BELLUM MEDICINALE OR The Papers writen in Defence of Dr. BROWN
His Publication of the New Cure of Fevers, And which was so much opposed by a Club of Physicians; Viz.
[...]. A Letter &c. Concerning Dr. Brown's Vindicatory Schedule, and the Dialogue written by some Physicians in Edinburgh in Answer thereto.
[...]. A Looking Glass for the Black Bond of Doctors &c.
[...]. A third Letter in Vindication of Dr. BROWN.
[...]. An Epilogue to the five Papers past betwixt Dr. E. and Dr. O. concerning the use of Vomiting and Purging in Fevers.
EDINBURGH [...]rinted An: Dom: MDCXCIX.
A LETTER Written to a Friend in the COUNTREY CONCERNING Dr. BROUN's Vindicatory Schedvle; And the DIALOGUE Written by some of the Physicians in Edinburgh, in Answer thereunto.
FOR Answer to Yours, I find thereby that Dr. Broun's Vindicatory Schedule, which I sent you, has had the very same effects upon you both, as to Grief and Pleasure, which it hath had upon many Persons here: For as it hath raised your grief by the Reflection that your Loss might have been prevented, if [Page 2]your dear Friends which have died of Fe [...] had gotten this method used to them; so m [...] ny here, who have lately had their Frien [...] also taken away by Fevers, have their gri [...] awakened by the like sorrowful Resentmen [...] when they perceive so much can be said fro [...] Reason and Experience for this New Method [...] curing Fevers by Purging. And tho the ma [...] Charge to inquire about the Efficacy of t [...] Practice doth ly on the Ph [...]sicians themselv [...] Yet because the Reception of it, as they a [...] prehend, might brand many of them w [...] Oversight or Negligence, in that they ha [...] not been the first Discoverers or Intertai [...]ers of the same themselves; they are ther [...] fore very active for the most part, a [...] that by the foulest means to suppress it.
The other kind of Sentiments of Pleasur [...] which ye shew that Book has raised in yo [...] is also common to many here; for the Inq [...] sitive are not a little delighted to find a Co [...] cern so important handled so Ingeniously, a [...] a Design so profitable prosecute so plausib [...] Tho the medical art be truely, if it conta [...] any thing of Certainty or Reality, hid [...] deep from the eyes of Men, that the Wor [...] is much in doubt wither it be an Art o [...] Artifice only: Yet I find, as ye likeway observe, that the Author in his book h [...] done prettily to prove it may be an Art. But beside from what I have observed of th [...] [Page 3]efficiacy of this new practice of purging in Fevers, far beyond any other Method for cureing them, I am really induced to beleeve it is not only an Art, but a most usefull and Comfortable One.
Albeit there seems to be nothing in that Book of his, which being duely considered, can in the Judgement of the most rigid Critick, be constructed justly offensive to any Man; yet I find perhaps by reason it speaks of Physicians Faults, it has bred a great deal of Grudge among them here; but how reasonably will appear if we consider, that the Author for the good of Mankind in general, for the advancement of Medicine in particular, endevouring most Candidly to illustrate & introduce a notable Improvement in Medicine; it was requisite for him first, to shew not only the necssary Qualifications making Physicians capable thereof, & the necessary means leading thereto: But also to clear the cantrary Vices: that as barrs & Impediments, hinder the admission of that improvement, and even before he should dip on the matter it self; For all the reason in the World will nor prevail with Men under any indisposition, making them uncapable to receive Truth. And further, altho the Authors main design had been to tax their faults, it was not; How could Physicians be offended thereat? when there is no particular condescendance [Page 4]on Persons, nor any Body named: Since all Men hear their Faults daily thus taxed in the Pulpits, and by Moral Writers in their most commendable Books, and that without any resentment at all. And as even the most guilty ought not to be reasonablie offended, so any that are picqued must be only the guilty.
Notwithstanding of all these considerations, in the judgement of all judicious Persons, fully clearing the Authors innocence, that Book has so raised the humours of some Physicians, that they breath out nothing but spight and malice against him: Which horrible Svmptom in Them, I think may be resolved as to its true Genuine and natural cause, very easily Thus.
It's notour, for the most part, that all Revolutions and Reformations are attended with a great strugle and commotion; because such changes, like Earthquakes, often alter the course and Channels that the Profits, Preferments, and other Allurements of the World, used to flow in. The Deitie of the Di [...]na of Ephesus being in hazard, made these that lived by making her Silver Shrines made to think upon such a Revolution: And so there being many Physicians deeply interested in the standing of old methodes, or these commonly practised by them, as the product of what they call their long experience, [Page 5]upon which they are valued by themselves, and the ignorant World, if these Methods should be overturned by any New, tho better Practice, it might go near to reduce them to the same Level of Reputation with younger Physicians: No wonder then the attempt to deliver them from these, and to introduce better, be attended with great difficulty. If cutting off the hand that offends ones self can scarce be chearfully done, with how much pain will the cutting off a hand, that served of so great use, be?
There has moreover alwayes predomin'd such a spirit of envy and pride among Physicians, that all improvements offered by any of them, are with the greatest indignation rejected by the generality, whose crasie Reputations can no wayes endured to be touched with so unsavourable a pinch, as the worthy discoveries from any others, may be in hazard to give it, of which among others was the difficult receptions of the circulation of the Blood is a witness: And this certainly has made many such Discoveries, to the great detriment of Mankind in general, and of Medicine in particular, to be buried with the Descoverers: Because all any could gain by discovery would be the hatred of others. And many in this present age, who have adjudged these of the former to the infernal Pitt, for concealing their Improvements, are not [Page 6]withstanding so unreasonable, that they cannot endure any Discoveries made by these contemporary with themselves. An [...] therefore I think this attempt of Dr. Broun' [...] to promote Dr. Sydenhams new Method the more commendable, because both Ra [...] and Resolute.
It is an usual and useful Stratagem of th [...] old Serpent, the constant Enemie of Mankind, when he cannot any longer withstan [...] the Splendor and Brightness of Truth an [...] Light; to raise Mist, and Dust, and to thro [...] dirt on the Advancers and Propagators; thinking by an attempt on their Fame, to wea [...] en their designes: And by raising a Frey, gain the main Victory over Truth: As th [...] malicious Papists did against several of th [...] Reformers, but especially against Luthe [...] when they framed a rediculous Diaglogue, b [...] twixt him and the devil: And as was lik [...] wayes done lately by the malicious En [...] mies of Dr Sherlock in a Dialogue betwixt [...] Satan and Mr. Sherlock. And so you seem be a very true Prophet, when you say ye e [...] pect no solid Answer to that Book of [...] Broun's: for his Adversaries designing treat him after the same manner, are hopes to give him such a diversion tow [...] the resentment of Injuries offered him will marr his prosecution of the main Ca [...] or to put such Blunders upon him, as m [...] [Page 7]blast his endeavours: But I hope all wise Men, easily perceiving these Ambushes, will escape them: And that also, he becoming so great a publick Ʋndertaker, will slight all personal injuries; And hold on in the straight way of Vertue towards his Mark; where the Devil dare not meet him, who only haunts the By-wayes of detraction, malice, and defamation!
And indeed when all considering Men, because of the great import of the Debate in hand, were expecting from the dissenting Physicians, a solid answer why they would not comply with that Method, behold there is come forth, and I have sent you it, a most Rediculous and Scurrilous Pamphlet by way of dialogue (the most sham way of reasoning) in imitation of these done against Luther and Sharlock. Containing nothing but Cavels Lies, and personal Refectious against Dr. Broun, at such a time (I say) when it was expected by all the World, that these dissenting Physicians, having the opportunity; would acquit themselves like Men of Parts, Vertue, and Probity, by some Learned and Grave Answer, which might make his book blush to stand beside it; and by such an Answer as would evince that they are no such Men as are taxed in that book, whose Reputation is a surreptious and fraudulent Acquisition, the effect rather of Artifice and porpular [Page 8]Error, than of true Merit and skill and so prove that they were no ways uncapable of real and solid Improvements; but above all by such an answer as mtght shew they could both render a rerson for what they do, & fo [...] what they refuse in this very concerning Subject as a good Christian of his Faith to the Accusers: But how much wiser they have proven then Mirry Andrews in that Dialogue, let all the World judge?
Moreover the impudence of these Mer [...] in that Pamphet (beside the many other Follies they may be justly charged with) is very strange, for how can they be so far deluded as to think, in such an inquisitive & preying age as this especially, while that book has had no smal reception amongst the judicious, considering also how unsuccessful the la [...] practice in Fevers has been, which has indeed put all Men under strange Jealousies thereof that any considering Man in such a weight [...] matter as this, will be put out off with Ban [...] Baufonrie: and meer Calumny; that Lybel of theirs, intituled A Survey containing nothiog else, Tho the pe [...]ulancy of some super [...] cial Pates like the Authors may be tickled and Palats tinged with the same virulence o [...] Malice with the Lybellers may be gratified with such Scurilities: yet all the wise and sober people will look upon such Trash; as the most disgracefull peice of Rallerie could have [Page 9]been batched; and as unacceptable to Any, but such as are pitifully crackt, both in their Intellectuals and Morals.
Since then malicious Men are so vehemently bent to discourage all vertuous Attempts, becomes it not all good men who have large and publick Souls, to be as zealous to maintain them? but especially that Dr. Broun's present and most common double designe, suffer not by any sinister and indirect Methods, the malevolent take to bring it into Neglect or contempt.
Not that I would have any Body to think, that the Author Dr. Broun, for any thing his Enemies can do, will be deterred from the just prosecution of what he so much reckons the publick Good; all such Attempts on him proving like snuffers to the Candle to make the Vertue shine more bright, and indeed, whosoever shall consider the two last leaves of the Preface to his Book, will be fully convinced, that he has not been so imprudent as not to have fully counted the coast of his undertaking, for there he makes his reckoning as a Champion for the puclick Good, to encounter malice, cartel envy; and to defy Detraction and Defamation: and as I know few would do the like, so I think when his Opposers Consttution, and Temper has so clearly discovered it self) that the judicious will really conclude, it's no delusion makes him so couragious.
I know likewayes, that he was never so fond of the birth of his Brain, as to trust it into the World till it passed the Censure and Approbation both of Physicians, and of the most Learned and Judicious of the Nation, and these persons of the highest Rank; But especially the approbation of the honourable and Learned Patron of that Book; the Viscunt of Stair, whose concernment therein required a more close and narrow consideration thereof. As also the Author was so little Dogmatical in his sentiments, that in a prefatory Epistle, he subjects his Book to the consideration of all Ingenious Physicians. But mark the return he has gotten: The Tree is surely known by its Fruit, and waspish nature must out.
But what need I say more of that Book envy and malice have fastned their Teeth in it, therefore it must be good, the Cank [...] Worm seases alway the fairest fruit, th [...] Blood Hound singles out the Fatest Deir, vertu [...] is still haunted with detraction, Themistocle said, alas, being now 22 years of age, I see have done nothing worthy, for no body i [...] Athens Envies me. And Hermocrates the Tyrrant of Sicilly said in his last advice to his son be thou nowayes envious thy self, but d [...] thou Noble things that others may envy thee.
And so I can assure you there is nothing [Page 11]such a perswasive to all Serious and sober men of Dr. Broun's Candor and Vertue, and of his adversaries naughtiness, as to find that he is obnoxious to no attacque, but that to which all Vertuous Actions and persons are open unto: that is, cavil and calumny, and indeed to see after 7 Moneths Deliberation, parturiunt montes, &c. Nothing come forth against him, but a pamphlet stuffed with follies, impudent and bare faced malice. And for the witt of it, every Montebanks fool has all these stories, and ten times better on the stage every day: And it was undoubtedly from the consideration of the baseness of that pamphlet, that the Authors and — Mosman the Book binder, and Printer to the Assembly, (makes no Fool wiser,) Printer thereof, have their names altogether supprest.
Bot withal any man that will consider the success of the new practice of curing Fevers, by purgingThat above the half of the physicians in Edinburgh are eoncerned in it., will surely think the insolence of these men in that pamphlet is yet more strange: for there passes few days but in accidentalren counters. I meet with some that tell me, either themselves, or their near Relation have been cured of Fevers by that Method. Neither ever can I hear of any dies under it. And this in a short time will probablie be so plain that it will wholly silence that Impudence [Page 12]which indeeed no reason can tame: An [...] all the Opposition Dr. Broun seems to m [...] with, I am sure will only serve to make h [...] Victory more signal & his Triumph more glorious. As I could never meet with any that fro [...] Experience could condemn that Method, [...] several that have tryed it, avow it to be th [...] best ever they saw practised, and one affirmi [...] Witness is better than ten denying: In this Ca [...] as well as in any other, & better then all the [...] soplustuate and false waverings. And becau [...] I know it will not be unacceptable to you, [...] have sent you so many of the persons Nam [...] and Cases (as I could easie remember) wh [...] have been thus cured to this purpose, that [...] occasion offers, you may inquire at such [...] themselves as ye are acquainted with c;once [...] ning the matter.
The first I had from Commissar Scougal, wh [...] told me that he himself about 3 or 4 yea [...] since, did take a Fever in Edinburgh, and bei [...] very apprehensive of the danger, because t [...] last Fever he had several years before tha [...] brought him to the gates of death, So he w [...] very doubtfull he could mantain such a bo [...] again: and further being very diffident of th [...] old Methods by which he was treated in [...] former Fever, and Judging this Method of pur [...] ing to be more rational, he resolved to call f [...] Dr. Broun, and not finding him in Edinburg [...] he sent to his house in the Countrey, an [...] [Page 13]brought him to Edinburgh, through which Method of Purging, in a short time, by the Blessing of GOD, the Commissar recovered.
There is an other account I have from Mr. David Graham Tutor of Gorthy, and one of the Clarks to the Bills, who told me that within these 2. or 3. months, there was 4. or 5. per [...]ons dangerously sick of the Fever in his Fami [...]y, his Neice a young Gentlewoman & several of his Children, and a servant: his Gentleman missing Dr. Broun in Edinburgh, went himself in all haste to his house in the Countrey, earnestly entreateing him to come to the help of his distressed Family: So Dr. Broun came a [...]ong with him, and in a short time, by the [...]lessing of GOD, cured them all by the new method of purging.
I met with a Minister here at the General Assembly, whose name is Mr. William Russell, I believe ye know him well enough, he gave me [...]he following account; thus, In the beginning of this Winter, there raged in the parish of [...]tobo where he is Minister, a most Edidemick and malignant Fever, few Families escaping, or [...]ew in any Family but were affected, and many died, all the Ministers Family took it, and one died before he sent for Dr. Broun first [...]o Edinburgh, where he missed him; thereafter he sent to his Countrey house, & brought [...]im to his distressed Family, and in a short [...]ime, by the Blessing of GOD, he cured himself, [Page 14]his Wife who was given over by all, and several of his Children, by this Method of purging
I have likewise the following account from Alexander Hamilton Bailie of Broxburn, who [...] Wife 2 or 3 years ago was most dangerousl [...] sick of a Fever, so he sent for Dr. Broun to Edinburgh, where when he missed him, he sent t [...] his house at Dolphingtoun & brought him from thence to his Wife and by the blessing [...] God, she was cured by that method of purgin [...] within a few dayes
James Tod Stabler in the Grass-mercat told me that some 3. or 4: years agoe, he had a mo [...] high & raging Fever, so that he could scar [...] be kept in Bed by these that waited on him & having called for Dr. Brown the 8th da [...] of his Fever after he was bled and purged, h [...] peefectly came to his senses and calmed but had no memory of all that bad pasthin [...] before, & so by some more purging, and th [...] rest of the Method he was perfectly Cured.
The Lady Bagilo told me she had a daughter, who some years before had a very grea [...] and long Fever with a looseness all the tim [...] so that she very narrowly escaped at th [...] time, and thereafter her daughter took th [...] Fever again, altogether after the same manner, and with a loosness also, after Dr. Brou [...] was called, by the use of the new method [...] Purging, she was very perfectly and lo [...] recovered.
It were long to tell you the particulars of many more I heard were cured this way of Purging by Dr. Broun, and others as Charles Divie Merchant, Archibald drummond Son to Provost Drummond, a Child of Deacon Patersons, Robert Clarksons writter, John Hunter Taylor, Mr. Alexander Mitchel, Chaplain to the Master of Forbes, a servant of Sir Robert Gordon's, and several others; which any that is inquisitive may easily get notice of from the Apothecaries here especially, J: C: J: M: M.J: H: & J: B: R: E: &c.
Whereas some ignorantly, others maliciously, detract from the benefit of this method, alledging it is nowayes accommodate for all continual Fevers: I would ask such persons, if they can bring experience, to confirm what they say, and whether or not they deceive themselves, and others, with their capricious reasonings; If they go about to overturn a matter founded on the solid experience of others: And if they be not as rediculous in such reasonings, as it would be horrible to see a man standing before the mouth of a Cannon, reasoning Gun-pouder out of its force, until he were all blown to peices.
For it is very certain that Dr. Sydenham, Dr. Broun, and several others (who desire not to be named) have with the greatest success practised the purging method, this several years upon all Fevers that occurred to them, [Page 16]even these with the most vehement Sympto [...] and that at all times and seasons of these [...] vers, providing the patients strength co [...] bear it. Where it is to be remarked, that th [...] is only mention'd what has been done; [...] GOD only knows if this method or any [...] ther will alwayes hold, as also it is to be obs [...] ed, that there is great Art and dexterly [...] quired in the using this method in difficult a [...] dangerous caises, where it may miscarry the hands of Novices, or these unexperienc [...] in it.
And now to conclude all, I think the [...] rious reflections on the whole matter, a [...] may give us a strange prospect of the nat [...] of some men; so it admonisheth us [...] the greatest circumspection where we pl [...] that important and exoberant Trust of [...] Health and Life. And so bids you Adu [...]
Nota, These few instances here mentioned not to be lookt on, as all that can be given, t [...] being a great many more examples both in this [...] other places.
ADVERTISEMENT;
Dr. BROUNS Vindicatory Schedul [...] sold at John Vallange's shop foregainst the C [...]
In speculo teipsum Contemplare Dr. BLACK.
A Looking-Glass for the Black-Band of Doctors.
VVherein may be seen the Ignorance and Malice of these Physicians, who have Clubbed under the Name of Dr. BLACK, for suppressing by their Scriblings, and other Calumnies, so great a benefite to the World, as the new Cure of Fevers.
Contained in a 2d. Letter written by Philander to his Friend in the Countrey Philomathes. In Defence of Dr. BROƲN.
EDINBƲRGH, Printed by the Heir of Andrew Anderson, Printer to their most Excellent Majesties, 1692.
Dictum Biantis Prienensis.
In speculo teipsum Contemplare, et si formosu apparebis, Age ea quae formam deceant, sin d [...] formis, quod in facie minus est, vel deest, id morum pulchritudine pensato: Audito multa, loquere pauca.
When every School-Boy knows this wise Precept, Learned Club, you cannot be Ignoran [...] of it: But surely the Reason why you hav [...] so much slighted it, must be, because you hav [...] by the like Rapture of Learning, that you expounded Philander, (making thereof fool Andro) Taken Biantis for Banters, and Pirenens [...] for pire-non-sense.
Advertisement by the Publisher TO The READER.
ALbeit the Clubs Dialogue written against Dr. Brown, contained as much Impertinency, as might justly have moved any Man of moderat Mildness and Temper, to have Retorted it with the like. Yet Dr. Brown would so far [...]urmount these fools, who had no reason to be provocked, that he would not be provocked tho he had reason, and so there was in Philanders first Letter, a discreet, pertinent and solide Answer given them, wherein no man was touched. This Discretion, and Moderation, it seems, served then to no other use, than it doth to all Brutish, and Degenerous Spirits, to highten their Insolence, as appeared by A 2d. Essay, emitted by them, a great deal more Infamous and Scurrilous, than the Former. Which, albeit it appeared very Rediculous to all Wise Men, yet in regard, a great many of the weaker sort of People, could not but be exceedingly amazed to see so many Physicians, that pretend to no small Figure in their Profession, Redicule an Improvement about the Cure of Fevers, made so Plausible by Dr. Brown and himself, Represented a meer Ignorant, and Impostor; this, as it proved very surprizing, and astonishing, so it makes it very necessary, for satisfying the Curious, that there should be yet some Considerations offered, concerning the Buzle made about this very great Concern.
And First, It being plain, that although this Point of a most effectual Method of Curing Fevers, be of great Import [Page 4]to all Men, yet there are very few able by penetrating into the Mystery of the Debate, to be Competen [...] Judges thereof, the most part do therefore, by Implicit [...] Faith, acquiesce in the Authority of these, they thin [...] should, and do know this matter thoroughly.
Yet as, Delirant reges, plectuntur achivi, So When Doctors rave
They fill the Grave.
For oftimes Physicians by their ascendant over the vulgar, having patcht up an Authority, calculat only for self Interest, they do thereby most Severely and Succesfully Tyrannize over Improvements, and their advancers [...] In regard they are jealous, such Improvements come to Supplant them, and steal away their Gods of Profit, and Esteem.
And next, since, in consequence of this, there seems to be no means left to Extricat this Improvement out of the Pounces of such Cormorants and Harpyes; but to represent them to the World, in their Natural and true Shape, and despoil them of their borrowed Plumes of un [...] merited Esteem, acquired through vulgar Ignorance, and Mistake.
It seems absolutely necessary, for undeceiving the the World, and rescuing the true Interest of Mankind, to give Exact Characters of these Blacks, Wolfs in Sheeps Clothing, and Enemies to Men, at least in so far as their Scriblings and Calumnies declare them.
And so there being only here represented a true History of Dr. Black's Phenomena, and these plainly solved, by laying down a solid Hypothesis of his Nature: I hope the Candid Reader will not Construct, that Dr. Broun is provocked, or that he intends Reviling for Reviling: but only that he designs, for the Publick Good, to give [Page 5]a true Representation of the weak Foundation of that Tyrannical Authority, which in its being is Calculated, and Contrived, and in its use is most advantageously exercised and imployed, for the Overthrow, and Suppression of so great Benefits, as Improvements in Medicine are; Their safety and progress being indeed no wayes attainable, so long as men that can securely level at Self, and privat Interest, altho at the publick Coast, remain in Power and Credit with the World.
Philander has not gone to beg pitiful stories at the Common Strumpet Fame, to make up their History with, where perhaps he might have made als good pūrchase of Reproachful Tales, as Black has done, (none of the Black Club being either so Innocent in themselves, or such Darlings of Fame) for ‘Tam ficti pravi{que} tenax quam nuncia veri.’
But he has only made use of such Documents, as are drawn from their Writings, and other Actings about this Affair, and when no body is Named, if they hit not right, there is no miss made, and no body can Complain. And because Dr. Broun was unwilling to expose these Enemies of Truth, before he essayed all means for their Reformation, and endeavoured to beg Peace at their hands, long before they were Printed, he gave in his whole Papers to them, to be Considered, with the following Letter annexed thereto.
To all Physicians that are Dr. Broun's Enemies, or these who have Calumniat him by Printing against him, or otherwise, A Charitable Offer of Forgiveness and Peace.
THat Scurrilous Dialogue, Printed and Dispersed, with design to suppress my honest Endeavours in Relation to the Advancement of Medicine, and wherein you have been concerned, as Contrivers, Authors, Publishers or Approvers, I studied a while to connive at, and to give it so General an Answer, as might not reflect particularly on any of you, either directly, or by broa [...] hints: Tho my Vindication in the Opinion of some, seemed in so far defective, that it stood meerly on the Defensive, and not paying you home in the same Coyn, wante [...] some Trapings of Rallery, to have made it more Fashionable and Passing (that Rallery being always flat where [...] body is hit)
Untill your 2d. Essay a great deal more Impertine [...] then the former, backed also with with your consta [...] verbal Calumnies, obliged me something to change th [...] former Measures, and to give this Answer, which ( [...] intending to be more Generous, than at a stollen Dint, [...] make any of you Ridiculous,) I have sent you before [...] be Printed, to be perused: And if there be any thing them in you can evince Impertinent, either to my Vindcati [...] or the Vindication of the Improvement, I endeavour to advance, or a more severe Retaliation, th [...] [Page 7]the Provocation Craved (your Scurilities and Calumnies indeed admitting of no other Answer.) I am content (as being willing to do my Enemies all Justice) it be in so far Reformed.
There was never any mans Reputation designed to be Impeached by me, unless in so far as it's Imployed to barr out Improvements; Some of your Reputations, I endeavoured to advance pari passu with this Improvement; But If any m [...]ns backwardness, becoming too plain, derogat from that Portion of Reputation he is in possession of, he knows whom to blame for that. When Discoveries, and Mens Reputation turn Antipods, and opposite, the Discoveries tending to the Zenith, their Reputation will down to Nadir. And the greater Pouther be made about Discoveries, when they become Conspicuous, their defects will be the more Legible that make it: And as common Prudence would oblige all that have common sence, rather hover a While, than precipitantly condemn matters of Experiment, which others have found, but they themselves have never seen; So indeed I think a very smal touch of the Conscience of your Duty, as Physicians, would make you carefully watch all opportunities to observe whether or not this Practice hold to be as Succesful, as it is given forth, & this (which is very strange,) none of you has ever yet taken the pains to do: And so how you can Answer, either for this neglect, or for your other behavior in this matter, to God or Man, I truly do not understand. If I have wronged any of you, I am content of just over [...]urs for further satisfaction, than what already you have taken at your own hands, if further be due: And if you cannot make any wrong appear (which I think ye will not) I am content that being least in the Transgression, [...] have the honour to be first in the desiring a Just Accommodation. It may be sufficiently known to you, [Page 8]that I am several wayes (especially in regard of the cause) so advantageously stated, that I need not fear your attempt [...] any other ways, then that they may hurt your selves and prejudge a while the advancement of Medicine. It's therefore Peace and Charity to you, and love to the Publick Good, moves me to this Advertisement.
Since then I am content on very easie terms to pass from any Retaliation, or exposing you, as here you see, as th [...] I conceive, will be a considerable evidence to the World, of my Peaceable and Charitable Disposition, so it will be a pregnant Testimony of my affection to the Art which by a Representation of the Matter, or a just Retaliation, may perhaps come to suffer: And show to all Men, that (like Solomons true Mother, that would by no means endure the dividing of the living Child) that I am so tender of the Art, that I incline scarce at any rate to d [...] ought that may tend to the exposing, or vilifying ther [...] of; and further, these Considerations (as I humbly conceive) ought to invite you also to give the like Testimony of your peaceable Disposition, and of your like tender affection to the Art, in reasonably preventing, what may any further marr the Honour or Advanc [...] thereof.
If your return to this Letter, be any thing but Peace and Accommodation, you may expect the World will b [...] acquainted with it in Print,
THe Clubs return to this, was in their old chat of reproaches, some of them, especially the Lame and th [...] Maimed answered it in a new Cant to the Tune of Cu [...] gelling, and Ear-cropping. O brave Doctors, who, having long since Banquerouted your Learning and Reason, to [...] first refuge in Banter and Ribauldrie, and now being bang [...] out of that, has no shelter left you, but to thuart nature so far, as to give your selves out for Hectors!
And so Candid Reader, I crave pardon for detaining you so long in prefacing to Philanders Letter, which will more fully give you the accompt of the whole matter, and so bids you adieu.
ADVERTISEMENT.
LEarned and Witty Club, when I reflect, how Ingenuously you deciphered Philander, just as a Mountibank's Fool would have done, taking it for Fool Andro. I would earnestly intreat, that ye do not Sore again so high, with an Icarian flight in Learning, and take this Philarchus for your Fool Arche, that meer Pageant of Learning, who being on of the Authors of that Learned Dialogue, written against Dr. Broun, thought to escape his Reward, because he was sheltered in a Chair; yet the Impudent Pretender Declaiming, or rather Belsching from the Chair his Foppry and Impertinency, has so well chastized himself, that no body needs to be further solicitous to take any other Correction of him, than by Publishing to the World his Inaugural Oration, with some Natural and Pertinent remarks thereupon; &c.
Unto which, if there be added, a full plan and History of the Means and Methods of his, most deserved Promotion; as thereby it will be clear, that the Air of our Climat is most apt to blow up Bubles, letting more solid things fall to the Bottom: So such a History as this will not be little delghtful to the Curious, to understand [Page 10]plainiy all these Petty Arts, and sham Tricks, by which this ape of Learning managed his Intrigue of applaus [...] Catching, and fame forstalling.
If Hogen Mogen finding the pleasant Effects of this Pretty Art, complain that they are gulled, and that fo [...] Juno they have embraced a cloud. I must crave Mynheer pardon, if I tell him, that he must not think himself abused, by these who gave the Man a brave recommendation, for the Scots Proverb, and Practise is, tha [...] these who are ill of their Harbour, a [...]e best of there a way Ken; and indeed the easiest way to be easily rid of [...] troublesome Guest is always to ruse him.
A second Letter Written by Philander, to his Freind in the Country Philomathes in Vindication of Dr. Brown.
I Was not a little surprized as well as your self, when my former Letter written to you, and Published to the World, in Vindication of Dr. Broun's Book, was Answered by his Opposers, to whom it was not Directed: Animadversions, or Observations thereon, the Black Dr. might have Published, but his giving an Answer of a Letter not directed to him, seemed a nonsensical piece of business, I ruminated long to see if this Bull of the Black Drs. could be any way excused, at last I think I hit it, for [...]eing how Learnedly Dr. Black had deciphered Philanders, [Page 11]making it Fool Andro. I clearly understood, that the Black Dr. after the same manner, had deciphered your Name Philomathes, taking it for Fool Matthew one of their Society: this surely has made them rather Ignorantly, than altogether Impertinently Answer it, tho by as great a mistake, as if one should take Dr. Black for a Candid Dr. or White for Black, there being as great a difference betwixt Phiomathes and Fool Matthew, so, as the Clinking of the Bell makes the Fool think, does, the gingling of Words make these wise Drs. rave. And now Philomathes, it were in vain to tell you how Infamously these Drs. in their Scurrillous Libels, bestow their Talent, and bewray their little Wit: every body that doth not, will fully shut his Eyes, must of necessity see every Line of these reproachfull Stories against Dr. Brown, drawn in the black Characters of Envy and Malice: and surely, because Dr. Brown's Enemies could say little in the cause, and bring less against his Ingenuity, and Sincerity, they endeavour to mis-represent his extrinsick Qualifications, his Discretion, his Humour, or his Carriage, as if by making him Ridiculous in any of these, they can but abate Mens Reverence to him, their Confidence in him will not long hold out: For as one sayes bare honesty, being lookt on as a Leafless Tree, no body will trust himself to it's shelter: Thus Socrates was treated by his Enemies, when they could no otherways suppress his Reputation, they hired Aristophanes the comick Poet, to Personat him in redicule on the Stage.
And indeed I think no wonder these Gentlemen, for all their Impudence, had never Confidence enough to owne to the World what they had done against Dr. Broun. all Crimes have had their Fauters and Abettors, but Lying, especially reproachful Lying, is so much the Dregs and Refuse of Wickedness, that none has yet had Chimistry enough to Sublime it unto Reputation, so as any body will [Page 12]venter to owne it: and among the several Aggravations, this Crime is capable of (besides the cause a Man suffers reproach for) the putting of such reproachful lies in Print, seems none of the least: But let George Mosman look to thar.
I must confess, we are got into a very Merry World, if Men will be so foolish, as to suffer themselves at the expence of their Health, the most valuable concern of Life, to be laught and lied too, out of so useful, and clear an Improvement to the Common Nature, as the Cure of Fevers. Dr, Broun has in his Schedule, given an Idea of: I am willing to believe, there are a great many still, who have perspicacity enough to see thorow such sort of Addresses, So that these Merchants will lye under a necessity to deal with the more Ignorant Chapmen, and with them their Counterfeit Wairs will go best off.
But pray let us take a sober view of what these Fopps, and Enemies to Mankind will be at: Here then, good Drs: Let us carefully weigh the matter, and lay in one Scale, the dearest concern under Heaven, the Health and Life of Men. and their nearest Relations, frequently overturned by these continual Fevers, the danger and precipitant Invasion thereof, which by a sudden Eruption and Devastation, in a trice overturn our Hopes and Comforts, to therefore make the loss of Life more bitter: and which is yet very recent with many, your former and present unsuccesfulness in the Cure of these Fevers.
And in the other Scale, let us lay the undoubted Obligation, chargeable on the Adepts, and Sons of Art, to Ransact and Muster all the Supplies, Study, Industry and Observation can make up for the Resistance of the sudden Ravage and Dissolution made by these Fevers: together with the great, constant and dayly Success, which to the great Comfort of Men, and their Relations, is observed to follow this new Method of Curing Fevers.
Now, my very good reverst Friends, to which of the [...]de does the Ballance incline to with you, and since you either close your Eyes from the wonderful Effects of this new Method, or dissemble, what you understand of it, are you not then in love with these many Ruins, and Distresses these Fevers bring along with them, and content to let your Blood freeze within you, in the midst of such extream heat, when upon every trivial occasion, at other times, it's ready to break out in the strangest Ebulition: Is not this to prove your selves Fopps, your Art a Trick, and Induce the World to cry out, you can do nothing, when there is most ado with you: Good Doctors, who appear to the vulgar sprightly Heroes in Medicine, I am almost in a fright, when I consider with all, what a remora many such dead weights as you, really is in the way of true Practical Improvement in Medicine, to the great hurt of Mankind, and the scandal of all faithful Physicians, you are in truth, the dead Flees that Corrupt all their Perfums: For shameimust honest Dr. Broun meet with such dishonest treatment from you, for his Charitable Endeavours, to deliver the World from the fetters of Prejudice and Ignorance, & wherein no Man is touched or wronged; it's not his own things he seeks, it's the Interest of Humanity, in so noble a Discovery of a new and most succesful method of Curing these formidable Fevers; So the malice must be strange and more than humane, that prosecuts him.
Since then Philom. as every body knows, this fearful havock of our Dearest Concerns made by these Fevers, often falls out, under the Presidence and Government of the Physicians, and seeing their Trust makes it nearly their concern, to enquire seriously, whether Negligence or Mistaks may be Concuring to the Course of so sudden and formidable a Devastation: and also, Seing we perceive Men are always with great difficulty, drawn from their former [Page 14] Customs and Practices: and with all Ranks and Stations of Men, Improvements are hardly entertained and [...]mbraced; but most of all, with those whose Esteem, and Reputation can be preserved intire without their entertaining them as in Medicine, I apprehend it's too easie to do.
Upon these Considerations Philomath, I am not only clearly Induced to entertain shrewd and harsh thoughts o [...] those that are offended at the Preliminaries of Dr. Broun' [...] Book; but I also think, he has made no Impertinent degression, but a very necessary Preliminary, and Preface to his Work, where he has made a Towr to Summond u [...] the whole Force of that Obligation, lying on Phisicians to Dilligence and Improvement, to conjure down negligence, and to areaign all vulgar Ertors and Mistakes capable to stiffle, or deprave Improvement in that Art, it being indeed these that seem like Mountains, to stand it the way to Improvement; do they not then deserve by serious Consideration, to be Levelled and Removed.
Now Philom. Knowing you are a Curious Enquirer into the Causes of all the various Phenomena of the Civil, a [...] well as the Natural World; and that the behaviour, and Nature of these Blacks, pretending to be Physicians, may appear very strange, and un-accountable to your self, a [...] well as others, and put many in hazard to think, that a which Dr. Broun has offered in this matter, is nothing bu [...] Delusion, and Foppry: I judge it not Impertinent to offer you my un-byassed Sentiments, in Relation to a clear and Rational Solution of these Mens Actions, and Phenomena; by giving a solid Hypothesis of their Nature, whereby, I hope it will be plain, that the Dignity and Excellency of an Improvement in Medicine, may not only be very consistent with snarlings and reproaches thrown thereupon by Interested and By-assed Physicians: but that all eminent Improvements are necessarily attended with [Page 15]that fate: so Philom, I realy think the World is not a little indebted to the Man, has the courage to make the venture to bring such to see the Light. For it is no more Plain, than it is Lamentable, that after the Laborious Penetrating of the Judicious, who raking the Bowels of Nature, has digged and refined any Improvement in the Cure of these Fevers, (perhaps of more value then all the Gold of the Indies) out of it's Natural Min and Oar, where it was hid and Inaccessable by the Block and Sluggard, yet before it can become acceptable, and of general use, it's put to encounter various Skirmisies, with the several Interests, Humors, yea Caprices of Men; and not only every Dunce or Fop has an Itch to stain and sully that vertue he could never imitate, yea, scarce comprehend: yet he (as sufficiently qualified to encounterfit the Physician with the vulgar) is in a great measure capable to disgrace it, but even these that seem more Polished, & Refined, and have Engrossed any Esteem, finding a new Title of applause in favours of the undertakers, necessarily follow such undertakings, shrewdly suspect it, as topping and veighing with their Reputation, to be at their Coast, and they Endangered thereby to have their merit Eclipsed; this raises such a Torrent of Heat and Envy against it, and its advancrs; that they are often made to stagger under them: and where the thing is so Conspicuou;, that they dare not meddle with it; and also finding it would be dangerous and fatal to themselves, to make a quarrel of a mans vertue; they can, by means of their Art, and Authority, by a devilish Chimistry, Extract and Pick one out of the most Innocent Deportment to bespatter his Merit, and which will also serve them as a Cloak for their envy, and malice to the boot.
Thus men to save the borrowed Lustre of their Skill, sully their Candor: which altho a stain little Conspicuous [Page 16]is yet very dangerous; in Physicians for Ingenuity the como [...] spur to Industry, the Parent of Skill, being languid in then it must only be by the favour of Artifice, and Popular Erro [...] without any solid worth, that such have thorow ti [...] (which vulgar opinion makes to ripen the most insipid them) scrambled up to any Eminency, and Enhaunced [...] Opinion of Experienced: But considering the false be tomed Reputation of these Parasits to fame, is like fai [...] Money, which is brought in a night, and carried away th [...] nixt: no wonder if vulgar humor, and applause that l [...] set them on the Tottering Pinacle of unmerited esteem, as easily, but far more justly throw them down again. A [...] indeed Philomath, I am tempted to tell you, that I this true worth, as it spares no Labour in acquiring, so saves no Coast to welcome true Improvements: and alwayes among the first that shakes hands with the [...] Whence it may be clear, that what ever benign aspect s [...] Discoveries may carry to the World, yet if they bear reverse ought Malevolent to any Mans ill acquired Estee [...] or private Interest, a cold welcome is to good, nay a ve [...] hot one they must look for, from such Men: A clear e [...] dence (among any others) of this, was the Quarr [...] Contentions, & Skirmishings, that arose about that mee Theoretical Improvement the circulation of the Blo [...] And if it fare so here, how will it go, if an useful a practical Improvement offer to set up the Head, and Devils Game, as well as Mans be marred or these Tra [...] or Snares that precipitate Men into the Kingdom of Da [...] ness, be in danger to be removed, by any Considerable I [...] provement in the Cure of these Formidable Fevers: the well see, as Dr. Broun Intimats further in hi Prefac [...] his Book: ‘That the Serpentine Brood, which is [...] big with Malice, and Envious of the good of Men, a [...] and which was never more Dominant, than at this tim [...] [Page 17]will rase all the Corners of the Infernal Pit, for Venom to bespatter such a Project, and its Advancers with.’ And so the Interest both of Men and Devils being at the stake, and both being attack't by this Improvement in Medicine, no wonder (as the French King and Turk have done) That Men and Devils Confederat against their Common Enemie Practical Improvement in Medicine.
Now how far all this may be applyed to Dr. Broun's opposers, any that will be at the pains to consider both his and their Papers, may very easily Judge: and if thereby, they clearly understand, that in advancing one of the most desirable Concerns of Men, he is as pertinent and solid in [...] than they to depress it, turning quite from the Subject, are pregnant in vile Raili [...] [...], they will not hover long to give their Sentence.
After my former Letter emitted, and P [...]d in his Vindication, and in Answer to their Dialogue, and wherein the new Method was confirmed, by several Examples, it was thought Impertinency, was by sound Reasoning, so dashed out of Countenance, that it durst never appear any [...] that Errand.
But a 2d. Essay, a great deal more Impertinent, and Infamous than the former, made all Spectators understand, that no Humane Reason can tame Devilish Insolency, and that its as hard to check their scolding humors, as it was to Crub that brazen Zantipes Vein, whose unruly Member, after her Husband had several wayes (but all in vain) endeavoured to tame (she still calling him Lousie Rogue, Lousie Cuckold) at last he tryed her with ducking, but she putting up both her hands, above the Water, and joyning the Nails of her Thumbs in a Crack-house posture, shewed how little she was dantoned. Even so these Men, when they are plunged over Head and Ears, in the derision of all sober Men, still attempt to give the most ridiculous vent [Page 18]to their Impertinent chatt. And withall the most favourable Construction can be put upon their behavior seems this: These Blacks being such a waspish venomous Kind of Creatures, that when they are Irritate, (which is alwayes upon the appearance of any good to the World) the Venome Ferments and Works so within their Breasts, that it's ready to burst them, unless it break out with a Ratle at Railling Row: And notwithstanding Philomathes of all the venemous Eructations, and Floods of Viperspaun, disgorged against Dr. Brown, by one of these Blacks, a bitter Viper: I heard say (which I think a very strange Phinomenon, that the Paroxisms and fits use to be so violent in him still, that he is forced [...], for without these, his Fits, like Gunpouder, would make such a sorrowful parting betwean poor [...], that the old sitten on Friends would never meet again, In speculis contemplare teipsum, Sin deformis id morum pensato pulchritudine: audito multa, & loquere pauca.
Mistake me not Philomath, as if I intended, transgressing all humanity, to insult over any Mans [...]; no no, but being to solve the Phenomena of hi [...] Wicked Actions, I am necessarily led to his Cursed Nature which having undouhtedly depraved [...] that lodges it (a discreet Guest indeed) no wonder it spares nothing it falls in hands with; and indeed I attempted to take the Liberty to tell you Philomath, [...] in my Opinion, lay a double Obligation on the Subject to Discretion and Vertue, and the vertue such, are endued with, not only gives a Proportionable Supply of their other Defects; but is also it self more Conspicuous and renders the Person more Amiable, so wicked Malice, making them justly more Odious and Abominable; makes Reasonably all their [...], more Remarkable [Page 19]and that Common Saying, Cavendum ab his quos Deus & natura notarunt, tho it may Justly have sometimes its exceptions, yet I think without breach of Charity, I may be Confident this Subject is none of them; for that Viper, without any Provocation, but his Conscience of honest Dr. Brown's Ingenuity and Zeal for the Publick good (Which is I confess enough of Provocation to a malicious Brat) has by Printing, and all other wayes, imployed the utmost efforts of his Devilish Malice against him; as may be seem thorow all the Clubs Papers, whereof the bitterest and most invective Passages are the Hissings of this Viper, but ekpecially may be seen in the account he gives of my Lord Crichtouns Case, which like a venomous Serpent, in the pride of his [...], and Majesty of his Scales setting up his brisles, he fronts with this Malicious and Venomous Hiss. (the baseness of Dolphintouns temper) as if he intended the effect of his malice should not die with Dr. Brown himself, but should descend to his Heirs, who appearantly may have the Designation of Dolphinton after him: But as Dr. Brown may justly glory in the Cause he suffers for, so may he do in the Instrument he suffers by; and he will be highly unjust both to his Cause and to Man [...]d, if he do not acquaint the World, that their Calum [...] may have the less Impression, what kind of Creat [...] (Malice being indeed the highest degree of Baseness) the [...]rincipal Adversaries of his Cause only are.
But considering, that the Devil rages most before he be cast out; this gives equally a presage of Dr. Brown's success, and makes the Efforts of his Instruments no wayes strange, or unaccountable. And in sum Dr. Brown needs not grudge his Enemies should Commence the most absolute Masters of Vile Railing, and Dis-ingenuous Cavelling, while he carries it in solid Reasoning, and safe Curing Fevers, which hitherto have been so dismal to Mankind. [Page 20]But he may indeed Triumph, that all these Reproaches and Impertinencies [...]ar so clearly in reverse his hardy attempt for the publick good, which these Black Doctors construct as unluckie, first to Devils, and next to there Pettie, and private Interest. For any other grounds of their Calumnious Libells, he defies them to make appear.
Moreover to show how sensible he is of the great benefit this Enemies have done him, by their Printed and verbal Calumnies, whose perversness, adding difficulty to his Enterprizes, raise the Honour of his Success: and whose Ignorance Characterizing their Authors his Opposers, has for the most part enclined the Judicious to his side: this favour, tho done far beyond their Intension, he has more gratefully remunerate, with another not a whit less beneficial to them, but far more meritorious, as being designed and Intentional, and that is, albeit they have named him with all the Names, and Nick-names they pleased, yet he has still forborn to Name any of them, some thinks it's because he is ashamed of such antagonists, but I rather think it's out of Pity; least there should be a standing memorial of their Rediculous Impertinencies and Folly, which would so conspicuously Blunder them, when their Embraceing both his Theorie and Practice, becomes unavoidable, (as in all probability it shortly will) that it might really endanger them to hang themselves.
But there is one of them that I am truly sorry for, because he has had the hard fate to prove so Publick a Tool to excente the Malicious Contrivances of the more Politick pates of that Crew, that a Honourable retreat to him, is scarce Possible: for that Man not being able to Contribute any of the least pittance to that stock of sorry will their Pamphlets are stuffed with, was content for his part to Contribute his Pains o drudge at the Press for the rest: and also to do the Office of the Coal-stealler Boyes, in [Page 21]dispersing their Malicious Papers: Alace, the club has done with that poor soul, as the willie Pug does with the Cat, with whole Fees he scapes his Chesnuts out of the Fire (and I believe the Monkey was handling the Cat of Smelholm, so when she spake wonders) and to Cool his burnt Paves, the Good-man of the Club, who had never any great Kindness for him before, (when he thought it not worth his pains to go himself, being in the midst of the Storm) sent the Poor Singed Doctor a highland Journey for him, where he would get Snow-Water, but a Green Burn, like a Green Wound is half whole, behold the end, and that the Titling was not sent along with the Gouk, came from the Good-man's tender care of the poor Titling, who would have certainly been lost in a wreath of Snow, if he had gone.
There is another effect their Pamphlets has had, which is very pleasant, and it's this: The Apothecaries finding the Club had contrived their Papers so abominably nauseous, that they would easily turn many tender Stomachs begun to suspect the club had a design against their Trade, and that they might perhaps serve their Patients with Vomitors, and Purges of such stuff, giving them so many Leaves out of one of their Pamphlets for a Dose, according to their Constitutions and Deseases. And this Jealousie was so warm among the Apothecaries Boyes, that it had almost raised them in a Tumult to have Rabled the Club.
As on the one hand, the Black Drs. Scurilous Pamphlets does, in the Eyes of all Judicious Men, evince them the most foolish and malicious of all Men, so on the other other hand, when they come to any thing that's serious, and offers to reach a hit at Dr. Brown's new Theory or Practice, they discribe themselves the most Ignorant in the World: and therefore their last Essay was look't on as worthy of no other regard but Scorn and Contempt, yet because the usurped and fals bottomed Authority of a great [Page 22]many Senior Dunces, of that gang; whose Credit lye [...] undoubtedly in P and on this Plea, does amuse the Igno [...] ant vulgar, who, perhaps making the far greatest part o [...] the World deserve not a little to be Considered and Satisfied, to the end that they may take better measure where to repose the trust of so great Concerns: Therefor [...] it was not thought altogether Improper, to give a furthe [...] and clearer Representation of that Theory, and the pitiful Reasons brought by the Learned Club against it.
How rediculous then are these men by a f [...] impertinent and incoherent Assertions, bearing in the Front only (it's certain) without any other proof, [...] evidence, and these so mingled with bitter invictives th [...] are able to quite choak the most clear Reasoning in the World. How ridiculous are they, I say, to attempt [...] overturn an Hypothesis, not taken up gratis, but rivet [...] and founded by a solid Reasoning on the most part of t [...] principal Phenomena occurring about the Aeconomie Mans Bodie, and these so clearly solved thereby, and ma [...] so neatly to quadrat therewith, as Dr. Brown's The [...] of Fevers in his schedule, seems to have done; Indeed [...] their manner of Impugning it, they assure the World, th [...] they never understood it; for any that will be at the pa [...] to Consider it closely (what's in Debate being ev [...] mans near concern) will find it an Hypothesis that's cle [...] ly demonstrat to include that Metaphysical Considerati [...] as being most suitable to the Perfection of the animal Ae [...] nomie, and Mechanism; and as seeming exceedingly su [...] able to the design of the Architeck, and an Hypothe [...] which has also its Parallel in other Actions of the Ae [...] nomie, such as the contraction and delatation of the [...] of the Eye, and in Actions from Irritation, commonly eled.
An Hypothesis that quadrats with the Composition of the [...]lood, which is made up of many little Globules, whose Number, Bulk or Figure may easily be supposed to become [...]itiated.
A Hypothesis having the Concatnation of the Procatar [...]ick and external Causes of Fevers favouring it, such allwayes being apt to produce viscosity and grosness in the Blood and Humors.
An Hypothesis that's founded in the Consequences of that great, tho Insensible Evacuation of Perspiration l [...]sed, and in the Nature and Lesion of Digestion of the Stomach; also both the frequent Causes of Viscosity and Fevers.
A Hypothesis, by which are solved clearly the natural Penomena in Fevers, such as Frequency of the Pulsie, Heat, Inquietness, Pains, Anxieties, delirium, and Spots. Where, also the Phenomena of helpers in Fevers stand clearly of its side, as first Blooding, and the various Phenomenae occuring about it, solved conform thereto, and made to confirm it. As also that Magtsterial Remedy, of Purg [...]ng, Clearing and Confirming that Hypothesis, with the use and benefit of the Paregorick. and quieting Medicine, Homologating the same.
Where also it is shewed how the Benefit from volatile, and fixed Salts, and testaceous Concrets, exceedingly favours this Hypothesis, and also how the henefit of Cupings Leiches and Frictions confirm it. A Hypothesis which has cleared the hurt of the meer Diaphoretique method in Fevers, and where many other Phenomena of Hurters are fully solved conform thereto.
Whosoever then shall think that an Hypothesis, more clearly founded than ever, I think any yet has been, in reference to that subject of Fevers, and which has never been Comprehended, or understood by them, far less Considered or Expended so, as to make them Capble to [Page 24]Impung it) should be overturned by the dash of a fe [...] Impertinent In-consequential and False Assertions, co [...] cluding with all nothing, against the Hypothesis, they ma [...] als well think Arthurs Seat will be overturned by a fo [...] Mol-hills casten up therein, by the poor blind Moles▪ and this I think, will fall in nobodies head, but these th [...] are fully as Ignorant, blind and Blockish, as these blac [...] Doctors. And now Phil. civility obliges me to usher in wh [...] I am now to take up your time with, with a craving Pardon, knowing you can bestow your minute better than o [...] such Trash: for no better Epithet can I give what they hav [...] said against Dr. Browns Theory, as you shall easily perceive, by and by, and is mentioned in the Page 13. and 14 of their Answer.
First, They say That every Part that is Contracted h [...] an Inate faculty to perform that Action which is done, by the Influx of the Animal Spirits into the Fibres. This wi [...] prove a direct Contradiction, an Action to depend on [...] Inate faculty of the Part, and yet to be done by the Influx of the Animal Spirits, which are quite Extraneou [...] thereto, and in a perpetual Flux, seems clearly repugnant and als absurd as to say, that a Miln-wheel hath an Ina [...] Faculty to move about, which done by the falling o [...] the Water upon it.
2. They say next, All Parts when delated do suffer eve [...] violence from the Humors, and what els they contain, doe [...] the Dilatation of the Brain, or Breast come from violence I pray, of what, yea does the heart it self suffer violence from the Blood. These Men are so Giddy themselves that they labour to turn all the Moderat and Benigne Motions in Nature making Life, into reeling, violent, and Preter-natural ones, they are so much in Love with Jarring, that they dream of nothing but Force and Discord.
3. They say, That the ventricles of the heart are of the [Page 25]same substance with the Inner coates of the Arteries and Veins (which is scarce sence) and that they are sensible of Irritation, that the Dilatation of the Heart, the weight, the distention through effervescence of the Blood, doth Irritate it: To say the Truth, this Principal of Irritation, which they most foolishly make the Cause of the natural motion of the Heart, must have its rise from that Irritation raised in themselves, upon the appearance of Truth and Light, whereby, like men that have the Yellow Jandice, who think all things yellow, they think every thing Irritate, when they are so themselves. And there is no doubt, if ye will ask them, ye will likewise find they fancy, that the Sun, Moon and Stars, and all other motions in the universe move from Irritation, yea, bark and Irr too when their Chimerical Hypothesis is Impugned, and that the Harmony of the Spheres must turn Jargon as well as the Heart for Company:
Now how Rediculous is this to any Person, but a little acquainted with Speculation, it being plain that the Contraction of the Muscles, is the more natural of the two Motions: For the Resolution of the oposite Muscle is still followed with the Contraction of the other, and the Heart being a Muscle, the Contraction thereof, rather than the Dilatation is a Natural Motion, and therefore does depend on no Irritation, but is the perpetual Law of the Aeconomy subservient to the great end of Distribution of the nourishment to the whole: and is no more from Irritation than the like Conveyance of the Nutrition in Vegetables is. Would it not be brave Philosophy to say, the Sap goes from the Root of the Plant to the Branches by Irritation.
And further the quantity of Blood squized into the Heart, suppose a dram is as far from Irritating it, as a convenient Portion of Meat received into the Stomack, which is not sent out till after Digestion, but then by no Irritation.
As also the Effervescence of the Blood either in a Natural or preter-natural state is a stale Error, reasonably Exploded by Dr. Brown, according to the best new Authors, as Blancard, Bohn, Brounerus, Charleton. And Effervecence being an Intestine Commotion of the minute Parts of Bodies, which most frequently, happens by Heterogeneous mixtures. It can never be reasonably said to be, but where the Senses discover it: pray with which o [...] the Senses did ever these acute Drs. discover the same in the Blood: if all the World must believe against their Sences with these subtile Doctors, pray let them usher in Transubstantiation next, for they have broken the grea [...] But that kept it out.
4ly, They say, This Irritation makes the Heart Contract it self, without respect to a final Cause. This is a clear Repugnancy for all Irritations in the Parts, when they are, are Preter-natural Motions, from Preter-natura [...] Causes, and are raised to rid the Partes offended of th [...] Irritating Matter, and here Nature may be said not very Improperly to Act for an end, yea, and if such an Irritation as this were Competent to the heart, in its Natural Motion, it clearly implayes the like acting for an end, tho an [...] end quite distinct from that Implyed in Dr. Brown's Vindicatorie schedule: for indeed their Hypothesis obliges the Heart to throw out the Blood to be rid of it, as a Grievance, which is no sooner done, than like Sysiphus Labour malicious Nature sends in another Dash or Squirt to v [...] it, and this being perpetual puts the Heart in a Continua [...] Chaff at the poor Blood, which comes no sooner into the Heart, but as a troublesome Guest, is immediatly thrown out into the Arteries, Irritating them likewise, which presently sends it a packing into the Veins, which having al [...] little Kindness for it are at Continual toil to send it back again to the Heart, where it gets als little rest; One would [Page 27]think the poor Blood is followed with Hue and Cry, and that nature is at a Fox hunting with it from Hill to Dail, back and forward, and at Death the Blood, having lost its Legs, is Catched: and so the Game ends.
But to be serious about their Irritation and Vio lnce, there two principles of Natural Motion, I pray you Witty Club, what violents the Heart of Dilatation and Irritats it to Contraction, when it beats, being out of the Body of some Animals, without any Blood, coming in, or going out. This one Instance, if they had read Dr. Brown's Book with any more Attention then the Parats speaks Words, would never have suffered them to slipt so fouly. Thete offering to Answer the Book being an Affirmation that they have read it, I will not offer to Contradict it, as being loath to call them both Fools and Liars, but one of them they must surely be.
Next they say, that the Pulse that strickes the Finger, is nothing but the Dilatation of the Arteries, occasioned by the Contraction of the heart which is granted, Then they add, for Dr. Brown to say, that in a Fever, the Pulses are more frequent, and yet to say the Circuit Motion of the Blood is more slow is great non-sense. O brutish Ignorance, for first, this last Assertion is no wayes consequentiall to the former, tho they bring it in Consequence thereof; and next, and that considers the matter will find, the last Assertion a plain falshood for to say in a Fever, the Circuit Motions of the Blood is more slow, and yet the Pulse more frequent, is als good Sense, as to say, that the stroakes of a Pump may be doubled, and yet the Water come out more slowly than at other times it does by single stroaks.
And this Phenomenon in the Pump is obvious to the Senses, with its Cause, for if either the Liquor Pumped be [Page 28]more viscuous, or if the Top-hole be not clear, the frequent agitation of the Pump will pour out less Liquor than the moderat working thereof, when the Liquor is sufficiently tenuious and thin, and the Top-hole clear. As also the short and thick stroaks of a Pump pours out less Water then long and rare stroaks do; even so the Pulse of the Heart and Arteries, altho more than usual frequent, may convey less Blood into the Veins, when the Blood it sel [...] is more gross, or the Passages betwixt them obstructed, or not sufficiently Patent: then a lesser frequency of the Pulse does, when the Blood, or Passages are not under the [...] Faults. And it's clear that the Pulse is less frequent it health, because, after the Arteries by their Dilatation have beat the touch they are Contracted very near their Centre and do expel into the Veins almost all the Contained Blood so, in the subsequent Dilatation, as moving more space viz. From the Centre to the Circum [...]erence, they mos [...] of necessity take more time to Dilate, and Consequently seldomer beat the touch, than in the Case where th [...] Blood is with difficulty admitted from the Arteries, int [...] the Veins, because then they Contract Less, much of the Contained Blood remaining, hinders their Coats from coming so near their Centre, as in the former Case, and s [...] their Terms or Bounds of Contraction and Dilatation being near, they are moved from the Bound of their Contraction, unto the bound of their Dilatation, & strick the Touc [...] sooner, and in less time, & so the space betwixt every Pul [...] is Commensurat by, and proportionat to the greater o [...] lesser Contraction, a great Contraction making still a ra [...] Pulse, and a lesser, a frequent one: And a clear resemblance of this is seen in Respiration, which in the Natural mode is more slow, and more Aire received into the Lung [...] and more expelled at every turn of Respiration, and the [...] the Breast also Dilated and Contracted more, than in frequent [Page 29]and short Respiration, where less Air is received, and less expelled at every turn, and the Breast also less Dilated and Cnntracted: much like the former Phenomenon, in the Pump, where short & thick strokes poureth out less Water, than long and rare ones do. And in the Motion of the Blood, the Heart furnishes the quantity to the Arteries, in proportion only, as the Arteries are Emptied into the Veins, which in the Natural State, when the Circuit Motion is performed Vegetly, may be a Dram or more, but when that Motion is Torpid and Loitering, and the Blood with difficulty passes from the Arteries into the Veins, the Heart at every Pulse conveyes so much Blood into the Arteries only, as they by emptying themselves into the Veins have made room for, which may sometimes be very little; for in Agonizing or Expiring Persons, where the Pulse beats the Touch with the greatest frequency imaginable, it's because the Contraction is so little and consequently the blood squized out of the Arteries, so very little, that the Dilatation is again immediately felt on the Touch: and this is so frequent, that it is rather called a Tremulous Motion of the Arteries, than a distinct Pulse consisting of sensible Contraction and Dilatation, But according to the Hypothesis of the Grand Club, the Blood should then Circulat more rapidly, than which there can be no thing invented more Ridiculous.
In Consequence of all, by the leave of that Learned Crew of Ignorant Black Doctors, it's very good Sense, and Reason both to say, that the frequenter the Pulse beats, the circuit Motion of the Blood may not only be more slow, but also, by the multitude of the Phenomena before mentioned, solved by Dr. Brown, confirming this Hypothesis, is proven actually to be more slow. And also by the same Leave, it may not be impertinent to alledge, since Nature does not accelerat Motion in Vain, That, that Frequency, [Page 30]beside what is illustrat before, is excited also, to overcome the slowness and resistance betwixt the Arteries and Veins, as is at more length held forth by Dr Brown in his Schedule. And how the Progress and Circulation of the blood it made thorow all he Meanders and Narrow windings, betwixt the Arteries and Veins, and that in so short a time as Nature requires it in the Natural State to Circle about (which according to Dr. Lower, is less than the 6th part of an hour) is very wonderful and difficult to conceive; and without very much Elevating and Abstracting our thoughts we can scarce have any Satisfaction of it: and therfore th [...] Circulation of the blood was opposed by many, because they thought it impossible; but to supperadd to that stupenduous Motion, so inconceivable a Propertie, or accident, as an Augmentation or Increase, the mind must suffer strange Tortune and Rack to Comprehend it: but how easily may that Motion be cnnceived to be Diminished.
It was indeed the Inconceivableness of the Rapidity o [...] the Suns motion by the common Hypothesis, which made Copernicus six the Sun and send the Earth a Rambling about it: By which all the Phenomena were als-wel solved and a more comprehensible and satisfieing Notion of th [...] Motion established to the boot: But these blacks make so much Noise with their Bable, of Rapidity, Violence, and Irritation, that certainly they will fright Phaetions Horse [...] whom Copernicus had quietly stabled up, and send them [...] packing again about the World, and then they must fetch Vulcan to nail down the Earth to its fixed Centure again, for i [...] the Sun and Earth come to shoulder others in their Orbs [...] they may give a terrible Jolt. And if the Rapidity of the Suns motion be inconceiveable still let the Sun look to that, as well as the Blood.
And with all such a Fals Notion as this of the Circulation of the Blood augmented does not stay heer as being a [Page 31]meer Theoretical Error and of no further purport▪ But Alace it puts the Artiest in his practice upon the most dangerous measures, and Precipitates him into the most Fatal Errors, as impelling him to put Clogs and Barrs on that motion, wherein consists Life, often already too much Loittering and Fetterred. And is as pernicious as it would be Rediculous to see these witty Doctors load a Horse that can scarce go Empty, for fear of his running away.
Moreover, as Dr. Broun has observed in the Preface to his Book, this Circulation of the Blood did strangely lie in the dark for many Ages, and was long opposed, because it was thought impossible, (what then would these opposers have said to hear its augmented now) and also it was opposed by others, because altho it seemed to Illustrate the Theorie of Medecine, yet it made no improvement in the practice thereof.
But now by this Theorie of Dr. Brouns, that noble discoverie is not only Confirmed, and not everted (as these men throgh the Grossest mistake ignorantly assert) but also is delivered from that reproach of useless. For he clearly does evince this motion of the Blood Diminished, and its slowness depending upon the Grosness, to be the nearest Cause, if not of most diseases, yet of Continual Fevers: And further since he has showen by what Complication and Concatenation of other Causes, this nearest Cause by O [...] der or Congress is fomented: How many solid and fruitful Jndications, altogether formerly lying in the Dark, may there be drawn from thence: Especially seing we may be furnished with sufficient means to satissie these Jndications: And that either by Correcting, Intercepting, or Eradicating these Causes, being destinctly known. And so this Theorie seemes not only to be clear in it self, but also leads to the Practical Improvement of the Circulation of the Blood: And notwithstanding all the applause the Circulation of the Blood, has deservedly met with in the [Page 32]World, this Theorie is as much preferable to it, as the be [...]t Practical Improvement is preferable to a meer Theoretical one, and in consequence every mans Demerit In relation to the Advancing and Opposing this most Plausible and Ʋseful Theorie of Dr. Brouns, must be Commensurable according to the value, it will really be found to be of.
As for the rest of their Assertions, viz, That it's alwayes a received Opinion that heat in Fevers is the effect of rapid motion of the Blood. Many of the best Authors, as Silvius, Willes Paracelsus and Helmont, &c. Attribute it to other causes, and albeit it had been a Commonly received Opinion, does that hinder but that it may be a Vulgar Error, and as they do not attaque, one of Dr. Broun's reasons against it, so they do not bring one for it: Then they make a digression into the cause of heat in an Inflammation, In handling of which they first say, that the Blood is then Extravasated, and immediatly they say, that the Ateries are distended therewith, pray let them reconcile these. And next they say, The quantity of Blood is the cause of heat in an Inflamation, then which there can be nothing more false, for in an, Anewrisma, which is a bag of Arterial, Bloo [...] with a continual Pulsation, and the part has far more Blood then an Inflammation or ane Aerisipelas, but far less heat: Yea none at all beyond the rest of the Skin.
And in fine their whole Chat for reasoning. I cannot call it is so pitiful and impertinent and nothing conclusive that it appears they not only want the sence to lay down any plausible Hipothesis of their own, but that they never have Considered, Traced, nor Expended Dr. Broun's Conclusions: Far less can it be expected they will confute them. Which, albeit they had been false, could not have been distinctly done but in a Book at least three times as big as his, yet this curtaleing Club pretends to do it in less than one Leafe.
As to what the Black Drs, alledge there is nothing answered to these matters of Fact, wherewith Dr, Broun stands Branded in their Dialogue It's answered first, that the Black Mouth'd Drs. Tongues are no Slander: Next it seems the heat of Black's Furie has drained his Common sense and Reason, for did not my former Letter t [...]ll him that their Dialogue contained nothing but Lies, Cavells and Calumnies: How come they now to ask what answer can be given to them. It seems these Black's has as little Skill in Common sence, as in Physick. For since these Slanders were denyed, they should in the 2d, Pamphlet have brought their proof and witness, since Philander's denyal is as good as either Fool Sanders, or Fool Mathews Affirmation.
That where the Black sayes, since Dr, Brown subjected his Book to the consideration of all Ingenuous and Faithful Physicians, now he has got the Sentiments of some of them, little to his Satisfaction.
First, who gives Black this Testimony but himself, and dare such R [...]gues Arrogate that name that dare not appear but in Masquerade. These Censurers for all their disguise will be found out by their sent to be no better than some piece of flat, Corum Bobus or viper riden Fopp, and some ill natur'd Brate, whom God and Nature has not made so Ridiculous as his Serpentine Viperish Humor has made Ignominious: And their Opinions of it is so much to Dr. Browns satisfaction, that he would never have been well satisfied with his Book, if these silly and ill hewen p [...]eces had not been mad at it. But ask what testimony Dr. Bt. and Dr, B [...]e gave of the Book, to many famous witnesses, who yet can bear Testimony of it, and whose Names I could easily mention; but I suppose these Physicians will minch yet nothing of what was their Sentiments of it. Not that I mention this to Establish any more Reputation [Page 34]to Dr, Browns Book, then every reader shall be convinc [...] is due to it, none having the power to Monopolize [...] mens Judgments, so great a Fool is Black to attempt it.
As for these passages mentioned in their Dialogue an [...] taken out of Dr, Browns Schedule, and called either no [...] sence or Contradiction; It's answered Dr, Black has he [...] proven very honest, and appears in his true Jugling Natu [...] for any that will be at the pains to compare these passag [...] with Dr, Brouns Book will find, that the most part of the [...] are wrong set down or Courtailled, all of them, the three [...] and Cohe-rence of the discourse broken and interrupted.
And for that one sentence concerning acuteness, whi [...] is taxed of nonsence Dr. Brown has his end, when the [...] break their Shines on it, for when he is speaking of acutn [...] necessary in a Physician, he thought fit to wrap up the m [...] ter in a littly obscurity to be a Touchstone for a sufficient ac [...] men, and so those Blocks having deservedly stumbled [...] it, is a clear concession they are Incapable to penetrate [...] greater mysteries, and withal there are such manifest Co [...] tradictions in their Dialogue, that he that runs may re [...] (for indeed few will stay long to read it) This one I sh [...] among many others name, first they represent Dr. Bro [...] such a stranger to learning, that he has never piped beyo [...] the Title pages of Books, and a little after, they repres [...] him to have stollen his Book out osten or twelve of t [...] best Phisiological Authors in Physick. —. Dialogue pa [...]
As to what the Black Dr. sayes that his old met [...] approved by thousands for many hundreds of years, sho [...] not be overturned to establish a new one with such manif [...] Contradiction. Now Black speaks like himself, a dow [...] right sitten on brate in Medicine that will allow no advan [...] or Improvement therein for hundreds of years, But, ho [...] ever long his method his been used, it has been sut [...] very little succesful, especially since I was any thi [...] [Page 35]capable to make observation about things, and about three years agoe as I remember there was a Physician in town Confessed that of 30 Patients he had that year of Fevers, only two of them recovered. And if Black deny this, there will be a list of their Names gotten and publ shed, and at that same time fevers treated by the new method were all happily Cured.
And tho Fevers be not now so frequent as then, perhaps many of them being frighted away or Metamorphosed into other shapes, because of this Civil war among Physicians, yet it, very plain, that to diseases formerly called Fevers, our Physicians now give the name of Surfeits, Colds, Rheum [...]tismes Feverish fitts, and I do not know what But what effect this is like to have ye may judge by this story, one Apothecary came to a Dr, with a great complaint, saying their Trade would be all ruined, for their Patients and Friends, said they could take no thing the Physician had prescribed him, for they told the Physician mistook their Disease, because when they were sure it was a Fever he called it they do not know what.
And indeed Philom all ordinary Fevers are als well known, and their Intention and remission, to any intelligent Patient or by stander as to a Physician: And that by their [...]nsible symptoms, such as Heat, Drought, Pain of the Back, or Head, a Frequent pulse, and most part sudden invasion of the Desease, &c. Tho in some Fevers that are called Malignant, the ordinary symptoms are either mild or absent, or bears no proportion, here the Physician has only the priveledge to be Ʋmpire and [...]ole arbitrator: But where ever he usurp [...] over Peoples senses and reason, all he gains is to become himself rediculous, Yea some Physician lately in Town, profest Enemies [...]o this Method, having cured Fevers by the same, but under the name of another Desease, when the Patient after [...] was recovered, heard what the Drs. called his Disease, [Page 36]he was almost frighted into the Fever again, thinking what a danger he had been in, when his Physician [...]il tooke his Disease, but at length: he Apothicary came, and Cured him, by telling him the Knack, how after this manner they concealed the new Cure of Fevers.
Where the Black Dr. sayes, there are only 2 or 3. Young Physicians that follow, or favour that new Practice [...]f curing Fevers. It may be Answered, that there are more that favour it, than follow it, perchance hindered by a too servil Veneration to Elder Physicians, (that is more for fear of their ill than any hope of their good,) who perhaps may get that we like the Pharisees, for neither following it themselves, nor suffering others, and these that now owne it, having done it, before ever they knew Dr. Brown, did equally manifest their accomplisht Sagacity, in their being among the first that perceived, and descryed Improvements, and their Ingenuity, that for no Base and By-ends, nor Slavish Veneration can be brought to pass over, or neglect them, and further these, tho young in Years are capable to give good proof both by this, and their other Knowledge, that they are Mature in accomplishments, far beyond these Duarf shits▪ and sitten on Brats in Medicine, who have made no advancement therein, in Proportion to their Age; And that Dr. Brown's Enemies must be such a Fry, appears by their ill natur'd Papers, Dwarfs and Elfs being still the most Curled Creatures in the World.
The Black Dr. Moreover sayes, that it's not reasonable to believe all these Persons Instanced by me in my former Letter had Fevers, since Dr. Brown had the Impudence to call that a Fever, which two of the most eminent Physicians in Edinburgh said was none; what will be then say, where he is sole Phisician.
It's Answered, if by Eminent, they mean such as carry [Page 37]that respect to other Physicians; that the Cooklefts and Garrets do to Houses which are alwayes worst furnisht, or which (like the Weather-Cock above the Churches) serve only to tell how the Winds of fame Blow. It's easily grant [...]nd, that such Eminencies may state themselves in that Opposition to him, either out of Design, Malice, or Ignorance.
But since there is no Persons, or Case named, Dr. Brown is not concerned to do it: but if any other will do it. I hope there may, for the good of the World, be given such a clear Representation of the matter, as giving every man his due, will lend such a blow to their Eminencie, that burying their honestie in its ruine, there will sca [...]ce be left them as much as to swear by.
And withall the Black Doctor sayes, he could, were it not for fear to give Offence to their Relations, name a Counter-list of these that have died under Dr. Brown's new method.
Thanks to Dr. Black for his tenderness, after he has Glutted himself with all Malicious and vile Calumnies, and Reproaches, wherein Persons of Honour and good Credit were concerned and named. It seems now he has some remorse, and is in a fit of Tenderness, and stands at Offence, he that so frankly just now dealt about Injuries; and which is more at Offence from an unkown hand: when the Devil (Oh, I mean the Fox) begins to preach, have a care of the Lambs: Black is not so desperatly wicked, but he can put on a visage of Tenderness to serve a greater Design: but I think it were greater Tenderness, and more Dr. Black's Interest too, by such a Counter-list to have alayed the grief raised in these, who have had their Friends dead under his Methods, upon their seing so much probability, they might have been Cured, if they had been treated by Dr. Brown's new Method, and that at a far greater Cost, than such a Ridiculous and Chimerical Tenderness: but the Truth is, any such List being not only Impossible to be given [Page 38]but there being since, several that can be added to the List of these Cured, after the New Method, they are forced to Palliat & smother the matter after this Ridiculous manner, and if it could be given, as the giving of it in this Case, could not easily offend any Man, so it would be a considerable Service to the World, and prove a more Solid and Convincing Evidence for the Club, than all they have either said, or can say: there pretended Chimerical Tenderness then, is not only Cruelty to the whole World, but, which none but the highest degree of Fools can be guilty of, Cruelty to themselves: and therefore whether they be not in this pretence, either Lyars, or Fools, or both, let the World Judge.
It's here to be Considered, that altho this Method of Curing Fevers has proven as yet so exceeding succesful, that praise to the Author of all Gifts and Discoveries, Dr. Brown, and others has for several years practised it so succesfully, that there has scarce any died under it: yet it cannot be thought Infallible, or so sure that it will never miscarry, for there may be such Complication of other Distempers with the Fever, that sometimes may evacuat the Effect: yet I think we may say of it, as Donkers in the obs. 32, of his Book de febre Petechiali sayes of a Method very like this, which he used so very succesfully, that scarce any died under it, he thinks it will agree to all Fevers, whether Epidemical or Malignant, which Testimony of his was most Learnedly Confuted by one of the Eminencies of the Club, who, upon hearing of it Magisterially said, he did not much regard the English Physicians, who were one thing to day, and another to Morrow: while in the mean time this Donkers is a German, and a Physician a [...] Cologne
And albeit the Cardinal Point of this Method of Dr. Sydenhams be Purging, yet its folly to think, but there [Page 39]is great Art, and Dexterity to be used in the management thereof, the Quantity, Quality, the Time, and Repetition of the Purgative, which being used either within, or without the due bounds, and measure, proves alwayes useless or noxious.
So that the Objection of the Grand Club, that every Apothecaries Boy knows to do it, is Frivolous and Ignorant: yea, and if such a Method could be found out, that every Apothecary's Boy could use, it were a rich discovery: and therefore their Argument tells likewise, they are no ways of Generous or Publick Spirits, but Mean, Base and selfish Persons.
And now Philom, I think, I have run over the greatest part of their Learned mistaken Answer to my first Letter, (passing by the Pudle of disgorged Viper Spaun and fopred, for rakeing therein might raise steems very noxious to you) and shown that they have brought nothing against Dr. Brown, but plain Cavils, Calumnies, and Foppries, and indeed that which they Object in the last place concerning his Education, savours rank of their Innate Ignorance: for they suppose no Man can be tollerably qualified, in Medicine, unless he be Bred at a forraign Ʋniversity. I pray you Club, what Universities were Hypocrates, Galen, Celsus, and many of the Antients bred at: and do you not know, that several of the most accomplisht Physicians in England were never out of their own Country, such as Sydenham, Willes, &c. And that several of the most expert Lawyers in our own Nation studied at home. Pray, did you ever read Hypocrates his Lex, where he tells, that there are Nomine multi, re verà pauci medici: and he makes the chief condition, and means of Institution, to be Indu [...]ry and Education from a Child in the Practice. And indeed Dr. Brown being Educat in that Studie, and Practice from his Child-hood near 30 [Page 40] Years time, there is no body will doubt, but this caeteri [...] paribus might be as good a mean for his acomplishment in a practice suitable to the genius of the Countrey, as thy breeding at a foraign university, for a short time would be.
As to what they object in further persuance of the [...] Point concerning Dr. Brown's receiving Degrees at Aberdeen
It's Answered, first, they receiving Degrees, in Medicine in any place, is very far from being a Testimony, or proof, of any Mans accomplishment: and is always given abroad periculo petentis, to the greatest Dunces that wil pay for it: And to prove this, can there be greater Blocks in the World than the Black Club (as their Papers do bear Witness) who are all Foraign Graduat Doctors; and has learned no thing abroad, but to Parat it to the Vulgar, after their return, in the Gibbrish of Jnstitutions, Diss ctions, Courses of Chimistry, Colledges o [...] Medicine they learned abroad. and yet they never conned the A, B, C. of true and solid Knowledge.
N [...]xt it's the greatest Impertinency Imaginable to disparage Dr. Brown with receiving his Degrees at Aberdeen [...] where there is a Prof [...]ssor of Medicine, for, besides that sev [...]ral of the considerable Members of the Colledge of Physicians at London, have received their Degrees there, can any Scots man doubt but the dignitie, or Honours flowing from the Soveraignity of our own Nation, are much preferable to these Conferred by a Forraign, as is clear in Knight hood, Nobility, and who ever d sparaged a Doctor of Divinity, because he was Graduat within the Nation.
But with all (and it s em [...] the Blacks do not know so much, albeit they be must of them Members of this Colledge) the Soveraignity of this Nation has by the Patent given to the Colledge of Physicians at Edinburgh, annexed a Privilege to these Graduat within the Countrey beyond [Page 41]any Graduat abroad; and that is, they are ipso facto free, and licentia [...] in the Colledge, without any Tryal or Composition; to all which these Graduat abroad are lyable▪ and what is this, but to hire us to be wise, and to incourage domestick projects of Vertue, and Improvement, which these Blacks, as Enemies to Mankind in general, and to our National Improvement in Particular attempt to discourage and as the State has most justly given Incouragement to Domestick Graduation; So it were in my Opinion, the great happiness of the Nation, because, greatly tending to the Improvement of Medieine here, that Convenient Incouragement were given for the study, and Institution of Medicine within the Kingdom also; for thereby there would not only be saved a great deal of Money that is Yearly spent in the Breeding of Physicians abroad; but also Students would be thereby better acomplisht and Educat in the Practise suitable to the Complexion of the Nation, and Temper of the Climat; and the Deseases, and Cures proper to the Genius of the Country would become sooner familiar to them: for young Physicians bred abroad, return often very raw in Medicine, and alwayes quite strangers to the Genuine Practise of this Country.
And so Philom. every thinking Many may easily Collect, that the only proper expedient to redeem that Nation from these Inconveniencies, and to promote the Advantages above-mentioned, w [...]re to Erect within the Kingdom a Profession of Medicine, with Hospitals for the Sick, subservient thereto.
And as Dr. Brown has done all in him lay to raise Domestick Improvement and Vertue by his Graduation at home, so he has given a farther evidence of a publick Temper, by his being very Zealous to project that other National benefit of Domestick Improvement, the study in [Page 42]Medicine also at home: for he did not only prudently choice such a Patron to his Book, who (himself, and his Son having a considerable post in the State) seemed qualified to lend the Project a Lift: and to whom, as Patron he might have more freedom, and access to represent, or negotiat it: but also he gave in to his Lo. a scheme of the Project in Writ, mentioning withal the retrival of (as Dr. Brown judges) Ane apposite Fond to sustain the Charge thereof; and as his very generous Maecenas at that time was pleased to look upon the Overture, as not altogether contemptible: so it's not to be doubted, but after more mature deliberation, his Lo. will in that affair discharge the Office of a true Patriot of his Countrey. And this Passage I mention Philomath, not only as directly falling in my way, but more especially, because Dr. Brwn's Enemies have been so Impudent, as to traduce his Temper, and designs, and Mis [...]represent him strangely, also in these; but now a [...]eal to all the World, if ever any Physician in the Nation, (not to speak of that Degenerous can Malicious Crew his Enemies,) gave such Testimony of Publick spiritedness, as this one passage (not to mention any more) clearly Imports he has done.
To return to our Purpose Philom, and to touch the Definition of a Fever, which the Black Club desiderat in Dr. Brown's Book: They essay to give none themselves, as being like Ignorant bunglers, far better in throwing down other Mens Work, than building themselves; but how nonsensesical a doubt is this: just as one that had read both the Blaek Doctors Pamphlets should ask for a Discription of the Black Doctor, for as he is therein drawn to the Life, an Ignorant Fop, and malicious Brate: So almost all Dr. Brown's whole Book is spent in explaining the Nature and, Phoenomena of Fevers, whose varietie being Indefinte, according to the various Disposition of the Impellent and Principle [Page 43]of the Motion, the various Disposition of the moveable Matter, weither Solid or Fluid, and of the Passages throw which the Motion is made: that variety, I say, cannot allow us to have a clear Idea of there, be brought under such narrow bounds as a Definition: but is rather the Subject mater of a Scheme: which Dr. Brown has essayed to draw in his Book.
Tho the Sign of a Fever commonly called [...]athognomick be the frequency of the Pulse. yet in some that are unquestionably Fevers, the Pulse is not frequent, which I suspect may be solved thus. Albeit the Blood circulat as slowly in these as it does where the Pulse is more frequent and Consequently the Contraction and Dilatation of the Arteries, are but of the same Extent, as when the Pulse is frequent, yet because the Velocitie and swiftness of the Contraction, and Dilatotion is also lesed; and they become Languishing and slow; there may be als much time spent in that lesser Contraction and Dilatation, and in Consequence, the Pulse beat as seldom on the Touch, as it does in health, where it moves with it's due velocitie, and so here the Velocity of the Contraction and Dilatation seems lesed, as well as the extent, of them, In Consequence, I think this Discription of a Fever not Improper.
A Fever is an universal difficult Circulation of the blood and Humors, throw their gr [...]sness, and obstruction of the Passages, having several Phenomena, as immediate effects, and others mediat from the efforts of the Impellent or first mover for redintegration of their motion, which is excited by the Impressions these Immediat effects make on the Impellent, as frequency of the Pulse and other orgasmes.
A Fever has no Pathognomick Sign omni, it has a Pathe gnomick Sign soli, that's a frequent Pulse: and where that is wanting, the present state of the Bloods Circulation is Collected from a Syndrome, or Concurse of Causes useing [Page 44]to produce that grosness of the Blood; the Cause of defficult Circulation; and from the presence of the usual Concomitants of such a Disposition, and from the other Phenomena that as Irrdiations and Beams are darted from suc [...] a Disposition: all which are more largely held forth by Dr. Brown in his Book.
Now if an [...] would be satisfied to have a description o [...] Dr, Black [...] Nature from his Phenomena, if Ho [...] race who certainly was no wayes prejudicated his Description of the man may be trusted, take it as he gives it Lib [...] 1, Saty, 4, Line, 81.
Englished because perhaps the Blacks understand Latin [...] als little as they doe Greek.
who ever desires a short and easy way, that th [...] meanest Capacity may know a Black by; take this.
And to confirme all take also Hipocrates the most wise [...]f all Phisicians his Sentiments, in his Book De Arte, Where he sayes whosoever endeavours with Artifice of [...]ndiscreet and Dishonest words to disgrace and abuse the Discoveries and Inventions of others, neither Endeavors [...]o amend them, but traduces them before the Ʋnlearned, He seems incapable to be esteemed prudent, and betrayes his Malicious Nature and Ignorance.
But least I be thought to leave this Malice riden Crew in Wrath, (their number as well as their Condition deserve [...]ng pitty) I think it better to take a charitable farewel, and to leave them with a wholesome and sound advice, providing they be capable to fellow it; and its a prescription of which if they can but get the right Ingredients, and make [...]ight up, it will quickly Cure their Distempers and mi [...]eries especially their Ignorance.
Take of Limpid and smartest M [...]nstruum of Natural Acuteness, [...]s much as ye can get the more the better That which cannot very easily penetrate the preluminaries of Dr, Brouns Schedule, especially that paragraph in the first Section concerning Acuteness, is quite dull and naught. Impregnat this Menstruum with a sufficient quantity of the fixed salt of true sence of the Physicians duty and obligation lying on him to accomplishmentNot the volaltie for that is naught, this Salt must be made after the manner prescrived in the first Sect; of Dr, Browns Schedule. then add unto this Menstruum, thus impregnat als much as will be proportionat to the quantity of the Menstruum of serious Industrie constant Labour and inquisitive search, These must be gathered and prepared after the manner in the 2d, Sect, of Dr, Browns Schedule. then seal the vessel with the Hermetical Seal of the Phisicians sequestration from other Imployes or Diversions. And set it in the Balneo of Speculation, let the Balneum be still keeped warm with the Constant heat of serious and Intent Application of the mind till the Menstruum Extract a Tincture that looks Brown, if it [Page 46]look Black all is spoilled, it will be of a Corrosive Poisonous Nature: then Filter the Tinctur throw the Filter of diligent Observation and so ye will have an Excellent Elixir Philosophorum called Medicinal Prudence, which ye may Aromatize pro renata when ye come to use it with some Guttes or Craines of Personal Prudence to make it more Palatable and Passing.
The vertues of the Elixir Prudentioe medicoe.
It Cures all Reeling megrim, Giddiness in Physicians, all Deliriums, and Ravings, yea Madness it felf, if it be not natural, or from bad Conformation of the Parts.
Its excellent to clear their sight, helping all faults of the eyes, especially Suffusions; yea, it Cures Infallibly that mos [...] dangerous and Epidemical Disease in Physicians, the Gutt [...] Serena, where the Orgains seem Intainted and Sound t [...] the Spectators, yet there is nothing but Darkness and Blindness within.
It's good in all deseases from Venome and Viper spaun [...] and Malignant [...]umors, especially against their Paroxcism and Fermentations, when being stirred up, they cause excesive belshing out of poysonous Eructations, notwithstanding whereof, they are in hazard to burst the Body of the Patient, and obliges him still to be Clasped in Iron-Bands and Fetters, like a Malefactor.
It's good against all Stupidity and Fopishness in phisicans, cutting all Snotty viscuous humors, purges ou [...] all Fopred that dulls their Brains.
It's good for all Rickityness, Dwarfing and Sitting o [...] in Physicians, making them advance more in on year the [...] tbey would otherwise do in Twenty, or Thirty.
It's good for overflowing of the Gall and Heart-burning, for all Chollerick Deseases, the Black and Yello [...] Jaundice, which make all things appear wrong to th [...]m.
It's good also for the Apetitus Caninus in Physicians, which makes them de [...]ore six times a [...]s much Imployment [Page 47]as they are able to disgest or dispatch, which is a disease ordinarly incident to these that are Duarft, and sitten one in Medecine.
I should have also given them a cure for ther Malice and wickedness: but that seems to be a Devil that cannot be cast out without Fasting and Prayer, therefore I must leave it to the Church-men.
The Publishers Advertisement to the Reader.
Whereas the Black Doctor sayes he will Answer Dr, Brown no more which if he doe not, and be als good as his Word, I'l swear that it's the first time that a Skittish Jade after being so touched in the Quick, did not both Fling and F—t. too.
If Dr, Black's back be [...]alled with whipping and Smart I have an extraordinary Anodine Balsome of Consolation to [...]ive him and its this.
Desine Flere niger nondum pro viribus egit.
Dr. Brown,
Solace thy self, weep not Poor Sorry Black;
For Brown has not yet open'd half his Pack.
Errata.
P 13. l. 2. for side, r. sides 16. d. to.
ibid. l. 13. & 14. f. Iamalmostina r. I am almost in a
ibid. l. 19. for [...]ameimust r. shame must
p. 15. l, 16. f. encounterfit r. counterfit
ibid. l. 25. for advaners r. advancers
p. 16. l. 8. f. fair r. farie
ibid. l. 23. for any r. many
p. 17. l, t. f. rae r. rake
ibid. l. 13. f. than r. as
ibid. l. 31. f. Crackhouse r. Crack-louse
p. 19. l. 12. f. but ekspecially r. especially
p. 20. l. 31. f. will r. wit
p. 21. l. 3. f. scapes r. Scrapes
p. 22. l. ult for clad. r. Called
p. 23. l. 5. for Concatnation. r. Concatenation
ibid. l. 15. f. Penomena. r. Phenomena
p. 24. l. 23. f. idone r. is done
p. 26. l. 13. for bur r. bar.
p. 27: l. 6, f. violne r. violence
p. 30. l. 25. f. Phaetoins r. Phaetons
ibid. l. 28. f. Centnre r. centre
p. 33. l. 22. f. sent. r. Scent.
A Third Letter written by Philander to his Friend in the Countrey Philomathes, in Vindication of Dr. Broun, and the new Cure of Fevers promoted by him, against the Cavills and Scruples that some yet intertain against it.
IN your last to me, you earnestly desire to know in what Credit the new Cure of Fevers is among us here: and that since you hear several considerable Persons are sudden [...]y snatcht away by Fevers, you would also know whether they were treated by the purging Method, [...] not. In answer to your last Demand, be pleased to know, that these Persons whom you [...]me, and many more who died of Fevers here [...] late, were treated in the old manner, and not at [...] by the purging Method: However they died [...]cundum artem. And to your Demand, about [Page 2]the Credit of the new Cure here; although as far as I can learn, there is scarce any die [...] under the purging Method, which inclines a [...] considering and indifferent Men to favour it, y [...] the Physicians here are not disposed to follow i [...] alledging a great many frivolous Scruples agains [...] it, as in the Sequel I hope I shall make plain t [...] you, and all thinking Men.
Since the emitting of the Looking-glass, where in not only the new Theory of Fevers seems to [...] very much confirmed, but also wherein D [...] Brouns Enemies seem to be represented to the lif [...] albeit they appear to be frighted out of the scribling Humor: Yet some of them take [...] great liberty of privat Calumniating and D [...] tracting as ever, either appearing open and dow [...] right Enemies to him and the Method, or som [...] times by more subtile Insinuations, pretendin [...] Friendship to the Method, yet they detra [...] and derogat from the universal use thereo [...] by alledging that it is a Cure only proper in som [...] cases, and in some Fevers, and that it is not sa [...] in all continual Fevers, yet in the mean time, th [...] do not define and explain the Kinds of Fevers and cases wherein they think this Cure may [...] used and in which they think it may not be use And so I think they do little better than these th [...] do absolutely condemn it. I would therefore desire all such persons, either to forbear this ridiculus [Page 3]Censure of the new Method, or to condescend upon the particular Cases and Fevers in which they think this Method may be only used, and withal to confirm the same by sufficient Experience: For how impertinent are they that endeavour by such Cavilling and Quirking, to overturn a matter of Practice, founded upon the solid Experience that others have of the Efficacy of this new Method, and which they themselves have never touched, but with the airy Notion of a Phantastical Brain: And I truely think such Reasonings are as ridiculous in this case, as it would be horrible, to see a Man standing before the mouth of a Cannon, reasoning Gun-powder out of its Force, until he were all blown to Peices. For it is very certain, that all these Chymerical Quirks and Cavills, that they bring against the new Method, can be evidently controll'd by the solid Experience of that most expert Practitioner in Medecine Dr. Sydenhame, who for several years before his decease, practised this new method most successfully in all kind of Fevers, even in these called Malignant: And at all times and seasons thereof, when the Patients Strength not being exhausted could bear it. As also, the same [...]hantastical Reasonings can be most solidly con [...]uted, by the sound Experience of several other Physicians in this place, as of Dr. Broun, who these six or seven years bygone, has cured all th [Page 4]Fevers that occurred to him, by this Method, except one or two mentioned in his Book, & among those that were cured by him in that space, hi [...] own Children have happily gone through this Course of this Cure above sixteen times, and some of their Fevers were very dangerous, and with violent Symptoms; And further, the Account that Dr. Cumming, now Residenter in Dubline gave of the Efficacy, of this Cure, is very remarkable and convincing: and not to be concealed from the World. For this Physician being a person of unquestionable Integrity, did the la [...] Summer when he was in this place, say, that h [...] admired of the Carriage of the Physicians her [...] about the new Cure of Fevers, for he could [...] sert, that of three hundred Patients, sick of Fevers, that he had in the Camp in Ireland and whom he treated by the purging Method, [...] could not say that above Three of them died▪ And moreover, he said he valued that Practic [...] more, than all that he knew in Medicine besides and all this he declared to many persons, wh [...] heard the same, and do witness it.
There is another Objection commonly start [...] against this Method, and entertained by many, [...] a great Scruple against it, and it is this: Although the purging Method of curing Fevers, may answer very wel [...] in strong, and robust Bodies, w [...] can easily bear it, yet it is scarce safe in delicat [...] [Page 5]and weak Constitutions. This Objection must be like ways answered from Experience, which hath plainly evidenced, that Persons of the most tender Complexions, can easily endure this Cure. To clear this, beside the many other Examples that can be given, there has fallen out lately a remarkable and convincing instance in a Patient of Dr. Brouns: This Patient being Mr. David Forbes Advocat his Wife, a Woman of a most tender and delicat Temper, and who hath brought forth twelve Children, she not being above thirty one years of Age, and who had also brought forth a Child about two Months before she took the Fever, and so that she was scarcely well recovered of Child-bed; This Patient, notwithstanding of the weakness of her Constitution, and weakness from her late Recovery from Child-bed, and of the greatest weakness that she was in through the violence of the Fever, which beside other dangerous Symptoms, was accompanied with a great starting of the Nerves, commonly so called; yet she was happily cured by the purging Method, and she was all along soundly purged in the Violence of the Fever, and the Purge repeted four or five times, intermitting some days betwixt every Purge, until the Fever and all the Symptoms were purged off: And the effect of every days purging was very visible, for the next day after every Purge, she had ease, and so gradually [Page 6]the Fever was worn off by the Method.
There seems to be another set of Detractors whose Humor and Envy does clearly betray their Ignorance, and these do detract from the Reputation of Doctor Sydenham, who was the first Inventer of this new Method: For they say it was long in use before Doctor Sydenham did write it; and so they conclude, if it be so good a Method, as its given out to be, it could not have worn out of use? To which it is Answered its true the curing of Fevers by Purging, was recommended by [...]everal Authors before him, [...] by Fernelius, Guido Patin and Sylvius Delebo [...] &c. But by the Observation of the unluckie effects that sometimes fell out, by the Tumult an [...] Commotion the Purgative raised in the Humors the purging in Fevers was for the most pa [...] laid aside, until Doctor Sydenham, among man [...] other excellent Discoveries he found out in Medicine; fell upon the seasonable use of the Par [...] gorick, or quieting Medicine, to be given after t [...] Operation of the Purge, for staying the Tumul [...] and Commotion of the Humors raised in the Bod [...] by the Purgative; All which, with the rest of th [...] Method of that Cure, is more fully explained [...] in Doctor Broun's Vendicotorie Schedule.
As to these personal slanders and calumnies th [...] Dr. Browns enemies make use of against him, and [Page 7]which are in their printed Dialogue: all considering men may see how ridiculous these Physitians are, that bring false and malicious aspersions against Dr. Brown; for his promoting of this new Cure, which aspersions, although they were true, they can make nothing against the efficacy of that Cure. I shall touch at one aspersion in this Dialogue, which as it is a manifest and notorious untruth; so all men may thereby guess what verity is in the rest of them, and that is pag. 36. where they represent him as a man hasting to be rich, and taking all indirect ways to get imployment, by supplanting other Physitians, and scru [...]ing himself by unjust means into business, whereas it is known, he is so little solicitous that way, that he is not at the pains to reside and attend at Edinburgh, but dwells for the most part in the Countrey, and several of his Friends have been very serious with him, telling him that he wronged his privat Fortune very much, which might have a considerable increase, by his following his Imployment in Edinburgh; and it is very well known, that oft-times Patients in Edinburgh, have called him out of the Countrey to Edinburgh to attend them there: as did Commissar Scougal, who anno 1688. called him from the Countrey to Edinburgh to cure him of the Fever by this new method, which he was perswaded was by far the best, as did likewise the [Page 8]Tutor of Gorthie, one of the Clerks to the Bills when the most part of his Family had the Fever [...] and whom he also happily cured by this purging method, and several others have in the like manner called him, whom it is needless here to mention.
Neither seems Dr. Brown, or this new Method to be any better circumstantiat, with som [...] that appears to be his Friends and well wisher [...] who though they are convinced of the efficacy an [...] vertue of this new cure; yet they dissemble an [...] disguise much of that which they know of it, an [...] that from a spirit of envy and jealousie, for the perceiving that this his essay to introduce such great benefit to the World, as a new and mo [...] successful Cure of these dreadful Fevers (which hath been so formidable in many Families, in m [...] king a sudden havock of the strongest men, an [...] that in their full strength and vigour) is an a [...] tempt so great, that if he prove successful therein it may advance him to that high pitch of reputation, as will not only dazle their envious eyes, and make them dispare of his being so useful and serviceable to them as before; but withal may rai [...] the merit of his former services done to then higher than their detracting Genius can well endure to behold it.
There is another Motive influencing some, [...] specially younger Physitians, to suppress their perswasions [Page 9]about this Cure, and that is a too servile veneration they carry to elder Physitians, and so that for fear of offending them, they are cowed into an indifferency and coldness, in maintaining the effects or utility of this method.
In how fair an appearance to come in request was this new method, after the Master of Forbes was cured thereby, every body crying up the new Cure of Fevers, but what odd endeavours to blast that appearance were made by the strange behaviour of one of his Physitians, who concurred with Dr. Brown in that Cure, I pray God that what he did in that matter be not laid to his charge in the great day of accompts.
Amongst the other difficulties that Dr. Brown hath met with in carrying on this design, for the publick good, in which, altho he laid his account with Gods assistance to encounter all the malicious opposition, self-seeking Physitians who feared a diminution of their reputation by the coming in of any new improvement, could raise against him, yet he has not had the good fortune to have any great men for his patrons, to protect or encourage him under the malicious opposition he met with, neither has he many acquaintance, and familiars to defend him: Whereas on the contrary, his enemies are both a multitude, and have all their particular friends and acquaintances to stand by them; yea they have not only procured great men for their [Page 10]patrons, as witness their influencing a considerable Statesman, to license their calumnious Dialogue printed against him; but they also attempted to have rivald him of the protection and patronage that by the most sacred bond of trust was due to him. Verbum sapienti sat est Psal. 118. v. 8, 9. and 146 v. 3.
By all which Philomathes, you and all thinking men may see how much self, and sinister designs predomine over men, to the great hurt and disadvantage of the publick good: and that any advance Dr. Brown has made, is not by men, but by the blessing of God alone upon his honest endeavours: Dr. Brown does then by all the Laws of honesty and virtue, obtest all ingenius men, whether Physitians or others, but especially Apothecaries, who have frequently seen the signal effects of this Method (and whom I could here name, but I think that they are such honest men, that they will not need a spur to their duty) that at such a time, when the good of the World so much requires it, they do not draw back their assistance, and suffer themselves to be carried away by such mean and sinister designs, to the great prejudice of the publick interest, by smoothering what they have seen of the efficacy of this Method. For as their due owning of this Method might have before this time so fully brought it in request, that many who have perished [Page 11]for want of it, might have been saved; so it may justly be feared that their negligence and pusilanimity in this case, may be charged with the fatal and dismal consequences arising from Physitians slighting this Method, who, I think, durst not do it, if they had received such impartial accounts of its vertue and power, as several persons were capable to have given them, and so I hope no considering man will venture to serve his petty polliticks, by detracting, conniving, or jugling, in a matter of so universal import, but will reckon even their neglecting to own and advance it, while it is in their power to do it, a downright betraying of so great an Interest.
Now it is to be remarked here, that in extolling the vertue and efficacy of this Method, there is only mentioned what has been done: for God only knows if this method, or any other will always hold, for the future; Nay, no body can affirm, that the Cure of the Agues by the Jesuits bark, which is reckoned so great an improvement in Medicine, will always hold.
Yet these who have found the new Cure of Fevers so successful, cannot in Conscience forsake, either the following it, or maintaining it, until it forsake them, and prove ineffectual: Whereas on the other hand, I am certain there is none that disparages this Cure, but either those who do [Page 12]it for base and self ends, or these who never have seen it practised.
And it is withal to be remarked, that as there is great art and dexterity required in the practice of this method, especially in difficult and dangerous cases, for it may miscarry in the hands of novices, or these that are unexperienced in it: so there is greater care and industry required in the managing of it than many, especially such as are already arrived to any degree of eminency in Physick, are willing or capable to undergo, and this seems sufficient to startle all such as think they can maintain their reputation without medling with it.
And as Dr. Brown hath a firm perswasion, from certain and & frequent experience of the utility and profit of this method, in all the cases he has met with as yet.
So he has out of a principle of Charity to all the World, been very careful to invite all other Physitians to follow it, and has offered to severals that had scruples about it to clear them of their doubts, by shewing them the practice it self, when it occurred to him, but with few or none he could ever prevail to take notice of it, though he himself when he heard of this Cure first, was so solicitous about it, to be convinced of it, he went expresly to London to see Dr. Sydenhame practise it.
To make this method the more plausable, to men of delicate and Scholastick tempers, Dr. Brown has in his Vindicatory Schedul, essayed to give solid grounds for it, from sound Reason, and this founded upon a more clear Scheme of Fevers also offered by him to the World, than any I apprehend has appeared as yet: all which he has subjected to the cosideration of the ingenious, and faithful Physitians: But as if there were none such in this part of the World, he has received little or no answer from any such as yet, and now Dr. Brown does moreover a second time, invite all ingenious and faithful Physitians, who entertain sentiments different from his, either in relation to the Theory, or the practice of the Cure of the Fevers, that they would be pleased both for the Worlds greater satisfaction, and for further discovering in this dark subject, and the nature of Fevers, candidly to impart the same to him, who purposes, God willing to do his utmost endeavour to answer them in so weighty and concerning a point.
And for these that being seated in an eminency and Dictatorship in Medicine, shall from henceforth attempt to give peremtory Edicts in prejudice of this new method, or shall be pleased for the future to take that unmannerly and unmanly way of detracting, corroding and gnawing of his sincere endeavours for the advancement of so [Page 14]great a publick Good, especially such as hav [...] been before approvers and commenders of this ne [...] method.
If the mild and healing means, of serious Discourses, and Intreaties by missive Letters, to forbear their calumnies, prove ineffectual, I hope no body will think that their eminencies are maltreated, when they are levelled; and they, notwithstanding of all their other fair pretensions discover'd it to be the viperous Vermine & Moth [...] of so comfortable an accession of benefit to men, a [...] this new Cure of Fevers seems to be, and therefore none will judge that they are cruelly treated, but most justly dealt withal (as on [...] corrosive is oft-times an antidot to another) [...] they be soundly plyed home with more severe and smart Poyson-driving means then hath hitherto been ufed ugainst them, or that there be some Arsnick provided for these Rats, and that there be hue and cry sent after these Robbers, and Murderers, A whip for the Horse, a bridle for the Ass, and a rod for the fools back, Prov. 26.3.
THE EPILOGUE TO The Five Papers Lately past betwixt the Two PHYSICIANS Dr. O. and Dr. E.
Containing some Remarks, Pleasant and Profitable, concerning that Debate, And the Usefulness of VOMITING and PURGING in FEVERS.
BY AND. BROWN, M. D.
EDINBURGH, Printed by John Reid, Anno DOM. 1699
THE EPILOGUE, &c. OR, Some Remarks on the late Debate about the Usefulness of VOMITING in FEVERS. &c.
THO I have been much solicited, to shew my Opinion, about the Debate betwixt the two Physicians, concerning Vomiting in Fevers, in regard of its Affinity with the Practise of Purging in Fevers, which was mantain'd by me some years agoe, and violently oppos'd by a certain Club of Physicians; I yet delay'd to give my Sentiments therein, until I should see whether the Learn'd Colledge of Physicians would interpose therein, and what would be their Decision and Suffrage: For the Eyes of all Men were upon them, expecting that they [Page 4]would do something in it, whose Province it is, either to compesce or determine such Differences among their own Members, that the World might receive Satisfaction in these Controversies, which concern out Lives and Health; But whether they consider not that it belongs to them, or that they know not what to do therein, I am ignorant: For there is neither any thing done that way, nor intended so far as I can learn: Thus in the great Concern of Life and Health, every one is left to his own Capricious Opinion, at Hap-hazard, to take up with what he pleases, without be [...]ng beholden to them for Light and Di [...]ection in such important and intricat Concerns, what to follow or what not: As whether or not a Patient that has been made Vomit only with Whey, may be said to have been vomited by a Physician, and the Direction ought to be found upon the Apothecarie's File; and whether a Vomiter being given by a Physician in a Fever, and the Apothecarie's File refer'd to; One would think it had rather been an Antimonial Vomit, than a Vomit of Whey. And whether after twice Vomiting of a Patient [Page 5]with Whey, and purging him with two lenient Potions, and two Clysters, may one Ounce of Vomiting Wine, with three drams of Syrup of Buckthorn be given the 9th day of a Fever? Or whether there be alwayes as much hazard in Plentiful Purging, as Bystanders apprehend, who never were acquainted with the Purging Metbod in Fevers? And whether or not by the vain Fears of Friends and By-standers, a Faithful and Expert Physician may be blunder'd, and a good Method disgrac'd? And whether dallying and triffling with a Fever, tho less exceptionable, be not more dangerous, and often of more fatal consequence, than Plentiful Purging? And whither upon any extravagant Purging, the Quieting Medicine being a ready Remedy, since in the controverted Case it was not given till the Ordinary's return to the Patient; May it be thought there was no need of it before that time?
These I take to be the most material Points in this Debate, which seems to be handled with a little more Heat and Humour, than is consistent either with the Import of the Matter, or Dignity of the [Page 6]Members of so Judicious a Society, who would be expected to treat all their Matters, and seek to advance the Improvement of Medicine, in Candor, Amity, and Peace.
Now, if I may lawfully interpose my Sentiments in these Matters, since the same has such Relation to the Debate about Purging in Fevers, wherein the rest of the Physicians being concerned either as immediat Actors, Inciters, or Connivers, so exercised me that there passed betwixt us no fewer than eight Pieces in Print: Which terminat in another Sub-division of the Colledge it self, whereby they are now split into two halfs and parties, into Guelphs and Gibellins, which Rent still continuing, has of late broken out into this new Debate, whereupon there has passed five Peeces.
However others may think of all this my humble Opinion in the first place is, That this last Contest has made so plain profitable, and pleasant a Discovery, that it may attone for the Scandal of all the former Divisions, Animosities. and Ruptures O blessed Breach, and happy and fortunate Rent! that has brought forth so much Light to Medicine, that does so far approve of the [Page 7] Usefulness of Purging in Fevers, as to allow of Vomiting therein also, as may be seen in the Papers on both sides; And as ex malis moribus oriuntur bonae leges, Ill manners beget good Laws; So we may see Debates, Divisions, and Differences may bring profitable Things to Light, which would have been otherwise hid: As Sampson kill'd more Philistines at his Death, than in all his Life; So it may be hop'd that this Division and Debate may occasion the killing of more Fevers than their Concord either ever did, or in appearance would have done. And as the best Antidote for the Venom of the Viper is the Viper's flesh, so it is hop'd this wound may prove the true Cure of the vi [...]ulent opposition this way of treating of Fevers has formerly met with.
And who would not rejoice to see such clear Light arise in Our Horizon of Medicine, as to behold the Credit and Authority of the Sagacious Dr: Sydenham, avouched and mantained, and his Judgement and Candor in his Writtings fully asserted by both Parties: And especially his method of Treating Fevers by purging, which had been too long and too much opposed by many [Page 8]in this place, to the unspeakable loss of Medicine, and Detriment of Mankind.
And tho Dr, Sydenham in his last work his Schedula monitoria, only appoints purging in Fevers, and does not go the length of Vomiting. Those disputants seem so [...] to approve thereof, that both of them allow of giving Vomits▪ in some cases also for which the Authority's brought by the One, seem to be needless, since it is n [...] denied by the other party; But since the [...] Authorities may make the Reader apprehend that the Purging in Fevers, is no n [...] Method and Practice: and that it was [...] use before Dr. Sydenhams time. It is to [...] remarked, that Purging and Vomiting [...] Fevers, were used only now & then befo [...] his time, and as some Indications did R [...] quire, but were not used generally, or in grea [...] and dangerous Fevers, because the Commotion oft times raised by the Operation [...] the Purgative or Vomitive, did frequent [...] Exasperat the Fever, which made the Physician often times Repent his use thereof And so Purging and Vomiting, was who laid aside with us, and the Cure Commite to Cooling ptisans, Emulsions, Clysters, Cordial, [Page 9]Juleps, &c. And that oft times with as litle Reason as Success: For the D [...]sease going to a Crisis, the Patients Life was alwayes in hazard, because in every Crisis, Nature stands as it were Hovering and In suspense, as it were with an equal Ballance, indifferent to Life or Death, which may be casten as with a grain, and he that suffers the Disease to go to a Crisis, does just as if he would throw the Dice upon his Patients Life: Whereas Dr: Sydenham considered that the Evacuation of the Morbifick Matter, did profitably intercept the Crisis, and was the thing indicated and required in the Cure of Fevers, and that it [...]ould be done by Purging & that any Commotion raised by the Operation of the Purge might be Commodiously allayed, by giving the Paregorick, Pacisick, or Quieting Medicine, and thus the Morbifique matter, might be Evacuated, and a Hazardous Crisis, profitably prevented, without any Superveening Commotion, or the Exasperating the Fever, whereby the Patient had the direct Benefit of the Purging, without the accidental and Noxious effect thereof.
And as there are two wayes of these Fevers, [Page 10]so there are two several wayes of practising of this Method, for sometime these Fevers are more Slow, Long, and Chronical in their Motion and progress; And some times they are more Rapid, quick and Peracute, and come quickly to an end either to Health or Death; In the Slow and Long Fever. Gentle Purges Repeated at intervals are most Convenient, and there the quieting Medicine is Scarce needed: but in the quick and Peracute Fevers, sharpe Purges and Vomiters which work speedily, must without delay be given: For the Slow and Lenitive Method, in a Peracute and quick Fever, never stops its Course nor obviats its Carrier: And as this seems most reasonable and suitable to Experience, so it is very consorm to the Practise of an Eminent Author Dr. Panthot President of the Colledge at Lions, who in a Book lately emitted by him, shews that as the frequent use of Cordials, in Fevers is very hurtful, because moving the Humours with a fretful Agitation, they Drive them to the head. So he used only Bleeding and frequent Purgatives with a Laxative Ptisan taken several times a day, without delaying Purging as Hippocrates teaches, to the end of the Fever: [Page 11]And if Dosings, Ravings, Convulsions or any other Frightful Symptoms did arise, then instantly, and without Hesitation, he appoints Emetique Wine to be given, than which he knows not a better Remedy. And there is an Abstract of his Book to be seen in the Miscellany Letters of the works of the Learned Emitted at London May 1695.
Now as to the controverted case betwixt the two Disputants. If, Dr: O: when he came to the Patient, who was treated before only with gentle Purgatives, and found him under any pressing Symptoms, and the Fever growing, I humbly suppose he did not amiss, to give Emetique Wine, and in such a dose as the Patient cou'd bear. And to say the truth, the doses of Emetique Wine are very various, according to the Disposition of Patients, and their Easiness to be moved, some taking two ounces for a dose, and other only two drams.
And considering that upon any exorbitant effect of the Purgative or Vomitive, the Pacifique or Quieting Medicine is instantly to be given, and in regard in this case, it was not given till the Ordinaries return, we may construct in Charity that there was no need [Page 12]there o before, and the Bystanders and Friends their apprehensions and fears about the patient might be groundless, they never having seen any in a Fever treated so, for the Purging method in Fevers had always been Disguised and couched by Physicians and the Bystanders keept always in ignorance about it▪ (As witness somes calling the effect of a Purgative quietly given, a Natural looseness which would carry off the Disease,) & if these Fears were improven by [...]ny upon sinistrous designs, they could not do a more wicked thing, that being the way [...]o fright timorous People from the use of this profi [...]able practise of purging in Fevers. And both Reason and Experience will shew to these that are acquainted with this way of Cure, that theres more Danger oft times in the neglect of plentiful Evacuations, than by the use of them, But as 'tis not good to overact a Cure, so it is not safe to Dally and triffle away time, which is sometimes very Precious, Occasio praeceps, Oportunity Slips and Medio Tutissimus ibis, the midle way is the Safest, But in my humble opinion a Patient that survived so great and so Plentiful Evacuations, would not probably have [Page 13]been cured without pretty considerable ones, and some more they Dalling and Triffling or Couching and Dissembling the method. But since our Disputants seem to be agreed about the substantials of this way of treating Fevers by Purging and Vomiting, Pray let them not squable about the Circumstantials, and let them strive to out do on another in Effectual and Speedy Curing, without either overacting the Method, or shooting short of it: And I can tell them from Experience, that its hard to be believed, how great Evacuations in many cases are not only tolerable, but also required in the Cure of Fevers, which we may the more freely venture upon, having the Quieting Medicine alwayes at hand, to check any Exorbitancy that way.
But by the by, it may be observed how pretty Divertising it is, notwithstanding the great Opposition made to this way of curing Fevers, to behold the Reception it now has, and to see persons at such Variance, yet substantially agree in this Practice, which is indeed no small Argument for it, like the Jews and Christians, who both agree to the Authority of the Old [Page 14]Testament: And if we narrowly observe several Physicians Practice, we will see some may be catched stealing into this Practise, and some too Cavalierly marching into it, some like Firrets and Moles working under Ground, and some frolicking and vapouring it.
As it has been the Fate of all new discoveries, and Discoverers, to meet with opposition, and Contradiction, witness the opposition made to the Circulation of the Blood, and the Cure of Agues by the Jesuits Bark. no wonder this improvement of thus treating Fevers, should meet with the same Lot, especially when it Receded so much from the common Road, which treated them only with Cooling Ptisans, Emulsions, Clysters, Cordial Juleps, &c. But when ever such improvments come to take place, Physicians either Jugle or Labour to Disguise them, or with more Resolution than Reason, strives who shall be fore-most therein, and extend them farthest, as was done with the Jesuits Bark, which was not only rashly used in all continual Fevers, but by some most Proposterously, to the Cure of most Diseases.
I hope then it will not be unpleasing, that I offer my humble Sentiments, in Relation to the Solution of this Moral Phaenomenon, these strange appearances of the Actions of Men, in their Opposing, Shifting, or Streaching things at this Rate, to the great Detriment of Medicine in particular, and of Mankind in general.
In regard new Discoveries in Medicine appear not at first to every one so plain and clear. as to silence Contradiction▪ they are sure to meet with opposition from the weak and less Perspicacious, and with Quible, and Cavil from a Spirit of Detraction in Elder Physicians, who are Jealous that new improvment Derogate from them, or their Experience, or that they are in hazard thereby to be reduced to the same level with younger Physicians, and be put to go to School again to learn a new, and with all they abominate any thing that may be in hazard to convict their former practise of Error or mistake; Tho such an error seems Venial untill the occasion of delivery from it appear, but the Mischief is, that the pride of Self-seeking Men is such, that before they will Acknowledge the least Bleemish or Infirmity [Page 16]they will run the hazard of being the greatest Criminals Under Covert, not only by the Mischief they do by their own Contempt of such Practical Improvments but by their Example and Authority, drawing many younger Physicians after them, some following them out of Reverence, and others out of Fear.
But for the more full clearing this Matter, it would be considered, That as all Men may be divided into these four sorts, so Physicians are likewise divisible into as many kinds — The first sort are of these who have a great Stock of Sense and Learning; And withal, no less Ingenuity and Candor. The second sort are these who have much Ingenuity and Honesty, but little Sense and Learning. The third sort are these who have much Sense, &c. but little Candor and Ingenuity. The fourth are these who have little Learning and Sense, and as little Ingenuity and Candor.
For the first sort, as they will quickly discern, take up, and follow new Improvements, they will as readily own, maintain, and endeavour to propagate them.
For the second sort, tho they be long in [Page 17]discovering such Improvements, yet their Honesty makes them Modest and Doubtful, & keeps them from opposing them, waiting until their weakness comprehend them.
For the third sort, tho they quickly discern such Improvements, yet for By respects, and Sinister Ends, they are shy in falling in with them, or if they do it, they Jugle and Dissemble the Use of them, and labour to disguise them, in so much, that by their hidden and reserved following them, they are so straitned, that they never come to any Perfection in them.
For the fourth sort, as they are slow in taking them up, so they are long in owning them, after they take them up, and as they are the most constant, so they are the most violent Opposers of them, and always until it be a Scandal so to do, their Judgement taking as much time to be Convinced, as their Honesty to be engaged to own or Defend them.
And I may say of these two last Sorts, if they shall also be Cursed with any considerable Degree of Credit or Reputation, to plague the World, and to hinder the Good of Mankind, by the propagation of such an [Page 18]Improvement as this. (for Fortune never bestows her Gifts so blindly as upon Physicians) When ever such come to discern and follow it, unless they be past feeling, and have their Consciences wholly Secred, they will be affected with a Torture and Remorse, proportionable to their guilt, and their accession to so many Deaths, as has been caused thorow their contempt of this Method, and that not only within the Verge of their own practice, but also within the Sphere of Activity of their Credit and Authority, which may perhaps be no small precinct to some, it being very plain that he that neglects the right way to cure his Patient, while it is in the power of Art to help him, is as guilty as he that directly maletreats him unto death.
And there is no Physician who rightly understands the import, weight, and intricacy of his Employment, and the great Charge lying on him to be accomplisht therein, so far as is possible for Study, Enquiry and Search to go, who will leave any stone unturned, to find out a more effectual cure of Fevers, than that which has been commonly used, by Bleeding, Cooling [Page 19]Ptisans, Emulsions, Clysters, Cordial Juleps, &c. which every Apothecarys Boy can by Rote tell, as perfectly as the Physician himself; And which can be made evident to do more hurt than good, beside the loss of time spent upon such triffling.
Now if every Physician would be pleased to Examine himself, and consider what his behaviour has been, in Relation to this Improvement, he may thereby know what place he may take in the foresaid Scale, for according to his Approbation or Opposition of this Improvement, his Jugling, Shuffling or Plain dealing therein, he must necessarly be ranked; But all Men may see, what place our two Disputants have, who notwithstanding of their Animosity and difference, do both in their practice and Writings, own and maintain Dr. Sydenham and his Writings, wherein he delivers this way of Treating Fevers, and they being of two different parties, Guelphs and Gibellins, we may also guess at the Sentiments of their Respective Associats.
So it is hoped now, no Physician in this place will any longer Bogle or Scar at this way of Treating Fevers, or Shuffle, [Page 20]Jugle, or Dissemble it, to the scandal of their Profession, the straitning of themselves, and the marring of their own and others accomplishment in this practice, For I am certainly informed, that the Apothecaries begin to practise it, with the greatest Freedom and Success; And One of them told me, that he has not only seen many others cured that way, but that also he himself was Cured of a most desperate Fever, by Purging: And that he was happily treated that way, by the Joint Advice of the Physicians who waited on him, and that at that time-few Physicians approved of, or publickly owned that way.
And tho as both our Disputants remark, Dr. Sydenham in his last work, the Monitory Schedule, only says, This Method is preferable to all others in very many kinds of Fevers, yet thereafter he told to my self, and to several others, that he doubted not, but it would agree with all continual Fevers, tho he did not think fit, to publish all that he thought of it, because it might derogat from some of his former Writings, and he judged it would never be left off, when once it came in use, because he doubted [Page 21]not but it would be alwayes more succesful [...]han any other way, and thorow all constitutions of years, and as he had practised it several years before the last Edition of the Schedula 1687; so I have practised [...] with the greatest success ever since, being [...] years: and a Cure that has holden so many years, it is not to be doubted but it will hold good alwayes, tho in difficult and dangerous Cases, it requires great Care, Diligence and Caution, and Dexterity therein, an only be acquired by exact Attention and Consideration, and due Experience; and this may be a Reason why some Physicians are unwilling to take up with it, as being averse to give the Attendance sometimes requisite in this Cure, and these who want Experience therein, can only bungle at it, and know not how to go thorow with it; for in difficult and dangerous Cases, like the Management of a Ship in a Storm, where the Master must not only always be at the Helm, but also be well acquainted with the way he ought to take; So it requires not only the Physician to be close at his Post, but likewise to be no Stranger to the Way he ought to take. And [Page 22]especially in the Fevers that reign at this time, which are most part Quick and peracute, and cut off in a few dayes persons of impure Bodies: And as I have used this Method by Vomiting and Purging in many, and most successfully, at this time, so I have had lately considerable Experience thereof in my own Family, Wherein Four of my Children and Ten Servants had the Fever, and blessed be GOD, all are Recovered; By repeated Vomiting, with Antimonial Vomits, and frequent Purgings; Except two Servant [...] the one having gotten a great Stress [...] work, who bragging of his strength, [...] contend with his Neighbour at the Mowi [...] of Hay, and presently sickned, and di [...] the sixth day, and whom I saw not at the day before he dyed, and found him [...] such a condition, that I could not give him either Vomite or Purge; and the othe [...] was his Neighbour who strove with him being a Man of a most Impure and Emacia [...] Body, who had endured want and Str [...] before he came to my Service, and who got not all was necessary, because he h [...] not the occasion of due Attendance, a [...] my Servants being sick at the time, And [Page 23]as both my Children and Servants that recovered, were Vomited several times with Antimonial Vomits, besides frequent Purging, so it was astonishing to consider the quantity & Corruption & Virulency of the Matter Vomited up by them, and as I have in this matter sincerely told the Truth, which is also for the most part nottour in the place: So every one may judge how Malitious the Reports industriously spread abroad of me, Are, Viz. That seven of my Servants are lately Dead in Fevers, under this Cure, Whereas tho I have kept Servants near these Thirty years, Except these two, I had never any before that Dyed in my Service, tho the Fever has [...]everal times before been in my Family, [...]nd among my Servants and Children, I [...]ope the Reader will not think this Di [...]ression altogether impertinent, or out of Vanity, since it is both for my own Just [...]nd Necessary Vindication, and the defence [...]f this profitable Practice.
Yea I hope I might be also allowed to say something now also by the by, about other Calumnies and Slanders raised, and [...]ropogate against me about the cure of [Page 24]the Gout, Especially by a certain Person who keeps a Publick-house, and whom I served most diligently, without any other Gratification, but Slander & Back-biting, for the Errors committed most unreasonably by the Patient, and which slanders some Physicians also take pleasure to Trumpet abroad, tho many other Gentlemen may from their Experience testify the help I have given them in that Disease, if they please; And the Balsome I use, therein is the same with that used at London, & aproven by 30 Members of the Colledge of Physician [...] there. as has been frequently mentioned i [...] the Gazette; But of this enough at thi [...] time: Another time if there be any mo [...] Reason for it, may do as well, and verb [...] Sapienti sat est, a word is enough to a wis [...] Man.
But to return to the purpose, it is further to be remarked that as Persons of impure Bodys and abounding with vitious humour [...] are most subject to these Epidemical Fevers so they are in most peril thereby, wherefore all such Persons would be admonished that by the Advice an able Physician, i [...] such an Epidemical time, they would ma [...] [Page 25]use of fit means for Prevention, whereby they may either escape the Fever, or if they be seised, it may thereby prove more Benigne and easily curable, and among all the remedys for Prevention, as well as for cure, I know none more effectual as is mentioned in the Letter insert in Dr. Os. last peice than Antimonial Vomits, which notwithstanding the fear some People have of them, may be so ordered, that they will work with as much security and ease, as a Purgative Medicine, and such Vomits not only prepare▪ and open the way, for the more effectual operation of Purges, But also one Vomit has more effect, than two Purges; which is of considerable advantage in Pera [...]ute and quick Fevers, which still require a [...]peedy remedy by Evacuation, and no alter [...]tives or Correctors of vitious Humors, can [...]o suddenly restore, and alter such a corrupt [...]ass of Humors, as are usually evacuat in Fevers by such Vomits.
Now considering this whole matter, the Opposition this practise has met with, and progress it has made, (the full and clear History whereof, may perhaps hereafter be published for satisfaction of the curious,) it [Page 26]is humbly proposed and referred to the serious consideration, of all Physicians, whether or not they ought to be very wary and tender in their behaviour, about the Discoveries, Inventions and Experiences of others, and whether or not they rather ought to inquire, ponder, and Modestly be informed about them, than be rashly driven by a spirit of Pride, Humour and Caprice, to run them down by all their power, and all Younger Physicians especially, would be exhorted to beware whom they take for Patrons and Examples, for ex quovis ligus non fit Mercurius, the best Stock of Natural Sense and Learning being little enough for a Foundation to make a competent Physician; and without it, tho they grow old in practise, they will never acquire true Skil and Real Experience in this difficult, intricate, and important Art, and Fame, and Reputation more rarely accompanyes real Merit in this Faculty and Function, than i [...] any other whatsoever. The Vulgar upon whose noise Fame depends, being more competent Judges in any thing, than in the intrigues of this hidden Art.
If some younger Physicians shall be pleased [Page 27]here to enquire, since they have not Experience themselves, and that they must [...]ean to the Experience of Others, how shall they discern the Men of Real Experience, true Skil and Merit; and distinguish them from Men of meer Vogue and Fame: For the Satisfaction of such, and as a mean to prevent their being initiated in the Errors and Mistakes of Others, which being once taken up, are not easily forgone. I hope I may be allowed to make a little Digression to admonish them, that they ought to be very cautious how they are led by the Dictates and Sentiments of these three or four sorts, whatever Vogue and Reputation they have. The first are these, who by driwing the Trade of Commeradship, Good Fellowship, and [...]on-Companionrie have gotten many Familiars and Acquaintance who will cry them up for great Physicians, for all know how generally acceptable such Conversation is, and what a Noise so many Mouths well run'd up this way make.
The second Sort are, These who are High flowne or bigotted to a Party, either in Religion or State, and these who make more than an Ordinary Semblance and shew [Page 28]of Probity, whether Real, or Affected only I will not determine, but the Opinion of a Goodman, a Man of Probity or Integrity, tho they also know him to be a very weak man, goes a great way with the Vulgar to make a good Physician; especially the Vulgar of the Respective Parties they are of.
The third Sort are, These interested in some great Families, as having been Domesticks, &c. Or otherwise concerned therein, and who thereby come to Reputation Great Persons being called Gods, no wonde [...] they aim at Creation, and the making M [...] out of Nothing▪ and in no Faculty such a [...] Exploit as this seems so easie, as in Physick There is also a fourth sort, that by a Gent [...] meen screw themselves into Peoples Liking and Familiarity. or by a Facetious Conversation, by making Sports, and by telling little quirck knacks and Mimical-Stories, to divert whereby they gain the Opinion of being thought Witty and fine Men, while there is nothing solid or profitable to be found in their Conversation; but since the most part are more delighted with shows or with vain and fro [...]thy Discourse, than with what is serious, solid, and useful, and that Fame Buoyes up [...] ghter things, letting the weightier fall to [Page 29]the bottom, no wonder such be easily carried on the Wings of the Wind.
But to insist too much upon such things, may be rather constructed an Invective against the Elder, than an Admonition to younger Physicians. Certain yet it is, the profession must be fallen into a strange Declination and Deliquium, which makes it so much Depretiated, and Vilipended. that not only weak Physicians, but any either He or She, without Exception, come to be Trusted in the most Intricat and important concern of our Lives and Health, and that with, or before the most Accomplished Physician, yea, and without any other Qualification, but an impudent pre [...]ending to understand the thing which is impossible for them to Comprehend. Whereas there is no thinking person, that makes a due Reflection upon the Intricary, difficulty and Danger, attending Medicinal Practice, that will think it so easy a thing, to have true Experience therein, tho every on Braggs of their Experience. Experience being a Faculty or Power acquired by constant and serious Observation, whereby the Physician is able rightly to Father the given Phenomena, or Visible effects upon their propper, [Page 30]tho hidden Causes. And felix qui potuil rerum Cognoscere causas, the linke betwixt Cause and Effect, lyes often too deep for Vulgar Eyes to discover it. And Consequently there is no Judicious Person but must Confess, that there is none Capable of any competent degree of Skil, or true Experience in this Art, who is not endued with the most Extraordinary Enduements of Mind, a most Penetrating Wit, an enlarged and most Comprehensive Genius, Capable to Reach, View, & Ponder the State and Concurrence of all Circumstances of things and their Productive Capacities, relating to Experience in Practice, a ready Wite to Canvasse, and Examine, and a Solid and Sure Wit, to make Happy-hits, and he that is Pregnant in Medicine, where ever he shal turn his Eyes, whatever Object he Surveys, or subject, he shall bend his Mind upon, by his Pregnancy of Spirit, he will be Capable of making therein the like clear Discoveries and Just Hits. Solid and Sound Reasoning, makes Solid and Sound Acting; Those that Clin [...] and Quible, that Wrangle and Cavil in the [...] Reasonings, as all Weak-headed People do, are apt to do so in Action and Practice, [Page 31]about whatever Subject they medle. A great General, Politician or Lawyer would upon Application that way make a Good Physician and vice versa, a Qualified Physician, had he followed any of these Studys, would have been Exquisite therein; And as we may give the preheminence for difficulty and Intricacy to Physick, beyond all other Studys, so it is clear that Physick may be allowed to need the greatest Pregnancy of Wit and Judgment of any other Studys, and whereever the Young Physician sees not these in the Physician he followes; It is in vain for him to expect their Real Accomplishment, [...]rue Skil, or Experience.
The Physician not only being a Mode [...]tor of the secret works, and of the hid in [...]igues of Nature, but is also put upon the [...]ck and hard task of Governing and Dis [...]plinating Peoples Humours, prejudices, [...]nd Caprices, and has often more difficulty to graple with these, than with the [...]iseases of the body, yea not only the Pa [...]ents, but the Friends and By-standers by [...]eir mistakes and prejudices must give him [...]edless Work and trouble; But in this art of the Employment, the best Physician [Page 32]is oft outdone by the Weakest, who is more successfull herein, than the ablest, Quia Aquila non captat Muscas, the Eagle never catcheth Gnats, he that is taken up with, and most Conversant in, the Difficultys and Misterys of that Art, and has his mind in sublime, to him, it is tedious to stoop to the Servile Trivial and mean work of crouching to every Caprice and lying at Catch upon Peoples Humors, or waiting and Watching the Tides and turns thereof; And this Studying and Serving Peoples Humours, has to the Scandal of the Profession, made some Physicians forego the Study of Nature, and take themselves to the Study and Exercise of Politick complaisance, and Sycophantish Humouring Persons: not finding the true study and practise of Physick, able to recommend them, and so instead of following Medicina [...] Prudence, to treat Diseases with due Circumspection, Caution and Art, they follow a kind of Bastard prudence, or rather Artifice and Cunning, to Cajole the Humours, and strike in with the Fansies and Whimzies o [...] Weak persons, and Young Physicians would be admonished that they follow not the Example of such.
Thus as Vulgar opinion Error and mistake has given occasion to the Deradence and Decay of Medicine: So these vices ought not to be obtruded on the Art of Physick, being thus brought thereinto, Neither let the uncertointy or Conjecturalness thereof, be objected, since it is thus also made a great deal more so: than otherwise it would have been, Neither are the Differences and Disagreement among Physitians to the Disparagement of true Medicine, seeing vulgar errors, &c. has given too much occasion for these also.
Tho Physick of its own nature has no more Uncertainly or Conjerturalnes than these other noble and usefull Proffessions of War, Law, Politicks, Navigation: in all which the event can be no more predicted or ascertained than in Physick, and all that the Artist is Accomptable for, being the Rational and Prudent conduct, that nothing be Overdone or Undone, that was Possible to have been done; or that Art and Skil could suggest, nevertheless through the many Diversions & discouragments Physitians ly under, from Vulgar Prejudice Errors and Mistaks, the practiss thereof is made a great deal more [Page 34]both Uncertain and Unsuccessful then otherwise it would be. And for the Debates and Differences among Physitians, when they break the bonds of Charity and Humanity, they are only the faults of Men not of the Art. but when they are only in opinion, they are no more than whats incident to all other Professions, that are versant about particular Events, and pertinent debaits are a token of great industry and of a laudable Emulation. And when Means Wits are all of one Size, their Penetration and Comprehension of the same Reach, and their Judgment of the same vigour, then may we expect their Opinions shall Jump; And I doubt if the 15 Lords of Session are always Unanimous in there Votes & Decisions or if the Councel of state, or a Council of War are all of one Mind, & yet no body takes occasion from that to disparage there procedure.
And for the most part, these Differences and Debates among Physitians, proceed from the Pride, Self-conceit and Envy of some Physitians, whom Vulgar Opinion has mounted upon a Higher pinacle of fame. and Reputation, than their true worth and Merit, can Maintain and Suport, and whose [Page 35] Real Weaknes & Emptynes chaffes & rages to see any worthy thing done in Physick but in dependance upon them fearing they may be overtoped by others whom their Eminence used to look down upon, whereas the Able Candid and Honest Physician, will soon discern and Cordialy welcome what is worthy in Medicine, from whomsoever it chanceth to come, but that which he thinks Futile & Trivial will nothing move him, nor will he ever make it the Ball of Contention, as some have most unmercifully done, by my sincere, tho weak Endeavours for the Advancement of Medicine. But Thanks be to GOD, who favouring my honest purposes, has helped me to weather out so many storms [...]aised against me, for my plain Dealing about some Dismal Sinister and Self-seeking Designs, and some dangerous Vulgar Errors Prejudices and Caprices, such being of mischievous Consequence in Medicine, more [...]han in any other Profession, as they are in Publick Societies, and Governments more [...]han in private Cases.
And tho the evil Spirit that reged against [...]e, be not yet quite subdued and Conquer [...]d, yet I hope the Edge thereof is considerably [Page 36]blunted; Providence having brought about some considerable things to discover my Innocency, and the Folly and Wickedness of these Secret Works, hatched so much in the dark to controul my Endeavours, that they can now scarce find a Father to own them, every one denying their Accession to the Lybels printed on the Subject, and shifting them from one to another, except one poor Creature, who, calling himself a Stripling aged 27 Summers did most unhappily put his Name to his Elaborat six days Work: But this Stirpling reckoning his Age by the Summers, as the Horses Age uses to be reckoned by the Grass, must needs be a Kin to that Animal, and it is no wonder, than if a Young Colt has been more fool-hardy than the Rest.
Whoever shall narrowly view how things often go in the World, may be in a Horror to think that in many Cases there is no Convincing Men, that they are in the wrong Way, without the most lamentable and woful Experiences, & that so many Deaths, so much Destruction and irreparable Ruine, is sometimes needfull to open Mens Eyes, and the dearest bought Experience [Page 37]to cure their Blindness, and that over the Belly of Somes Zealous and constant Endeavours, to convince them of their Mistakes and Errors, as may be eminently seen in this Case, and I fear it be not the only Case.
He that takes upon him to be an Author, because he takes on him the Office of a Preacher to the World, according to the Opinion of some, he ought to have these 3 Qualifications. First▪ The Courage of a Souldier, to encounter and combate Ignorance, Errors, and Caprices, these obstinat Enemies of all Vertue, Justice and Truth. The 2d. The Sense and Solidity of a Statesman, that he cumber not the World with any thing Trivial or unworthy. The 3d. The Sincerity and Integrity of a Dying Man, that he impose nothing false, or sophisticate in point of Fact or Reasoning. And how my Performances in this, and my former Essays, have answered these Qualifications; I must submit to my Readers, who seing they are not all alike capable, to the weakest sort of them I crave Liberry to propose these following Considerations, before they give their Sentence; as first, That they would be [Page 38]pleased to consider the strange Schock of Violent and Universal Opposition, I have had and the small assistance of any Man, as I did in my first Book, predict and expect. Secondly, What estimate and value may be put upon my Subject, which is a more effectual way of treating these Formidable Fevers, which are a Terror to many Persons and Families, and which now seems to have to Suffrage of the most decerning part of Physicians here.
But for the third Qualification, since it's not so obvious to Men, I Bless GOD I have a clear Conscience that I never told any thing but Truth in the Commendation, & instances of the Success of this way of treating Fevers, and even from my very Heart and Soul, and that by innumerable and repeated Instances, and Experiences these 12 Years confirmed.
Now in the next place, it is but Reasonable I should whisper my Enemies in the Ear, how many of these Qualifications they can make good to Vindicate their Becomming Authors, for I fear if their Readers lay aside the Cavilling and quibling the Bitter and Malitious Invectives and [Page 39] Slanders, there will be litle left in their Books, either Good or ill.
I shall only give the Reader one of their mildest Bourds, because they thought a Master-peice of Wit, and it is in the end of their Dialogue thus, that they would not allow me to come into the Rank of Authors, with the Infamous Tartaretus, who wrote de modo Cacandi, because, say they, with a Perverted Authority, Mihi ex pejori luto finxit proecordia Titan, but whoever will take the Pains, to view the whole of the Treatment in this matter will, surely see it was not the Itch of Writing took these Men, it has been the Scab, the Leprosie, and Botch of Writing, or rather Scribling and Blotting that seized them; Such Blunders against any Man, tho only Verbal are Scandalous enough. But if for well doing they are Divellish, as being not only the brandeing the Innocent but Truth and Righteousness it self. But Committed to Print, they fix Eternally and indelibly the Blackest stain on the Authors, and Abettors, both in the Eyes of GOD and Man, unless it be wip'd [...]ff, as I pray it may be, by their sincere and [Page 40]hearty Repentance. But let them know thete is no true Repentance without a Proportionable Amendement, and endeavour of Reparation of the Damnage they have done the thing, not me, I mean.
Non tollitur peccatum nisi restituatur ablatum.