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 broad 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, wanted some Trapings of Rallery, to have made it more Fashion­able and Passing (that Rallery being always flat where no body is hit)

Untill your 2d. Essay a great deal more Impertinent then the former, backed also with with your constant verbal Calumnies, obliged me something to change the former Measures, and to give this Answer, which (as intending to be more Generous, than at a stollen Dint, to make any of you Ridiculous,) I have sent you before it be Printed, to be perused: And if there be any thing there­in you can evince Impertinent, either to my Vindcation or the Vindication of the Improvement, I endeavour to advance, or a more severe Retaliation, than [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 mans 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 over­turs 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, I 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 this 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 do ought that may tend to the exposing, or vilifying there­of; 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 Advance thereof.

If your return to this Letter, be any thing but Peace, and Accommodation, you may expect the World will be acquainted with it in Print,

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 le­ing how Learnedly Dr. Black had deciphered Philander, [Page 11] making it Fool Andr [...]. 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, o [...] 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 on [...] 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] [...]enter 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 that.

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 th [...]se continual Fevers, the danger and precipitant Invasion thereof; which by a sudden Eruption and Devastation, in a trice overturn our Hopes and Comforts, do 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 side 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 [...] 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 amal mostina fright, when [...] consider with all, what a rem [...]ra 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 mali [...]e 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 of those that are offended at the Preliminaries of Dr. Broun's 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 up the whole Force of that Obligation, lying on Phisicians, to Dilligence and Improvement, to conjure down negli­gence, and to areaign all vulgar Errors and Mistakes ca­pable to stiffle, or deprave Improvement in that Art, it be­ing indeed the [...]e that seem like Mountains, to stand in 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, as 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, as well as others, and put many in hazard to think, that all which Dr. Broun has offered in this matter, is nothing but D [...]l [...]sion, 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 Excel­l [...]ncy 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 littl [...] 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 fully 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 Polishe [...], & 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 b [...]spatter 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, fully their Candor: which altho a stain little Conspicuous [Page 16] [...]s yet very dangerous; in Physicians for Ingenuity the comon spur to Industry, the Parent of Skill, being languid in them; it must only be by the favour of Artifice, and Popular Error, without any solid worth, that such have thorow time ( which vulgar opinion makes to ripen the most insipid of them) scrambled up to any Eminency, and Enhaunced the Opinion of Experienced: But considering the false bottomed Reputation of these Parasits to fame, is like fairie Money, which is brought in a night, and carried away the [...]ixt: no wonder if vulgar humor▪ and applause that has set them on the Tottering Pinacle of unmerited esteem do as easily, but far more justly▪ throw them down again. And indeed Philomath, I am tempted to tell you, that [...]hink true worth, as it spares no Labour in acquiring, so it saves no Coast to welcome true Improvements: and is alwayes among the first that shakes hands with them. Whence it may be clear, that what ever benign aspect such Discoveries may carry to the World, yet if they bear in reverse ought Malevolent to any Mans ill acquired Esteem, or private Interest, a cold welcome is to good, nay a very hot one they must look for, from such Men: A clear evi­dence (among any others) of this, was the Quarrels, Contentions, & Skirmishings, that arose about that meerly Theoretical Improvement the circulation of the Blood, And if it fare so here, how will it go, if an useful and practical Improvement offer to set up the Head, and the Devils Game, as well as Mans be marred or these Traps, or Snares that Precipitate Men into the Kingdom of Dark­ness, be in danger to be removed, by any Considerable Im­provement in the Cure of these Formidable Fevers: then well see, as Dr. Broun Intimats further in hi [...] Preface to his Book: ‘That the Serpentine Brood, which is still big with Malice, and Envious of the good of Men, and and which was never more Dominant, than at this time, [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 the [...]eby, they clearly understand, that in advancing one of the most desirable Concerns of Men, he is as pertinent and solid in Reasoning, than they to depress it, turning quite from the Subject, are pregnant in vile Railling and Cavel­ling, they will not hover long to give their Sentence.

After my former Letter emitted, and Published 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 more on that Errand.

But▪ 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 br [...]zen Zantipes Vein, whose unruly Member, after her Husband had several wayes (but all in vain) en­deavoured to [...]ame (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 E [...]rs, in the derision of all sober Men, still attempt to give the most ridiculous ven [...] [Page 18] to their Impertinent cha [...]t. And withall the most favour­able Construction can be put upon their behavior seems this: These Blacks being such a waspish venomous Kind o [...] 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 to be keeped elasped in Iron Bands, for without these, his Fits, like Gunpou­der, would make such a sorrowful parting betwean poor Back and Breast, 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 Personal De­fects; no no, but being to solve the Phenomena of his Wicked Actions, I am necessarily led to his Cursed Nature, which having undoubtedly depraved his Shape and Body that lodges it (a discreet Guest indeed) no wonder it spares nothing it falls in hands with; and inde [...]d I am tempted to take the Liberty to tell you Philomath, as bodi­ly defects 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 outward defects, 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 seen thorow all the Clubs Papers, whereof the bit­terest and most invective Passages are the Hissings of this Viper, butekpecially may be seen in the account he gives of my Lord Crichtouns Case, which like a venomous Serpent, in the pride of his Bunches, 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 Man­kind, if he do not acquaint the World, that their Calum­nies may have the less Impression, what kind of Crea­tures (Malice being indeed t [...]e highest degree of Baseness) the principal 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 mostabsolute 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 ear so clearly in reverse his hardy attempt for the publick good, which these Black Doctors construct is [...], first to Devils, and next to there Pettie, and private Interest. For any other grounds of their Calum­nio [...]s Libells, he defies them to make appear,

Moreover to show how sensible he is of the great bene­fi [...] this Enemies have done him, by their Printed and ver­bal Calumnies, whose p [...]rversness, 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 most 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 Embrac [...] ­ing both his Theorie and Practice, becomes unavoidable, (as in all probability it shortly will) that it might really [...]ndanger them to hang themselves.

But there is one of them that Iam truly sorry for, because he ha [...] had the hard fate to prove so Publick a Tool to ex­ecute 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 to drudge at the Press for the rest: and also to do the Office, of the Coal-ste [...]ller Bo [...]es, 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 Feet he scapes his Chesnuts out of the Fire (and I believe the Monkey was handling the Cat of Sm [...] ­holm, 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 Go [...]k, came from the Good­man'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 lyes undoubtedly in Pand on this Plea, does amuse the Igno­ant vulgar, who, perhaps making the far greatest part of the World deserve not a little to be Considered and Satis­fied, to the end that they may take better measures where to repose the trust of so great Concerns: Therefore it was not thought altogether Improper, to give a further 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 few impertinent and incoherent Assertions, bearing in their Front only (it's certain) without any other proof, or evidence, and these so mingled with bitter invictives that are able to quite choak the most clear Reasoning in the World. How ridiculous are they, I say, to attempt to overturn an Hypothesis, not taken up gratis, but riveted and founded by a solid Reasoning on the most part of the principal Phenomena occurring about the Aeconomie of Mans Bodie, and these so clearly solved thereby, and made so nea [...]ly to quadrat therewith, as Dr. Brown's Theory of Fevers in his Schedule, seems to have done; Indeed by their manner of Impugning it, they assure the World, that they never understood it; for any that will be at the pains to Consider it closely (what's in Debate being every mans near concern) will find it an Hypothesis that's clear­ly demonstrat to include that Metaphysical Consideration, as being most suitable to the Perfection of the animal Aeco­nomie, and Mechanism; and as seeming exceedingly suit­able to the design of the Architeck, and an Hypothesis, which has also its Parallel in other Actions of the [...]co­nomie, such as the contraction and delatation of the Pupil of the Eye, and in Actions from Irritation, commonly so cled.

An Hypothesis that quadrats with the Composition of the Blood, which is made up of many little G [...]bules, whose Number, Bulk or Figure may easily be supposed to become vitiated.

A Hypothesis having the Concatnation of the Procatar­tick and external Causes of Fevers favouring it, such all wayes 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 Phenomena occuring about it, solved conform thereto, and made to confirm it. As also that Magtsterial Remedy, of Purg­ing, 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 [...]a­vours this Hypothesis, and also how the benefit 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 h [...]s 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 Capable to [Page 24] Impung it) should be overturned by the dash of a few Impertinent I [...] consequential and False Assertions, con­cluding with all nothing, against the Hypothesis, they may as well think Arthurs Seat will be overturned bya few Mol-hills casten up therein, by the poor blind Moles, and this I think, will fall in nobodies head, but these that are fully as Ignorant, blind and Blockish, as these black Doctors. And now Phil. civility obliges me to usher in what I am now to take up your time with, with a craving Par­don, knowing you can bestow your minuts better than on such Trash: for no better Epithet can I give what they have said against Dr. Browns Theory, as you shall easily per­ [...]eive, by and by, and is mentioned in the Page 13. and 14 of their Answer.

First, They say That every Part that is Contracted has an Inate faculty to perform that Action which is done, by the Influx of the Animal Spirits into the Fi [...]res. This will prove a direct Contradiction, an Action to depend on an Inate faculty of the Part, and yet to be done by the In­flux of the Animal Spirits, which are quite Extraneous thereto, and in a perpetual Flux, seems clearly repugnant, and als absurd as to say, that a Miln-wheel hath an Inate Faculty to move about, which idon [...]e by the falling of the Water upon it.

2. They say next, All Parts when delated do suffer ever, violence from the Humors, and what els they contain, does 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 ventri [...]les 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 e [...]ervescence 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 quanrity 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 se [...]t 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 bestnew Authors, as Blancard, Bohn, Brounerus, Charleton. And Esser­vecence 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 of the Senses did e [...]er 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 [...]sher in Transubstantiation next, for they have broken the great 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-natural Causes, and are raised to rid the Partes offended of the Irritating Marter, 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, the [...]ne 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 maliciou [...] Nature sends in another Dash or Squirt to vex it, and this being perpetua [...] puts the Heart in a Continual 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 als 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 Vi [...]lnce, there two principles of Natural Motion, I pray you Wit­ty Club, what violents the Heart to Dilatation and I [...]ri­tats 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 than the Parats speaks Words, would never have suffered them to slipt so fouly. There offering to Answer the Book being an Assir­mation 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 sl [...]w 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, any that considers the matter will find, the last Assertion a plain falshood for to say in a F [...]ve [...], the Circuit Motions of the Blood is m [...]re slow, and yet the Pulse more frequent, is al [...] 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 Pumpe [...] 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 self 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 these Faults. And it's clear that the Pulse is less frequent in 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 most of necessity take more time to Dilate, and Consequently seldomer beat the touch, than in the Case where the Blood is with difficulty admitted from the Arteries, into 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 so 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 Touch sooner, and in less time, & so the space betwixt every Pulse is Commensurat by, and proportionat to the greater or lesser Contraction, a great Contraction making still a rare 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 Lungs, and more expelled at every turn of Respiration, and then the Breast also Dilated and Contracted more, th [...]n 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 perfotmed Vegetly, may be a Dram or more, but when that Motion is Torpid and Lo [...]tering, 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 [...] at more length held forth by Dr Brown in his Sch [...]dule. And how the Progress and Circulation of the blood is 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 the 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 Torture and Rack, to Comprehend it: but how easily may that Motion be conceived to be [...]minished.

It was indeed the Inconceivableness of the Rapidity of the Suns motion by the common Hypothesis, which made Copernicus fix 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 the Motion established to the boot: But these blacks make so much Noise with their Bable, of Rapidity, Violence, and Irritation, that cert [...]inly they will fright Phaetions Horses whom Copernicus had quietly stabled up, and send them a packing again about the World, and then they must fetch Vul­can to nail down the Earth to its fixed Centure again, for if 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 Indications, altogether for merly lying in the Dark, may there be drawn from thence: Especially seing we may be furnished with sufficient means to satisfie these Indica­tions: 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 best 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 hea [...] 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, Blood with a continual Pulsation, and the part has far more Blood then an Inflammation or an [...] 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 I [...]'s answered first, that the Black Mouth'd Dis. 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 tell 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, P [...]mphlet have brought their proof and witness, since Philander's denyal is a [...] 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 Rogues 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 peces had not been mad at it. But ask what testi­mony Dr. B [...]. and Dr, B [...]e gave of the Book, to many famous witnesses, who yet can bea [...] Testimony of it, and whose Names [...] cou [...]d 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 convinced is due to it, none having the power to Monopolize all mens Judgments, [...]o great a Fool is Black to attempt it.

As for these passages mentioned in their Dialogue and taken out of Dr, Browns Schedule, and called either non­sence or Contradiction; It's answered Dr, Black has here proven very honest, and appears in his true Jugling Nature for any that will be at the pains to compare these passages with Dr, Brouns Book will find, that the most part of them are wrong [...] down or Courtailled, all of them, the threed and Cohe-rence of the discourse br [...]ken and interrupted.

And for that one sentence concerning acuteness, which is taxed of nonsence Dr. Brown has his end, when they break their Shines on it, for when he is speaking of acutness necessary in a Physician, he thought fit to wrap up the mat­ter in a littly obscurity to be a Touchstone for a sufficient acu­men, and so those Blocks having deservedly stumbled on it, is a clear concession they are Incapable to penetrate far greater mysteries, and with [...]l there are such manifest Con­tradictions in their Dialogue, that he that runs may read (for indeed few will stay long to read it) This one I shall among many others name, first they represent Dr. Brown such a stranger to learning, that he has never piped beyond the Title pages of Books, and a little after, they represent him to have stollen his Book out of ten or twelve of the best Phisiological Authors in Physick.—. Dialogue page.

As to what the Black Dr▪ sayes that his old method approved by thousands for many hundreds of years, should not be overturned to establish a new one with such manifest Contradiction. Now Black speaks like himself, a down right sitten on brate in Medicine that will allow no advance o [...] Improvement therein for hundreds of years, But, how ever long his method has been used, it has been surely very little succe [...]ful, especially since I was any thing [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 n [...]m [...] 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, ane 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 sensible 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 [...]i­ther mild or absent, or bears no proportion, here the Physician has only the priveledge to be Ʋmpire and sole arbitrator: But where ever he usurp [...] over Peoples senses and reason, all he gain [...] is to become himself redi­culous. Yea some Physicians lately in Town, profest Enemies to this Method, having cured Fevers by the same, but un­der the name of another Desease, when the Patient after he 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 mis-tooke his Disease, but at length the 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 Practic [...] [...]f Curing Fevers. It may be Answer [...]d, 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 wo, 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 accompl [...]sht 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 accomp [...]ishments, 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 Cursed 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 he 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 Co [...]klofts and Garrets do to Houses which a [...]e 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 gran [...] ed, that such Eminencies may sta [...]e themselves in that Oppo­sition to him, either ou [...] of Design, M [...]lice, 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 giv [...]ng every man his due, will lend such a blow to their Eminencie, that b [...]ying their honestie in its ruine, there will sca [...]ce be left them als much a [...] to swear by.

And withall the Black Doctor sayes, he could, were it not for fear to give Offence to their Relations, name a Counter­list 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 Inju [...]ies; and which is more a [...] Offence from a [...] unknown 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 Cu [...]ed, if they h [...]d 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 [Page 38] but there being fines, several that can be added to the List of these Cured, [...]fter the New Method, they are for­ced to Palliat & smother the matter after this Ridiculous [...]anner, 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 mo [...]e 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 Di [...]coveries, Dr. Brown, and others has for several ye [...]rs practised it so suc­cesfully, that there has scarce any died under it: yet it can­not be thought Infallible, or [...]o sure that it will never mis­carry, for there may be such Compl [...]cation of other Dis­tempers with the Fever, that sometimes may evacuat the Effect: yet I think we may [...]ay 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 [...]o 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 Dexteri [...]y to be used in the management thereof, the Q [...]antity, Quality, the Ti [...]e, and Repe­tition of the Purgative, which being used either within, or without the due bounds, and measure, proves alwayus useless or noxious:

So that the Objection of the Grand Club, that every Apothecaries B [...]y knows to do it, is Frivolous and Ignorant: yea, and if [...]uch 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 [...]hilom, I think, I have run over the greatest part of their Learned mistaken Answer to my first Letter, (passing by the P [...]le of di [...]orged Viper Spa [...]n and fopred, for rakeing therein might raise steem [...] very noxious to you) and sh [...]wn that they have brought nothing against Dr. Brown, but plain Cavils. Calumnies, and Foppries, and indeed that which they O [...]ject in the last place conce [...]ning his Education, savours rank of their Innate Ignorance: for they suppose no Man can be toll [...]ra­bly qualified, in Medicine, unless he be Bred at a forraign Ʋn versity. 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 [...]ere never out of their own Country, such as Sydenham, Willes, &c. And that several of the most expert Lawyers in our own Nation studi [...]d at home. Pray, did you ever read Hypocrates his Lex, where he tells▪ that there are Nomine multi, re verò pauci medici: and he makes the chief condition, and means of I [...]stitution, to be Industry 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 c [...]teri [...] paribus might he a [...]s good a mean for his acomplishment i [...] a practice suitable to the genius of the Countrey, as any breeding at a foraign university, for a short time would be▪

A. to what they object in further persuance of their [...] concerning Dr. Brown's receiving Degrees at Aber­deen

It's Answered, first, the 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 peten [...]s, to the greatest Dunces that w [...]l 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 [...]broad, but to Parat it to the Vulgar, after their r [...]turn, in the Gibbrish of Justi­tutions, D [...]ss [...]ctions, Courses of Chimistry, Colledges of 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 [...]ss [...]r of Medicine, for, besides that se­veral of the considerable Members of the Colledge of Phy­si [...]ns at London have received their Degrees there, can any Scots man doubt but the dignitie [...] or Honours flowing from the Soveraign [...]y of our own Nation, are much prefer­ab [...]e to these Conferred by a Forraign, as is clear in Knight [...]od, N [...]bility, and who ever d [...]iparaged a Doctor of Divinity, because he was Graduat within the Nation.

But with all (a [...]d [...] seem the Black, do not know so much, albeit they be most of them Members of this Col­ledge) the Sover [...]gnity of this Nation ha [...] by the Patent given to the Colledge of Physi [...]ians at Edinburgh, annexed a [...]rivilege to these Graduat within the Countrey be­yond [Page 41] any Graduat abroad; and that is, they are ipso facto free, and licentiat in the Colledge, without any Tryal or Composition; to all which these Graduat abroad art 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 Medicine 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 Man may easily Collect, that the only proper expedient to redeem the Nation from these Inconveniencies, and to promote the Advantages above-mentioned, were 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 considerabl [...] post in the State) seemed qua­lified to lend the Project a Lift: and to whom, as Patron he might have more freedom, [...]nd access [...]o 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 apposi [...] Fo [...]d to sustain the Charge thereof; and as his very generous Maecenas at that time was pleased to look upon the O [...]erture, 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 [...]oeal to all the World, if ever any Physician in the Nation, (not to speak of that Degenerous and Malicious Crew his Enemies,) gave such Testimony of Publick­spiritedness, 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 nonlen [...]efi [...]al a doubt is this: just as one that had read both the Black Doctors [...]amphlets should ask for a Discription of the Black D [...]ctor, for as he is therein drawn to the Life, an Ignorant F [...]. and malicious Br [...]te: So almost all Dr. [...] Book is spent in explaining the Nature and, [...] of Fevers, whose varietie being Indefi [...]te, accord­ing to the various Disposition of the Impellent and Princi­ple [Page 43] of the Motion, the various Disposition of the moveable Matter, w [...]ither 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 them, 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.

[...] Sign of a Fever commonly called Pathognomick 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 a [...] sel [...]om 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 d [...]fficult Circulation of the blood and Humors, throw their grosness, 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 [...] [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 such a Disposition: all which are more largely held forth by Dr. Brown in his Book.

Now if any would be satisfied to have a description of Dr, Blacks Nature from his Phenomena, if Ho­race 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 Latine als little as they doe Greek.

who ever desires a short and easy way, that the meanest Capacity may know a Black by; take this.

And to confirm [...] all take also Hipocrates the most wise of all Phisicians his Sentiments, in his Book De Arte, Where he sayes whosoever endeavours with Artifice of Indiscreet and Dishonest words to disgrace and abuse the Discoveries and Inventions of others, neither Endeavors to amend them, but traduces them before the Ʋnlearned, He se [...]ms incapable to be esteemed prudent, and betrayes his Malicions Nature and Ignorance.

But least I be thought to leave this Malice riden Crew in Wrath, (their number as well as their Condition deserve­ing 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 follow it; and its a prescription of which if they can but get the right Ingredients, and make right up, it will quickly Cure their Distempers and mi­series especially their Ignorance.

Take of Limpid and smartest Menstruum of Natural Acuteness, as much as ye can get the more the better That which cannot very eas [...]ly penetrate the prelumina­ries of Dr, Brouns Schedule, especially that paragraph in the first Section concerning Acute­ness, is quite dull and naught. * Not the volal [...]ie for that is naught, this Salt must be made after the manner prescrived in the first Sects of Dr, Browns Schedule. * These must be gathered and prepared after the manner in the 2d, Sect, of Dr, Browns Schedule. Impregnat this Menstruum with a sufficient quantity of the fix­ed salt of true sence of the Physicians duty and obligation lying on him to accomplishment * theu 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, * then seal the vessel with the Hermetical Seal of the Phisicians seque [...]ration 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 Graines of Personal Prudence to make it more Palatable and Passing.

The vertues of the Elixir Prudentioe medicoe.

It Cures all Reeling meg [...]m▪ Giddiness in Physicians, all Deliriums, and Ravings, yea Madness it self, if it be not natural, or from bad Conformation of the Parts.

Its excellent to clear their sight, helping all fauits of the eyes, especially Suffusions; yea, it Cures Infallibly that most dangerous and Epidemical Disease in Physicians, the Gutta Serena, where the Orgains seem Intainted and Sound to the Spectators, yet there is nothing but Darkness and Blindness within.

It's good in all deseases from Venome and Viper spaun, and Malignant Humors, especially against their Parox [...]sms and Fermentations, when being stirsed up, they cause ex­cesive belshing out of poysonous Eructations, not with­standing whereof, they are in hazard to burst the Body of the Patient, and obliges him still to be Clasped in Ir [...]n-Bands and Fetters, like a Malefactor.

It's good against all Stupidity and Fopishness in phi­sicans, cutting all Snotty viscuous humors, purge▪ out all Fopred that dulls their Brains.

It's good for all Rickityness, Dwarsing and Sitting on in Physicians, making them advance more in on year then they 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 Yellow Jaundice, which make all things appear wrong to th [...]m.

It's good also for the Apetitus Caninus in Physicians, which makes them d [...]or [...] six times a [...]s much Imployment [Page 47] as they are able to disgest or dispatch, which is a disease ordina [...]ly 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 wi [...]hout Fasting and Prayer, therefore I must leave it to the Church-men.