The Royal College of Physicians of London, founded and established by law as appears by letters patents, acts of Parliament, adjudged cases, &c. : and An historical account of the College's proceedings against empiricks and unlicensed practisers, in every princes reign from their first incorporation to the murther of the royal martyr, King Charles the First / by Charles Goodall ...

PROCEEDINGS Against Empiricks, &c.

In King James's Reign.

ANne Dickson appeared before the President and Censors being charged by Mr. Goldstone and 2 or 3 more for practising Physick, with which she had killed a Gen∣tleman of his acquaintance, having given him a Medicine which had wrought so violently by Vomit and Stool that he died in the operation. She confessed that she had given him Physick, but said it was innocent; but the matter of fact was so notorious, and the event so fatal, that she was forthwith committed to Prison and fined 5 l.

Dr. Saul, being made one of the Queen's Physicians, and yet an illiterate and ignorant person in his profession: the Col∣lege ordered the following Letter to be presented to the Right Honourable the Lord Sidney.

RIght Honorable and our very good Lord: The great care that your good Lordship hath for the preservati∣on of her Majestie's health, as it is right well knowen to others, so hath it been fully signified unto us, by the speech of Dr. Browne Physition to his most excellent Majesty. In regard whereof we perceive by him, it is your pleasure that your Lordship might be rightly and thoroughly enfourmed of the true sufficiency of one Saul, who is entertained into

her Majestie's service; a matter of noe small moment touching her Majestie's health and safety. Wherein we are thus much to say, in respect of our bounden duty, and upon our credits: That this said Saul in the year 1591. made his appearance at our College upon one of our solemne meeting daies, there to be examined for his skill and sufficiency in Physick, and there being orderly opposed in the Latine tongue according to our custome and as we are bound to do, stood mute and answered not one woord, ether for that he woold not or coold not understand us. Then being de∣manded in English, what part of Galen, or other good Au∣thors he had read; He answered that he had read Galen all over. Then being required to name some one book or other of the said Author that he said he had read, to the end he might have been examined with all favour in that book which he was best acquainted with, He coold not so much as name any one book of his. And for that he then shewed us certain Letters testimonial of his Doctorship at the Universi∣ty of Leyden, (gotten by what corrupt and indirect means we know not) we requested him to impart those questions un∣to us, wherein he answered when he proceeded Doctor. But herein also he refused to name any one of them unto us. Whereupon his ignoraunce so manifestly appeared unto us, as we coold do no lesse upon our Oathes then to forbid him from practice at that time: and thereupon immediately wrote our Letters to one Heurnius Doctor of the Chair there, sharply reprehending him for committing such an error, and for suffering such grosse abuses to the great discredit of themselves and their University: who promised the like fault should never be committed again. And from that time till now of late, we never heard more of this Saul: and doe not a little marveile, how he cometh by this credit in Physick, unlesse either by infusion, learning hath been powered into him; or els by some extraordinary means, he hath of late obtained a special gift of healing. And thus having most faithfully discharged our dutie to your good Lordship, not with any malitious mind to the party, but in regard of our loyall fidelitie to her Majestie; we most humbly take our leave.

About the Second year of King Iames his Reign a Copy of the Surgeons Letters Patents (which they had procured from the King's Majesty for enlarging their Privileges) was read to the College, which being found long and full of Law subtilties; It was ordered that some of the Fellows should examine and compare their Old Charter with their New; which being done and reported to the College, the President with two of the Elects waited upon the Lord Cranbourne to acquaint him what great inconveniences and mischiefs would ensue, not onely as to the privileges of the College of Physicians, but likewise as to the publick good of the whole kingdom, in case their Letters Patents were passed. Notwithstanding, the Surgeons presented a Petition in Parliament to procure an authority for prescribing inward as well as outward medicines in Wounds, Ulcers, and French Pox, a Copy of which is the following.

To the Honourable Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Com∣mons in his Majestie's high Court of Parliament assembled.

The humble Petition of the Masters or Governors of the Mystery and Commonalty of Barbers and Surgeons of London.

Most humbly shewing,

THat whereas it hath pleased his Majestie to grant unto the College of Physicians of London a Patent under his Majestie's great Seal of England, and thereby hath given them not onely many large privileges and other grants but also power to call and convent before them in London and 7 miles compasse, and to examine upon Oath the ser∣vant or attendant upon any person or persons that shall ei∣ther give or take Physick, and in fine to imprison at their

pleasure all such persons as doe or shall administer any inter∣nall remedy whatsoever; By reason whereof they doe not onely take unto themselves the Arts of the Physician, Chi∣rurgion and Apothecary, but doe likewise goe about to re∣straine your Petitioners from using unto their grieved and wounded Patients such wound-drinks, Potions and other inward remedies as they by their long practice, study and tried experience have found most necessary for the recovery of their diseased Patients as well in the City of London, as in all his Majestie's services both by Sea and Land, in pre∣serving both their lives and limbs, and without which ma∣ny times they cannot performe their Cures nor give such speedy ease and remedy to the grieved Patients, as other∣wise they may and can doe; which Patent is very prejudicial not onely to your Petitioners, but to all his Majestie's sub∣jects who shall have occasion to use their help, and will prove a great and heavy burthen to the Common-wealth in gene∣ral, when for every hurt apperteyning to the Chirurgions cure the Patient must be forced to entertain a Surgeon, a Physician and an Apothecary.

The humble Suite of your Petitioners is, that this honou∣rable House will be pleased to take the same Patent into your grave considerations, and the unlawfull privileges and hurtfull power to them given to set Fines, to take Recogni∣zances, inflict Imprisonments, and other authorities grie∣vous to his Majestie's subjects, and to them given by the same Patent, being by your wisdomes weighed and examined, and the Petitioners with their Councell heard, that this honourable House upon hearing thereof, being truly infor∣med of the said generall wrong, such course may be therein taken through your Justice and grave Wisdomes, as may tend to the relief of your Petitioners and the good of the Common-wealth. And they as in duty bound, shall daily pray to God for your ever during prosperities, &c.

Your Petitioners preferring their Petition to his High∣nesse touching the Premises, his Majesty was thereby gra∣ciously pleased to leave the Petitioners free to seek any

lawfull remedy for their grievances either in Parliament or otherwise.

Rich. Cooper.

Tho. Allen.

Rich. Mapes.

E. Ingolsbye.

Will. Clowes.

Iohn Woodall.

Tho. Bonham.

Christoph. Frederick.

C. Primrois.

Ioseph Fenton.

Rich. Wateson.

Iames Mullins.

This Petition was rejected by the Parliament and thrown out, to their no small disappointment and regret. After this ill usage of the College, the Surgeons desired a conference to take away all occasion of future offence and to maintain mu∣tual friendship, being informed how highly the College re∣sented this ill action of theirs. They protested that there was nothing attempted by them to infringe College privileges, yet confessed that their Bill was very unjust and unreasonable; which (they said) was not theirs but their Councels fault; who designing to express great cunning and subtilty in draw∣ing of it, perverted the true sense, intended by them. The President replied, that it had been more prudently and fairly acted, if they had consulted the College and taken their advice, before they attempted the passing of a Bill of this nature, for it was now apparent that they endeavoured clan∣cularly and by mean tricks to have procured an Act of Parlia∣ment to the great prejudice of Physicians and the very subver∣sion of the College. They endeavoured to excuse themselves by declaring that they never intended any such thing. But the case was so plain, that there was no denial of it. How∣ever the President told them, that if they had any thing to offer to the College, they should bring it in writing; which if thought just and reasonable, they might expect the Colleges encouragement and assistance; provided they brought not along with them any member who had behaved himself rude∣ly and insolently towards the College; whereof one of them having been guilty, and afterwards ingenuously confessing his fault, was pardoned and received again into favour.

About this time it was ordered by the College, that Mr. Nicholas the Keeper of Woodstreet Compter should be pro∣secuted

at law, for releasing an Empirick (sent to his Prison by the Censors Warrant) without their consent.

Dr. Jacob Domingo, being accused of practice and behaving himself insolently and rudely towards the College, was by the Censors committed to prison; but afterwards acknow∣ledging his fault and declaring that what he said, was in passion and precipitantly, for which he was heartily sorry and begg'd pardon, he was discharged from prison without a fine, upon condition of his payment of the Fees due to the Keeper of the Prison, and abstaining from practice for the fu∣ture. After this, he was cited and appeared, and being asked by what authority he practised Physick, he told them that he had a Licence to practise; which being demanded, it was found that he had a Licence to practice in the Countrey but not in London nor within 7 miles of the same. It was there∣fore order'd by the College, that he should be committed to prison propter contemptum. Not long after being cited again, he appeared before the Censors and passed his examination for Licentiate intra urbem, which was granted him, he being found worthy thereof, and obliged to pay the usual Fees due from Licentiates.

Dr. Bonham, being examined by the President and Censors, was dismissed quia minus aptèrespondit; About 7 months after he was examined a second time, but giving no satisfaction, he was required to follow his Studies more diligently, and to appear at the next general Court. A twelvemonth after he was examined a third time, but because he gave little satisfaction to the Censors, he was fined 5 l. for practice, to be paid the next Comitia; or else to be committed to Prison. About 6 months after, it was order'd by the Censors, that seeing Dr. Bonham had been often cited and not appeared, he should be arrested by the authority of the Censors, and committed to Prison with a fine of 20 l. About a month after, he ap∣peared before the President and Censors, and behaved himself very insolently, declaring that he had and would practise Physick in despight of the College, neither would he give any obedience to the President or Censors, they having no authority over those who had taken their degrees in Physick in our own Universities. And to prove this, he

brought his Councell along with him, who endeavoured to distort the Statutes to that sense. But the President and Cen∣sors considering the whole cause with its circumstances, com∣mitted the Doctor forthwith to Prison. In the same month Dr. Bonham's Case was heard before the Judges of the King's Bench, by whose authority he was released out of prison: But upon new practice proved against him, he was again committed; after which, he procured Letters in his behalf from the Archbishop of Canterbury; but upon the application of the President, Censors and Register to his Grace, acquain∣ting him with the whole matter of fact, their proceedings at Law, the opinion of the Judges, their success in their triall, their readiness to pardon him upon his submission and ac∣knowledgment of his errour, and revocation of that Suit commenced against the College; He declared himself fully satisfied with the Justice and equity of the College in their proceedings, and professed that in case he did not submit up∣on the terms proposed, he was unworthy their favour, neither should he for the future intercede for him.

William Foster, a Surgeon in Fanchurch street, was complain∣ed of for hanging out a table at his door, in which he exposed to sale a powder for the Green-sickness. Being charged with this, he pretended that it was his Wife's doing without his consent. Some of the Fellows declaring that they had heard the powder was dangerous and had prejudiced several persons; he replyed, that his Wife had injured none by the use of it, but relieved many, naming 2 persons. Upon this, it was order'd that he and his Wife should appear next Court, and bring along with them the receipt of this powder; which if he neglected, the College would proceed to a more severe censure against him. Accordingly he and his wife appeared at the time appointed, and endeavoured to excuse this crime by the example of others, who were guilty of the same; to which was answered, that they likewise in due time should be cited and punished. They acknowledged their fault and begged the College's pardon, which was granted them upon condition that for the future they medled not with the affairs of Physick.

Arthur Dee was summoned before the Censors for much the same crime; he having hanged out a table, in which he exposed to sale several Medicines, by which many diseases were said to be certainly cured. This crime was esteemed such an intolerable cheat and imposture, that the Censors ordered him to appear with his remedies in order to the inflict∣ing a due penalty upon him.

Alphonsus de Sancto Victore was brought before the Censors for practising Physick without Licence. Being examined, he was found a very ignorant man, educated in the Camp not in the Schools. He was charged for killing a London Merchant sick of a Dropsie, whom he bled under the tongue and took above 3 pints of bloud from him: likewise for undertaking the cure of another person for 20 l. of which he had 5 l. in hand, and left him in a much worse condition than he found him: He was therefore interdicted practice.

Mr. Hutton, an Apothecary, being often summoned by the Beadle to appear before the Censors, and yet refusing, the Censors gave order that he should forthwith be committed to prison for this his contempt. But he coming to the College and humbly begging their pardon, and promising for the fu∣ture that he would solely apply himself to his trade, the Cen∣sors pardon'd him his former faults upon condition of perform∣ing his present engagements.

William Turner, Batchelor of Physick in Oxford, having lived 2 years in London and practised Physick therein, was cited to appear before the Censors; by whom being asked by what authority he practised in London, he first pleaded his privilege as having taken a Degree in Physick in one of our Universities, then as being a Citizen of London; But when it was shewn him, that neither of these could bear him out in the breach of those privileges granted to the College of Physicians by Act of Parliament, he submitted to the Censors judgment and was ordered next Comitia to pass his examination, as a testimony of his ability, and was in the interval forbidden practice. He afterwards was examined, approved and admitted of the College.

Robert Swaine was complained of by 2 sufficient witnesses, that he had given a medicine to one Mary Walker a Woman

with Child, with which she miscarried the day after; And he being summoned and not appearing, It was ordered by the President and Censors that he should be fined 5 l. and com∣mitted to Prison (if he could be taken) which was according∣ly done the same month. It appearing afterwards from his own confession and the accusation of others that he did not desist from practice (though he had twice obliged himself to the College de non practicando) he was committed to prison with a fine of 5 l.

Rose Griff•• was complained of by Helen Piers for mala praxis, in that she had given to her and several other Women big with Child such remedies as put them into violent vomiting and stools with great danger of their lives: She confessed that she had given Lozenges of Antimony, pulvis sanctus, purging potions of Sarsa-paril. Senna, Hermodactyls, &c. For which she was arrested in the name of the College and sent to Prison.

Thomas Woodhouse, a Surgeon, was cited to appear before the President and Censors for practising Physick, but no witness appearing against him, he was dismissed. He was afterwards summoned upon the same account, when upon examination he confessed that he had given a certain Pill, which he called Pantalagogon, and a Cathartick diet. He was required by the Censors to bring along with him 5 l. the next Comitia as a mulct for this offence, or else he should be committed to Prison.

Henoch Clapham appeared before the President and Censors, being charged for setting up Bills on several posts in the City, wherein there were large promises made of the cure of several diseases. This he confessed, but withall he said, that he was ignorant of the College Privileges, neither had he committed any thing willingly against the Laws. Wherefore he was for∣bidden practice, which he promised not to be guilty of for the future.

Dr. Tenant was accused by Mrs. Randol, who came before the President and Censors in the beginning of October, and witnessed that Dr. Tenant had visited a servant of hers about a month before, and had given him purging pills 4 days toge∣ther, and likewise powders 4 days more, with which he had

been purged so much beyond his strength, that she despaired of his life. She farther testified that the Dr. had undertaken his cure for 6 l. (of which he had received 40 s.) Which cure he was so far from performing, that whereas he had a tolerable stomach before, since the Doctor's undertaking him he had not tasted any thing, but pined away and now was dead of a Marasmus. Not long after, an Apothecary complained a∣gainst the Dr. for his prescribing to a servant 2 pills for which he had 12 s. and at night a little Syrup for which he had 20 s. and after that some other Syrup for which he received 12 s. which were no advantage to the Patient, he dying in a few days of a flux of bloud. One Mr. S••gar King at Arms, with his wise, complained to the College against him, in that he had undertaken the cure of an Hydropical Gentlewoman, and had received of her 30 l. partly for his pains and partly for his Medicines (whose price he had advanced beyond all reason and conscience) yet left her without a cure. He was so im∣pudent and unconscionable in the rating of his medicines, that he charged one Pill at 6 l. and an Apozeme at the same price. After this, one Mrs. Whitney and Mr. Fulres came to the Presi∣dent and Censors, and charged Dr. Tenant with mala praxis, in that he had given to her husband (not very ill, but onely com∣plaining of a gentle preternatural heat) one Pill of the bigness of a pease, for which he had 6 s. the operation of which was such, that it never ceased from Vomiting and Purging him from Friday morning till Sunday, at which time it had given him 40 Vomits and 30 Stools, with so great violence, that he shortly after died. He was arrested by order of the President and Censors for evil practice and contempt, &c. fined 20 l. and committed to Prison. Afterwards, an order was given for prosecuting him at Law, upon which he engaged a person of Quality to be his Advocate to the College that they might not proceed in their Suit against him; which was granted upon the payment of 20 l. fine, and 10 l. for practice and Costs of Suit. He was interdicted practice; yet it was proved again upon him in a short time, having taken of one 27 l. for the cure of a Quartan Ague which still remained: Of another 20 l. for the cure of the Stone without advantage; of another 6 l. for the cure of a Lientery. Upon his sight of the Urine of one of

his Majestie's Guards, he declared that the night following he should have a grievous Fit, and the same day se'night should die. The man yet lives and is like to recover. Upon these and the like complaints the College commenced a fresh Suit against him.

Thomas Dowsing and his Wife complained to the President and Censors against one Aire, who had given to their daugh∣ter a Medicine in the form of a Lozenge, which wrought so violently with her, that she never ceased Vomiting first hu∣mour, then bloud (though various sorts of remedies were used) untill she died.

Peter Chamberleyne a Surgeon, was charged by Dr. Ridley for prescribing an Electuary to Mr. Lile's son; and Pills to a Girl, which procured a continual purging for 3 days. The Presi∣dent reproving him for practising Physick against the Laws, told him, that if he did not desist from practice, he must ex∣pect to be dealt with more severely. About 3 months after, Dr. Rawlins accused him of illegal and evil practice, in that he had undertaken the cure of a person complaining of an Arthritick disease, by Unction, Sweating Potions, Purging Physick, &c. for which he was fined 5 Marks, and obliged to give bond for the payment. He paid 3 l. 4 months after, and upon his submission was remitted the rest. He was again charged by Mr. Patinson for practising Physick upon one Mrs. Blosse, which at first he would have excused; but then inge∣nuously confessed it, and was onely fined 4 Marks. Some time after a fine of 40 s. was imposed upon him de praxi medica il∣licita & mala. He notwithstanding persisted in practice, con∣fessing that he gave a drink to a Gentlewoman for 3 days to dry up a moisture that (he supposed) came from her back, for which he was fined and committed to prison: and though ap∣plication was made to the College by the Lord Mayor, yet the President and Censors would not consent to his release, because he was committed pro mala praxi. A Petition not long after was presented to the College against him for under∣taking a cure for 10 l. (of which he had received half:) and left the Patient worse than he found her. He was likewise complained of for mala praxis in Child-bed women, &c. upon which the Censors interdicted him all practice.

Mr. Doughton, a Surgeon, was complained of by Mr. Flud an Attorney, for that he had undertaken the cure of his Wife, ill of a Maniack distemper, for 20 l. and had done her little or no good; for after a month or two she relapsed into as bad a condition as formerly. But he confessing his fault, and having been never before convicted of the like, the President and Censors inflicted onely a fine of 40 s. upon him, with an ad∣monition that for the future he should not intrude himself into a profession that he understood not. After this, he was char∣ged with a very inhumane and unskilfull practice upon a wo∣man in labour, by which both Mother and Infant perished, which was proved against him by the Midwife: Wherefore the President and Censors order'd his repayment of 5 l. which he received by agreement, and required a bond of 200 l. that he should never profess or practise Midwifery for the fu∣ture.

Edward Putman, an old German Impostor, brought a Letter from the Earl of Exceter in favour of himself; Wherefore he was examined leniter tentandi causa by the President and Cen∣sors; But found so egregiously ignorant that he knew not the definition of a disease nor the several species thereof. Where∣fore it was agreed by the Censors, that out of respect to the Right honourable the Earl of Exceter, he should be pardoned for his former Practice, but interdicted for the future; and that a Letter should be sent to the Earl to acquaint him with the proceedings of the College in this affair.

Mrs. Sadler, being charged of illegal practising Physick, she appeared with 3 or 4 of her Neighbours, and confessed that she had given some Compositions, which by chance might purge twice or thrice; but she gave no Medicines. This vain excuse of hers deserved a greater punishment; but at that time the Censors onely order'd, that her Neighbours which she brought along with her should engage on her behalf, that she should not practise for the future; which they did, by subscribing their names to a Paper drawn up for that pur∣pose.

Philippus Bernardinus, an Italian, was charged for selling a purging Medicine, which he pretended was not brought into England by him, but vended for a Merchant, to whom he was

to give an account; but withall confessed, that he had given one dose of it to a person sick of a Fever. Wherefore he was obliged in a bond of 40 l. to appear at the next Comitia; which he did, and was by the Censors fined 20 l. and ordered to be imprisoned untill that sum was paid.

Mrs. Paine, a bold and impudent woman, was complained of by a Gentlewoman for practising Physick and undertaking the cure of several persons; amongst whom, was a Son of hers of 13 years old, to whom she gave (as she said) gentle Pills, which wrought the same day 40 times, and the day after near as many: She then anointed the Child's body, head, and all parts (the Stomach onely excepted) for 3 days, and for 9 days after sweat him with hot tyles, never suffering him to go out of his bed; Notwithstanding a salivation appeared not, but his Jaws and glands swelled so violently, that they despair∣ed of the Child's life. After this, a servant of one Mr. Crow∣der appeared before the President and Censors, testifying that he was sent to Mrs Paine, and that she alone (without any other advice) had undertaken the cure of his Master, and had received of him 5 l. which she thought too mean a reward, having neglected more valuable Patients at the same time. At her first coming to him he was so well, that he could walk about his Garden; but having taken from her a Vomit and preparatory Medicine, and after that been anointed thrice on his head, back, breast, armes and thighs with a Mercurial Ointment, he died under her cure. She being hereupon sum∣moned to appear before the President and Censors, pretended that all she had done was by the order and authority of Dr. Bonham. But being a second time cited to appear before them upon a penalty of 40 s. and yet neglecting to come, she was fined 10 l. and order given for her commitment to prison, with a total prohibition of practice.

In the 7th year of this King's Reign, the following War∣rant was sent from the King's Council to the Magistrates of the City of London for the attachment of Empiricks.

To all Justices, Mayors, Sheriffs, Bailiffs, Constables, Headboroughs, and all other his Majestie's Officers and Ministers to whom this shall or may appertain within the City of London, Suburbes and Liber∣ties thereof, and the limitts within men∣tioned, and to every and either of them.

WHereas by the Laws and Statutes of this Realm, power is given to the President of the College or Commonaltie of the faculty of Physick within the City of London and Suburbes thereof and seaven miles compass of the same for the time being, or to such as the same President and College for the time being, shall according to the Statute in that behalf made, authorize, to have the fyne, search, correction and government of all persons using the faculty of Phy∣sick within the limits aforesaid, and to punish all such as shall unlawfully use or practise the said faculty within the same Precincts, contrary to the true intent and meaning of the Statute in that case made, with this further authority, that all Iustices, Mayors, She∣riffs, Bailiffs, Constables and other Ministers and Officers within the City of London and Precinct afore∣said, upon request to them made, should help, aid and assist the President of the said College and all persons by the said President and Commonalty from time to time authorized for the due execution of the Acts and Sta∣tutes in that behalf made, upon pain for not giving such aid, help and assistance, to run in contempt of the King's Majestie, his Heirs and Successors. Now forasmuch as we have been enformed by the President of the College, that there are sundry unskilfull persons within the precincts and limitts aforesaid, who doe use

and practise the said faculty contrary to the same Sta∣tutes of this Realm in that case provided, and to the great peril and danger of the lives of many of his Ma∣jestie's subjects; These are to will and require you and in his Majestie's name streightly to charge and com∣mand you, that henceforth at all time and times you according to the tenour of the said Act be aiding and assisting to the said President and to those that shall be lawfully authorized by the said President and Col∣lege, for the apprehending of all such persons as shall unlawfully use and practise the said faculty within the limits aforesaid contrary to the intent and meaning of the Statutes aforesaid, when they or any of them shall give you notice of and require, and thereupon to bring them before the said President or those authorised as aforesaid to their College, there to be examined and proceeded against as to the Law in that case shall ap∣pertain. Whereof fail you not, as you and every of you will answer the contempt in that behalf made. Yeven under our hands at Whitehall the xxiiiith. day of July An. Dom. 1609. and in the seventh year of the Reigne of our Sovereign Lord James by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. and of Scotland the two and fortieth.

R. Cant.

T. Ellesmer Canc.

R. Salisbury,

H. Northampton,

T. Suffolk,

W. Knollys,

J. Stanhope,

Jul. Caesar,

Tho. Parry,

Tho. Fleming.

Jo. Corbet.

About 13 years after, the King was pleased to send a Let∣ter to the President and Censors of the College, requiring them to summon all illegal and ignorant practitioners, in or∣der to examine their sufficiency, and to punish the insuffici∣ent according to the Laws in that case provided. The Con∣tents of which are as follow.

To our trusty and welbeloved the President and Censors of the College of Physicians within our Cittie of London.

JAMES R.

TRusty and welbeloved, We greet you well. Whereas the Art of Physick by many unlearned men (making gain by the profession thereof to the great hurt and prejudice of many of our loving subjects) is much abused in many places in this our Realm, but especially in our City of London, and the Suburbes thereof, the government whereof (as touching the practice of the said Art and the practitioners thereof) being by the Lawes and Statutes of the Realme, com∣mitted unto you the President and Censors of our College of Physicians, and you having also from us by our Letters Patents more ample authority for the suppression and correction of such Delinquents; We therefore minding, so farre as in us lyeth, the speedy reformation of all such abuses and inconveniences, do by these presents, as heretofore, yet more strictly, charge and command you the President and Censors aforesaid to call before you all such irregular and ignorant Practi∣tioners, as contrary to our Lawes and authority do abuse that Art, and to examine their sufficiency; and such as you shall find not sufficient, to punish for their said practice, according to our Lawes in that case pro∣vided. And whereas we are credibly given to under∣stand that many having been punished and warned by you to desist from any further practice, do yet obsti∣nately notwithstanding persist in the former contempt of our Laws and commandments, We will and com∣mand you that you proceed against such Delinquents with all severity according to the tenor of our said Letters Patents and the due course of our Lawes by fine and imprisonment, or by causing them to enter

into Recognisances with condition restraining them to offend any more, or otherwise as the case shall re∣quire and is agreeable to Iustice. And our will and pleasure is, that such offendors as shall be so imprison∣ed shall there remaine without being enlarged, unlesse it be upon their conformity and submission to you the said President and Censors, or other due course of Law. Wherein we require all our Iudges and Iustices, that they be very carefull and circumspect not to do any thing that may give encouragement to such offendors, by enlarging any such too easily without due examina∣tion of the causes of their Commitment, first calling thereto the President and Censors or some of them, to declare the true reasons and causes thereof. And whereas we are given to understand that oftentimes upon the sollicitation of some or other friend or person of Quality, suiter to you for the sad Delinquents after their conviction, you have been moved to wink at their faults and neglect their punishment, to the great preju∣dice of the health of many of our poor subjects, Our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby streightly charge and command you, that henceforth neither for favour, friendship, or respect of any you forbeare the just censure and punishment due by our Lawes to such Delinquents, as you shall answere us on the contrary at your peril; and that you require the aide and assistance of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of our City of London (whom by our Letters we have so required to do) for your better expedition in the execution of this our Royal will and commandment, not doubting but that you with more care will seek to suppresse such intolerable abuses, and satisfy our trust in this case committed to you. Given under our signet at our Palace of Westminster the se∣cond day of July in the twentieth yeare of our reign of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland, the five and fiftieth.

At the same time another Letter was sent from the King to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Justices of London, the Copy of which is the following.

WHereas in the time of our Predecessors of fa∣mous memory, by several Acts of Parliament, as also by our late Charter, there hath been sufficient provision and power given and granted to the College of Physicians in London to reforme and suppresse all and singular unlawfull and unlearned practitioners in Physick, and hearing neverthelesse that divers unskil∣full and unlearned men and women do rashly adventure to enter into the practice of Physick to the great danger and hurt of our subjects; We therefore now finding that neither Acts of Parliament, nor our Charter hereto∣fore granted, have for want of execution wrought such good effects as we wish alwayes for the good of our subjects, do by these presents charge you the Lord May∣or, Aldermen and Iustices of peace within our City of London and the precincts, that with all readynesse you do aide and assist the President and Censors for the time being of our College of Physicians in London, or such Officers as the President and the said College shall ap∣point, in the doing of all such things as by the said Acts of Parliament or Charter ought to be done for suppressing of all and every such person or persons, as contrary to the Laws of our Realme, or Charter or Acts of Parliament aforesaid shall dare to adventure in the practice of Physick upon any our subjects in the City of London, the Suburbes and precincts of the same, or within seven miles thereof. And to the intent that this our purpose tending to the safety of our subjects, and the suppression of irregular practitioners, may with more diligence and authority be effected, We do will and command you the Lord Mayor of the City of Lon∣don, that at your next Sessions these our Letters may be so read and published, that all Iustices of peace as well within our said City, as also the Suburbes and pre∣cincts of the same, may take knowledge of this our pleasure and command.

Mrs. Bryers, and old woman, was convicted of mala praxis, fined 5 l. and ordered to be imprisoned. After this, having given security that she would not practise for the future; yet prescribing Unctions, Sudorificks, Ointments, Plasters, Po∣tions, &c. to several persons; Her bond was put in suit against her Security, and a new mulct laid upon her.

Nicholas Rowland, a Surgeon, being accused for practising Physick and that proved against him by witness, was fined 10 l. de praxi pessima, and order given for his imprisonment.

Mr. Holland, an Apothecary, was charged for practising Phy∣sick upon several persons; which being proved, he was fined 5 l. and ordered to be forthwith imprisoned without present satisfaction given to the College. But he continuing contuma∣cious, all the members of the College were prohibited writing of Bills to his shop, or making use thereof, untill he had clear∣ed himself de non exercenda medicina. After this, he appeared before the President and Censors, and declared his readiness to acknowledge the College authority; but giving no other testimony thereof, but onely desiring his fine might be remit∣ted, he was heard no further, but dismissed. A few months after He attended the President and Censors a second time, and being asked whether he would pay his fine and ac∣knowledge his offence; He then begg'd the Colleges pardon, paid his fine, and promised that for the future he would be∣have himself respectfully to them; upon which account, his censure was remitted, and he received into favour. But being afterwards complained of by Dr. Wineston, that he did support Mr. Buggs, who stood in opposition to the College; he denied any combination with him, yet confessed that he had made Phy∣sick for Mr. Bland and other illegal practisers; which was like∣wise plainly proved by his file of Bills that were sent for. After some time the President sent the 4 Censors to visit his shop, where besides divers bills found upon the file written by Empi∣ricks and ignorant Mountebanks (of which they brought some away) they also found false compositions of Medicines, not made according to the rule of the London Dispensatory, which he was bound to observe; Wherefore the Censors ordered that those medicines should be forthwith destroyed, which was ac∣cordingly done.

Dr. Eyre was cited before the College for practising phy∣sick in London without Licence. Upon his appearance he gave no satisfaction to the President and Censors, wherefore they order'd his prosecution at Law, and had a Verdict against him de praxi illegitima; upon which he applyed himself to the College, begged their friendship, and promised submission. Then he was examined by the President and Censors; but not giving satisfaction of his ability for practice, He was rejected; and about 2 years after summoned to give an account by what authority he practised Physick in London; He replied that he practised in the Countrey not in the City, but thought he might, as being born here. But practice being proved against him, the Censors told him that they would sue him de praxi illegitima pro ann. But he paying 20 l. de praxi praeterita to the Treasurer of the College, the Censors let fall their suit. But he being after guilty of ill practice (which was proved against him) the Censors unanimously fined him 10 l. and order'd his imprisonment, which latter was dispensed with up∣on condition that he would at the next publick Comitia own his obligations to the President, Censors and College for this their favour, which he readily promised and performed both in person and writing, paying likewise the fine imposed upon him. After this he was examined in order to his admissi∣on into the College; which examination having passed, He was required to take great care and caution in his practice, and in difficult cases to call to his assistance some of his Col∣leagues.

Dr. Burgess having been in Orders and now practising Phy∣sick in London, was summoned before the President and Cen∣sors to give an account by what authority he practised in this City contrary to the Statute-Law of this Kingdom. He in∣genuously consessed; Not by any authority, but by the indul∣gence of the College; and told them he had formerly offered himself to examination, though he had not yet been exami∣ned. The President replied, that by a Statute of the College (which was read by the Register) they could not examine, admit, or permit any to the practice of Physick, who had been in Holy Orders. Besides, if the Statutes of the College would allow it, He told him, that an admission to a person

that had been so qualified, was repugnant to the Statute Laws of the Kingdom and Canons Ecclesiastical. He replied with great temper and candour, that he would not contra∣dict either the one or the other, but lay down practice in London. After this, he was convened a second time before the President and Censors and interdicted the practice of Physick within the College Liberties, to which he submitted, and promised that he would speedily betake himself to the Country. Some of the Fellows of the College were com∣plained of for consulting with him.

About the 10th. year of this King's Reign, the following Letter was sent to the College of Physicians (upon the death of the Countess of Rutland) by the Right Honourable the Lord Viscount Lisle, to summon before them one Mr. Talbot, a Fellow of Merton College in Oxford, to enquire into the Medicines prescribed by him in this noble Ladies Case, that so they might find whether either by presumption or unskil∣fulness her Honour's end was procured or hastned; the Con∣tents of which Letter are the following.

To the Right Worshipfull the President and College of Physicians in London.

AFter my very heartie commendations, I have thought it fit to give you knowledge that on Friday last being the 31th. of Julie, the Countesse of Rutland my worthy and deare Niece did depart this life. Among other that did mi∣nister Physick unto her during her sicknesse here in London, was one Mr. Talbott, a Fellow of Merton College in Oxford, whose proceedings with her, and the Medicines he gave her (for during the time he was with her no body but he did prescribe any thing unto her) are greatly suspected, if not to have procured, yet to have much hasten'd her end. Of this no man can better speak than three of your owne College Dr. Gifford, Dr. Fox and Dr. Poe, who came unto her when she left the other, and took great pains with her: Likewise at her death, and some days before Mr. Abraham

Allen the King's Surgeon did attend her. My request is, that you will heare what they will say, and accordingly call the said Mr. Talbott afore you; and if you doe find that ei∣ther by presumption in him or unskilfulnesse (for from any malice I do absolutely discharge him) that noble Lady's end were procured or hastned, you will take such course in censuring and punishing of him, that the respect due unto a person of her estate departed as she is, may be observed, and that his example may be a warning to others to proceed with conscience and discretion, when they take the charge of the life of any upon them. I have lost a most beloved and kind Kinswoman in the flower of her age; and there∣fore do greatly desire a true accompt of the reason of her death. And so I commit you to the protection of the Al∣mighty.

At Baynard's Castle, the 2d. of August, 1612.

Your very loving friend, R. Lisle.

In the 12th. year of King James his Reign, some of the Members of the College being required to find Arms, the College appointed two of their Fellows, viz. Sir William Pad∣dy and Dr. Lister to solicite their cause (with the Recorder of London, the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen) in the be∣half of the Fellows, Candidates and Licentiates for immu∣nity from the charge of service for Men or Armour: Where∣upon Sir William Paddy, accompanied with Dr. Lister, before Sir Tho. Middleton, Knight, then Lord Mayor, and a full Court of Aldermen, upon the fourth of October, 1614. after a short preamble made (that is to say, that the Fellows of the Col∣lege of Physicians of London became Suiters unto the Lord Mayor and that honourable Court, that it would please them to take into their considerations the privileges granted unto the College by Acts of Parliament, whereby they were, as heretofore they have been, exempted from the charge of ser∣vice) proceeded to the Reasons following.

First, applying his speech to Sir Henry Montague, Recorder for the City, he desired him that he would indifferently per∣use

the words in the preamble of the Act of Parliament reci∣ted thus, In consideration, &c.

Herein may it please this honourable Court, not onely all Articles, Graunts and other things contained in the Letters Patents, but also for enlargement of further Articles for the said College, are to be interpreted available to the said Col∣lege, in as large and ample manner as may be taken, thought and construed by the same 14 Hen. 8.

Then may it please you to observe, that in the 32d. of H. 8. they and every of them of the said Body Corporate or Fellow∣ship and their Successours shall at all time and times after the making of the said Act be discharged to keep any Watch or Ward in the said City of London or the suburbs of the same. And here the said Sir William requested them to note the word [any] which in true weight of construction was to be extended, as if that Clause had been in more words expressed.

Then he farther urged that for the Chirurgeons, where in the first entrance of the Act, it was thought expedient by the wisedom of the Land to provide for men expert in the Science of Physick and Chirurgery.

And therefore when it followeth, that in this Act of Par∣liament the Chirurgeons by express word are exempt from the bearing of Armour, it may truly inferr, that Physicians are exempted (as before) from any Watch or Ward; as al∣so Physicians here recited in the preamble, should receive a greater or at least the same immunity; especially since Physi∣cians are by their Science Chirurgeons without further exa∣mination and approbation to be had from the Bishop of Lon∣don, whereunto mere Chirurgeons are subject.

Then a grave and reverend Knight, an Alderman of the Bench, replyed, That he took, the words in the Act of Par∣liament for the Chirurgeons (viz. bearing of Arms) were to free their persons, and not to exempt them from the charge of the service.

Whereunto Sir William Paddy answered, under his favour and the Judgment of the Bench and Mr. Recorder, that the difference between bearing and wearing of Armour was such, that the very Etymon of the word bearing, as in many other ca∣ses, comprehended both, and therefore should give immunity from both.

And therewithall Sir William Paddy added this Reason, that by the wisedom of the Land it must needs be intended Physici∣ans of the College should be exempted from this and other like services for that in the time of all outward War or dome∣stick, they or some of them do attend the Armies in person; whereof he there exhibited a Catalogue of divers he had from the Register. And now may it please you my Lord Mayor and this honourable Court, we address our selves onely to you, under whose government we are seated, and with love we seek from you favourable construction for just relief; which as in your worth you have always afforded to all, so do we assure our selves you will dispense unto us, who live best by your love, and will ever be ready to do you ser∣vice.

Then Mr. Recorder perusing every branch of the Statutes recited, and the reasons urged, and opening every part there∣of at large, did gravely and judicially conclude, that the Acts of Parliament did surely intend to give to the College as much immunity as in any sort to the Chirurgeons.

Whereupon the Court desired to have a true Catalogue of the Fellows, Candidates and Licentiates of the College in number then forty and one, which Sir William Paddy and Dr. Lister from the Register did immediately deliver up unto them; Which Catalogue the Court then (upon this reason) required, lest others not of the College should delude them, and so claim privilege.

Hereupon was ordered a dispensation for the College from bearing of Arms, and immediately after a Precept was awar∣ded by the Lord Mayor and Court to commit all other Phy∣sicians or Chirurgeons refusing to bear or find Arms, who were not by the College allowed, or Chirurgeons licensed according to form.

In the 13th. the following Letter was sent to the President of the College concerning the death of the Lady Arabella.

To my very loving Friend the President of the College of Physicians in the City of London.

AFter my heartie commendations: Whereas the Lady A••••bella is lately deceased in the Tower, and that it is his Majestie's pleasure, according to former custome, up∣on like occasions, when persons of great quality do dye in that place, her body should be viewed by persons of skill and trust, and thereupon Certificate to be made of what disease she dyed, as to their Judgment it shall appear: These are therefore to will and require you to appoint some three Physicians of your Society, of good reputation as well for their learning as otherwise, who together with the Physicians of the said Lady Arabella, shall presently repayre unto the Tower, and there view and search the Corps of the said Lady, and to return joyntly their opinion unto me of the nature of the disease whereof she dyed, that we may acquaint his Majestie therewithall. And so I bid you hear∣tily farewell.

From the Court at Whitehall this 27th. of Sept. 1615.

Your loving friend Ralphe Winwood.

According to the King's command, some Physicians of the College met at the Tower, and, upon a diligent inspection of the body of the Lady Arabella, were of an opinion, that the cause of this noble Lady's death was a long chronical sick∣ness; that the species of her disease was a Cachexie, which daily encreasing (partly by her own neglect and partly by her aversation to medicine) did at length bring her into a confir∣med indisposition of her Liver and extreme leanness, from which causes death must needs ensue. This testimony was signed by the President, Register, and four Fellows of the College.

Iohn Bartley, a practiser in Physick, was accused by an Apo∣thecary for ill practice; after which upon a Censors day a Reverend Divine with his Wife made complaint, that this Bartley having through ignorance and unskilfulness prescribed a very violent Medicine to their daughter, had thereby hasten∣ed her death; An exact relation of all the particulars, with the names of the persons present, (drawn up in writing and signed with both their hands) they offered to the Censors, earnestly desiring that the Officers of the College would take cognisance thereof, and by their censure give them all the as∣sistance they could, they intending to prosecute Bartley and bring him to trial for the death of their daughter. The sum of their Narrative was this, That the said Bartley being by cer∣tain Women recommended to them, and having bargained for the cure, and received part of the money in hand, he gave their daughter amongst other Medicines a remedy which both vomited and purged her (notwithstanding she had long la∣boured under an old Cough) from which time she began vi∣sibly to sink and died in a few days after. The Censors con∣sidering on the one hand the prayers and tears of the Parents, and on the other hand Bartley's not being present to answer for himself, thought they should do what became them, if they condemned the fact for mala praxis, as it stood reported in the Narrative.

In the 11th. of this King's Reign, the following Warrant was sent to the Apothecaries from the King's Council, requi∣ring them to deliver to the President and Censors the Bills of all illegal Practisers.

To all the Apothecaries within the City of London and the Suburbs thereof.

THese shall be in his Majestie's name straightly to command you, that upon the coming of the Pre∣sident and Censors of the College of Physick in Lon∣don to your shops or houses, you deliver unto them without any delay or excuse, all such Bills and Re∣ceipts as you have of any Practitioners not licensed by

the College; Whereunto though you be bound by the Laws of the Land, yet we have thought fit upon some causes known unto us now, by these our Letters to command you to do the same.

April 22. 1613.

• G. Cant.
• Pembroke.
• Ellesmere, Canc.
• Ro. Rochester.
• Jul. Caesar.
• Gilb. Shrewsbury.
• E. Wotton.
• Th. Parry.

Dr. Brouuart, a Leyden Physician, was charged for practi∣sing Physick in London, &c. contrary to Law; He replyed, that it was necessity that obliged him to practise, and that he was ignorant of the College authority. The President told him, that practising without licence, was entring upon the lawfull possession of others, against all right and reason; But because he had behaved himself modestly, he was respectfully dismissed. He requested a connivence from the College if he might not have their admission. The President told him, that neither the one or the other was to be granted without exami∣nation. About two months after, he applied himself to the President and Censors, and desired that they would permit him to enjoy the privileges granted him by the University; and therefore He would put on the hat of honour (as he called it) which the University had put on him, and not stand bare. The President told him, that it was their custome, and a good one too, that men should be examined uncove∣red, and that this honour was not so much paid to the Pre∣sident and Censors, as to the College in which they (under the King's Majesty) bore the Character of Magistrates. He therefore, pulling off his hat, told them that he had been a Doctour four years, and professed Physick in his own Coun∣try and in France. The President demanded how that appea∣red, and whether he had any Patent or Letters Testimonial; which he not then being able to produce (having left them, as he said, in his own Country) the President told him, that he could neither practise nor proceed any further towards the procuring a Licence till he brought his Patent, and then af∣terwards must be examined, which he refused. But when

he understood that it was unavoidable, He took out of his pocket the King's Letter wrote to the President and College in his favour. After which he was again summoned to ap∣pear before the President and Censors, and being by them examined, he was permitted to practise.

One Brown, a Surgeon, was complained of for giving inter∣nal Medicines in affections of the Eyes, which was proved against him and he fined 50 s. which if not paid in fourteen days, he was to be imprisoned: but this he prevented by pay∣ing his fine to the Treasurer of the College at the time ap∣pointed.

William Blanke, Chandler, confessed his practising of Physick, yet owned he understood no Latin, but thought he had learn∣ing for it: He was interdicted practice, and threatned fine and imprisonment, if found guilty for the future. Not long after, he was accused, and confessed his giving of Medicines to one, who (he said) had a convulsion of the Stomach, with infection of the Liver, and raised his Lungs into his Throat; which he brought down by applying a Tench to his back. He said, that he may, must and will purge as others did. Wherefore for his ill and unlawfull practice the Censors committed him to the Compter with a Mulct of 40 s. which he paid and was released within three days. He was again convented, and declared, that he practised but in trifles; as Fevers. He prescribed to one man a Medicine compounded of Cordials, Purgatives and Opiates. Being charged with giving a Vomit, he said that all accusations against him were as the witnesses against Christ, that in three days he would destroy the Temple and build it again; and to answer before the President and Censors, was but as to Herod and the rest that would harden their hearts. For erec∣ting of Figures, he confessed he used it. As for Surgery, be∣ing asked if he had his Letters of admittance, had been exa∣mined, or were of the Lecture Bill, he knew not what it meant; Onely for his money he had been translated from the Chandlers to the Barber Chirurgeons, &c. For his evil and illegal practice, he was censured imprisonment and fined 5 li. which paying before his commitment, the President told him, that if hereafter he were found guilty of the like, he

should be more severely treated. Notwithstanding practice was again proved against him, and two very unlearned Bills of his writing presented by the President, upon which he being examined, could answer nothing but with ignorance and in∣solence, not knowing what or whence or to what use the Di∣ascordium was, for which he wrote; but said the President and Censors would use him as they did Christ, taking that for the Temple which he meant his body, and such like. The Cen∣sors unanimously fined him 10 l. and ordered his commitment to the Compter. After which he appeared with several of his Patrons, to whom the President gave an account of their fair and just procedure towards him. He told them, that he was no better than his Master, who was God the Saviour of us all. He was charged, that for pains in the Back he caused hairs to be cut; and being asked why, he answered because the vapours spread: But he said that those pains were a Sciati∣ca, a moisture falling from the Head into the Whirlebone. Being asked what a Dropsie was, he said it came first from an indisposition of the Liver, sometime too hot and sometime too cold, about the Navel or about the whole Body. He was remanded back to prison with his former fine. But the Sheriff taking him home, he went abroad, braved and practi∣sed unlawfully, as was proved by his Bills, which he said were to draw water between skin and flesh by Urine. Being asked amongst other things whether Mugwort had that virtue; he replied, Ay by Dodonaeus. Upon this, the Censors made a new Warrant for his commitment, and encreased his fine to 15 l. Some short time after, he appeared again, denied seve∣ral rude and insolent words proved against him, saying, that the great ones words in this World were as Gospel, but the little ones as Apocrypha. He behaving himself rudely and beg∣ging no pardon, was again remanded to prison; But within a few days a petition was sent by his Wife and Children to beg of the College, that he might be freed from Prison and his fine remitted; upon which the President and Censors, com∣miserating the miserable condition of his family, remitted part of the fine, and took his promise for not practising for the future within the College Liberties. About 3 years after, practice was proved against him, for which he was ordered

to pay 5 l. to the College for a fine, and give bond of 20 l. to practise no more. Within a twelvemonth, he procured the following Letter from the Bishop of Lincoln then Lord Keeper.

To my very loving friends Dr. Moundford President of the College of Physicians, the four Cen∣sors, and the rest of that Company, London.

AFter my very hearty commendations. Having here∣tofore recommended Mr. Blanke a Physician unto you, whereupon you were then pleased to favour him (for which I doe give you many thanks) I doe now again upon new and just occasions redouble my suite in his behalf, very hear∣tily praying you to doe him what favour you may in his profession and practice. And so not doubting but for my sake and his own merits you will respect him herein, I com∣mit you to God.

Your loving friend Jo. Lincoln. C. S.

To this Letter the College returned the following answer by six of their Members.

Right Reverend Father in God, and most noble Lord,

'TIs long since we have been fully satisfyed what reve∣rence and respect, that favour your Honour is pleased to shew to men of Letters, requires of us. And we humbly desire you to believe, that we shall never sail of being carefull to pay it to your Lordship all manner of ways. For we ac∣count it no small advantage to us, if the meanness of our con∣dition will permit us to doe any thing that may be accepta∣ble to your Lordship; And we are troubled that your Lordship should make an experiment of your power over us in the affaire of a man whom the Laws of the Kingdome,

the Obligation of our Oathes, and the most strict com∣mands of his Majestie forbid us to have any regard to. We have sent your Lordship by some of our Body the King's Letter, wherein he forbids it; and we are certain that the commendation your Lordship hath given of this illiterate fellow did not proceed from your owne opinion of him, but the suggestion of others. But if it should prove that we are so mistaken in this matter, that your Lordship should have any good opinion of the least ingenuity or learning that your Lordship knowes he hath, We engage our selves not to put any longer stop to his Petition. But if on the other side it shall appeare, that contrary to right and with∣out any merit of his owne, but by the application of those he hath made complaint to, he hath obtained the recom∣mendation of so great a person, We beseech your Lordship to take upon you the defence of the publick concernment of health, the interest of the Universities, and the necessity we are under, and not to think that what we have here done hath been from an affectation of denying what your wisdome will easily perceive by the foresaid Letter we had no power to grant. God preserve your Honour long in safe∣ty for the good of Church and State.

After this he was complained of for prescribing a suffumi∣gation in an acute disease, upon which the Patient was in danger of being choaked; and being examined in that and the like diseases, he desired to be excused from answering; upon which the President advised to put his bond in Suit. Not long after, an Apothecary charged him for prescribing a Powder to a Gentlewoman, who complained of being highly inflamed and burnt up upon the use of it. Being re∣quired to give an account by what authority he practised Physick, he produced Letters from the Bishop of Lincoln gi∣ving him liberty to practise within the liberties of Westminster. As to the witness which appeared against him, he said, He which died upon the Cross, died by false witness. He was by the Censors proceeded against, and an Action entred. He was likewise accused for practising Physick unlawfully and un∣advisedly upon the person of one Mr. Bonner: Blank appearing

upon summons, confessed that he had practised Physick in London 13 years, that he did it by Licence according to the Statutes of the Kingdom, having my Lord of Canterbury's Li∣cence fortified by the great Seal of England. But notwith∣standing this plea, (for his bad practice upon Mr. Bonner,) he was sentenced by the 4 Censors to pay 20 l. and to lie in Newgate till he paid it. About 4 days after, he brought Let∣ters Patent granted him from the Arch-bishop of Canterbury and confirmed by the King: However he was committed to Newgate, ob pessimam praxin, Mr. Fitz-Williams attesting that Mr. Bonner was killed by sleeping Pills of his Prescription. A week after, Mr. President proposed that the cause of Blank's imprisonment by the Censors (being by Blank questioned in the King's Bench) should be exemplified and registred, viz. How he was by sentence of that Court remanded unto his Prison from whence he came by virtue of a Writ of Habeas Corpus. After this, Mr. Emmery a Scrivener came to the College to pay the fine imposed upon Blank, viz. 20 l. which was then received and a Warrant signed for his enlargement. About a month after he again appeared upon summons, where he was admonished upon pain of the severest punishment by the Laws to be inflicted upon such Delinquents as he was, that he should not adventure any more to practise Physick, it be∣ing an employment by him so little understood. Yet 3 years af∣ter, he was brought again before the President and Censors▪ by the Messenger, and being admonished to cease from practice, having neither learning nor licence so to do, he justified his practice by the Statute made in the 34 H. 8. c. 8. and appeal∣ed to the Law for his defence; Wherefore it was resolved to put him in suit, which accordingly was done.

George Butler, being cited to appear before the President and Censors, returned this answer, That he was the King's servant and must attend his Majesty. About 3 years after, upon a fresh summons he appeared, and confessed the giving of Physick, to cleanse the body, being such as made way for Surgery. He shewed a Licence from his Grace of Canterbury, which gave him liberty to practise Surgery, and Physick so far as was necessary and convenient to that Art; which Li∣cence was confirmed under the great Seal. About Easter

following, he gave 3 Pills to Mrs. Style for a sore Leg and stopping at the Stomach; by which she died that night she took them. To another woman he gave Pills under the pre∣tence of a sore Leg between 7 and 9 of the Clock in the morn∣ing, with which she grew sick and vomited with great extre∣mity and died about 5 of the Clock in the evening, being very well before, and going up and down. He left his Patent with the President and Censors, they never requiring or desi∣ring him; upon which, application was made to his Grace the Lord Arch-bishop, to the Right Honourable the Lord Chan∣cellor, the Master of the Rolls and Attorney General, that Butler's Letters Patents might be recalled; which they con∣sented to. About 2 months after, Butler appearing before the Censors, was asked if he would stand to his former Li∣cence for practice; he answered he would ask his Councell. Being then required to give over the practice of Physick; he answered, I mean so to do. He knew not that his Licence was called in by the Lord Chancellor, nor that a Vacat was set on it. Mr. President charged him that he employed one to sell his Medicines, which he denied; but for a sore Leg or the like he confessed he gave somewhat inward: But now understanding that it was unlawfull, he promised to do so no more. He said he was never told of my Lord of Canter∣bury's displeasure at his Licence. In short, he was interdicted all practice in Physick. But not long after, Butler came to the President and Censors, being recommended to them by the Lord Chief Justice, upon which the President asked him if he did profess Physick; He said, No. Being then asked, do you give Physick? he said, No. Being charged with se∣veral proofs against him, he denied them. He confessed he was no Graduate nor of any University, but said that he un∣derstood Latine, and that he practised as a Surgeon. Being then examined in Latine, he denied to answer; which was told him, should be related to the Lord Chief Justice that sent him to the College. He replied, that he cared not three pence for their Information. He confessed that he had caused Medicines to be made, and that the Apothecaries took of him 100 l. per ann. In his Surgery cures, he owned that he gave Physick to kill the cause inwardly. Being asked what the

Pox was, he answered an infection taken in nature afore action. Upon this examination, &c. the President and Cen∣sors drew up the following Letter, which they forthwith pre∣sented to the Lord Chief Justice.

MAy it please your Lordship to be informed, That whereas according to your Lordship's command George Butler appeared to be examined of his sufficiency and knowledge in Physick and his practice therein, before us the President and Censors of the College of Physicians, First he acknowledged himself not to be learned, Graduate, or of any University, neither indeed do we find him to have any learning, by such speeches which he let fall from him in conference: and as for examination in Latine and in Phy∣sick, he refused to answere: And for the point of practice, amongst many particulars alledged against him, he did ac∣knowledge in generall, that he doth give inward Physick, if his Patients in Surgery doe need it, and that the Apothe∣caryes doe take of him 100 l. a year for Medicines and drugs. And being charged with 2 several practices, the one on the person of Mrs. Style, as doth appeare by the a∣foresaid Butler's confession in our Register, for a sore Leg and a stopping in her Stomach, when she had no sore Leg, but under that pretence he gave her Pills, of which she dyed (according to the words of the Register) the same day: The which practice we the President and Censors do con∣demne for ill and unlawfull. The other practice was upon the body of Margaret Shover, now againe confessed by him, who took upon him to cure her (as he saith) of the Pox; but being by the Censors asked what disease the Pox is, he did not give any reasonable answere, such is his igno∣rance: But her disease upon Register doth not appear to be soe, although he gave her the Unction for the Pox, and other purging Physick, neither according to Science or Conscience.

Not long after he was complained of by a woman to whom he gave 25 Pills, for which he expected 30 s. a piece; To another he gave 4 Purges, and had her petticoat in pawn. He promised her help within 7 days or to give her 100 l. But after 9 days she was very ill and continued in great weakness. Upon this and the like complaints the Censors fined him 10 l. and ordered his imprisonment for 14 days, and that he should not be released but by the President's order. About 3 years after, he was again complained of for giving Pills of Opium to a Woman, by which she was stupified. Being called, he blew up a powder into her Nose, promised her recovery, but she died in one hours time. The like evil practice he was guilty of upon two more: For which the Censors order'd him to be arrested; but he petitioned that he might answer the College action without an arrest; which was granted, provided he would find Sureties to answer the College Suit if he were cast at Law. Which being done, and this Cause appointed to be heard at the King's Bench Bar, 6 of the Fel∣lows of the College were deputed to attend there; and after this hearing Dr. Harvey, the Treasurer, and the 4 Censors were desired to take special care in the future management of the College's cause against Butler; who had procured a pro∣tection from the Lord Chamberlain, upon which account 4 of the Fellows were ordered by the President to wait upon his Lordship to take off his protection, that the College might proceed in their Suit against him. The Lord Cham∣berlain upon their application declared his readiness to comply with the College's request, and ordered his Secretary to write the following reference against Butler.

The College of Physicians having represented that one George Butler, under colour of being sworne an extraordinary Chirurgion to his Majestie, doth take upon him to give Physick and practise Chirur∣gery without either skill or Licence, to the apparent prejudice and en∣dangering of the lives of his Majestie's subjects; and thereupon de∣sired leave to take the ordinary course of Law to inhibite his practice, and to prevent the danger which may ensue thereby: I do hereby de∣clare and publish unto all such as it may concerne, that I have and do give free leave and liberty unto the said College to use all lawfull

wayes and meanes accustomed in like cases, either by arrest or other∣wise, for the suppressing and prohibiting of the said Butler's further practice, in as free and ample manner as if the said Butler had never been sworne the King's servant. Whitehall the 25th of Novem∣ber, 1626.

About 8 months after, several fresh complaints of great mischief done by Butler in his practice were exhibited against him: As particularly for giving a sleeping potion to one Patient, who was sound dead in his sleep. The wife of this man thus murthered, applied her self to the Censors, and de∣sired that Mr. Butler might be punished for professing that, which he did not understand; which she pressed the more, because (she said) such a man as he, might kill many both Body and Soul, every one being not so well prepared for death as her husband. She desired a Certificate from the College concerning Mr. Butler and his ill practice. After this, Butler sent a Letter to the President and College, which being read, was rejected. After this a servant of Butler's ac∣quainted the Censors, that while she dwelt with him, a wo∣man came to him for Cure, who within 3 weeks died and was carried away secretly, without tolling the Bell, or any Minister being called. Upon this information, Butler endea∣voured to imprison this servant, using all arts to take her, which occasioned her application to the College for their pro∣tection, complaining of the many injuries she had received from Mr. Butler since her appearing against him. Wherefore the President ordered the following Letter to be drawn up and presented to the Lord Chief Justice, in her behalf.

MAy it please your Lordship to understand, that the Petitioner on the 7th of Jan. last past came to our College voluntarily to complain of the evil practice of Mr. Butler as is in the petition specified; since which time we are certainly informed, that he hath laid heavy actions upon her and kept her in prison as is above specified, We con∣ceiving the chief grounds of his violent proceedings against her to have risen upon her complaint made to us: In con∣sideration of her misery, (We having noe power to relieve

her) doe presume humbly to intreat your Lordship to take such course as your Lordship in your wisdome shall think fit, that she may obtain the benefit of her Petition.

After this, Dr. Winston signified to the College that Butler sent a petition to him to be presented to the College, which he refused. Then Butler sent a Letter to the President, after which it was agreed, that if he paid in the money recovered and due to the College before the Term, then the other Suits depending might be suspended, if it pleased the Pre∣sident.

A Letter about this time in the behalf of Butler was brought from the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas by Cap∣tain Butler, directed to the President and Censors of the Col∣lege, the Contents of which are the following.

Mr. Doctor Argent,

I Am informed of a Judgment which is obtained against Mr. Butler at your Suit, and the rest of the College of Physicians for 60 l. which I find him very willing and rea∣dy to satisfie, so far forth as his ability will give leave for the present. He will pay half the money in hand, and the next some time the next Terme, which I conceive is no ill payment, his estate considered. Therefore I desire you and the rest of your College to take him thus far into your consideration: And what you do herein I shall take as done in respect of me, who am intreated to write in his favour by some whom I am willing to satisfy in this request, appear∣ing to me to be but reasonable, and little hurtfull to your selves. But to animate him of any other against your Go∣vernment I neither do nor ever will write.

Your very assured loving friend, Ro. Heath.

Julii 1. 1633.

Captain Butler promised that on Friday 36 l. of the money due from Butler should be paid, and desired time till the next Term for the payment of the rest; The College took time to consider for a few days, and then promised him their an∣swer.

Upon the Friday aforementioned (according to promise) Captain Butler brought 36 l. from Mr. Butler, to whom (by Mr. President's appointment) was given the following note.

It was ordered by Mr. President and Censors the 5th of July 1633. that Mr. George Butler (having sent in 36 l. in part of Payment of the 66 l. due to the College, by a judgment given against him in the King's Bench in Easter Term in the 7th year of his Majestie K. Charles 1. his Reign) at the request of the Lord Chief justice of the Common Pleas, should have time given him for the payment of the other 30 l. till the 20th of November next ensuing; and in the mean time, all prosecution upon the foresaid judgment should surcease.

Mrs. Bendwell was complained of by Thomas Audley for under∣taking his cure in 3 days though in a Hectick Fever, she tel∣ling him that she had cured those whom the Doctours had left and could not cure. She gave him a Purging drink that wrought day and night, and brought him to exceeding weak∣ness. He said that about the same time, she gave his Laun∣dress physick, of whom she had Linen to pawn, which she was warned to bring in. Complaint was likewise made against her by a man and his wife, who had bargain'd with her for a cure, and had pawned a dozen of Napkins to raise money for her payment, &c. She was fined by the Censors 40 s. and a Warrant was making out for her commitment to prison; But being a miserable old woman, and submissive, the Warrant was stopp'd. After this a fresh complaint was made against her, that for pain in the Head and Stomach she gave drinks, and had Linen in pawn; She confessed her Diet∣drink of Liquorish, Senna and Coloquintida, accounting 16 drachms for one ounce. She was commanded by the Censors to restore the Linen that night to the College Beadle, and or∣dered a small fine, and prohibited all practice.

Thomas Greenwood, Surgeon, was accused by one William Adams, that for the grief of a little skin rubb'd off with his saddle in riding, he promised cure in 4 days: but physick'd him a fortnight, gave him diet-drinks, purged and over heat∣ed him, and now sued him for 20 l. for the cure. Being ask∣ed what his disease was, he replied Morbus Gallico; The Cen∣sors order's his imprisonment, and a mulct of 5 l. to be inflicted upon him.

Christopher Beane, a prisoner 7 years for Debt in the King's Bench, was charged for giving Physick to one Mr. Sparkes, who, as Beane said, had a Rheum and sharp humour running from his Head to his Legs, which came by an obstruction of the Liver, with an ascent to the Head and thence down, for which he fomented, anointed and purged. He was told of applying of clouts, which he said wrought by natural means; likewise using the Adamant, to which he used no words, but said it was both attractive and repulsant; the one over draws, the other draws back, North draws and South drives back: This he said he did to drive back the humours; which it will disperse, that is, drive back. He being poor and already a prisoner, was fined but 40 s. order'd to be kept in prison by the Censors, and prohibited all practice.

In the 15th year of this King's Reign, the following Pe∣tition was presented to his Majesty for the obtaining a Patent for the cure of Ruptures.

To the King's most Excellent Majesty,

The humble Petition of Robert Pawlet and Ralphkewe.

MOst humbly shewing that your Majestie's poore suppli∣ants have by their long travail, experience and prac∣tice in Physick and Chirurgery attained unto a rare secret for the curing of Ruptures in people of all ages without any paine or administration of Physick, but onely with outward ap∣plication and inward Cordials; and being willing to par∣ticipate the benefit thereof to the glory of God and com∣comfort

of your Majestie's subjects soe diseased throughout your Highnesse's Dominions,

We doe most humbly intreat your Majestie's gracious Letters Patents during our lives freely to practise the same by our selves or sufficient Deputies, without the lett or hindrance of any whatsoever. And that it may appeare that we have noe intent to abuse your Majestie's Grant or wrong your Subjects, we do freely offer that it shall be con∣teyned in your Majestie's Letters Patents that no party so grieved shall pay for his cure untill he be perfectly cured, and that all such as are poore and unable to pay, shall be cured freely without paying any thing. And we shall according to our bounden dutyes ever pray to God for your Majestie's long and prosperous Reigne.

At the Court at Theobalds 25 Febr. 1617.

His Majestie's pleasure is, that the President of the College of Physicians in London shall take consideration of this Petition, and certifie his Majestie in what manner it is meet for his Highness to grant the Petitioners request.

Sidney Montague.

The College returned the following answer.

THe President and College of Physicians of London the 20th of this present March being assembled together to consider of the Petition referred unto them by his Majestie, finding the effect thereof to be a Royall Patent to be granted for the Practising of a Secret in Ruptures, and suspecting all secret practices, which for the most part are but colours and shadowes for ignorance and falshood, and because there are many sorts of Ruptures and of diverse causes not all curable by one Medicine, They doe humbly pray his Majestie that the said petitioners may come to the said President and Col∣lege, and before them make manifest by reasons and expe∣rience the truth of the said remedyes, and they will upon

true knowlege had thereof informe his Majestie of the cer∣tainty and truth thereof, leaving all to his Majestie's most Royal consideration.

Henry Atkins President of the College of the Physicians of London.

Iohn Lambe, a bold Empirick, was complained of for de∣manding 40 or 50 l. for his Cures, as lately of Mr. Pickering in Cheapside who died in his hands. Mr. Evans gave in the fol∣lowing account against him, and in these very words. The persons to whom Lambe (a notable Mountebank and Im∣postor) gave Physick, and got great sums of money thereby this last year, are; Mr. Springham a Mercer, Mrs. Springham, Mrs. Puckle, Mrs. Cutts, Mr. Mosse a Lawyer, Mrs. Newport, Mrs. Littleton, Mr. Wilson the Keeper of Newgate; A Gentle-woman whom he undertook to cure, and took a great sum be∣fore-hand and did her no good; He also cheated one Parry of 6 l. by shewing him delusions; He cheated one Mr. Peny of 40 s. by shewing him tricks in a Crystal; He cheated one Mrs. Lit∣tleton of 3 l. 10 s. by making her believe he shewed her what hus∣band she should have. He gave Physick to one Mrs. Palmer, and undertook to cure her for 40 Marks, whereof he had half in hand, but the woman died, and he cousened her. He now gives Physick to one Mr. Tristram, of whom he hath received 40 l. to cure him; He gave Physick to the Countess of Ex∣ceter, and by means of delusions in a Crystal insinuates him∣self into Ladies esteem and conceits. On Saturday last he got 50 l. for undertaking a cure. The Censors ordered Lambe to be summoned, and Evans was required to prove the forementioned accusations against him. After this Lambe procures the following Letter in his behalf from the Bishop of Durham.

To the Right Worshipfull my very loving friends the President and the rest of the College of Physicians of London.

WHereas the bearer Ioh. Lambe in some examinations of his taken by us hath professed that he maketh a poor living by practice in Physick and Chirurgery, whereto by his long experience and practice he holdeth himself suffi∣cient, affirming that he hath done many and great cures in each kind: His Majestie being herewith acquainted, hath commanded me to send him to you, that upon the confe∣rence with him you may both deliver you opinions of his fitnesse, as also take such further course with him according to your opinions of his worth as appertaineth to the care and trust of the welfare of his Majestie's Subjects inhabiting in and about the City of London by Law committed unto you. So I commit you to God and rest

Your very loving friend, B. Duresme.

Durham house Dec. 1627.

This Lambe was very famous throughout the Town, being admired for his great skill in the hidden Arts of Magick and Astrology, for which reason he was highly admired by some Ladies of Quality, who were very bountifull to him; But in truth he was a very wretched Knave, and formerly well known to the College for many of his wicked and knavish Impostures, and at this very time by the command and at the instance of some persons of Quality, was in prison, out of which that he might free himself he personated the Physici∣an to the right Reverend Bishop of Durham; who being sent by him (as appears by his Lordship's Letter) to the College, He was by the Censors found most egregiously ignorant, as appears by the following examination, a Copy of which with

the College's answer to the Bishop's Letter was sent by Sir William Paddy, the Contents of which are the following.

To the Right Reverend Father in God the Lord Bishop of Duresme, one of the Lords of his Majestie's most honourable Privy Council.

Right Reverend, and our especial good Lord,

ACcording to your Honours order signifyed unto us by your Letter, to take Mr. Lambe into our exami∣nation, who was brought before us the 18th of this Decem∣ber; It may please your Honour to understand, that we have attended the performance thereof with all the duty and care we could. And for that we conceived your Honour's pleasure was, and so likewise our own Statutes doe direct us, that he should be entreated with favour, rather than otherwise, We therefore caused him to be opposed, though contrary to our custome, in that language wherein alone he is good; and further in the easiest way of Physick and Chirurgery that we could think of. The brief of which examination and of his answers we have sent herewith to your Honour, that your Ho∣nour may see the particulars of our proceedings with him; and from what confession of his owne, and from what other evidences besides it comes, that by the sentence of the Col∣lege Mr. Lambe stands convict and guilty of all manner of in∣fufficiency and ignorance in this faculty: Whereof that your Honour hath been pleased to require to be certified from us, and to that end hath caused the Offender to be brought hither as the true and proper place of his trial, as an Act intended by your Honour to advance the cause of learning, We do ac∣knowledge our selves to be ever most highly bounden to your Honour, and in our most dutifull manner do give your Ho∣nour most humble thanks therefore. Almighty God keep your Honour in long prosperity. At our College house the 19th of this December.

Your Honours humbly at commandment

• Io. Argent Pres.
• Sim. Fox Regist.
• Othowell Meverell.
• Fr. Herrin.
• Robert Fludd.
• Helkiah Crooke.

The Examination of Iohn Lambe before the College of Phy∣sicians as it was sent to the Bishop of Duresme.

1. Being asked of his beginning in Physick, and of the means how he came by his knowledge, and whether his bringing up were that way or no, and required to reade a little in a Latine Galen.

He answereth, that he never had taken to that study, that he makes no profession thereof, but that he lives by making Gentlemen merry; nor understandeth Latine.

2. Being asked by what signs he knows a disease, and how to cure it.

He answereth, he knoweth no signs but onely as he is told by the party; and for cure, that he is not wont to use any thing but a few outward things, and sometimes a little pulvis sanctus, which from the Apothecaries he hath learned to be a Purge.

3. Being asked in Astrology what house he looketh unto to know a disease, or the event of it: and how the Lord Ascendant should stand thereto.

He answereth, he looks for the sixth house: which being disproved, he saith he understands nothing therein, but what he hath out of Caliman: and being asked what books he hath read in that Art, he saith he hath none but Caliman.

4. Being asked how he knows an Apoplexy, and how he cures it.

He answereth, he knows nothing unless he be told, nor doth use any thing for cure but a few Oils and Unguents, and that for satisfaction onely.

5. Being asked in Chirurgery, What is a Revulsion or Derivation.

He answereth, he knoweth not the terms.

6. Being charged with contradiction, that in the College he confes∣seth himself ignorant and denieth practice, whereas in his examination by the Lord Bishop of Durham he made shew of long experience and sufficience, and of having done many great cures, as by his Lordship's Let∣ter appeareth.

He answereth, that he did not profess any such thing to his Lordship, and that he craves mercy of the College, and that they would not be the cause of his undoing.

7. Being pressed from the notoriousness of his practice and publick fame that goes of him, and the great resort made unto him.

He answereth, it is without his desert, that he cannot hin∣der comers to him: and that all he did was trifles, and foole∣ries, and babbles to get a little money.

Dr. Alexander Leighton, being required by the Censors to give an account by what authority he practised Physick, He told them by virtue of his Doctour's degree, which he had ta∣ken at Leyden under Professour Heurnius. He was charged as being in Presbyter's orders, and asked why he did not stick to his Ordination. He excepted against the Ceremonies, yet owned himself a Preacher, and acknowledged his practising of Physick. In several parts whereof he was examined, but giving no satisfaction, and being perverse as to Ecclesiastical affairs, He was by the President and Censors interdicted practice. After this, endeavouring to procure a Licence, it was denied him, because in Holy orders, the Statutes of the College declaring that none such should be admitted into the College, or permitted to practise: Wherefore he was a se∣cond time forbidden practice. But he still persisting to prac∣tise in London or within 7 miles, was arrested, and afterwards censured, tanquam infamis, he having been censured in the Star-Chamber, and lost his ears.

Ellin Rix, was complained of by Mrs. Lee for her boy dead of a consumption, Rix having promised her in 14 days to make him sound, and bargained for 3 li. she had 15 s. afore∣hand, and arrested her for the rest. She gave this boy purg∣ing drinks once a day for 7 days together; and twice a day for 7 days more. But the boy dyed in a fortnight after. She likewise complained of her for promising an absolute cure to her husband in 14 days of a dead Palsie; she had of him 3 li. and was to have as much more upon cure. She confessed practice, and was censured imprisonment with a mulct of 5 li. and required to give bond, that she would not practise for the future. She lay in prison for 14 days, then endeavoured her enlargement by Habeas Corpus; which being denied, and being referred to the Censors, she was then wil∣ling to pay part of her fine presently and the rest shortly af∣ter,

and give a bond of 20 l. (with security to the King) that she would not practise for the future.

George Houghton, Apothecary, was accused for giving of Pills to one Robert Roe, by which he had in 2 days threescore stools, fell into a bloudy Flux, and the Emrods, and died therewith, upon which there was a suspicion of poyson: but he said that they were onely Mastick Pills, and that but 3. The Censors deferred their sentence for the present, he being bound to an∣swer this miscarriage in a higher Court. After this, the Cen∣sors passed the following Judgment upon Houghton's practice upon the body of Mr. Robert Roe Counsellor at Law, That it was altogether unlawfull for him to give Pills or any other Medicine without the Counsel of some approved Physician. For the Pills, which the said Houghton says were Mastichinae, it is not probable they could work any such violent effect, being familiar and gentle Pills in themselves. He was by a general consent of the Censors adjudged to pay the sum of 40 s. which he was contented to doe. After this, some mem∣bers of the College accused him of prescribing Physick to se∣veral, for which he was summoned, and appeared, confessed his fault, beg'd pardon, was interdicted practice, and promi∣sed not to be guilty for the future. But some time after he was complained of for giving a drink wherein was Lac Sulphu∣ris, for which he took 5 s. and agreed to have 5 s. more, if it did the Patient good. He took it thrice, and after the third taking fell into a great Fever, and so continued burning, still complaining that the Rogue Houghton had killed him. Be∣fore his taking this, he walk'd up and down the house and did eat his meat, which he never did after to his death. Houghton confessed the giving of the said Lac Sulphuris, but he thought he might doe it without offence, saying he did give it in Charity; but that was contradicted by his taking money for the medicine and compounding for more. He confessed it was mixed with Cinamon water, by which it was made much more hurtfull to the Patient, whom he con∣ceived to be in a desperate case; Yet he gave him this Lac Sulphuris, not esteeming it physick: but nourishment it is not, and is therefore physick or poyson. This case being exami∣ned by the Censors was by general consent found to be evil

practice, for which he was fined 20 li. and committed pri∣soner to Newgate. But Mr. Leighton the Keeper of Newgate after some time suffering Houghton to escape, had the follow∣ing Letter sent to him.

WHereas the thirtieth day of August last past the bo∣dy of Geo. Houghton was sent to your prison by the 4 Censors or Governours of our College for the time then being, with an imposition of a fine of 20 li. him to keep without bayle or Mainprise till he should be released by us, upon paine of forfeiting the double, as appeareth by the Statute of the first of Q. Mary: Now since you have let our prisoner escape, by these we demand of you the said summe of 40 li. to be brought to our President Dr. Foxe at his house in Carter lane London; otherwise you must give us leave to proceed against you by order of Law, as our Councel shall direct.

Abraham Hugobert, Apothecary, being summoned to appear before the Censors, was by Dr. Argent charged for the follow∣ing practice, viz. That about the beginning of March, An. Dom. 1622. He gave pills to a servant of Mrs. Hillar near Wool-Church, who within 3 or 4 days died. Hugobert con∣fessed his giving pills, but would have excused it by the po∣verty of the boy. Pills of Hiera he gave to one weak and aguish with a naughty pulse. The Censors asked if those pills or Aloeticks were fit in that case. He said he made no profit, but denied the party had a Flux. The Censors fined him 5 li. and ordered his commitment to prison.

Robert Booker, was examined by the President and Censors concerning his skill in Physick upon the request of a person of Honour, to whom the Censors returned the following answer.

WHereas by your Honour's appointment one Robert Booker was brought before us to be examined con∣cerning physick given by him to one Iohn Parker lying in St. Martin's lane, May it please your Honour to know, that we the Censors did accordingly examine the said Robert Booker concerning the said party: and we do find that he

anointed him with certain Oyles from the Neck to the Foot, using at the time of his anointing this Charme: Three biters have bit him, heart, tongue, and eye: Three better shall help him presently. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. And that also the next day he gave him a drink, which he drank, and more he did not to the sick Patient, but he would have done; and said it had been better for him he had followed his Counsel further: ma∣king them believe that he was bewitched, and that he would discover who had bewitched him. Of which witch∣craft, howbeit there may be some by the strongness of the sick man's infirmities, yet from our examination we cannot find the said Booker to have any skill therein. And thus we thought fit to acquaint your Honour, that after his punish∣ment for his rash and evil practice he may be further orde∣red as your Honour shall think fit.

Tobie Simson was cited to appear before the Censors, who for his absence was excused by a Gentleman from Lord Hol∣derness Kelly and Lond, who had written for him and his sister Agnes King in cases of the Gout and outward applications. At length he appeared, and his Majestie's late Letter to the College for the punishment of Empiricks was read to him. Several witnesses were examined against him, who proved his giving of potions, powders and other medicines, for which he received 10 li. and had got 40 li. in few months. Being asked what the Palsie was, he could not tell; nor what the Gout was. Yet as to the kinds of the Gout, He said there were the running and standing, and that in set parts. Whence it had its Original, he knew not; but for the signs of it he could feel them with his fingers. As for his Medicine, he made it not; and sor the Ingredients he would not discover them: What Doses he gave of his powder and whereof it was made, he could not tell. The Lord Bishop of London returned thanks for respect had to his Letters, and desired that no ex∣tremity, but some favour might be shewn to Tobie Simson; who being present and continuing in his ignorance, and refu∣sing to reveal his Secrets, the Censors did agree that his prac∣tice was evil practice, and therefore fined him 20 li. and or∣dered his imprisonment.

Theodore N••ileman, having Letters wrote in his favour by a person of great Honour for procuring him a Licence, was ex∣amined by the President and Censors. He complaining of having received a hurt in his head, was asked, what part were you hurt in? he answered in the Middlemost; the head is di∣vided into 3 Coats. Which are they? He replyed the Su∣tors. What is the Suture runs down the head? The Coro∣nal. Being further asked what disease he had cured, he re∣plyed the Yellow Jaundise. What is that? The overflowing of the Gall. What part goes it to? To the Mawe. What is the Mawe? The place of the first decoction. Having se∣veral other questions proposed to him, it was resolved by the Censors that he was insufficient; and therefore forbid prac∣tice.