Vindiciæ medicinæ & medicorum: or An apology for the profession and professors of physick In answer to the several pleas of illegal practitioners; wherein their positions are examined, their cheats discovered, and their danger to the nation asserted. As also an account of the present pest, in answer to a letter. By Nath. Hodges, M.D. Coll. Lond. Hodges, Nathaniel, 1629-1688. 1666 Approx. 387 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 126 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A44061 Wing H2308 ESTC R215271 99827190 99827190 31606 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . 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Plague -- England -- London -- Early works to 1800. 2006-03 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-03 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-04 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2006-04 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion VINDICIAE Medicinae & Medicorum : OR AN APOLOGY For the PROFESSION and PROFESSORS OF PHYSICK . IN ANSWER To the several Pleas of Illegal PRACTITIONERS ; WHEREIN Their Positions are examined , Their Cheats discovered , and their Danger to the Nation asserted . AS ALSO An account of the present PEST , in answer to a Letter . By NATH . HODGES , M. D. Coll. Lond. In medicis rebus tractandis non solum unusquisque tenetur quantum in se est errores fugere & emendare sed & omnes qui in eos impingunt commonefacere , antequam labes ulterius serpat in hominum exitium , Alsar . LONDON , Printed by J. F. for Henry Broom . 1666. IMPRIMATUR , TO THE MOST Reverend Father in God , HIS GRACE GILBERT , BY DIVINE PROVIDENCE Lord Arch-Bishop of CANTERBURY , and Metropolitan of all ENGLAND , and one of His MAJESTY'S Most Honourable PRIVY-COUNCIL . May it please your GRACE , THe neer alliance between DIVINITY and MEDICINE , whose relation is as intimate as the Union of SOUL and BODY , hath setled such a Sympathy in both Professions , that they necessarily partake of the Infelicity and Prosperity happening to each other ; and thence it was , that when the REVEREND CLERGY ( during the late Rebellion ) suffered according to their sworn Enemies implacable Fury , the Professors of PHYSICK also by the prevailing Invasion of Empericks shared in the common Calamity ; and since not without a Miracle that Storm is over , and the GOD OF ORDER hath moved upon our CHAOS , so that the Heavens are divided from the Earth , and our STARS shine in their proper Spheres , yeilding continually Influential Vertues in good measure to dispose the Feculencies below into a compliance with their refining Efficacies : I say , since the Restitution of our RELIGION and CLERGY , Physicians do justly congratulate the Success of both , and most heartily wish that the CHURCH may never fall again into the hands of Empirical Divines who as rudely treated peoples Souls , as the present Quacks in Physick do their Bodies , their crude and extemporary Effusions directly answering the others unskilful and dangerous Medicaments . And although the condition of Physick and Physicians is very little bettered , as if it were to be quite excluded from the benefits of the PUBLICK DELIVERANCE , yet we despair not by reason particularly of your GRACES Readiness and Zeal to Patronize LEARNING , that the Profession of PHYSICK and legitimate Physicians will after a long Confusion be separated and distinguished from the Dregs of illiterate Practisers : Such it seems is the boldness both of our common Empericks and upstart Pseudochymists , that they presume to entertain as great hopes of their prevailing over all ACADEMICKS , as the CHURCHES Enemies impatiently expect a Revolution , but I trust GOD ALMIGHTY in his Providence will utterly disappoint both ; 't is in the mean time our Advantage that some of our highest pretending Adversaries have made addresses to your GRACE , whose Judgment we esteem as the Grand Test to discover all those Fallacies both in Books and Men , which by reason of their cunning Adulteration pass currantly with others ; but so soon as their Mercurial Tincture is evaporated , the remain will appear to be only Lead or some base Mettal . Because Your GRACE and many other Persons of great Honor and Worth do approve CHYMISTRY as the most probable means to discover a sensible Philosophy , and to furnish noble Medicines for the benefit of Mankind ; some of our Mountebanking Vulcans have presumed to appropriate these high Favors , as if Your Countenancing all true Sons of Art did comprehend all who in order to their Delusion of the People call themselves Philosophers by fire , having neither satisfied the UNIVERSITIES nor any other legall Judges concerning their Abilities and fitness to undertake the most difficult Profession of Physick : no other Construction can be put upon that Transaction then a necessary invitation of ACADEMICAL PHYSICIANS to seek out and prepare the most effectual Remedies by Art acquirable , and to give the People a just esteem of this way of Practice , to which because of the mis-carriages of Pseudochymists they are yet utter Enemies : but as for ignorant Quacks , who being Master of Reason can suppose that AUTHORITY will indulge them to abuse the People and oppose a Faculty established by Law ? As these are Diseases in the STATE , so wholsom EDICTS in time may happily be provided to deal with their most obstinate Complications . I shall not intimate any Distrust by the use of many Arguments importuning Your GRACE to promote the speedy Enacting of convenient LAVVS whereby Illegal Practisers may be Restrained and Punished ; as MEDICINES when judiciously and according to ART applied , are worthily reputed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , so Your GRACE in giving an opportunity of their Right Use will merit the greatest share in their Success and Commendations . This small TREATISE and the AUTHOR being engaged to Encounter Multitudes of Monsters , like those which Pliny mentions whose Eyes are fixed in their Breasts , their Knowledg being naught else but Passion , have made bold to shelter themselves under Your PATRONAGE . May it please Your GRACE to accept this little Book on the account of the Subjects which it attempts to Vindicate , and the Author as one who devotes himself to be Your GRACES Most obedient Servant , NATH . HODGES . AUTHORI CLARISSIMO IN VINDICIAS Medicinae & Medicorum . Carmen gratulatorium . INgenium Oxonii , dum Terrae Filius , Author Protulit , & gratos sparsit ubique sales ; Aptius experto erexit Medicina Theatrum Civibus hinc summo parta labore Salus : Hic liber ingenium sapit Oxoniense , stupendum Judiciumque Artitum Medicis dat opem . Quum Te Discipulum clegit Turquettus in herba Messem conspexit , foenora speque dotum , Non instar tumuli condis documenta , magistri Funus , at extincti spirat imago Senis Quicquid Spagyrica Ars tibi suppeditare valebat Calles , Galeni scriptaque nota tibi . Sic bene miscetur veterum medicina recenti , Aetatem inventis Ars renovare solet . Deficerent laudes si digna encomia tanto Authore aggrederer , vel metra digna libro Vindicias metuent hostes , calamumque volantem Plectere , cum nequeant effugere arte enecem Victrices sic quondam Aquilas plaga barbara mundi Horruit & simili cessit in antra fuga Histrio , Tonsor , Anus , medicaster & omnis eodem Succumbent fato , Vindiciisque Tuis . J. B. M. D. Carmina Encomiastica ad Amicum dignissimum Vindicias Medicinae & Medicorum edentem . NOn Te scribendi Cacoethes corripit , urgent Sed pia Vota , Librum facit Indignatio , cum tot Undique conspicias a crebro funcre doctos Depopulaturos Patriam ni vindice strictum Ostendente ensem , properantia Fata pavescant Hi mortis Socii humanae vitaeque Tyranni : Audet quisque sacram violare Machaonis Artem Et miscere aegis laethalia pocula , spondens A tumulo vitam , Phoenicem suscitat ignis Non aliter prolem scintillae , damna salut is Vivida spes reparet ; neque morbo pressus ut olim Expetat auxilium , cum sola pericula salvum More novo reddant ; medicinae insignia poscunt , Carnifices , & quot capitalem infligere poenam Officiose optant , scelus illud morte piandum Siquis de morbo quaerat , proh ! quanta latronum Insidias aegro struat uni turba , crumenam Et vitam simul eripiens , his maxima cura est Infandis , ut nemo evadat , tollitur ansa Tuto occumbendi , ad mortem mors altera ducit . Acrius in medicos unita insania frendet Quae modo Causidicos , Clerosque momordit , anhelans Doctrinam reduci Invidia sub nomine tantum Paeoniae artis plectere ; vos exurgite somnum Excutite altum , nā fractis ruitura columnis Ars Asclepiadis jacet , in vos ordine recto Odia festinant , medicinae expulsa Facultas Mox expectandae praedicit signa ruinae Vobis Causidicis & cleris , quodque dolendum Vere , amborum tunc erit immedicabile vulni● Qui studia omnino spernunt Academic praxi● Non volvendo libros certam se discere jacta● Ast exercitio , dum pellem quilibet ips●● Porrigat infaelix , & ut experiantur 〈◊〉 Artes concedat , dum caemeteria dignos Testentur , merito Doctoratuque 〈◊〉 Astrologus , Nutrix , Obstetrix , 〈◊〉 copol● Tonsor , Anus , stultus , mendicus , Pseudochymaste● Perditam eunt medicam conjunctis viribus Artem Haec malesana cohors sistat vestigia , nondu●● Voti compos , hic Author ab ipso limin● Fat● Faelici medicinam languentem arte reduxit . Splendescet posthac medicorum Famae perorbem Non metuens Hostes : Sic nos servavit Apollo . S. I. M. D BElla per Angliacos plusquam Civilia campos Grassata , immunis nec stetit ulla domus , Per tot lustra suis jacuit medicina medelis , Plebs & Apollineae surripit arma togae , Horum par certamen erat , quot sustulit ensis Martius , indocta tot cecidere manu : Discrimen superest majus , cessante triumpho Mavortis , gliscit perdere saeva cohors , Et dum pace fruit liceat , quam poscimus , alta Accelerat clades de grege quisque novas ; Nulla quies populo , sunt mortis mille fenestrae , Certius occidunt Pharmaca , quam Gladius : Sufficit exanguis quae parta est gloria palmae Humanum extinguant ne Chymica Arte Genus Undique poscit opem Gens nostra laborat Agyrtis Vindiciis pereat noxia turba tuis , Nullus inexpertam post hac exerceat artem , Pristina compenset damna futura salus ; Vindiciae praestant Patriae ( Vir docte ) perennem Pacem , unum exitium morbus & hostis habet : Eia agite O Cives tranquillam ducite vitam Vivere non , sed ab his vita valere dolis J. A. M. D. Be pleased ( courteous Reader ) passing by literal Errors ▪ to Correct these following Mistakes which escaped observation . PAge 49. for Spermatick , read Wo matick , p. 57. Lesbian , r. Lesbiam , p. 62. proponabit , r. propina●it , p. 84. Pilats , r. Pilots , p. 62. gradatim est , r. gradatim & , p. 93. arrive , r. arriving . p. 101. firmissa , r. firmissima , p. 109. but chymical , r. but difficult . VINDICIAE MEDICINAE , ET MEDICORUM . OR , An APOLOGY For the PROFESSION and PROFESSORS OF PHYSICK . CHAP. I. Of EMPERICKS , and their Practises . SELF-Conservation acted from an innate Principle , most powerfully inclines all Creatures , especially Mankind , to a full Compliance with such Injunctions , as may best conduce thereunto ; which being our chiefest Natural concernment in point of Interest , as well as Duty , requires our utmost Endeavor in avoiding what may be prejudicial , and choosing what may promote this , so just and necessary intent : External Dangers hereupon Impressing a deep sense of their destructive Events , do incessantly sollicite for suitable helps to rescue from those threatning Mischiefs , and by a more Cogent propensity all the Powers of Nature are set on work , and Medicine called in to assist with its Effectual Co-operation to oppugn Diseases , in order to an happy Restoration to that State which suffered by reason of their Invasion . So then , Medicine is commended to us as the proper Means whereby the proposed end of Sanity may most probably be attained ; to which application is naturally made in sickness , from a well grounded confidence of its corresponding Efficacy , which good opinion of Physick , and the general conformity to those Primitive Dictates of Self-conservation , give advantage and opportunity to very many of insinuating their zeal and forwardness to contribute towards the better satisfaction of this obligation to Nature ; and most people being easily convinced of the necessity incumbent on them to seek out for Help when seized by Sickness , and not discerning the Deceits of meer Pretenders to the Science of Physick , from the real abilities of true Physicians , are upon this account frequently misguided to imploy those who frustrate the end of Medicines , and miserably disappoint their ( otherwise regular ) tendency , to preserve themselves . That this Delusion may no longer prevail in Affairs of such Consequence as Health and Life ; I have essayed to distinguish between those who without requisite Qualifications undertake the Practice of Physick , and such whom Learning and Experience have accomplished for the accurate discharge of their Noble Profession . I shall under the notion of Empericks treat of the first sort ; and however the term Emperick is notoriously known in respect of the vast * swarm of them which pester all places , confidently pretending to Physick : yet to avoid mistakes , I shall explain what I intend by it . I style him an Emperick , who , without consideration of any rational Method undertakes to cure Diseases , whose frequent Periclitations ( as he conceits ) surpass the notional Theory of Physick , and his proof of Receipts seem to him more satisfactory then the Scholastick odd rules of practice : But what can be expected from such rude Experimentings , not respecting any Indications , or other circumstances very considerable in the right effecting of a Cure ? Who questions but that such Morbos Andabatarum more impugnantes , Proceeding blindfold to their attempts , must inevitably err ? Indeed the Empericks voice up their Experience , and think it an authentick Diploma , capacitating them to practice Physick ; I shall therefore enquire what Experience is , and then a right judgment may be made whether these answer their pretences herein . True Experience is constituted of Reason and Sense ; for as a judicial observation of sensible Experiments produceth apt Theorems , so thereby the Intellect forms Universal conceptions and essays their confirmation by repeated experimental Operations , whence issued what men call Science , together with all its eternal and immutable Truths ; henceforth unquestionable by Sense , which having the Royal assent affixed to them are standing Laws not subject to future Censures : So then there is no cause why we should return to the first more rude and imperfect way , since the Science of Medicine is not only already invented and discovered , but adorned with intelligible Rules and Aphorisms , and thereby improved to general use . The Experience therefore of these Empericks being altogether void of Reason and dissentaneous from the known Maxims of Medicine is meerly the effect of sense , and consequently bruitish ; for the enumeration of their presumed successes because of this defect of Principles , is not argumentative to conclude an attainment of Experience , in regard that Reason did not make due collection from those tryals and periclitations ; but these in their practice act not unlike some who take pains rudely to heap stones together , designing thereby to erect an artificial Structure , the event being far otherwise ; for the higher the heap adspires , the neerer is its downfal and ruine : And so when the Empericks multiply their inartificial Experiments to meliorate their knowledg , and to acquire experience , fruitlesness attends their labors , and destruction those who confide in their promised experience : They in the mean time who have the luck to be the A B C of the Empericks first attempts , and patiently submit to their Embrio experiments run no small hazard , when their best grown Endeavors prove Molas-like , unshapen , and monstrous Births . It is confessed that the advantages to Physick have been very considerable upon the account of dissatisfaction with some old Tenents , whereupon just occasions of further search and inquiry were administred to make new and more useful discoveries ; but yet I cannot allow the inference by some late Writers in favor of the Vulgar Experimenters , from hence deduced , as if because the Medicinal Science by successive discoveries was so much improved , a through alteration of what remains , seemed no less necessary to its compleatment and perfection ; and therefore Empericism ought to be encouraged as the likeliest means to advance this hopeful work , for the consequence is altogether illogical , and fallacious to conclude from some particular defects in Physick , that the whole Art is thereupon impleadable of the same misprision of insufficiency and uncertainty ; and that reasoning equally absurd , which pleads for the Empericks to be countenanced as if their experimentings might very much further this pretended Reformation in Physick : the new Doctrines are so far from designing the subversion of the ancient foundations , that they appear considerable additions * confirming and establishing them , and they who have been prosperous in making discoveries , did not in order to their scrutiny devoid themselves of all artificial helps , but proceeded under the conduct of firme and allowed principles to their succesful disquisitions , nay were it granted that not only every Age ( as is abundantly evident ) but each person should take notice of something before unobserved , yet would not these hereby ruine the settled constitution of the Medicinal Science , which notwithstanding all such successes , is still permanent and unshaken : indeed many who applaud their Service , have troubled themselves rather to question Opinions in Physick , which are conjectural and the Product of Fancy , then well formed Aphorisms drawn immediatly from sensible observation on which the Science of Physick is chiefly founded : and to this purpose , not a few have misplaced their pains in examining and disputing the Hypotheses of Hippocrates , Galen , and their Disciples about the Humors , Qualities , and the like Sentiments of those Authors who thought fit thereby to express their Conceptions , if any quarrel with those notions , they may take the same liberty of substituting others more agreeable to the Phaenomena of Nature ; but the substantials of Physick are not altered by the various dresses wherein they appear suitable to every Age. As for the Empericks fitness to enterprise this pretended renovation of Physick , there seems to be no sufficient ground for any such expectation because they in their experimentings wanting directive precepts , can make no true judgment of their performances ; from whence also no Rule can be formed as their natural result : they who would become Physicians are not educated as the raw Lacedemonian Souldiers were wont to be , first learning to fight in the dark , being emboldned to desperate attempts by this initiation in night service ; for gross ignorance is so far from accomplishing to attain the greatest difficulties in Physick , that it utterly incapacitates for such undertakings . When I have given an account of the several sorts of Empericks , their inabilities to advance Physick , may be easily apprehended : of which in the next place . The first sort of Empericks are such who try accidental and chance experiments on the diseased , not having any sufficient ground of perswasion that the Medicaments thus proved are proper : it may seem strange that any who pretend to Reason , should after this manner sacrifice to Fortune , * and yet they cannot be numbred whom good luck and presumptuous hopes of success encourage to give Physick : the business is not so much , how likely or contrary the applications are to the Disease , if a Cure is wrought thereby ; and I will not deny but that some of these are very prosperous by the use of Medicines , not reduceable to any known Rules of Art ; if the reason is demanded , I know not how to avoid the attributing of their successes to any other power then the Infernal Spirits assistance : the Divines term this an implicite compact , for that person ( as a reverend and late Writer notes ) Who applies the Creatures to those ends and uses , to which either by its own propensity or by God's institution it was never inclined , is at length taken in the snare of prestigious and diabolical delusion : And the excellent Matthias Mairhofer is of the same judgment ; Quando aliquis assequitur effectum propositum non adhibendo causas legitimas & legitimas causarum conditiones licet sciens & deliberate non expetat Diaboli auxilium , dat tamen operam in procurando effectu quibusdam occultis dubiisque modis , qui à Viris bonis merito judicantur symbolum Diabolicae operationis clam intercedentis ( says he ) When any person designs the attainment of any effect without respect to natural Causes , and not heeding the conditions necessary to its production , although he doth not wittingly , and with deliberation implore the Divels help , yet working by occult and dubious waies he is most deservedly censured by all good men as guilty of a private and more secret Covenant with the Divel to co-operate with him . I cannot distinguish between Charms and other known and solemn methods of Sorcery and Witchcraft , and these no less prestigious and hellish practises ; in a business of such consequence , I am willing to speak plain , that the busie and officious people of both Sexes may understand their adventure , when either out of an ambition to gain the popular repute of doing good , or for profits sake they give Medicines at random , not being able either to satisfie themselves or others concerning the true Vertues thereof , and the reason of application ; if what is thus given , succeeds not , then must they answer ( at least to God ) the death of the Patient , if the party recovers , then is there just cause of suspition that the evil Feind is their Adjutor with his long experienced skill , being willing to cure the Body of one to destroy the Soul of another : When Learned and Experienced Physicians are at hand , what occasion is there that these Empericks should hazard their best part , and so highly injure themselves in hopes of doing good to others , or any people be so deluded , as to let the Devil practise upon them , and even possess them with health . The common plea of these Empericks in respect of the hazard of their fortuitous experimentings is altogether vain , they perhaps thought the Medicaments by them thus used at random to be innocent and safe ; but I must rejoyn that not only time and opportunity is lost by the interposition of these Empericks with their supposedly harmless Medicines , and Nature thereby suffers an interruption in her methodical course , on both which Physicians most judiciously do lay great stress but granting that the things in respect of their nature are not deadly , yet being indirectly given , the event may possibly prove them such : for when a little Saphron ( as a good Observator writes ) did immediatly kill , a familiar Clyster presently occasioned death , a little Oyl of Roses ( which I have seen ) threatned the same fate , and an opiate Collyrium ( if we credit Avicenna ) straight-ways depriv'd of life ; I say , when the safest Medicines are by these Empericks unduly and at all peradventure applied , though contrary to the true and genuine indications of cure , they are so far inexcusable upon the account of such hazards , as that they deserve the severest censure , who kill with reputedly safe Medicines . Well then , there is no reason why these Empericks should make a Lottery of mens healths , and in hope of a prize or cure , hazard Natures stock ; for in this business there is not only an extraordinary number of blanks , meer negations of advantage and success , but infinite positive evils destructive , and poysonous to mens bodies , and these are most frequently drawn by the unfortunate Empericks : Ptolemeus therefore ( as a good Historian affirms ) not upon a much different occasion , wisely answered , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , h. e. There ought not to be the same hazard of mens bodies as of Dice . I shall conclude this Head with a weighty saying of a late Writer , Fortuita nullo modo censenda sunt remedia ; Chance applications deserve not the very name of Remedies . 2. They are also Empericks who make experiment of any Medicine or Receipt from an Opinion only of its sufficiency and fitness to cure , as chance Periclitations prompted on the others , so credulity spurs on these to practise Physick , who have no other direction then what proceeds either from Fancy or History . Geber gives us an apposite description of the first ; Qui animam habent opinantem phantasiam quamlibet , & quod credunt se verum invenisse , fantasticum est totum , à ratione devium , errore plenum & semotum à principiis naturalibus , says he , Such persons who are wholly guided by fancy , when they please themselves with an Opinion of true discoveries , they are meerly deluded and run into error , wanting the safe conduct of Reason and natural principles to be the sure foundation on which they ought to build their knowledg . But the Profession of Physick requires the most improved judgment to a right management and exercise of it , and by no means is the proper business of Fancy , which being uncapable of deliberation cannot weigh all necessary considerations in order to a regular cure . 'T is true , that the operations of Fancy have oftentimes appeared very powerful , so that many wonderful effects owe their production chiefly to their energy ; but yet I deny that the strong conceit of any person can naturally impower any Medicine with new vertues to eradicate the Disease for which it is to this end directed : the true Physicians endeavor to beget a good confidence in their Patiens of their Abilities , the properness of the Medicaments prescribed by them , but the design is only to compose the Spirits that they may act uniformly in promoting the efficacy of the Remedies , whereas these Empericks possess the fancies of the sick by the prevalency of their imaginations , and hope thereby to work something answerable to the impression made upon them ; and I question not but that the effect will resemble its cause , and the presumed cure also prove phantastical and imaginary , yet by all possible means do the Empericks strive to credit these Operations of fancy , perswading people to obey the strange inspirations and secret impulses , which at any time either they suggest , or else happen to those who give themselves up to follow such delusions : did these consider that their fancies are frequently as diseased as their own , or Patients bodies admitting impressions according to the acuteness or greatness of the Morbifick invasion , they would seek to physick for help , rather then profess it by the tutorage of fancy , or be matriculated in Bedlam before they attempt such kind of practices : I shall produce a sad example to caution others ; a Revelation was communicated to one being indisposed , that she must in order to her recovery drink the decoction of an Hearb growing in such a place ; but alas ! the hearb proved Hemlock , and that impulse of fancy dispatched the Patient to another World. I pass over the fond conceit of many who pretend familiarity with their Genii or good Angels , from whom , as they relate , they learn effectual Secrets to remedy most Diseases ; for since that the events are not answerable to such extraordinary communications , there is just cause of suspition that these Empericks either most pitifully cheat themselves by their easie perswasion , or others by imposture . By History , I intend Medicines learn'd by reading and report , for the Empericks do sometime study Receipt-books to stock themselves with Medicines against most Diseases , and when they have proceeded so far , they are impatient for an opportunity , to give an account of their ripe abilities ; if also a Receipt or Medicine is well vouched , many think that they may safely experiment its admirable vertues , and as in some places the execution of the Prisoner precedes his Tryal , so it is here , for these being fully perswaded that such Secrets are not inferiour to the commendation of them , make proof , and afterwards ( oftentimes too late ) reason about their fitness for the Disease and Patient , because so many employ themselves , their friends and purses , to procure or purchase Receipts or Secrets in Physick : I shall enquire how far not only such as are ordinary , but the extraordinary Arcana may enable to practice , and if an ordinary measure of skill by the help of directions and cautions in the use of either may be sufficient for persons not indiscreet . Were it not confessed that Receipts do little in acute Diseases , I would easily prove it , for almost every hour varies the case , Nature being in a continual Agony to extricate her self by all possible means from the fury of the Distemper , and solicitously finding out the most expeditious way , respecting the peccant matter and parts chiefly affected , to free her self from imminent danger , in which sharp dispute sometimes she gains and sometimes loses , altering accordingly all the concomitating Symptomes , so that she must be traced in all her anomalous motions , in which hurry what place can there be for a set Receipt most commonly fixed to some general intent ? Neither in Chronical Diseases can ever the extraordinary Arcana be at the same time Physician and Medicine , for such Diseases are never at a stand , but ( if not interrupted ) do regularly observe their encrease , state , and gradual declination , in which several tendencies though obscure and almost indiscernable , Nature is yet highly concerned to promote their methodical completion ▪ and if any defect or obstruction , either delaies or stops this orderly course , it is the Physicians business by his experienced skill according to that exigency to remove all impediments , and effectually assist Nature in the due prosecution of this hopeful transaction ; but that these Arcana should be so fitted to the successive alterations of Diseases , as by the same operation to carry on different Agencies , seems to me as improbable as the doctrine of elective Catharticks ; I rather think that the Patrons of these Secrets will urge their Universal power , as if they were Plenipotentiaries , not tied up to a strickt observance of any either private or publick instructions , but left at liberty to act according to the exigency of affairs , and the truth is , these need no Physicians if they can rationalize their noble Arcana ; but since that these pleaders for such like conceited Remedies cannot produce one Medicine to verifie and confirm their Assertion , we are not obliged to give them credit : Fabritius ab Aquapendente gives us another account , Nihil magis medicos in facienda medicina preclaros reddat , quam distincta differentiarum intelligentia cujusque morbi , & ea accommodata ad singulas remediorum administratio , ubi indicationes potissimum attendendae , says he , The right distinction of diseases , and apt prescriptions according to their several indications , do chiefly advance the repute of Physicians . But how can these Empericks by the help of their Receipts and Arcana , and the common directions about the Dose , the manner and time of giving them , and such like circumstances be enabled to know the Disease to which their Secrets are appropriated , distinguishing it from others , which in most of the Symptomes agree with it , and exactly discerning the strange intimate complications , of great consequence in the performing of a Cure. These Empericks with their noble Arcana the lawful issue of Physicians , but unhappily nursed abroad , seem not unlike him who having procured the Pensils of an excellent Limner did conceit himself capacitated thereby to draw Pictures to the life as the Painter was wont to do , whose they were , but upon tryal , he quickly found his error , for it was the direction of the Pensil that produced such admirable Pieces of Work , wherein lay his deficiency : So in Physick , an ignorant person may have Receipts and noble Medicaments which avail nothing without an artificial application by them not acquirable . 3. The most plausible part of the Empericks rely on their observation of what doth well or ill under their hand , with a resolution to prosecute or reject according to their success or miscarriage , these herein presume to justle with true Physicians , but should people be as prodigal of their Lives as these are of their skill , or had they full license for their accomplishment to depopulate whole Countreys , yet cannot they make any certain and infallible observation to be a sufficient Directory to them in their future undertakings : * I grant indeed that these Empericks do rudely imitate their preceding Experiments , with what hopes of success I know not ; for should we admit that one of their Receipts or Medicaments wrought a Cure on a Patient , yet why should it have the same effect on another , who it may be differs in many respects more from the person so cured , then another Disease from that ; and therefore such a Preparation or Receipt may by the same rule as well respect distinct Diseases as distinct Persons : Whereas a right practice of Physick consists in a due appropriation of Medicines or methods to the several constitutions and conditions of the sick ; if the same body every moment somewhat varies from what it was , and the repetition of the same Medicine upon this account is not alike beneficial , what probable expectation can be had from the same application to all who labour under the same Disease , which more disagree amongst themselves , then the Clocks in London and Paris . The Dialogue in Plato between Socrates and Phaedrus is very pertinent : Socrat. Si quis dicat , ego quidem illa scio corpori admovere quibus & calescat pro arbitrio meo & frigeat , & vomitus & dejectiones perficiantur & hujusmodi plurima teneo , quibus cognitis & medicum me esse profiteor , & alium quemlibet medicum me facere posse dico , quid alium responsurum autumas ? Phaedr . Nihil aliud quàm percunctaturum nunquid etiam sciat , quibus , quando & quousque singula horum sint adhibenda , quod si nesciat , necessum est eum insanire qui quod ex aliquo medicorum audierit quicquam vel in medelas nonnullas inciderit à se probatas neque artis aliquid intelligat medicum se evasisse putet , h. e. Socrat. If any person says I can dexterously apply those things to the body which at my pleasure shall heat or cool it , and I understand Emeticks , Catharticks , and other ways of evacuation , besides very many Medicines , by which I am not only able to profess Physicks , but be a fit Instructer or Tutor of others ; what thinkest thou a stander by would answer ? Phaedr . I suppose he would enquire of him whether he knew to whom , when , and how long those Remedies might be useful , and if he satisfies not these Questions and Doubts , although he fancies himself to be an expert Physician , yet seems he rather to be besides himself and distracted , who adventures to give Physick by the help only of some Receipt-books , or a few Medicines learn'd from Physicians , not being acquainted with the very Rudiments of the medicinal Science . Besides , it many times falls out that these Empericks in their strict noting of the events of their Medicines , do greatly mistake in not rightly distinguishing between a true effect and Cure performed by their vaunted Receipts and the succesful labour of Nature , to be with the same pangs delivered of their Medicine and the Disease for which it was appointed : That deplorate Diseases may be sometimes cured by such desperate irritations is altogether undisputable ; as also that these * ignorant Practitioners do commonly use such Medicaments , but let the World judge what will be the issue , if the Empericks not apprehending how it came to pass that the Patient recovered , shall be invited and encouraged to give the like Medicines as having their Probatum annexed to them . Neither can these Empericks tell when their Arcana , or Receipts infallibly cure , by which the fierceness of the Disease may possibly awhile be check'd , and the raging symptomes so becalmed as if all was well , but soon after like flames suppressed , the Distemper breaks out again with more violence . I shall instance in the POX , for which every Emperick pretends a secret Receipt , and if Nocturnal pains cease , the Gonorrhea stops , and the virulent Ulcers heal , 't is immediatly concluded that the Patient is rescued from that tyrannical Disease , and the excellency of the Medicine is cry'd up , as if it was powerful enough to extirpate certainly this foul Distemper in all who shall make tryal of it , but within a few months at least a year or two , it becomes too manifest that the Cure at first was only palliated , in regard that it returns so notably improved , when many hundreds , thus abused , are witnesses to the truth of this Accusation ; I wonder with what face these Empericks can pretend from such disappointments of their Patients to an observation , emulating the true Physicians Collection * made by Reason and Experience . Thus much for the brief discovery of the several sorts of Empericks , who notwithstanding their insufficiency , would yet be tolerated and have full liberty ( as they phrase it ) to do what good they can ; 't is not to be questioned but that if such an universal license should be granted , these Empericks would more boldly impose on the credulous people : When I consider the mischief which would undoubtedly happen in Trade , if all persons at pleasure without serving an Apprenticeship or allowance of the respective Company or Corporation , might set up and enjoy the same Priviledges as those who were trained up in those Callings , this being the directest way to ruine Trade ; since that hereby Private Interest is advanced above the Publick ; he who hath but half an eye may foresee of what ill consequence this Universal indulgence will be in Physick of an higher concernment then Trade ; in this he who miscarries doth chiefly ruine his own Fortune , but in the other by how much more unfit the person is who practices , by so much more hazard and danger attends all who have to do with him : I cannot resemble the issue of such a toleration in Physick to any thing better then to the Ocean which rests not because of its community , either one Billow continually dashes against another , or many conspire together to croud themselves into a publick storm : So such liberty to practice Physick will as surely produce rude clashings amongst those who so earnestly press for it , raise dismal storms endangering the * peoples lives , and shipwrack the most excellent Science of Physick . I very much wonder that the honorable Mr. Boile * should so much favor the practise of Empericks , he thinks that the knowledg of Physicians may not be inconsiderably encreased , if men were a little more curious to take notice of the observations and experiments suggested by the practice of Midwives , Barbers , old Women and Empericks , and the rest of that illiterate Crew , &c. And in another place wills That we disdain not the remedies of such illiterate people only because of their being unacquainted with our Theory of Physick , &c. Which expressions seem very much to plead for free practice , for should Midwives , Barbers , old Women , Empericks , and the rest of that illiterate crew being unacquainted with our Theory of Physick , be restrained , then might Physicians miss of that not inconsiderable encrease of knowledg promised ; verily the accomplishments of Physicians are very mean in the opinion of this honorable person , that may not be inconsiderably encreased by such inferior and improbable additions : but the case of Physicians as yet is not so desperate , as that to prevent sinking they should grasp at small rotten sticks and straws to be their treacherous support : did I not believe that these lines fell as a casual blot from this honorable persons Pen , I should more strictly examine them . And since that not only a toleration to practice Physick is so much desired , but an equal liberty to introduce new Maxims into the Medicinal Science , most agreeable to the Experiments of these Empericks , I shall enquire whether hereby Physick may be advanced , and this request may be gratified by Authority , as conducing to the publick good . I am so much a latitudinarian as to conceive that learned and experienced Physicians are not obliged to credit the Dictates of any Author against their own experience , not as if I supposed that the private judgment of such dissenters did ballance the authority of a continued and general approbation : but yet none acting like rational creatures ought to shut their eyes against new discoveries , when they have past a severe examination by competent Judges : however the Empericks and others alike ignorant ought not from this liberty very cautiously used by those who only may lay claim to it , to fancy an enjoyment of the same priviledg , for should such unskilful persons have free leave to publish their rude Conceptions , they would vent horrid & destructive notions suitable to their erroneous and preposterous actings , neither would there be any end of their absurd opinions , both in respect of multiplication and possibility of conviction ; for these illiterate Empericks will * endeavor passionately to maintain their Sentiments right or wrong , whose zeal is the chiefest argument in the propagation of their absurd perswasions : it was a good Law which commanded that all monstrous Births should immediatly be destroyed , as well to prevent their encrease least also like Conceptions should be formed by means of such impressions on the imagination of teaming Women ; and there is as much reason that the monstrous products of the Brain should by some publick Edict or censure be forthwith stifled to hinder their spreading and progress , considering also how much they may influence in the practice of Physick , to the great prejudice of Mankind . I shall in the next place give some reasons which incline such a multitude to invade the Profession of Physick , who if the restraint was taken off , would be numberless . 1. The Excellency of Physick invites so many Empericks to pretend to it , even as the value of Gold makes it more subject to adulteration , when vile and ignoble Mettals are not regarded ; the greatest Monarchs and Potentates in the world have esteemed the knowledg of Medicine an addition to their Majesty and glory , and the sublimest Wits and most enlarged Souls exercising themselves herein , find copious matter adequate to their contemplation ; the meanest people also are ambitious to improve that common natural principle inclining them to a desire of knowledg , apprehending that although they cannot reach the highest and most obscure truths in Physick , they yet may gain as much skill as will be necessary to their practice : such indeed is the abstruseness of Physick , that few have by their indefatigable scrutiny attained to so much perfection , as that all doubts were satisfied and uncertainties insured ; some mysteries surpassing and baffling humane reason and diligence : the Empericks taking notice of these difficulties which puzzle the most Learned , immediately conclude that they are in the same condition with the eminentest Physicians , being as much Admirers of what is concealed from both as they , and thinking themselves equally capacitated to understand vulgar notions in Physick as the others : I say , the most ignorant of the Empericks despair not in a shorter time then Trallianus his six months to commence lucky Conjecturers ; and if to profess the knowledg of nothing , in respect of the great improbability of a right Conception is the sum of Ingenuity , and the shortest cut to true knowledg , these have good hopes to deserve Promotion and be as soon Graduates in Ignorance as any . Thus do the Empericks insinuate themselves into the common peoples favour , who not being able to understand the fallacy , entertain their suggestions as Oracles , and are willing to be deceived ; but although the excellency of the Medicinal Science may be one cause why so many desire to profess it , yet there is reason why hereupon they should be discouraged , since that they are insufficient to arrive at an ordinary measure of knowledg in these profound Mysteries : I might instance in the several parts of Physick , but having occasion elsewhere to treat of them , I pass to the next Reason of the Empericks adventuring to practice ; which is , 2. Because the Magistrates either want power to punish unskilful Practisers of Physick , or are remiss in the execution of penal Laws upon them : So soon as Barbarism was expeld the Confines of any Nation , and Government civilized mens unnatural Cruelty into a peaceable Deportment to their Superiors and an amicable Society , respecting the good and welfare of each other ; Lawes were timely enacted to restrain the dangerous attempts of ignorant Practitioners , but yet Physicians in all Countreys have not causelesly complained that there still wants another Law to command the due execution of the former . I shall not set down the Arguments which moved the High-Court of Parliament heretofore to guard both the People and Physicians with fitting Laws from the Injuries of the numberless illiterate Pretenders to the Profession of Physick ; for the passing of those Acts imports the Grand Concernment and unquestionable necessity thereof for the publick good : and therefore since it appears that those Laws by reason of some circumstantial omissions or defects , cannot be effectually observed according to their true intent , we may easily believe that the present Parliament being no less careful of the Nations Welfare then their Predecessors , especially in an Affair of such Consequence , will either vigorate the old Statutes with convenient Power and Enlargements , or make new to prevent such notorious Abuses as are now without redress practised on his Majesty's Subjects . In regard the People claim Liberty to employ whom they please , the Empericks as well as Physicians , I shall enquire whether they ought to enjoy such freedom ; Fabritius Hildanus thinks it unfit that they use whom they best approve , the ignorant as well as learned and lawfull Practitioners ; Non licet unicuique ( quod nonnulli objicere solent ) corium suum cuicunque libuerit venale offerre , I know not whether the Law will adjudg them felones de se , who take destructive Medicaments from the hands of others being well informed of the hazard they run therein , as those who buy and use poysons with intent to destroy themselves ; indeed the first is a more solemn Conspiration then the latter , but they differ not in the event , for thereby the King loses a Subject and the Common-wealth a Member ; and however these do not seem to design their own Deaths , yet when they take the directest course to it , what good interpretation can well be put upon such practises ; it is at least the highest imprudence wilfully to run upon death in hopes of life . * That all persons ought to be just to themselves will be easily granted , this being their pattern in relation to others in their converse , and wherein can they better express their sense of this Duty , then in the use of the best and likeliest means to rescue them from Diseases ? they then seem dishonest to themselves who intrust their lives in the hands of those who more certainly kill then cure , whereupon the Law which restrains the Empericks doth chiefly respect the people , that the opportunities of their harming themselves might be taken away , and all mischief thereby prevented . Why the World should so fondly dote on these illiterate , impudent and cruel Practisers , as to prefer them before the most learned , modest and experienced Professors of Physick , he cannot imagine who is unacquainted with the Stratagems * by which they insinuate themselves into the peoples esteem . It is my next Task to discover the Empericks Practises , and to strip them naked of their plausible pretences . 1. The Empericks undertake to cure infallibly all Diseases in all Persons ; if we can think that certain news of recovery can be welcom to a dying man , surely the Author of those comfortable tydings exceedingly merits an interest in him who is to partake of such an unexpected and valuable a benefit as Life : so then the Emperick hereupon is entertained , for great expectations do naturally beget confidence , and self-love works easily a through conformity to multiplied assurances of an escape from imminent danger ; Pliny hath a very remarkable passage to this purpose , Adeo est cuique pro se sperandi blanda dulcedo ut cuique se medicum profitenti statim credatur cum sit majus periculum in nullo mendacio majus , says he , Every sick person doth so please and satisfie himself with hopes of a restoration to health , that he readily commits his body to the care of any one who pretends that he is a Physician , whereas there is no such cheat in the world as this . However if these universal Undertakers can screw themselves into esteem with their Patients by promising what is incredible , not within their , nay , many times any humane power , yet they hereby lay a sure foundation of Popularity on which they build steadfast hopes that either by well wishing Friends and Relations , or else by the Patients themselves they shall be called in , that it may appear upon tryal whether they fail in their secured performance : so that the contrivance is subtle , for if these Empericks are not employed , what ever they presume to say , speaks them to be no less then what they pretend , there being no publick or sufficient conviction of their vain boastings ; And if by the Artifice of promising a certain Cure they gain such an opinion of their Abilities as to be employed then ( be the event what it will ) their design of being entertained is thereby compassed . The Digression may be pardonable , if before I take a prospect of the Empericks sufficiency to carry on his rash undertakings , I spend a little time in explicating what is commonly understood by incurable Diseases : by the Learned , Diseases are reckoned incurable in respect of themselves , the Patient and the Physician . Of the first kind are those Diseases which tincture the very rudiments of our nature and being , which are conceived , born and grow up with us ; he therefore who imagines himself to be such an expert Engineer as to turn the Microcosm at his pleasure , must have some unmoveable point whereon to fix his Instrument ; who ever ( I mean ) attempts a total alteration of any mans Constitution and Nature , must suppose some parts free by whose assistance he may perform his engagement ; but the deep stain of hereditary Diseases not only antidating the Moors blackness , who are not unlike the Europeans some minutes after they are born , but being as inseparable as that from its subject , cannot by the Ocean of Pharmancy be washed out and changed : I might to this add the Plague , at least that which is most fierce and severe , which being the Rod of the Almighty to punish mens Impieties , cannot by any medicinal means be frustrated of its designed execution , there being a vast disproportion between natural Remedies and supernatural Causes , and hereupon the same Remedies being divinely impowred , prove effectual to rescue some , when left to their own vertues are baffled and become unsuccesful : I urge not this as if I conceived that the same Medicines or methods were applicable to all seaz'd by the Pestilence with good hopes of the same benefit , for in this sad Disease , as well as others , respect must be had to all considerations necessary to a regular cure ; and hence it is that men are not only commanded but encouraged to use all proper and lawful means upon the account of the frequent reprieves which the great Majesty of Heaven issues out When and to Whom he pleases : But fearing least I should transgress the limits of my intended Digression , though I might produce many more instances , yet I shall pass to the Patients in respect of whom some diseases are incurable ; And I must in the first place very much blame the carelesness and inadvertency of some Patients , who enjoying for a long time good and uninterrupted health , when they find themselves only indisposed , the disease as it were by stealth insensibly creeping on them , are not awakened by such distant Alarms to prevent their enemies incursion upon them , by which imprudent delay the Distemper takes deep root , and the fomes or Minera being inconsiderable at first , quickly enlargeth it self to the circumference of the whole body , so that no part neither internal nor external is free from its insinuation , till like Ivy it inevitably throws down its kind support . The impatience and refractoriness also of the Sick make their Diseases incurable , some of them choose rather to sink under a Chronical disease , then submit to a methodical cure , being more weary of necessary preparations then the Grand Seigneour was of the tedious tuning the Instruments , when as a piece of high Entertainment He was invited to hear a most harmonious Consort of Musick : Did these Patients rightly apprehend the strict regard that must be had to the several intricacies of complicated Diseases , and that very often contrary Symptomes are to be dealt withal at the same time , and many other like circumstances , they might ( I doubt not ) more securely and speedily be recovered from their Distempers , otherwise even upon this account incurable . Thus the Leprosie , Quartane Agues , the Epilepsy , most Consumptions , the Stone , Dropsy and Gout , and many others of the same family ( if not hereditary ) are chiefly remediless by reason of the Patients obstinacy and irregularities . Besides the tenderness and natural weakness of some persons incapacitating them to struggle with very slight and easie distempers , much less with those which are more formidable and dangerous , makes their condition helpless , when robuster tempers affected with the same disease , by the help of convenient Medicaments may be cured , To conclude this digression , Diseases may be incurable in respect of Physicians , who by reason of the * inextricable difficulties which occur in the discovery of the Disease and parts primarily suffering thereby cannot make a true judgment , and this may sometimes be the case of those who are most able , not by reason of any deficiency in them , but either from an ill relation or account from the sick , or a strong and perplexing obscurity in the Disease ; but however true Physicians may ( though rarely ) in such obscure cases be nonplus'd or mistake , yet they will not be over confident and secure , acting as if they fully understood how to direct exactly what was most fit to be done , as in other known diseases : This excuse will not serve the turn of our Emperical Conservators , who want skill to distinguish between curable and incurable diseases , engaging to cure both alike . Let Paracelsus who knew very well their devices give the reason ; saith he , Quaestus proprii studio aegros suscipiunt omnes quicunque demum offeruntur ipsis undecunque , h. e. Hopes of gain prompts them on to undertake all who are willing to put themselves into their hands ; for let the Disease be what it will ( that 's not the business ) the caution Money not only rewards the boldness of their enterprize , but secures their Patient to them ; and besides the advantage made by the Empericks of their Physick , good store of which must be bought in order to a cure , when the Patient is well they expect a * quantum meruit , A reward answerable to their paines and cure ; If they chance to die , they are then satisfied by the gain of their Medicines sold at an extraordinary rate ▪ As these Empericks wanting the eye of Reason difference not a Mountain from a Molehil , a great Disease from an inconsiderable Disorder , so do they often respecting their advantage use the microscope in the discovery of diseases , and what is as a mite almost imperceptible ; being thus greatned is rendred most formidable , hence it comes to pass that every stich , qualm or fancy of infection , is esteemed the most dismal effect occasioned by some of the unheard of epidemical Ferments . As for this latter stratagem , although the fear into which these Empericks put their Patients doth so far prevail as that they immediatly are employed , in regard there is such an evident testimony of their skill in discovering a disease not observable by any others , yet most commonly it happens that what was even nothing when the Emperick began to tamper , by his indirect courses proves dangerous , and then what remains , but that he make it answer his first opinion of it least he be discredited in not rightly apprehending the Disease . 2. The Empericks pretend cheapness as a prevalent argument inducing people to employ them , the poor shall be cured gratis to be decoys to some of better fashion , who being crazy even force their diseases to a composition , and make them accept of little least they should have no allowance at all , the whole gang of these ignorant undertakers lay very great stress on this project , being sensible that a cheap Market will never want Customers , and rightly apprehending how much the meer pretence of Charity will commend them , especially when they publish their zeal and affection for the publick good , beyond their own profit . I must confess that the Empericks herein have the advantage of the true Professors of Physick , who ( as affairs now stand ) cannot be so kind to the Poor as they most sollicitously desire or reasonably may be expected ; for although they freely give their direction to such necessitous people , yet when their Bill comes into the Apothecary's hand , since there is no set Tax on Medicines , it is in his power ( notwithstanding the due care taken to prescribe what might not be too chargeable ) to make the Physician seem uncharitable , for if the Apothecary exacts because the Physician took nothing , then is his friendship abused , and some ground of suspition ( though altogether without cause ) that the Physician shares in the Apothecaries unreasonable gains ; but I shall have a fit opportunity in the next Chapter to discourse of this inconvenience both to Physicians and the People , and therefore at present I dismiss it . These Empericks ( I say ) ingratiate themselves by taking care that their Physick may not be so chargeable as the Physicians , hereby preventing the ruine of Families ( as they would perswade the people ) and the relapsing of the sick , who are apt when cured , to regret at the great expence , and dislike that life which was so dearly purchased ; whereas price adds not to the efficacy of Medicines which are only succesful , as they are rationally , and according to Art directed : these Empericks may poyson mens bodies for six pence if they please , and people may be executed by the hand of these at as easie a charge as by the hang-man : in earnest I think it is a dangerous thrift that men to save their purses ( I mean they who are able ) should be prodigal of their lives , It is doubtless worthy the consideration of Physicians that by some special care , provision be made for the poor , and though I know that every true Physician is as willing to help the poor for nothing , as the rich for Fees , and cheerfully embraces all publick and private opportunities to express his readiness herein , yet these not taking notice of their Charity herein run to Mountebanks , who by their unskilfulness make their condition worse then they found it , rendring those miserable Patients unserviceable to their Families and the Publick , and a continual charge to the Parishes wherein they live . I remember an Expedient proposed not long since to some Physicians by an honorable person which then seemed very rational to all present ; it was to this purpose : That either the Kings Colledge in London would appoint certain of their Members , or the Physicians by mutual agreement oblige themselves twice every week at convenient places , the hour being prefixed , to receive an account from the Poor who should bring Tickets of recommendation subscribed by the Minister , Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor , he conceived that three or four at one time in distant places might accommodate the City and Suburbs of London , and that these having attended their Month , others should be appointed to succeed them , and in relation to the Physick that the publick Officers of the respective Parishes might when they received the Bills , take care to provide it at reasonable rates ; those Physicians consulting ( with respect had to the Patients condition ) the nearest and cheapest ways of cure : The whole Company returned their hearty thanks , especially the Physicians , that a way was thought on , whereby they might do their Countrey service , thinking it no disparagement to wait on the meanest person in the faithful discharge of their Calling . As for others , there is no cause why they should be discouraged or hindred from the use of Physicians , and run to these Empericks when they are sick , because the one expects a better reward then the other ; for the expence is abundantly compensated by that success , which in all probability will be the issue of the skilful Professors , whose chargeable education also extraordinary difficulties in the attainment of their Art and restless care for their Patients , are so many arguments pleading , that they deserve a better esteem and respect then Empericks , who most of them are of the meanest rank , gained their practice in two or three days time , * and commit their Patient to the good usage of the Receipts , and the truth is , the people pay dearly for these low priz'd Medicaments , when to boot they cost them their lives : but the able and judicious Physicians do wisely manage their trust , endeavoring to procure good and lasting health at as easie a rate as possible they can , they daily experience that a common plant growing in every field which costs no more then the pains of gathering , if the use is skilfully directed , doth oft-times out-do a precious Medicine , and frequently exquisite , and elaborate remedies of an higher estimate only conquer the radicated disease . The Physicians act prudently more regarding the Patients sickness then purse , yet are they no less sollicitous , when safely they may , to medicate according to their Patients ability ; let Strada determine between Physicians and the Empericks : Medici finis est corporum salus quod si quis secus faciat ac Medicamenta contra quam finis artis praescribit , usurpet , improbi civis ac proditoris personam gerit , multo magis , si nulla ad salutem , omnia ad perniciem medicamenta conficiat , suique jactet operis , pestem ubique spargere , cuncta venenis inficere & moliri exitium humano generi , says he , The chief end and use of a Physician is to recover the sick , but if any one pretending to Physick , shall provide Medicines not answering that end , he is a profligate wretch and a trecherous villain , and much more if in stead of wholesom Medicaments he vents those which in their nature are destructive , propagating the Plague , poysoning all things , destroying his fellow Citizens , and attempting the extirpation of mankind . If the people would be so considerate as to weigh the hazard , when they employ these Empericks for the cheapness of their Physick , I question not , but that they would be more cautious to avoid such specious delusions , since that keen Medicines * unskilfully handled will certainly wound if not kill . 3. The Empericks as not the least compleatment of their subtle iusinuations into the peoples esteem , do pretend new commanding and secret Medicines , exclaiming against all ancient methods of practise as antiquated and obsolete ; these so much extoll'd and even adored Receipts either ( as they suggest ) travelled out of some remote Countrey meerly out of kindness to be acquainted with those who desire their familiarity , or else they are reported to be no less then the most precious Jewels ransack'd out of Natures Cabinet , when she was by them forced to surrender both her self and treasure into their hands , and to color this design , these Empericks do usually bestow strange Titles on their Medicines , as the Planetary Extract , the Cardiaupnotick Spirit , and Magnetical Balsom ; which tearms are as Magical to the Vulgar , as Agrippa's Vionatraba , Masgabriel , and Abuzana ; hereafter I shall give some account of these , and therefore I pass to the last of their practises . 4. The Empericks to advance their own reputation , do perpetually rail at Academical and Graduated Physicians , accusing either their insufficiency , or laziness ; these observe that by how much more they decry and asperse with false Calumnies , those whom their just deserts have made their Superiors , by so much the more they gratifie the Rabble , desiring to vilifie that which distinguisheth others from them , when the Idol called Learning is removed , and all people are left to their Mothers wit and common ingenuity , there being a common road opened to the Science of Physick , what impedes but that every one may without interruption journey to it ? and certainly there cannot be imagined a more perswasive argument to the Vulgar , then that if they will joyn and yield their assistance to undervalue the true Professors of Physick ; by the same labour they make way for their own interest ; and hence it is that the Empericks in their Pamphlets and common discourses , talk so dishonorably of lawful Physicians , not because of the Art they profess , for then they should condemn themselves , but because of their University distinctions and the priviledges thereby derived to them : But until it be thought a fit expedient to put out the eyes of the Nation both in order to Phylosophyzing , and also a better way of practising Physick , the true Sons of Art may keep on their course notwithstanding the vain barkings of these Empericks . Some perhaps may expect that before I conclude this Chapter of Empericks , I say something concerning those now on the Stage in this Nation , who are as busie and as ignorant as any of their Predecessors ; I shall not defile my self so much as to retaliate their abuses , this course being unworthy of a Physician , and contrary to the direction of Hippocrates ; but I hope they have no reason to take it ill , if I remind them of the several Callings in which they were educated , and ought still with care and industry to have exercised : The most eminent of our Empericks are HEEL-MAKERS , GUN-SMITHS , TAYLORS , WEAVERS , COBLERS , COACHMEN , BOOKBINDERS , and infinite more of the like quality , beside a great number of the other SEX , and these for the Credit of the business , either make every Post wear their Livery , or else procure some Booksellers and others to be their PIMPS , on whose Stalls are hung large Tables with fair Inscriptions ; The Sympathetick Powder made by Promethean fire , Pilulae Radiis Solis extractae , famous Pectoral Lozenges , Diaphoretick and Diuretick Pills , Powders for all purposes , and what not : by which means many simple people are Trapan'd to buy and use these Preparations , supposing they may as safely venture on a Medicine out of a Booksellers shop , as read a Book : but alas ! some too late perceive their error , for what a man reads may be soon blotted out of his Memory , but such stuff taken into the body and appropriated to the Patient and Disease by the printed book or paper only , is not quickly dismiss'd , being oft-times a continual and lasting disease to them : in the Chapter of Chymistry , I shall more particularly give an account of these Medicines and the way of their application : I shall conclude this subject with one brief observation , That whereas it was manifest that some thousands died more in London these last three or four years then the preceding , and it is as well known that the lawful Physicians had less employment at those times then formerly , we may rationally infer , that the true reason of such a Mortality was not ( as the Author of Medela medicinae ignorantly suggests ) from the increase and propagation of the Venereal , Scorbutick and spermatick ferments , but only by the Emperick ferment and its pernicious malignity . CHAP. II. Of practising APOTHECARIES . THat Physicians did originally provide and dispense their own Medicines , will be ( I doubt not ) easily granted by those who are acquainted with the Writings of the Ancients , wherein it is evident that Hippocrates , * Galen , and the chief Physicians as part of their employment , prepared what Physick they had occasion to spend in their practise : And although their strict obligation to conceal their Sacred Art , least it should be prostituted to the rude invasion of persons unqualified , might be one argument inclining them ( as the most likely way for its security ) to confine their business to their own Closets or Repositories ; yet I conceive that other reasons might no less perswade their furnishing themselves with all necessary Medicines both simple and compound , for these hereby very much improved their knowledg in the Materia medica , so that they were not only able to distinguish all Plants , Animals and Minerals , and being abroad ( if destitute of convenient helps ) readily find out what might satisfie the intent in the designed cure , but to prepare and compound them till they become apt Medicines for their use , with all diligence observing the several alterations which hapned in tast , smell , or otherwise , by which means they were throughly informed how to change , add or diminish , as there was occasion , to advance the efficacy of the Composition ; their Patients also shared in the benefit of their industry and care herein , who having committed themselves into the hands of those Physicians , looked upon them as the only responsable persons in that undertaking ; wherefore they prudently considering that their Reputation lay at stake and the lives of their Patients , durst not intrust others in a matter of such concernment to both , but managed all the business themselves to a general approbation . When the credit of Physick by the singular caution of these great Physicians , had gained almost an Universal authority , so that most in their sicknesses applied themselves to Physicians , the vast encrease of practise not allowing them leisure both to prepare their physick , and likewise to attend their numerous Patients , and consult all things necessary to their condition , constrained them to commit the charge of answering their Prescripts , to the care of others , in whose integrity they could safely confide : and soon after when the bounds of Physick were enlarged , being limited before to select Families ; as Physicians multiplied , so proportionably they encreased whose office it was to dispense Medicines : at length the Profession of Physick became a Faculty , and being free to all whose laudable proficiency in its study and knowledg deserved Academical Diploma's ; the Apothecaries Art was likewise opened to all , who understanding its mystery passed the approbation of associated Physicians , continual additions of such who were trained up in this Calling made their number so considerable , as that for their better regulation they were constituted an incorporation , and since by means of innumerable accession of Apprentices after a certain time of service made free ; this Society is advanced to a bulk greater then the Body from whence it came and on which it depends , and as it fares when one member doth monstrously enlarge it self , the rest are emaciated ; even so the vastness of this Company deprives Physicians of their proper aliment . I know that some give another account of the distinction of Physicians and Apothecaries , as if the Magistrate apprehending the trust of life and death too great for one , did thereupon appoint the other that by two different offices all opportunities of mischiefing the people might be prevented ; but Quercitans answer is very pertinent to the Authors of this Conceit ; saith he , Quid aliud hi quam omnium Medicorum & Pharmacopoeorum iras in se exacuant , quos tam improbae fidei notant , ut si seorsim operentur ac medicentur , non saluti aegrotantium , sed morti accelerandae de industria studeant ? h. e. Both Physicians and Apothecaries have just cause to quarrel with those , who by suggesting that neither ought to be solely intrusted , do thereby brand them with unfaithfulness , as if they rather sought the death , then life of Patients . Another Plea is much insisted on by some of our Apothecaries , whereby they endeavor to make a perfect separation between Physicians and themselves , claiming a free exercise of their Trade as Members of the Grand Incorporation , and fully enjoying all the priviledges of the common Charter , whereby they are authorized as well to buy and sell , as any other Company ; but although they accommodate Physicians in making up their Prescripts , yet that is a voluntary undertaking , which they may either accept or refuse at their pleasure , it being their proper business to provide such Medicines as the Supreme Power shall allow for the peoples use , and to furnish their Customers , although there should not be any Physician to write Bills : And thus under the pretext of selling their Medicines to all who come to their Shops , they also take upon them to advise what they think most agreeable to their conditions who are sick : by this slight , ingratiating themselves with the people , and ( as they conceive ) avoiding the just censure of practising Physick . I reply , that Physicians did never design to hinder the Apothecaries in their known and lawful Trade of vending Medicines , but on the contrary have much promoted it , by giving them daily opportunities to supply their Patients with Physick according to their Prescripts ; yet if these because of their settlement as free Traders , shall hereupon destroy the relation between Physicians and them , as if their interest did not much consist in the practise of Physicians , they will have no cause of complaint , if the Professors of Physick take their business again into their own hands , and imitate the most succesful practise of their renowned Predecessors ; And the Apothecaries may as freely as ever attend their Trade in selling to those who will buy of them notwithstanding the Physicians preparation of their own Remedies . But I observe that very many Apothecaries are so far from deviding between theirs and the Physicians Art , that they endeavor to unite them in their undertakings , as much professing to direct Physick as to prepare or sell it , and these I call practising Apothecaries , although some who would seem more modest and friendly to Physicians ; suppose that none of their Society ought to practice Physick , yet these would not have any one debarred the giving of such Medicines as they should think fit , when there is a special occasion : but since that these Apothecaries so much favouring their own advantage must necesiarily be Judges of those exigencies , I know not how to distinguish this more close and sly way , from that which being acted above board is owned and justified by these Practitioners , for by practising of Physick , is understood any application to the sick in order to a cure , comprehending not only long methodical courses in Chronical Diseases , but sudden directions in those which are acute , respecting as well their beginning * as their subsequent alterations . The ordinary account we have out of the best Authors , describing the Apothecaries office , mentions not a word of their Practising Physick , omitting what occurs in others , I shall only recite the opinion of Renodaeus ; Officium solummodo Pharmacopaei est medicamentum tractare , & ad usum salutarem medici probati jussu adhibere , quod ut faeliciter consequatur , debet cognoscere , seligere , praeparare & componere , &c. h. e. It is the Apothecaries business to meddle with Medicaments only , and in relation to their use to follow the Physicians Prescript , and that he may be fitted to execute his office he must be instructed to know Simples , to select the choicest , to prepare and compound his Medicines . And if this be the utmost intent of the Apothecaries Trade wherein they are educated ; whence should these gain sufficient accomplishments enabling them to practise Physick ? as for their knowledg of Simples and skill in Compositions , although these are necessary qualifications capacitating them to be able Apothecaries , yet I understand not how these should upon this account any more become Physicians , then Cutlers and Gun-smiths by their judgment of the Mettals goodness on which they work , and their making and fitting Instruments of War , be thereby rendred most expert Commanders : but these practising Apothecaries pretend sufficient helps for their instruction in the vertues of Simples , and the true use of Compositions , from Physicians Bills which they constantly book ; and by this means ( as they inform the people ) having seen the practice of many Physicians , they may be as good Doctors as any . I shall enquire whether the Prescripts of Physicians can so far improve an Apothecary as that by their assistance he may be able to practice Physick ? Indeed the * Lord Bacon's opinion , That there ought to be a religious observance of approved Medicines as well to retain the benefit of Tradition , as to direct a more steady way of curing Diseases : Seems to favour very much these Apothecaries , who are well stock'd with such Receipts , which they without any alteration transcribe for their Patients ; but I shall oppose what the learned Alsarius relates , Medicinae leges non ad Polycleti immutabilem regulam referendae , sed ad Lesbian normam , quam pro factorum personarum ac temporum conditionibus magistratus aequitas commutare solet . h. e. The Laws of Medicine are not like Polycletus's unalterable rules , but the Lesbian precepts which the Magistrates might change and vary according to the nature of the Crime , the condition of the Offender , and the circumstance of time , &c. That such Receipts without any alterations or substitutions may very much conduce to the cure of Diseases , is by that Noble and Learned Person rather presumed then proved : To omit what I mentioned in the precedent Chapter concerning the insufficiency of those Medicines , in respect of the vast difference of mens bodies , and a greater variation of diseases incident to them ; I assert that there is no Medicine rationally prescribed , but what particularly relates to the principal Indication which ought chiefly to be taken from the Cause , and not from the Disease , according to the usual design of those Prescripts ; which is confirmed by Galen , saith he , If Diseases indicated their proper Remedies , the Patients best understanding what is to be done , might be most helpful to themselves : moreover the Medicines shew that not Diseases , but their Causes do indicate their use , as being not primarily adverse to Effects but Efficients : So then it being the highest concern of a Physician to form his Medicaments as he sees occasion , of what use can Receipts be , which by ignorant undertakers cannot be accommodated to the most prevalent indications respecting the Cause ? These practising Apothecaries having another employment , which ought to take up their thoughts , pains and time , may well be supposed uncapable of knowing and making a right judgment of the true Causes of diseases which not only alter frequently the same Disease as to its appearance and symptomes , but much more in relation to its Cure : I remember a story which I have read , to this purpose , A Patient by the faithful advise of his Physician recovered from a most dangerous Disease , but it seems not long after was ill again , the Apothecary visits him , and apprehending that his condition was the same as in his former sickness , immediatly repeats the Medicines which the Physician had prescribed , but all to no purpose , the Physician was then sent for , and the Patient telling him of the Apothecaries ill success , demands the reason why those remedies which before cured him , had not the like operation again , the Physician wittily reply'd , Medicamenta illa non profuere , quia ego non dedi , h. e. Those Medicines were not succesful , because I did not order the repetition of them ; insinuating that a Physician ought to judg as well of the Patients fitness for the Remedies , as of the Remedies fitness for the Patients . To say no more , I cannot think that the Apothecaries strict noting and transcribing of Physicians Bills can more inable them to practise Physick , then Stenography to profess Divinity , the penning of a Sermon verbatim , and committing it to memory being as infinitely short of the qualifications requisite to a Divines preaching and exercise of his Function , as the imitation of these Prescripts of the accomplishments necessary to the Profession of Physick . But these Apothecaries besides their unskilfulness to practise Physick , are most injurious to Physicians upon several accounts , who intrust them with their Bills , for when those Prescripts express their particular use , and as a weighty trust to that end only , are committed to the Apothecaries care , if he ever imploys them without the Physicians privity and direction , he is unfaithful in that trust ; and if his practise succeeds not , then doth the reputation of that Physician suffer , whose Prescript originally it was : As another considerable branch of trust , the true dispensation of all Medicines directed by Physicians is left to the Apothecaries , in whose integrity they place great confidence , and therefore a good Author tells us , Praestat Pharmacopaeum esse virum bonum , quam Socratem , h. e. 'T is better that an Apothecary be an honest men then Socrates , both Physician and Patient depending on his uprightness and the punctual discharge of his office : If then this Apothecary shall ingage in the practise of Physick , he must necessarily spend much time abroad in visiting his Patients , and leave his shop to the management of raw Apprentices , who wanting instruction by reason of their Masters absence , and not understanding the Physicians Bill , make odd and too often dangerous substitutions ; neither are the Physicians secure that such practising Apothecaries do not out of design suffer their Patients to be neglected or abused , that so miscarrying in their hands , the repute of the others may seem thereby advanced , as if their practise could not be more unsuccesful then the Doctors : certainly these Apothecaries cannot give a satisfactory account of the trust reposed in them , and therefore to me it is evident that they give timely warning by forsaking their Trade and practising Physick , that none commit the breeding of their Children to them who have business of more concernment to mind , then to spend their time in teaching ( according to their engagement ) their Servants the Art which they must be made free to exercise , that the people be not hasty to imploy them in either way , who incapacitate themselves for both ; and lastly , That Physicians send not any Bills to them , lest they be guilty of prejudicing both themselves and Patients . If then these practising Apothecaries are so kind to Physicians as publikely to acquaint them what may be expected at their hands ; I hope no Member of that Worthy Faculty is so stupid but that he will leave them and their Patients to the same adventure which both run , and not be either forward to help them out at a dead lift , or take the miscarriage on him for the advantage of one or two Fees ; but it is observable that some of these , conceiving that an open breach between Physicians and them may be prejudicial to their design , do plead as an excuse to acquit themselves that the importunity of their Customers prevailed with them in such cases wherein was no appearance of Danger to direct what they thought most convenient ; but let Rondeletius give these an answer , Pharmacopaeus inconsulto perito medico nihil cuiquam proponabit , praesertim magnarum virium , sed neque quantumvis parcarum , cum vires nesciat , & auxilia haec quamvis ( ut videtur ) imbecilla , tamen quantitate , qualitate , tempore insalubria , magnorum saepe morborum sunt occasio , & legitimam curandi rationem pervertunt , h. e. Apothecaries ought not to give any Medicines without the foreknowledg and direction of an allowed Physician , neither those which are more or less operative , because they being altogether ignorant of their vertues may err in those which seem weakest and most safe in respect of quantity , quality or time , so as they may prove the causes of most dangerous diseases , the opportunity also of a methodical Cure is by this means lost . Indeed such is the increase of the Apothecaries Company , that all of them cannot reasonably expect imployment ▪ who therefore hunt abroad after Patients , and prey one upon anothers business ; these inconveniencies would be remedied if the counsel of a grave Writer was observed , who adviseth the Magistrate to be very careful not to tolerate more Apothecaries then are sufficient for the discharge of that Profession ; implying , that if they superabounded , they would most infallibly injure the publick , and rather then their Medicines for want of timely use should decay and grow worthless , choose to spend them by their own practise , and think it a less Crime to harm the people then suffer any damage in their shops ; And when these practising Apothecaries have by their insinuations inveigled some to take Physick of them , as it is not improbable but that these being ignorant of the direct way of curing diseases must necessarily hereupon spend more Medicines then Physicians who exactly knowing what is to be done , will not multiply Prescripts to tire out their Patients and advance their charge ; so how can such Patients assure themselves that their Apothecary-physicians do not make use of that opportunity as much to rid their shop of physick , as them of diseases : however if the whole is cast up , such Patients will find no cause to commend the cheapness of their Cure in respect of what it had been , if they had consulted Physicians ; not to mention that some of these do confidently take and demand Fees for their Visits , besides the profitable income by their physick ; I may safely affirm that most of them cannot afford to be so charitable as to wait on their Patients without some recompence for their time and trouble , which are usually accounted in the price of the Medicines : So then , what a delusion do they lie under who seek to these Apothecaries , hoping thereby to save Physicians Fees. I question not but that these practising Apothecaries do also discourage the people from seeking to Physicians , not only by undervaluing their skill , but by misrepresenting the charge of such advice , exclaiming against their excessive Fees for every little distemper , if they are called in : I answer , that if in such little distempers ( as they tearm them ) any thing is to be directed , a Physician ought to be consulted therein , for perhaps what these mis-judging did account light and inconsiderable , when better understood by those who are able to look deeply into it , and have a right notion of the Causes , may prove a business of great concernment , and being throughly known by the prudence of the Physician in his timely applications the danger so much threatned may be succesfully obviated , and the Patient restored without any great expence either in the Physicians Fees or Apothecaries Medicines ; I must add to vindicate the Physicians from the false adspersion of exacting from the people more then the condition of such Patients can bear , that no Society of men in this Nation can in this point so much clear themselves as Physicians , who although they have no publick stipends ( some few excepted ) are yet so moderate in their takings , that without a lessening the honour and repute of their Faculty they cannot well condescend lower , and if the Seniors whose worth merits a greater respect , and age requires more rest and quiet , shall excuse themselves from night calls , and the drudgery of attending ordinary business ; the Junior Physicians when sent unto , most readily ( desiring to appear conscientious in the discharge of their calling ) take care of the meanest people either gratis expressing their Charity , or at a rate suitable to their condition who employ them . Moreover these practising Apothecaries are injurious to Physicians , by encouraging others to the like attempts , who straight-way conclude , that if these whose chief concernment it is to advance the credit of Physicians , and to be faithful to them in their Profession , shall so disesteem them as to enter the list , & contend with them in their own Science ; well may the common Empericks be more emboldned to vilifie them ; nay , Physicians would have reason to take it ill from such Apothecaries , if it appear that most of the Quacks are not only supplied , but assisted by them in their undertakings , and that they most approve of these because they help them with their best endeavor to empty their Shops : I might proceed to shew how much the Profession of Physick suffers by such Practisers , and give instances of the fatal mistakes of these Pretenders to the Medicinal Science , but I am not willing to prosecute this Argument as far as the subject will bear ; I shall insert some Edicts published by the Magistracy of Brussels , to be a pattern to other States , and to manifest that it is not so much the Physicians , as the peoples interest that the Apothecaries be not allowed to practise Physick . Statut. VII . ADmissi Pharmacopaeii ( jure jurando se prius adstringentes ad id quod in articulis eos concernit ) cavebunt absque medici praescripto medicamenta elective purgantia vel scammoniata curandis aegris divendere vel medicorum paradigmata immutare , aut Quid pro Quo substituere quod si vel in lectione , sensu , aut forma compositionis laborent , medicum adibunt , qui eos dirigat , instruatque sub mulcta septem Florenorum duplicandorum , & dividendorum ut ante . Statut. VIII . NEquaquam verò absque medici probati & admissi licentia , venena , philtra , opiata periculosiora , aut abortum mensesque provocantia pharmaca cuipiam porrigant , vel per ministros suos tradi permittant sub mulcta , VII florenorum , &c. h. e. Statute VII . THey who ( being first sworn to observe faithfully the Statutes relating to them ) are admitted to exercise the Art or mystery of an Apothecary , shall not without a lawful Physicians Prescript sell any purging Medicines either Elective or Scammoniate to cure the Sick , neither shall they alter the Physicians Bill , or substitute one Ingredient for another , and if they are deficient in reading or understanding the Prescript , or skill not the Preparation , they shall consult the Physician upon pain and forfeiture of VII Florens to be doubled and divided according to the foregoing direction . Statute VIII . THe said Apothecaries shall not upon pain of the like Mulct without an approved Physicians license , sell or suffer to be sold by their Servants any Poysons , Philtrums , Opiates , or Medicines either provoking the Menses or causing Abortion . This Senate was doubtless no more concerned to Enact such Laws on the behalf of the people under their Government , then any Prince for the welfare of his Subjects : if then such Edicts were only the natural result of reason and prudence , the like general principle commends the imitation of them to other Countreys , and certainly if these Apothecaries in this Nation did observe their own Charter , they would not so much transgress as to assume liberty never intended them , when they were made an Incorporation . To conclude , these practising Apothecaries are injurious to themselves as well as Physicians , for when they fail in their Cures , which by reason of misapplications are very unlikely to succeed , the people are apt to suspect that such persons despair of excelling in their own Profession , upon which account they betake themselves to Quacking : I do not think that the example of the Author of Medela medicinae , is a sufficient encouragement to others that they should be as free as he professeth himself , to instrust their lives in the hands of prudent Apothecaries ; since that person hath not scrupled to adventure greater hazards — then others , either in this respect or any like case are obliged to imitate ; and it is very probable that these Apothecaries when they fall sick , will not retaliate his kindness , and with the same danger intrust their lives in his hands . That the design of this discourse may not be misconstrued by any , as if there was an intent to reflect on the whole Society of Apothecaries , I shall in the next place speak of those who utterly dislike these Irregularities of their Brethren , foreseeing the event that except some effectual course be taken to restrain such unwarrantable actings , the amicable knot between Physicians and them will be either untied or broken , to the prejudice and disadvantage of both , at least theirs ; and therefore these being the worthier , and ( I hope ) the major part of that Incorporation , taking notice that notwithstanding the late publick disobligements ( the Physicians being yet so generous and friendly as to trust them with their Prescripts and Patients ) have an honorable esteem of their practise and prudent deportment , sufficient to convince their Adversaries , if they had not lost all sense both of humanity and their own true interest , for although there are very many arguments which might perswade Physicians to prepare their own Medicines , particularly to take off those sugillations , as if either they know not how to make their Compositions , or that they are unwilling to undergo so much trouble , and to improve their Art , &c. yet had they rather lie under a vain conjecture of their insufficiency in that business or laziness , then be guilty of destroying the Company of Apothecaries , especially such who confine themselves to their own Profession , and religiously over-see the dispensation of their Medicines . This better part of that Society in testimony of their gratitude to Physicians , for that excellent skill they have by their direction acquired in the genuine preparations of Vegetables , Animals , and Minerals , wherein they are inferiour to none of the like Profession in any Nation , do not only publish the Physicians abilities , and prefer them before all Pretenders , but by their improuement silence the idle Calumny of their Doctors being unskilful in Pharmacy ; these Members of that Company have diligently promoted an acommodation between Physicians and them , and would gladly that the Law , to restrain illegal Practitioners might reach any Offenders amongst their number as others , being sensible how much the whole Company is prejudiced by the extravagancies of some who in hopes of a little gain , do not care to ruine their Society , there being at length a good correspondence between the Colledg of Physicians and the Incorporation of Apothecaries , each Member imploying himself in his Profession as the Law directs , all will go on with more comfort in their several vocations , and the people reap the benefit . CHAP. III. Of the Lord Bishops and their Vicar-Generals power to license Physicians . IT doth not appear either by the Canon Law or Prescription , that the Bishops and their Vicar-generals as Ecclesiastical Officers , had power to License any to practise Physick , or that Physicians in respect of their Profession were subjected to the Jurisdiction of Spiritual Courts ; 't is confessed that the care of Hospitals did appertain to the Bishops who provided Physicians to cure the Sick , but it would seem a strange inference to argue that the Bishops exercised the like Priviledges elsewhere , because to them was committed the supervision of these Hospitals , or that they had a Legal Right to license Physicians who entertained them ; wherefore until good evidence is produced to make out their claim to this Authority preceding the Statute ; I cannot allow the opinion of Episcopal Right of licensing to practise Physick , besides should I admit that they had such a power in them as Ecclesiasticks , yet they must demonstrate the force thereof , since the Statute took place , but if it be found upon inquiry that neither de jure nor de facto , the Bishops and their Vicar-generals did license , and that the Statute is of full vertue , notwithstanding any pretence of former Authority , it is unquestionable but that all persons therein concerned , the Bishops and their Vicar-generals , as well as the people are obliged to take notice of it , and to the end that the Original and extent of their licensing Physicians may be fully known , I shall recite part of the Statute relating thereunto . NO Person within the City of London , nor within seven miles of the same shall take upon him to exercise and occupy as Physician or Chyrurgeon , except he be first examined , approved , and admitted by the Bishop of London , or by the Dean of Pauls for the time being , calling to him or them four Doctors of Physick ; and for Surgery other expert persons in that Faculty , upon the pain of forfeiture for every month that they do occupy as Physicians and Surgeons not admitted , nor examined after the tenor of the said Act , of five pounds , to be employed the one half to the use of our Soveraigne Lord the King , and the other half to any person that shall sue for it by Action of Debt , in which no wager of Law nor Protection shall be allowed ; And over this that no person out of the said City and Precinct of seven miles of the same , take upon him to exercise and occupy as a Physician and Surgeon in any Diocess within this Realm , till he be first examined and approved by the Bishop of the same Diocess or ( he being out of the same Diocess ) by his Vicar-general , either of them calling to him such expert persons in the same Faculty ( as their discretion shall think convenient ) and giving their Letters Testimonials under their Seal to him , that they shall so approve upon like pain to them that occupy contrary to this Act ( as is above said ) to be levied and imployed after the same form before expressed : Provided always that this Act nor any thing therein contained be prejudicial to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridg , or either of them , or to the Priviledges granted to them , &c. Thus the High-Court of Parliament was pleased ( as the Statute imports ) to authorize the Right Reverend Bishops and their Vicar-generals , as a Trust , to license all persons qualified to practise Physick , which business of Trust intimates an extraordinary confidence in their faithful execution of it according to direction , and that the same Authority may demand an account of the discharge thereof , and accordingly either continue it in their hands or alter it , as may best answer their intent in relation to the peoples health and welfare : 't is not to be doubted but that the Parliament was moved by very weighty reasons to intrust the Bishops , &c. with the execution of this Law , being satisfied that they whom singular Piety , Learning , and other Endowments had advanced to those Dignities , would act circumspectly and prudently in the management of a publick trust of such consequence to the Nation , in the exact performances of which , the people also promised to themselves much happiness , expecting by means of this devolution of power on the Bishops sound minds in sound bodies : And the Bishop being out of his Diocess , the power of licensing descended with the same limitations to the Vicar-generals , who may not plead Liberty to act otherwise then the Statute allows , because there is no penalty annexed , as if thereupon they were not engaged to observe the several conditions enjoyned : Methinks the Parliaments good opinion of these Chancellors integrity should so far prevail with them , as at least not to seek out ways how they may safely break their Trust , and therefore offend because the Law doth not provide due punishment ; I want words to express the exquisite dis-ingenuity of such practises , which encourage the violation of all publick and private Trusts at pleasure , if thereby no penalty is incurred . I shall in the next place briefly consider the Injunctions in the body of the Statute , according to which both the Bishops and their Vicar-generals are to be guided in granting their Licenses , and although the Bishop of London and Dean of Pauls , may examine , approve and admit , yet they must call to them four Doctors of Physick , a competent number to avoid all suspicion of favour or partiality , and that the candidate be throughly sifted before he obtain a License : Then it follows that the Bishop being out of his Diocess , his Vicar-general may license according to the Statute , whence I collect that if the Bishop is in any part of his Diocess , his Vicar-general may not exercise this power , neither can any such interpretation be put on the Bishops being out of his Diocess , as if this related only to his judicial attendance in Court , and so often as he is not there , his Vicar-general may license ; for this is contrary to the letter of the Statute , and ( as I conceive ) the designment of it , which was primarily to authorize the Bishops and their Chancellors only in the others absence from their Diocess . I further observe that this power of licensing was by the Statute placed in the Bishops and their Vicar-generals , no mention being made of their Surrogates or Officials , * in regard that this trust of licensing to practise Physick is no part of their office by vertue of the Bishops Patent to them , I quaere whether they commissionating Surrogates according to those Patents , can legally invest them with the like Authority , since it is limited by the Statute to the Bishops and their Vicar-generals ? It is in the last place observable that four Doctors of Physick must be called in before the person to be licensed can be approved and admitted ; I question then whether Certificates under the hands of three or four Doctors of Physick without such examination in the presence of the Bishop , &c. do answer the command of the Statute ? In respect of the whole untill these Vicar-generals and their Surrogates can produce any Legal Authority constituting them Interpreters of such Statutes so as to put what sense and construction they please upon them most agreeable to their profit , and till the Reverend Judges have otherwise determined , I hope it may not be unwarrantable to understand the Statute according to the literal meaning thereof , and then all transgressions of the power granted by it seem illegal , as that Bishops should license without a previous examination by four Doctors , that the Vicar-generals if the Bishop be in any part of his Diocess , should exercise this power , and without the examination by Doctors , or that any Surrogates should attempt to license , that Authority being incommunicable by Patent : and lastly , that Certificates should be admitted , most of which probably may be counterfeited : Besides I shall leave those who are learned in the Law to decide whether since the President and Censors of the Kings-Colledg of Physicians in London , by other Statutes of later date , were appointed to examine and allow all Licentiates , unless such whom the Universities authorize to practice Physick , the power of the Bishops and their Vicar-generals granted before , * is not void in Law ; and although the Bishops and their Chancellors proceed on the License , yet whether such Licentiates without either the Universities or Colledges examination and approbation can plead their Authority , so as to acquit them from the penalty to be inflicted on illegal practisers ? To pass by other Points of great importance in this Controversy , because I would not seem to intrench on the Profession of others ; I shall endeavor to shew the inconveniencies which happen to the Faculty of Physick and Physicians , by reason of this power of Licensing placed in the Bishops and their Vicar-generals : As for the Right Reverend Fathers in God the Bishops , if such a weight of business did not lie on their shoulders , much more considerable , by which they may possibly be taken off from looking after this Trust , 't is not to be doubted but that they would be very severe and just in this , as in other affairs , respecting a due encouragement of those who have been equally Members of the Universities as themselves , and thereupon grant out very few Licenses to practise , especially in those places and Countreys wherein are seated a sufficient number of learned and experienced Physicians , who having performed their Exercises are Graduates in Physick : Were the Bishops ( I say ) at leisure to regard this business , the true Professors of Physick could not possibly be more secure , or desire a better improvement of that power to the Honour of their Faculty ; but their Vicar-generals are well pleased that their respective Bishops do at least permit them to License whom they think fit , and however there is some engagement on them not only to follow the directions of the Statute , but to be kind to the Faculty of Physick and its Professors ; yet I wish that there is no cause of complaint , as if too many of these multiplied their Licentiates for their own more then the benefit of the publick , and that since his Majesty's most happy Restoration , every Court-day hath not been a Physick Act , the Fees being incomparable respondents , as if the custom of Leiden had prevailed . Accipiamus pecuniam , dimittamus Asinum . His money's currant , and will pass , Though he who 's licens'd is an Ass . For on the same account by the Master of the Revels , are licensed the dancing horses and well-bred Bares . I do not at present undertake to accuse any particular persons , as if they have already licens'd so many that there are left no more pretenders to physick unfurnished , but I should wonder if all manner of rude and illiterate Quacks , should at the charge of a Mark or some such inconsiderable rate , be as much capacitated to practise physick , as those who are Academical Physicians : Mantuan affords us a notable description of such Licentiates ; His etsi tenebras palpant , concessa potestas Excruciandi aegros hominesque impunè nocendi . Although the Art of Physick these don't skill , To them are granted Licenses to kill . Had these Vicar-generals and their Surrogates by Law an unlimited power to license all who are minded to practise physick , yet should they exercise it in the utmost Latitude , the people might suffer as much by the provision of that Statute as they did before , there being little difference between the bold attempts of those who then practised , and very many since no less unfit to undertake the cure of the Sick ; indeed these last ( pleading the Authority of their Licenses ) are without much scruple entertained , as if they had been examined by four Doctors of Physick , and in every respect were allowable according to the Direction of the Statute , and thereupon may take more opportunities to injure the people then the others , who being well known never could obtain to be trusted as persons of sufficient abilities : certainly the whole Nation will be very sensible of a manifest grievance upon the account of numberless Licentiates to practise Physick , for it would not serve the turn if each Licentiate should apply himself to the cure of a distinct Disease , as the Egyptians did heretofore in the like case , and that each Parish should employ one , but every person will have a distinct spy on his body , who being his Diaetical Genius must order every bit of meat and draught of drink , and after this manner be inslaved to live physically . As it doth not seem probable that the Parliament did intend more , then that the people instead of ignorant Practisers who abused them , should be provided with learned and able men to help them in their sickness , so neither can we think that any prejudice to the Universities was thereby designed , but if notwithstanding that our Academies have sent forth a convenient number of true Sons of Art , to take care of all that concerns their practice throughout the whole Nation , these Chancellors and their Surrogates should at such a rate license as if there were none to practise , unless such whom they pass , taking no notice of the Universities provision , what other conclusion can be deduced , then that such persons seek all opportunities to void the Priviledges of the Universities , to blast the hopes of many excellent Physicians , whose abilities for want of exercise contract themselves and wither : and lastly , to disgrace the Profession of Physick by admitting such who as they cannot avoid the contradicting of their Instruments , so perswade the people that they do as much as the Art can perform . Physicians do not yet despair that both their Faculty and themselves may out-live the boisterous storms raised against them , because the Lord Bishops sit at the Helm as most skilful Pilates , who ( as before ) being chiefly intrusted , can direct the power of Licensing to the best advantage , either taking it into their own hands , least they suffer in the peoples esteem by reason of the mis-application of the Episcopal Seal , or resigning it up to the Universities , whose concern it is to attend such businesses : when Church affairs are compleatly setled , 't is not to be doubted but that every Bishop will take an account of all Licentiates within his Diocess , and inform himself of their Abilities for such an Imployment , by what means they obtained Instruments authorizing them to practise Physick , and if the Conditions expressed in the Statute were punctually observed , calling in all Licenses illegally granted , and preventing any further abuses of that Parliamentary trust by any of their Officers : Physicians ( I say ) are so well perswaded of the Lord Bishops good inclination to uphold the Honour of their useful Profession , and , to prefer those who are skil'd in all kinds of Learning before others whose Mother-wit and Mother-tongue are their chiefest Accomplishments , that they cannot harbor in their breasts any thoughts unworthy of the religious care of Their answering every just expectation , and of expressing a particular respect and devotion towards Medicine of a divine extract , if we credit St. Augustine , saith he , * Corporis medicina si altius rerum originem repetas non invenitur unde ad homines manare potuerit , nisi à Deo , cui omnium rerum status salusque est tribuenda ; h. e. If we strictly enquire after the Original of Medicine , it will appear that God was the Author thereof , to whom every thing ows it conservation . Should the time in which that Statute was made , be compared with this present season , an argument might be drawn thence to shew , that although there was a necessity ( in respect of the rareness of Academical Physicians ) that some should be licensed who satisfied the directions of the Statute , yet since that the Universities can as well furnish the Nation with Physicians as Divines , these Right Reverend Bishops will no more exert what Authority they may have to make such Physicians then Priests , who never had relation to the Universities , but spent their time either in following pass-times , in service , or a Mechanical Trade . CHAP. IV. Of a Collegiate way of Physicians , and the KINGS-COLLEDG in LONDON . THe chiefest Argument inducing several Princes most gratiously to institute Corporations , was the advancement of Trade , all obstructions which hindred its progress , being thereby removed , and apt Priviledges granted to promote the Interest and reward the diligence of the respective Members of such Commonalties : And in order to the Perfection and Dignity of the Medicinal Science , a Collegiate way was thought on and setled as a meet expedient to free it from all those prejudicial incumbrances , which before were invincible lets , and suitably inlarging its power and authority , to render it more publickly useful and illustrious . The general obstacles as well in Medicine as Trade , preceding their Incorporation as self-seeking , envy , discord , and want of government , being taken away , community , union , and a decent regulation have most fitly supplied those defects , and the additional advantages secured both from all extraneous injuries , and established a full and lasting liberty to improve them as far as they be capable of proficiency . I need not acquaint the World with the wonderful success of Trade , which by no other way could possibly arrive at such an height , all scattered and distinct Professors by an happy coalition combining together to manage their several Arts with twisted ingenuity and counsel , that they might eminently flourish ; the growth of Physick hath been no less considerable in those Nations wherein are founded Colledges of Physicians , nay , the Medicinal Science stood in greater need of this course then Trade , being more subject to invasion , every * unskilful person ( as is shewn in the first Chapter ) undertaking to profess Physick , and the People rather applauding , then discouraging such practises , whereas if any one uneducated in a Trade should adventure to set up , the People would be quickly sensible of that injury , and exclaim against any such encrochments as most destructive to Trading , and openly tending to undo them who have spent much time and pains in the attainment of their Art or Mystery ; so that the common dislike of all ( who in respect of Trade are competent Judges ) was more effectual to prevent an inroad into their Callings , then severe Laws to restrain those who are ignorant from the practice of Physick , besides there is no difficulty in the Profession of Physick ( as they presume to practise it ) which may equally deterr them from this as any other ( though the meanest and easiest ) imployment , for as Panarolus well observes , Praxis qua ipsi utuntur trium dierum spatio ab homine vel vilissimo acquiritur : h. e. The arrandest blockhead may learn all their skill and practice in three days time . Moreover Trade in respect of the event not being of such concernment as the Science of Physick , did not alike want Incorporation , for in traffick the Buyers understand whether the Commodities are well conditioned , and fit for their use , the Chapmans skill preventing all manner of circumventions and cheats , more then the particular Laws of Societies ; and one bad bargain may be recompensed by future caution and vigilancy , whereas it is otherwise in Medicine , for very few know what belongs to the Medicaments they take , not discerning the impostures of ignorant Practisers ; and 't is too late to repent of inadvertency when once the deadly Bolus is swallowed , promises of circumspection for the time to come being good warnings to others , but not available to him who is by such delusions surprized ; for this cause King Henry the Eighth was most gratiously pleased to found his Colledg in London , as the words of the Charter express ; Cum Regii officii nostri munus arbitremur , ditionis nostrae hominum felicitati omni ratione consulere : id autem vel imprimis fore si improborum conatibus tempestive occurramus , apprimè necessarium ducimus improborum quoque hominum qui medicinam magis avaritiae suae causâ quàm ullius bonae conscientiae fiducia profitebuntur unde rudi & credulae plebi plurima incommoda oriantur audaciam compescere , &c. Collegium perpetuum Doctorum & gravium virorum qui medicinam in urbe nostra Londini , &c. publicè exerceant institui volumus atque imperamus , &c. h. e. Forasmuch as to our Princely Care and Soveraignty belongeth the welfare and happiness of our Subjects , which cannot by any means be better secured , then by a timely disappointment of wicked mens evil designs and practises , We judg it expedient and necessary to restrain the bold attempts of impious and unworthy pretenders to Physick , who acting from a principle of covetousness rather then conscientiously , do injure and deceive those who are ignorant and too credulous , &c. It is our Royal pleasure and command to appoint and establish a Colledge of learned and profound Physicians in our City of London , &c. Dissention also amongst Physicians in respect of their Opinions , promoted partly through emulation , and partly by the thirst of not a few after gain , transcending what was in this kind observable amongst Traders , earnestly called for a speedy and convenient remedy , and since the settlement of a Collegiate way of Physicians , in the room of animosity , uncharitable emulation , and private inconsiderable designs , are introduced a decent respect of each other with all manner of mutual kindnesses , and the common interest and joynt improvement of the Medicinal Science for the benefit of the Publick ; if the learned Johannes de Espagenet had reason to affirm , that Love was one of the Principles to which all bodies owe their original ; I may well assert , that it is no more a principle of bodies Natural then Politick , especially in the affairs of Medicine , by which means the great business of Consultation is regularly carried on , distinct abilities concurring to overcome the strange intricacies of complicated Diseases : This Love is the bond knitting the whole associated body together by its gentle ligaments in due symmetry , so that the Juniors do chearfully adhere to what the Seniors propose , submitting to their aged reason and experience , and the Seniors as candidly communicate their Observations , and admit of Partnership in their vast stock of Knowledg . As in other Corporations great care is taken for the education of Apprentices to their several Trades , so a Collegiate way herein may be more profitable , and I might hence take a fit occasion to recommend the practice of the Ancients , who undertook the tutorage of young Students in Physick , which laudable practice is still continued in some Countreys , and helps more in the Profession of Physick , then the bare turning over of Voluminous Authors , who ( at least many of them ) designed chiefly their own Fame by their Books ; the Junior Physicians ( I say ) being after this manner initiated , can more safely fight under such Conduct against the desperatest Diseases , and the Seniors will be forward to transplant their abilities , and even immortalize themselves in the continued Series of their Successors . I hope now that the tearms Doctor and Colledge , do not suffer in the opinion of understanding men , by reason of the unworthy language and vain scoffs which the Author of Medela medicinae vents against them , for , Doctor ( as Serjeant Dodridg well argued ) is no addition , but a Degree , Quia gradatim est progressione Doctrinae provenit , being the Universities reward of Learning , and the tearm Colledg intimates a lawful association or constellation of Physicians to preserve the Nation by a prosperous influence , and to advance and improve the Medicinal Science : neither is that idle objection allowable , as if a Collegiate way by differencing its Members from other Practisers , and seeking for an effectual power to punish ill practice in Physick , tended only to make the Profession of Medicine a Monopoly , for there is no stop put to the industry of those who take a regular course to become lawful Physicians , the Universities embrace and cherish all hopeful Students , and when fourteen years are expired , being not wasted , but carefully employed in a most exquisite search after the concealments of Nature , these having succesfully run through a course of Natural Philosophy , they are thereby enabled to enter upon the most difficult Study of Physick , till at length their abilities arrived at a due maturation , and deserving the approbation of the Universities , they come abroad , and may ( satisfying the Statutes ) be admitted Members of the Colledg , and by the same rule every Incorporation would be a Monopoly , but I need not spend more time in answering such an empty Argument ; every person may apprehend the reason why not only that Pamphletter , but others of his Gang do so bitterly inveigh against the Order and Government of Physick , were these capable either to attain Degrees in the Faculty of Physick , or to be licensed by the Colledg , they would be as forward for Discipline in Physick , as now they are for Liberty . It remains that I endeavour to vindicate the Kings Colledg of Physicians in London , from the scandalous suggestions of some , as if they had not answered those ends for which their Society was founded ; and although I am very sensible of my insufficiency to undertake a just description of the Deserts and performances of this Colledg , and likewise that what ever I can say will be judged the Product of Interest , yet I shall rather hazard their censure for my deficiencies , then be guilty by silence of a seeming compliance with their malicious Accusers , and that cannot be interpreted vain ostentation , when there is no other intent then to vindicate our Society from the indignities of those who would lessen its Splendor : Well then , since that the necessity of answering such high provocations makes my Apology , and prevents the charge of immodesty , I shall attempt to give some brief account of this Colledg and its Members ; should I begin with the first Doctors whose names are recited in the Charter granted by King Henry the 8th , and confirmed by Parliament , and continue the Catalogue to this day , the Worth and Fame of each Collegiate would compleatly evidence that they were according to direction Profound , discreet , groundly learned , and deeply studied in Physick ; Nay , I confidently affirm , that the most considerable discoveries which in these later Ages have merited applause and credit in the World , were most happily made by some Members of this Society , witness the Renowned Doctor Harvey 's circulation of the Blood , Doctor Jolive 's first observation of the Lymphaeducts , and many others , who , though dead , do yet live in their Physical inventions , and not a few of the present Members of this Colledg have paid the first fruits of their vast attainments , whose Books having stood the brunt of humorous Contradiction unanswered , are above censure , or my Panegyrick , and their second prosperous voyages into the America of Medicinal Truths , cannot but raise large expectations of further discoveries , many of this Incorporation did heretofore Warehouse their Learning and Experience , and hoarded up such plenty of all necessary accomplishments , as if they intended to ingross the Medicinal Science , who being prevented either by mis-guided modesty or untimely death , suffered their Acquirements to die with them , leaving a Despair in their Successors to retrieve those hidden and buried Treasures , and the rest of the Colledg when they are secured from injurious blasts , will in due time blow with mature and acceptable performances , these are now giving the World an Edition of themselves , and at length will publish their most elaborate Works wherein the progress of Physick may be most legible . I shall further add , that since HIS MAJESTY HATH MOST GRACIOUSLY PLEASED TO HONOUR HIS COLLEDG WITH HIS PRESENCE , AND TO TAKE NOTICE OF THEIR EXERCISES , THE WHOLE SOCIETY IS INFLAMED TO APPROVE THEMSELVES WORTHY OF THEIR SOVERAIGNS FAVOUR AND PATRONAGE ! The reason why these Collegiates do at present conceal their Abilities , is , because they would avoid the prostitution of them , observing that even their free converse hath emboldned Amazon Practitioners to handle the two-edged Sword of Medicine , since therefore the Profession of Physick is only guarded by the prudence of Physicians , there is good cause why they should so far imitate the Ancients as not to disclose those mysteries and depths in Physick which distinguish them from others ; and although Candor opens their Breasts to all Sons of Art , yet their choicest conceptions will be fast locked up , till Law secures them , and their Authors from Usurpation and Injuries . CHAP. V. Of Chymistry , and the Pseudo-Chymists in this Kingdom . THe fierce digladiations between the Galenists and Chymists , each party contending not only to advance their Opinions , but to vilifie their Opposites , have in the judgment of most prudent men rather inconvenienced both , then gained to either more credit or authority ; I shall present some of these hot disputes , by which all may observe the weakness of such ineffectual argumentations , and meerly rude and passionate censures , saith Zacutus , Sanguineis lachrymis deploranda esset calamitas haec ab iis qui Hippocratis & Galeni se filios esse gloriantur , & horum magistrorum sanissimam doctrinam ex limpidissimis fontibus exhaustam combibere solent , quod Chymici omnino adversam & contrariam Hippocratis legibus observantes Disciplinam impune , proterue & indecore medicinam , summum-Omnipotentis donum , dicteriis , facetiis & preposteris auxiliis infament , Medicus fugiat a chymicis & documenta eorum parvi faciat : h. e. The true Disciples of Hippocrates and Galen who have drawn all their accomplishments from their pure Fountains of Learning , have cause to weep blood seeing that the Chymist who profess a contrary way of Physick , are permitted without restraint by their malevolent reproaches , scorns , and unartificial remedies to blaspheme Medicine which is the gift of the great God : and therefore let every Physician take heed of these , and lightly esteem their Doctrines . But in answer ro this , Nemo docti & sapientis viri nomen aut titulum obtinere potest nisi sit Chymista , quia nec principia naturalia , nec vera universalis materia cuipiam unquam innotescent nisi per Artis Chymicae experientiam : h. e. He is most unworthy the name or repute of a learned or wise man , who is not a Chymist , because neither the natural principles nor the universal matter can be known to any who are not skilled in the Spagyrick Art : What Riolanus writes is not behind this , Princeps tenebrarum delectatur fumis , & ministros habet fumi vendulos , Alchymistas , sufflones , carbonarios quorum scientiam cur non appellem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cum proprie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dicantur fornacarii Chymistae , sed veritas filia temporis perdet gratiam novitatis eorum , & fumus iste disparebit : h. e. The Prince of darkness doth affect Fumes , and his Officers trade in Smoak ; these Chymists busie themselves in kindling Charcoal not differencing themselves from Colliers , since that amongst their Furnaces they are not unlike Chimney-sweepers , I know no reason but that I may compare their Art to Chimney-sweeping , but Truth is the daughter of Time , and when the Novelty of their practice is over , their smoak will dis-appear . Penotus extols Chymistry as much as Riolanus decries it ; Quid jucundius quam ea noscere atque oculis pene cernere manuque tractare quae procul a sensu & cognitione nostra peccatum posuit ? quam in ipsam penitus absconditam naturam descendere , quam partes universi in particulas quasque minutissimas scindere ? ipsaque Naturae principia in manu habere ? quid publice , privatimque utilius , quam mortalitati nostrae quantum quidem licet subvenire ? morbosque aliaque corporis incommoda arcere & depellere ? & languentem proximum atque jacentem restituere , haec omnia praestat ea Philosophiae atque medicinae pars quam Spagyricam vocant : h. e. What can be more pleasant then to know by the sure information of the eye and hand , those things which sin hath so far distanced both from our sense and apprehension ? then to dive into the depths of Nature ? then to anatomize the Universe , and to handle the first principles of all things ? what can be more publickly and privately useful then to retard death as much as may be ? to vanquish Diseases ? to recover our sick Neighbour ? And all these Feats are performed by Chymistry . Billichius on the other side tells us , Medicamenta Chymica membris principalibus corporis pravam dispositionem imprimunt , calorem nativum & spiritus individuos animae satellites destruunt , remediis itaque Chymicis , quasi periculosis , inutilibus , & pestiferis , jus civitatis in republica medica denegetur ; And more particularly Gluckradius , Salia arrodunt & extimulant , spiritus caput petunt , olea ventriculum conviscunt & adherent : h.e. Chymical Medicines are hurtful to the principal parts of the body , by fixing an ill disposition there , by dissipating natural heat , and overthrowing the spirits which are the life-guard of the Soul , and therefore such Chymical Remedies ought to be expunged the Catalogue of Medicines , being hazardous , unprofitable , and pestilential : And Gluckradius further adds , that Chymical Salts are corrosive and irritate , Spirits injure the brain , and Oyls by their glutinousness and adhesion do even plaister the stomach . The Author of the Pharmacopaeia Spagyrica tells us another story , says he , Ars Spagyrica omnium scientiarum nobilissima , utilissima & praestantissima nihil aeque medicum ornet , nobilitet , clarumque reddat , haec firmissa Naturae claustra reseret , ei quandoquidem virtutum omnium , terrestrium , coelestium , animalium , vegetabilium & mineralium clavis conceditur , in qua non modo rei essentiae perpenduntur , verum in lucem conspectumque omnium adducuntur , purum ab impuro segregatur , cortex a nucleo , contrarium a contrario , multa denique miranda praestat , & multo majora , quam quae humanus intellectus excogitare possit : And Faber seconds this , * Siquid est in Natura pulchritudinis nobilitatis & utilitatis , id omne a puro ortum habet , quo sola Chymia uti novit , quae jure merito Scientias omnes naturales tantum antecellit quantum purum illud reliquum Naturae superat & vincit : h. e. Chymistry is the most noble , useful , and excellentest of all Sciences , nothing doth so much grace a Physician and make him eminent as the knowledg hereof which readily admits him into Natures recesses , and discovers all true vertues terrestrial and celestial , and the nature of Animals , Vegetables , and Minerals ; so that not only the essences of things are made intelligible , but they are subjected to our touch and view , the pure hereby being separated from that which is impure , the kernel from the shell , one contrary from another ; its effects to conclude are so wonderful , that they surpass mans reach or understanding : And Faber writes to the same purpose ; If there is any beauty , excellency , and worth in Nature , it is the product of that which is most pure , the ordering of which is the proper business of Chymistry , and therefore it doth as much out-shine other Natural Sciences , as this pure the grossest feculencies . I perceive that I need an Apology to excuse this tedious recitation of the absurd mutual * clashings of these Galenists and Chymists , who most earnestly endeavor to perswade the people that they design the Sanity of Mankind as the common end of their , though divers , nay , contrary directions and practises ; because most Authors engaged in this Controversie instead of rational argumentations , do chiefly abound with vain boastings and suspitious commendations of their way , no less deriding all those who are not of their Mind ; I thought my self concerned to reflect on this fruitless opposition joyning with Angelus Sala in his just reproof of both . Clamant alii a partibus sumus Galeni , alii partes tenemus Paracelsi mutuas contentiones & dissidia subinde moventes , & interim paucissimi reperiuntur qui in sinceritate proximo suo succurrere contendunt : h. e. Some devote themselves to be Galens Disciples , others are for Paracelsus , jangling amongst themselves whilest very few endeavor in sincerity their Neighbors restoration . In my opinion 't is preposterous to conclude that any person is to be therefore accounted a good Physician , because he stifly adheres to one or the other party , or thinks fit to conjoyn them ; for to the accomplishment of a true Physician is required an exact knowledg of all things belonging to his practise , whether they relate to his right judgment of Diseases and their Diagnosticks , or the regular applications of Medicaments artificially prepared in order to a Cure , and so far as any one who undertakes to profess Physick is deficient in any part of his business , he personally errs , and falls under the censures of an ill Practiser , although he either vaunts himself to be a Galenist or Helmontian : Physicians are Truths perpetual Candidates , more allowing , nay , improving Chymistry ( as part of their profession ) then any Pretenders to it , who not only employ themselves in the advancement of Pharmacy by its help , but in compleating the sensible Theory of Philosophy and Medicine , of which with indefatigable pains our worthy Predecessors have most auspiciously laid the sure foundation ; should I use any Arguments inciting Physicians by the assistance of Pyrotechny to analyze all sorts of bodies , as if this was the probablest way to conduct them to all acquirable knowledg of their Nature and Vertues , other courses proving unsatisfactory , I might herein seem too much an Imitator of some late Writers , who take upon them to blame the defects of Physicians in the study and practice of Chymistry , for no other reason then that they by their experimental Essays may be thought their Dictators , degrading them to advance their own reputation ; methinks these deal herein very unkindly in attempting to ecclipse their brightness from whom they borrowed all their Light : certainly Physicians need no advertisement to observe the constitution of bodies in their discovering the principles of them , and that the Universe after the Creation ( when the Spirit moved upon the waters ) in an analogous way to Chymistry was methodized , the more subtle and etherial parts ascending , and those more feculent , becoming the Footstool of the Almighty , that also the grand Affairs of Generation and corruption seem nothing else but Spagyrical processes , which I might illustrate if I did not study brevity ; hereupon ( I say ) Physicians wisely trace the true original of bodies in the same order as they were made by an artificial anatomy of Individuals , rightly judging of the whole in respect of the congruity of all its parts . Although Chymistry hath not been so succesful to determine the number of Principles some resting in the Trinity of Sal , Sulphur , and Mercury , others accounting five , Water , Spirit , Sulphur , Salt , and Earth ▪ Zephyriel , Thomas Bovius making the number eight , and it being not improbable but that our Successors may discover more as simple as these , yet in respect of the apt preparation of Medicaments , it hath fully answered expectation , Physicians being thereby furnished with noble Remedies , which skilfully used , give ample proof of their activity in the extirpation of Diseases : but these Spagyricks take great care in their opening of bodies , especially such as are most compact that the innate or seminal vertues thereof be not altered or marred by corrosive and poysonous Dissolvents , * or by destructive heat or fire , antidating the day of Judgment in respect of those things which in order to their preparation it consumes * and utterly spoils ; the imitation of Nature in her most perfect operations do best direct an Artist in his Experiments , and therefore as by the mutual conjunction of the Celestial and Terrestrial Sun together with a due supply of an homogenious and natural menstruum , a Vegetable is raised and impowred with Medicinal vertues , so if the Physician conceives that this Vegetable needs a further exaltation , at least a preparation to be unloaded of its clogging feculencies , and desires to make a separation of the pure from that which is impure , by the help of Chymistry he performs what he designed , choosing an inlivening heat to advance the signatures of that Vegetable , and an apt menstruum to which it may readily resign up all its efficacy and vertue , being thereby freed from its useless excrements ; which course is followed likewise in the preparation of Animals and Minerals , not as if the same heat and menstruum would serve the turn for all Vegetables whose vertues are contrary ( as the Pseudo-chymists ignorantly practise ) which need diverse and proper menstruums , and what sufficiently wrought on Vegetables will not operate alike on Animals and Minerals ; for although Physicians are better acquainted with the Universal Dissolvent , then some phantastical pretenqers , yet they aim chiefly in their Medicinal preparations at the preservation of the true genuine and seminal vertues , and make not each Simple to be alike catholick as the menstruum imployed ; besides they respect the safety of their Medicaments as much as their prevalency in the cure of Diseases , and when by much industry and sweat such powerful Remedies are provided by the true Physician , he doth not expect that they should work Miracles , help incurable Maladies , or raise the dead , but if a just occasion is offered , he makes use of them , hoping that by reason of a right application they may be effectual ; however these do not because of their expertness in Chymical preparations , impiously conceit that God hath bestowed on Mankind no Vegetables , Animals , nor Minerals as effectual helps to oppugn the irreconcilable enemies of Life , unless they are renovated by the Hermetick Art ; for not only the constant experience of the greatest part of the World contradict this fancy , few Nations understanding the use of Chymistry , and yet the sick in those Countreys by Nature ▪ provision of Remedies recover ; but an observation may be drawn from Bruits , which I urge not , as if I imagined that the Medicines curing them may be applicable to men , and that the Farriers skill may accomplish a Physician ; in this point the opinion of Jobertus * seems most rational , saith he , Quod in brutis animantibus observare quis potuit ad hominem traducere velle ineptum est , quoniam longe lateque differunt hominum brutorumque Naturae vel hoc argumento , sturni cicuta & helleboro coturnices tuto vescantur , quae nobis sunt venena & pharmaca : h. e. 'T is absurd to appropriate the Physick of bruits to men whose natures are so different , which is evidenced by the Starelings feeding securely on Hemlock , and the Quails eating Hellebore , which to our bodies are poysonous and medicinal : Bruits , I say , when diseased employ no Operators , but supply themselves from Natures Laboratory with convenient Remedies , which succeed so well with them that they out-live the proudest Pretenders to the great Elixir or Panacaea , nay , as Seneca * affirms by Aristotle's Authority , Quina & dena saecula edurant , They last five , nay , ten ages at least some of them , having no other Medicinal help ; and hence it is that the true Physicians do not think fit to employ themselves in gaining the Quintessence of every Simple they use , well knowing that many Simples do irrecoverably loose their seminal vertues by ordinary preparations . The Anomymus Author * of the Pharmacopaeia Spagyrica before mentioned , doth very well determine this Controversie ; Quando morbus non est admodum pertinax simplici medicamenti preparatione subigi & everti queat , in diuturnis autem , gravibusque morbis , in delicatulis & his quibus ventriculus nausea premitur , & qui solo adspectu odorem & saporem perhorrescunt longiori artificio utimur nam crebris coctionibus filtrationibus clarificationibus & distillationibus ea adeo gustui palatoque grata reddimus ut ipsis aegris in delitiis veniant : h. e. If the Disease is not rebellious it may be cured by an ordinary preparation , but chymical and obstinate Distempers require more exquisite Remedies , and if the Patients stomach is squeemish , or he cannot endure the sight or tast of the Medicine , then by frequent coctions , filtrations , clarifications , and distillations , it may be made so grateful , that the Patient may be delighted with it . I shall add Solon's counsel , Consule non quae suavissima sed quae optima : h. e. The Patient ought rather to be pleased with that which most conduceth to his recovery , then mind the satisfaction of his Palate , which is vitiated in sickness , and hereupon true Physicians are not so sollicitous to prescribe palatable Medicines * as those which may most powerfully overcome the Disease . If I should launch out into a just commendation of the excellency and usefulness of Chymistry , it would I am perswaded , by our Pseudochymists ( concerning whom anon ) be interpreted an extorted confession , as if their Pamphlets had opened our eyes , or forced us to close with them in the advancement of its repute in the World ; but I need not extoll that in words , which we more suitably praise by practice , and I shall comprehend what I intend to say on this Subject under these two Assertions . 1. That Physicians have been the chief Promoters of Chymistry , and are best qualified to bring it to perfection . 2. That the lawful Physicians in this Kingdom are the truest Chymists . He is a meer stranger to this Science , who is ignorant that the chiefest Chymists were Physicians ; I should insert a large Catalogue , if I did not suppose that the truth hereof is famously known by their Learned Works , wherein all Chymical Operations are more perspicuously delivered then in any other Authors , but this will further appear when I have shewn that the qualifications of a Physician are the principal requisites for the study and practice of Chymistry , of which in the next place . I begin with the Physicians skill in the Tongues and in Philosophy , what * Hoglandus writes concerning the necessity of knowing the Tongues is acknowledged by all true Sons of Art , saith he , Non putet quis libros chymicos ca facilitate aut veritate in aliam linguam , transferri atque aliarum scientiarum libros : h. e. He will be deceived who imagins that Chymical Authors can be so faithfully translated as books treating of other Sciences : He then who is a sufficient Linguist is most capable of interpreting truly and beneficially the mystical and obscure Writings of the Ancients ; And in relation to Philosophy as Hippocrates requires a Physician to be excellent in it * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , * so Arnaldus and Geber thinks this knowledg most necessary to accomplish a Chymist , saith the first ; Qui vult ad hanc scientiam pervenire & non est Philosophus , fatuus est , quia haec scientia non est nisi de occultis philosophiae : h. e. He who is ambitious to attain this Science without Philosophy , is in plain terms a fool , because this Science comprehends the Secrets of Philosophers : And * Geber more fully , Oportet Artificem in scientiis philosophiae naturalis eruditum & perfectum esse , quia quod per ingenium naturale non adipiscitur , hujus defectui per doctrinam subvenitur : h. e. The Artist must be compleatly skill'd in Natural Philosophy that his Learning therein may supply all defects of his Ingenuity . Sagacity is no less necessary to enable a Physician , upon which account the forementioned Alsarius * tells us , Sapientissimus senex artem longam esse jure merito dixit ut tarda & hebetia ingenia ab ea capescenda deterreret , fervida vero & vivida ad comprehendenda atque retinenda medicinae mysteria magis inflammaret : h. e. Hippocrates did most wisely pronounce the Medicinal Art to be long and tedious , that he might discourage at their onset all those who were stupid and thick skull'd , and provoke the acutest wits to pry into the knowledg and mysteries of Physick , and Sagacity is as considerable in Chymistry , if we credit Moresinus , saith he , Ut quam ingeniose possint Chymici Naturae secretos Thesauros in usus publicos depromere : h. e. That these Eagle-ey'd Chymists may pierce into the secrets of Nature : Indeed there is nothing obvious in the Spagyrick Art , and therefore answerable to the depths of knowledg sought after , are the difficulties in the disquisition of them ; he who observes himself to be besieged with errors , ought to have his wits * about him , as well to secure him in his right proceedings , as to prevent a surprize by false and erroneous suggestions . To conclude , Studiousness and industry do compleat a Physician whose knowledg and pains encrease alike , for if Minima mundi res totius vitae contemplationi sat superque est : h. e. The most inconsiderable thing in the world may imploy the whole time of a mans life to attain a perfect and unerring knowledg of it . Certainly then he hath no leisure allowed him who by his diligence is engaged to understand all the affairs of the greater as well as the little World : and assiduity is requisite in Chymistry , according to the advice of an excellent Adept in that Art , Exerceat se Artifex donec studendo & experimentando cum laboris instantia ad cognitionem pervenerit : h. e. The Artist must continually exercise and busie himself that by his constant study and experiments he may gain knowledg . I need not spend time in running over more qualifications both of Physicians and Chymists , in which they also agree ; by all which it is very apparant that Physicians are best capacitated to be Chymists , to whom also the Spagyrick Art is more advantageous then to any others who spend their time and pains in it : Curiosity and Covetousness are the general ends propounded by all not engaged in the Profession of Physick , moving them to erect Laboratories , that by the help of Chymical Experiments , they may satisfie their earnest desire either of Knowledg or Profit , but upon neither account can these be equally benefited thereby as Physicians , not they who seek only to gratifie their Curiosity , because these rather hunt after Rarities in Nature then what is vulgar , and then most applaud their happy discoveries when some strange and unexpected effect doth occur ; Quod Naturae ludus illis miraculum ; The sportings of Nature delight them most : And indeed these may at pleasure , sever , mix , make and marr , behaving themselves lasciviously towards Nature and her divine mysteries , and at length if these err , their deceptions are not dangerous , so long as their innocent affectation of curiosity is confined to try conclusions on vile and ignoble bodies , which are then dignified when they afford real discoveries of new truths , in subserviency to the good and welfare of Mankind : But Physicians are not allowed liberty to pick and choose their work , they difference not the subjects on which they operate so much by their disguised variety , as estimate them according to the true and powerful vertues they afford for the recovery of their Patients ; being also obliged to more accurateness then the others , for if they mistake in dissolving the intimate closure of bodies on which they work , in stead of separating by such a preparation between what is sound and the peccant matter , they possibly may part the neer embraces of Soul and Body : Physicians then being satisfied that their enterprizes in Chymistry relating to their practice be rational in the discharge of their weighty employment , more benefit thereby then those Indagators invited to be Spectators only of Natures curiosities . As for the Alchymists , although these out of an insatiable thirst to gain wealth by the great Elixir or Philosophers stone , and such like tantalizations do night and day moil amongst their Furnaces , yet are not they so much profited by Chymistry as Physicians , for these being deluded , after an endless search for the true matter , and as idle a Quest for the Mercury of the Philosophers , that these two Natures whose essence notwithstanding is one , may , being timely after copulation impregnated , bring forth an Aethiopian capable of changing his complection by vertue of the milk he sucks , and a suitable education : I say , these Alchymists not understanding such and many more like parabolical expressions after their fruitless expence and pains learn only the insufficiencies of their processes , and howbeit they reiterate their work to try if they can hit right , yet nothing comes on it , their skill at length amounting to little more then a treasonable adulteration of coyn , or a pitiful circumvention of Novices who are invited to sow Gold plentifully in hopes of a succeeding Harvest , or turning desperate Quacks in Physick ; but on the contrary , a Physician is never frustrated in his Chymical Essays , as one well notes , faelices medici qui materiae differentias circa quas versantur optime tenent . He knows the matter on which he works , and brings it by his endeavors to that perfection he at first designed , powerful Remedies to vanquish Diseases are the chiefest treasure he seeks after , the Spagyrical Art which he professes , not being concerned to metamorphize base Mettals into Gold , but sickness into health , which as far excels that red though adored earth as that the basest mettal . Physicians also are best qualified to bring Chymistry to perfection ; that something already hath been performed in this kind , will appear if the long and tedious processes set down by the Ancients be compared with those of later date ; 't was usual with those primitive Operators to spend not only months but years in preparing their Medicines which they esteemed according to the labour bestowed on them , and stil'd them precious in respect of their cost , which after all was done recompenced not either their trouble or charge , and if it hapned that any Patient stood in need of such Medicines , he usually had warning to prepare for death before the Medicine could possibly be provided to cure him ; but this inconvenience is in some measure helped by the succesful industry of Neotericks , who have found out more speedy ways of preparing their Chymical Medicines then formerly were used , and questionless when the Profession of Physick in all its parts and offices is established by Law , and the Apish Pseudochymists stopped in their career , the World will have an account that the present Physicians are acquainted with variety of powerful Menstruums by which they can sooner obtain the vertue of any Vegetable , then by expressing its juice or decocting it , and and so proportionably open both Animal and Mineral bodies to answer all Exigencies how sudden soever in their practise ; this I insinuate not by way of ostentation , but that ( if Authority shall require ) a publick proof may be given of it . It remains now that I evidence the Physicians in this Kingdom to be the truest Chymists , for certainly they are most able who make it best answer the ends for which it was invented , set down by Sennertus ; Finis Chymiae internus est corpora naturalia concreta purificare , solvere & componere alterare & exaltare , & ita elaborare , ut vel partes seorsim & singulae vel omnes iterum junctae & compositae sint quam purissimae & efficacissimae , atque ad usus in vita humana peculiares , & necessarios aptissimae & commodissimae , finis externus est praecipue Sanitas & corporis humani conservatio : h. e. The internal end of Chymistry consists in purifying , dissolving , and compounding , altering and exalting , and so ordering all concrete bodies that both the parts distinct or conjoyned , may be more useful and efficacious to cure Diseases , and the external end is Sanity . I shall rather choose to prove my Assertion by shewing that these Physicians are skilful , faithful , and succesful Chymists : In the Universities and Colledg in London have flourished heretofore , some Physicians eminent for their knowledg and practice of Chymistry , though not in those days valued according to their Merits ; but this inquisitive Age encouraging learned men to employ themselves in Spagyrical operations can not only produce a greater number of such Artists , but may boast of their accurate search into the Phoenomena of Nature , as well making new observations , as experimenting the truth of those doctrines they receive by tradition . Did I affirm that the lawful Physicians in this Kingdom are as knowing in rational Chymistry as any Society in the World ; I should impose an hard task on him who would undertake to oppose me herein : 'T is not improbable but that the Dispensatory will be objected to me as a publick confutation of our Physicians skill in Chymistry ; I answer , that the persons ( at least many of them ) intrusted by the Supreme Authority to compose the London Dispensatory , were excellent Chymists , I could instance Sir Theodore de Mayerne , and many others : So then , if these who ( as will be easily acknowledged ) knew more in this Art both as Operators and Practisers ) then our Pseudochymists , thought fit to insert no more Chymical Preparations , certainly then we may conceive that they supposed their Dispensatory as useful and compleat without , as with them ; however I must inform these Pretenders to Chymistry , that no publick Dispensatory is so well stock'd with Spagyrical preparations as this against which such clamors are raised as if it was insufficient to furnish any prevalent Remedies : It is clear , that the Colledg were not enemies to the Spagyrical Art , when they appeared for it before any Academy or Society of Physicians in Europe , and owned it in their Pharmacopaeia as far then as safely they might , for their Dispensatory was chiefly intended as a Direction to the Apothecaries , who though at that time very capable of dispencing vulgar Medicines for ordinary use , yet were they not sufficient Operators to prepare the noblest and most difficult Remedies , wherefore the Colledg most prudently attempted by more obvious Operations at first to initiate them in Chymistry , reserving to themselves the provision of what other Medicines they should need in their practice , and those worthy Collegiates were so forward to promote this Art , that some Physicians have rather blamed them for committing such Remedies to the care and use too ( as it since falls out ) of every Apothecary , the mistakes in both too often ruining Patients , and discrediting Physicians ; wherefore it seems more adviseable that they who use Spagyrical Medicines would not confide in common Operators who may disappoint their hopes and expectations , but see to their Preparations , whereby they may satisfie themselves and all that employ them , and when Physicians take this business into their own hands , they can be fully secured that their Remedies are no less faithfully then artificially prepared : the trust and confidence reposed in Physicians being as considerable as Life , calls upon them to express singular readiness and integrity to discharge their whole Office which consists not only in prescribing apt Medicaments , but a due regard that they be well dispensed according to direction ; when so many Contingencies ( especially in such almost unimitable Operations ) may intervene to spoil their Vertues , and deceive the confidence reposed in them : the faithful Physician , I say , ( unless he is extraordinarily perswaded of his honesty and ability , whom he imploys ) will not be guilty of doing his work by halves ; and being experimentally convinced that many who undertake to be Operators , are either defective or fallacious , will not lie at stake for anothers miscarriages which he so easily may prevent by preparing what Chymical Preparations his Patients take : but if we compare the Physicians practice of Chymistry with the pretences of our Pseudochymists , according to the old Axiom , Contraria juxta se posita magis elucescunt , The ignorance of the latter will serve as a foil to set out the eminency of the former : Chymistry it seems hath not escaped the common fate of other Sciences , and , although by it other things are brought to the test , yet very many illiterate persons , not fearing the subtle exploration of the Fire , dare call themselves Filios Artis hermeticae , Hermetick Philosophers , and because they erect Furnaces , spend Charcoal , and break Glasses , do fancy and would perswade the World , that they are prime Spagyrists , these observe that Physicians in some cases do succesfully administer Chymical Preparations , and hence they take liberty by strange Artifices to commend their absurdities to the People , inventing quintessential lyes to carry on their horrid designs , as if they could delude the World by their zeal for the good cause of Chymistry , on the behalf of which they express a ready submission to undergo all manner of persecution , and even martyrdom it self , they mean ( I suppose ) by their own Furnaces : what ever is produced to justifie or advance the usefulness of Chymistry ; these Pseudochymists strive to interest themselves in it , as if they were the only qualified persons to renovate the Science of Physick , and intrust Physicians in their Profession : because our Pseudochymists have dared to sollicite His MAIESTY to Incorporate them , fondly conceiting that they could have deluded Authority with the same Arguments wherewith they daily cheat their Patients : I shall more particularly examine their Abilites , answer their Pleas , and present the ill Consequence to the Faculty of Physick , and the whole Nation if they should obtain a Patent or lawful settlement : I shall consider these Pseudo-chymists either as University-men or Mechanicks , the abilities of the first seem questionable , because they shun tryal , whereby ( if they be found worthy ) they may not only obtain a License to practise physick , but an opportunity of improvement wil be offered them by the friendly assistance of the whole Society : And when these procaim most impudently their unjust censures of the learnedst Colledg of Physicians in the World , I cannot but assent to the Comaedians Character of insufficiency ; Homine imperito nunquam quicquam injustius , qui nisi quod ipse fecerit , nil rectum putat . No person is so censorious as he who is ignorant , thinking nothing well but what he does himself . Their association also with illiterate men , shews what may be expected from them , according to our Proverb , Birds of a feather will flock together : the truth is , these have so mixed with the mass of Quacksalvers , that I cannot know one from another , whereupon I am apt to believe that these dealt Chymically with the Universities when they took Degrees , and deluded them with false assurances of their highly volatiliz'd Abilities , soon evaporating and taking flight into the Land of forgetfulness , where I leave these , and return to the Pseudochymists who were educated in several Trades suitable to their Ingenuity ; can we imagine that he who leaps out of a Shop into a Laboratory , is fit to mend both Philosophy and Medicine ? Indeed the Chymists who are Shoomakers may be kind to the Peripateticks , and prevent their being gravel'd , and the Taylors may patch a mystical Garment together taking pity of Truths nakedness : But to be serious , what Paracelsus said of their Predecessors , I may affirm of these ; Dolendum graviter tantam artem a tam inscitis , levibusque hominibus tractari , & eo corruptelae agi ut ne ipsi quidem veritati deinceps fides addicatur : h. e. 'T is pity that such an excellent Art should be practised by such ignorant and unworthy persons , upon whose account Truth it self can scarcely be credited . I cannot guess by what means these unlearned Pseudochymists should acquire that knowledg they pretend to ? these din in our ears the purity and efficacy of their Preparations , but gross conceptions of the Phaenomena of Nature and Medicinal truths , are of worse consequence in the practice of Physick then Feculencies and excrementitious parts to hinder the full energy of any Medicine in the cure of Diseases ; should I undertake to discourse of the Abilities of these Chymists , I should imitate him who attempted to treat de nihilo , for my part I cannot allow them capable of being Spagyrical Apothecaries , because he ought to be both well read & exercised too in Chymistry , who is a good Operator & prepares fit Medicaments for the Physician , a good Author alledges , Qui in legendis libris deses extiterit , in praeparandis rebus promptus esse non poterit , liber namque librum aperit , & sermo sermonem explicat , quia quod in uno est diminutum , in alio est completum non enim in practica bene assuescere potest , cujus mens in Theorica renuit desudare , quoniam procedit ad practicam non secus ac Asinus ad coenam ignorans quomodo & ad quid porrigat rostrum & os : h. e. He who is not well vers'd in Books cannot be an expert Operator , one Book Comments on another , and one saying interprets anothers obscurity , so that the mysteriousness and abruptness of one is illustrated and compleated by the perspicacity and fulness of another , neither can he excel in the practical part , who hath not by indefatigable industry and pains acquainted himself with the Theory , for otherwise he comes to practise , as the Ass to his supper , not knowing what choice to make of the things set before him : Let me note that by Books , Arnoldus did not intend Shop-books , as if any one skil'd in them , might thereby be enabled to operate in Chymistry : If then these Pseudochymists are not fit to be allowed the preparations of Spagyrical Medicines , what qualifications have they to practice Physick , the artificial Collying of their hands every morning will no longer serve their turn to shadow their Ignorance , for Experience shews that they are rather nigro carbone notandi ; To be known from black sheep , Methinks the blackness of their hands seems a proper Emblem or Hieroglyphick of Death to all who unhappily come under them : let a Jew inform us Christians concerning these Pseudochymists , saith he , Multum de Arte pollicentur qui eam vix a limine salutarunt unquam , quid mehercle magna remedia aurumque potabile in votis habere , & minimis morbis ne tantillum opis adferre , Artis magistros convellere , & inscitiae & supinae ignorantiae incusare , nonne est audax & temerarium facinus ? quorum in pollicitationibus nulla veritas , non modo calumniatores verum insignes mendaces & garruli impostores apud probos merito censebuntur : h. e. These promise much in an Art in which they are scarcely initiated , but what do they tell us of noble Remedies and potable Gold , who cannot rationally cure the most inconsiderable Disease ? are not they very impudent and unadvised , who dare boldly censure the ablest Professors , accusing either their ignorance or laziness ? there is no truth in their promises , wherefore all good men will account them slanderers , notorious lyars , and pratling impostors ; Although the just repulse which these Pseudochymists lately suffered when they petitioned for a Charter , hath as effectually answered all their Arguments as Wisdom and Prudence can determine for the welfare of the Publick , yet because they cease not to make continual addresses both in Print and Discourse to the People , seeking to elude Authority , and to perswade the Nation that the design set a foot by them will yet be countenanced ; I shall examine the strength of their Arguments which are grounded on the uselesness and imperfection of vulgar Methods and Medicaments in the curation of Diseases , the most certain improvement of Physick in all its parts by Chymistry , and that there is not any expedient so proper to renovate the Art of Physick , and to rescue Mankind from the tyranny of Diseases , as that a Society of Chymical Physicians be founded , who will be obliged to spend their time and pains in promoting this most necessary work altogether unregarded and slighted by the Scholasticks or Academical Physicians : In the next Chapter I shall endeavour to shew how far the old Methods and Medicaments are useful and sufficient , and what rational Physicians may expect from them , as also the ignorance of these Pseudochymists who undertake to censure them ; As for their commendation of Chymistry , the true Physicians think them as much unable to express its worth and excellency , as to practice it with credit ; if these Pseudochymists by any means can mis-represent the lawful Professors of Physick to the World , describing them to be mean and dangerous Practitioners , they imagine that the common voice will be for them and their Preparations , but the Colledg did no less heretofore take care to * prevent such injuries , then are still vigilant to secure themselves from their assaults . When these plead a necessity that a Corporation of Chymical Physicians should be instituted , because no particular Society takes care to advance the Spagyrical Art , I must plainly tell them , that their information is notoriously false ; for all Academical Physicians , especially Collegiates ( as said before ) have ever accounted Chymistry part of their Profession , and if this should be taken from them and committed to the management of others , by the same rule more Pretenders may request the like Priviledges of exercising distinctly all those Offices which joyntly appertain to the accomplishment of a Physician , and then one Corporation might undertake to feel Patients pulses , another to view the Water , and a third visit the sick , no more entrenching on the Physicians proper business , then these in their presumption to claim the sole use and authority of Chymical preparations : but it seems these Pseudochymists conceit that their challenge , or appeal to the Magistracy is an unanswerable argument , imitating herein their vain-glorious Leader , Van Helmont , to whom his Contemporary Henricus ab Heer affords no better a character then to call him , * Semi-virumque Asinum , semi-Asinumque virum , quo Arcadia non peperit Asiniorem ; * And in another place rails against his Preparation of Euphorbium , nay , 't is well known that when he was in England ( where he learned most of his notions ) he generally failed in his Cures : but yet his Disciples like those of Jacob Bhemen will presume to understand more then the Author , and admire what is not intelligible : The reasons which prevailed with the learned Physicians in that Age , not to answer him in his folly , hinder us from such unworthy encounters , since that by other ways the impostures of these Pseudochymists may be discovered then by tolerating their desperate practice to experiment their unskilfulness ; their strange promises of curing certainly sixteen Patiens in twenty laboring of Feavers , are intelligible evidences of their deceitful proceedings , seeking only to gain employment by such presumptuous engagements ; if not by chance , but according to a sober expectation two or three more die then they allot , nay , all the twenty , as these cannot make satisfaction for one life , much less for so many , so will not they abate their confidence which stands them in such stead , recommending them to the credulous multitude . Furthermore , that no manner of crafty insinuation may be omitted , no stone left unturn'd , these Pseudochymists print lists of their pretended Cures ; it is not worth any ones pains to examine the truth of them , their expressions and language do sufficiently discover how little they understood the Diseases which they treat of , and did not they conceal their Preparations , there is no doubt but that the meanest capacity might censure their worthlesness or danger . I having accidentally met with some of their performances , content my self to judg of the rest thereby ; One of this select Society of Pseudochymists found a Patient entred on a course of Salivation , to whom ( it seems ) by a Chyrurgeon without acquainting either the Patient or his friend , an apposite Mercurial Medicine had been given ; This simple Quack looking into the Patients mouth and taking notice that his Gums were very much tumified , forthwith pronounced that the Disease was the Scurvy , which was arrived at the height ; and in order to the Cure he sends an Antimonial Medicine which ( not without much hazard ) both vomiting and purging the Patient , inhibited the Flux by a speedy evacuation & revulsion of the serous humor whereby it was maintained , and this is reckon'd a wonderful Cure : Another being called to see a large Tumour , which by able Physicians and Chyrurgeons was known to be an Aneurisme , and accordingly dealt with by them , most readily undertakes the Patient , and promises present help ; then he falls to work , and foments the parts affected with hot Chymical Spirits and oyls , till the Tumour blushed at his ignorance : Another when his Patient complained that his Cough hindred him from sleep , gave a Narcotick ; but alas ! expectoration being thereby suppress'd , the Patient was suffocated and slept quietly . These few Examples may suffice to warn others that they intrust not their lives in the hands of such unskilful Practitioners who are altogether ignorant of the Causes and Symptoms of Diseases , right methods of curation , and proper remedies . The ill consequences are so many which would be manifest , if such a Charter should be granted , that they cannot be easily reckoned up , for not only Physicians would be debarred the exercise of a considerable part ( as hath been shewed already ) of their Profession , or two distinct Charters grant the same Priviledges ; but the Apothecaries Company will be prejudiced , who are authorized to provide as well Chymical as other Preparations , and can more skilfully execute both , then these pretended Operators , some of them having spent only three or four weeks with Mr. Johnson Operator to the Colledg ; others professing Chymistry by the assistance of a small Crucible or a Bal. Mariae , and not a few being such titularly , knowing as little in the Spagyrical Art as in other qualifications necessary to the practice of Physick : It was a laudable custom ( expressing the honorable esteem heretofore had of the Profession of Medicine ) that Spurius ad Medicinam non erat admittendus ; No bastard might be a Physician : If this deserved observation , then certainly no spurious brood of Pseudochymists ought to be admitted to practice being neither legitimate Physicians or Apothecaries : But the Universities will mostly suffer if such a Corporation should be established , for who will spend their time and pains in those places , when a Society calling themselves Chymists shall not only scorn and vilifie their Book-learning , but be impowred to take in an allotted number of Members as they shall think fit , by which means in a few years the most excellent Science of Medicine will necessarily fall into the hands of ignorant and illiterate Practisers ; and as the University will then be deprived of one Faculty , so the People ere long would be sensible of their loss , when they must rely on such Assistants as Gun-smiths , Heel-makers , Taylors , and the rest , &c. He who pretends not to the Spirit of Prophecy may foresee what will be the event , for these already slight Anatomy , which all true Physicians account a most useful and necessary Introduction to the knowledg of Medicine informing them concerning the admirable fabrick of Mans body , its structure , confo●mation and consent of parts , the various liquors and juyces contained in several vessels , their changes and alterations , as also the causes and symptomes of Diseases , and the right use and application of Medicaments : We as much approve the Anatomy of Bodies by Pyrotechny as they , but judg him an incompleat Practitioner who knows not what or where the defect is in the noble Engine of Mans body , and what Remedies whether Chymical or others are most convenient to rectifie what is amiss ; and therefore true Physicians take especial care to conform their Medicaments to this exquisite Machine , and when they observe as Bausnerus elegantly expresses , In corpore humano nihil sine lege , nihil sine ordine , nihil sine pondere , mensura & numero , nihil deficit , nihil redundat , nihil otiosum aut superfluum omnia summe utilia , semperque operantia : h. e. There is nothing in mans body without Law , Order , and Concord , nothing without proportion , measure and number , there is no defect nor redundancy , nothing idle and unnecessary , but all parts are primarily useful and continually operative : So in like manner , nothing ought to be prepared for , and given to the body without rule and method , without a due correspondency with it , no imperfect or empyreumatical preparation , nothing must be ineffectual or superfluous , but all act vigorously and effectually to set to rights all disord●rs in the body : But these Pseudochymists rightly apprehending their deficiency in Anatomy to conceal their ignorance , disallow it , at least judg it not of such importance as Physicians commonly affirm in the curation of diseasees . Also Phlebotomy and Purgation are by them condemned , the first stiled impious , and the other reputed destructive ; I am sure that Botallus was of another mind in relation to Phlebotomy , saith he , Nos non opinamur , sed cognoscimus & certo scimus in missione sanguinis plus esse opis ad curandā maxmā morbo●ū partem ( si rite usurpetur ) quam in quoquam alio artis auxilio , immo dicere ausim quam in caeteris aliis omnibus simul junctis ; Non propterea nos caetera praesidia à medicina excludenda esse censemus , sed omnia suo tempore & modo usurpanda : h. e. I do not guess , but experimentally know that letting of blood ( if regularly ordered ) is more efficacious in the cure of most Diseases then any other direction ; nay , I may add then all other Remedies put together , and yet I exclude not the use of other helps , which in their season may be beneficial ; because in the next Chapter I shall particularly discuss these Opinions about Phlebotomy and Purgation , I shall at present dismiss them . If these Pseudochymists shall still prosecute their design and yet dream that a Patent may be obtained , I doubt not but that the Colledg ( when they shall be called to deliver in their Objections against the settlement of such a Society ) will offer such weighty reasons , that the expectation of these Pretenders will be frustrated . This I thought fit to insert least any one should imagine that my Arguments do conclude the Colledg , what is observed by me may possibly inform the People concerning the most dangerous project of these Pseudochymists ; if I have discharged the duty of a faithful Scout in descrying the common enemies of Mankind , I return into my rank again , being not engaged to oppose my self to their body drawn up in Battalia , my work is done if the intelligence I bring of our Adversaries approach alarums every one to arm himself against their publick and private assaults . CHAP. VI. Of the Ancient and Galenical way of MEDICINE . BEfore I enter upon the examination of the Doctrines delivered by the Ancients , 't is fit that I remove some stumbling blocks laid by the Pseudochymists in our way to imprint a Prejudice against the Truth and Authority of their Writings ; the first Accusation laid to their charge , that they were Pagans , implying that Christians hereupon ought not to credit their Books ; because all the Learning transmitted from them to us , either stands or falls according to the validity or weakness of this censure , I shall spend a little time in discussing it , 't will not be expected that I defend the Opinions of these Philosophers and Physicians relating to Religion , the Soul and other knowledg distinguishing us as Christians from them , but the task I undertake is to evince that Hippocrates , Galen , and the rest ( though Heathens ) were capable of understanding the appearances of Nature , and might discover useful truths for the benefit of their Posterity ; I am not ignorant that many have taken great pains to prove that most of these both Philosophers and Physicians saw the Books of Moses , and many Arguments are brought to declare their devotion and piety ; I shall not dispute the reasons urged by these Advocates of the Ancients , but rather grant that they were Heathens : Well then , since that the knowledg of which we discourse is acquirable by sense and reason , I scruple not to assert that the Heathens might attain it as well as Christians , for their sense was sufficient , if not more exquisite then their degenerated Posteritie's , and they possess'd rational Souls which could readily improve all the communications of their sense ; nay , who doubts but that God endowed these Heathens with extraordinary gifts and abilities for the good and welfare of Mankind , that their Successors might more profitably contemplate the Universe with all its admirable furniture ; when the little Ant is constituted our Tutor , and almost every creature by Divine appointment instructs us in natural mysteries , much more may be expected from rational Pagans , who diligently observing the Causes of things , and their true effects , the several alterations of bodies , and what possibly could fall under their cognizance , might invent and publish those Humane Sciences we still enjoy ; the most elaborate works of these Authors do abundantly express their indefatigable pains , which in spight of opposition to this day continue accurate Comments on the book of Nature ; considering then that these Pagans lay under no impregnable difficulties hindring the success and issue of their Studies , what could intervene to frustrate their publike undertakings , or render their industry vain and fruitless ? But I would not be mistaken as if I thought these infallible in their discoveries , if the Moon , nay , the Sun is spotted , well may these have their imperfections ; yet Errorem in homine calumniari , est toti ipsi mortalitati convicium facere : h. e. The exprobation of error in any one is no less then an accusation of all Mankind ; But why Heathens ? This appellation having neither relation to their mistakes , nor true opinions in natural knowledg : indeed when these ancient Philosophers and Physicians soared so high in their thoughts , and contended to pierce into the Magnalia Dei , such profound secrets might disappoint their scrutiny and search , and it is apparent that they never err'd so grosly as in their attempts to discover such close concealments : if these did not make use of the knowledg bestowed on them as they ought , and from second causes ascended not up in their contemplation to an owning and adoration of the first , being unacquainted with the deep mysteries of Religion , we ought not to condemn them who have not made the difference between them and us , but gratefully receive their endeavors and carefully avoid any unjust reproaches of those who spent themselves to be Promoters of their Successors in knowledg , at least pointed out directly the way to us in our disquisition of natural truths . Another Objection is brought in against the Ancients , as if they exercised Tyranny over their Successors , cramping their industry and strictly confining them to their Dictates , the aggravation of this pretended Crime stuffs most of the late Writers books ; but I must answer , that most of our Innovators may be well suspected to condem what they either never read or understood , for Hippocrates enjoyns us to make Truth the Standard of all the Notions we entertain ; Galen also and the rest are so far from this kind of usurpation , that they not only by example , but by particular direction exhort their Readers to examine well all Traditions before they give their assent to them : But suppose that the Ancients had been so severe as to seek the inslavement of their Posterity , yet what restraint could they lay on any Physician to conform to their Precepts ? if any person who is at liberty will subject himself voluntarily to the government of another , he makes his own condition servile , and the brand of Pedantism may possibly reach these who of their own accord swear allegiance to their Masters , choosing rather to err with them , then to think right with the Neotericks : But I cannot be informed what effectual obligation the Ancients can lay on them who follow Reason only and are Sons of Truth , indeed Antiquity commands a just veneration when it still triumphs in its mature and aged conclusions only capable of successive confirmations ; but whensoever true Physicians cannot be fully satisfied that some old doctrines are true , they as freely and chearfully leave them , as any Traveller that path ( though pleasant and easie ) which may misguide him in his Journey ; However when these recede from the Positions of the Ancients , after due reading , and well pondering the Arguments on both sides , they adhere to that which affords clear manifestations of its certainty , contrary to the practice of our Innovators who are zealous to demolish the ancient structure of Medicinal truths under the pretence of a Reformation , before they have taken an exact survey of its faults , or laid a new and more rational platform , acting thus not for want of ignorance ; the Palace must be turned into Cottages suitable to such Inhabitants ; the works of these incomparable Physicians because they surpass their capacity , deserve their severest censure , and envy prompts them on to poyson these Fountains that the reputation at least of all may be destroyed who come thither in order to the satisfaction of their thirst after knowledg ; but true Physicians take another course and first inform themselves what progress the Ancients have made in their Medicinal discoveries , and then note their defects which they supply with new choice observations , and since that by reason of the restless endeavors of Physicians in their continuall search after the hidden treasures of Nature , no Science hath been so considerably advanced as Medicine , they candidly and gratefully receive the new Doctrines , and expunge the old , but do not imitate him who foolishly commanded that his house should be pulled down because the rain pashed in through three or four faults in the Covering or Roof , so these do not think fit to cast off the whole Science of Physick which they received from the Ancients for no other reason then because some defects are detected therein : Physicians also are not so unworthy as to calumniate the Ancients , being ascertain'd that they did not write with design to deceive and abuse their Readers or Disciples : to conclude these are so prudent as neither to dote on old errors or admire new phrensical Hypotheses . Did I not avoid prolixity , as also suppose that all sober men are satisfied that the lawful Physicians in this Kingdom have sufficiently asserted their liberty by forsaking the Ancients when they forsook Truth , I should here produce all those new Opinions which are received as irrefragable conclusions though not consonant to the Dictates of Hippocrates or Galen : That Physicians do still savor the old , I mean , the Galenical way of Medicine no other account can be given , then that it is most agreeable to their reason and experience , and transmitted to them from such skilful Practitioners that deserve more to be credited then their Antagonists who profess Medicine without any rational Method , slighting those Rules of Art which they can't observe by reason of ignorance . I should exceed the intended bounds of this discourse , did I undertake to run over the Body of Galenical Physick , and subject each part distinctly to examination ; it may suffice therefore that I trace our Pseudochymists in their opposition of those Tenents which seem to them most questionable , relating either to the Theory or Practice : 't is well known that every Scribler thinks himself highly concerned to bawl against the three Aristotelian Principles ; Matter , Form , and Privation , the four Elements ; Fire , Air , Water , and Earth ; the four first Qualities , Hot , Moist , Cold , and Dry ; the four Humors , Choler , Blood , Phlegm , and Melancholy ; the Temperaments and other Opinions of Galen , and his followers , not unlike these : but when Physicians do rightly understand that these terms of Art are the Products of fancy , and by no means the Fundamentals of Medicine ( as I hinted before ) these spend their time in beating the Air and fighting with shadows which elude their strokes , when other more apposite terms are found out not alike fantastical , we shall soon exchange the old for new : because Physicians are obliged in the Universities to read Aristotle , Hippocrates , and Galen ; must they needs approve all their Notions ? did these apprehend that the Mind doth change as much or more then the Body , and as this alters by new accessions of Aliment , so the other is progressive in its Conceptions by further illumination and discoveries , * they would not so peremptorily conclude the Physicians knowledg by the Books which they are engaged to turn over : if the Ancients have not been happy in their expressions , so that their Writings are dark and uncertain , yet ought we to esteem them for their noble attempts to reason out and discover the first inclinations of Nature ; should I insist longer on these Notions , or plead for the necessity of retaining them both in our Philosophy and Medicine , or repeat the Arguments against them , I might deserve as sharp a censure as he who was solicitous to determine whether a Crow or Goose-quill might be most serviceable in writing . Because these terms are by so many accounted prejudicial to right conceptions of Natures Operations , and thought worthy of no better an Appellation then Figments ; I shall enquire whether the case is much altered by a substitution of other Notions more agreeable ( as our Innovators would perswade the World ) to the Phaenomena of Nature ; and in the first place the term Specifick occurs , and although most late Writers endeavor to reduce the whole of Pharmacy to this notion , yet none have been so kind as to interpret what was intended by it , if they explain themselves by the internal and seminal vertues , that is ignotum per ignotius : I shall guess at what they mean , and I suppose that hereby they would express A peculiar vertue flowing from the essence of any Simple , whereby in operation and effect it is distinguished from another , as it is approp●iated to the cure of a particular Disease . Well then , every Simple according to this doctrine is specifical , or else this pretended Universal notion comprehends not the true vertues of all Simples , but if every Simple is distinctly in respect of Use specifical , then it necessarily follows that there are as many Diseases as Specificks , otherwise this defect of a correlate would contradict their chief intent of being Specificks ; but let the World judg what an absurd fancy it is to conceive that there are so many different Diseases to which Mankind is subject , as there are distinct Vegetables , Animals , and Minerals whose vertues are different , as if the Great Creator did equally furnish the Universe with Diseases as with Simples , and notwithstanding the Patrons of the term have not unriddled its obscurity , nor declared the soveraignty of Ares , yet do they most confidently assert that Diseases may chiefly be cured by their irresistable power , and least Physicians should not know where to look for such excellent helps , by good advice they are sent unto illiterate Practisers , and common rude Empericks , in whose hands ( it seems ) such Specificks may be found , because these being altogether ignorant of Methods , do wholly rely on them , by frequent experimentings attaining knowledg of their proprieties . But as it is evident that no Specifick can be produced which will certainly cure that Disease to which it is appropriated , and that if such Remedies help three or four , yet failing in the fifth , * the miscarriage is chargeable on their insufficiency , and not on any mistake in application , because the same person might as probably by mistake cure the first , as fail in the last ; so there is no Specifick but what may be easily reduced to some common intention as much answering that in divers Diseases as the same . The Doctrine also of Fermentation is as intricate and mysterious as some opinions of the Galenists which are laid aside , and thought useless in the explanation of the appearances of Nature : I confess that the learned Treatise of Doctor Willis hath fully satisfied very many scruples , and yet they who have made the greatest progress in the discovery hereof , are conscious that they understand little in respect of what is unknown about this Doctrine ; before I pass from this subject it may be expected that I take notice of the three notable Ferments mentioned by the Author of Medela medicinae ; if I was appointed to determine , I could not readily judg whether Mr. M. N. through ignorance doth more abuse this term then the Galenical notions condemned by him , for because the famous Doctor Willis tell us , that atomical effluviums may act instar fermenti , Analogously to ferment : this Author disputes not to call them Ferments , and because Hippocrates acquaints us that there are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , morbid expirations which may pass from one body to another , and in other Authors he reads that not only the Pox , but the Scurvy are contagious Diseases , and that there have happened peculiar putrefactions of the Air producing worms ; hence he wisely infers , That no body is secure from the most subtle insinuations of those active particles as powerfully penetrating another body at distance as by an immediate contact : Should I critically set down this Authors errors in these assertions , the Reader would be tired with their absurdity ; for in the whole I observe he misapplies the design and intent of those learned Authors he cites : but that which I chiefly intend is to distinguish between those who are infected with the mentioned Ferments , and the rest who are free . I shall in few words state the business , we deny not that the Pox and Scurvy may be contagious Diseases , but a learned Author affirms , Non omnem luem esse contagiosam , & plerunque minus contagiosā , esse vetustam & confirmatam , quam recentem & mediam & lues quae ex tophis tantum seipsam prodit non est contagiosa , and the same Author gives us two or three Histories to confirm his Opinion , I shall not transcribe them least any should be encouraged to that vice from which they are deterred by the severity of this punishment , and however Mr. M. N. hath put a plausible excuse into their mouths who have deserved the Pox , teaching them to plead that some infectious Air passed only through their pores insensibly which hath so wonderfully wrought upon them by its power that no part is free from pain and torments ; yet as his phantastical Ferments reach not those who avoid impure contacts , so all sinners can experimentally difference the time of their health , and sickness when they meet with persons who communicate that horrid Disease to them . Mr. M. N. should have set down the conditions necessary to contagion , as that there be such little particles continually transmitted from unsound bodies , a fit mediū or vehicle to receive and carry them to their journeys end , a disposition in the other body to receive them , and a due stay there ; for if any of these necessary conditions are wanting , contagious Diseases cannot be propagated mediately or at distance . 1. 'T is granted that to this kind of infection a sufficient emission of minute substances or corpuscles tinctured with the infection must invade another body ; it is possible that in the French Disease , as also the Scurvy some venemous effluxes may happen , but by no means such as M. N. fancies rendring these Diseases as contagious as the Pestilence , because the putrefaction in these being imperfect in respect of that , cannot communicate a venom which it was not capable of producing : what kind of taint arises from the Pox and the Scurvy , and how forcible it is to transmute a distant body , is a business above the reach of M. N. and not my task at present to inform him , I shall only object against his vast collection , that experience confutes his Romance of the most powerful effluxes of such venereous and scorbutick Ferments , it being most apparent that they who eat , drink , and familiarly converse with , nay , dress the Ulcers and sores of both Pocky and scorbutical Patients are not infected ; to say no more , if these Diseases are generally so contagious as without any corporeal commerce to infect , how comes it to pass that some parts in that body from which these exhalations expire are more free then others . 2. To Contagion a fit medium or vehicle is required , Authors do very well distinguish inter fomitem perflatum & non perflatum , between Contagions which may by the air be diminished , dissipated , and extinguished , and others wherein notwithstanding the several alterations of the Air , infectious particles preserve their malignity till they fix in some apt seat or place of abode , and such as pass from body to body directly by reason of ( as it were ) the stagnation of the Air ; had M. N. affirmed that no change in the medium could prevent the power of his three Ferments from possessing distant bodies , I would have answered him in the words of an Author not inferior to him for abilities , Si medium tantum aut calescat aut refrigeretur , siccetur aut humectetur aut aliam quamlibet qualitatem nudam suscipiat , alterabitur similiter corpus proximum & non proinde suscipiet morbum corporis longe positi : h. e. If the medium only is hot or cold , dry or moist , or is otherwise qualified then it was , the adjacent body is equally changed , and hereupon not subject to contagion ; and I hope he will not adventure to say , the Air may be so quiet between two remote bodies that rays may as indisturbedly pass from one to the other , as between the Needle and Loadstone , since that the motion or agitation of the Air will hinder their operations , which being natural are within their Sphere more potent then such preternatural Ferments he mentions . 3. There must be a disposition in the body to receive their impression , whereby I do not only mean passages open to let them in , although to atomical penetration such figures are requisite which fit the pores or passages admitting them , but a similitude in respect of impurity in the body to be infected , I now speak of mediate contact for that which is immediate being more prevalent and discharging more venomous or infectious particles needs a less fomes or preparation of matter disposing to receive such a tincture ; whereas by how much more the bodies are distant from each other , which communicate and receive such contagious Diseases , answerable to the intermediate space must be the apparatus morbificus , or fomes to entertain the malignity ; if then all bodies do not abound with humors which tend to such putrefactions , 't is vain to imagine that the pretended Ferments do prevail upon those which are free from such impurities , as on others , which being loaded with them , do most easily suffer by such venomous effluxes ; I might here question whether a common or peculiar putrefaction of congested and mixed Feculencies , or of some particular juice or humor did more especially if not altogether dispose to the entertainment of the pocky and scorbutick Ferments , but such speculations would take me off the business at present designed in this Chapter . 4. The contagious effluxes must have a due stay in the body they infect , but if mans body in a state of health is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in all parts transpirable , or a thorow-fare , these contagious corpuscles may be as soon passed out as let in , and by this means do no execution on other bodies where they lodg not , but if these vapors ( as some conceive ) are viscous , which cannot well be granted , seeing that they so easily separate from their Mine , or rather if they meet with any glutinous humor they immediately are intangled , and may infect that body in which they are long detained . If then so many impediments may prevent these most dreadfull Effluxes from affecting ( to use the expression of M. N. ) All the families of mankind , which are not infected by immediate contact , but most by these fine and subtle corpuscles darting into grosser bodies , which there settle somewhat of their nature , tincture , or leaven , disposing them by degrees to be unsound ; as also if experience otherwise informs us , with what confidence can this Author broach such Opinions ? and with his corrupted Ink infect more Families then the severest contagion that ever hapned to Mankind ? But He explains his meaning , and as he takes good care never to want Patients who can so easily perswade the whole World that they are diseased , so is he also very kind to provide Remedies , for he writes , That he hath on purpose invented fit Remedies , the nature of which is to fight against humors both great and small , in old or young , which have been any way touched with such tinctures either through their own default or by figillation of those seminal principles which contribute towards the being of Mankind in the act of Generation , &c. And this is the natural result of his design : I cannot divine what the Medicines are which he hath invented , but I am confident no slight , and at the long run pernicious preparation of Antimony and Mercury will perform what he promises . But 't is probable that such pretences both of inventing Diseases and new Remedies may not seduce the World into a credit of either : if any be of such an easie perswasion as to intrust themselves , and neither of the hazardous preparations by vomiting and purging violently can effect a Cure , they may be dispatch'd into the Country Air with a soveraign and rare chymical Cordial made by the infusion of three or four Dates in a Pint of Malago : What this Authour writes concerning Worms is no news to Physicians , because they are fully acquainted with the several products of corrupted matter , and in relation to the cure of Diseases , take especial care as to prevent any stagnation and putrefaction of humors so to expel all verminous matter , and worms if any whether in acute and malignant , or chronical Diseases are bred in the body . I might produce some other Opinions besides these of Specificks and fermentation , which not being sufficiently explained and demonstrated continue as liable to exception as some Galenick notions very much disliked by those who affect novel errors rather then old truths ; but I shall come to that which is of greater concernment , and endeavor to defend the practice of Phlebotomy and Purgation , which are accounted by the two Champions of the Pseudochymists , the Supporters of the Galenick Physick , M. N. Page 374. writes that there is seldom any tolerable cause for bleeding in our Climate : Afterwards in the head of his pretended Arguments , p. 383. he pleads only That we ought to be very wary thereof , as if Physicians were not of the same judgment being most circumspect in their direction of Phlebotomy ; but if M. N. had been as diligent to understand their Books as to cavil at shadows , he would never have mistaken Cautions and Contraindicants set down frequently in their Writings , as reasons to abolish its true use : what is alledged concerning our Climate proves nothing , and might pass without observation , if the vanity of such triflers did not beget a dotage in the People to imagine that Cause to be just which with verbosity is pleaded . His first Objection is , because the Scurvy is predominant in most of our Diseases , and consequently a crude acid serum in the mass of blood , p. 383 , I answer , that neither of his Suppositions are apparent in practice , for we see often in most acute Diseases , Crises , Digestions and Separations orderly made by Nature truly govern'd , nor if they were would they hinder the use of bleeding when its indication happens ; he had done well to explain himself what he means by the words Scurvy and scorbutical tincture frequently mentioned , for I do not remember in all his book one sensible sign or symptom set down to discern them by , and am apt to believe that his young studies are not yet acquainted with such speculations ; to say they are signified , when there is in the blood a crude or an Acid Serum ( which are all one with him ) implies that the blood must be first seen and tasted before that Disease can be discovered ; wherefore I may well suppose that he undertaking practice before he understood Physick and meeting with difficulties and diseases , not yielding to his opinionated Receipts , fathered his failings on this universal disease , thinking to excuse his ignorance of particulars thereby . 2. 'T is urg'd that the spirituous part of the blood being but little and less in our Northern bodies then those of other Climates , it must needs be a pernicious course to make it less , p. 393. I very much wonder by what Staticks he measured the proportion to make our spirits fewer then others : we have larger , stronger , and more active bodies , why not then as many spirits ? 't is not good to be fond of an unreasonable Opinion , and then dream absurdities to make it plausible , I know not what reason this Author hath at this juncture of time to dispirit his Native Countrey . But the main drift and Argument against Phlebotomy is , That the letting out the spiritous part of the blood with the rest is a pernicious course , which G. T. urges likewise with a subtle distinction of Sanguis and Cruor never to be found in any living mans veins , as if hereby many vital spirits were lost , good blood and bad put out together , and the remainder left more liable unto diseases . But what is all this ? by the same Arguments they might disswade procreation , suckling of Infants , least some vital spirits should be spent , whereas Nature is not so penurious of her store , but still furnishes the whole body plentifully to execute all necessary offices whereby life is prolonged , and diseases conquered , and after bleeding like a Lamp freed from its choaking snuff shines forth brighter : the want of strength is reckoned amongst the Ancients as a contra-indication of Phlebotomy , but the loss of a few vital spirits were never accounted a sufficient barr to the practice of Physicians who respect the inestimable benefit accruing to their Patients by it , though perhaps it may not be approved by Empericks and Nurses from whom these gather their knowledg and instruction ; And I think that their dislike of Phlebotomy because they discern not when it is proper and useful is very commendable , and if they would likewise refrain from other ways of curing Diseases upon the same account which are as dangerous , if mistaken , they would free themselves from much guilt not of shedding mens blood , but of keeping it in their veins to their ruine and destruction , and of giving Vomits and other Medicines unseasonably whereby not a few miscarry . In his other Objections are recounted some Cases besides the true intention of Phlebotomy , when the blood is depauperated who opens a vein ? His conjecture or supposition that our blood in this Climate is more inclinable to coagulation proves nothing , neither hath he shewed that Sanguification succeeds not well after Phlebotomy judiciously directed , every Physicians observation overthrows such imaginary prejudices by bleeding ; 't is well known , that some aged persons have for the space of thirty or forty years opened a vein Spring and Fall , if not oftner , losing seven or eight Ounces each time , by which evacuation chiefly they avoided the great inconveniences which otherwise they might justly fear much threatned their lives . I might likewise instance the female Sex whose blood is not so spirituous as Mens , and yet these suffer not by their Customary tribute to Nature , but very much when this sanguinary expiation doth not succeed : The Physicians by this Author termed Galenists are so rational , as that they respect strictly the Indications of Phlebotomy , and if these signifie a necessity of bleeding they stick not to order it even in the small Pox , malignant Feavers , nay , in the Plague it self , as knowing what service the Patient will reap by it , and the danger of such a considerable omission : but I am apt to believe that this Author and his brethren not understanding the Indications of bleeding , may by some miscarriages be deterred from using it ; for my part I think that he deserves a severe censure who lays open the secrets of Medicine to such bold Practitioners ; had this Author been vers'd in the Writings of the ablest Spagyricks he might have taken notice that some of them being Germans commended bleeding in most Diseases to their Countreymen whose bodies ( as he suggests ) are most like ours in this Kingdom ; but perhaps he will answer , that these wanted such Arcanums which he and his Associates pretend to , as might prevent bleeding : I shall be so charitable as to suppose that he was not ignorant of the practice of these Chymists , but rather that he willingly passed them by , least their authority should justifie the Galenists in this point . To summ up all , although this Author adventures to judg of the state of our blood without any good and warrantable foundation , and thereupon disswades bleeding , and at length plays the Mountebank by promising such Remedies as may allay the fermentation of the blood , and cure Diseases without Phlebotomy ; yet cannot Physicians by such a weak plea be perswaded to forbear the use of this evacuation which Nature directs to by hemorrhages and constant experience confirms , when there is a just cause and proper Indication . When so much is said against Phlebotomy , it may seem strange that Hippocrates should be blamed , because he ( as some interpret the Aphorism ) dislikes it in teeming women , I shall recite the Aphorism , and then we shall see who is most culpable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 'T is urged that Physicians being misguided by this Aphorism have suffered multitudes of female Patients to die under their hands , who probably might have been rescued by a discreet Phlebotomy ; But had such Censurers of the Physicians practice heretofore apprehended the right sense and import of the words , and the construction which hath bin continually put upon them by the ablest Commentators , their charity would have preceded their zeal to carp at not only the Aphorisms of Hippocrates , but the practice of skilful Physicians who admired and conformed to these succinct Aphoristical sentences ; I shall produce amongst many ( writing to the same purpose ) two Authors who explain the meaning of Hippocrates , * Christoph . a Vega says , Non putare oportet Hippocratem omnino denegare sanguinis missionem utero gerentibus , sed eam esse vult de indicationibus quae dehortantur à sanguinis missione , & est scopus qui viribus correpugnat & docet minori copia sanguinem esse mittendum quàm aliàs : h. e. 'T is not to be imagined that Hippocrates did absolutely forbid the bleeding of women with Child , but only when there happen Contra-indications to it , and there is a sufficiency of strength , and he cautions to take away a less quantity in such cases then otherwise might be allowed : And the same Author after he hath declared the usefulness of bleeding such Patients ratifies his Opinion with an eminent example and tells us , That he hath taken away ten ounces of blood twice in the eighth month with very good success and advantage to his noble Patient and the Child ; But he aptly concludes , Non tamen vult Hippocrates esse exercendam sanguinis missionem in utero gerentibus nisi magno urgente usu , praesertim ubi faetus est major : h. e. Hippocrates advised not to blood teeming women , especially if the Child is big , unless there be a necessity or important cause . * Heurnius also after he hath affirmed that the upper veins ( as he terms them ) may be opened , more positively gives us his sense of this controverted Aphorism , Loquitur Hippocrates de larga sanguinis missione quae non solebat esse libra minor , hodie autem minorem sanguinis effusionem non aversamur modo vires admittant , morbusque validus id suadeat : h. e. Hippocrates did only oppose the exhausting of the veins by drawing a great quantity of blood which in those days was not less then a pound at a time , but we may safety take away a less quanity if the Patients strength will permit and the Diseases require this evacuation : If then the most excellent Hippocrates did not by this Aphorism restrain a cautious bleeding of women with Child , as well to prevent Abortion as to cure Diseases to which their condition is liable , and his legitimate Disciples have constantly phlebotomized such Patients both by their great Masters example and authority , when ever a proper indication discovered a necessity of this course ; I understand not with whom our Adversaries contend , stigmatizing them with the brand of Murderers , and aggravating their crime which at once destroys both the tree and fruit , the Mother and Child ; what ! must Physicians be accused for suffering their female Patients to die because their Accusers mis-interpret this weighty Aphorism ? imitating those who having sore eyes or the Jaundice , imagine all others on whom they look to be in their condition ? All that I shall observe from this severe Animadversion , is , that such persons do express a great disrespect towards the Ancients , who rather then fail will invent a charge against them , and this example gives a sufficient cause of suspicion that other censure of them are as contrary to the common principles of humanity , as besides the sense of their exquisite Writings . To proceed , our Pseudochymists inveigh also against Purgation , which by the Galenists is reckoned a Medication , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , whereby the body is drained from the mass of vitious and peccant humors which are at least the fuel of Diseases , and by their timely removal and expulsion oftentimes a Cure is performed : The Argument urged against Catharticks , is , That they purge out of the body both good and bad together : We are sensible that the Patient doth very much suffer when he is causlesly purged , and when good and bad are promiscuously emptied , but when Catharticks are given to those who need them not , he errs who indirectly prescribes them ; whereas true Physicians do imitate and assist Nature in her critical elimination of concocted humors , and not in her Symptomatical excretions wherein by means of some powerful irritation the alimentary juice is evacuated , and the spirits be exhausted ; 't is confessed that Catharticks operate by way of irritation , upon which account also natural dejections are caused , and when these succeed not well , 't is the Physicians office to quicken Nature in her work , who therefore do artificially graduate their Catharticks according to the quantity , quality , seat , and motion of these excrementitious humors , and this is not only effected by varying the Dose of some Purgers , but by selection and choice of those which may best answer their designment ; acting otherwise then our Empirical Pseudochymists , who when they are most wary do only alter the Dose of their Antimonial preparation , and then very much boast of the safety and inoffensiveness of their Emetico-catharticks , inviting the people by the smalness of the Dose to make use of it , being ignorant that one or two grains may impregnate a mass of humors , and diffuse into them the same Emetick and Cathartick vertue ; and hence it comes to pass that by such small quantities of that Powder most dreadful evacuations are caused , enervating Diarrhaeas , hazardous Dysenteries and fatal colliquations , nay , sometimes periodical vomitings and purgings ( of which I could produce not a few examples ) these Patients continually languishing until they died ; I hint this because many Patients are so apt to nauseate wholsom Galenical Potions preferring * these which offend not the sent and taste , but the event doth sufficiently prove the difference ; our Senna , Rubarb , Cassia , Manna , Agarick , &c. are benign Catharticks , and so safe that they may be given to teeming women , young children , and in such Diseases where other Purgers may do harm : our Colocynthis likewise and Scammony , &c. being more prevalent to extimulate when artificially prepared , and rationally directed are sufficient to cleanse an Augaean Stable ; and whereas these Pseudochymists boast their Catharticks to be also Diaphoretical , I confess that by accident they are so , for most who take them fall immediatly into cold sweats : Thus do they deal subtlely who would have such Agonies be reckoned an advantage to their Patients . I have followed our Adversaries in their way of argumentation who first oppose purgation in general , and then considering that they vomit and purge oftner and more violently those who employ them then any Pretenders to the practice of Physick , admit the use of Catharticks which yet they limit to their Mercurial or Antimonial preparations , * concealed from all others , least they should judg of their malignancy , and justly censure these arrogant Pseudochymists then they all those who dissent from them . Galenick Medicines in the next place are by our Pseudochymists condemned as languid , insufficient , and faulty both in respect of their preparation and composition , In relation to their preparation , the Galenists do not pretend to that accurateness which the Chymists promise , but yet they suppose that their way doth more preserve the true and seminal vertues of the Simples used by them then the other , since that 't is questionable whether Spagyrical Distillations , Calcinations , and other like Artifices do not destroy the proprieties of those Ingredients on which they work and substitute something else effected and produced by their operation ; if this doubt is cleared , and it is demonstrated that by Chymistry the Vertues of such Simples are exalted only , and not altered , I shall willingly fall in with the ingenuous determination of this Point by a Galenist , Nemo inficiatur , remedia chymice praeparata in morbis propulsandis efficaciora , palato gratiora , & in exigua Dosi exhibenda , si dextre exhibeantur , ea ratione Galenicis palmam eripiunt . Hoc tamen asseverare ausim , si qui obtigerint aegri in assumendis pharmacis morigeri , non nauseabundi & delicatuli , quin per vegetabilia aeque Galenicorum , praesertim à medico prudente in cognitione morborum & methodo medendi probe exercitato , à gravissimis & desperatis affectibus liberari , & citius in integrum restitui queant : omnia probanda , quae bona observanda , non autem omnia vetera promiscue rejicienda , & cum animi vehementia sceptice traducenda : h. e. Medicines chymically prepared are undoubtedly more efficacious and powerful , more grateful to the tast , and may be given in a far less Dose then Galenical : but yet if Patients will be obedient and not so nice and squeemish , by the direction of an able Physician who understands the Disease and a right method of curing it , they may more securely and certainly be helped by Galenick Medicines : 't is convenient to experiment all things , and retain what appears most rational , however they err who promiscuously reject and passionately censure all the Remedies which the Ancients left us as the fruit of their experience . The Galenick Compositions in respect of the vast and exorbitant number of Simples mixed together are likewise esteemed rather pompous then beneficial Medicines , Treacle by some reckoned a confused mass of Ingredients , the dream of waking Andromachus , and Discordium a fermented heap : much may be said on behalf of these grand Dispensations comparing them to a well disciplin'd Army , wherein are some Field-officers able in respect of their skill in Martial affairs singly to conquer the Enemy , but these commanding the body of the Army , will more probably by their conjunct fortitude and courage become Victors ; I might also liken them to a well governed State , in which every Member in his place and station acts uniformly to oppose all who endeavor to disturb the publick Peace ; what these at first view do think to be only a Farrago or hotch-potch of many things jumbled together , when more strictly examined will appear most artificial and admirable compositions to encounter the several complications of Diseases : I need say no more in their defence , then that long experience hath given them a repute in the World which cannot be prejudiced by the Satyrical Invectives of such who like nothing but their own conceited preparations : Physicians also in this Age may without any imputation of ignorance in the knowledg of Simples , and their peculiar Vertues , be allowed to form long Compositions not only because of complications which are more frequent and intricate * then heretofore , but that they may hereby conceal their skill , for when the Medicine is disguised by putting in such Ingredients which obscure its intention , but hinder not its vertue , they are puzled who would make an indirect advantage of such a Prescript ; there will be no occasion for this Stratagem , when Physicians to rescue their Profession from the abuses of unworthy and illiterate Practisers do dispense their own Medicaments , who may then more securely use one Simple then now a perplexed composition , and when they have occasion to add auxiliary forces to them in Complications , prevent those inconveniencies which , as the case now stands , they cannot avoid . But why should I insist longer on particulars when the whole method of Physick is rejected by our Pseudochymists as useless , and if multitudes of words would prevail , scurrilities were argumentative , as their stiling it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Satans device and plot to destroy Man-kind , and telling us of vast numbers being methodized into their graves , If aenigmatical hypotheses had power to perswade , or the novelty of their Notions to bewitch ; the old Galenistical method had long received its doom , and its Adversaries had triumphed over its ruines ; but true and rational methods * take deeper root by means of these boisterous agitations . I cannot understand the meaning of some Stories which I meet with in our late Writers , who give us an account that some Physicians were not sollicitous if their Patients died secundum Artem , by the fairest method in the world ; I cannot excuse any personal miscarriages in Physicians , but I should be unjust to the most faithful Physicians if I did not vindicate them from the failings of others , these subtle Accusers of all Methodists would not approve of a retaliation , and that I should affirm that one who professes himself to be a Philosopher by fire , is not ashamed publickly to thank God that he is no Scholar . If that good Law was observed , Qui affectat ignorantiam est puniendus : h. e. He who affects Ignorance ought to suffer severe punishment ; Our Pseudochymiaster would fall his Crest and cease to be proud of his blindness ; or did I relate the words of a famous Pseudochymist , who when the Patient did suddenly die after a Dose of his Antimonial Pills , commended the excellency of such Medicines * which dispatched without much pain and procured an easie death : It were no difficult matter to parallel any Stories they can produce to make the Methodists infamous , but the meanest people can discern the Sophistry of such Argumentations , and may suppose that they observe the same way in their curation of Diseases ; As for the Methodus medendi , our Adversaries complain that by it the cause and nature of Diseases are not sufficiently discovered , their Symptoms not rightly described , and that the Remedies set down are impotent , and rather encrease then cure Diseases : Certainly they presume that their own bare negation or affirmation of what they dislike or approve , is a perswasive Argument to others who expect satisfaction in particulars , and are cautious to escape the cheat and delusion which lies in such universal conclusions ; nay , to assert that because some errors may be found in it , the whole hereupon ought to be proscribed and deserted were alike mad and impious practise , as immediately to bury that man whose toes are sphacelated , when an expert Chyrurgeon by a mature amputation of the joynts which are mortified may preserve the life of his Patient ; But I shall choose to deliver my sense in the words of a learned Author , as I have throughout this Treatise done in matters of Controversie , saith the experienced Seidelius , Nullus unquam morbus qui curatus arte humana aliter curatus est quam juxta veteris & verae medicinae fundamenta , methodumque ; objicient hic statim , nonne curavimus nos quamplurimos a vobis pro desperatis relictos ? quibus respondeo , nescire me illud , neque hactenus certo rem ita se habere comperisse , praeter privatas enim praedicationes atque laudes & domestica testimonia in conventiculis clandestinis ad libitum conficta levissime , aliud fide dignum nihil auditu percepi ; quot vero homines diris modis jugulaverint , de quo publicis quorundam scriptis sunt accusati id altissimo silentio obruunt & interim de quintis , atque arcanis essentiis immani precio Auri extractis nugantur ut imperitis fucum faciant , &c. h. e. There was never any Cure wrought by humane Art and skill which derived not its succesfulness from the sure foundations and method of the ancient and true way of Medicine : but here they will object , have not we recovered very many forsaken by you , I answer , that I know no such matter , neither am I satisfied that what you speak is true , for besides your vain boastings , self-commendations and forged Subscriptions and Certificates made in your Conventicles , I perceived nothing that was credible , but they are willing to conceal how many men by their most horrid devices have been murdered , they crack of their Quintessential Medicines and precious Extracts with design only to delude and cheat those who want capacity to understand their impostures . This Author hath afforded us such a description of our Pseudochymical non-methodists , that I need say no more concerning them , nor write a Comment when the Text is so plain and obvious , but because the opposition both by M. N. and G. T. is made between the Writings of Galen and Helmont ; I am willing before I end this Chapter ( in which many things are omitted ) to shew the difference between them according to the judgment of Thonerus , whose authority in another case is allowed by M. N. saith he , * Plaustris librorum carere facile poterit qui scripta Galeni sibi familiaria reddiderit , dum omnes Authores exin velut e magno Oceano depromant & hauriant , ut qui in Galeno non sunt versati , existiment ab eorum ingenio profecta , suam hinc prodeuntes imperitiam dum omnia a Galeno sint mutuati , and goes on , Quid esset ipse Helmontius , ni quicquid boni ex Galeni & Hippocratis monumentis primitus deprompsisset , sed post omnia corrumpens & invertens suas exin nectens argutias , malam rependens gratiam in eos retorsit , aquam veritatis limpidam ex illorum fonte haustam suis sophismatis inquinavit , & totaliter faeculentam reddere attentavit , fretus arguto & insolenti genio : h. e. He needs no Library who is well vers'd in the Writings of Galen , from whom all Authors as from the Ocean derive their streams , and they who have not read Galen conceit what notions they broach are the products of their own brain and invention , betraying their ignorance , when Galen was the Author of those Opinions ; and what is Helmont if strip'd of the most considerable truths , which he transcribed out of Hippocrates and Galen ? and at length he corrupted them , introducing his own whimsies , like an ungrateful person illy requiting them who informed him in Medicinal knowledg , sophisticating their sincere doctrines , being of a subtle and insolent temper . It may be expected that I should vindicate the Doctrines of Critical days and Pulses ( which are opposed by M. N. But since that nothing is brought against them worth observation or an answer , and considering also that these are not of such concernment to Patients as to Physicians , who daily experience the usefulness thereof in their Profession , and can discern the motions and concoctions of the peccant and morbifick matter , as also the strength by the Pulse , and what other information they can afford , as also that this Innovator who measures the knowledg of others by his own , hath effected nothing by his pains ; so until something to better purpose without the mis-interpretations and abuses of Authors is offered , I think my self excused from particular replies to his most impertinent Cavils . CHAP. VII . Of the Pseudochymists pretended Panacaea , or universal Medicine . AMongst the vain-glorious boastings of the Pseudochymists , there is no pretence so universal as their acquirement of a Panacaea to cure all Diseases , generally deceiving hereby all those who through too much credulity become their Patients : for not to repeat what hath been already said concerning the incurableness of some Diseases , or to add a discourse of the inhability of Subjects and of other Impediments which may frustrate the highest and most probable attempts of Curation , it doth not appear to a rational Inquirer that there can be any such Medicine which in respect of its puissance can infallibly vanquish all the enemies of mans health : the great disagreement of Authors about the matter of this Panacaea sufficiently expresses their uncertainty , conjectural suppositions , or fond hopes in relation to their attainment of it , whilest some place it in the essence of individual Vegetables , Animals , or Minerals , choosing those which are most energetical , and fancying that the more incorruptible part of these being by Art separated from all terrestrial impurities , and advanced to the condition of the Heavens , is the true Phaleia , and as one commends it , Poterit vitam servare & quodamodo producere & tum ratione similitudinis quam habet essentia haec cum calore insito , tum quia est quodamodo quoddam incorruptibile & temperatum omnibus morbis medicamentum esse contrarium : h. e. Such an essence is not only powerful enough to preserve life , but to prolong it , and because of its likeness to and correspondence with our innate heat , as because of its incorruptibility and temperature overcomes all Diseases : But should it be granted that the Principles constituting that body from which this essence is drawn were Catholick , yet when once they are firmly link'd together , and most intimately united , their artificial resolution may possibly alter the individuum , or substitute another particular product , but not reduce it into its original universality ; and however some Individuals are of a more durable nature then others , and these are us'd to imprint their perpetuity on bodies more subject to putrefaction , yet such essences being capable of change by that body into which they are received , do lose their supposed universality in operation . The History related by Crollius , That he saw a man with one drop of a certain spirit from a dying condition in the space of one night perfectly restored to health , the celestial heat of that Medicine being immediately communicated to the heart , and soon after diffusing its rays throughout the body , This , I say , and such like Histories do not prove the effect of it in all Diseases , or evidence that the preparation of an Individual may not perform as difficult a Cure ; I know that some conclude that by the same rule an Individual especially if essentiated may change the body from a diseased state to a condition of perfect health , as that which is poysonous may cause such a sudden alteration , as that the person who even now was well , may quickly expire by reason of its destructiveness , but such venom hath the advantage on the bodies proneness to putrefaction , and may sooner dissipate the spirits which are upon the wing , then the other fix them or illuminate their darkness ; so that what promotes the effect of the one is the greatest impediment imaginable to the other : I deny not that an Individual may remedy a particular Disease , and notwithstanding the proneness of our Nature to corruption , act so vigorously as to cure a threatning distemper , and I suppose that very many have seen as much done by Laudanum ; and other Medicines , as Crollius mentions in that Patient , but yet it were a vain conclusion to infer that such an essence , or that Laudanum would hereupon cure all Diseases and perform the like impossibilities as are spoken of the Panacaea ; no person can be ignorant of the Experiments made on Gold , because it ( as many think ) contains in it all necessary conditions to the universal Medicine which I need not recount ; but unless something is performed by the Diaphoretical vertue of the Menstruum , no wonders have been wrought by it , so that Billichius calls Aurum potabile , aurum putabile ; since that all true Philosophers in their Preparation of their Medicinal stone did not mean the common Gold , but that of the Philosophers , as they mispent their pains who sought out dissolvents to make our Gold potable in expectation of making thereby the Elixir , so it would be to as little purpose to discourse the possibility of gaining a Dissolvent not corrosive to elicite its medicinal tincture which at length will satisfie only a particular intention . The hyperbolical Encomiums which have been given to the essences of Individuals , might easily delude those who approve all things according to their commendations ; and doubtless in many respects such noble preparations might deserve a just esteem : but the more prudent and wary of the Hermetical Philosophers * observing the absurdity to expect an universal operation from a limited Agent , did busie and employ themselves to find out the universal matter which is so enygmatically discoursed in the Writings of Chymical Authors , as if they rather designed to encourage Humane Industry in the search after that which for no other cause they would seem to have known , then give them any hopes of interpreting and unriddling their most obscure , perplexed , and mysterious descriptions of it , saith one , Fove fodeam usque ad genua & accipe terram nostram in qua est rivulus & unda viva scilicet universale menstruum & aquam nostram ponticam , in qua habitat sal armoniacum nostrum , & spiritus vivus universi qui omnia in se continet : h. e. Dig a Pit knee deep , and take our earth in which is a living stream , viz. our universal Menstruum , and take our Pontike water in which is found our Sal Armoniack , and the universal spirit which contains all things in it ; and saith Bacon , Elegant rem supra quam Naturae tantum primas operationes incepit : h. e. Such a matter must be chosen on which Nature hath only done her first work . He who is acquainted with the parabolical expressions of the Ancients relating to this Subject , will be convinced that although they who write best , hint a necessity of some universal matter which may yield by a Philosophical Preparation a most noble Medicine to cure Diseases , may yet apprehend their dissentions about this matter , and the improbabilities of others finding it out by their direction ; but if I should grant that the true Sons of Art might rightly understand the Ancients and gain the knowledg of the universal matter , yet in regard that there is not an universal intention in the cure of Diseases , I cannot see of what use it can be in Medicine ; to comfort the Archaeus and to garrison the heart which is the Royal Fort with invincible vertues , answers only a particular intention : That all Diseases do spring from one root is only the supposition of some who would patronize this Panacaea , whereas others more rationally inform us that Sanity consists not in indivisibili , but that different members in the body enjoy a different Sanity , and having a divers complexion , conformation , and operation , stand in need of a variety of Medicines to cure their distinct and sometimes contrary Diseases : What though there sometimes happens a Metastasis of the Morbifick matter , which varying its seat alters the symptomes according to the parts in which it fixeth , it is not proved that hereupon what opposed it in one part is as proper and applicable notwithstanding the remove as before , and that in curation no particular respect ought to be had to the parts constitution which is affected ; it may be , that before the Metastasis 't was convenient to use Diaphoreticks , and afterwards if the matter lodgeth in the breast , what may evacuate it by promoting expectoration , if in the lowest Ventricle Catharticks or Diureticks which may discharge : he certainly knows little of the causes of Diseases who discerns not their difference in respect of the vessels or parts which they seize or most afflict , whereupon the Methodus medendi is to be altered , I need not enumerate the several causes of Diseases which the Galenists reckon , but content my self with an observation that the best Chymists do account two grand Causes of the constant alteration in mans body , disposing it to Diseases and death , which are the consumption of radical moisture and the putrefaction of humors ; it is therefore incumbent on the Pretenders to a Panacaea , to prove that by the same Medicine they can prevent this putrefaction of humors , and hinder the consumption of radical moisture : The Universalists have been very sollicitous to appropriate to their Medicine such vertues as might answer the indication both of a drying vertue to withstand and resist putrefaction , and of moisture or unctuosity to supply the decaies and spendings of natural heat , and therefore they assert that their Panacaea in respect of its activity and solar heat doth brighten , fortifie , and encrease our innate heat , and hereby evaporates and dissipates all Morbifick Meteors which otherwise would stagnate and putrifie , in respect of its substance is oleagenous fix'd and incombustible , aptly recruiting any loss or spending of the radical moisture : It this Panacaea can certainly do what is pretended , it may seem strange that they who were esteemed Possessors of such a Medicine , did not defend themselves and their Patients from the disease of Old Age , and from Death ; for Old Age creeping on gradually , may more probably be opposed then violent Diseases , but when its apparant that neither in themselves nor others they were able to stop the course of old age and disappoint the stroke of death , they would excuse their Art and Medicine by blaming some great neglects whilest they were young , and tell us that if they had then taken such a Medicine it might have effected much in the prolongation of life ; but others well pondering the Vertues attributed to it Unde fit restauratio corporum per morbos debilitatorum prompte & perfecte ea curans & postea juventutem primumque vigorem diminutum & per frigidum annorum acconitum fere extinctum restituens : h. e. It is sufficient to restore the decaies of mens bodies , most expeditiously and perfectly helping all Diseases , changing the ruines of old age into youthfulness . These ( I say ) being convinced by experience that such empty vaunts of the Panacaea are ridiculous , do otherwise state the business and make little difference between the Polychresta of the Galenists and these more noble Medicines , and if the Panacaeas which have been or at present are pretended to in the World are duly examined , they undoubtedly will be found to answer some more general intention , and by no means deserve the appellation of universal Medicines in the common and known sense and notion of the term , I might instance in Begwins preparation of Vitriol , Quercitanus of Antimony , &c. But above all others Andwaldins Panacaea in the highest esteem , which as Hoffman relates in Sherbius's judgment was poysonous , and another Author gives us a more accurate account of it , Panacaea Anwaldina summopere in propulsandis morbis decantata eum effectum assecuta est , non tam Naturam confortando quam vi diaphoretica operando quam Libavius per 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ignis probavit & deprehendit concinnatam ex hydrargyro & Cinnabari quae duo mineralia nullam corroborandi facultatem obtinent : h. e. Anwaldins universal Medicine of such fame for its wonderful effects in the cure of Diseases did not operate by comforting Nature but by provoking sweat , and Libavius examining it by Pyrotechny detected that it consisted of Mercury and Cinnabar which have no corroborating vertue in them . Every true Chymist who is acquainted with artificial either simple or compound Preparations especially Mineral , very well skills their efficacy in the satisfaction of either general or particular intentions as they are skilfully applied , these know that a just mixture of Mercury , Antimony , and Gold , or apt Chymical Compositions will do more in the curation of some Diseases then either of them in like manner singly prepared and given , but to conceive that any Medicine can keep off old age , and by the same way cure all Maladies , is an opinion which no sober person did ever entertain ; if then by a Panacaea is only signified any noble preparation which respecting some general intention which in the curation of Diseases is observable , 't is not improbable but that the true chymical Physicians do not only assent to them , but are furnished with some as powerful as any yet known in the world ; for we must grant that the Polychresta of the Chymists do infinitely excel those of the Galenists , but yet it is considerable that even those Authors who are famed to be Masters of these Panacaeas , did in most cases both use for themselves and others Galenical Medicines as they had occasion , or the known Rules of Art required . But our Pseudochymists it may be by purchase obtaining one of these noble Preparations , and not understanding the true use of it do in hopes of custom proclaim the Vertues of their Medicine , as if it would most speedily and certainly cure all diseases , strengthning the Archaeus , to whose error and debility they adscribe all the several affections of mans body , and enabling Nature to discharge her self by the most convenient ways according to the condition and quality , or seat of the Morbifick matter , and if all manner of evacuations or most of them can be caused by the same Medicine then a proof ( as they suppose ) is given of the wonderful efficacy of their Medicine , and a notable stratagem devised to seduce them that are most pleas'd when they are under the hand of a cheating Montebank : hence it is that one cries up his Mercurial preparation , another his Antimonial remedy , a third spirit of Salt which is diuretical , and almost every Pseudochymist would be accounted the Inventor or Professor of one ; but methinks people should be better advised then to give ten shillings for a grain , or five shillings for a drop of that which being either illy prepared or mis-applied , more universally kills then cures , and stake their lives against the brags of such Empericks , Crede & salvus eris , promissis certa fides , nam Cum te interficient morb● curaberis omni . Believe , all 's well , trust them , there word is sure , In killing thee they work a perfect Cure. Although I have pretermitted very much which might be said on this Subject , yet I hope that it is sufficiently made out that there is no Panacaea to cure all Diseases in the vulgar acceptation of the word , and as a confirmation of my Assertion I shall produce the testimony of Angelus Sala , with whose words I conclude , Quis non vanitatem eorum agnoscat qui vel ipsi persuasissimum habent , vel aliis persuadere conantur esse in rerum natura vel artis beneficio confici posse medicamentum quod instar universalis cujusdam universalissimi nullis vel limitibus , vel terminis circumscriptum , non tantum qualitates elementares aequali proportione commensuratas in se contineat , sed & omnibus insuper proprietatibus specificis quae vel ex varia illarum commixtione , vel a certa aliqua praedestinatione oriuntur , abundantissime dotatum sit ? quod suppresso calore suo jam refrigerare possit , jam humectare , sicut exiccandi potestate nihil damni faciat , jam adstringat , jam incrasset & contrarias interim facultates plane occultetquod idem interdum pervomitum , interdum per fecessum purget , sudores cieat , urinam provocet , venenis tanquam Alexiterium resistat , somnum conciliet : denique ut in unum omnia conferam omnes alios effectus quos causarum morbificarum tam particularium quam universaliū diversitas requirit omni tempore & loco , in omni sexu , aetate , complexione & personarum constitutione praestet , omnibus adeo infirmitatibus medeatur , ac nulla unquam ratione corpus offendat ? h. e. How conspicuous is their vanity who either believe themselves or would perswade others that either Art or Nature can produce any Medicine which shall be impowred with the operations attributed to the most universal Medicine being unconfin'd and boundless in its efficacy , not only containing in it all the elementary qualities in exact proportion , but endowed with all Specifick proprieties flowing from their mixture or essence , which notwithstanding its heat can sometimes cool and sometimes moisten , not at all suffering in its drying vertue , can adstringe or bind and incrassate , and in the mean while conceal its contrary faculties , that now can vomit , anon purge , sweat , prove Diuretical , become an Antidote against poyson , and cause sleep ; and to say no more , can certainly remove and take off all effects flowing both from the diversity of universal and particular Causes at all times , in all places , Sexes Ages , Complections , different Constitutions , curing all these Diseases without any prejudice to the Body ? FINIS . A Letter to the Author FROM a Person of Quality . SIR , YOur most wonderful preservation during your late imployment of visiting the infected families within the City of LONDON and Liberties thereof , hath justly provoked all your friends in our Countrey to congratulate your success in that great and hazardous undertaking ; you have doubtless by a faithful discharge of your Duty as a PHYSITIAN in that adventure , when few were free to engage in such service , highly meritted of those Honourable persons on whose behalf you endangered your life , and no less obliged all ingenuous persons to esteem your worth : Sir , You may easily suppose how big we are with expectation to receive from your hand , an Account of what Remarkably hapned in this severe Visitation ; your promptness to give rational satisfaction , especially in most perplexed Cases , wherein Difficulty promotes the Birth of your happy Products , is the onely argument I shall use inviting you to this task ; be pleased also to acquaint me in your next what is become of them who assume liberty to qualifie themselves Chymical Doctors , in opposition to the KINGS COLLEDGE of PHYSITIANS in LONDON ; I crave pardon for this interruption of your more weighty business , and shall earnestly expect your answer , which will be most acceptable unto Sir , Your humble Servant C. W. The Authors Answer . SIR , YOur candid acceptance of the Observations , which I have made on this P●st , is a most prevalent argument to incourage the communication of them in answer to your desire : But before I ingage in this task I must crave your pardon , if I proceed not in that method , which is requisite in an exact Treatise ; for in this brief answer I can onely point out cursorily some discoveries , which doubtless will be improved by your most sagacious judgment . To omit therefore all those most obvious notions of the Pest in general occuring in every Author writing on that Subject ; I shall confine my self to a particular disquisition of the peculiar nature of this Plague as severe as any recorded in our Annals . That LONDON or other Populous places are seldom free from Malignant and Pestilential diseases , is confirmed by the long experience of able Physitions , who find that Humors upon several occasions acquire a venenate Quality , and hereupon prove most pernicious ; it is not pertinent to my business in hand to state the Question ; Whether such Ferments are sometimes generated in mans body , which may be exalted to a condition aemulous of the most exquisite poysons , or of the PEST it self ? hence is it that some term such putrified humors , Arsenical , aconital , &c. as they seem to correspond in operation with such Poysons , I may without all dispute affirm , that where the Pest meets with matter so prepared , it more inevitably destroys . The highest degree of malignity flowing from the putrefaction of congested humours , however it may be most fatal to the body , wherein it was produced , being yet but the effect of a private cause , is limited at most to an hereditary propagation , and cannot be imagined the Original of Epidemical diseases , especially of the Pest , whose original is adaequate to its effects : but in regard the cause of the Plague is most mysterious , and not yet hitherto plainly discovered , most Writers after a disappointment in there scrutining the Series of natural causes , do betake themselves to supernatural , and acknowledg a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in this disease : I cannot think that because God doth frequently send out the Plague as his severe judgment to punish mankind , we ought wholly to desist from all manner of search into natural causes , on the knowledg of which depends the Cure , procured both by our devotion , and the commanded use of natural means . Amongst Natural Causes the Conjunctions of some Planets , Eclypses , Comets , and such like appearances in the Heavens , are by many accused as the Authors of the Plague , and upon this account some addicted to Astrology observing such appearances the forgoing year , have confidently asserted that our Pest was the issue of those malevolent influences ; I shall not at present determine how far these have contributed to the spreading , if not the Original of our Plague , but passing by all other opinions , deliver my thoughts touching its rise . After a most strict and serious inquiry , by undoubted testimonies I find that this Pest was communicated to us from the Netherlands by way of Contagion , and if most probable relations deceive me not , it came from Smirna to Holland in a parcel of infected goods , whether it began there , or in any other place being unresolved , I shall not intangle my self in a conjectural discussion of its Cause , or give a tedious narrative of the nature and effects of Pests in those hot Countreys ; give me leave to hint , that the same Pest grassant in divers Regions of a different temperature , may so much vary in its Phaenonema , that it may seem totally changed , which I premise least our Plague should be judged of another nature from that in Smirna or Holland , because its Symtomes are not exactly the same in all these places . Before I proceed , I must advertise that the Pest , doth complicate with most maladies which happen during its grassancy , especially such as are Contagious , every little disorder at such times ( which I might confirm by many examples ) turning to the Plague , and infectious diseases more neerly combining , and symbolizing with it : hence I collect that the Scorbute being popular and Epidemical in Holland , the Pest when it fell in with it , did very much partake of its nature , which afterwards invading this Kingdom gave ample testimony by its Symptomes of this Association ; in which condition I shall throughout this discourse consider it : if then the Pest by reason of its most subtile and excessive venenate nature is most feral and destructive , when it conforts with another Ferment most powerfully ( though not so suddenly ) corrupting the juyces of our bodies , how Prodigious must be the issue ! As I have designedly wav'd at present to deliver my Theory concerning this PEST , so I upon the same account do forbear to intermeddle with the Hypotheses of others , but because the Learned Kirchers late experiments have put most inquisitive searchers into sensible truths upon the quest to discover that animated matter in the Air mentioned in his treatise of the Pest , I shall transiently deliver my observations touching this particular : I must ingeniously confess , that notwithstanding my most careful and industrious attempts by all means likely to promote the discovery of such matter , and that I have had as good oppertunities for this purpose , as any Physitian ; it hath not yet been my happiness ( if such minute insects caused this Pest , ) to discern them , neither have I hitherto by the information of credible testimonies received satisfaction in this point ; whereupon I infer , that in regard Pests are of a different nature , though I allow that famous Authors experiments in that Plague at Rome , yet it follows not that ours was caused by the like production of Worms or Insects , as some have rather fancied then demonstrated . The consequences of putrifaction are so well known by an ordinary inspection into the transactions of Nature , that the production of Worms and various Insects upon this account may not be rightly judged a new discovery , considering especially , that malignant diseases do not less then the Plague evidence putrefaction by such products ; indeed amongst all that vast number I conversed with during the Visitation , I noted very few to have either vomited Worms , or by unerring symptomes to have given an indication of verminous matter lodged in any part of their bodies , I onely had a relation of one , who in vomiting threw up a strange figured insect , which appeared very fierce , and even assaulted such as were busie to observe it , whereupon it was crushed by a rude hand , so that its shape is not very discernable ; but t is as absurd from such a particular instance , to draw a general conclusion , as to argue from private causes to universal effects . Since that the Nature of this Pest in relation to its primary cause is most obscure , we cannot more surely arrive at the knowledge of it , then by the discoveries it makes of it self in propagation ; when therefore I do well ponder the wonderful energy of Pestilential effluviums , which can instantaneously imprint indeleble characters on bodies before found and healthful , and conform them to the like efficacy in contagious communications , I am induced to think that its principles are chiefly saline , which appears by its activity and power ; I need not produce examples to illustrate the inexpressible vigor of these Ferments , it being well known that many have dyed without the least sense of Contagion or apprehension of illness thereby : it is reported by such who have seen experiments of the poysoned darts in India , that a fleshy part being prickt or scratched with them , the person so hurt , is not onely killed in very few moments , but his body is so putrified , that one limb falls from the other ; the like is written of some Pests in hot Countreys by which some places have been depopulated , whether any poisons artificially prepared do in power and activity excel the Pestilential tincture which is animal , is besides my business at present to decide . I come in the next place to the manner of the Pests invasion , which is unanimously agreed on to be by Contagion , viz. When venenate expirations are transmitted from infectious bodies to others working a like change and alteration in them ; whereupon I conclude , that no person is seized with the Plague except he receives into his body these Pestilential effluxes , which however they do more effectually infect by how much nearer the bodies are , yet it is not to be doubted but that at a very considerable distance where no person is sick , these most malignant corpuscles being carried in the motion of the Aire , may so preserve their venome , as to surprize such bodies amidst their greatest securities ; and I am apt to think that such effects are oftimes appropriated to imagination , the operations of which can easily ferment the juices of the body , and raise Symptomes not unlike those of the Pest ; I was called to three or four affected after this manner , whose conditions at first did seem as bad as theirs who by reason of abode with some labouring of the Sickness most apparently took the infection , but upon a strict inquiry into these cases , I addrest my self with success to settle the fancies and bodies of such Patients ; whence I opine that Pestilential and poysonous emissions or ferments ( as I noted before ) do solely contribute to the spreading of the Contagion . Notwithstanding that infection is so apparent in the Pest , yet some have lately in their discourses and pamphlets , argued that it is not Contagious , such persons deserve rather the magistrates censure then my refutation : the Order published by Queen Elizabeth was in those days the most proper expedient to suppress that opinion , which is not otherwise now then by Authority to be silenced : these ground their hypotheses upon the escape of some persons who converse with the infected , but this proof is not admittable as sufficient , because there are very many causes why such bodies are not equally obnoxious to Contagion as others ; for besides the particular Providence of God who is pleased to protect some in the same danger in which others do perish , the security of such persons may be attributed to the shape of their pores not admitting pestilential atoms of a disproportioned figure , or vigour of the spirits to expel this enemy before he can fixe in their bodies , certainly such persons might as rationally affirm that Bullets will not wound and kill , because some in the hottest battails amidst showers of small shot walk untoucht by any of them , when as these escape rather upon the account of the various happy postures they are in during the charge , then their fancy of being shot-free . These infectious irradiations flowing from bodies inflamed with the Pest , as they constantly issue out by transpiration , and other more open passages , so they diffuse their malignity accordingly as they are more or less subtile and spiritual ; if therefore the snuff of a candle , which emits a gross and visible fume , can in few moments so taint the circumambient air in a large room , so as to render it most offensive to our smell ; certainly Pestilential exhalations by very many degrees more fine and subtile , can insensibly and beyond such narrow limits spread their poison , corrupting the air , and making it pernicious to bodies dispos'd to receive such impressions ; the motion of these malignant corpuscles cannot by any help be discerned , neither can any account be given of their sent as some do vainly imagine : touching the steam of infected bodies , I confess that when Buboes are opened , Carbuncles cast off their Eschar , the Pestilential emanations being imbodied in grosser vapours issuing from such sores , may possibly be hereupon sensible to the Nose , as in opening other impostumes , and dressing common sordid ulcers is evident ; the like reason may be given of their vomitings , stools , and sweats ; hence it is that some have perceived the moment of their seisure , which sent they could not otherwise express , then by a cadaverous , and as it were a suffocating stanch ; but ( although I have been very inquisitive in this particular ) I may confidently averre , that not one in two hundred hath been apprehensive by sent of the infection , the venenate particles communicating their malignity in a way imperceptable to our Senses . How these Pestilential effluxes do operate on mans body comes next under consideration , supposing that the infection hath newly insinuated it self , the blood and juices do immediately receive the Alarum as being to undergo the first assault ; the blood in some by the deleterious quality of the poyson in few moments is mortified , not unlike what happens in the death of such who are kil'd by lightning ; in others the blood is forthwith put into a fermentation , either higher or lower according the state of the blood before infection , or the condition and degree of the Contagion , on which also depends the depuration of the blood producing Blaines , Buboes , and Carbuncles , and such patients except something accidentally intervens to contraindicate for the most part escape , but most commonly in this fermentation the blood coagulates in fewer or more vessels , and according to the dissolution and discharge of these grumous parts before further putrefaction , the condition of such persons is more secure or dangerous , if the coagulation encreases , a period at length is put to the bloods circulation ; lastly , the blood doth sometimes suffer a Fusion , for when the sulphureous parts are consumed , the Pestilential tincture proves a Dissolvent , and destroys the fibres of the blood , not onely by way of liquation making it most fluid , but corrupting its saline particles : I have observed that such blood in Hemorrhages would not coagulate , but remained like a tinctured ichor , the reduction of such blood to its former state being impossible the case of such Patients was most desperate , medicines affording not the least ease or relief : the nervous liquor did also share in this common calamity , and according to its quality suffered as great and many alterations as the blood : In fine those juyces and parts of the body did principally suffer in this Pest , in which the Scorbute first discovers its self , but I shall have occasion to discourse this more at large in another place . Before I proceed to the Symptomes of this distemper , it may not seem impertinent transiently to give some remarkable observations which occurred in the propagation of this disease ; as that the infected , were commonly seized after the same manner , and generally had the like issue in respect of a recovery , or death as those from whom they took the Contagion , except any thing hapned extraordinary in the case of one more then the other , so that the effects of the Plague not onely in relation to the number of Buboes , Blaines , or Carbuncles , but the part and place , did abundantly evince its peculiar and strange designation : Physitians in their practice do frequently meet with Pestilential ophthalmie's , Angina's and Pleurisies , which ( as some express it ) specifically communicate their malignity , but these diseases are fixed in this course afflicting alwaies after the same manner all those to whom they are imparted ; whereas although there hath appeared a great variety in this Pests propagation in respect both of it self and the subjects it meets with , yet notwithstanding all this difference , there hath been noted a tendency in the malignant corpuscles , as acting by a natural impress , idea or signature to produce their like without any assistance of the fancy , or more immediate disposition of such parts to those particular disafections . Furthermore , that opinion that the Pest invades no person a second time , if his sores at first sufficiently discharged purulent matter , is now plainly confuted by two many experiments during this sad Visitation ; I have known many who although all things succeeded well the first and second time , and each cure was perfected , yet the third seizure upon the account of a new infection , and not a relapse hath proved fatal to them ; some this last year fell the fifth , others the sixth time , being before very well recovered , each of these invasions I supose was not onely from an higher degree of malignity , but a diverse complication of the Pest , besides nature being much weakned by preceding assaults , was thereupon more unable to make her defence : such therefore who by Gods blessing , and the use of proper remedies are restored to health , may by these examples be duly cautioned , not to run unnecessarily ( according to the practice of some ) into infected houses , presuming that their condition is more safe then others . The Symptomes of this Pest were many , but I shall content my self , to set down such as were most common and notorious ; most persons upon their first invasion by the Sickness perceived a chilness to creep on them , which produced in very short space , a shivering not unlike the cold fit of an Ague , which shivering was doubtless an effect of the pestilential ferment insinuating it self into the blood and juices of the body , and rendring them either sharpe , pungitive , or so corrupt by its venerosity that hereupon there happens a vellication of the nervous parts , whence proceeded convulsive motions ; soon after this horror and shaking followed a nauseousness , and stronge inclinations to vomit , with a great oppression , and seeming fulness of the stomack , occasioned by the poison irritating the Ventricle , which being a nervous part , is and thereupon most sensible of what will prove so injurious to it ; the Pest did sometimes seat it self in the stomack more eminently shewing it self there in Carbuncles and mortifications : a violent and intollerable headach next succeeded by reason of the bloods tumultuousness and ebullition exceeding by distending its vessels and convulsing them , hereupon some fell into a Phrensie , and others became soporose and stupid , according to the quality and nature of the malignity ; afterwards a Feaver began to discover it self , without which no person escaped during this visitation , when therefore the blood was throughly impregnated with the Pestilential firment , then the blood fermented and the oeconomy of the body was violated , all parts both internal and external extreamly suffering and expressing their several conditions in this extream agony upon the account either of idiopathy or Sympathy . I shall not here dispute , whether the true Pest is alwaies accompanied with a Feaver , I conceive that in some Pests , as also in the highest degree of this , the several parts of the blood have instantaneously been separated , there being no time for any ebullition ; but since that I undertake onely to deliver my own observations , I must ingeniously confess , that during this Pest , ( except in the case of such who suddenly died ) I met not with any one Patient free from a Feaver , which in some was more slow and occult , in others peracute and notoriously apparent , as the blood did more or less abound with sulphureous particles apt to kindle and be inflamed ; and more particularly I noted that those who were over-run with the Scorbute , and afterwards took the infection of the Plague , had a more obscure and remiss Feaver , so as it seemed many times very doubtful whether they laboured of any or no , which I cannot attribute to any thing else then to the state of their blood by reason of its much abounding with a fixed salt , the like assertion will hold true of the several other defects in the blood : in relation to the paroxisms which were observed in this Feaver , t is most certain that generally there was some kind of remission so as that the Patients could easily find their condition altered thereby , but these fits were altogether irregular and uncertain , however they seemed in some much to resemble a double tertian , I conceive those often exacerbations did proceed rather from the violent impulses and prevalency of the malignity , then from any certain and set ebullitions of the blood , yet in many when the virulency was expel'd and spent , these fits did keep and observe their types , and became either pure or bastard Tertians . So soon as this Feaver began to appear strange faintness seized the Patient , which was seconded by most violent palpitations of the Heart ; and hereupon many have suspected that the Pest by a peculiar disposition most vigorously bends all its strength to storm the Heart which is the most royal fort , but since that we are well assured that the Heart doth principally suffer by reason of this heterogeneal matter mixed with blood , and circulating with it through this noble part , I cannot think that the heart is otherwise injured , then in being hindered in its office of animating , and inflaming the blood by its innate ferment to perform its appointed stage of circulation , for if the Heart cannot alter or overcome these pestilential ferments mixed with the blood , with its utmost vigour it attempts to expel and dissipate them , and and if the poison of the disease is so powerful as to destroy the ferment of the Heart , the blood soon coagulates , the sequel of which is death . Here I might particularly take notice of that strange lassitude which was very observable in most affected with this scorbutical Pest , as well by reason of the distention of the vessels , as the immediate mixture of the malignity with the serous humours abounding in such bodies , but I shall not any longer insist on the Symptomes which are common in Pestilential Feavers , but descend to those diagnosticks which most peculiarly discover the Pest , as Blains , Bubo's , Carbuncles and discolorations , vulgarly called tokens , of which briefly in their order . Blains , are pustles , or rather blisters , sometimes greater , or sometime less ; and for number , fewer or more , according to the quantity , or quality , of the Pestilential matter segregated from the blood , and other liquors of the body by their fermentation , these were obscurely incircled , and coloured according to the serous humour either flowing to , or discharged upon those parts where they appeared , but as no place could plead exemption , so those parts were most subject to these blaines which did lye nearest to this poysonous humour when it was forced out ; the liquor , contained in these blysters was of the same nature with that which produced Carbuncles , but more diluted and dispersed , wherefore the Pest was rightly judged not so dangerous where onely blaines were discovered , however if these grew numberless , as I observed in one , who from head to foot was full of them ; as the condition of that Patient was most desperate , so a multitude of these blaines do indicate the excess of malignity , and great hazzard thereupon . Bubo's are tumours of the glandules , if under the ear they are called Parotides , others happen under the armes , and in the groin ; Pestilential matter in circulation with the blood being retained in these glanduls whereby they are tumified and inflamed : that some persons without any sense either of the Contagion , or any illness by it have complained of these tumors , must be ascribed to the mildness of the malignity , having before upon others spent its virulency ; but most commonly these Buboes were an effect of the second sweat promoted by proper Alexipharmical remedies , and such risings gave hope of the Patients recovery ; some of these tumours were indolent and hard continuing so many months notwithstanding means either to discuss or suppurate them , and when these were unadvisedly opened by incision , nothing else but an ichor gushed forth , and the part wounded was very apt to mortifie : but these risings were generally so painful that most could not endure the fierce and frequent lancinations , and the extream burning they felt until the time of suppuration approached , which upon this account was hastned by suitable applications of Cataplasmes and Plaisters : the number of these Buboes was not certain , some had two , others three , many four , neither was their bigness limited , the risings in some being very large , so as to equal an half-penny loaf , in others not exceeding an hens egg ; very many of these tumors were discussed if the patient at first submitted to effectual sweats , and if afterwards they encreased , great care was taken to further their enlagement , and to break them , the Feaver usually going off and declining as these tumours ripened , and were fitted for apertion ; and here I must not omit , to intimate , that according to the condition of the Pus discharged , these Buboes were more or less secure , but I shall discourse more of these when I come to the method of curation . A Carbuncle , is a Pestilential sore , appearing at first with a very small pustle , and a circle about it of a red flaming colour , which pustle either opening , or rather the liquor in it being spent by the extream heat of the adjacent part , soon hardens and growes crusty , the incompasing inflammation spreading it self , and by reason of the corrosive quality of the humour cauterizing that place where it fixes : I have seen Carbuncles in most parts of the body which proved more or less dangerous in respect of the part affected , and the degree of the malignity ; here I might produce innumerable cases which I have met with during this Visitation , but I shall onely relate two or three ; I was called to one Patient who had a Carbuncle within two or three fingers breadth of a Bubo in the groin , though they were differently handled in relation to the cure , yet the business succeeded very well ; also one recovered when there was a large Carbuncle directly opposite to the Heart , a third with one in her breast , at the same time she gave suck , and the child discovered no other infirmity then a loosness during his mothers cure ; another was afflicted with a large Carbuncle very neer the bottom of the stomack , and she lived until cicatrization , but then the malignity retiring within took her away ; my designed brevity in this answer forbids me to relate all necessary circumstances in these histories . Carbuncles are sometimes very large , I saw one on the thigh above two hands bredth with a large blister on it , which being opened by the Chirurgion , and scarisication made where the mortification did begin , the Patient expired under this operation ; but most commonly these Carbuncles do not exceed the breadth of three or four fingers , after few hours the skin shrivels into a crustiness of a duskish or brownish colour : at certain times and in some especially scorbutical bodies these Carbuncles did mortifie , and except timely care was taken by immargination , scarifications or applications of actual Cauteries , the Gangreen in few houres overspread that part , and destroyed the Patient ; this most saline corrosive humour was not easily and by ordinary means brought to digestion , and consequently not without much difficulty cured , I shall not at present inlarge on the accidents attending these Carbuncles , but proceed to the Tokens of which in the next place . These tokens are spots upon the skin of a diverse colour and figure , proceeding from chiefly extravased blood , which by reason of its stagnation putrefies and produceth such mortifications discolouring the skin , so then those spots which are the true tokens , are profound mortifications caused by the extinction of natural heat upon the account of highly prevaling malignity , because many spots arising upon the skin were onely cutaneous , and so farre imposed on many Searchers and unskilful veiwers of them that they declared them to be true tokens , experiment was alwaies made upon these discolorations by a lancet or large needle to try whether that part so affected was sensible , if not , then it was most apparent that such persons had those fatal marks upon their bodies which were most certain forerunners of death , but if the Patient did discover sense upon the pricking or incision , then such spots being onely cutaneous were not esteemed deadly , and I have seen very many recover who were in this condition . Anatomical observations have likewise informed us that these tokens have their original and rise from within , and afterwards externally shew themselves , which is evident because the basis of them is larger then their outward appearance , and the internal parts are found very often spotted when there is no discoloration visible on the skin : the figure of these tokens is not alwaies certain , but generally they are orbiculary shaped as I suppose by the pores , to which the extravasated blood most readily tends , and for want of circulation fixing there , corrupts ; the pores thus closed up by any cold check , the dyaphoresis whereupon the malignant corpuscles being retained in the body their attempt to sally out proves unsuccesful , so that they cause a very great putrefaction in the parts where they settle , and soon after , if a speedy vent is not given , these tokens straightwaies appear , foreshewing the event of the distemper , not to number up all those waies by which these deadly mortifications are produced , I shall onely assert that wherever these marks are found , they evidently express a full conquest of natural heat by the highest degree of malignity . These tokens are not of one size or bigness , some being broader then a single penny , others at first very small , by degrees enlarging and spreading themselves , to the touch they seem hard , not unlike little kernels under the skin the superficies being smooth , yet I saw one where these tokens put out with little blisters upon them : very many were puzled to distinguish aright between these marks and the Petechiae pestilentiales , or pestilential appearances in spotted feavers , as also Scorbutical spots frequently interspersed amongst them , I have taken notice of many mistakes upon both these accounts : some of our Mountebanking Chymists much vaunted of their in comparable medicines effectual as was pretended to cure such who were stigmatized with the tokens , when as they not for want of ignorance opinionated those little rednesses like fleabites to be these true signs of the Pest , which indeed were Scorbutical marks and soon vanished , and if other contracted feaver spots were discovered , though these with one sweat usually disappeared , they concluded them to be nothing less then the tokens , and the removal of them an absolute cure of the Plague in its worst condition . The colour of the Tokens was various , in some reddish with a circle inclining towards a blue , in others they represented a faint blue the circle being blackish , many were of a brownish dusky colour , like rust of iron or moles in some bodies ; that the reddish and blackish tokens were from blood is most evident , but whether the others might not proceed from the nervous liquor extravasated , concreted , and mortified by the malignity , is more doubtful ; when I assayed to prove them , I found them almost impenetrable . I do at present onely mention this , that further experiment may be made by such who have fit opportunities . Although no part of mans body is secure from these most pestilential marks , yet the neck , breact , back and thighes are most apt to them , but these things are so vulgar that I may very well spare my pains in giving any further account : that which did seem at first most strange to me , was that many persons who had continued in a delirium throughout their sickness , so soon as the tokens appeared , they came to themselves and apprehended that they were in an hopeful and recovering condition , I might here relate two eminent stories , which I can onely without circumstances mention , one was of a maid whose temper seemed good , her pulse equal and stronge , her senses were perfect at that time when I was called to see her , she complained of no disorder or pain , and concluding her self secure , but when I veiwed her breast and discovered very many tokens , I left her with a Prognostick , and within two or three houres she died , not long after I visited an ancient woman and found her at dinner with a chicken before her on which she fed greedily , and had eaten half before I came , after a due inquiry into her case , finding no satisfaction either from her pulse or temper I searching her breast observed the tokens , and she expired within one or two houres : these clear intervals ( as I conceive ) did happen when all manner of fermentations were ceased , the Pestilential ferment having gained a compleat victory , and quieted all oppositions which Nature made in order to her preservation : that the tokens do sometimes appear after death , is to be attributed to the high ferment in the pestilential matter which vainly seeking to force its way thorow the skin , imprints there indeleble characters of its excessive malignity : To these tokens I might add those oblong stroakes like lashes discovered on the backs of some , but because I saw during the whole time onely one thus marked , and have not been informed of many , I suppose that these are not common ▪ however their cause is the same with the tokens , and they are to be esteemed of the same consequence , the contiguity of these marks not at all altering their nature or effect . What is often mentioned in most Authours concerning the flexibleness of bodies kild by the Pestilence , hath not been confirmed in this Plague , for although such bodies were not so soon rigid and stiff as those which dyed of chronical or common acute diseases , yet due time being allowed , or if the bodies were exposed to the cold air , there appeared no difference between them and others , but I shall not hence conclude that in no Pests there is not to be found this flexibleness . The Prognosticks in this Pest were very fallacious , for oftimes when all things presented fair , and the Patient seemed past danger , on a sudden the case was altered by the near approach of death , and on the contrary in some whose condition upon many accounts was judged desperate , an unexpected change at a dead lift hapned , which gave full assurance of a speedy recovery , besides considering that the Pest did primarily seat it self in the Spirits , it was not easie to determine positively the success of their contest , for the spirits which for a while were almost suffocated and extinguished being almost over-powred with the pestilential venome , did frequently like the fire for some time suppressed , break out into an aspiring flame and thereby evidence their victory ; and many times the spirits which maintained the combate very well the first charge , by the second onset were utterly defeated ; so that the transactions of the spirits are not so certainly foreseen as the progress of diseases fixed on any internal or external member of the body , the best Prognostick is taken from the strength of the Patient under a skilful hand directing a proper and methodical cure . Before I come to the cure of the Pest , I shall say something touching the great business of Preservation from it , nature instructs us that by all means possible we preserve and safeguard our selves from all things prejudicial to our lives , and Art hath most happily by its discoveries furnished apt remedies for this purpose , and the great success of proper and fit preservatives doth irrefragably plead from their use : in this answer I shall not publish any prescripts , but onely hint the intentions which are alwaies to be observed in a true and regular Preservation from the Plague . Care in the first place must be taken to free the body from superfluous humours , which may be a fit fomes for the pestilential ferment , this ought not to be performed by violent catharticks but gentle and yet effectual de-obstructing medicines , and then the noble parts must be corroborated , their ferments and use maintained , and lastly the blood kept in a due and equal briskness ; and hereupon all Passions especially fear and anger are worthily censured by Physitians as conducing much to the introduction of the Pest , a moderate and wholesome dyet must be cauteously observed , and no error committed in the other things termed non-natural , to conclude the society of infected persons is carefully to be avoided , for certainly it is an high presumption , that because some preservatives are and have been effectual to secure some persons , others taking the like Antidotes should thereupon adventure into the utmost danger , as this opinion hath cost many their lives , so I fear , if the fire should break out again ( which God forbid ) some will be bold notwithstanding the miscarriage of others , to attempt the like adventures . The Therapeutick part comes next in order , but before I enter upon this subject , if the scruple made by some whether the Pestilence is curable , was grounded either on Authority or reason I would indeavour to remove it , for however medicines do prove alike effectual to rescue all infected persons from the jawes of death , mortality amongst people denoting the plague ; yet since that by Gods blessing and the care and skill of experienced Physitians very many recover , these living testimonies do suffficiently evidence the absurdity and great impiety of that suggestion ; I rather think that a cogent argument may be drawn from the deadly nature of this distemper provoking all persons concerned to look out speedily for suitable help , especially considering that dispondency is so considerable a promoter of the Pests fatality . In relation to the cure of the Plague , all the intentions which offer themselves must be diligently observed and truly answered , otherwise no better account can be given of proceedings then what is produced by ignorant nurses , or our pretended Chymists , who are arived at such an height of confidence , as that by warranting simple people their lives in order to their entertainment and thereupon advancing some rude and dangerous preparations not fitted to any intention , they do surpass even the Pest it self in destructiveness : so soon as any person findes or apprehends himself to be seized by the contagion ( every little illness in time of the Plague being justly suspected ) t is adviseable that he forthwith do betake himself to his bed , taking warning by the miscarriage of very many , who if they were not violently sick at first would struggle with the disease , and vainly imagine by walking abroad in the fields to overcome their distemper , until the best opportunities of applying remedies were ircoverably lost ; besides when the Patient is in that condition , nature may more certainly shew the waies she designs to expel the malignity and discovering her deficiencies , directs the Physitian who is alwaies intent on her motion to succour her by his Art : although it is found most convenient that the Patient secure himself in his bed , yet t is not allowable that he sleep until a check is given to the venenosity , indeed some not well advised finding themselves drowzy , who perhaps were seized with a stupidness or dulness signifying the worst quality of the Contagion committed themselves to rest , and little thought that by calling in the pestilential matter from the habit of the body and fixing it in the brain , such sleep was onely preparative to their deaths ; if then any find themselves thus disposed they must be kept waking and roused up by vesicatories their use , number , and places , the Physitian who is called in will advise ; if the Patient vomits , judgement must be truly made whether the stomack is clogged and loaded with undigested meat or fruit or ought else taken unseasonably or immoderatly that may burden it , and become a fit fomes for the Pest , if the stomack suffers upon this account by Carduus Posset drink taken in a large quanity with Oxymel of Squills , not ascending much higher it must be disburdened and cleansed , but if such vomittings are onely symptomatical , as indeed most were , proper remedies must be directed which may stop those inclinations to vomit , and expell out of the stomack that Pestilential matter which so strongly irritates , restoring likewise the ferment of the stomack much weakened and injured by this means , for which purpose I cannot too much commend the Fixed Salts of Wormewood , Carduus , Rue , Scordium , Masterwort , &c. if likewise symptomes appear of the poysonous ferment fixing in the bowels , and a Flux hereupon happens , it is not safe without a most urgent cause to use Catharticks , least a dysentery ensue , and the pestilential matter be drawn by such evacuations from the circumference to the center ; our ignorant , but bold practisers , not understanding either this or any other danger in their desperate undertakings , have chiefly dealt in Emetocatharticks , not regarding the sad event which generally attended such attempts , and acting herein in opposition to the advice given by the Colledge of Physicians in their Book ; these rash Medicasters not so much valuing the lives of the sick , as their appearing in a contradictory way to the skillfullest and most learned Society in Europe ; and when these Chymical cheats have spent the Patients strength by such evacuations , they immediately as to a refuge fly to Narcoticks ; and if the violent workings of such Medicines are a little quieted thereby , and procured sleep alleviates somewhat , and refreshes , they applaud their accomplishments untill the approaches of death do too plainly manifest their unpardonable abuse and delusion of people in the great concern of their lives . But to return unto my business in hand , the chief intention in the cure consisting in an early expulsion of the malignity , proper Alexipharmicks did mostly contribute to this end , which by the expert Physicians skill were adapted to the constitution and present condition of the Patient , their vertue and power perfectly preventing the great danger threatned by delay or the use of insufficient Medicines ; for although in the Cure of other diseases a progress from lower to higher and more prevalent processes is very allowable , yet in the Pest where occasion must be taken by the foretop the slip of one opportunity being infinitely disadvantageous , all true Sons of Art imployed their utmost abilities to select most proper Sudorificks , one Dose of which might provoke a seasonable and effectual sweat whereby the blood and juices of the body were depured and freed from that pestilential ferment with which they were lately imbued ; and since that this intention was chiefly to be observed all other directions having respect unto it , Physicians were hereupon very cautelous least they should by any means either divert nature from this course , or prejudice her in such designments , hence was it that Phlebotomy was justly censured as a matter of dangerous consequence in the Pest , by which the fermentation of the blood was abated , the spirits took flight , and Nature became so debilitated that she could no longer combate with her implacable Adversary . I am not ignorant that in some Plagues bleeding hath proved very successful , but in this complicated with the Scorbute it was upon every account inconvenient , the confirmation of which truth two many have sealed with their lives , who being easily perswaded by ignorant practisers , did prodigally wast Natures treasure , and soon were imprisoned in their Graves . It was also matter of great deliberation , to determine , Whether in some urgent cases Glisters might safely be administred least the poyson of the distemper shall take downwards , and the Diaphoreses be thereby interrupted ; of such high concernment it was to maintain a constant and free transpiration , which every fifth or sixth hour , oftner or later , as there was just cause , was to be forced by repetitions of remedies mightily promoting its expected success and benefit , and here another grand difficulty arises , Whether during these sweats it is convenient to nourish the Patient ? Which I shall thus resolve , if by reason of such sweats the Patient finds his condition to be bettered , his appetite not much dejected , his thirst abated , and the paroxisme in declination , as also his strength neer spent , in such a case it is most adviseable that the Patient be often indulged Chicken-broath or what ever may recruit all losses of spirits in the incounter , and by this means that person being refreshed , will be enabled to undergo cheerfully the succeeding paroxisme and to continue his breathings , but if all requisites shewing the necessity of allowing nourishment , do not concur , t is far better to abstain from this course , then adventure its inconveniencies which are so many that I may not at present recite them ; such Patients may by taking of Cordidials fit themselves for a more opportune season of nourishment . The continuance and length of such sweats were rightly measured by the Patients relief and sufficiency of strength to bear them , but unless I should state the several cases which happened in the Pest , it is impossible that full directions can be given , especially considering that applications in Medicine altogether relate to individuals , and therefore as there is a difference in the same disease seizing many persons , so likewise not onely various methods of cure , but diverse Medicines are subservient to that end , upon which account I forbear to set down the remedies , vegetable , animal and mineral , which were used in the curation of this distemper . Sir , it is now high time that I should make my Apology for this rude entertainment of your with a most imperfect and confused discourse on this subject ; the truth is I have intentionally omitted very much which may seem pertinent to this business , as to assign the reason why the poor were mostly infected which I might have adscribed to the rotten mutton they fed on the preceding Autume preparing their bodies for the Contagion , their being crowded in little roomes and close alleys , as also their unrestrainable mixing and converse with the infected , and their great want and poverty notwithstanding the Magistrates industrious provision for them , I have likewise forborn to express the cause why children were most subject to the Plague and so many dyed of it that it may be fitly called the childrens Pest ; neither have I touched upon the business of Amulets , though many suffered by such as were Arsenical , and other things very significant are passed by , as nassalls , issues , fumes , &c. nor have I particularly related any medicines or their designment , or delivered the several waies to treat Patients in different conditions , relating to the several complications with the Pox , Scurvy , &c. But all these pretermissions may fitly serve to inform you of a design in hand to publish a compleat History of this PEST in Latin , which I hope will recompense the many defaults in this account ; to the end therefore that there may be no deficiency in so great an undertaking , if legitimate Physitians , who have made observations , specially our learned friends in your Country , would do me the favour to communicate their notes , I shall own their kindness and faithfully insert both their names and such observations . I am so well assured of your candor that you will not measure that work by this loose and hasty Essay , pen'd in an hurry and tumult of other businesses , in which great care is taken not to prevent the novelty of those Histories and notions which will then be produced : I shall not detain you with any more excuses , least I be forced to supplicate for them also . As to that part of your letter wherein you desire satisfaction concerning our pretended Chymists , I can onely make you this return , that the people are now convinced of their designs , their most admired preparations proving altogether unsuccesful , and their contrivances being chiefly bent upon more secret waies and a shorter cut to gain estates , their intituling Medicines by strange names , as the Quintessence animae mundi , oil of the heathen gods , &c and requiring three pounds for a Dose , is a trifling and slow way to grow rich by , when as an estate may be gained by giving one little but most effectual draught ; now the vulgar perceive the practise of the Philosophers by fire who can soon upon advantageous accounts sublime mens souls , you will doubtless ere long have a better and more particular information of their transactions , which I at present forbear to recite . These scandalous opposers of the Colledg are now for ever silenced , since that so many members of that most honourable Society have ventured their lives in such hot service , their memory will doubtless survive time who dyed in the discharge of their Duty , and their reputation florish , who ( by Gods Providence ) escaped : certainly the Magistrate will protect and suitably encourage all legitimate Physitians who have appeared most ready to serve their Countrey in the greatest exigency . Worthy Sir , I am Your most faithful Servant , N. H. MAY 8. 1666. From my house in Red Lion Court in Watlinstreet . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A44061-e1990 * Omnes homines , viri aequè ac foeminoe , anus aequè ac virgo omnes inquam medici videri pruriunt ut si omnes qui medicae artis cognitionem atque scientiam falso nomine sibi adscribunt , numero comprendere velis , prius quot fluctibus mare à condito aevo agitatum sit sermone atque oratione expedias Seidel in praefat . lib. de morb . incurab . * Multum egerunt qui ante nos fuerunt , sed non peregerunt multum adhuc restat operis multumque restabit , nec ulii nato post mille saecula praecludetur occasio aliquid adhuc adjiciendi , Sen. Quod aevum tam rude aut incultum fuit quo non aliquod medicina sive ab ingenio sive ab exercitatione additamentum ceu ornamentum quo locupletior quam ante fieret acceperit , 1 Carolus Pisc . in praefat . lib. de serosa Colluvie . * Inexperientia facit fortunam , ut experientia Artem. Sapienter Empedocles asserit nervos sapientiae esse non temerè credere . Fabrit . ab aquapend . p. 309. * In medicina cum laude facienda multa & poenè infinita sunt animadvertenda quae à rudi empiricorum popello non annotentur , Hieron . b●rd . p. 30. * Sibi egregie sapientes videntur tamen in maxima rerum ignorantia versantur , & ignorantiae tenebris circumfusi doctrinae causas intueri mentis suae acie nequeunt , Shegk . in epist . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Gal. lib. 3. meth . med . * Medicina infamis propter eorum qui eam exer●ent imperitiam . * Experim . philos . lib. 2. p. 220 , 221. * Quilibet etsi à veritatis s●●p● saepe multum aberrans tot techins f●catisque demonstrationibus suas palliare studet opiniones ut à cunctis cuncta ferè ingenia primo occursu seducantur : Gul. du Vai● in nov . mund . subl . anat . Nullum fere hominum genus est quod non alat rivalitatem cum medicis , Freitag . Fabritius Hild. p ▪ 916. * Furor e st nè moriare , mori . * Em●irici maximam Arti faciunt injuriam infignem inurunt maculam , ut periti apud vulgus non modo imperitum , verum etiam prob dolor ●sanioris judicii homines obtineant authoritatem , Seid . * Medicina exact● indiget contemplatione & laboriosa in operibus exercitatione , utpote quae tantis rerum difficultatibus scatet , Alsat . p. 5. Defens . 5. p. 259. * Sicut Prothagoras sophisista qui discipulis & auditoribus relinquebat estimationem suarum lectionum , ut quisque eorum tantum mercedis ei persolveret quantum existimaret se ex ejus lectionibus profecisse atque didicisse , Aristo . Ethn. p. 838. * Praxis qu● ipsi utuntur trium dierum spatio ab homine vel vilissimo acquiritur , Panar . epist . Strad . probos . p. 58. * Non licet bis peccare in medicina uti nec in bello . Notes for div A44061-e13750 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Hippocrat . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Quer● . Phar. mac . p. 221. * Principiis obsta , &c. Renodaei instit Phar. p. 6. * De augm . scient . lib. 4. p. 2●3 . Alsar . de . quaes . per epistol . p. 309. Gal. de opt . secta . L' obell . p. 6. Med. medicin . p. 432. Notes for div A44061-e20750 Ann. 3. Hen. 8. * Foelix esset artibus si soli artistae de illis judicarent , F●b . * Leges posteriores abrogant priores . Mant. * Aug. lib. 3. de civitate Dei. Notes for div A44061-e25170 * Omnes qui vix communem intelligere queunt sermonem , & opera similiter cum difficultate discunt vulgò communia medicinam exercere ambiunt , Geb . lib. de invest . sum . perf . Notes for div A44061-e29240 Zacut. lus . p. 14. Tract . de sal● Dom. de Neus . Riol . in epist . dedic . Pharmac . Spargyr . p. 2. * Fab. propugn alchym . p. 8. * Ut turpe esset in Senatu Patres dum de salute reipublicae deliberatur à votis ad convitia descendere , ita pudend●m est eos qui scriptis editis rem literariam auctam & amplificatam cupiunt rebus missis convitiis certare . Sen. p. 844. Angel. Sal. de error . Pseudochym . p. 7. * Corrumpunt mixtum perduntque , non autem dividunt in sua simplicia . * Accidit iis qui se igne oblectant & exhilarant quod ad extremum omne in luctum vertitur , ignis enim multò subtiliora venena contra eos evomit quam minerae , Paracels . cap. 4. tract . 2. de morb . metall . * Dec. 2. paradox . 10. p. 523. * Sen. de brev . vitae , p. 559. * Pharmac . Spagyr . p. 3. * Medici quidam adulando in pharmacis administrandis aegros interficiunt Panarol . p. 135. * De difficult . alchym . p. 6. * Hippocrat . de dec . hab . * Ubi desinit philosophus ibi incipit medicus . * Geb . cap. 7. * De quaes . per epist . p. 434. * Debet chymicus errori subvenire inpuncto . Sanch. p. 89. Mor. de metall . metamorph . Sennert . de natura , chym . p. 755. Paracels . p. 289. Abrah . è port . Leon. mant . p. 126. * Quò vide ant pseudochymici & metito nomine medici celeberrimum hoc nostrum Londinens . Collegium singulis praeceptis singulisque instrumentis utriusque philosophiae affluere & abundare in arenam descendo , &c. Tho. Rawlins in praefat . alphabet : ceu admon . pseudochymic . * Observat . medic . in Spa. cap. 7. * Cap. xxv . Leonard . Botall . de curat per miss . sanguinis , p. 155. Notes for div A44061-e41290 * Heroici viri quamvis nullam artem quam humana excogitavit industria absolutam nobis reliquerunt praeclara tamen in omnibus artibus indefessis laboribus longissimisque observationibus in venerum posterisque instar testamenti fideliter tradiderunt , Bruel . in pref . * Illa habentur specifica quae omnibus differentiis alicujus morbi , omnibus hominibus , & omni tempore prosunt , Fab. p. 476. Hercul . Saxon . de lue ven . p. 3. Med. medicinae , p. 37. Lib. 5. Aphorism . 31. * Christoph . à Vega , p. 846. * Heurn . in Aphorism . p. 358. * Nihil juvare videtur nisi quod è sanctuariis chymicorum depromptum tamque attonita quorundam animos persuasio occupavit , ut prodesse nisi chymica non putent , Billish . in epist . * His parium & superiorum contemptus acsi iis solis cerebrum & cor Natura formasset , & reliqui vel in truncos & stipites abiissent , vel peponem pro corde fungum pro cerebro gererent . Jonst . * Olim non opus erat remediis diligentibus nondum in tantum nequitia surrexerat , nec tam late se sparserat , poterant vitiis simplicibus obstare remedia simplicia , nunc necesse est tant● operatiora esse munimenta quanto valentiora sunt quibus petimur , &c. Sen. p. 785. * Ubi de salute humana agitur non standum uniuscujusque judicio sed eorum qui authoritatem longo tempore sibi compararunt , Caesalp . p. 10. * Laudo tuam experientiam qui non finis infirmos computrescere sed eos statim è vita liberas , Strat. philos . Seidel . p. 133. * Thon . epist . medic . p. 32. Notes for div A44061-e54940 * Multi sunt qui ex particulari materia medicamentum universalissimum clicere volunt frustra tamen omnia fuisse experientia attestatur universalissimum siquidem ex universalissimo elici debet . Thon . epist . med . p. 14. Angel. Sal. de Chrysol . p. 422.