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 Charles I. his Reign.

MAster President with 3 of the Fellows of the College waited upon the Right Honourable the Lord Kee∣per Coventry to return him thanks in the name of the College for the great favour he was pleased to express to them in the affair of the Surgeons, who endeavoured to pro∣cure a Licence for their practising Physick in all cases Chirur∣gical, and a power of Licensing for the future those that should practise their Art. But this Noble person opposed their most unjust Petition, refusing to grant the Seal, and gave the King a full and satisfactory account of this his de∣nial.

Edward Graves, Apothecary, was complained of by a Woman whose Husband died under his ill practice, He having bled him whilst ill of a Dropsie and Tympany; Graves confessed the practice, but charged the Patient's death upon an ill course of diet and immoderate use of Wine. The Censors upon a full examination of both parties unanimously agreed, that he should be imprisoned and fined 5 li.

Iames Winter, Apothecary, was accused for trying practice upon one Cottaw, to whom he gave a purging Potion for a light galling. When Cottaw told him that he was exceeding well in his stomach, he gave his opinion that he was there∣fore in the greater danger, and for that reason prescribed him 9 pills; which (Cottaw complaining) had done him no good, he order'd him another pill, with which all his teeth grew loose. He extorted 30 s. from him. Winter confessed that he had given him 2 pills of Turbith Mineral and diet-drink. For which the Censors fined him 10 li. which he promised to pay within a week.

Dr. Iaquinto was accused of evil practice upon a Woman with Child, who miscarried upon the use of his Medicines, for which the Censors ordered his imprisonment and a fine of 5 li. to be inflicted upon him. Upon this he procures the following Letter from the Earl of Manchester.

To my very loving friend Dr. Argent President of the College of Physicians in London.

Mr. President,

I Am informed by Dr. Iaquinto, whom I have long known and heard well of, That upon occasion of bu∣sinesse that stayes him for a while in this City, He was re∣quested by Mr. Basil Nichols to minister physick to his daughter, for which he is now questioned in the College, though both the Patient and her Parents confesse she re∣ceived good thereby. And he hath intreated me to me∣diate his freedome from further trouble and molestation during his stay, he behaving himself inoffensively, with∣out intruding himself into other mens Cures: Which I am induced unto both for the honour of our Nation which hath been ever hospitable to strangers, and also for the respects I bear to learning and his profession, having prac∣tised in this Kingdome 25 years, and thereby done good to many. I do therefore pray you and the rest of the College of Doctors, the rather for my sake to afford him

to favour that he may live quietly, demeaning himself orderly, and I shall take it kindly, and wherein I may, rest

Your very loving friend, W. Manchester.

When it pleased God to visit me with a great sickness at Exeter this Doctor was of use to me, which makes me willing to use for him any favour I have with you.

W. M.

Canon Row, Feb. 14.

To this Letter the College returned the following Answer.

To the Right Honourable the Earl of Manche∣ster, Lord President of his Majestie's most honourable Privy Council.

Right Honourable and our very good Lord,

HAving seen your Honour's Letter directed to Dr. Ar∣gent, President of this College, and by him shewed unto us the Censors thereof and the rest of this Society, in favour of one Mr. Iaquinto, that we would for your Ho∣nour's sake forbeare to molest him in his practice: It may please your Honour to understand, that we are all of us ex∣ceeding glad to have this occasion offered us to gratify your Honour, the rather for the remembrance we have of your Honour's many favours done to this Profession, and of the support which your Honour in general giveth to the whole estate of Learning. And notwithstanding we are not alto∣gether without feare, lest your Honour in your deeper Judgment may conceive us to be men somewhat too re∣misse in our publick duty, in not shewing what we think hath been misreported to your Honour in this business: Whereupon happily might have followed, that your Honour would have been pleased to relinquish the patronage of him, the matter whereof he is convicted being no lesse than

the miscarriage of a woman with Child, however it be now carryed: Yet we are enforced to satisfie your Honour in this in a double respect: First for your Honour's care in not extending your demand further than that little while which he is to stay here; and secondly for your Honour's testimony of personal use made of him, against which we may not contest: So that there remayneth now on the part of our duty, Humbly to intreat your Honour to take in worth this poor service we present you, in suffering the said Iaquinto to live quietly during the time limited: And what he hath concealed from your Honour for feare of a rebuke, which is, that he is fined by the College in a cer∣tain summe of money, though but little, to the King, that your Honour would excuse us of it, it being not now in our power to reverse it. And we most humbly recom∣mend our best service to your Honour, wishing to the same all increase of estate and happiness.

Your Honour's humbly at commandment

• Argent, Pres.
• ...
  • Ro. Fludd,
  • Helkiah Crooke,
  • Fr. Herrin,
  • ...Otwell Meverell,
  Censors.

At our College-house this 18th. of Feb. 1627.

About a year and half after, Iaquinto was summoned to appear before the Censors, and admonished that he should not practise out of the Venetian Embassadours house. He was charged for a debt of 40 s. (being the remainder of a fine imposed upon him by the College) which he promised to pay within a week. He was after this accused by Dr. Crook for practising physick and prescribing improper remedies to a young woman sick of a Fever and Catarrh, which being examined and judged by the Censors unsutable for the Pati∣ent's distemper, He was fined 5 li. which by the intercession of the Venetian Embassadour was remitted, provided he ab∣stained from practice for the future.

One Reve, an Apochecary, was charged by Dr. Clement for practising physick, and for behaving himself rudely towards

Physicians; likewise by Dr. Hinsloe. Reve excused himself that all he had given was by the prescription of Dr. Yelverton. He was after this frequently complained of both by Physici∣ans and Patients, upon which account he procured the fol∣lowing Letter from the Earl of Exeter.

To my very loving friends the President and Censors of the College of Physicians.

Good Mr. President,

I Have had almost 20 years experience of the civil carri∣age, honesty and sufficiency of my servant John Reeve Apothecary, and am confident that in all affairs of his vo∣cation he hath as skilfully, carefully and legally demeaned himself as any of his Profession whatsoever. Neverthelesse I understand that at sundry times since May last he hath been molested with Messengers from you and the Censors, to make his appearance personally before you, when by reason of his great sicknesse my self was deprived of his de∣sired attendance in my service, and well might you in such case have spared him also. But I conceive that the false information of malitious persons against him, and the Mes∣sengers fond hopes to enforce unnecessary fees from him, was the cause of his molestation. His service is of such consequence and esteeme with me, that he is daily and hourly upon every notice to attend me, and I may not want him, being well assured of his honest and fair demea∣nour as well in the affairs of his profession, as in all his ac∣tions. And therefore I desire you to forbeare sending Mes∣sengers for him, or interrupting him any further, wherein you will oblige me (who in no wise would see him suffer) to acknowledge your respects towards him, and rest al∣ways

Your very loving friend J. Exeter.

To this Letter the President and Censors returned the fol∣lowing answer.

Right Honourable,

WE have in our dutifullest manner received your Ho∣nour's Letter written to us the President and Cen∣sors of this College, in the behalf of John Reeve, Apothecary, your Honour's servant, of whom we are very glad to heare how honest and usefull he hath been to your Honour, for the desire we have that your Honour should be well served, and should be as glad to have had the like testimony from others of his behaviour towards them, wherein how little he hath answered the good opinion that your Honour hath of him, your Honour may please to understand by this en∣suing report. Which is, That upon the 19th. of January, 1637. one Sibyll Butler came before us in our College, and declared how John Reeve, Apothecary, finding her husband inclined to a Consumption, and for a moneth before, and at that time being afflicted with a continuall scowring, did let him bloud, and gave him a sleeping pill every other night for 3 weeks together, whereupon he dyed; and there∣upon the said Reeve being convented before us the 26th. of the same moneth, the accusation was verifyed by witnesses and made soe plaine that he was brought to confesse how he had let the said Butler bloud twice, and given him cer∣tain pills and other things all of his own head, and (as he said) out of his own Judgment, alledging for his so doing that there were Physicians that would not give poore folks Counsell if they wanted money. This practice found soe soul and contrary to Art by the Censors, in a person that hath no calling or ability to give Physick, was the cause of our sending for him, which whether it be a molestation or no, as he informes your Honour, we remit to your Ho∣nour's Judgment, now that your Honour is truely informed of the truth; wherein we humbly desire your Honour to believe us without counterpoising his report with ours: and the rather, for that we forbeare to aggravate his fault with such circumstances as he knoweth we are able to bring

against him, if it were not for putting him out of your Ho∣nour's favour. And for satisfying your Honour, and to shew how absolute a power your Honour hath over us and every of us, we doe remit to your Honour how farre the same shall be pleased to command us to proceed in the matter of the complaint; Onely we are humble Suiters to your Honour to excuse us in the point of calling him before us upon the like occasions, except it be at such times as we shall know he is in actual service with your Honour, for that this being the due way granted us for the execution of our duty, unlesse we shall leave it as a precedent for all other Offenders to decline us, we may not remit it, be∣ing bound by the trust that the State putteth upon us, and charged by the continuall commandments of the Kings and Queens of the Realme, and other admonitions of the Lords of his Majestie's honourable Privy Council, and lastly tyed by Oath at our entring into these places, to look diligently to the abuses committed by bad practisers upon the lives of his Majestie's Subjects, and in which we as yet were never interrupted by any solicitation; and soe with our heartiest prayers for your Honour's long and prosperous estate, we humbly take our leaves.

From our College-house, the 28. Decemb. 1638.

Bartholomew Vanderlash was accused for practising Physick, which he denied, but yet confessed that he had given healing draughts. Upon which, order was given for prosecuting him in the Court of Exchequer. After this, he was com∣plained of by Dr. Crooke for giving purging pills to a woman in a Fever, and Physick to another person, for a year and half: Dr. Spicer likewise exhibited several informations a∣gainst him to the President and Censors: As likewise one Mrs. Fitten, to whom (for a small pain and redness in her leg and arme) he had given a powder in white Wine, which purged her vehemently upward and downward above 25 times, and 12 times the next day. After which he gave her 4 fluxing pills (of which she took onely 2) which caused a

salivation for above 20 days, for which she was forced to seek ease from Dr. Argent. Vanderlash denied not this fact, but a∣vouched that he gave her the physick by directions from Dr. Read. But because he confessed that he had no bill from the said Doctour, the Censors took it for his own practice, which they declared to be very bad: and sent him to Newgate thereupon, with a fine of 20 li.

Russel Hutton, Surgeon, was complained of for giving pills of Turbith Mineral to one afflicted with a Dysury, upon which he fell into pissing of bloud, ulceration of the mouth and o∣ther ill symptomes. He was punished 40 s. which if not dis∣charged by the next Censors day, he was to be committed to prison for mala praxis.

Du Pont was accused for prescribing Mercurial powder to several persons, who had received great mischief by them; One of them having lost 14 teeth; Another by a Mercurial fumigation (prescribed by him) fell into swooning fits, lost her teeth and was so dangerously ill, that 2 Physicians were called in for her relief. Du Pont being taken by the Beadle and brought before the President, was released upon his bro∣ther's engagement for his appearance before the Censors, but he broke his word; his brother excusing him that he durst not come, lest he should be imprisoned. But though he did not appear, yet evil practice being proved against him by several, the Censors fined him 20 li. and ordered his imprison∣ment (till it was paid) as soon as the College Officer could take him.

Mr. Buggs, Apothecary, was complained of for practising phy∣sick; being charged therewith, he said that he would not accuse himself, but that being proved against him, he refused to give any answer, behaving himself very insolently and sau∣cily. After this, He was accused by a Gentleman to whom he gave great hopes of curing his Son (pretending himself a Physician) but when he saw that he would dye, he engaged this Gentleman to the Tavern, demanded money of him, and after a week sent him a bill. Buggs gave a Vomit to a∣nother, which wrought so churlishly, that for 3 hours the sick person was in continual lipothymies. One Watson took physick of Buggs, who dyed under his hands. Dr. Grent ac∣quainted

the Censors that a Pewterer complained of Buggs, who by his physick put out his Eyes. Complaint was likewise made, that he gave physick to one Burton, who dyed by 3 a Clock the next morning: the particular account of which is the following.

Laurence Relfe, servant to Mr. George Burton, Haberdasher, saith, that he was sent by his Master to call Mr. Buggs to him; and he thinketh that Mr. Buggs was with his Master Maii 4^o in the morning, and further saith, that his Master was that day abroad in divers places, and that coming home he com∣plained that he was stuffed in the stomach and could hardly fetch his breath, and that having sitten a while and rested himself, he found himself well. But he having met with Mr. Buggs in the evening, and complaining that he was stuf∣fed in the stomach, Mr. Buggs promised speedily to help him, and thereupon in the evening sent him a Clyster, which Mr. Burton then refused to take, finding himself well, and ha∣ving, as he said, a good stomach to his Supper, he would first sup. After Supper Mr. Buggs's man came again, the rising from the Table he went to his Chamber, where the Fellow gave him the Clyster, upon which he fell presently very sick, so that the Fellow went home to tell his Master how ill Mr. Burton was; who presently sent him some things to take (which was after acknowledged to be Syrup of Violets and Flos Sulphuris.) But he growing worse and worse, Laurence Relfe was sent to fetch Mr. Buggs himself, who brought him by twelve a Clock at night to his Master, where presently Mr. Buggs did let Mr. Burton bloud: after which seeing him to grow sicker, Mr. Buggs went home, saying he would send him some things to give him ease, which he sent by his own servant, being three things, each of the bigness of a pryone, which he took all severally, and dyed by 3 a Clock in the morning.

William Wallye, Mr. Buggs's man, being called to inform the College the truth of this business concerning Mr. Burton saith, that he knew Mr. Burton, and that he dyed on Friday last, and that his Master made a Clyster for Mr. Burton, which was sent by his younger Fellow and given about 7 at night, and that about 12 at night his Master let Mr. Burton bloud,

but this Wallye was not with his Master at the doing thereof, for he was at the Tower, giving one Mr. Foster a Clyster, which his Master ordained and sent him to give: and more he knoweth not.

Upon this and the like informations the College prosecu∣ted Mr. Buggs at Law, whereby he was made a prisoner in the Fleet; after which, the President presented to the Col∣lege the following Letter sent from the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas about granting Mr. Buggs an Habeas Corpus for the Summer Vacation.

To his very worthy friends the President and College of Physicians in London.

Gentlemen,

MAster Iohn Buggs, a prisoner in the Fleet at your suite and at the suite of one more onely, hath been a suiter for an Habeas Corpus. The other hath both by word and writing given his consent. He informeth me that with a little liberty he will make soe good use thereof as to give you satisfaction, which otherwise he shall be disabled to doe; and he will not give your College offence. I recom∣mend him to your selves, and desire a word from you, whether you will be entreated to doe this for this tourn onely. If his carriage hereafter shall not be such as shall deserve your favour, his condemnation will be the greater; otherwise you may doe honour to your selves and subdue him by a courtesy. For my selfe I am and shall al∣wayes be

Your very loving friend

30 June, 1632.

At the request of some friends I will him well; but will not overrule, but perswade your consent.

Ro. Heath.

To this Letter the President returned the following An∣swer.

To the Right Honourable Sir Robert Heath, Lord Chief Justice of his Majestie's Court of Com∣mon Pleas, deliver this.

Right Honourable,

UPON the receipt of your Letter on the behalfe of Mr. Buggs for the obtaining of an Habeas Corpus, I call'd our Society together: Where I received a command from all, first to give your Honour all humble thanks, That you would be pleased to doe soe great a favour to our College as not to grant the Writt without our consent; and especially with this addition, not to overrule us: For the quality of this Buggs, we beseech your Honour to un∣derstand from us, that he hath alwayes been a dangerous Empirick, and against whom there are many complaints in our Register; and never any man behaved himself with that insolency, and contempt against our College as he hath done, in arresting and suing to a tryall 3 of our Doctors for performing service to the Commonwealth, in searching his Shop and carrying away his dangerous and evil medicines to be examined by the Censors. Yea and since his eviction in this our suite, he hath yet persisted in his evil courses, and hath been an unfortunate Practitioner upon one Master Burton, who having well supped, and then received certain administrations from the said Buggs, who also let him bloud that night with his own hands, the Patient dyed before morning, as we are informed, and this very day we purpo∣sed to examine this businesse, but that in tendernesse to your Honour we did forbeare till we had given you an ac∣compt of him and his dangerous wayes. As for the other Creditor, we are informed that the debt was but supposed from the beginning, onely to remove him from the Comp∣ter to the Fleet, and therefore that consent was easy. Sir, the trust that the King and State hath placed upon us, binds

us in all duty and conscience to prosecute such dangerous abu∣sers, for the preservation of the lives of his Majestie's people. And therefore we beseech your Honour to continue your fa∣vour and help to suppress and punish such illiterate men as formerly you have done. And we shall be bound to pray God for your Honour's health and safety. And so I rest,

Your Honour's humble servant, Joh. Argent.

Julii 13. 1632.

After this, the Clerk of the Apothecaries Hall came to mediate for Buggs, desiring that his Fine might be paid at 2 several payments. It was thereupon agreed between the Pre∣sident, Censors and Buggs, that he the said Buggs should pay 10 l. presently, 20 l. at 6 months end, and 20 l. at 6 months after; and that he should seal a Release of Errours both to the College and all Ministers and Officers used by the College in this business; which he agreed to, and since hath paid 10 l. and sealed the Bond and Releases. Within 2 months after this Dr. Hawlye accused Mr. Buggs for giving Physick, where∣upon order was given for his citation, but producing Dr. Law∣rence his Bills for the Physick given, he was discharged. He was likewise accused for suing one Smith in the Exchequer for Physick, and that in his Plea he termed himself [in Medicina peritus] and sued pro curatione luis venereae. But to this accu∣sation he said, that one Dr. Cartmeale gave directions to that Smith for cure of the Pox. In Iuly 1633. Dr. Fox presented to the College Mr. Buggs his Bond, which was forfeited for not paying of 20 l. which his Sureties neglected and refused to pay, though they were put in mind thereof. It was therefore thought fit by the College that an Action should be entred against them. Whereupon Mr. Townesend and Mr. Broomsall (Mr. Buggs his Sureties) appeared, but refused to pay the money due to the College for which they stood bound, where∣fore their Bond was forthwith put in suit by the College. After this, Mr. Buggs his Bills were brought to the College, and he complained of by Dr. Clarke for practice. It was there∣fore

ordered by the College that Buggs should be arrested with a Quo minus out of the Exchequer, notwithstanding he had ta∣ken a Doctour's degree at Leyden. After this, the Physicians place in Christ's Church Hospital being void by the death of Dr. Clement, and it being justly feared that Buggs or some other irregular man was like (by the favour Buggs had with the Officers of that house) to get into that place, to the prejudice and dishonour of the College; It was therefore considered how to prevent that mischief. Some made him incapable, because he could not practise in this City without authority of the College, which was held a cause sufficient to exclude him. Others said that the Founder of that place, Mr. Beale, gave it first to Mr. Bredwell, and ordained, that after him one of the College should always succeed into the vacancy. That reason was also allowed effectual as the other. In fine it was concluded, that a Letter should be written from the College to the Lord Mayor to give him notice of both: which was accordingly done and presented by Dr. Baskervile. After this the President having heard by Dr. Oxenbridge, that there was further cause for the exclusion of Buggs found in the Register of Christ's Church, of this tenour; viz. That the Physician that is to be chosen to that place, is to be a Learned man, well qualified, and approved by the College of Physicians in London; He went himself together with Dr. Oxenbridge to the Lord Mayor, to advertise him of the intention that the Presi∣dent of Christ's Church Hospital had to thrust in Buggs as Phy∣sician to that Hospital contrary to all Law and Reason, and the express words of the Donour found in the Register. By whom they were received respectfully, and with a great deal of assurance, that he would see the College should have right and favour shewn them: and thereupon he sent immediately the Sword-bearer to the President of the Hospital to certify him of the College's reasons. Mr. Buggs after this upon sum∣mons appeared, and being demanded how long he had practi∣sed Physick, he answered that he had practised 2 years or more, viz. since he returned with the title of Doctour from Leyden. Being further demanded in what School or Univer∣sity he had been bred and brought up, he answered, that he had never been an Academick, or brought up in any Univer∣sity;

but yet he had been bred in such a way as might well enough enable him to become a Doctour of Physick, which was in a Poticary's shop; which he held sufficient to make a Physician. Upon which Mr. President gave express charge to the said Buggs that he should not any more presume to practise Physick, being contrary to the Laws of the King∣dom, which were then read out of the book of Statutes to him. He then asked how he should live, or what he should doe? It was replied, that he should return to his trade, and set up an Apothecary's shop; so he might live honestly in the profession wherein he had spent his life, and have the fa∣vour of the College, which had been formerly offered by some of the Fellows, who for his better encouragement had pro∣mised him half their practice. But he said, that would be too great a dishonour to him. Whereupon the Beadle was com∣manded to take out the Copy of an Information given in against Buggs in the Court of Exchequer, Anno 1632. for 2 years prac∣tice, being an exact pattern drawn by great Councel to direct the College for the future in their proceedings against unlaw∣full practisers; whom the College till this time had sued onely for one years practice. It was also ordered by the President and the College, that out of hand a Suit should be commenced against Buggs for 2 years practice.

Iames Winter, Surgeon, was complained of by Ioan Kelloway, in that she being lamish and troubled with a running pain, Winter undertook her Cure about Midsummer was 2 years; for which cure, he was to have a Hen and 20 Chickens, and a Lamb when she was well. After this, Winter sent her some Diaprunis (as he called it) to purge her, by his Wife; who also after 3 days gave her a Pill, upon which she said she should spit. At Michaclmas following he gave her the unction, anointing her Legs, Thighs and Arms twice, upon which she spit 20 days. After this, he gave her Purges, Diet-drinks and Pills; He used also Cupping-glasses, Vesicatories, and made Is∣sues in her Legs, promising to make her well: And for this cure he had 10 Sheep valued at 3 l. 10 s. onely he gave Harry Kelloway her husband 10 s. in money back. His wife also after her anointing, took from this complainant her Wastcoat, her Smock and her Head-geer, saying they were her Fees if they

were worth 20 l. But this complainant yet not finding her self well, about May last, by his appointment, she had the Unction again, and Mr. Winter was once present at her anoin∣ting. Upon this she fluxed more than before, which he see∣ing, said, that now she would be a sound woman; and after, he gave her diet-drinks and pills, and then his wife gave her 2 Clysters; for which she had a brood Goose and 2 Goslings; for this he also challenged further content, but the man re∣fused to give it unless his wife were well, and then he would give him 20 s. more.

William Trigge, Shoemaker, was summoned to appear before the Censors for practice objected against him; He confessed his practising Physick in the Rickets, bloudy Flux, Plague and Gout; but now he understood that he ought not, he would observe the President's commands and abstain totally from practice. Yet notwithstanding this engagement, Elizabeth Goodridge within 5 months exhibited complaints against him, for giving her husband Physick, of whom he received 20 s. for which she was constrained by reason of her poverty to pawn divers of her cloaths and houshold-stuff; And he was to have 40 s. more at the end of the Cure. Trigge prescribed him Drinks, Pills, Plasters, Vomits, &c. Being called and asked whether he were the King's or Queen's servant, He re∣fused to answer, but said he was God's. He confessed his giving the Physick charged against him by Goodridge. Where∣fore the Censors taking into their consideration the practice of the said William Trigge upon Thomas Goodridge, and examining particularly the manner thereof, did censure it to be evil, and therefore fined him 10 l. and committed him to the Compter prison in Woodstreet, till he should pay his fine. About 4. months after this censure, Mr. Cooke the Surgeon informed, that upon the 13th of August 1631. Trigge came to a woman sick of a burning Fever, to whom he gave a Clyster and Cor∣dial, and on the 14th a Vomit of his own preparing; after which she grew worse, still declining, till the 18th, upon which day she died. Anno 1632. Philip Tiller of London-bridge Cloth worker and William Ley of Lumbardstreet (who were bail for Trigge) desired to be released from their bail by the College. Answer was made, that if they restored the Priso∣ner,

they should be freed. Dr. Winston likewise proposed to the President and College the following request from the Warden of the Fleet in reference to Trigge, viz. That where∣as there was 25 l. recovered from Trigge, to the which the Warden of the Fleet is liable, in regard of his Escape: Yet now the Warden of the Fleet requests a mitigation, in re∣gard the prisoner is escaped; and is willing forthwith to pay to the College 20 l. The College at the motion of Dr. Winston was not unwilling to accept that sum, leaving the busi∣ness to Dr. Winston's discretion; giving him full authority to receive the said 20 l. to the use of the College; with this proviso, that if hereafter the said Warden of the Fleet shall recover the full sum, that then he shall pay the other 5 l. to the College, and not otherwise. Which 20 l. Dr. Hodson paid Dr. Fox the College Treasurer, having received it of the Warden of the Fleet as part of the debt due from Trigge, with a promise of paying the rest in case he recovered it. Af∣ter this Dr. Spicer and Dr. Hodson gave an account to the Cen∣sors of Trigge's practice, and Dr. Oxenbridge complained of his undertaking to cure an Hydropical woman by way of Para∣centesis, and that the patient died within 14 days. Upon this Trigge was summoned, but not appearing, his wife came to excuse her husband's absence; She confessed he was by his breeding a Shoemaker, but now he made profession onely of distilling waters, and that he did use to give certain Powders and Cordials to such as were infected with the Plague. Henry Aron, Surgeon, appeared and averred that he being called to view the body of one Widow Thompson (whom Trigge had undertaken to cure of a Dropsie by Paracentesis) found, that the said Trigge had opened her belly himself in a place not proper for that operation, viz. upon the midst of the direct Muscle on the right side. Dr. Oxenbridge and Dr. Rant were likewise present with Mr. Aron at that time, and were witnes∣ses of that indiscreet and Artless operation. Wherefore Trigge being brought to the College by a Messenger of the Council table, and charged with opening the body of an Hydropical woman, whereupon death ensued; he confessed the fact. And being demanded how he durst presume to undertake such an operation, being a Last-maker by his profession; he an∣swered

that he had seen Mrs. Nobes a Midwife open a body dead of a Dropsie, and that thereby he learned to make some observations, touching the dissection of Mens bodies. Be∣sides, he excused himself, that what he did was done in the presence and with the assistance of a Physician, viz. Mr. Por∣dage. But the Censors judged it a bold, dangerous and un∣lawfull practice, for which they committed him to Newgate and fined him 20 l. After this Trigge's wife appeared in the behalf of her husband lying in Newgate, and being questioned touching his practice; she confessed that he made his Pills and Electuaries himself, and particularly Mithridate and London Treacle. That he had practised Physick in London 4 years since he came from Canterbury, and that otherwise he could not have lived. In conclusion, she paid 20 l. for her husband's fine; desiring he might be released from Newgate. Whereupon a Warrant was signed by the President and Cen∣sors for his Enlargement. A week after he was again sum∣mon'd to appear before the Censors, who interdicted him the practice of Physick any more, upon pain of the severest pu∣nishment. He then professed, that he was bred and brought up in distilling of waters, to which trade he purposed to ap∣ply himself. And complained that many Distillers of Aqua vitae in London made use of the Lees of Starch Wash and such trash to the great abuse of the King's Subjects, which he was able to make out. But practice being afterwards proved against him, he was prosecuted at Common Law.

Thomas Cooke, Surgeon, being charged for practising Physick, confessed that he gave some few medicines to the Poor. Be∣ing asked how he came to understand that profession, he said from his Master Mollins. He was admonished to abstain from future practice, which he promised, and so was dis∣missed. But about 3 months after, Dr. Winston complained that he had Salivated a Woman, upon which Salivation she died in 4 days. Wherefore, he was sent to Prison and fined 5 l. But upon his payment of 40 s. and confessing his fault, he was taken out of Prison. After this, he was again convened and accused for giving Mercurial Pills; he craved pardon for his offence, and promised never to offend again, and so he was sent away. Yet within a few years, he was again

questioned concerning the death of a person of great Quality, to whom he gave (as he affirmed) first half an ounce of Cassia, and the like quantity of Manna for a bole, then Mercurius dulcis 5 times. The flux began to rise the third day: In conclusion this honourable Lady died. His Censure was, 1. To give security by bond of 100 l. not to practise the same way of fluxing by Mercury. 2. To acknowledge his ill practice to the Lady Knevet, and to bring back a testimony from her to the College, that he had confessed the same. He according∣ly brought the ensuing Letter.

My good friends,

I Understand by this bearer Tho Cooke, that he is by your command in custody of a Messenger for some occasions best known to your selves; upon which you have enjoyned him, to repayre to me to make submission; which accor∣dingly he hath fully and fairely done with much sorrow; and for my part I remit and forgive all offences to me, and desire with your savours he may be freed; and so wishing you all happinesse I rest

Your loving friend, Ka. Knyvett.

This 2d of March, 1638.

In the 5th year of this King's reign, several Empiricks pre∣tending their Protection from Court, the President and Censors presented the following Petition against them to the Lord Chamberlain.

To the Right Honourable Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Lord Cham∣berlain to his Majesty,

The humble Petition of the President and Censors of the College of Physicians,

Sheweth,

THat whereas there are diverse Empiricks, which con∣trary to Law and conscience presume to practise Phy∣sick in and about the City of London, as one Butler a Glover, Trigge a Lastmaker, Buggs one of the Queen of Bohemia's Players, sometimes an Apothecary; One Hill, one Blag∣den; one Blank a Pewterer; and one Sir Saunder Duncombe a Pensioner to his Majestie, with diverse others, against whom the College cannot take the benefit of their Charter and his Majestie's Laws, by reason that they shrowd them∣selves under the colour of being his Majestie's servants:

The Petitioners humbly beseech your Lordship, in tender regard of the health and safety of his Majestie's subjects, to give them leave to take the ordinary course of Law for the suppressing of the unlawfull practice of the aforesaid Empiricks, and all others that shall assume the like boldnesse.

And they shall pray, &c.

To this Petition the following answer was returned.

None of the persons complained of in this Petition, nor any other are admitted to his Majestie's service to intitle them to the practice of Phy∣sick against the Charter of the College and his Majestie's Laws. And therefore if the Petitioners conceive that they have cause of Suit, ha∣ving

acquainted the partyes interested with my reference, they may freely take the benefit of his Majestie's Laws for their relief.

Pembroke and Montgomery.

Febr. 7. 1630.

Humphrey Beven, Chymist, was complained of for giving a Vomit to one Royston's daughter, who in the time of her vo∣miting fell into convulsions and died. After this he was ac∣cused for giving a Medicine to Mrs. Lane on a knife's point, upon the taking of which she voided clods of bloud upwards, and next day her gums were made black thereby, and so she fell to spitting and spawling till she died. The President and Censors did not think this business fit for them to censure; and therefore it was referred to the Courts of Justice.

Thomas Bowden, Surgeon, confessed that he directed severl Medicines (as Purges, Diet-drinks, &c.) to a Patient for the Morbus Gallicus, and thought it lawfull, he being so taught by his Master. The Censors examining the case could not discover it to be a Gonorrhoea impura, but onely a strain gotten by a fall, which caused the running of the reins. The prac∣tice having been 2 or 3 years past, the Censors inflicted no other punishment upon him, but onely discommuned him untill he submitted to the College, which was done by the consent of all the Fellows, and signified by the Beadle to all their Members. About the same time one Flud an Apothe∣cary was likewise discommuned, who afterwards submitted himself to the College, and craved a release from their inter∣diction; which was granted, he paying the mulct of 20 s.

Mr. Sweno Clark and Executour to one Mr. William Turner presented a Petition against Mr. Clapham, an Apothecary, for giving physick to the said Mr. Turner, whose bills of charges he presented. Mr. Clapham appeared, to whom Mr. President declared the complaint made against him concerning his prac∣tising Physick upon one Mr. Turner, and of his suing the Patient's Executours, and required him to produce what Doctours bills he had in that case. Mr. Clapham answered, that he had Dr. Peter Moyden alias Muden his Bills, even from September, 1630. till the latter end of March following: which

Dr. Moyden was sometime his fellow-servant in Mr. Garret's house, but afterwards fell to the study of Physick. He con∣fessed that the Doctour never was with Mr. Turner, onely saw his urines at Mr. Clapham's shop, and was instructed by him of the disease. He saith farther that Mr. Turner much despised Physick and Physicians, yet relied upon him, and was content at the last that Dr. Bruart should be brought to him, who came (as he said) too late.

Margaret Woodman, dwelling in Alhallows in the Wall, who kept Mr. Turner in his sickness, saith, that Mr. Clapham did usually look upon Mr. Turner's urines, causing them often to be turned, sometimes liking and sometimes disliking them: and that all the time she was with him, which was 10 weeks, she knew of no other Doctour but Mr. Clapham: and she saith farther, that by his bathing and medicining him, his Legs did not onely swell, but that his Toes rotted, and his Legs became extremely noisome.

Mr. William Kerbye, in Maiden lane, Merchant, saith, that Mr. Turner being taken with a giddiness fell, and by his fall hurt his Hip, for which he did advise him to use Counsel, and he answered, he used Mr. Clapham who was his old ac∣quaintance; but Mr. Kerbye wishing him to use better Coun∣sel, he said that Mr. Clapham told him he had the Counsel of a Doctour, and further saith, that then he could use his armes well, and that even to his death almost he had his senses well: and he saith that he told Mr. Turner, that Mr. Clapham had received of him 50 li. to which he answered that he had had of him twice as much. And he saith that Mr. Bruart coming to him, said he was called too late.

Mr. Henry Shelberrye, Scr. faith that Mr. Turner had his fall about the 7th. of October last, to whom Mr. Turner said he feared the swimming of his head, of which he had a fit 20 years ago coming from Paul's; and he asked Mr. Turner, whose Counsel he used? he said Mr. Clapham was his ancient Apothecary and one that knew his body well, yet that he had moneys from him for a Doctour.

Mr. Slater saith, that he was with Mr. Turner the day he dyed, and that he heard Mr. Turner's Maid blame Mr. Clap∣ham, who she said had received of her Master in his sickness well near 100 li.

Mr. Clapham saith, that if he would have taken 5 li. or 6 li. for his Bill, that then this complaint had not been made. Mr. Clapham neglecting to attend the Censors upon due war∣ning, they gave Mr. Sweno the following Certificate upon ma∣ture deliberation.

WHereas Mr. William Sweno, Executor to one Mr. Wil∣liam Turner deceased in April last, hath complained to us the President and Censors of the College of Physicians in London, of William Clapham, Apothecary, for that he administred Physick for diverse moneths together to the said William Turner, for which he hath received great summes of money to the summe of 80 li. and more, and yet hath presented more Bills, and sued the said Executors for 12 li. 14 s. and 10 d. more, as appeareth by his Declaration ex∣hibited to the honourable Court of Common Pleas. We taking into consideration the misdemeanours that are daily in this kind presented unto us, and having sent for the same William Clapham, and examined him concerning this businesse, as also having examined di∣verse of his Bills, brought in by him to us, and affirmed by his Ser∣vant to be the Original Bills, which we find not to agree with those mentioned in his Declaration, neither in substance nor number; And that besides, the Bills presented to us, are not likely to be of any Phy∣sicians prescribing, they being irregular and contrary to Art. There∣fore we do certify to all whom it may concerne, that we have just cause to think that the Patient hath been unconscionably and unreaso∣nably dealt withall. In witnesse whereof we the President and Censors of the College have hereunto set our hands. Dated the 18th. day of November at our College.

Subscribed by the President and Censors.

In the 7th. year of the King's Reign, Mr. President presen∣ted a Letter sent to him and the College by his Majestie's command concerning the poisoning of Mr. Lane, the Contents of which Letter and of this whole affair are the following.

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

AFter my hearty commendations. Since the Sentence pass'd against one Cromwell for the murder of his Ma∣ster, because he persisted in a constant denyall of the fact, it hath occasioned his Majestie's gracious care to informe himself by all means possible, which might serve to draw the truth thereof into further light and evidence. To that purpose as there hath been employed the ministery of Di∣vines to perswade his conscience, and the feare of death to unmask it; soe his Majestie taking notice of some question was made amongst the Physicians, whether the party dead were poysoned or noe, hath thought fit to heare the judg∣ment of you the College of Physicians thereupon, and doth accordingly require and authorise you to assemble your selves in such manner as in the like enquiryes and con∣sultations is accustomed, and there to take as exact infor∣mation as may be from the relation of such as were present, of the state of his sicknesse, the manner of his death, and what hath been besides observed upon the view and open∣ing of his body, or may yet be collected from the sight and tryall of the Medicine, if any part of it be still remai∣ning. Whereupon having heard and weigh'd the argu∣ments on both sides, you are to set downe your opinions in writing, with the reasons of them, under your hands, and present the same unto his Majestie before Wednesday next, his Majestie not intending to suspend the course of Justice any longer, unlesse something may appeare in the meane time fit to induce and warrant a further act of mer∣cy towards the prisoner. Thus much I was commanded by his Majestie to signify unto you of his Royal pleasure; and so I bid you heartily farewell, and rest

Your very loving friend He. Hollande.

Greenwich the 27th. of May 1632.

By this Letter, the College is commanded to take exact information from the relation of such as were present, of Mr. Lane's sickness, of the manner of his death, and what hath been observed upon the view and opening of his body, as also from the sight of the bolus which was left. It being therefore enquired of Mr. Matthewes Apothecary (of whom without the Counsel of any Doctour he took physick) what sickness Mr. Lane had, he answered that he was not sick, but that he was desirous to take a Medicine, which Dr. Poe had heretofore appointed him; and which he since had taken sun∣dry times. The Medicine (he said) was this.

℞ Pulv. Sanct. ʒjss. Syr. Augustan. ℥j. Vini albi ℥iij ss. m. f. po∣tio. This he took upon Monday, and he had thereby 7 or 8 stools: But not thinking himself sufficiently purged he desi∣red Master Matthewes that he might have it again, which Master Matthewes accordingly prepared on Tuesday, for Wed∣nesday; but he took not this Medicine till Friday following; upon the taking of which (after the walking 5 or 6 turns) he vomited and grew sick. The Medicine also did work downward much, even to the purging of bloud, and the said Mr. Matthewes gave Mr. Lane a Cordial of Diascordium.

Dr. Gifford was called to Mr. Lane on Sunday, and can say nothing what was done before. He then found that Mr. Lane did cast and scowre much, and that he was feverish, his breath stinking, his mouth black, especially on the right side and about his gumms. The Doctour the nappointed him Cly∣sters of milk, and to drink milk and water. On Monday a∣gainst night, he did appoint him a Bolus with Laudani Parac. gr. j. ¼, which night he vomited the Bolus and purged much more than before, casting and scowring bloud after the Bolus. On Tuesday the Doctour gave him some Diacodium and Plan∣tain Water. On Wednesday he appointed him Laudani gr. j. cons. flor. garyophyllor. ℈j. Cromwell was sent for this Bolus who returned not home in half an hour. The Apothecary's man saith it was sent gilt, but the gilt was broken, and being su∣spected to be more in quantity than was appointed, it was tasted, and it made their mouths sore that tasted it, and then it being searched, there appeared a white powder in it. And it is confess'd that Cromwell came to Mrs. Bacon's shop and

bought 2 drams of Sublimate there, which he pretended to grave knives withall; and with a third part thereof he then and there did engrave a knife, the other 2 parts he carryed a∣way with him, of which he being questioned, denied the same, making this excuse, that the asker was neither Con∣stable nor Justice: and being further questioned what he did with the rest of the Sublimate, he said it was between the window and his desk, where a piece of Sublimate was found but not the powder. Dr. Gifford did think that there was a mortification in his mouth.

Dr. Gifford did answer to 2 Objections made concerning the poison.

1. That the Corps was outwardly fair. Resp. The evacua∣tion did prevent the coming of the poison to the skin.

2. It was said, the bottom of the stomach was not offen∣ded. Resp. The sides of the stomach were offended, and the evacuation came so suddenly upon the taking it, that it did not settle.

Dr. Andrews saith, that he was called with others to view the body of Mr. Lane, which they found outwardly fair, his lips onely appearing white as if they had been blistered. Some blackness there appeared in his mouth, and his Tongue was black and hard, but from his throat to his stomach it was very fair: The stomach its self in the bottom was fair; but the upper part had a blackness, round about which it was in∣flamed; the blackness he scraped off with his nail, but the other coats were sound. In the Aspera Arteria, there was seen no offence, but one lobe of the Lungs seemed to be rotten; and one part of the Liver was pale and scirrhous.

Dr. Meverell saith, that he being on Saturday to view the body, he found an Eschar between the gumms and the Cheek, with blackness of the teeth, the tongue also black and hard, but the gula all fair and clear. In the Stomach in the upper part, a circular inflammation with a blackness in the middle, which with his nail was easily scraped off. His Liver was hard and his Lungs bad, yet not so as that they should cause his death. At the Sessions he said the same, but there the Lord Chief Justice asking him, that if the Circumstances which were alledged by the sworn witnesses were added to

that he saw whether then he thought him poisoned; The Dr. answered, that he did think that he died of poison.

Francis White, servant to Mr. Matthewes saith, that hearing that the Bolus was disliked, he went and did fetch back the Bolus; and that opening it he found Sublimate in it, which he shewed Cromwell; and after this, Francis going home, Cromwell followed him, and wish'd him by Fleet-bridge to cast it away, which he refused to doe.

Dr. Gifford did further declare that Cromwell had 2 powders, one white which was sublimate, the other black which was some Amalgama of Quick-silver, which Cromwell said he had out of his Master's pocket. He did also desire the College to take into their consideration what Scammony could doe, whether by that the mouth and stomach could be made black so suddenly, and to cause an Ulcer with an Eschar upon the side of the mouth. After the forementioned examination of several Witnesses, the following Letter by his Majestie's Or∣der was sent to the College.

To my very loving Friends the President and College of Physicians in London.

AFter my hearty commendations: You have by some other of his Majestie's servants understood his plea∣sure, in that which now I must by his expresse pleasure re∣quire of you: That you assemble together, and inform your selves as particularly as you can; First, whether that man (for whose death one Cromwell a young man is con∣demned) did in your judgment dye of poyson or otherwise. And secondly, whether that Potion which was sent from the Apothecary and which he received, had any poysonable Ingredients which might produce this effect. In these things you must return to his Majestie the report of your Judg∣ment on Friday at the farthest; which you must doe with the more care according to your best skill, because herein you may perceive how tender his Majestie is both of his Justice and Mercy: for as he is alwayes most graciously in∣clined

to favour when the offence is of a nature capable of remission; so he is no lesse graciously severe in regard of Justice and publique example, that the crying Crimes of bloud, and especially by poysoning, which hath noe pre∣tence of sudden anger, shall not escape unpunished. Doe therefore your dutyes to informe him in the truth to the uttermost of your knowledge. So I rest

Your assured friend to doe you service Iohn Cooke.

Greenwich 29 Maii 1632.

BY this second Letter the College was required to resolve two things.

First, Whether Mr. Lane died of poison or no?

Secondly, Whether the Potion which was made by the Apothecary, and taken by Mr. Lane, had any poisonable In∣gredients therein, which might produce this effect.

Mr. President was desirous to hear what might further be informed by the Assistants, Doctours, or any other: and first there presented himself

Mr. Francis Banister of Bedford; who came to Mr. Lane his Son-in-Law, on Wednesday about 2 or 3 a clock in the after∣noon. There he found the ℞ of Dr. Gifford's Bolus, which he sent by Cromwell to Mr. Matthewes; who after some long stay, brought it to Mrs. Lane, which she did presently deliver to this Mr. Banister her Father; which he seeing, thought it more than was directed by the Doctour; and presently ta∣king it, he found it sharp, offending his tongue: Then he sent for one Walter Mr. Matthewes his man, to whom he said, the Bolus was not rightly prepared; and therefore caused him to go to make another Bolus according to the direction: Which Bolus being brought Mr. Lane took, and it did well with him: and Francis the Apothecary's man coming thither on Thursday morning, Mr. Banister caused him to taste the Bo∣lus, of which he presently complained; and that night both the Apothecary's men came and shewed him the Sublimate in it, by which both their mouths were distated; and on

this Thursday Mr. Banister told Dr. Gifford, that there were the symptomes of Mercury, for his evacuations were bloudy, his tortions great, his mouth black, exulcerated, stinking, and withall he had convulsions.

Mrs. Elizabeth Lane, sister to Mr. Lane, who was in the house from his first falling sick, saith, that upon Friday, upon the taking the purge, he presently after half a dozen turns in a little room fell a vomiting, and vomited black humour and bloud, and that upon every stool he was ready to faint; and she saith, that Cromwell found fault with the maid for giving the Child Pills in that Porringer out of which Mr. Lane took the Medicine.

Dr. Foxe, before he would make report of what he knew in this business, produced the Copy of a Report made by himself, Dr. Andrews, Dr. Meverell, and Dr. Ramsey which was as followeth.

We are of opinion that having found in this body some inflammation and mortification, whereof must necessarily follow death, by the force of them, and that yet the same inflammation and mortification might proceed from some other causes; it cannot be resolved by Art, whether this Gentleman died by Poison or other means. Which he pressed much to be assented to by the whole College (and the other Doctours did acknowledge this Note to be the sense of that which they subscribed unto) but the College thought fit a little to advise thereon.

Then Dr. Foxe related that he was called to Mr. Lane by a stranger to him, and that he found some passion in the house. After some time the body was opened, and the mouth, gula and stomach were found so as hath been formerly related: and saith that the Chirurgion said the Guts were fair. Then Dr. Foxe, as a Censor, began to enquire after the Physick gi∣ven to Mr. Lane, and who gave it; and calling for Mr. Mat∣thews he enquired of the Potion, by whom he was informed what it was. After this, the Dr. coming to consult, soon found cause to suspect poison. Dr. Andrews conceived other∣wise, by whom Dr. Foxe was partly led, and the rather be∣cause the Apothecary was found to have given one irregu∣lar medicine; and the Dr. related how one Ioslyne died by Physick given him upon an old receipt of Mr. Butler's.

Dr. Ramsey saith, that about Noon one told him his Neigh∣bour Mr. Lane was dead, upon which he went thither pre∣sently, and heard their complaint: and then he look'd upon his gumms and teeth. Next day he came to meet the other Doc∣tours, and found things as formerly have been related. And he acknowledged that he set his hand to the Note former∣ly related, and thought all had been done; but withall he protested that he was and is of opinion, that Mr. Lane was poisoned.

Mr. Pindar, Mr. Coxe, Mr. Dixon, and Mr. Scot Chirurgi∣ons, being all at the opening of the Body, do severally acknow∣ledge the blackness and Eschar in the mouth, and the morti∣fication in the stomach; and Mr. Coxe saith, that a quarter of a yard beneath the Stomach he found an inflammation inclining to a blackness.

After this information had, Mr. President propounded to the Collegues to give their opinions whether Mr. Lane died of a violent death or naturally.

They every one severally were of opinion that he died a violent death upon some external cause.

Secondly, Mr. President propounded to the Collegues whether they thought him to have been poisoned or not.

The Question being considered severally by the Fellows, 18 of them were of opinion that he died of poison: but 4 of them (namely, Sir William Paddy, Dr. Andrews, Dr. Crooke, and Dr. Cademan) did impute his death to the me∣dicine.

Thirdly, Mr. President desired the Collegues opinions concerning the medicine sent from the Apothecarie's, whe∣ther that had in it any poisonable thing, which might produce such an effect.

To this all the Fellows with one consent made answer, that they could not give a direct censure concerning the Poti∣on delivered by the Apothecary, and made without the di∣rection of a Doctour: but if it were no other than pulvis San∣ctus formerly set down, that then they were of opinion that there was no poisonable thing in it, which might produce such an effect.

But in the Bolus which remained there was found poison, and all the Fellows did acknowledge it to be Sublimate.

Dr. Foxe pressed the Collegues for their opinion concerning the Note by him exhibited; and their general opinion was, that they having had no proofs but onely the inspection of the body, they could not certifie assuredly of the poison.

Then Sir Theodore Mayerne was requested by the President and the College, to draw up the opinion of the Collegues to be presented to his Majesty and to send it to Mr. President, which he accordingly performed: and the Friday following it was delivered to his Majesty by Mr. President, Dr. Clement, Dr. Hodson and Dr. Meverell at Greenwich, in these words.

The determination of the College concerning the Questions proposed to them by the King's Majestie about the death of Joseph Lane.

THe College of Physicians in London being lawfully as∣sembled by the command of their Soveregin Lord the King, about certain questions proposed concerning the death of Ioseph Lane, reported to be killed by poison, and having made a diligent search, and well considering all circum∣stances relating, 1. As to the state of the body of the fore∣said Lane; 2. As to the disease which (by a long series of violent symptomes) brought him to his end; 3. As to the kind and appearance of his death; 4. As to the obser∣vations made upon his dead body by the Physicians and Chirurgions present; 5. As to the conjectures taken from the strict examination of a Bolus extremely suspicious, whose parts were artificially separated, found in Mr. Lane's house when dead, and after brought into Court before the Judges, and from thence to the Physicians at their College: To whom (by the command and in the name of the King) Letters were wrote from the Right honourable Sir Iohn Cooke principal Secretary of State, that they might diligently en∣quire and give a faithfull account to the following Questi∣ons. 1. Concerning Lane's death, whether it was procured

from poison? 2. Their opinion about a purging potion car∣ryed the 4th of April, 1632. from Mr. Matthewes an Apo∣thecary's shop to Mr. Lane's house, and taken by Lane the 6th, whether it had any thing of poison in it? The Col∣lege after very mature deliberation, did humbly present the following Decree to his sacred Majesty as a testimony of their obedience.

1. That the said Joseph Lane did certainly dye of a violent death. 2. That he had taken poison, and that corrosive. 3. That they could determine nothing certainly concerning the Potion sent and given by Mr. Matthewes the Apothecary to Mr. Lane without the advice of any Physician, because many of their medicines were too negligently prepared by their servants. But if that Potion did only consist of those ingredients which he had given an account of, and for which we have solely his word, then there was nothing of poison contained therein. 4. In the remainder of the foresaid Bolus there was found Mercury Sublimate, not sweet, but the most harsh and highly caustick, which was separated from the rest of the Bolus and shewn to the whole College; In testimony whereof the College by the unanimous consent of the President and Fellows and all present at this consul∣tation, signed this Decree with their own hands, and sealed it with the College Seal, that it might appear more au∣thentick.

And because that from the beginning of the world to this very day good and wholsome Laws have derived their original from evil manners, the whole College of Physici∣ans doe most humbly beseech your most Sacred Majesty that, as the Father of your Country, you would consult the health and welfare both of your City Subjects, and would by your Royal Proclamation strictly command that for the future, No Grocer, Drugster, Apothecary, Chy∣mist, or any other person presume to sell Arsenick, Quick∣silver, Sublimate, Precipitate, Opium, Coloquintida, Scammo∣ny, Hellebore, or other Druggs either poisonous or dan∣gerous, to poor sorry Women or poor people (which hath been too common) but only to those who are wil∣ling to give their names; that if there should be occasion,

they may give an account of the reason of their buying these dangerous medicines.

May it likewise please your Majesty to issue out your Royal Edict under the most severe penalties, that no Apo∣thecary for the future shall dare to compound for the Well, or administer to the Sick any medicines, especially Vomits, Purges, Opiates, Mercurial or Antimonial remedies with∣out the prescription of Physicians then living; which pre∣scription they shall be bound to produce upon the com∣mand or request of the Censors of the College. He that shall act contrary, shall be punished by the Law as a pub∣lick enemy to the life of man. Dated from the College of Physicians in London the Last day of May, 1632. And Subscribed,

• Dr. Argent, President.
• Sir Theodore Mayerne,
• Dr. Atkins,
• Dr. Harvey,
• Dr. Clement,
• Dr. Foxe,
• Dr. Fludd,
• Dr. Ramsye,
• Dr. Grent,
• Dr. Cademan,
• Dr. Andrewes,
• Dr. Crooke,
• Dr. Oxenbridge,
• Dr. Rand,
• Dr. Winston,
• Dr. Wright,
• Dr. Chamberlayne,
• Dr. Hawlye.

Francis Roes, alias Vintner, was accused by William Clarke of ill practice, who (as he affirmed) undertook to cure his wife of a Tympany, of which disease Vintner told him he had cured 40. and amongst those named one Ingram's wife. He had of Clarke 4 l. when he began, and 3 l. after for medicines, and 4 l. more he was to have when he had perfected the Cure. Vintner did not deny the accusation, and being demanded by what authority he practised, he answered he was a Physician and Student in Trinity College in Cambridge, of which College he had been a year or two; and further said that he had been instructed in Physick from a Boy by his Father, meaning Mr. Vintner the Empirick. Being asked what medicines he gave Clark's wife and Ingram's; at first he refused to discover them, saying he had them noted in his books; but after long

expostulation, he named Ialap and Elatorium (as he pronoun∣ced the word) and being questioned what Elatorium was made of, he said it was composed of 3 or 4 things, whereof Diagridium was one. He was censured for giving Elaterium (a medicine he knew not) and particularly to a woman at his own house, whom he afterwards sent home through the open streets, telling her it was a Cordial. He was fined 10 l. and committed to Prison.

Richard Hammond, Surgeon, was complained of by Iohn Wal∣ton, for that he undertook to cure his child of a Dropsie being 9 or 10 years old. He gave him a Clyster, after which he fell into a loosness and died. Hammond confessed that he gave the Child a Clyster made of Ale, Molossos, and white Helle∣bore, which wrought so violently that the Boy died there∣with. Walton likewise affirmed that there was a red powder in the Clyster, which he judged to be red Mercury. For this ill practice he was fined 5 l. and committed to the prison of the Compter in Woodstreet.

Iames Virott, Apothecary, was accused by the Wardens of the Apothecary's Company for decayed and ill medicines found in his Shop, which they brought. The Censors refused to take any notice thereof, because they had not visited his Shop which they promised speedily to do, and accordingly within a few days they with the Wardens did visit it, and destroyed his corrupt and ill medicines.

Mr. President made complaint of the Apothecaries disre∣spect in general and in particular of Mr. Smith's, who being served with a Sub-poena to appear as a Witness in a College cause, neglected to come. Whereof being reproved by Mr. President, that it was an affront to the College, he told him he might take it as he pleased; and being advised by Dr. Har∣vey to come to the President to compose this breach, Smith told him that he seared no body under the degree of a Privy Councellour for any good or harm. Upon this complaint, it was thought fit to put it to the table, whether Mr. Smith should be excommuned for using Mr. President so unworthily, till such time as he should reconcile himself to the President and the College; By scrutiny he was excommuned, till he should so reconcile himself. About 3 weeks after, Mr. Smith

came to excuse the offence done to the President, and decla∣red himself sorry that he should give any such offence, and craved the favour of the President and College; wherefore his suspension was remitted, and he again entertained into the favour of the College.

Susan Dry was complained of for giving Physick to one Margaret Foxe, to whom she gave drinks of 10 s. a bottle. She gave physick to one Matthew Evans, of whom she had 2 s. 6 d. in money; with an Apron and Pillow-bear: She took another Womans Ruff. She was committed for evil practice and fined 3 l. Upon her submission Mr. President took 30 s. of her and released her. He delivered the money to the Beadle, the most of which was distributed to pious uses.

In the 9th year of this King's reign, the College by advice of their Councel sent the following Letter to the Master, Wardens, and Fellowship of the Apothecaries concerning the examination of their servants in order to their freedom.

WHereas by your Charter, your Apprentices are to be examined and allowed by the President, or one or more of the College which he shall appoint, before they can be made free of the City of London; It hath been thought fit by our College for more conveniency for you and us to appoint their examination to be by the President or such as he shall appoint in that behalf in our College on our ordinary Censors days, which are the first Fridays of every month, days usual for the examination of University men: where if you shall present them at the hour of 2 a clock in the afternoon they shall be examined without any further trouble.

Mr. Briscoe, Apothecary, appeared before the President and Censors, being accused that he had given one Mr. Prim∣rose 2 drams of troch. de Alkakengi instead of 2 drams of troch. Gordonii, appointed by Dr. Iohnson, without asking the Doctour's opinion therein. He confessed it was his fault, but when he gave it, he knew not whether it were with Opium or no; and he could not deny but that he said he had troch.

Gordonii, when indeed he had not; and also that he pressed the Dr. to give Mr. Primrose some Diacodium, which the Dr. refused to do; and he confesseth that he would have given it him all, but he took but half thereof; and he further saith, that Mr. Primrose lived 4 days after taking the medicine. He also presented the Note of his Censure in the Apothecaries hall as followeth.

24 Martii. 1634.

Thomas Hicks, Master; Edward Cook, James Fothergill, Wardens; Gideon de Laune, Richard Edwards, Leonard Stone, Abraham Webb, Roger Harry Young, Henry Field, Willi∣am Shambrooke, Richard Glover, John Sotherton.

WHereas John Briscoe is complained of to this Court for fal∣sifying a Bill of Dr. Johnson's for James Primrose, who was dangerously sick of an Ʋlcer in his Kidneys and Bladder, where∣by his death was hastened (as is reported by diverse Doctors) forasmuch as it appeared by the said Briscoe's owne confession that he did falsify the Bill of the said Dr. Johnson, viz. by putting into the Potion prescribed troch. Alkakengi cum Opio, for troch. Gordo∣nii, without the consent of the Doctor, which is a breach of the orders of this Company; It is ordered that the said Briscoe shall pay unto this Company for a fine for so falsifying the said Bill or Prescript, 5 Marques, according to the ordinances of this Company, and for further punishment he shall be put off from being of the Clothing of this Company.

Tho. Tayler Clericus Societati Pharmacop.

The Censors are willing to defer the Censuring of this busi∣ness till they have conferred with their Councel.

The President and Censors considering that there was some difference between the Fellows concerning the permit∣ting of interdicted Apothecaries to make medicines upon their Prescripts; It was agreed and ordered, that excepting cases of absolute necessity, no fellow should give way to any interdicted Apothecary to make his medicine, till they should be reconciled.

Iohn Hope an Apothecarie's Apprentice.

The Coroner of London complained, that a person was su∣spected to be poisoned by an Apothecarie's man with a Po∣tion given by him; He desired the Censors to examine the Case, which was the following.

Elizabeth Vaughan of Puddle Wharf, the Widow of Rowland Vaughan deceased, complaineth, that her late husband being not very well went to Mr. Elliot's the Apothecarie's house, whom he found not within, but found his man Iohn; to whom the said Vaughan said, There is no looking upon your Master under 2 s. 6 s. and the said Iohn answered, he might have a Medicine better cheap: but Vaughan said, it must be a strong one, for he had a strong body. So the said Iohn gave him 2 Apples of Coloquintida directing him to boil them in white Wine, putting thereto some Cinamon and Nutmeg; which his wife accordingly did, and gave it to her husband about 7 a Clock next morning, which wrought not till 11 at night, but then he grew extreme sick in his belly, and cryed out he could not live 2 days, the Medicine wrought both upward and downward; upward he vomited a fatty matter, and downward he voided a pottle of bloud. About 4 in the afternoon Mrs. Vaughan went to Mr. Elliot's house crying for her husband, but Mr. Elliot himself made strange thereof: but understanding that he had taken the infusion of Coloquin∣tida, it is said that he said he would not have given it to the Devil; but he directed her to boil some milk and to give it him presently: But Iohn, Mr. Elliot's Apprentice, came home after her, and caused her to fetch some red Rose leaves, and 3 ounces of honey, which he boiled in milk and put it up for a Clyster, which he put up about 11 at night, and Ma∣ster Vaughan died about 7 the next morning. Besides the Clyster he also gave him half an ounce of Syrup of Coral in some Carduus water.

Iohn Hope, Apprentice to Mr. Elliot, being then present, acknowledged the giving the 2. Apples of Coloquintida in the manner aforesaid: and he further confessed that he had sold 12 Apples of Coloquintida to divers women, who used to boil them in white Wine, since he hath dwelt with Mr. Elliot, which is about 2 years and a half.

The Censors sending for the parties examined, did particu∣larly consider of the practice of Iohn Hope, Apprentice to Mr. Elliot, upon the body of the said Rowland Vaughan, by gi∣ving him the decoction of 2 Apples of Coloquintida, and ad∣judged the same to be evil practice in the highest degree, and such as did transcend the Censure of our College, and therefore they did remit it in all humility to the higher Courts of Justice. Upon which this Testimony following was given to the said Elizabeth Vaughan.

WHereas this 9th. of May, 1635. Elizabeth Vaughan com∣plained at the College, that her late Husband Rowland Vaughan had taken the decoction of 2 Apples of Coloquintida by the direction of John Hope Apprentice to Michael Elliot Apothe∣cary; These are to certify that we the sworne Censors for this yeare, namely, Dr. Fludd, Dr. Winston, Dr. Hodson, Dr. Spicer doe affirme, that it was evil practice in the highest degree, and transcen∣ding the Censure of our College; and therefore we remit it in all hu∣mility to the higher Courts of Iustice. This was the Act of the Cen∣sors the day and year above written.

Quod testor Guliel. Clement Med. Dr. Regestar. Collegii Medicorum London.

Mr. President desired that diligent search might be made after the sellers of purging Diet-Ales, and such Comfit-makers as sold purging Confections.

Dr. Mayerne wrote a Letter to Mr. President complaining of Mr. Evans a Minister who had abused his name about his Antimonial Cup; Upon which 4 Fellows of the College were sent to the Archbishop of Canterbury to acquaint his Grace therewith, and with the import of Sir Theodore Mayern's Letter. After this Evans was brought before the High Com∣mission, where the Archbishop asked him for his Orders, which he had not then present. He then caused him to be sworn to answer to such Articles as should be objected against him. His Grace was highly displeased at the printing of his Book, of which all that could be found were taken away.

The College Beadle was to help to find out more, that they might be destroyed. Sir Nathanael Kitch dyed of a Vomit made by this Antimonial Cup. The Lady Amye Blunt died by the same Medicine in Charter-house yard. Another case of the same kind was reported by Dr. Harvey.

Mr. President admonished the Fellows, that none of them should send their Bills to the discommuned Apothecaries; who were the following, viz. Mr. Edwards, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Weale, Mr. Haughton, Mr. Holland, and Mr. Kendall.

In the 10th. of this King's Reign, Dr. Winterton, Profes∣sour of Physick in Cambridge, wrote the following Letter to Dr. Foxe, President of the College, concerning the Universi∣ty's giving Licences or Degrees in Physick to unworthy and unfit persons.

To the Right Worshipfull and my much honoured friend Dr. Foxe, President of the Physicians College, at his house in Carter lane, give these.

My service and best respects remembred.

MAster President and my much honoured friend, Whereas I am given to understand that you have heard that the last yeare I would not give way to two or three for the obtaining a Licence to practise in Physick, nor to a Doctor of Leyden to be incorporated with us with∣out giving publick testimony of his abilities, and I further understand that your self and the whole College are well pleased therewith, I have cause to rejoyce: and further thought fit at this time to acquaint you with my real inten∣tions, which I shall eagerly prosecute, if I may have coun∣tenance and assistance. I have observed and grieved to see sometimes a Minister, sometimes a Serving-man, sometimes an Apothecary, oftentimes Masters of Arts (whereof some have afterwards assumed holy Orders) admitted to a Licence to practise in Physick, or to be incorporated to a Degree without giving any publique testimony of their learning and skill in the Profession. And what hath followed here∣upon?

The Minister hath neglected his own Calling and trespassed upon anothers, not without endangering the Souls of the people of God, and the losse of the Lives of many of the King's subjects. The Serving-man and Apothecary upon a Licence obtained have been presently made Doctors by the breath of the people, and Doctors indeed underva∣lued. Masters of Arts after Licence obtained have taken, as I said, holy Orders, that if one profession did faile them, another might supply them. And Incorporation being in an instant obtained by a little summe of money, which by orderly proceeding (I speake concerning the Doctor's De∣gree) would cost 12 years study in the University, besides performance of exercises and much expence; It is come to passe, that in the University at this time I doe protest I doe not know any one that intends the study of Physick, and practice thereof according to the Statutes. Chirurgeons and Apothecaries are sought unto, and Physicians seldome but in a desperate case are consulted with, when the Patient is ready to dye, and in this kind we have too many ex∣amples. The consideration of these mischiefs redounding to the Church, Commonwealth, University and our Pro∣fession, hath often troubled me, when I had no power to prevent them. But now seeing it hath pleased God and the King to conferre such power upon me, that without me neither Licence nor Degree in Physick can be obtained at Cambridge, (for I have solicited Dr. Nichols and Dr. Allet to joyne with me; and I have prevailed soe farre with them, that they will doe nothing without me) I doe intend by the grace of God to give way unto noe man to obtain a Li∣cence or Degree without keeping an Act at the least, &c. unlesse it shall happen that with some one particular man it shall be dispensed withall by supreme Authority or in some extraordinary case.

But all this will be to little purpose, unlesse your selfe and the College will solicite Dr. Clayton, his Majestie's Pro∣fessor of Oxford, and others of the faculty there, to doe the like; or rather Petition to my Lord's Grace of Canterbury, who out of his innate goodnesse and clemency, and zeale for the good of the Church and Commonwealth, and the

honour of the Universities, I am fully perswaded, will grant what you desire, against Apothecaryes and Chirurgions, and all others which without Licence or authority do pra∣ctise Physick. I could wish there were some course taken; I know there be already good Lawes, if they were put in execution.

Thus much in haste, (as you may perceive by my writing) I thought good to signify unto you, out of the gratefull re∣spect which I beare unto your selfe and the whole College, tendring the honour of our common Profession, which I will maintain as much as in me lyes, and vindicate from the invasions of Usurpers and Intruders. I have exceeded I feare the bounds of a Letter, but that you will pardon, I hope, considering the occasion. And soe with a gratefull acknowledgment of your love and favour towards me, and an ingenuous profession of much service I owe unto you, I take my leave, as one that will be ready, upon the least signification, to embrace your commands, and execute them with all alacrity.

Yours in all dutifull respects, Ralphe Winterton.

From the King's College in Cambridge, Aug. 25. 1635.

Mary Butler was complained of for giving Physick; she undertook the cure of the dead Palsie on a Woman, of whom she had 10 li. and also a promise of 10 li. more when the Cure was performed, for which she sued the party. After this, she was complained of by one Mrs. Ellison for taking upon her to give Physick, and in particular for undertaking to cure her the said Ellison, to whom she gave C s. in hand with pro∣mise of as much more when she performed the Cure; but this was so far from being obtained, that she was never well since she took her medicines. Mary Butler denied not that she gave her Physick, but professed that she learnt her skill of a Jew: and first avowed that she was authorised to pra∣ctise Physick by Mr. Endymion Porter, and Serjeant Clowes; and when she understood that they could not license her so to

practise, she stick'd not to affirm, that she had authority from the King; and for the evidence and proof thereof, shewed a Writ under Seal out of the Courts at Westminster for attach∣ing one that had not paid her for a Cure she pretended to have done: which Seal she made her Neighbours believe was a Licence for her practising of Physick. She confessed she gave Physick to Mr. Richard Shipwright from Christmas till this pre∣sent, and so continues still. She hath given him inward me∣dicines, and likewise cupped and scarified him: she caused him to be let bloud in the forehead, and under the tongue and in the foot: and so she directed Mr. Whittel the Surgeon now dwelling in Croched Fryars. For which her pains and physick she hath had already C. s. and is to have a C. s. more when he is well. The Censors thought fit to send her to Newgate for these misdemeanours, and fined her xv. li.

Iohn Hogsflesh, Surgeon, was accused by several for giving Physick, having no skill nor authority so to doe. Others complained of his giving purging Physick and Mercurial Unctions, particularly one Anne Harvey made complaint for giving her husband physick for the Pox, who died of that physick with his mouth full of Ulcers. He had considerable sums of money from many; And was charged for giving to one Iohn Gladwin 3 pills every other day for twice, whereupon he vomited so vehemently, that his sight and hearing failed him for a time. This was proved by his own Letters as well as by Gladwin and his Wife, and a third person. The Censors condemned him to prison and fined him 10 li.

In the 12th. year of the King's Reign, an Order was sent to the College from the Star-Chamber, to examine the pre∣tended Cures of one Leverett, who said that he was a seventh Son, and undertook the curing of several Diseases by stroaking. A full and particular account of this whole affair is the fol∣lowing.

At the Star-Chamber, the 20th. of October, 1637.

Present Lord Archbishop of Cant. Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer, Lord Privy Seal, Earl of Dorsett, Lord Cottington, Lord Newburghe, Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Secr. Coke, Mr. Secr. Windebank.

WHereas upon the complaint of Mr. Serjeant Clowes against one Leverett a Gardiner, for practising and taking upon him to cure the King's Evill and all other Diseases, the said Leve∣rett was this day convented before the Board, and heard in whatso∣ever he could alledge for himself; Their Lordships conceiving his pretended Cures to be Impostures, did then order that the President and some of the principal Members of the College of Physicians should be hereby authorised and required forthwith to call the said Leverett before them, and to examine his said pretended Cures, as well upon such information and proofes as shall be given them by Mr. Serjeant Clowes, as by any other wayes and meanes which they shall think fit for discovery of the truth. And likewise to cause him to make ex∣periment of his said Cures in their presence, and thereupon to make Certificate to this Board of what they shall find appeare before them, and of their opinions concerning the same; and in the meane time the said Leverett is to continue in the Messenger's Custody.

Ex. Edw. Nicholas.

3^o Novembris, 1637.

Present Dr. Fox, President, Dr. Argent, Dr. Harvey, Dr. Caddiman, Dr. Smith, Dr. Winston, Dr. Hodson, Dr. Meverell, Dr. Spicer, Censors.

This day there was brought by Mr. Harvey, Counsellour of Gray's Inn, an Order from the Lords dated the 20th. of October last, concerning the practice of one Leverett, who there appeared at the same time, together with divers Men, Women and Children that he said he had cured, and pray'd the College to examine them. The College answered that it was not in their order to look back, but to go forward, and therefore wished the Patients for that time, that they would forbear and leave the said Leverett according to the Lords direction to the College, which they did, the College then promising that they would take a time to examine them likewise.

Mr. President at the same time presented several Articles of Mr. Serjeant Clowes against this Leverett, of all which he was examined; and first he was demanded whether he was com∣mitted to the custody of a Messenger; he answered he came of his own accord.

He saith that he is 60 years of age, that he is the 7th. Son of 8 his Father had, and the 9th. which was last, was a Daugh∣ter named Anne, but he did not challenge any virtue by being the 7th. Son.

He saith likewise that about 3 years since and a half he did his first Cure upon his own Wife, who had been full of pain 3 quarters of a year from her Wrist to her Elbow: In all which time although he did live with her, yet he never tou∣ched her Arme, till at last upon her entreaty she desired him

to take off the splints and rowlers and look on it, which he did; that being bound up by a Surgeon, he felt it and sought for Kernels, but found none. His Wife found present ease and therefore desired him to hold her by the Wrist, which he refused, but she earnestly desiring it, saying she felt ease, he did it, and the next day she was perfectly cured of her pain and was weeding in his Garden.

Some 6 months after, a Maid dwelling in Thames Street was his second Patient; who desired to be touched by him for a pain in her Elbow, which he did, and she was cured. The third was a Woman in Turn-ball Street, who coming to him and craving his help for a pain in her Arme, he answered she was a foolish Woman; but she said, God had given him the gift of healing. So by her importunity she prevailed that he touched her, and she was very well: their names he know∣eth not.

In the touching of these he did not use any words, nor till he had cured above a dozen; but since, he hath used these words, God give a blessing, I touch, God heals. He saith that upon touching some 30 or 40 in a day, he finds himself wea∣kened by the Virtue which goes out of him, more than when he was a Gardiner by digging up 8 roods of ground; so that he is brought to that weakness by touching, that he is forced to go to his bed to recover his strength, which in his daily labour he was not wont to do.

He saith, he is not always disposed to touch, especially if his hands be cold. He saith he hath cured 300 at the least, he takes money for his Cures, but not by contract; if he should not take money, he might starve, having forsaken his Trade by the calling of God. He denies Virtue to be either in his Gloves or Linen, or any thing that toucheth his naked body, although that was then objected against him.

He saith that whilst he dwelt at Ratcliff he was assaulted in the High-way one evening by some Surgeons or Physicians, and his Thumb was wrung and strained; but by his own tou∣ching he cured it; and that he stood in fear of his life from some Physicians and Surgeons, but of whom he knoweth not.

He cures the King's Evil, Dropsies, Fevers, Agues, all Diseases and Sores in any part of the body, but he promiseth

not any Cure to any, as he is a Sinner, but God cures and he doth his duty.

He saith that he toucheth none above twice or thrice, and that the first time they find ease and good effect of his touch∣ing.

He was commanded by the College to attend the Tuesday following, which was 8^o Novembris, and was promised to have divers provided by the College for him to touch. He seemed to be very joyfull at it, and insisted that they might be of the King's Evil, for that he had cured those that the King had touched, and also some of them under the Surgeons hands, which could not be cured by them.

8^o Novembris, 1637.

Present Dr. Fox, President, Sir Simon Baskervile, Dr. Ridgley, Dr. Smith, Dr. Argent, The 4 Censors, Dr. Clark.

This day he retracts that any Virtue goes out of him, but saith he is grown weak by touching, which is as much in ef∣fect. He saith he must touch 4 or 5 times before they be cured. He professeth himself at this time to be in good dis∣position to touch; Whereupon one Richard George, aged about 23 years, and who had complained about 2 years of a tumour in his right knee, was presented to him to be tou∣ched. When he saw his knee, he seemed to be discontented, and asked if it were not out of joynt; he was answered that it was not. He lamented that the College did not, according to promise, present to him those that were troubled with the Evil; yet in fine he touched this George. He began with these words, I do not promise any Cure, God Cures, God give a blessing, I do but my duty. Then bowing down and laying both his hands a little above the knee, stroaking it down, he said to the Patient, You must pray to God to give a blessing to my hands that they may take effect: And so he touched and said, very softly, God bless, I touch, God

heals. These words he repeated twice or thrice, still stroak∣ing downwards, and then spake to the Patient with some iterated vehemency to pray to God to give a blessing to his hands. In putting on the Linen to his knee, the Patient touched his own knee with his fingers, whereat he grew in∣to Choler, and said that he had spoiled all, for neither he nor any body else must touch it, nor any Oils nor Ointments nor Plasters must come upon it, and so he touched it twice as before, and repeated the words 6 times again. Then he wi∣ped his hand about the cloth on both sides, and so pinned the Linen about his knee himself, and commanded him not to touch it again till himself should see it. And likewise that the Patient should pray to God for a blessing upon his hand, that his hand might take effect. And further commanded the Patient to drink no small beer but strong, nor wash his hands or face in cold water, but warmed.

The second Patient was Elizabeth Appleton, aged about years; she was all swell'd in the Neck and under the Ears, which is the King's Evil. To which Patient he said as he did to Rich. George the first Patient, onely he seemed to cross her Cheek and Neck, where the knots and tumours were.

10^o Novembris, 1637.

Present Dr. Fox, Dr. Gifford, 4 Censors, Dr. Ridgley.

This day Leverett appeared, who professed that he was in∣disposed to touch.

He touched Rich. George and Eliz. Appleton the second time.

Also Iudith True, who had a running sore in her breast. Hester Fisher, and Sarah Anderson ulcerated and tumify'd fingers.

Henry Welch was presented then to him to be touched for a pain in his left hand, from which arose vapours sometimes, which brought him into Convulsion fits; of which Disease Leverett said he had cured some Patients, but he denied to

touch the said Welch, saying that he did not know but there might be some mischief in his hand that might doe him harm: Yet at the same time he would have touched one whom he appointed to meet him at the College, that was troubled (as the party said) with Convulsion fits; but the College would not suffer him to be touched in their presence, till it did ap∣pear to them that he was really troubled with those Fits.

His touching of Sores is different from the former tumours; for first he lays his whole hand, and says his charm or words thrice; then he puts constantly the top of his middle finger and repeats his Charm thrice more, and so till he hath done 9 times.

The binding up is different, for he takes a piece of Cloth and wreaths it into a Circle, then he puts that over the sore, so that the Cloth toucheth it not. And herein he is very cu∣rious that it touch not the sore. Then he binds a broader Cloth all over it, and exhorts the Patient to pray to God his hand may take effect.

14^o Novembris, 1637.

Present Dr. Fox, President. 4 Censors.

This day he touched all that he had touched the 10th. day, and also the foresaid Henry Welch, and likewise one Tho. Sca∣modye who had a tumour in his foot.

This day Richard George desired he might be no more tou∣ched, for that his Leg and Foot did begin much to swell, which was not swell'd before; his knee did not abate in swelling, and his pain there was much greater than it had been 6 months before, but he was perswaded by the College to try further.

17^o Novembris, 1637.

Present Dr. Fox, President, Dr. Argent, 4 Censors.

This day Welch desired that he might be no more touched by Leverett, for that the said Welch was for 5 hours after Le∣verett's touching benummed in his hand and amazed in his head.

Leverett was expected till after 4 of the Clock, having promised to come with the Messenger.

Also Serjeant Clowes came this day to the College and brought divers Certificates with him; but the College en∣treated him to bring the parties themselves the Tuesday fol∣lowing, which was the 21th, which he promised.

21^o Novembris, 1637.

Present Dr. Fox, President, Dr. Argent, Dr. Gifford, 4 Censors, Dr. Harvey, Sir Simon Baskervile, Dr. Cadyman, Dr. Ridgley.

This day Leverett appeared, and excused his absence on the 17th, saying he was not now disposed to touch. Being asked, Why not himself, as well as his finger? He answered nothing.

He saith that among his words he never useth the name of Jesus or Jesus Christ; the reason he would not give.

Mr. Clowes was expected according to promise, but came not. Leverett was (according to his own desire) willed to come the 25th. following, and to bring 6 Patients along with him, whom he said he had heretofore cured.

25^o Novembris, 1637.

Present Dr. Fox, President, 4 Censors, Dr. Cadyman, Dr. Argent, Dr. Smith, Hamey, Goddard, Sheafe.

William Butts, Messenger, presented Leverett to the College, and Leverett brought divers with him, 3 whereof were exami∣ned by those present, as he presented them. The first was Robert Monday, Son of Richard Monday of Chelsey, Waterman, aged about 8 years, for a Sore (as was conceived by the Col∣lege a Bile) under his left Arme. He saith that he had been Patient to Cooke a Surgeon, and was healed by the said Cooke; Yet afterwards the sore brake forth again, but not deep: Le∣verett touched him 4 times, and the party saith, he put a brown paper upon it; Leverett said it was a linen cloth.

Richard Monday, the Father of the said Robert, aged 37 years, saith that his Child had the sore for one year and a half. He was touched 3 times in less than a months space, but his Wife knew better: He put a cloth on it, Leverett wrapped his Child's hands in a cloth lest he should touch it; It was dried up in a quarter of a years time as it began. Le∣verett took no money for his Cure.

Elizabeth Monday, Mother to the said Child, aged 29 years, saith, that her Child was sore about 12 months, it brake of it self; Cooke the Surgeon gave her salve, which almost cu∣red it. Then it brake forth again; Leverett touched it 3 times in 9 days, and so it wore away and dried up by degrees be∣twixt April and Midsummer. Leverett used words in touching.

The second Patient was Elizabeth Maye, Daughter to Mar∣tin Maye, aged about 11 years. She saith, that she had the King's Evil in her eyes 7 years, with scales in her face, which hung by Geometry. She learned that word from her Father. Her head likewise brake forth, and was well and ill of it self. Leverett laid his hands onely on her eyes and bid her serve God. Leverett touched her 3 times in 9 days, and 3 days intermission between every time. She fell into a looseness be∣fore he touched her. She had been with the King 2 years

before, and carries the Angel still, but was not well by the King's touching, but within 9 days after Leverett touched her, she was well.

Martin Maye, Father of the said Elizabeth, dwelling in So∣per-lane, Cook, saith, He was Host to Leverett half a year, and that Leverett touched her many times, but how often he knoweth not.

The third Patient was Peter Norris, aged 6 years. Leverett saith that he had the King's Evil in his left eye. He saith he hath touched it many times, but the Child saith it is not yet well, and it so appeared unto the College.

28^o Novembris, 1637.

Present Dr. Fox, President, 4 Censors, Dr. Argent.

This day Serjeant Clowes brought with him divers persons which signed the Certificate following.

Accusations laid to the charge of James Leve∣rett an Impostour and cousener of the King's people, under pretence of being the 7th. Son of a 7th. Son, by curing or healing all manner of Diseases, especial∣ly the King's Evil, by way of stroaking or touching with his hand, without the using of any Medicines either internal or external.

HE blasphemously saith when he stroaketh any to cure them, there goeth out of him so much virtue and strength, that he doth not recover it in so many days, to the great dishonour of God.

2. He scornfully slighteth his Majestie's sacred gift of healing (by his blessed hand) that Disease commonly cal∣led the King's Evil, in comparison of his cure, to the dis∣honour of his Majesty amongst his Subjects.

3. He saith he cannot touch any (to heal them) untill he find a disposition to it, by the working of one of his hands, and that hand must not be touched by any hand, except it be to put a Pipe of Tobacco or an Angel into it.

4. He saith the Sheets wherein he hath layen are a spe∣cial remedy for many Diseases (especially the rising of the Mother) and that many Lords and Ladies have made suit to lie in them, and to my knowledge they have been try'd to no purpose.

5. He saith that he goeth in fear that the Physicians and Surgeons of London will murther him, and dare scarce drink with any man for fear of poisoning, for which he is the more followed.

6. He hath contemptuously used his juggling tricks since he was before the Lords of the Council convicted as a De∣linquent.

7. Since great Lords and Ladies and Gentlemen and rich men have fondly gone unto him, whereof many of them to my own knowledge are blushingly ashamed, yet if it may appear and be proved by any man, That any man, this man, the 7th. Son, or any Son can doe it, I think it not fit that his Majestie's Royal Person should be troubled and his health endangered by such unwholsome and noisome people, as many of them be, when it may be done by any other.

All these things before written have been credibly re∣ported to me by honest men, of very good credit, who have been abused by him, and are ready to testifie upon their oath if it shall be required; and I conceive it to be my duty and office to call it to examination, which I leave to your grave and learned considerations.

And rest

at your service, W. Clowes, Serjeant Surgeon to his Majesty.

THese are to certify whom it may concern, that about 16 or 18 months now past, coming to Leverett with my Child; Leverett used these words in my hearing, to some there present, viz. Do you see this fool? He left me and went to the King for the cure of his Child, but I will now make him stay my leisure before I touch him; and so caused me to stay 2 or 3 days, and then touched my Child 3 times upon 3 several days, which did my Child no man∣ner of good, as I conceive. And further, Leverett would reprove any one sharply that offered to touch his hand, say∣ing that virtue went out of him when he was touched. And when Leverett's hands grew hot and began to sweat, he would say, Now I must go to work. And I further certify that the said Leverett willed me by any means to stop up my Child's issue and take off the Angel, pretending that he the said Leverett would do the cure: which issue I did stop for 3 days, and it was like to have cost my Child's life. Nov. 28. 1637.

Edward Pate.

THese are to certify whom it may concern, that James Leverett, by profession a Gardiner, hath heretofore undertaken to cure all diseases with the touch of his hand, but more particularly the King's Evil, which he did under∣take to cure in my Child, pretending that he would take no money, nor make any bargain: But I did find by the carriage and passage of all his proceedings, that he did in∣tend and expect nothing more than money and profit; for notwithstanding he had sufficient security by the promise of a friend for his satisfaction when he had done his work, yet he would constantly perform nothing in the Cure as was expected, unless he were daily fed with Wine and To∣bacco, and other gifts, as also with much entreaty; for his pretence was (in these words) that if he should touch so often, he should feel virtue and strength go from him so much that he could not go up stairs to his bed but upon all four. But I think it was rather Drink and Tobacco that

did weaken, than any virtue that could go from such a de∣ceiver; for I can prove that he was so drunk upon a Sunday some 3 or 4 months past, that he was fain of necessity to creep up stairs to his bed upon his hands. And I do think he is a mere Impostour and Cousener of the King's Subjects. Nov. 14. 1637.

Moreover, I was present when he would not touch a Maid unless she would kiss him, to which she did offer her self.

Tho. Clowes.

THese are to certify whom it may concern, that having been in company with Iames Leverett, I have heard him utter such words as these; How that after he had touched several parties in the day time, he found such a weakness to possess him at night, that he was not able to get up stairs to bed without the help of his hands. And this I will af∣firm if I should be called to answer upon my Oath.

Samuel Turner.

THese are to certify whom it may concern, that Iames Leverett some months since promised the cure of a Tettar upon my right hand, which he would doe by way of touching my hand. I told him I did not believe he could do me any good by that means, the infection being in my Liver. He replied, that he could do by way of touching my breast, and could give me as many stools as the cause required, by the way of touching with his hands. And he often touched my hand and breast, yet did me no good at all, nor had no purging operation. For his pains he received 10 s. To speak truth I do believe this Leverett to be a mere Impostor, and one that daily abuseth his Majestie's Subjects.

Witness my hand the 15th day of Nov. 1637.

G.

THese presents certify whom it may concern, that Iames Leverett, who named himself so to be, some days since promised the Cure of a sore Breast which my Wife had, and likewise my daughter of the King's Evil by way of touch with his hand, which he made trial of. Notwith∣standing which they found no benefit thereby. For which his undertaking he received 20 s. of me. This fellow I believe to be a mere Mountebank and deceiver of his Majestie's peo∣ple.

Witness my hand the 15th of Nov. 1637.

Robert South.

An exact Note taken the 12th of November, 1637. out of the Register book of the Parish of St. Clements East-cheap, London, as followeth, viz.

• Samuel Leverett, Butcher, was married to Agnes Whitaker, 13 Febr. 1576.
  His Childrens names are as followeth,
  • 1. Iohn Leverett his first Son was baptized the 20th of Iuly, 1577.
  • 2. Henry Leverett his second Son was baptized the 20th of December, 1579.
  • 3. William Leverett his third Son was baptized the 20th of Ianuary, 1582.
  • 4. Iames Leverett his fourth Son was baptized the 19th of September, 1585.
  • 5. Henry Leverett his fifth Son was baptized the 16th of October, 1586.
  • 6. Simon Leverett his sixth Son was baptized 16 Feb. 1588.
  • 7. Anne Leverett daughter of the said Samuel was baptized 17 Ian. 1590.

This Register was searched from the time of his marriage, and be∣fore, many years, to the time of his death, who was buried in the said Parish the 8th of May, 1621. and so never had any other wife.

By me

David Morris Clerk of St. Clement's East-cheap.

Geo. Brome Officer of the College of Physicians London.

The humble answer of the President and College of Physicians London to the Lords and others of his Majestie's most honourable Privy Council concerning James Leverett of Chelsey Gardiner, aged (as he saith) about 60 years.

May it please your Lordships,

THat according to your Honours order dated the 20th day of October last, we the said President and Fellows of the College of Physicians have called before us the said Iames Leverett, whom we find by the Certificate annexed, to be the 4th Son of one Simon Leverett late of St. Clements East-cheap Butcher deceased, and examined him and made trial of him 6 several days according to his own appoint∣ment concerning his 3 years and a half practice; for so long he pretends to have had the gift of healing, and for∣saken his trade, and lived by means acquired by touching of diseased persons.

First he saith, that when he began to take upon him to cure he used a bare touching without words, but being told, by a woman (whose name he knoweth not) that came to him to be touched for a pain in her Arm, that God had given him the gift of Healing, he afterwards used words whilst he was touching; but who put those words into his mouth, or the certain time when or where, or to whom he first used those words he will not confess.

Among many whom he pretends to have cured, he made choice of 3 of them, and brought them and others with him to the College to be examined concerning the Cure he had done upon them; namely, Robert Monday aged 8 years, the son of Richard Monday Waterman, for a sore under his Arm, which 3 months after his touching dried up of it self: Eliz. Maye aged 11 years for the King's evil in her Eyes; She was cured by a flux of belly which happened before and continued after: and Peter Norris aged 6 years, for the Evil, as is pretended, in the left Eye, which

is not yet well, as appeareth to us, nor bettered by his touching, as the Child said. And likewise Serjeant Clowes brought some others, as their Certificates annexed do shew, whom he the said Leverett hath formerly touched, but none of these are bettered by his touching.

In obedience to your Honour's command, we have pre∣sented unto him 6 more, which he touched, for that he desired to touch those, and especially if the King have touched them: and he hath touched those 6 diverse times in our presence, according to his own appointed times, without the least contradiction or interruption by us made, to which he promised, if not present cure, yet ease; But we find that some of them immediately upon his first touching grew worse, and desired the College that they might be no more touched by him. Yet to remove all scruple and for the better satisfaction of your Lordships we caused him to touch them again, albeit they were nothing bettered there∣by when they last appeared at the College, and therefore we remitted them to those who formerly had them in cure.

The manner and fashion of his touching is as followeth.

1. He observeth in his touching to lay his hands in certain forms upon the places affected.

2. He observeth his own disposition of body or indispo∣sition to touch; for if his hands be cold he will not touch, or if he be ill affected in his body, as he was the 17th of Nov. last, when he absolutely denied to touch any.

3. He mutters whilst he toucheth a certain number of set words, viz. God give a blessing, I touch, God heals.

4. He toucheth the parts ill affected a certain number of times, as thrice, thrice and thrice.

5. He covereth the part himself with a Cloth, first wiping the Cloth on both sides with his hands.

6. He exhorteth the Patient to call upon God, that his hands may take effect.

7. He professeth that what he doth is by the special gift and calling of God, and that he doth but his duty in these practices.

8. In touching he never useth the blessed name of Jesus or Jesus Christ, and denies to give his reason thereof.

9. After his touching he enjoins, that neither the Patient nor any other touch it till he himself take off the cloth.

10. In touching of Sores, if the circled cloth do touch the Sore, then his touching is in vain for that time, and he must touch again.

11. He commandeth the Patient that during the time of his cure no oils, ointments or salve touch the cloth or the part affected.

12. He commands the Patient to eat the best meat, and to drink strong beer, and to wash his hands and face in warm wa∣ter, and in no case to touch cold water.

13. He saith he is the Seventh Son of the Eight his Father had.

To this superstition he adds first this blasphemy, viz. That upon touching he doth find virtue to go out of him, so as he is weakened more by touching 30 or 40 in a day, than when he digged 8 rods of ground in a day. And it is credibly affir∣med to us by a person of good reputation, that the said Leve∣rett hath said, that if he touch a Female, he is much more weakened.

And lastly he adds scorn and contempt towards those whom the Sacred hand of his Majesty hath touched for the Evil, as appeareth by the Certificate of Mr. Edward Pate.

We therefore the President and Fellows of the College of Physicians (in contemplation of the premisses, since it hath pleased your Lordships by your foresaid Order to com∣mand us to deliver our opinions therein) do conceive the said Leverett to be an Impostor and a deceiver of over credu∣lous people, who are heartened in their credulity by an er∣roneous opinion of some prodigious virtue inherent in a Seventh Son, which yet this Leverett is not. Also we con∣ceive his pretended Cures, with the manner of them, to be full of Superstition and Sorcery, and not to savour of any skill of Physick or Surgery, or the operation of natural cau∣ses.

All which notwithstanding, we in all humility submit to your Honours grave wisdomes and considerations, &c.

• Simon Fox,
• Iohn Argent,
• Tho. Winston,
• El. Hodson,
• Otwell Meverell,
• ...Ric. Spicer.

Censors.

Dat. 6. Dec. 1637.

A Doctour in Physick attempting a project to procure the sole and absolute power, either to License, or approve of all the Midwives practising in and about London before their ad∣mittance; They presented a Petition to the President and Col∣lege of Physicians, the Copy of which is the following.

To the Right Worshipfull the President and other Doctours of Physick, Fellows of the College of Physicians within the City of London,

The humble Petition of divers ancient Midwives in the City of London

Sheweth,

THat through the molestation of a Doctour in Physick by appointing them to meet at his house once every month without authority, and with intention, as they sup∣pose, to bring about a project of his to have the sole Li∣censing of them or approving of all such as shall hereafter be Licensed, out of an opinion of himself and his own ability in the Art of Midwifery, implying a necessity of using him and no other both in those cases, and in all other occasions that shall happen to women with Child, presuming that he hath more exact skill than all the grave and learned Physicians in

the Kingdom in those cases; for he threatneth that he shall not repair unto such Women as are distressed, whose Mid∣wives have refused to conform themselves to him.

Your Petitioners have been enforced to Petition to his Majesty and the most Reverend the Arch-bishop of Canter∣bury his Grace for redress therein: And his Majesty hath most graciously hearkened unto the complaint, and referred the same unto the Lord of Canterbury and Bishop of Lon∣don, in whose Jurisdictions and by whose authority they are and have been always licensed, to call the said Doctour before them, and to take such course therein as shall befit.

And whereas they conceive the said Doctour hath er∣red and been short in his respect unto this grave and lear∣ned Society in such his peremptory assumption of skill be∣yond them in all cases concerning Women with Child; And that as they are informed other practisers in Midwifery have been examined upon the like occasion by command from King Iames of ever blessed memory, in the very busi∣ness and Art of Midwifery;

They humbly desire your Worships to take the same now into consideration, and so far to respect your Petitioners in this their humble and just complaint, as to give them Cer∣tificate unto those Reverend Prelates that there is no such necessity of depending upon the said Doctour more than upon any other Physicians whom these Petitioners do desire to be free and at liberty to make use of in all occasions re∣quisite for their advice and help as well as of the said Doctour, who for ought as they can discern by his carriage would monopolize the whole practice among Child-bear∣ing Women, being a young man, to the disparagement of all other Physicians and the enslaving of your Petitio∣ners.

To this Petition the College returned the following answer, which was delivered by the Midwives to the most Reverend the Arch-bishop of Canterbury and the Right Reverend the Bishop of London.

May it please your Lordships,

UPon consideration taken of this Petition hereunto an∣nexed, presented unto the President and College of Physicians by the Midwives, We the College of Physicians conceiving the said complaint to be grounded upon just grievance, and to conduce to a general good, in the timely prevention of so growing an inconvenience, Have particularly informed our selves concerning the said business, and do certify that the like project was formerly attempted by ano∣ther, which is now intended by the Doctour, and therefore was referred by K. Iames of blessed memory to the Lords of the Council, and by their Lordships to the College of Phy∣sicians to certify their opinions thereof; who upon ma∣ture deliberation made report to their Lordships of the unfitness of the said proposition, there being no such cu∣stome ever used either here or in any other Kingdom. Whereupon the same was rejected and died. And whereas we understand that the said Doctour doth ground his com∣plaint upon the insufficiency of Midwives, whom he would undertake to teach, though licensed by your Lordships Of∣ficers, whom we do believe to be as carefull in admitting of Midwives as they are in other Kingdomes; Onely we are informed that divers do practise without Licence, and some are Deputies to others, through whom we probably con∣ceive some abuses to grow, because their abilities and ho∣nesty of lives and conversations are not testified upon oath as others are who are licensed. But for adding sufficiency to them by the Doctour's instruction, he is not otherwise able to instruct them than any other the meanest Fellow of our College, unless he understand it by the use of Iron instru∣ments, which Physicians and Chirurgions may practise if they please; and some do and have done with as good suc∣cess and dexterity as himself, and therefore there is no ne∣cessity of a sole dependence upon him. And it being true that is reported by the Midwives, the Doctour doth often refuse to come to the poor, they being not able to pay him according to his demands; and for the rich he denies them

his help untill he hath first bargained for great rewards; which besides that they are in themselves dishonest, cove∣tous, and unconscionable courses, they are also contrary to the Laws and Statutes of our College, to which by Oath he is bound. We therefore for this and other reasons we can alledge, conceive his suit to be unreasonable and inconve∣nient. And so do humbly leave the same to your Lordships grave judgments, unto whom his Majesty referred the con∣sideration thereof.

Mr. Shambrooke, one of the Wardens of the Apothecaries, presented 2. Apprentices to be examined. He was asked whe∣ther they had been examined and approved by their Compa∣ny. He answered, they had not. Whereupon Mr. President gave him to understand that the College would not hereafter examine any of their Apprentices, except they were first ex∣amined and approved by their own Officers; for so and no otherwise the College had decreed to proceed in that busi∣ness.

Mary-Peak was complained of for undertaking the cure of one Major's daughter, for which she had 20 l. and 10 s. per week for diet. Yet was she so far from curing her, that she had left her in a worse condition than when she undertook her Cure. She was by the Censors fined 10 l. for her foolish and desperate practising Physick. Her imprisonment was remitted for some considerations, provided she gave security for the payment of her Fine within 26 days.

Mr. Shepheard appeared before the President and Censors upon summons, he was rebuked for his practising upon Mad-men without calling any Physician to the cure according to the te∣nour of his permission granted him by the College and his own promise. Upon some excuses made by him, his submission to the College Censure, with fresh promises of better confor∣mity hereafter, he was dismissed.

Physicians of the College of London are bound to write the day of the month and the year of our Lord upon their Bills or prescripts, and to subscribe their proper names thereto, and the Apothecaries should not make any such medicine, as is not so noted and subscribed; except they know the hand to be the

hand-writing of some one of the Physicians of the College of London, or that such Apothecaries with their own hands do first date such bills, and note down the names of the Physicians so directing them.

Christopher Barton, Weaver, was accused for practising the Art of Physick unskilfully and to the hurt of many. One charged him for taking money to cure an old Cough, for which he gave him onely white Wine and Sugar, which pro∣fited him nothing. Another complained that she had given him money to cure her, but was nothing the better. Upon these complaints he was left to the Messenger till the next Cen∣sors day; when appearing, 4 persons more brought fresh ac∣cusations against him for his illegal and ill practice. This Bar∣ton affirmed of himself, that his Cures were by virtue of his hand, and not by the drinks and liquours he gave. This he understood by his mother, who wished him, ha∣ving a scald head, to stroke his head with his own hand, whereby he was cured. And therefore sometimes he used onely his hand, sometimes he gave Wine, whereinto he dip∣ped his finger, that the people might have somewhat to take, but the virtue came from his hand. Barton was censured to pay 20 l. and to remain a prisoner in Woodstreet Compter till released by the President, where he continued till the 19th of October following, never having all that time petitioned the College for his liberty: And then by virtue of a Writ of Ha∣beas Corpus which he had sued forth of the King's Bench, he was carried with his cause to the King's Bench Bar at Westmin∣ster. The Copy of which Warrant and the Return thereof, here immediately ensue.

NOs Johannes Warner & Thomas Adams Vic' Civitat' London, Serenissimo Domino Regi in brevi huic schedul' annex' nominat' ad diem & locum in eodem brevi content' Certificamus, quod ante adventum nobis praedict' brevis, scil' duodecimo die Septembris Anno regni dicti domini Regis nunc An∣glie, &c. decimo quinto, Christoferus Barton in dicto brev' no∣minat' commissus fuit Prisone dom' Regis scil' Computator' scituat' in Woodstreet London praedict' & in eadem Prisona sub custodia Isaaci Pennington & Johannis Woollaston tunc vic' Civitat'

praedict' & in eorum exit' ab officio suo sub custodia nostra detent' vir∣tute cujusdam Warranti Otwelli Meverell, Laurentii Wright, Edmundi Smith & Willielmi Goddard in Medicinis Doctor & Censor' Collegii Medicor' in London sub sigillo communi Collegii Medicor' London praedict' custodi praedict' Computatorii London praedict' vel ejus deputat' direct' Cujus quidem Warranti tenor sequitur in hec verba.

ss. We Otwell Meverell, Laurence Wright, Edmund Smith and William Goddard Doctors in Physick and Censors of the College of Physicians in London, being chosen by the Pre∣sident and College of Physicians aforesaid to govern and punish for this present year all offenders in the faculty of Physick within the City of London and the Suburbs thereof, and seven miles compass of the said City, according to the authority in that behalf to us duly given by certain Letters Patents under the great Seal of England made and granted to the said College and Comminalty by the late King of famous memory King Henry the Eighth bearing date the 23th day of September in the Tenth year of his Raigne, And one Act of Parliament made in the 14th year of the said late King Henry the Eighth concerning Physicians, Whereby the Letters Pa∣tents aforesaid and every thing therein are granted and con∣firmed: And by virtue of the said Act of Parliament and Letters Patents aforesaid and one other Act of Parliament made in the first year of the Raigne of our late Soveraigne Lady Queen Mary intituled An Act touching the Corporation of Physicians in London, did cause to be brought before us the sixth day of this instant September at our College house in Pater noster Rowe in London one Christofer Barton; and we have examined the said Christofer Barton, and upon his ex∣amination and other due proofs we have found that the said Christofer Barton hath unskilfully practised the Art of Phy∣sick within the City of London and Precinct aforesaid upon the bodies of Richard Ballady of Aldermary Parish London, Mi∣chael Knight of St. Buttolphs Parish Aldgate London, and the child of one Iane Bigge and some others in the month of Ia∣nuary in the year 1638. contrary to the Laws in that be∣half made and provided; whereupon we have imposed

upon the said Christofer Barton a fine of 20 l. for his evil practice in Physick aforesaid; and we have also for the same cause sent you the body of the said Christofer Barton, Wil∣ling and requiring you in the Kings Majesties name to receive and keep him in safe custody as Prisoner, there to remain at his own costs and charges without bail or mainprize untill he shall be discharged of his said imprisonment by the President of the said College, and by such persons as by the said Col∣lege shall be thereunto authorised according to the Statute in that behalf made, And this our Warrant shalbe your discharge.

Given at the said College the eleventh day of September in the 15th year of the Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord King Charles.

• Otwell Meverell,
• Law. Wright,
• Edm. Smith,
• William Goddard.

To the Keeper of Woodstreet Compter London or his Deputy.

To Mr. John Penyall one of the Messengers of his Ma∣jestie's Chamber in Ordinary to execute this Warrant▪

ET hec est causa acceptionis & detentionis praefati Christo∣feri Barton in Prisona praedict' sub custodia nostra. Corpus cujus quidem Christoferi coram praefat' domino Rege apud Westm' parat' habemus.

Being at the Bar the said 19th of October, for that the Lord Chief Justice Sir Iohn Brampston was not present, the other Judges present would not accept of bail, which the said Bar∣ton tendered; but suspended the matter untill Tuesday the 12th of October following. Barton for that time was returned back, and coming to the Bar again on the said Tuesday with his Councel and Bail, the Lord Brampston being then present, my Lord demanded the return of the Warrant which was neglected by the Clerks of the Court, and left in the Crown Office in the Temple; so my Lord would not proceed, but

respited the cause untill Thursday the 24th of October following, when all parties appearing with Councel on both sides, the Warrant and Return was read and the Cause debated, and there the Court plainly declared that he should not be Bail∣ed, it being against the Law, and the Letter of the Warrant grounded upon the Statutes. Then it was desired by Barton's Councel, that he might go over to the King's Bench, which also was denied, because he was committed originally to the Compter, and willed if he would have liberty, to submit to the College and make his peace there. Barton being in custo∣dy of the Serjeant that carried him up to the Bar exhibited his humble Petition to the President and Censors the 25 of Octo∣ber signed with his own hand, for abatement of part of his fine and for his enlargement, submitting in all things unto them. Whereupon the President and Dr. Meverell one of the Censors were contented to abate the half of his fine of 20 l. and to ac∣cept of 10 l. the one half to be paid in hand, which was paid, and the other half at our Lady day next. And so upon the 29th of October signed his discharge and set him at liberty, he being put again before his enlargement into the said Prison.

Mr. President gave order, that upon the commitment of any Offender, the name of the Constable or other Officer to whom the delinquent was delivered, should be registred.

Iohn Hunt was presented for setting up Bills for the Cure of several diseases. He was pardoned conditionally, that he set up no more, neither practised for the future.

Dr. Gerard Boet was accused and confessed that he gave Physick to one Mrs. Stone sick of a Pleurifie; being examined by the Censors as to his practice, he was condemned by them of ill practice, fined 10 l. and sent to the Compter in Woodstreet.

Mr. Phige, Apothecary, was charged by Mr. Tho. Canby for giving a Clyster, several Papers of Powder, and letting bloud one Mr. Robert Canby, who was sick of a Dropsie. Phige re∣fused to give any other answer to the Censors, than that if he had offended the Laws, he was willing to satisfie them. Ro∣bert Canby exhibited a note, particularly expressing the said Phige his practice upon him, signed with his own hand. The Contents whereof he likewise attested to be true to the Cen∣sors.

Wherefore the practice of the said Phige was censured in the following words.

The Censors of the College of Physicians London at Mr. Robert Canby his request have taken into consideration the practice of Mr. Phige Apothecary used on the body of the said Mr. Canby, and gi••e their judgment, That the practice of the said Phige was altogether un∣warrantable, dangerous and prejudicial to the health of the said Mr. Canby, and the administration of his Medicines they censure evil and undue. Subscribed,

• John Clerk,
• William Goddard,
• Edmund Smith,
• John Bathurst.

Mr. Philips, Distiller of Waters and Spirits, being accused of practice, because he sold those Waters with notes how to use them, promised that hereafter he would give no more di∣rections.

Dr. Whitaker, being summoned before the Censors, was asked by what authority he practised Physick; he replied that he had taken a degree at Leyden and was incorporated at Cam∣bridge: He behaved himself very rudely and insolently; Wherefore Orders were forthwith given by the Censors for his prosecution at Law.

Andrew Kipping, Surgeon, confessed that he had practised Physick in London for 12 months: He pleaded Letters testi∣monial given him by the President and Elects. He was ad∣monished by the President and Censors that for the future he should abstain from all practice. Yet being after guilty of il∣legal practice, proved against him, order was given for his prosecution at Law the next Michaelmas Term.

Iames Oyston, Master of Arts in Edenburgh, appeared before the President and Censors, and produced Letters Patents from the Most Reverend the Arch-bishop of York, and from the Right Reverend the Bishop of Durham, whereby they had granted him a Licence of practising both Physick and Sur∣gery:

But being now satisfied, that by the Laws of the King∣dom, those Licences were invalid, He desired to pass the exa∣mination of the College, that he might carry their Letters Te∣stimonial into the Country with him. His request was granted, he examined, and Letters Testimonial given him, drawn up after the ordinary form.

FINIS.

Notes

• Imprimis,
• London. ss.
• A Copy of the Censors War∣rant for the commitment of Empiricks to prison.