service of Philosophy, which now pass unregarded in the hands of Apo­thecaries and their Servants. ‘Besides, that by observing the several muta­tions which happen in the Preparati­on of Medicines, as well Simple as Compound, they will be assisted to consider what effects may happen up­on their mixture with the blood or other juyces of the body; and give a great light to the Reasons of all the Appearances of Health and Sick­ness.’

But above all other parts of Phar­macy, Chymistry will most transcen­dently manifest its usefulness, in re­ference to the improvement of Phi­losophy; which it doth most signally promote, by discovering the nature and properties of those Subjects, which are exposed to its Operations: as it gives us a great insight into the [Page 254] nature of those simple affections of Bodies, we call Qualities, The know­ledge whereof is the basis of a solid natural Philosophy; as it acquaints us with the constitutive Principles of most Bodies, whether Vegetable, Animal, or Mineral; informes us what are the great Principles or Springs of action in the production, preservation, and destruction, or dissolution of all Con­cretes. In a word, there is no part of Natural Philosophy, which it doth' not highly illustrate and enrich, with many noble experiments and obser­vations which would pass unheeded by common, incurious Chymists or Operators: But will be highly im­proved by judicious, observing Phy­sicians, in Order to the increasing our knowledge of Nature, and our Power over her, which are the main intenti­ons of Philosophy.

9. Physitians taking Pharmacy into their own hand, will be a profitable means of improving it. For first, it [Page 255] may be a means of inlarging the extent of the Materia Medica; and therein chiefly our knowledge of their Speci­fical Virtues. For then, there will be a more immediate converse between Physitians, Druggists, and Merchants; which will be an occasion of bringing into use many excellent Drugs we know nothing of, but what we read in Authors: by whose directions, Phy­sitians can give them advice where they may be procured; how to dis­criminate the good from the bad, the Genuine from such as are Spurious, and Sophisticated; they can also in­form the Merchants or Druggists how to preserve many of them, which for want of a little care or skill, loose most of their virtues, before they ar­rive at these parts. And as to what belongs to the Specifick properties of Simples, It is generally acknowled­ged, that of late they have been too much neglected. Now this is the only way to retrieve and improve that [Page 256] knowledge, which will, I am per­swaded, be greatly enlarged by some new ways of Analyzing Vegetables lately invented; and which will be suddenly communicated. From which we may derive fair conjectures, not only what their Constitutive Princi­ples are, and what proportion of each Principle is in every Concrete; but some other hints will be given by some, of these Methods of Operating on them, which will not meanly con­duce to discover their hidden proper­ties: of which I must say no more at present. Whereas it's well known that the Apothecaries have very little of Curiosity, being rarely tempted to make any experiment, out of the Road of our Dispensatory: So that Pharmacy may degenerate, as it doth daily, every one striving to make Me­dicines cheaper, but few being con­cerned to have them better than others. Now Physitians, as they are more judicious; and understand the [Page 257] grounds of Pharmacy much better than the Apothecaries, as may ap­pear by some of their accurate wri­tings on this subject; and may be seen in their ordinary prescriptions; many whereof are as exact, and the Ingre­dients no less Judiciously dispos'd, than in those processes we find in Pharmacopoeas. They are also ac­quainted with many excellent Chy­mical and Galenical Preparations which have been either Invented, or published, since our Dispensatory was last revised; and most know bet­ter Methods of preparing many of those Medicines that come frequently in use, as of simple distilled Waters, Syrups, Spirits, Extracts, Tinctures, Magisteries, as also of several Elabo­rate Preparations which may be made in less time, and with less expense then they now are, some Ingredients being superfluous, adding nothing but trouble, and expense to the good­ness of the Preparation. Farther it [Page 258] being, as I have shewed, the Interest of every Physitian to have his Medi­cines well made, there will arise a generous emulation between Com­binations, who shall exceed in that kind, which will put them on con­trivance and Experiments. The result whereof must necessarily be of Pub­lique advantage; for somewhat amiss in former preparations will daily be discovered and corrected, instead of which, additions and improvements may be made: so that probably in a few years, Pharmacy will be very dif­ferent from what it now is, and greater success will attend better Medicines, Which will heighten the honour of that Noble profession which seems now to languish for want of some such Remedy; add to the repute of Physitians; and be highly beneficial to the Patient, whose di­seases will be cured more certainly, speedily, with greater security, and more pleasure (if there is any in cour­ses of Physick.)

[Page 259] And here, since I have taken the li­berty to reflect (a little unhandsome­ly, it may seem to some) on our own Dispensatory, I am forced to make a digression. The substance whereof is, that 'tis not my Opinion only; but the perswasion of most Physitians who are but indifferently acquainted with those Methods of preparing Medi­cines, which are of recent invention, That our Dispensatory is so far from being arrived at the highest degree of perfection, that on the contrary it is most manifestly, and in many respects very defective, abounding with pom­pous Prescriptions, some whereof seldom, if ever, come in use; And ma­ny Compound Remedies have been recently invented or divulged, which are of greater efficacy and larger ex­tent than the best our Dispensatory can boast of. Besides in many of the Pre­scriptions that are of frequent use, there are superfluous Ingredients, which add indeed to the trouble and charge [Page 260] we are at in compounding them; but little to the vertues of the Medi­cines, which would be better display­ed, if they were omitted, the Prepara­tions being rather clog'd than impro­ved by them. And besides, Modern Industry, and Invention, hath found our better Manuals or Methods of Compounding Medicines, whereby the Ingredients are better opened, more exactly mixed, and in some more highly depurated; I mean, where the Active parts are freed from those gross useless portions of their bodies, which hindred them from exerting their salutary properties. And there are many Natural, Genuine, easie Me­thods of preparing Simples, especial­ly Vegetable, whereby their whole Crasis is preserved intire, their ver­tues being rather heightned, then in the least impaired; which taken in a small Dose are more effectual than whole pounds of the Vulgar waters, Syrups or Electuaries. And as they [Page 261] are not ingrateful to the palate; So neither doth the Stomach Nauseate them. And they have this further priviledge, that in some years their vertue doth not sensibly decay, not are they subject to corruption, as the shop-Preparations; and yet nei­ther Honey, Sugar nor any Saccha­rine substance is imployed to pre­serve them, their own simplicity or their being exactly freed from gross unsutable parts, which are usually the occasional causes of fermentation and putrefaction, rendering them less liable to these destructive opera­tions. Besides it hath been the com­plaint of Physitians for many ages, that Flowers which seem to be made up of the most fine and active parts of the whole Vegetable, and are probably enobled with Extraordinary vertues, do, in most of the Operations they are exposed to, loose those subtile portions of matter, from which we might pro­mise our selves great effects. And I [Page 262] confess it seems highly probable to me, that flowers are the Compendium of the whole plant, and possess more of their Medical vertues in a little room, than is contained in a far greater quantity of leaves, stalk, root, or fruit; and the wise contriver of the Universe seems to have destined them chiefly for Medicine. I shall not here mention those reasons and experi­ments which inspire me with this perswasion; only this I dare affirm, that they afford more Noble Medicines, if truly prepared, than any other part of the Vegetable: at least so far as I have made tryal. Now the shops employ the flowers, either dried, and then a great part of the Volatile active parts are exhaled, which being after decocted leave behind them a scarce sensible impression of their pre­fence; Or else they are beat up with Sugar into Conserves, which doth, as I could manifest at large, al­most wholly change the properties of [Page 263] these otherwise Active substances: The same happens also in Syrups and all other preparations, where Sugar is imployed. For although many perswade themselves that Su­gar is a most Innocent thing, keep­ing Simples and their parts from putrefaction; and that it doth not make the least change in the Vege­tables, it is imployed to preserve: yet by their leave I do assert that it is highly questionable, whether simples mixed therewith do not loose ma­ny of those Properties, with which by nature they were endowed, Su­gar being an Active body, a sweet Salt (for so it may be styled with­out a Soloecisme, I having often made a Salt sweeter then Sugar of In­gredients either very Acid, or ex­ceeding Fiery) and is a potent Menstruum or dissolver of bodies. And though Metals are commonly reputed indestructible, it being well known that they are recovered from [Page 264] all ordinary Solvents, the same Me­tals without any alterations that they were when first exposed to their Actions; for notwithstanding that they are sometimes disguised, ap­pearing in the form of Volatile Salts, lovely Crystals, or are brought over in the form of an Oyl swim­ing on water (both which I have had my self from them) nevertheless after all these Operations, the Metals are easily reduced into the same for weight, colour and other proper­ties: and yet the Calces of these seemingly indestructible bodies, by a slight manual with Sugar over a Kitchin fire are so strangely alter­ed, that none of the ordinary ways of Reduction will recover them their Metalline form. And so mild an Ingredient of Medicines as Ho­ney, only by Distillation is made, as Corrosive and pernicious as any Aqua fortis made with Salt-Pe­ter and Vitriol, dissolving Metals [Page 265] much after the same manner. If then Sugar and Honey may, and do probably often superinduce another Texture, and other qualities than they found in Vegetables, destroy­ing the former, it were advisable, that besides these Preparations we used others, at least on extraordi­nary occasions; wherein the vertues of the simples are preserved more intire: and wherein much is con­centred in a little room. I will not deny but there is more trouble in making the latter, than the former; but extraordinary suc­cess will be an abundant recom­pense for the expence of time and trouble, the charge being rather in­feriour, or at least but equal to what the vulgar Shop-Medicines now cost: a small Dose of those being likely to prove more effectu­all then a great Quantity of these. And as for Flowers which occasion­ed this digression by a most facile [Page 266] and natural method without any additament, or so much as the help of Culinary fire, they may be converted into Liquors exceedingly Spirituous; and which may be kept without loss of vertue many years. But of this the world will shortly, I suppose, have a more particular account; and therefore I shall let it pass without any further Illustra­tion.

ut if it be enquired, What Pre­parations of Vegetables they are, which are pretended to retain the whole Crasis and Vertues of the Vegetables intire?B

I answer, The Essences made by Distillation, per descensum, in the Sun, which by other easie Operations, are further purified and exalted: the Es­sential Salts of Vegetables, I mean not the vulgar, but such as have the exact tast and smell of the Vegetables that afforded them, whose active parts are most evidently united in the [Page 267] Crystalline Salts, as appears by the effects; as also from this, that if the Capious faeces be Distilled, they yield only an insipid Phlegm, and a very small portion of gross faeculent Empy­reumatical Oyl: and afterwards the Caput Mortuum calcined never so long, yields no fixed Salt, which is in ano­ther form in the Essential, united with the active Principles of Spirit and Oyl, as appears upon Distillation. But be­sides these, the Essences of Vegetables made by the union of their pungent vinous Spirits, essential Oyles, and highly depurate fixed Salts, which by iterated Cohobations become a simi­lar Liquor, wherein the Principles are inseparably united, are noble Re­medies; and though I do not affirm, that they retain all the Specifical pro­perties of their Vegetables: yet I per­swade my self, that if they want any, this defect is abundantly supplyed by the acquest of new, which perhaps in many cases are much superiour to [Page 268] what we could expect from the crude plant, most exactly appropriated. And that in a word I may manifest, how great alterations may be made on Vegetables by slight means, I will mention one Method more of dealing with them; whereby without any other additament than what they may re­ceive from the Air, the leaves of all Vegetables being duly fermented and distilled, yield copiously a Liquour which rectified, is not to be distin­guished from Spirit of Blood, Soot, Harts-horn, or other urinous Spirits or Salts: and mixed with highly de­phlegmed Spirit of wine, they concoa­gulate into the Offa alba. And though some herbs, as Wormwood, Carduus Benedictus, Mugwort, &c. yield it more plentifully then others; yet all yield so much that a large Retort filled only with common Grass thus ordered, gives at least a pint of this subtile, vo­latile Spirit: which if often rectified, appeares in a Saline form, and is as [Page 269] penetrating and fugitive, as the Salt of fermented Urine. As for the Caput mortuum, in vain do you expect a fixt Salt in it; That being made such by the action of the Fire; it being vo­latile not fixed in the Vegetable, as this natural way of Analysis evinces. I have by me an intire discourse on this subject; wherein there is a great vari­ety (I had almost said infinity) of expe­riments and observations. And some­times I am apt to flatter my self into a belief, that this is the true, genuine, and universal way of extricating the component Principles of Vegetables; and that it will give us a greater in­sight into their nature, than any thing which hath been hitherto made pub­lick. Besides, there appear during these Operations many things, which will prove highly instructive to those that Philosophize on other Subjects. But to return into the way from which we were diverted, I affirm.

[Page 270] That, Physitians preparing and di­spensing their own Medicines will be of great advantage to the Publike, as it confirms the health of the weak, and rescues many from diseases, who would otherwise faint under them, This addition to the number of the living, and increase of their strength, being of no mean importance, the ho­nour and prosperity of a Nation con­sisting in a multitude of sound minds animating healthful bodies; whereby they are rendred fit for the Arts of War and Peace. And therefore, we may presume that publick persons, whether the most supreme or subor­dinate Magistrates, will be so far from opposing such a reformation as this we design; that they will give us all the encouragement and assistance we can desire. And questionless, if there be any Impediments or Obstacles, which Physitians themselves cannot remove, as I hope there are not many, they have reason to rest assured; that [Page 271] our Great and Wise Counsel will in such cases interpose their Authority, which will extirpate whatsoever op­poses it self to so just and advantage­ous designs. For where any thing is of publick advantage, what should hinder its proposers from expecting publick Countenance? It being well known, that in all well founded Con­stitutions where there is a union of interests, there will be united Coun­sels and Endeavours. And we may farther encourage our selves from hence, that they who are so tender of every mans propriety, that they ac­count every invasion thereof, an inju­ry done to themselves, will not deny their assistance to Physitians, whose propriety also is strangely invaded, the Usurpers now being almost ready to plead Prescription. And besides, we suppose that they who are so much concerned to keep every man in quiet possession of his own estate, will not be wanting to those who would endea­vour [Page 272] to render them more secure of their lives; which are of somewhat greater value. And that the lives of many are frequently indangered by ignorant, bold, daring Apothecaries and Empiricks, hath been made suf­ficiently manifest.

But besides all this, If Physick be really, as is pretended, a useful Sci­ence, the Publick ought to take care it do not degenerate; and that its wor­thy Professors be not discouraged, or deprived of an honourable subsi­stance. For it hath been ever obser­ved, That where any Art receives greatest encouragement, there it usu­ally arises to its highest perfection; and where its much slighted, there it soo­nest declines: The Artists either lea­ving those places, or applying them­selves to the study and exercise of more profitable imployments. This will be exactly the case of Physick, which whilest it is established in that degree of Honour and Esteem it [Page 273] may justly challenge, and the Profes­sors thereof are liberally rewarded, and duly respected: this countenance will exceedingly heighten their Indu­stry, and put them on Actions which may manifest to the World, that they do, in some measure, deserve the fa­vour it shews them. So that some will cultivate the Anatomy both of the bo­dy and its humours, endeavour to ac­quaint themselves and the World with the admirable Fabrick and use of those parts whereof Man is composed, and the nature of those humours which produce such admirable effects as are dayly observed. They will ne­ver cease till they have investigated the nature of the stomach's ferment, a Menstruum so universal, that there is scarcely any Animal Vegetable, nay, even Mineral substances, which can elude its dissolving property, they being all by it reduced into a seeming­ly homogeneous milky liquor; they will then enquire how this comes to [Page 274] be tincted with a noble purple dye, which they find it puts on soon after its admission into the bloud, and how that nourishes all parts, leaving with each what is suitable to its nature, and then returns again for fresh sup­plies, running this round without in­termission till death puts a period to its Course. They will further examine the frame of the Lungs, the nature and properties of that air whereby they are dilated, its use in reference to respiration, and whence it is that we cannot subsist a minute without it. They will also more attentively con­sider the nature of the Nervous li­quor, and that truly admirable effect thereof, Muscular motion; where small chords, by means of a little spirituous Juyce, helped with an advantageous situation, perform actions which would appear stupendous if they were not common: And are a Subject which hath hitherto sufficiently exercised the greatest Wits later or former Ages [Page 275] ever produced: But nothing will more deserve their attentive consideration than the propagation of the Species, in which process there is not a greater or more pleasant variety than obscurity: The one serves to excite Desire, the other to heighten Industry; and there is no Physician, who hath any spark of Curiosity, or sense of his Duty, and sufficient Encouragement, but will endeavour to acquaint himself with these great Processes of Nature; I mean, the preparation of the food, its Distribution, Respiration, Muscular motion, and Generation: To which we may add, the exclusion of what is useless or burdensome. And then he can be no longer a stranger to her re­gular actings, and knows what are most likely to continue them such without interruption. But before this excellent Person we would here cha­racterize, I mean, a true Physitian, attains to this knowledge he is at the expense of much money, time, and [Page 276] trouble; for howsoever Providence might deal with the Protoplast, the wisest of Kings, or others in former Ages, and whatsoever some now pre­tend to the contrary, we cannot find that this Skill comes by inspiration, but is the result of innumerable Ex­periments and Observations. One dis­section of a dead man is not sufficient to inform him of his frame, doth not learn him the use or function of each part; he converses with many other Animals living or dead, whereon he makes numerous experiments, which by Analogy and Induction he aptly applies to Man. Neither doth his lear­ned toyl here end, this is but the Praeludium and most pleasant part thereof. He is forced therefore to con­sider the body of Man, not only as an Engine of curious and admirable contrivance, of unmatchable work­manship, wherein nothing besides beauty and order appears: But also as a Machine, which consisting of ma­ny [Page 277] parts, and having great variety of motions, is often out of order, seldom long performing them all with the grea­test exactness, but sometimes gives the skilful Artist an opportunity to mani­fest that he knows much of its nature and contrivance, by redressing what was amiss, and some waies supplying its defects. It is needless to mention those many diseases Man is subject to, there being no person that under­stands himself, and others, who hath not a Scheme of them in his memory; and yet, although the Anomalies mans body is subject to are so numerous, and many among them appear ex­ceedingly formidable to most Specta­tors; they may be all removed by the skill of a Judicious Physitian. But how great is his care, how unspeak­able his trouble, before he attain to the knowledge of the Symptomes and cure of Diseases? How often is his mind upon a Rack, and he frequently perhaps too anxiously solicitous for [Page 278] his afflicted neighbour? He makes it his business to enquire into all those helps Nature or Art can afford him, which may prove conducive to pro­mote their recovery; he many waies examines Simples, and uses all means to extort from them a Confession of their nature, deliberates whether he should imploy them in their simpli­city, slightly, or more elaborately pre­pared; and when he hath determi­ned, administers them with all due Circumstances. Now, surely to in­form himself of the Medicinal pro­perties of Simples, to know how skil­fully to mix, compound, and sutably apply them, as it is no mean Art, so neither is it an easie labour, or an or­dinary trouble, whether he derive his knowledge from those that have pre­ceeded him in the same Faculty, or from his own personal observations. And if Physitians, who are of so clear Judgments, so unparallel'd for Indu­stry, have no more respect or consi­deration [Page 279] than mean, empty, shallow pretenders, we have reason to fear that hereafter persons of great Abili­ties and liberal Education will scorn to look towards a Faculty which, though noble and honourable in its own nature, is so low and mean in the esteem of the World▪ that every per­son who hath the confidence to affirm he is a Physitian, although perfectly ignorant of the Rudiments of Physick, shall yet have no less countenance from the Publick, than those gallant persons, who after a long courtship have rendered nature familiar, are ac­quainted with the causes and cure of diseases, and who have so well deser­ved of Mankind, that I cannot but marshal them next to those Divine Persons, who also, as these, are often slighted and neglected, although of them the World is not worthy.

But it is now fit I should leave these idle melancholy speculations, and pre­sage better things of the Publick, and [Page 280] to sober learned Physitians. For I per­swade my self, I may promise them from Authority encouragement, and assistance proportionable to their care and success; both which will be more conspicuous, if they prepare their own Medicines: which I most passionately commend to their Consideration. And that this Proposition may meet with a kind Reception, and be more readily entertained, I will endeavour to return satisfactory replies to to whatsoever can be objected a­gainst it, by either Apothecaries or Physitians: For the most Noble de­signs have ever met with great opposi­tion, and sometimes a proposal, which was made with a sincere intention of Publike benefit, hath occasioned the ruine or been otherwise prejudicial to the propounders; which would hap­pen in this Case, supposing the Event of affairs did depend on the will of Apothecaries. But howsoever if they are resolute, and determine unani­mously [Page 281] to oppose all reformation, (which is sufficiently probable) they, and most of those that are tied to their Interests by alliances, will en­deavour to possess the people where­soever they come, with an Opinion of the injustice, and unreasonableness of the Physitians cause, and as plausi­bly as they can maintain their own pretensions; whereby they may pos­sess many with prejudices against a most honest and Honourable design, who would otherwise have promoted it: For hearing the plea, but of one party which, if they proceed at the usual Rate, will be well stuffed with falsities, denying many matters of fact, which are notoriously scandalous, and producing things in their own behalf, which almost every Physitian can ea­sily disprove. So that those persons, whom they shall thus abuse, appre­hending they are engaged in a good cause, may unawares oppose Truth and Equity, contrary to their Intention; [Page 282] which they had never done, but through misinformation. Besides the Apothecaries may urge (where they have not confidence to deny truths as visible as the Sun) that these de­signs of Reforming them are indeed fine spun Speculations, but can no ways be reduced to Practice; That if the hedge be once broken, and the Apothecaries discountenanced, it will occasion greater inconveniences then those, for which the Physitians design a remedy.

The Inconveniences are some such as these,

First, It will be an Act of great cruelty, advisedly to design the Ruine of so many Persons, who have most of them families to make Provision for. Besides that it will be a great injury to the Publike.

To this we answer, that the Physi­tians design no mans ruine, their in­tentions are Innocent, Rational, and such as will approve themselves to all [Page 283] the world; And I suppose they are so far from deserving blame for En­deavouring to reform abuses, which have crep't into their Faculty, that, on the Contrary among wise people, they will meet with great Commen­dation and Encouragement: And for the Apothecaries to oppose them, be­cause their credit by such proceed­ings will be Eclipsed, and their dis­honest gain diminished, is, (pardon the Comparison) like Demetrius and the Silver Smith's opposing the Apo­stle, because, if the people hearkned to his wholsome Counsels, their Trade would fall to decay; a wor­thy way of Argumentation, and such as is in the mouth, only of selfish persons, who are more eager on their Private gain, then the Publike good. And the Apothecaries being so little concerned for that, I admire with what confidence they can ex­pect the Publike should be so deeply engaged with them in a Quarrel [Page 284] against those who are it's best friends, and fall out with the Apothecaries, only because they are enemies to the Publike; as most certainly they are if the least part of that be true we have affirmed of them which whether it be, let the world first examine, and after determine. So that if the mentioned plea of the Apothecaries pass for le­gitimate and valid, what sort or pro­fession of men is there so base, and vile, which may not use the same Argument? Coyners, Robbers, Cut­purses, Sophisticaters of wine, who all pretend necessity of acting as they do, that otherwise they cannot sub­sist, but the Law is so far from ap­proving of such idle pretences, that it deservedly, orders severe punish­ments, for such as shall by fraud or force deprive men of their Propreity. And shall we animadvert with so great severity on those that take away unjustly an inconsiderable portion of a mans Estate, without which he [Page 285] can well subsist, and at the same time take no notice of him, that shall deprive men of health, and some­times life? This were like fishing with that strange net, which keeps little fish and dismisses the greater: There is no reason we should punish offen­ders for slight faults, and find excu­ses and evasions for such as are guilty of greater crimes. In short ‘where the continuance of a few disorderly persons in any place, employment, or Publike capacity, is inconsistent with the good and Welfare of the Community, it is so far from in­justice, and cruelty to reject them, that it were both, should we do o­therwise,’ which is the very case of the Apothecaries, if their Me­dicines and practices be so danger­ous, as we have reported them. But to be more particular in our reply, be­cause some deceit may be concealed in universals; First, I say if it be so great cruelty to ruine many men in [Page 286] their Estates, how much greater is it to expose as many, not once in an age, but every year, to a manifest hazard of loss of health, or life which are so much more considerable, that the Estates and wealth of all the Apo­thecaries put into the balance against the life of the meanest person in these Nations, the latter will surely Pre­ponderate. Therefore when we are in such straits, that of two inconve­niences we can avoid but one, none but an Imprudent or mad person will make choice of the greatest: But this is not our present Case. For all such Apothecaries, as are found to be upright and honest, shall be well provided for; and the remainder may addict themselves to other pro­fessions: If they pretend unskilfulness, no one will regard that frivolous al­legation, who observes their frequent intrusions into the Practise of Physick. For w ^ch, by what hath been said▪ they appear more unfit, then for any Me­chanical [Page 287] or other imployment; to the knowledge of whose Mysteries and Intricacies they may certainly much sooner arrive, then of so profound a Science as Physick. But to put a Pe­riod to this Reply the Apotheca­ries may consider, that there are in this famous City, and many other parts of England a great number of Ingenious Persons, whose ill fortune it was to addict themselves to the study of Physick, (for the event plainly shews it was their unhappiness) these after great expense of Money, after long and intense Study, being become well Qualify'd for the Practice there­of, cannot have a subsistence, the Apothecaries having more in their own hands then would be a sufficient maintenance for some hundred such persons, who are under so great discouragements, through the Cove­teousness and Injustice of the Apo­thecaries, as none can imagine, be­sides those that converse with them. [Page 288] Now to retort the Apothecaries ar­gument upon themselves with advan­tage, we say, that it is a high piece of Cruelty and Injustice for the Apothecaries to deprive so many Learned, Ingenious Persons of a means to subsist. And I make full account that the Practice which is in the Apothecaries hand is as much their due, as an inheritance, which is held from the right owner by the Ar­tifice of some usurper, and to take the Practice out of their hands, and turn it into the right Channel, deserves no more blame, than he that shall re­store an inheritance long withheld to the true owners; For since but one can possess it, 'tis fit surely, that he to whom of right it appertains should enjoy it, rather than any other, how urgent soever his wants may be, how great his necessities. Thus all Cir­cumstances duly weighed, it appears evident that the inconveniences, some few persons will deservedly labour [Page 289] under, is not comparable to the ad­vantages the Publike will receive from their Seclusion or Reformation.

Another thing the Apothecaries plead in their own behalf against the Physitians, is, that they are like Aesop's Dog in the Manger (for such an irre­verent Expression I heard one use) who could not eat Hay himself, and yet would not permit the Ox to feed thereon. So the Physitians will nei­ther take care of the poor themselves, nor permit the Apothecaries so to do, who are chiefly Conversant among them, advising and assisting those who would meet with little other help, they not being able to gratifie Phy­sitians; who are (as one of their worthy Authors says) like Balaam's Ass they cannot speak till they see an Angel. These being neglected (as they would perswade the world) by Physiti­ans, have recourse to them; and they it seems being prevailed on (Tender Hearts!) by sentiments of pity, let [Page 290] them have such Medicines as they think most apposite to their distemper.

Whosoever reads this plausible story which the Apothecaries set off with greater advantage than their Advo­cate can, will look on the Physitians as churlish Levites, passing by their distressed brother, not vouchsafing him a single regard; who there lies in misery and danger till he is rescued from both, by such as vaunt them­selves to be so many Charitable Sa­maritans: But how well that title be­comes them, and how grosly and palpably they have calumniated the Physitians, will appear by the ensuing Discourse. First, suppose the Physitians should say to them (w ^ch yet they nei­ther do nor ever will) we cannot but approve of your charity, although we do not intend to imitate it; therefore we give you free permission to con­cern your selves as much as you please for the poor, we allow you to advise, and give them Physick, either freely: [Page 291] or to afford it at such prises as you may be no gainers, so neither loosers. This and a greater liberty we will allow you, so that you tamper not with the rich, to whom we will give bet­ter advice and greater assistance than any they can receive from you. Can any man think, understands who the Genius of the Apothecary, that such Language will be very agree­able to him? No, the Contrary is well known, they make it more their business than the tending of their Shop is, to insinuate themselves into the most wealthy families, and find this Imployment more beneficial then their observance of Physitians.

But let us imagine, that our Apo­thecaries Shop is like an Hospital, to which there is great resort of poor distressed people, all which he supplies with sutable remedies (we will sup­pose the best) but upon what terms? Truly on such as are very beneficial to himself. For, not a dose of any [Page 292] thing goes out of the Shop, which is not twice paid for; I mean is sold for double the value or price, for which they might afford it, and yet be gain­ers. So that by this time we see the Charity of the Apothecary is not so Conspicuous, as his Collusion in gratifying of others at their own ex­pence. And that what I have said, are no Fictions will be attested by great numbers of Physitians, whose repute was never yet stained by unhandsome practices; and are so far from being such covetous, uncharitable persons as they represent them, that they have on the contrary often given their advice freely, refused money when it was offered them, if they knew or sus­pected the condition of the person to be very mean. And it's well known, that scarce any Physitian exacts mony of his Patient, what comes, is free gift, not extorted; whereas the Apothe­carie will be paid by the poor im­mediately: and he alwaies gains [Page 293] more of them by his Physick, than the Physitian hath ever for his advice. Nay I am well acquainted with se­veral Physicians, who pay their Apo­thecaries every year out of their own Purses, for a large Catalogue of Me­dicines they cause to be bestowed free­ly on poor Patients. I fear the Apo­thecaries cannot produce many such Examples of persons in their own faculty. And besides, there is a great company of Physitians, of whose num­ber I own my self to be (and I am confident many others, with whom I am not acquainted, have the same intentions) who have solemnly obli­ged themselves to go at all times to all Patients, poor as well as rich, whensoever they are called; and if they are in a necessitous condition, to give them their advice freely: only they will be called by the Patients or their friends, not by the Apotheca­ries, who will endeavour to give them much unnecessary trouble, and [Page 294] put them to as many Inconveniences as they can, that they may make a benefit of their well-grounded refu­sals. If any person be taken Apople­ctical with Convulsions of any kind, violent pains, or any other dange­rous disease or Symptome, we will not at midnight decline giving them visits, although they dwell with po­verty it self; But it's unreasonable a Physitian should be called out of his Bed on trivial occasions, and endan­ger himself to do that, which without any danger to the Patient, might be deferred till morning. To invite a Physitian to visit them at unseasonable times upon the aking of a tooth or corn, a slight pain or lask of the belly, or to cure diseases which are extant only in a depraved Fancy, is a most unreasonable request, and such as the Apothecaries themselves will not comply with. And indeed Physitians have been ever more ready (If I flat­ter them not, which I would not wil­lingly) [Page 295] to Visit and Advise the poor, where it has been only a deed of cha­rity, and abstracted from interest, than the Apothecaries.

Another Objection I have heard some Apothecaries make against Phy­sitians dispensing their own Physick, and deserting them, is, That the publick cannot with safety allow thereof; for then Physitians might prescribe their Patients poyson instead of salutary Phy­sick: and all this without any danger to themselves, if they have any com­mand of their Tongues and Conscien­ces. That this is prevented by sending Bills to the Apothecaries, which besides is a great convenience to the Physiti­ans; for should they be suspected upon some horrid Symptomes or ill Accidents attending the Physick they prescribe (which the Apothecaries well know sometimes happens, rather from their own carelessness, unfaithfulness or Ignorance, then the Physitians as I have shewed) these surmises are pre­sently [Page 296] quelled by the Physitians, ap­pealing to his Bills on the File, which on Examination being found to con­tain nothing of that kind, for which he is suspected, he is without any more ado acquitted.

This Objection is so fraught with malice, and design, that I cannot consi­der it without some Indignation. This is the first time that ever I heard Physitians were in danger of turn­ing Poysoners; and I do not remem­ber that ever any were suspected for that fowl crime, although it's well known the Apothecaries have not escaped so well. But howsoever this is a most frivolous Objection on many accounts, for first, If Physiti­ans were so wicked, as this Objection supposes some of them to be, that they should design the destruction of that life, they ought to preserve, Is any man so sensless as to think they could not meet with Apothecaries, as ill minded as themselves? Yes, I [Page 297] dare say ten for one, besides, Is it not very apparent that all people lie now more at the mercy of Apothecaries and their Apprentices or Operators, then (supposing the design we have proposed take effect) they can ever at the Physitians? For although we send Bills to the Apothecary we can have no assurance, they are made up according to our Prescription, but the Master or Servants may add what they please, without any but their Consciences, being able to detect them. Therefore since they are so ma­licious as to start so unworthy an Objection, we might retort it upon themselves, and argue; since Physiti­ans and their Patients are in danger of being poysoned by every Apo­thecary or their Apprentices, Were it not much better that Physitians should supervise those that make their Physick, whereby they may prevent this danger? And since the trust must be reposed in some, whether doth not [Page 298] the Physitian more deserve it; than the Apothecary and his Apprentices?

But we will not insist on this, For I hope that all English men have so strange an Antipathy against this hor­rid Crime, that I am perswaded there are few amongst the worst of them would be guilty of it, although to save their own lives; and therefore we will acquit the Apothecaries, and others from suspicion of a crime, of which should they entertain the least favourable thought, they would de­serve to be excluded from humane Society. But these vices I hope have not passed the Alps, and I wish they may ever keep within those bounds; and that they will never pass the Seas to us, so as to become Epidemical, my mind doth strongly presage.

But yet nevertheless, that no ground may remain for suspicion we shall send Bills or Prescriptions to our La­boratories, as duly as we now do to the Apothecaries, which necessity will [Page 299] oblige us to, many being concerned together; otherwise instead of that order, and Conveniency we promise our selves, we shall have discord and confusion: but I shall relinquish so nauseous and ingrateful a Subject, Whereunto Physitians might have returned the same answer the Lacedae­monian did to him that asked, What was the punishment among them for Parricides? viz. That they could not imagine any person should arrive to so high a pitch of wickedness, as to be guilty of so enormous a crime; there­fore they had made no Provision a­gainst it.

Another thing they are ready to Object to us, is, That if Physitians reject the Apothecaries, let them Con­trive their business never so prudent­ly, Medicines will be more unskil­fully prepared, than whilest they Im­ployed them.

To which we Answer, That the Contrary will happen; for Physitians [Page 300] will imploy, as I shewed before, such sober industrious Apothecaries, as are willing to be engaged by them, to which shall be associated, ingenious Operators: all these Combining, certainly Medicines will be better prepared, than they have been hi­therto; for Physitians the Inventours of Pharmacy have ever since been the great improvers thereof, and not the Apothecaries: Among the Ancients Mesue, among the Moderns Reno­doeus, Schroder, Zuelfer, Quercetan and Others. Besides, its well known that most Physitians are Masters of some Excellent Compositions, which are not extant in our Dispensatory, with which only the Apothecaries are ac­quainted; and many of them there are, have found out better general Me­thods of Distilling Waters, making Syrups, Electuaries, and other forms of Medicines than are commonly known: which if this design succeed, they will put in Practice highly to [Page 301] their own, and the Patients advan­tage. And indeed there are few Phy­sitians, but would prescribe (if they knew where to have it) Physick more pleasant, less Nauseous for quantity, and Quality, than any is in the Apothecaries Shops. So that we see this Objection returns upon them to their prejudice.

And indeed, if we impartially examine things, it will readily ap­pear, that many Physitians have greater skill in Pharmacy, or the ways of Compounding and Preparing Medicines than any Apothecaries. For if no Persons are so well ac­quainted with the Nature, and Ver­tues of Simples, or with the ways of finding them out as Physitians, which is acknowledged by all; It will thence follow, that they in all pro­bability must know best, how to pre­pare Simples, how to dispose them to Operate with the greatest ad­vantage, which are most Effectual [Page 302] with, and what without Elaborate Preparations; whereby the Vertues of many Simples are often destroyed not improved. And in Compositions they know the true Methods of mixing things together, that some may not annihilate the force of others▪ and so become altogether ineffectual.

But if it be further Objected by Apothecaries, That the Materia Me­dica is so copious, Compositions so nu­merous, that it will be an unspeakable trouble to Physitians to provide the one, and see to the Preparing of the other.

To this we Answer, That a good Method with little trouble, will dis­patch much business, which in a hur­ry and confusion, will require a far longer time, greater expence, more la­bour; and perhaps at last be more per­functorily, and slightly performed then the other. But further its suf­ficiently known that few Physitians, use a tenth part of what is in the shops; & perhaps if they made their own Me­dicines [Page 303] they would find a convenience in a farther contraction of their pra­ctice; I mean confining themselves to fewer compositions, making amends for the number in the goodness and extent of those they use, and they can at any time supply the want of a Composition▪ (which yet will seldom happen) with Simples which as I have already manifested, would be so far from an inconvenience, that it would be a priviledge to Phy­sitian and Patient, and conduce great­ly to the encrease of our knowledge of the Specifical properties of concretes; wherein I fear we are very defective. And every Physitian knowing what Medicines he shall usually employ, may have them only made, which perhaps are different from those made in other Combinations, where he en­joys a double benefit; making fewer Medicines, he hath the more time to prepare them, and is likely to take care they be such as they ought to be: [Page 304] and making only such as he is sure he shall have occasion for to dispence, thereby having little loss in their Medicines they can afford them cheaper; whereas the Apothecaries who make all the Dispensatory Me­dicines, loose many, (they being never called for) and are put on the tempta­tion of selling others, when they are old, ineffectual, and have lost their sanative properties.

Another thing the Apothecary Objects against the Physitians new Model, is, That the Patients will suf­fer, they not having made Provision of Persons, that are acquainted with many Operations, about sick people which the Apothecaries perform with great skill and facility; such are the administring of Clysters, applying Leeches, Vesicatories, Plasters, Pigeons, Cupping-Glasses, tending them whilst under salivation, making fomentations,&c. and that otherwise they are very helpful to, & officious about the diseased.

[Page 305] To this we answer, That most of these litle pieces of Officiousness, whereby Apothecaries do so much en­dear themselves to Patients (of which favour, we have seen, they make no good use) are either such, as may be altogether as well performed by nur­ses or others that attend the sick, by the Apothecaries of our Laboratories, or others we shall breed up to these easily learned Operations; which have nothing of difficulty, but that a child of ten years old by the Physitians directions shall accurately perform: looking to people under Salivation only excepted; whom the Apotheca­ries for the most part less understand how to manage, than many whom the Physitians having instructed shall depute for that service▪ but to pro­ceed.

The Apothecaries may further object, That neither Physitians nor Patients have much reason on their side, when they find fault with the dearness of their [Page 306] Medicines; which if the Physitians upon Complaint find too high prized, the Apothecaries do make such abate­ments as they think just and fit.

This will be a fair pretence, al­though I never heard it urged by any of them, neither do I believe they will trust to the Physitians arbitration; but on the contrary I know several have flatly refused it. But supposing they should all agree, let us examine whether this will give much relief to the abused Patient. For, first the English are known to have so gene­rous a humour, especially the richer sort; that they will rather pay the whole bill without deduction, especi­ally if the sum be not considerably great, rather than give the Physitian the trouble of enquiring into this affair, which is indeed unreasonable, espe­cially if such complaints were fre­quent: and nothing more certain, than that if all who were abused, should appeal to the Physitian, he [Page 307] would hear daily as many complaints of Apothecaries, as he now doth of Di­seases. And that an endeavor to relieve the Plaintiffe would give the Physitian sufficient diversions from more seri­ous employments, will appear, if we consider that Apothecaries bring in their bills but once every year, when all circumstances are forgot; which gives them a fair opportunity of adding to the true number and heightning the prices of Medicines, the Physitian not remembring what he prescribed so long before. Neither is it to be imagined that a Physitian will, or indeed can have leisure to examine twenty or thirty bills, and set down the true value of the prescriptions, not to urge how unfit an imployment it is for the Professors of so noble a sci­ence as Medicine, to decide such con­troversies. Besides that there would be no end of this trouble, some of the original bills being lost, only the common title of a Cordial or Purge [Page 308] being registred with their prices in the book. So that it will be impossible to make an Estimate of the value of Compositions, whose Ingredients we do not know.

The last Objection we shall think worthy an answer, is made by such Apothecaries, as will not acknowledge (which we have so largely proved) their unfitness for the practice of Phy­sick. All they have to plead is, That surely people would not trust their lives with them, were they not satisfyed with their abilities and success. That Phy­sitians indeed, may be better vers'd in the Theory; but that they are as well acquainted with the Experimental, Practick part, which is the most ma­terial.

To this I answer, first, Let them prove that any person who is not Ma­ster of the greatest Chymical Arcana (for that somewhat may be done by them extraordinary, though exhibited by illiterate, unskilful persons, I dare [Page 309] not absolutely deny) can successfully exercise Physick; and yet have none of those Qualifications, I have before enumerated: Some of which seem not only conducive, but necessary, to the right administration of Physick. And for the vulgar to entertain a mar­vellous good opinion of many, who little deserve it, hath been observed by wise men in all ages; and hath of later years been confirmed by many almost incredible Examples. I shall instance only in some of recent me­mory: although I might without ex­hausting the store, in many hundred. It's well known that a pretended Chy­mist who calls himself Lockier, hath gained by a Pill many thousand pounds; which yet is one of the vilest and most contemptible among all the Mineral Preparations, I ever yet knew tryed in Medicine. The Ingredients being certain proportions (it's needless to mention, though I have often made it) of Antimony, Saltpeter, common [Page 310] sea-Salt and Charcoal; whereof more may be made in one Laboratory, by two men in twenty four hours, than I believe he hath ever disposed of in the space of a year: and is so dange­rous a Medicine that no honest person skill'd in Chymistry, who is acquain­ted with it's Composition, durst ven­ture to exhibit it. It's true the gums and sugar wherewith the yellow pow­der is made up, do add considerably to it's bulk; but the chief and only active Ingredient is taken in so small a dose, that I know few things which can poyson in so little a quantity and this hath been fatal to many, who never spake after it had begun it's operation, and others did long repent their use of so rough a Medicine. I could give the world a large Cata­logue of its mischievous effects: But I think they are generally satisfyed in that point; which is the reason that it is now disused. But formerly what crouding, what enquiring was there [Page 311] after it, and how highly did they ex­tol it whose good fortune it was not to be prejudiced thereby? Now if this were so admirable a remedy, why is it not so still? wherefore lies it neg­lected, if so effectual as was once pre­tended? But it seems long experience hath given the generality of people such proof of it's noxious qualities, that thereupon, they have desisted from it's use, and learned a lesson of abstinence, which some have offered to teach them at a cheaper rate. But the wit of the vulgar is most of it bought, and many of them cannot avoid any other inconveniences, than those they have suffered by.

Thus Time the Mistress of truths, often discovers many of great impor­tance, and the vulgar, though not so quick-sighted to discern dangers at a distance; yet they can feel pressures when they labour under them: and having cast their burden, will never again admit of it unless so disguised, [Page 312] that it appears different from what it was before. And thus my mind presa­ges it will be with the Apothecaries, if their Ruin or Reformation do not anticipate it; for this encroachment of theirs on the Physitians Profession, is of no long standing. So that people are not yet well aware of what they suffer by them, but time and some more Experiments will open their Eyes; then the tide will turn, and that same water which carried them so merrily down the stream, will return them to the place from whence they set forth; and it's well if they be dealt so favourably withal.

But further, That we are not to take our measures of things from the opi­nions, and perswasions of the vulgar, will be yet more Conspicuous, if we consider, how many resort to be ba­sest pretenders to Physick, that ever yet appeared; which may serve to abate the Pride, and Confidence of Apothecaries, who urge this is an [Page 313] Argument of their own worth. There is scarce a Pissing-place about the City, where many Bills are not fastned; among which the most Mo­destly Penn'd, promise great mat­ters. One undertakes a long Cata­logue of diseases, and among them (can any be blamed for laughing thereat) of those that are incurable. Another performs wonderful cures by vertue of Medicines extracted out of the souls of the heathen Gods (by which I suppose he means Tinctures of Metals which he never saw) Many cure by direction from the Stars: Some by Phisnomy and Palmistry can foretell events; and I wonder none undertake to make the Heavens more propiti­ous, for if they should I suppose there are many credulous enough to believe them. And how likely are most of these people, who make such large promises to perform them, when they are not instructed in the Rudiments of any Single Art or Science, being most of [Page 314] them mean, Ignorant Mechanicks; who not being ingenious or industri­ous enough to subsist by the calling in which they were brought up, en­gage in another, the meaning of whose name they scarcely understand, and whose first Principles they are ut­terly unacquainted with: and yet the world flows in a pace to them they shrowding themselves from the dis­covery of the Ignorant, under the Covert of pretended Secrets, which are usually some ridiculous, sordid Preparations, whose effects if they have any good cannot possibly be made out unless we have recourse to the imagination of him that takes it. And if either they or the Apothecaries brag of any particular success; We may answer them, as he in Lucian did the Priest; who shewing him the of­ferings of those that had invoked Neptune, when they were in danger of Shipwrack, boasted of the Power of his God which was manifested by [Page 315] the number of his Donaria, but how shall we know replyed he, how many notwithstanding they in­voked thy God, have nevertheless suffered Shipwrack, which he suspect­ed to be far the greater number. I wish the Application were not so easie as I fear it is. Thus we see that popular approbation is not suffi­cient to authorise Practicioners of Physick, even by the Apothecaries own Concession; who in all Com­panies do most bitterly inveigh a­gainst these pretenders, and disswade all people from consulting them: which whither they do from a sense of their duty or Interest is soon de­termined. I shall therefore take my leave of them, with this request that they would Exchange the Motto of their Arms for another, which will better sure with their actions. It is this Eadem probamus, eadem repre­hendimus; for the Quacking Apo­thecary can plead little in his own [Page 316] behalf, which the Mountebanks will not make use of in their defence: and urge few things against those Quack­salvers, their profest enemies, which these, if they have so much Latine may not again retort on them, in the saying of the Poet;

Now having displayed at large though not at full the injuries Me­dicine it self, the Physitians, and most sick people do dayly receive from the unwarrantable Practices of Apo­thecaries, nothing remains, but that I add a Proviso, which I have had in my Eye all along this Discourse. I would not therefore have any appre­hend that, what I have said against the Apothecaries, is intended against them all, being affirmed only of the greater number; for it would be the highest injustice to Comprehend them all in the Character I have gi­ven of their unworthy associ­ates: whose actions the Physitians [Page 317] do not dissallow of, or declaim a­gainst more, than some among them­selves. I dare not, I say, accuse them all of dishonest practices, there being several on whom there is impressed so true a Sense of their duty to God, and their Neighbours, that they are not capable of actions which will so highly dishonour their Christian Pro­fession, or injure their neighbour. O­thers there are, whose skill in Phar­macy, and Chymistry, secure Phy­sitians from those fears they would be otherwise Subject to, from their unskilfulness or ignorance, in one or the other. And here I must necessa­rily acknowledge, that I have met with some Apothecaries that for knowledge in Chymical affairs, have been much Superior to professed Chymists; and of all that I have hitherto met with, I account them the most faithful and industrious: and which may seem strange, they do prepare Galenical Physick, bet­ter [Page 318] than most others, who have no other imployment; and therefore of all others in a New Constitution of affairs, they will deserve the great­est incouragement, as being most likely to be serviceable, and faithful to the Profession of Physick, and Phy­sitians. Who are so far from design­ing any thing which will be to the prejudice of such honest skilful Apo­thecaries (who are all sufficiently known to some Physitian or other) that on the Contrary they intend them more good than they can in the present way, promise to themselves; and will make such provision for them that they shall never have cause to complain, or occasion given to be­tray, as the greatest part of their Company have done so Noble a Pro­fession as that of Physick, Or such generous friends and great Bene­factors as they will find the Physiti­ans to be, so long as they keep in those due limits which shall with their [Page 319] own consent be Prescribed them.

But here I foresee, some Objecti­ons may be made, by Physitians them­selves, against the Design of prepa­ring their own Medicines; which although they are weak, and of lit­tle import, and deserve not to be named after the mention of those many reasons, and high advantages, wherewith that proposal is attended; yet we shall give them a fair debate, and so put a Period to this Discourse.

It may be pretended by some that are guilty of delicacy, sloath, or igno­rance; and by others, who are either proud, or imprudently Zealous, for their own honour, and that of their Noble Profession; That it is below a Physitian to make his own Medicines, or give himself the trouble of super­vising those whom he shall appoint to prepare them.

To this I Answer, That I would gladly learn, whether they are Ga­lenists or Chymists that object this; [Page 320] not the latter certainly, for then they desert the Principles of their great Masters, Paracelsus, and Helmont, who do Anathematize all those that trust to Mercenary Chymists for their Medicines. And as for those who are the followers of the deservedly admired Hippocrates, or Galen, I wonder with what confi­dence any among them can scruple, as beneath them, those Offices where­in their great Dictators were so much Exercised. Hippocrates hath left re­corded in many of his Writings, the care and pains he took to provide Simples, preserve, and prepare them for Medicinal uses; not only dispen­sing them himself, but making them in his own Operatory. And Galen visited many parts of Asia, which were renowned for famous Reme­dies; as Palestine for it's Noble Balsome, Lemnos, for it's Earth, and Cyprus for it's Minerals, bring­ing away quantities of them; Expo­sing [Page 321] himself to great hazards, labour, and expense, only that he might fur­nish himself with the genuine Sim­ples, and provide against the Cheats and abuses of Impostors. He had also a Repository where his Me­dicines were always, either under his Eye, or in his hand. He him­self made Treacle, and never gave any Medicine of which he had not first tasted or smelt. Now could these great Persons give themselves so much trouble, and publickly ac­knowledge it, as apprehending it would rather enhance than derogate from the Esteem the world had justly for them? And shall their pretended admirers, and followers plead exemption from such im­ployments, because dignified with some empty Title? For so indeed it is, where not accompanied with reall intrinse call merit, although it conciliates more Respect and E­steem [Page 322] to those Gallant Persons, who Honour their Titles and Digni­ties, by a diligent pursuance of those Noble Ends, on whose ac­count they were conferred on them; not neglecting any means which may make their Profession more Effectuall for those great ends of preserving life and restoring health: Which if any Neglect, it is not their Formalities will gain them Repute, or enable them to Cure Diseases. They must therefore in this imitate those great Physitians, they do so highly Magnifie in their Discourses, who did not refer to Apothecaries the Preparing of Me­dicines, but made it their own care; neither did they think it too mean, or below them to do with their own hands, most of those things which are now accounted (by those, who in their own and the worlds Opinion are much be­neath [Page 323] them) the Ministery of Infe­riour Persons.

I have by this time, I hope, re­turned satisfactory Answers to all those Objections I can foresee Apo­thecaries, or others, will make a­gainst Physitians preparing their own Medicines; which is a Proposal more free from Exceptions than any I have hitherto met with. But let us sup­pose that it is attended with some slight inconveniences; yet since there is a necessity of a change, in the opinion of all honest judicious Per­sons, I know no expedient like this I have offered, which in my opini­on promises so well, that although through difference of opinions among Physitians and Patients, it may prove a difficult taske to introduce such a change as this we plead for, ma­ny perhaps not understanding the good of it: yet I am very confi­dent, [Page 324] that having once made tryal, both Physitians and Patients will ge­nerally agree, not to quit, upon any slight, frivolous pretences, what both one and the other find experimental­ly to be highly advantageous. I would therefore perswade them to deal with this Proposition, as they do when a fair new Suit of Clothes is brought them; which they put on, knowing, that though it be not ex­actly fit at first, it will either fit it's self to the body in wearing, or thereby more plainly shew wherein it may be mended. But if I flatter not my self and the world (which I do not if I know my self, or un­derstand the things I have been de­bating) not only few or no difficul­ties, and inconveniences will accom­pany the mentioned Proposition; but on the contrary, as I have fully demonstrated, many and great ad­vantages: whether we have respect [Page 325] to the Patient or Physitian. And in­deed, what can be more desirable to either, than to have Pharmacy put in such hands, and in such a method, that none having the Interest can have the Power, nor any having the Power, can have the Interest to pre­pare Medicines unfaithfully? There­fore if Physitians regard the Honour of Medicine, or good of the Diseased, they will not neglect the means which answer these noble ends. And as it has been well observed in Govern­ment, That the safety of a Kingdom, or Common-wealth consists not wholly in a Prince that Governs wisely, while he lives; but in one that so orders it, that he dying, it can preserve it self: So the safety of the People (in reference to health) being cast upon Physitians, it is not suf­ficient that they are honest men, ad­dicted to all the good ends of their Profession, unless they be also skilled [Page 326] and careful to put their affairs in such a method, that these ends may be certainly attained to, not only by themselves, but also by others that shall succeed them. Which will most infallibly happen, if it become the custom and fashion for Physitians to look after the preparing of their own Medicines; for then the common in­terest will oblige all Physitians to have them as good as they can con­trive or make them. And let their Servants, Apothecaries, or Operators, be never so bad or wicked; although I will not say, if this course be ob­served it will make them good: yet it is attended with the great conve­nience of being sufficient to prevent any influence their wickedness can have on Physick, It being highly im­probable that they should Sophisti­cate or Adulterate Medicines, when they make no benefit thereof. And besides, it will be almost impossible [Page 327] to effect such designs, should they be so mischievously disposed; for they would be soon discovered, and for the future prevented.

Nothing therefore remains, but that I address my discourse to the Physitians; And certainly I need not use many more words to engage them in a design which Duty and In­terest (the most perswasive and power­ful Arguments in the World) must necessarily oblige them to promote. That it is our duty to reform such enormous abuses as those we have mentioned, I suppose no one will question; and that it is also no less our Interest, the Arguments I have produced, will render to those that are free from prejudices, sufficiently probable: so that as I am most cer­tain, no honest persons who will al­low themselves the liberty of reflecti­on can be ignorant of their Duty, so [Page 328] neither can they mistake their Inte­rest. It is true indeed, the Apothe­caries give forth in most Companies, that they are not at all apprehensive of any danger from the designs of such Physitians, as shall endeavour their reformation, who they pretend are but few, and those inconsiderable persons; that the greater number, and they the most eminent Physitians, have their Interest so interwoven with the Apothecaries, that they cannot be separated from them, and will ne­ver desert them: but repute all such persons their own enemies, who shall attaque the Apothecaries, and all in­juries that are done to these, as in­tended against themselves. All which is a meer fiction, of their own devi­sing, to deter Physitians, from enga­ging against so great a number, so potent a faction, as they would per­swade the world they are. But how gross and palpable a cheat this is, will [Page 329] then appear, when all honest, in­dustrious Physitians shall unanimously agree to confute them; and I dare assure the world, that this will most certainly and suddenly be effected, unless there happen the most unlike­ly change in the humours, intentions, and resolutions of men that was ever yet known: And for the Apo­thecaries to expect such an altera­on, were to promise to themselves little less then impossibilities. Be­sides, Suppose any Physitians should stand Neuter, or appear publickly concerned for them, they will be such as will rather discredit their cause, than add to it any honour or repute▪ for they that stand Neuters in this quarrel, or vindicate the Apo­thecaries must either be such who look on the profession of Physick, as a meer cheat, a craft, rather than an art or Science, who believe, that as much is performed by those that are [Page 330] reputed the meanest Physitians, as by any other; the difference arising only hence, that some being more prudent and fortunate than the rest, obtain a repute proportionable to their pretended success, affable ob­liging demeanour, or cunning manage­ment of the People, working more upon the humours of their minds, than on those of their bodies. And if there be any thus minded, I do not wonder that their Zeal should not transport them too far against the Apothecaries; for if Physick doth so little influence diseases, what matter is it whether the Medicine be made up of bad or good Drugs? Whether it be re­cent, or of a longer standing? Whether made up of the same or different In­gredients from what were prescribed? Neither will a person thus perswaded, apprehend he is in conscience obliged to reform these abuses, which as I have shewed, are frequent among [Page 331] Apothecaries; Nor can he have the least pretence against their exercising the practice of Physick. For if all cure alike, and so little good be done by the Professors of that Faculty, then why may not the Apothecaries be allowed as well as any others? So that these, should they oppose them on an account of interest, their con­sciences rather reproaching than en­couraging them, they cannot with any confidence accuse the Apotheca­ries for actions, which if they be faults, they themselves are guilty of the same; and if they be not, the same Principle which acquits them, must also free the other. These probably, if there are any such, will stand Neuters, and not much concern themselves in a quarrel de Lanâ caprinâ.

But perhaps there are some of another humour, who make great advantages of the Apothecaries in [Page 332] wayes I could mention; which for many reasons, I forbear to manifest. Now if there be any Physitians of this latter sort, who shall endeavour to uphold the Apothecaries, notwith­standing they do not relinquish their former ill courses, only because they make some benefit of them; whoso­ever, I say, they are that have such sordid Spirits, so unworthy the Name they bear, the noble Science they make profession of, and the great Trust reposed in them; that for a little gain, shall betray their Profession to scorn, and their Patients to most ma­nifest hazards, These dishonest and un­faithful persons will have so good espial kept on them, that all their prudence shall not secure them from having their sordid actions displaied in genuine colours: which will render them so odious and despicable, that most will desert them, and apply themselves to those worthy Physitians [Page 333] who are so far from countenancing the Apothecaries in their fraudulent courses, that they had rather give themselves the trouble of preparing their own Physick, than expose the Sick to manifold inconveniences: as they do who compromise with the Apothecaries in their unworthy pra­ctices, and share with them their dis­honest gain.