The Colledge of Physicians vindicated, and the true state of physick in his nation faithfully represented in answer to a scandalous pamphlet, entituled, The corner stone, &c. / by Charles Goodall ...

SECT. 4.

The usefulness of Method in the Cure of Diseases.

HAving thus far proceeded in the de∣monstration of what I promised; I come now to enter upon some short dis∣course of the methodus medendi; which though our Adversaries, nay it may be our friends may not judge worth the con∣tending for; yet I think fit to give all in∣genious persons an account of the great usefulness, yea necessity of the strict obser∣vation of it; and that because I frequently observe, that the Enthusiastick Pseudo-Chy∣mists of our Age, do so much contemn and decry it; being masters (as they pretend) of such great Arcana in Physick, as will happily Cure diseases without it.

I shall therefore endeavour to clear the truth of this assertion, by producing seve∣ral instances both of Acute and Chronical diseases, whose happy Cure is principally (if not solely) to be attributed to the pru∣dent method of the discreet and judicious

Physician; amongst the number of which, I shall first begin with Fevers; they being to be ranked amongst the most Epide∣mical distempers we know of.

And in the first place, we will discourse of those, that are generally owned as pu∣trid; in which are constantly observed ra∣tione motûs, four considerable mutations, viz. their beginning, augmentation, state and declination.

In the beginning of which putrid Fevers, 'tis usually observed; that the Sulphureous parts of the blood growing too luxuriant, do break forth into a flame; agitating the whole mass in a preternatural manner; whereby its crasis is in danger of being de∣stroyed, its vessels too much distended; and if not timely calmed, affections of the Head and Nerves, with pain and spasms do usually ensue: wherefore in this state of the disease, here are present indications for Phlebotomy to ventilate this mass of blood; for a spare and refrigerating diet; for Emeticks, (if indicated) lenient Ca∣tharticks, Clysters, &c. which many times are no less prosperously than judiciously prescribed; this formidable distemper be∣ing nip't in its bud, it Sulphureous pabulum being extracted by bleeding,

Clysters, &c. or its disorder quieted by a cooling diet.

But if notwithstanding the proper appli∣cation of the forementioned remedies, this Febrile flame cannot be extinguished; but it still encreaseth to a higher degree, so that intolerable thirst and inquietude, head∣ache and watchfulness, with delirium and phrensies do continually attend our Pati∣ents: here are fresh indications for repeated phlebotomy, clysters, cooling Julips and decoctions, &c. whereby the spirits may be refreshed, the parched viscera cooled; and if possibly, the motion of the blood so moderated, that it may not injure the head or genus nervosum.

In the state of this disease, we are dili∣gently to attend Natures motions; that so we might observe whether a future Crisis may be expected or not; which if it doth appear a perfect and salutiferous one; the febrile heat declines, signs of concoction appear in their urines, and all things prog∣nosticate a speedy and happy recovery: But on the other hand, if Natures attempts be too weak for making a full discharge of that adust, febrile matter, which hath passed its due deflagration, and is fitted for expulsion; we ought then to afford her

some gentle assistance by some mild Dia∣phoretick or lenient cathartick; according∣ly as we observe at that nick of time the tendency of her motions: But if we find, that in this state of the Fever, there is no Crisis; or at best, but an imperfect one at∣tempted by Nature; the Patients pulse be∣ing very weak, and his spirits low; we must then be very cautious of any evacua∣tion by Sweat or Stool, it being not to be attempted without manifest danger of the Patients life: And therefore we should ra∣ther allow her time, and attend her dili∣gently; until the blood being reduced to a more orderly motion, and the spirits re∣cruited, she may gradually make secretion and exclusion of the morbifick matter, in order to the obtaining of her due and na∣tive temper; than encrease the too great and unhappy confusion she is already under, by exhibiting any high Diaphoreticks or Catharticks; this being a time, that nothing of medicine is to be allowed, unless it be some very temperate Cardiack.

In the declination of this distemper, an exactness of diet is to be observed; and at length some gentle purgations to be pre∣scribed, to exterminate the reliques of that febrile matter, which probably may be al∣ready

protruded out of the Meseraick Ar∣teries in order to its discharge by the in∣testines; lest it should be again resorbed, and a relapse ensue thereupon; upon which account we do likewise as strictly forbid the Patients over-hasty eating of flesh-meat, until their Urines appear in colour, con∣sistence and hypostasis like to those who are in a healthful state; and then we direct them to begin with broths, and so gradu∣ally to adventure upon a flesh diet.

To this purpose hath the learned Doctor Willis acquainted us in that excellent book of his de febribus.

Now pray let sober and judicious men consider, what apparent hazards and dan∣gers they must necessarily adventure upon, by employing any, but Physicians well skill'd in their Faculty; seeing 'tis apparent by the foremention'd account of Fevers, (which I have faithfully acquainted them with) what diligence and judgment ought to be made use of in every state of this disease; that so the Patient might happily be restored to his pristine health and temper.

But now let us suppose, that in the first attack of this distemper, an Empirick should be sent for, who being ignorant of

its nature, should presently exhibite some of his well rectified spirits of strong liquors, compleat Aqua vitae, Punch, Analeptical and refocillating wines, &c. can any rational man imagine that these hot and fiery me∣dicines, should be any ways proper to bridle the tumult and ferociency of the blood; which being already too much exalted by hot and bilious parts abounding in it, doth rather require a discharge by venae∣section, &c. or attemperating, by cooling medicines; than an advancement to a high∣er pitch of luxuriancy, by the foremen∣tioned Chymical liquors? which doubtless can do no less than inflame and fire the whole mass of blood in a moment: where∣as 'tis evident that Phlebotomy, Clysters, &c. being made use of; or large propor∣tions of Whey and other cooling liquors freely drunk in the first assault of these Fe∣vers, have often prevented their farther encrease: but to expect the like advantage from the forementioned rich and spirituous drinks, would prove as fruitless if not foo∣lish, as to undertake the quenching of an house on fire, by throwing on gunpowder and fire-balls.

Now if this mischief must necessarily attend these Empirical prescriptions, in the first attack of these Fevers; what may we expect from them in their augmentation? I dare assure you, little else but thunder and lightning; phrensies, heart-burnings, Con∣vulsions, &c. especially seeing that the most prudent management of these Fevers in this state of the disease, can scarcely calm the impetuous motion of the inflam∣mable parts of the blood.

And if we farther proceed to the State of this distemper, how much sooner may these Empiricks dispatch their poor languishing Patients, whose only security depends upon their precedent management, that so a perfect and salutiferous Crisis might ensue? which if it should not happen, but their universal medicines are made use of, how certainly must the sick bid adieu to their Relations? this being a time, when neither Cathartick or Sudorifick, much less any hot or vinous medicines can be used, without manifest endangering the Patients life.

And for the declination; what care must be used for some time, that the Patients eat no flesh-meat or broths made of the same; lest an unhappy relapse should ensue; how

can we then imagine that their spirituous medicines or Aqua vitae's, impregnated with brisk and active vegetables, may then be al∣lowed of?

But 'tis possible they will tell me, that they are not without other Chymical pre∣parations, which they use upon such occa∣sions, and in such distempers as we discourse of; viz. their Elixir vivisicans, their pul∣vis Catholicus diaphoreticus, Aurum vitae dia∣phoreticum, Elixir grande Cordiale, &c. which one of the most candid and ingeni∣ous of that Society hath told us, that they are to him (with some others that he hath mentioned) quasi tot medicinae columnae, &c.

To this I answer, if this be so, I wish that Mr. H. would tell us, how he durst pretend to the world, that one single me∣dicine should suit all palates and constitutions; and that others of his Tribe should no less ignorantly than confidently engage, that their private Arcana will perform in helping all curable diseases, what in reason may be expected from all other.

But give me leave, Mr. H. to tell you, that I very much suspect that neither you nor any of your fraternity do well under∣stand the exhibition of your own remedies; they being rarely to be administred (as I

before shewed) in putrid Fevers; by reason that there are usually contraindications to their exhibition, both in the beginning, augmentation and state of them; lest in the two former they should occasion too violent an ebullition of the blood; and in the later wholly impede her Crisis.

For I would have them to understand, that these Fevers are usually but Natures instruments, to discharge the luxuriant and bilious parts of the blood; when they are apt to exceed their due bounds and limits; which if prudently managed by an Artist in the Faculty, she will gradually defla∣grate this morbifick matter, and being over-burdened with it, will both separate and exclude it; and this much more hap∣pily and opportunely, than if she were disordered by any of your Jovial powders, or Solar diaphoreticks; Nature wisely ob∣serving her proper periods and times, when this secretion and exclusion of the recre∣ments of the blood should be made, to the greatest relief and advantage of the Pati∣ent; whereas your medicines (as I before intimated) do usually disturb all her regu∣lar actings, and make a confusion in the very crasis of the blood; and therefore are as wisely administred to cure this sort of Fe∣vers,

before Natures appointed time; (which is usually about the thirteenth or fourteenth day) as they would be to a wo∣man, in expectation of bringing forth a healthful and living child, in five or six months time.

Now if these putrid Fevers ought to be managed with so much diligence and obser∣vation; how wofully would these men bungle and miscarry with all their applau∣ded Arcana, when they were called to ex∣hibite them in Fevers specifically different from the former?

As for instance, the putrid Fevers of wo∣men in Child-bed, where cooling or heat∣ing remedies are equally dangerous; their proper indications principally allowing the use of Uterines; whereby the blood might be attenuated and disposed to dis∣charge it self by the Iliack and Hypoga∣strick vessels, in order to its necessary depu∣ration.

And thus, I might likewise instance in those lacteal Fevers; which usually attend the female sex about the third or fourth day after delivery; which are solely to be ma∣naged by a spare and appropriate diet; and committed to Natures regimen; and though many times the Symptomes that do

accompany this sort of Fevers, are a little troublesome, and it may be frightful too, to the Patients; as heat, thirst, inquietude of the whole body, pain in the back, shoul∣ders, breasts, &c. yet if these be not en∣creased by some over-hasty and undue ad∣ministrations, they usually are freed from them within three or four dayes, by a con∣stant Crisis of Natures own procuring.

I might further acquaint Mr. H. with the mischiefs that must necessarily have attended their Coelestial liquors and Stomachical essences in several Fevers that our late dayes have produced (of which the world will speedily have a very full and satisfactory account from that excellent Methodist, the industrious Dr. Sydenham) as particularly the Fevers which did accom∣pany the Small pox, when it was the Epi∣demical distemper of the Town; wherein the forementioned Chymical preparations would have been so far from alleviating or curing those severe Symptoms that did at∣tend them, that they would rather have highly encreased them; amongst the num∣ber of which Symptomes, profuse and violent Sweats would usually (if not con∣stantly) accompany the sick and feeble Pa∣tients, even from their first invasion; and

that though no Medicines were exhibited, or other means made use of, to encrease that disease of the blood, lympha, or nervous liquor.

And truly, so much have most of our late Fevers differed from those putrid ones I lately discoursed of; that I doubt not but most observing and unprejudiced Physici∣ans will frankly own, that the foremen∣tioned Sweats were so far from relieving or curing the Symptoms that attended their Patients; that usually more dangerous and mortal ones did speedily affect both head and genus nervosum.

Now surely, if our Indications may best be taken from the juvantia and laedentia in Physick, we cannot allow those discharges as critical, which are rarely or never at∣tended with relief to the Patient; but do rather seem to proceed from some strange perversion and fluor of the mass of blood, and other noble juices of the body: and though it must be allowed, that in all me∣thods some must dye; yet doubtless every honest and conscientious Physician is very diligent to observe, to what method of Cure a disease doth most happily and gene∣rally yield; and therefore in Epidemical distempers, that seem to be specifically

different from each other; the advice of the learned Doctor Willis may be thank∣fully entertained, which he giveth us in cases of this nature; Praeter medici cujus∣que privatum judicium, experientia potissi∣mùm medendi rationem suppeditat; cùm enim hae Febres primò grassantur, singuli ferè sin∣gula tentant remedia, & ex eorum successibus unà collatis facilè ediscitur, quali demum me∣thodo innitendum erit; donec ultimò crebro tentamine seu transeuntium vestigiis, via quasi regia & lata, ad hujusmodi affectuum rationem teritur, variisque observationibus monitisque munitur.

But to proceed; I would gladly know of Mr. H. and the rest of the Arcana-mon∣gers of this Town, who are apt to believe that all distempers may be happily cured by their strong and Vinous liquors, Diapho∣retick powders, &c. what they would have done in those pestilential and malignant diseases, which could be cured by no other method, but that, which they continually decry and exclaim against; although very powerful Alexipharmick and Diaphoretick medicines had been frequently made use of in the forementioned cases, to little or no advantage. And that they may not charge me with discoursing any thing of my own

sence in these cases; I will acquaint them with my Authors, and some observations that I have read of this kind.

The first they may find in the 359 page of Riverius his praxis, where he giveth us an account of a pestilential Fever, that raged in so great violence at Montpelier in the year 1623, that multitudes died of it; And further lie telleth us, that he observed that in all those Patients, quibus parotides superveniebant; which was usually about the ninth or eleventh day of the disease, (there commonly preceeding or accompanying a deli∣rium, stupor, convulsive motions, with un∣equal formicating pulses, &c.) they all died within two dayes after; notwithstanding the frequent exhibition of Alexipharmick medi∣cines, and the diligent application of Topicks; which engaged this ingenious and excel∣lent Physician to think, that these swel∣lings proved so fatal, because the parts af∣fected were not capable of receiving all the morbifick matter; wherefore that which still remained in the blood, killed the Patient; and therefore he thought, that Natures work being begun in those swellings, might be hap∣pily supplied by venae-section or gentle purga∣tion: But these indications seemed to be contra-indicated, by the great imbecillity of

the Patients, who appeared to be even in the agonies of death; yet on the other hand con∣sidering, that it was better to experiment a doubtful remedy in one or two persons, than to leave so many to undoubted destruction: he resolved first to prescribe Phlebotomy to the quantity of three ounces, which blood was very corrupt; and after three or four hours the Patients pulse waxing stronger, it en∣couraged him the day following to prescribe him a lenient purge, which likewise was at∣tended with that good success, that his deplo∣rable Patient was delivered from the jaws of death; and afterwards (saith he) all the sick that had these parotides behind their ears, I first bled several times a little at a time, and the day following purged them, and so all of them who were thus ordered, hap∣pily recovered; not one of them afterwards dying in the whole year, that had those paro∣tides behind their ears. Which observa∣tion this learned and ingenuous Physician thought so necessary to communicate, that he tells us in the forementioned page, in∣signe hoc experimentum silentio praeterire ne∣fas fuisset.

And in the fourth Century of his obser∣vations he acquaints us, that in the plague it self, an ingenious Physician having under∣taken

the care of the third part of a City mise∣rably afflicted with that depopulating disease, he prescribed to all his Patients an Emetick potion, whereby he was so happy as to cure al∣most all that were committed to his care, he scarcely losing ten or twelve for his part; when as in the other two parts of the Town, few escaped.

And if any of your friends, Mr. H. will take the pains to consult the rest of his ob∣servations in malignant Fevers; they may find him frequently using the Launcet, pur∣gations, &c. even in those cases where violet coloured spots, exanthemata, &c. have appeared.

As particularly in a Counsellor who was fifty five years old; who upon the ninth day of his disease fell into ravings and convulsive motions of his hands, with a certain profound sleepiness, and looseness; which Symptoms were likewise attended with exanthemata, &c. yet notwithstanding these direful Symptoms, and the great evacuations the patient had un∣dergone from a Diarrhoea and Cupping glasses; he bled him on the twelfth day to the quantity of four or five ounces; which blood being cor∣rupt and the Patient bearing it well, he bled him the like quantity five hours after; the Patient finding no diminution of his strength

thereby; and thus by the forementioned use of the Launcet and temperate medicines, he gradually recovered his health.

Another Patient he mentions in the fourth Century of his observations, p. 79, 80. who upon consultation was ordered to be bled, notwithstanding he had blewish spots broken out all over his body; which gave the Patient great relief, he being in a short time happily cured; And though we find that one of those learned Physicians upon their consul∣tation, did at first oppose Phlebotomy; lest the malignant matter should strike in again; yet upon the others reply, that there was little fear of that, by reason it had been for some dayes protruded into the habit of the body; they both consented to the fore-men∣tion'd remedy.

And in his second Century, he tells us of a Citizen extremely weakned with a malig∣nant Fever; whom he undertook to purge with a gentle infusion three or four dayes together, whereby his strength was a little encreased, and by little and little he began to be better; re∣peating his purgations at certain times.

And in an Epidemical Fever which raged so violently at Avignion, Bellicadre and other places, that very few escaped, their chief Symptoms being a Cough, pain of the

Head and loyns, frenzies, phthisical affecti∣ons, &c. the remedies that were found effectu∣al, were pectoral medicaments, gentle purga∣tions (not forgetting blood-letting as princi∣pally efficacious) cooling Clysters, Cupping∣glasses, Cordial opiates, &c.

Which observations do put me in mind of what an ingenious Licentiate of the Col∣ledge of Physicians acquainted me with, in the late malignant Fevers, that accompa∣nyed the Small pox at Colchester, when it was the Epidemical disease of that Town, viz. that those Fevers were very acute and mortal, being attended with prodigious Sweats, spasms, tremulous motions in the hands, stiffness in their jaws, livid spots in their bodies, &c. and though that observing Physician was a great Helmontian, and did frequently exhi∣bite high Alexipharmicks and Bezoardick Cordials; yet saith he, they signified no more than chips in pottage, the Patients generally dying under the use of them; but at length bleeding was attempted, which cured several, though it were used the eighth or twelfth day of their disease.

But to proceed; though in the foremen∣tioned observations we may take notice, that Alexipharmick and Diaphoretick reme∣dies, did not so well answer the seeming

indications for them; but Physicians were necessitated to alter their methods of pra∣ctice: yet how efficacious this Classis of me∣dicines was in the late London pestilential Fever, is as evident, by that account Doctor Sydenham hath acquainted us with, in the second Edition of his book de Febri∣bus; where he telleth us, that after he had Sweat his Patients twenty four hours, he observed that they were so far from com∣plaining of the loss & decay of their strength by that plentiful evacuation they under∣went by Sweating; that they rather ob∣tained more life and vigour thereby: tan∣tum enim abest (saith he) ut se exinde de∣biliores factos quererentur, quin potius quan∣tum supervacanei humoris sudando dejecissent, tantundem novi roboris sibi accrevisse profi∣terentur— And that which was very obser∣vable in these pestilential Fevers was this; that towards the latter end of the foremen∣tioned Sweats, there would break forth fresh ones more natural, genuine, and eo∣pious than the former; and that without the help of Medicines, which were ac∣companied with much more ease and re∣freshment to the Patient, they being alto∣gether critical and eradicative.

Now by comparing this last observation

and those mentioned by the eminently learned and famous Diemerbroeck, with those other I just now acquainted the Reader with, we may easily observe what a necessity there is of following that advice of the learned Dr. Willis in cases of this na∣ture, which I lately quoted; and farther how many peoples lives would have been sacri∣ficed to Empirical prescriptions, had they in the forementioned distempers relyed up∣on them, there seeming to be (as I intima∣ted) some specifical difference even amongst these pestilential and malignant diseases, by reason they would not yield to one and the same method of cure, though it was rationally attempted.

And though we will allow Mr. H. that Empirical prescriptions are not like to be accompanied with those unhappy and fatal consequences in the distempers we just now discoursed of, by reason they are sometimes of a strengthening & sudorifick nature; which are generally indicated in these diseases; yet how much mischief they are like to be at∣tended with in putrid and other Epidemical Fevers, I have in part shewn already, and shall now take notice of in variolous cases.

In which I take the indications for cure to be the very same, that the judicious

Doctor Sydenham hath laid down in his book de febribus, viz.

1. The preservation of the mass of blood, during its time of separation and expulsion, in that exact and equal motion, that the pro∣trusion of the morbifick matter might nei∣ther be too hasty or precipitant, nor yet too dull or sluggish; the first (as he excellently observeth) procuring too often, violent Phrensies, or such profuse Sweats as might occasion the secretion and exclusion of those parts of the blood, which never were in∣tended or designed by Nature for that pur∣pose; the later impeding or hindering the due expulsion of the variolous matter: and therefore in the beginning of this di∣stemper, he is no less fearful of admini∣string too high Cordials, &c. than he is of Bleeding, Clysters, cooling medicines, &c.

His second indication is taken, from the time of the expulsion of the variolous pustles, into the habit of body; in which he is very careful that those Abscesses of natures pro∣truding, might be preserved in a due man∣ner, until they arrive to a state of matura∣tion and decidency. And therefore at this time is he as diligently and studiously em∣ployed to prevent the too high ebullition of the blood, lest whilst these pustles are

in their state of crudity, any of their morbi∣fick parts should be resorbed; as he is, that the blood should not grow too languid or weak, lest Nature should be unable to per∣form what is required at her hands.

Now seeing 'tis manifest, by this short account I have given of this distemper, what care and judgment ought to be used by every prudent Physician for the Cure hereof; how unfit, yea dangerous must Empirical pre∣scriptions of necessity be in cases of this na∣ture; where too great an exaltation or de∣pression of the mass of blood is alike dange∣rous, and where there may be indications for cooling remedies, or at least for those that are very temperate, as well as for Cordials?

But to proceed, we will now discourse of a Chronical distemper, viz. the Scurvy; which some of Mr. H's fraternity do pre∣tend to cure by their golden purging spirits, Spirits of Scurvey-grass, Elixir Salutis, &c. not making any observation as to the diffe∣rent constitutions of the Patients to whom they are exhibited; whereas tis undoubted∣ly true that many Patients, who are afflicted with the forementioned distemper, have the constituent principles of their blood, so much differing from others; either from an here∣ditary

indisposition, or some irregularities in the non-naturals, or the like; that some of them shall have their blood chiefly con∣stituted of dull and torpid parts, and others of hot, adust and bilious; insomuch that 'tis clear and evident, that the remedies which are indicated in one constitution, ought not to be used in the other: for where the dys∣crasie of the blood doth chiefly consist in a saline-sulphureous or impoverished mass, there remedies that are not impregnated with hot, vinous and volatile parts, may be highly serviceable, by reason they do as it were afresh actuate and enliven this flat and de∣praved blood, inspiring it with additional ferments. But then, if this sort of remedies should be exhibited to those scorbutick bo∣dies, whose diathesis of blood, spirits and other humors consist in too hot and nitro∣sulphureous parts; how soon would they upon every light occasion, be hurried into Fevers, violent tumults, heat and disorders of the whole body? the proper indications for medicines in this case, being only for such, as we call mild or temperate; which gra∣dually do calm and quiet the forementioned disorders of the blood, sedate its too fre∣quent and preternatural fermentations, and in process of time so purifie and alter it, that

it shall recover its pristine and native tem∣per.

And that I might more fully and satis∣factorily clear the truth of this assertion, I will acquaint Mr. H. what his unanswerable friend hath observed to this purpose, viz. in p. 92. of his Medela Medicinae, where he tells you, that Scurvy-grass, Water-cress, com∣mon Wormwood, Water-mint, Horse-radish, &c. do a world of mischief, and are eminently de∣structive in the Scurvey, where the disease is lodged in a blood and humors full of acidity or acrimony, and abounding with a vitious vola∣tile salt; by reason, they render the salient particles of all sorts, the more capering, turgid and unruly within the veins, and send them a gadding thence about the habit of the body; by which means a foundation is laid for Agues of all sorts, Fevers, Vertigoes, running pains, stitches, Head-aches, Cramps, Convulsions, Griping of the guts, short Breathings, strait∣ness of the Chest, Fluxes of all sorts, Gouts, Hy∣pochondriack and Hysterical passions, Inflamma∣tions, Pleurisies and all diseases of the Lungs.

Nay, so full is he in the defence of what I have discoursed of in a disease, which he would perswade the world is no less com∣mon than the Scurvy, (it having (as he saith) so corrupted the frame of Nature, that

even in Countrey-Cottages 'tis a hard matter to find a woman in puris naturalibus) that he tells us, p. 80. of the forementioned book; that the common sort of Receipt-mongers should undertake the management of this Cure, and that the wealthier sort of men should so readily venture their bodies in their hands, shews the blind boldness of the one, and the marvel∣lous indiscretion of the other. I will grant (saith he) that 'tis possible an ordinary man may be ac∣quainted with a method very good and sufficient in general against this disease, and he may do some Cures with it, &c. but that such a man should think himself fit with such a traditional method and the credit of having cured some by it, to undertake the cure in all cases, is terri∣ble to consider, since every rational Pra∣ctiser knows, there is so great a variety in the Pox it self, respecting the nature of the venome, and other qualifications of the body in which 'tis seated, that in a thousand bo∣dies infected, you shall not find two that are alike circumstantiated, or that yield concurrents so alike, as that there will arise thence the like indication for cure in the one as in the other; or that the same method and medicines may be used to one as to another, without prejudice and damage; which frequently happens to be so great, that

instead of curing this disease they exasperate it; and do often precipitate mens bodies into other destroying distempers. I might (saith he) be copious in instances to confirm this from my own observation; but that being not fit to be done, you may see enough in the observations of Hor∣stius, Zacutus, Riverius, &c. in whom you will find (as we say in our English Proverb) what is one man's meat, may be another man's poyson; what cured one of the Pox was de∣structive to another; those wise men ever varying the way and means of curing, according to the nature of the person and disease they were to deal with.

Now good Mr. H. do you and the rest of your friends seriously peruse these passages faithfully quoted out of your unanswerable book, and then tell me, what fair defence you can make in telling the world, that your Coelestial liquor will suit all palates and constitutions; that your Spirit of Scurvy∣grass incorporated with its fixed salt, with your Golden purging Spirits, will prevent the Scur∣vy and cure it also, if not of too long continuance; and if so, the later will certainly effect the cure, if the disease be curable; and therefore 'tis commended as beneficial to all persons that travel by land or sea: and that your pills are the most approved remedy for relief of mankind

against all medicable or curable distempers: yea one of your gang hath been so bold and impudent, as in publick print to tell the world, that his Pills are the true tincture of the Sun, and hath dominion from the same light; for as the Sun at its appearance giveth nourishment to all creatures, so do his pills give present relief, comfort and nourishment to all mankind; nay he tells us, that they are the greatest temporal blessing, that ever God be∣stowed upon the sons and daughters of men: and yet his Antagonist hath published to the world; that a Chymist hath made Oath, that he extracted out of a very few of these Pills near half a small vial glass of Quick-silver, which he hath sealed by him.

But, Mr. H. that I might farther inform you of what may be done by ordinary me∣dicines well managed by method, I will acquaint you with the following observa∣tions.

The first is taken out of the Lord Bacon's Natural History, who tells you, p. 16. that there be many medicines, which by themselves would do no Cure, but perhaps hurt; but being applyed in a certain order one after another, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 great Cures. I have tryed my self (saith he) a remedy for the Gout, which hath seldom fail∣ed, but driven it away in twenty four hours

space; It is first to apply a pultess, then a bath, and then a plaister; the first relaxeth the pores and maketh the humors apt to exhale; the fo∣mentation calleth forth the Humor by vapours; and the plaister repelleth new humor from fal∣ling: now saith he, The pultess alone would make the part more soft and weak, and apter to take the defluxion and impression of the humor; the fomentation alone, if it were too weak, with∣out way made by the pultess, would draw forth little; if too strong, it would draw to the part, as well as draw from it: the plaister alone, would pen the humor already contained in the part, and so exasperate it, as well as forbid new humor: therefore they must all be taken in order as is said.

The second observation shall be of the Cho∣lera morbus, a disease which is oft-times no less violent than mortal; upon which account it may truly be ranked amongst those dis∣tempers the Ancients called extremè pera∣cuti; its Symptoms being often times so violent, that in six or eight hours space, strong, and lusty men have been reduced to spasms and Convulsions, with other as well amazing as surprizing Symptoms; and yet have I seen these per acute and cruel distem∣pers relieved in a few hours space by a reme∣dy of no higher extraction than Chicken

broth; and that although the Patients have been judged both by themselves and all their Relations to have been entring the very confines of death; yet in a few dayes time they have been well and healthful again, and that without the use of any Chymical Ar∣cana.

And thus by a no less successful than ra∣tional method, hath the industrious Doctor Sydenham acquainted us with the Cure of that cruel and tormenting disease, the Iliack passion.

And I doubt not, but that ere long he will give us an account of several other prospe∣rous methods which he made use of in the Dysentery, Colick, Hysterick affections, &c. which have been attended with so speedy and happy success, that all the effectual re∣medies which Mr. H. obtain'd by his labo∣rious pains and travels, deserve not to come in competition with those Galenical pre∣scriptions methodically administred, where∣by he performed the forementioned Cures; and whatever Mr. H. may think, I am apt to believe that in process of time, that Physician will be universally judged the greatest Artist in his Faculty, who can cure diseases much more speedily, easily, and safely by the judi∣cious administration and methodical pre∣scription

of proper medicines, (though Ga∣lenical) than he that patcheth upon every post his Arcana, or giveth us large commen∣dations of his pilulae in omnes morbos, in eve∣ry printed pamphlet.

I could likewise tell Mr. H. that I could acquaint him with a •…•…alenical medicine methodically used, which hath been much more successful in the Cure of quartano Agues, than his Coelestial liquor or appropri∣ate remedies, which sometimes have been so violent in ther oper••tion, that they have endangered the translation of his Patients into a Coelestial Countrey.

I might further assure him, that I have seen a medicine so judiciously managed in some diseases accompanied with most vio∣lent, racking, and tormenting pains; that the Patients in a few hours have not only been relieved from those dreadful tortures; but by a methodical use of it, secured from all danger of a relapse; which medicine should it have been used without this due circumspection and method, it would have inevitably ruined and destroyed the Pati∣ents to whom it had been exhibited.

I could thus proceed to acquaint all ingenious persons, with what care and observation is made use of by all honest

and conscientious Physicians in the exhi∣bition of their remedies for the relief or cure of all other distempers, which are incident to humane bodies; as Hypochon∣driack Melancholy, Dropsies, Jaundies, Apoplexies, Sanguineous fluxes, &c. who being men of liberal education, and well acquainted with the component parts of humane bodies, and the causes that do or∣dinarily put them into disorders, and pro∣duce that variety of Symptoms which do usually accompany distempers; they do wisely consider, as the learned Doctor Wil∣lis hath well observed; quippe dum mani∣festò liquet, cujusmodi particulae in patiente aut alterandae, aut in motum concitandae; & quales in agente ad opus illud requiruntur, non difficile erit hoc satis aptè designare, ac ad al∣terum illud rite-accommodare.

And though, Mr. H. I will not scruple to allow you that some Chymical remedies may be of great value and excellency for their admirable efficacy in the Cure of some distempers; yet doubtless they are not to be used without methods, nor yet, where there are not fair indications for prescribing them; unless we were willing to sacrifice our Patients lives to ignorance and confidence: neither do I understand

wherefore they should be applauded in those cases, where other remedies have been experimented much more powerful and successful in their operation; which occasioned that noble Chymical Philoso∣pher Mr. Boyle to confess, that he never knew any of the vulgar Chymists Essences or Elixirs half so powerful a remedy to stanch blood, as a slight mixture of Hen-bane and white Poppy seeds, beaten up into a stiff Ele∣ctuary with Conserve of Roses; nor ever did he see such wonderful effects against spitting and vomiting of blood, of the most elaborate Chymical preparations, as he had done of a slight Syrup made of the juice of Plantane, Comfrey, &c.

But to draw near a conclusion of this discourse, I do very much hope that all ingenious persons who have taken the pains to peruse this Book, and therein observed how much pains and industry, how much learning and judgment is required to the due qualification of an able Physician; will not only gratefully own how much this Nation is endebted to the labours of the famous Universities and learned Col∣ledge of Physicians; whose members have been so indefatigably industrious in every province of Physick, as if they seemed

thereby to tell the world, that they could never rest satisfied, till they had obtained as great a perfection in their Art as it was capable of; but will likewise use their joynt endeavours to detect the folly and knavery of our London Empiricks, whose Elixirs and Panaceas may be truly assigned as more probable causes of the stubbornness and contumaciousness of our late diseases, with their great and main alterations; than the Chimerical Ternary of your unanswer∣able friends, viz. the Pox, Scurvy, and Worms; whereby many of his Majesties subjects have not only been deprived of the Cure of their distempers, but sacrificed their lives to the forementioned detestable prescriptions.

'Tis therefore likewise to be hoped, that our Soveraign Lord the King, who hath been so great an Encourager of all liberal Arts and Sciences, will imitate his Royal Prede∣cessor King Henry the Eighth, in confirming that Charter by Act of Parliament, which out of his Royal bounty he hath lately be∣stowed upon his Colledge of Physicians, whereby the mechanical successors of those old Empiricks, exactly described and cha∣racterized in 3 H. 8. may be prevented for the future, from trying experiments

upon his Majesty's Subjects; to the high displeasure of God, great infamy of the Faculty, and the grievous hurt, damage and destruction of the Kings liege people, &c.

Nay further, 'tis to be hoped, that the Chancellors of our Universities, with the grave Judges of our Land, and all other persons of ingenuous or Academick edu∣cations, will be exemplary in the encou∣ragement of this no less famous than wor∣thy Colledge; that so the Laws already made and established by the Parliaments of England, being diligently prosecuted by them, may give some check to their Empirical pride and insolency, as well as their bold invasion of this noble Art of Medicine, whereby so many of the worthy Professors of it have met with no small dis∣couragement. I shall therefore crave leave to conclude this subject with what hath been no less ingeniously than judiciously ob∣served by a very curious and inquisitive person, viz. That if Physicians, who are men of so clear judgments, so unparallel'd for industry, have no more respect or consideration than mean, empty, shallow pretenders; we may have reason to fear, that hereafter persons of so great abilities and liberal education, will

scorn to look towards a Faculty, which though honourable in its own nature, is so low and mean in the esteem of the world; that every person who hath confidence to affirm he is a Physician, although perfectly ignorant of the Rudiments of Physick, shall yet have no less countenance from the publick; than those gal∣lant persons, who after a long courtship have rendred Nature familiar, are acquainted with the causes and Cure of diseases; and who have so deserved of mankind, that I cannot but marshal them next to those divine persons, who also as these, are often slighted and neg∣lected, although of them the world is not worthy.

FINIS.