Chirurgery.
Necessary and ancient their Profession, ever since mans body was subject to enmity and casualty. For, that promise, * 1.1 A bone of him shall not be broken, is peculiar to Christ. As for the other, * 1.2 To keep them in all their ways, that they dash not their foot against a stone, though it be extended to all Christians, yet it admitteth (as other tem∣poral promises) of many exceptions according to Gods will and pleasure.
It seemeth by the Parable of the good * 1.3 Samaritan, who bound up the Passengers wounds, pouring in Oil and Wine, that in that age, ordinary persons had a general in∣sight in Chirurgery, for their own and others use. And it is reported to the just praise of the Scotch * 1.4 Nobility, that anciently they all were very dextrous thereat, particu∣larly it is written of James the fourth King of Scotland, Quod vulnera scientissime tractaret, He was most scilful at the handling of wounds. But we speak of Chirurgery, as it is a particular Mystery, Professed by such as make a Vocation thereof. Of whom we have inserted some (eminent for their Writings or otherwise) amongst Physicians, and that (as we hope) without any offence, seeing the healing of diseases and wounds were anciently one Calling, (as still great the Sympathy betwixt them, many diseases causing wounds, as Ulcers, as wounds occasioning diseases, as feavers,) till in process of time they were seperated, and Chirurgions only consigned to the Manual Operation. Thus wishing unto them, the three Requisits for their practise, an Eagles Eye, a Ladies Hand, ond a Lions Heart, I leave them, and proceed.