Vindiciæ medicinæ & medicorum: or An apology for the profession and professors of physick In answer to the several pleas of illegal practitioners; wherein their positions are examined, their cheats discovered, and their danger to the nation asserted. As also an account of the present pest, in answer to a letter. By Nath. Hodges, M.D. Coll. Lond.

CHAP. V. Of Chymistry, and the Pseudo-Chy∣mists in this Kingdom. (Book 5)

THe fierce digladiations between the Galenists and Chymists, each party contending not only to advance their O∣pinions, but to vilifie their Opposites, have in the judgment of most prudent men rather inconvenienced both, then gained to either more credit or authority; I shall present some of these hot disputes, by which all may observe the weakness of such ineffectual argumentations, and meer∣ly rude and passionate censures,* 1.1 saith Za∣cutus, Sanguineis lachrymis deploranda es∣set calamitas haec ab iis qui Hippocratis & Galeni se filios esse gloriantur, & horum magistrorum sanissimam doctrinam ex limpidissimis fontibus exhaustam combi∣bere solent, quod Chymici omnino adver∣sam & contrariam Hippocratis legibus ob∣servantes Disciplinam impune, proterue & indecore medicinam, summum-Omnipoten∣tis donum, dicteriis, facetiis & preposteris auxiliis infament, Medicus fugiat a chy∣micis & documenta eorum parvi faciat:

h. e. The true Disciples of Hippocrates and Galen who have drawn all their ac∣complishments from their pure Fountains of Learning, have cause to weep blood see∣ing that the Chymist who profess a contra∣ry way of Physick, are permitted without restraint by their malevolent reproaches, scorns, and unartificial remedies to bla∣spheme Medicine which is the gift of the great God: and therefore let every Physician take heed of these, and lightly esteem their Doctrines. But in answer ro this,* 1.2 Nemo docti & sapientis viri nomen aut titulum obtinere potest nisi sit Chymista, quia nec principia naturalia, nec vera uni∣versalis materia cuipiam unquam innote∣scent nisi per Artis Chymicae experientiam: h. e. He is most unworthy the name or re∣pute of a learned or wise man, who is not a Chymist, because neither the natural principles nor the universal matter can be known to any who are not skilled in the Spa∣gyrick Art:* 1.3 What Riolanus writes is not behind this, Princeps tenebrarum delecta∣tur fumis, & ministros habet fumi vendu∣los, Alchymistas, sufflones, carbonarios quorum scientiam cur non appellem 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 cum proprie 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 dicantur fornacarii Chymistae, sed veritas filia temporis perdet gratiam novitatis eorum, & fumus iste di∣sparebit:

h. e. The Prince of darkness doth affect Fumes, and his Officers trade in Smoak; these Chymists busie themselves in kindling Charcoal not differencing them∣selves from Colliers, since that amongst their Furnaces they are not unlike Chimney-sweepers, I know no reason but that I may compare their Art to Chimney-sweeping, but Truth is the daughter of Time, and when the Novelty of their practice is over, their smoak will dis-appear. Penotus ex∣tols Chymistry as much as Riolanus de∣cries it; Quid jucundius quam ea noscere atque oculis pene cernere manuque tractare quae procul a sensu & cognitione nostra pec∣catum posuit? quam in ipsam penitus ab∣sconditam naturam descendere, quam par∣tes universi in particulas quasque minutis∣simas scindere? ipsaque Naturae principia in manu habere? quid publice, priva∣timque utilius, quam mortalitati nostrae quantum quidem licet subvenire? mor∣bosque aliaque corporis incommoda arcere & depellere? & languentem proximum atque jacentem restituere, haec omnia prae∣stat ea Philosophiae atque medicinae pars quam Spagyricam vocant: h. e. What can be more pleasant then to know by the sure information of the eye and hand, those things which sin hath so far distanced both

from our sense and apprehension? then to dive into the depths of Nature? then to anatomize the Universe, and to handle the first principles of all things? what can be more publickly and privately useful then to retard death as much as may be? to vanquish Diseases? to recover our sick Neighbour? And all these Feats are per∣formed by Chymistry. Billichius on the other side tells us, Medicamenta Chymi∣ca membris principalibus corporis pravam dispositionem imprimunt, calorem nativum & spiritus individuos animae satellites de∣struunt, remediis itaque Chymicis, quasi periculosis, inutilibus, & pestiferis, jus civitatis in republica medica denegetur; And more particularly Gluckradius, Sa∣lia arrodunt & extimulant, spiritus caput petunt, olea ventriculum conviscunt & adherent: h.e. Chymical Medicines are hurtful to the principal parts of the body, by fixing an ill disposition there, by dissi∣pating natural heat, and overthrowing the spirits which are the life-guard of the Soul, and therefore such Chymical Reme∣dies ought to be expunged the Catalogue of Medicines, being hazardous, unprofitable, and pestilential: And Gluckradius further adds, that Chymical Salts are corrosive and irritate, Spirits injure the brain, and

Oyls by their glutinousness and adhesion do even plaister the stomach. The Au∣thor of the Pharmacopaeia Spagyrica tells us another story,* 1.4 says he,* 1.5 Ars Spagyrica omnium scientiarum nobilissima, utilissi∣ma & praestantissima nihil aeque medicum ornet, nobilitet, clarumque reddat, haec firmissa Naturae claustra reseret, ei quan∣doquidem virtutum omnium, terrestrium, coelestium, animalium, vegetabilium & mi∣neralium clavis conceditur, in qua non mo∣do rei essentiae perpenduntur, verum in lucem conspectum{que} omnium adducuntur, purum ab impuro segregatur, cortex a nucleo, con∣trarium a contrario, multa denique miran∣da praestat, & multo majora, quam quae humanus intellectus excogitare possit: And Faber seconds this,* 1.6 Siquid est in Natu∣ra pulchritudinis nobilitatis & utilitatis, id omne a puro ortum habet, quo sola Chy∣mia uti novit, quae jure merito Scientias om∣nes naturales tantum antecellit quantum purum illud reliquum Naturae superat & vincit: h. e. Chymistry is the most noble, useful, and excellentest of all Sciences, no∣thing doth so much grace a Physician and make him eminent as the knowledg hereof w^ch readily admits him into Natures recesses, and discovers all true vertues terrestrial and celestial, and the nature of Animals,

Vegetables, and Minerals; so that not only the essences of things are made intelligible, but they are subjected to our touch and view, the pure hereby being separated from that which is impure, the kernel from the shell, one contrary from another; its effects to conclude are so wonderful, that they sur∣pass mans reach or understanding: And Faber writes to the same purpose; If there is any beauty, excellency, and worth in Na∣ture, it is the product of that which is most pure, the ordering of which is the proper business of Chymistry, and therefore it doth as much out-shine other Natural Sci∣ences, as this pure the grossest feculencies.

I perceive that I need an Apology to ex∣cuse this tedious recitation of the absurd mutual* 1.7 clashings of these Galenists and Chymists, who most earnestly endeavor to perswade the people that they design the Sanity of Mankind as the common end of their, though divers, nay, contrary di∣rections and practises; because most Au∣thors engaged in this Controversie in∣stead of rational argumentations, do chief∣ly abound with vain boastings and suspiti∣ous commendations of their way, no less deriding all those who are not of their Mind; I thought my self concerned to reflect on this fruitless opposition joyning

with Angelus Sala in his just reproof of both. Clamant alii a partibus sumus Gale∣ni, alii partes tenemus Paracelsi mutuas contentiones & dissidia subinde moventes, & interim paucissimi reperiuntur qui in sinceritate proximo suo succurrere conten∣dunt:* 1.8 h. e. Some devote themselves to be Galens Disciples, others are for Paracel∣sus, jangling amongst themselves whilest very few endeavor in sincerity their Neigh∣bors restoration. In my opinion 'tis pre∣posterous to conclude that any person is to be therefore accounted a good Physi∣cian, because he stifly adheres to one or the other party, or thinks fit to conjoyn them; for to the accomplishment of a true Physician is required an exact knowledg of all things belonging to his practise, whe∣ther they relate to his right judgment of Diseases and their Diagnosticks, or the regular applications of Medicaments arti∣ficially prepared in order to a Cure, and so far as any one who undertakes to pro∣fess Physick is deficient in any part of his business, he personally errs, and falls under the censures of an ill Practiser, although he either vaunts himself to be a Galenist or Helmontian: Physicians are Truths per∣petual Candidates, more allowing, nay, improving Chymistry (as part of their

profession) then any Pretenders to it, who not only employ themselves in the advancement of Pharmacy by its help, but in compleating the sensible Theory of Philosophy and Medicine, of which with indefatigable pains our worthy Predeces∣sors have most auspiciously laid the sure foundation; should I use any Arguments inciting Physicians by the assistance of Pyrotechny to analyze all sorts of bodies, as if this was the probablest way to con∣duct them to all acquirable knowledg of their Nature and Vertues, other courses proving unsatisfactory, I might herein seem too much an Imitator of some late Writers, who take upon them to blame the defects of Physicians in the study and practice of Chymistry, for no other reason then that they by their experimental Es∣says may be thought their Dictators, de∣grading them to advance their own reputa∣tion; methinks these deal herein very un∣kindly in attempting to ecclipse their brightness from whom they borrowed all their Light: certainly Physicians need no advertisement to observe the constitu∣tion of bodies in their discovering the principles of them, and that the Uni∣verse after the Creation (when the Spirit moved upon the waters) in an analogous

way to Chymistry was methodized, the more subtle and etherial parts ascending, and those more feculent, becoming the Footstool of the Almighty, that also the grand Affairs of Generation and corruption seem nothing else but Spagyrical processes, which I might illustrate if I did not study brevity; hereupon (I say) Physicians wisely trace the true original of bodies in the same order as they were made by an artificial anatomy of Individuals, rightly judging of the whole in respect of the congruity of all its parts.

Although Chymistry hath not been so succesful to determine the number of Prin∣ciples some resting in the Trinity of Sal, Sulphur, and Mercury, others account∣ing five, Water, Spirit, Sulphur, Salt, and Earth▪ Zephyriel, Thomas Bovius making the number eight, and it being not impro∣bable but that our Successors may discover more as simple as these, yet in respect of the apt preparation of Medicaments, it hath fully answered expectation, Physi∣cians being thereby furnished with noble Remedies, which skilfully used, give am∣ple proof of their activity in the extirpa∣tion of Diseases: but these Spagyricks take great care in their opening of bodies, especially such as are most compact that

the innate or seminal vertues thereof be not altered or marred by corrosive and poy∣sonous Dissolvents,* 1.9 or by destructive heat or fire, antidating the day of Judg∣ment in respect of those things which in order to their preparation it consumes* 1.10 and utterly spoils; the imitation of Nature in her most perfect operations do best direct an Artist in his Experiments, and there∣fore as by the mutual conjunction of the Celestial and Terrestrial Sun together with a due supply of an homogenious and natural menstruum, a Vegetable is raised and impowred with Medicinal vertues, so if the Physician conceives that this Vegetable needs a further exaltation, at least a prepa∣ration to be unloaded of its clogging fecu∣lencies, and desires to make a separation of the pure from that which is impure, by the help of Chymistry he performs what he de∣signed, choosing an inlivening heat to ad∣vance the signatures of that Vegetable, and an apt menstruum to which it may readily resign up all its efficacy and vertue, being thereby freed from its useless excrements; which course is followed likewise in the preparation of Animals and Minerals, not as if the same heat and menstruum would serve the turn for all Vegetables whose vertues are contrary (as the Pseudo-chymists

ignorantly practise) which need diverse and proper menstruums, and what sufficiently wrought on Vegetables will not operate alike on Animals and Minerals; for although Physicians are better acquainted with the Universal Dissolvent, then some phantastical pretenqers, yet they aim chiefly in their Medicinal preparations at the preservation of the true genuine and seminal vertues, and make not each Sim∣ple to be alike catholick as the menstruum imployed; besides they respect the safety of their Medicaments as much as their prevalency in the cure of Diseases, and when by much industry and sweat such powerful Remedies are provided by the true Physician, he doth not expect that they should work Miracles, help incurable Maladies, or raise the dead, but if a just occasion is offered, he makes use of them, hoping that by reason of a right applicati∣on they may be effectual; however these do not because of their expertness in Chy∣mical preparations, impiously conceit that God hath bestowed on Mankind no Vege∣tables, Animals, nor Minerals as effectual helps to oppugn the irreconcilable ene∣mies of Life, unless they are renovated by the Hermetick Art; for not only the constant experience of the greatest part of

the World contradict this fancy, few Na∣tions understanding the use of Chymistry, and yet the sick in those Countreys by Nature▪ provision of Remedies recover; but an observation may be drawn from Bruits, which I urge not, as if I imagined that the Medicines curing them may be applicable to men, and that the Farriers skill may accomplish a Physician; in this point the opinion of Jobertus* 1.11 seems most rational, saith he, Quod in brutis a∣nimantibus observare quis potuit ad homi∣nem traducere velle ineptum est, quoniam longe late{que} differunt hominum brutorum∣que Naturae vel hoc argumento, sturni cicuta & helleboro coturnices tuto vescantur, quae nobis sunt venena & pharmaca: h. e. 'Tis absurd to appropriate the Physick of bruits to men whose natures are so different, which is evidenced by the Starelings feeding se∣curely on Hemlock, and the Quails eating Hellebore, which to our bodies are poysonous and medicinal: Bruits, I say, when dis∣eased employ no Operators, but supply themselves from Natures Laboratory with convenient Remedies, which succeed so well with them that they out-live the proudest Pretenders to the great Elixir or Panacaea, nay, as Seneca* 1.12 affirms by Ari∣stotle's Authority, Quina & dena saecula

edurant, They last five, nay, ten ages at least some of them, having no other Medicinal help; and hence it is that the true Physicians do not think fit to em∣ploy themselves in gaining the Quintes∣sence of every Simple they use, well knowing that many Simples do irrecove∣rably loose their seminal vertues by ordi∣nary preparations. The Anomymus Au∣thor * 1.13 of the Pharmacopaeia Spagyrica be∣fore mentioned, doth very well determine this Controversie; Quando morbus non est admodum pertinax simplici medicamen∣ti preparatione subigi & everti queat, in diuturnis autem, gravibusque morbis, in delicatulis & his quibus ventriculus nau∣sea premitur, & qui solo adspectu odorem & saporem perhorrescunt longiori artificio utimur nam crebris coctionibus filtrationi∣bus clarificationibus & distillationibus ea adeo gustui palatoque grata reddimus ut ip∣sis aegris in delitiis veniant: h. e. If the Disease is not rebellious it may be cured by an ordinary preparation, but chymical and obstinate Distempers require more exquisite Remedies, and if the Patients stomach is squeemish, or he cannot endure the sight or tast of the Medicine, then by frequent coctions, filtrations, clarifications, and di∣stillations, it may be made so grateful, that

the Patient may be delighted with it. I shall add Solon's counsel, Consule non quae suavissima sed quae optima: h. e. The Patient ought rather to be pleased with that which most conduceth to his recovery, then mind the satisfaction of his Palate, which is vitiated in sickness, and hereupon true Physicians are not so sollicitous to pre∣scribe palatable Medicines* 1.14 as those which may most powerfully overcome the Dis∣ease.

If I should launch out into a just com∣mendation of the excellency and usefulness of Chymistry, it would I am perswaded, by our Pseudochymists (concerning whom anon) be interpreted an extorted confes∣sion, as if their Pamphlets had opened our eyes, or forced us to close with them in the advancement of its repute in the World; but I need not extoll that in words, which we more suitably praise by practice, and I shall comprehend what I intend to say on this Subject under these two Assertions.

• 1. That Physicians have been the chief Promoters of Chymistry, and are best qualified to bring it to perfection.
• 2. That the lawful Physicians in this Kingdom are the truest Chymists.

He is a meer stranger to this Science, who is ignorant that the chiefest Chymists were Physicians; I should insert a large Catalogue, if I did not suppose that the truth hereof is famously known by their Learned Works, wherein all Chymical O∣perations are more perspicuously delivered then in any other Authors, but this will further appear when I have shewn that the qualifications of a Physician are the prin∣cipal requisites for the study and practice of Chymistry, of which in the next place.

I begin with the Physicians skill in the Tongues and in Philosophy, what* 1.15 Ho∣glandus writes concerning the necessity of knowing the Tongues is acknowledged by all true Sons of Art, saith he, Non putet quis libros chymicos ca facilitate aut veri∣tate in aliam linguam, transferri atque a∣liarum scientiarum libros: h. e. He will be deceived who imagins that Chymical Au∣thors can be so faithfully translated as books treating of other Sciences: He then who is a sufficient Linguist is most capable of interpreting truly and beneficially the my∣stical and obscure Writings of the Anci∣ents; And in relation to Philosophy as Hippocrates requires a Physician to be ex∣cellent in it* 1.16 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,* 1.17 so Arnaldus and Geber thinks this knowledg

most necessary to accomplish a Chymist, saith the first; Qui vult ad hanc scienti∣am pervenire & non est Philosophus, fa∣tuus est, quia haec scientia non est nisi de oc∣cultis philosophiae: h. e. He who is ambi∣tious to attain this Science without Philo∣sophy, is in plain terms a fool, because this Science comprehends the Secrets of Philo∣sophers: And* 1.18 Geber more fully, Opor∣tet Artificem in scientiis philosophiae natu∣ralis eruditum & perfectum esse, quia quod per ingenium naturale non adipiscitur, hu∣jus defectui per doctrinam subvenitur: h. e. The Artist must be compleatly skill'd in Natural Philosophy that his Lear∣ning therein may supply all defects of his Ingenuity.

Sagacity is no less necessary to enable a Physician, upon which account the fore∣mentioned Alsarius* 1.19 tells us, Sapientis∣simus senex artem longam esse jure merito dixit ut tarda & hebetia ingenia ab ea ca∣pescenda deterreret, fervida vero & vivi∣da ad comprehendenda at{que} retinenda medi∣cinae mysteria magis inflammaret: h. e. Hippocrates did most wisely pronounce the Medicinal Art to be long and tedious, that he might discourage at their onset all those who were stupid and thick skull'd, and pro∣voke the acutest wits to pry into the knowledg

and mysteries of Physick, and Sagacity is as considerable in Chymistry, if we credit Moresinus, saith he, Ut quam ingeniose possint Chymici Naturae secretos Thesauros in usus publicos depromere: h. e. That these Eagle-ey'd Chymists may pierce into the secrets of Nature: Indeed there is no∣thing obvious in the Spagyrick Art, and therefore answerable to the depths of knowledg sought after, are the difficulties in the disquisition of them; he who ob∣serves himself to be besieged with errors, ought to have his wits* 1.20 about him, as well to secure him in his right proceedings, as to prevent a surprize by false and errone∣ous suggestions.

To conclude, Studiousness and indu∣stry do compleat a Physician whose know∣ledg and pains encrease alike,* 1.21 for if Mini∣ma mundi res totius vitae contemplationi sat superque est: h. e. The most inconsi∣derable thing in the world may imploy the whole time of a mans life to attain a perfect and unerring knowledg of it. Certainly then he hath no leisure allowed him who by his diligence is engaged to understand all the affairs of the greater as well as the little World: and assiduity is requisite in Chymistry, according to the advice of an excellent Adept in that Art, Exerceat

se Artifex donec studendo & experimen∣tando cum laboris instantia ad cognitionem pervenerit: h. e. The Artist must conti∣nually exercise and busie himself that by his constant study and experiments he may gain knowledg. I need not spend time in running over more qualifications both of Physicians and Chymists, in which they also agree; by all which it is very appa∣rant that Physicians are best capacitated to be Chymists, to whom also the Spagyrick Art is more advantageous then to any o∣thers who spend their time and pains in it: Curiosity and Covetousness are the ge∣neral ends propounded by all not engaged in the Profession of Physick, moving them to erect Laboratories, that by the help of Chymical Experiments, they may satisfie their earnest desire either of Knowledg or Profit, but upon neither account can these be equally benefited thereby as Physici∣ans, not they who seek only to gratifie their Curiosity, because these rather hunt after Rarities in Nature then what is vul∣gar, and then most applaud their happy discoveries when some strange and unex∣pected effect doth occur; Quod Naturae ludus illis miraculum; The sportings of Nature delight them most: And indeed these may at pleasure, sever, mix, make

and marr, behaving themselves lascivious∣ly towards Nature and her divine myste∣ries, and at length if these err, their de∣ceptions are not dangerous, so long as their innocent affectation of curiosity is confined to try conclusions on vile and ignoble bo∣dies, which are then dignified when they afford real discoveries of new truths, in subserviency to the good and welfare of Mankind: But Physicians are not allow∣ed liberty to pick and choose their work, they difference not the subjects on which they operate so much by their disguised variety, as estimate them according to the true and powerful vertues they afford for the recovery of their Patients; being also obliged to more accurateness then the others, for if they mistake in dissolving the intimate closure of bodies on which they work, in stead of separating by such a preparation between what is sound and the peccant matter, they possibly may part the neer embraces of Soul and Body: Physici∣ans then being satisfied that their enterpri∣zes in Chymistry relating to their practice be rational in the discharge of their weigh∣ty employment, more benefit thereby then those Indagators invited to be Spe∣ctators only of Natures curiosities. As for the Alchymists, although these out of an

insatiable thirst to gain wealth by the great Elixir or Philosophers stone, and such like tantalizations do night and day moil amongst their Furnaces, yet are not they so much profited by Chymistry as Physicians, for these being deluded, after an endless search for the true matter, and as idle a Quest for the Mercury of the Phi∣losophers, that these two Natures whose es∣sence notwithstanding is one, may, being timely after copulation impregnated, bring forth an Aethiopian capable of changing his complection by vertue of the milk he sucks, and a suitable education: I say, these Alchymists not understanding such and many more like parabolical expressi∣ons after their fruitless expence and pains learn only the insufficiencies of their processes, and howbeit they reiterate their work to try if they can hit right, yet no∣thing comes on it, their skill at length a∣mounting to little more then a treasonable adulteration of coyn, or a pitiful circum∣vention of Novices who are invited to sow Gold plentifully in hopes of a succeeding Harvest, or turning desperate Quacks in Physick; but on the contrary, a Physi∣cian is never frustrated in his Chymical Es∣says,* 1.22 as one well notes, faelices medici qui materiae differentias circa quas versan∣tur

optime tenent. He knows the matter on which he works, and brings it by his en∣deavors to that perfection he at first design∣ed, powerful Remedies to vanquish Dis∣eases are the chiefest treasure he seeks af∣ter, the Spagyrical Art which he profes∣ses, not being concerned to metamorphize base Mettals into Gold, but sickness into health, which as far excels that red though adored earth as that the basest mettal.

Physicians also are best qualified to bring Chymistry to perfection; that some∣thing already hath been performed in this kind, will appear if the long and tedious processes set down by the Ancients be compared with those of later date; 'twas usual with those primitive Operators to spend not only months but years in prepa∣ring their Medicines which they esteemed according to the labour bestowed on them, and stil'd them precious in respect of their cost, which after all was done recompen∣ced not either their trouble or charge, and if it hapned that any Patient stood in need of such Medicines, he usually had warn∣ing to prepare for death before the Medi∣cine could possibly be provided to cure him; but this inconvenience is in some measure helped by the succesful industry of Neotericks, who have found out more

speedy ways of preparing their Chymical Medicines then formerly were used, and questionless when the Profession of Phy∣sick in all its parts and offices is established by Law, and the Apish Pseudochymists stopped in their career, the World will have an account that the present Physici∣ans are acquainted with variety of power∣ful Menstruums by which they can sooner obtain the vertue of any Vegetable, then by expressing its juice or decocting it, and and so proportionably open both Animal and Mineral bodies to answer all Exigen∣cies how sudden soever in their practise; this I insinuate not by way of ostentation, but that (if Authority shall require) a publick proof may be given of it.

It remains now that I evidence the Phy∣sicians in this Kingdom to be the truest Chymists, for certainly they are most able who make it best answer the ends for which it was invented,* 1.23 set down by Sennertus; Finis Chymiae internus est corpora natura∣lia concreta purificare, solvere & compo∣nere alterare & exaltare, & ita elabora∣re, ut vel partes seorsim & singulae vel om∣nes iterum junctae & compositae sint quam purissimae & efficacissimae, atque ad usus in vita humana peculiares, & necessarios aptissimae & commodissimae, finis exter∣nus

est praecipue Sanitas & corporis hu∣mani conservatio: h. e. The internal end of Chymistry consists in purifying, dissol∣ving, and compounding, altering and ex∣alting, and so ordering all concrete bodies that both the parts distinct or conjoyned, may be more useful and efficacious to cure Diseases, and the external end is Sanity. I shall rather choose to prove my Assertion by shewing that these Phy∣sicians are skilful, faithful, and succesful Chymists: In the Universities and Col∣ledg in London have flourished heretofore, some Physicians eminent for their know∣ledg and practice of Chymistry, though not in those days valued according to their Merits; but this inquisitive Age encou∣raging learned men to employ themselves in Spagyrical operations can not only pro∣duce a greater number of such Artists, but may boast of their accurate search into the Phoenomena of Nature, as well ma∣king new observations, as experimenting the truth of those doctrines they receive by tradition. Did I affirm that the lawful Physicians in this Kingdom are as knowing in rational Chymistry as a∣ny Society in the World; I should im∣pose an hard task on him who would un∣dertake to oppose me herein: 'Tis not

improbable but that the Dispensatory will be objected to me as a publick confutation of our Physicians skill in Chymistry; I answer, that the persons (at least many of them) intrusted by the Supreme Au∣thority to compose the London Dispensa∣tory, were excellent Chymists, I could in∣stance Sir Theodore de Mayerne, and many others: So then, if these who (as will be easily acknowledged) knew more in this Art both as Operators and Practisers) then our Pseudochymists, thought fit to insert no more Chymical Preparations, certainly then we may conceive that they supposed their Dispensatory as useful and compleat without, as with them; howe∣ver I must inform these Pretenders to Chy∣mistry, that no publick Dispensatory is so well stock'd with Spagyrical preparations as this against which such clamors are rai∣sed as if it was insufficient to furnish any prevalent Remedies: It is clear, that the Colledg were not enemies to the Spagyri∣cal Art, when they appeared for it before any Academy or Society of Physicians in Europe, and owned it in their Pharmaco∣paeia as far then as safely they might, for their Dispensatory was chiefly intended as a Direction to the Apothecaries, who though at that time very capable of dis∣pencing

vulgar Medicines for ordinary use, yet were they not sufficient Operators to prepare the noblest and most difficult Re∣medies, wherefore the Colledg most prudently attempted by more obvious Operations at first to initiate them in Chy∣mistry, reserving to themselves the pro∣vision of what other Medicines they should need in their practice, and those worthy Collegiates were so forward to pro∣mote this Art, that some Physicians have rather blamed them for committing such Remedies to the care and use too (as it since falls out) of every Apothecary, the mistakes in both too often ruining Pati∣ents, and discrediting Physicians; where∣fore it seems more adviseable that they who use Spagyrical Medicines would not confide in common Operators who may disappoint their hopes and expectations, but see to their Preparations, whereby they may satisfie themselves and all that employ them, and when Physicians take this business into their own hands, they can be fully secured that their Remedies are no less faithfully then artificially pre∣pared: the trust and confidence reposed in Physicians being as considerable as Life, calls upon them to express singular readi∣ness and integrity to discharge their whole

Office which consists not only in prescri∣bing apt Medicaments, but a due regard that they be well dispensed according to direction; when so many Contingencies (especially in such almost unimitable O∣perations) may intervene to spoil their Vertues, and deceive the confidence re∣posed in them: the faithful Physician, I say, (unless he is extraordinarily perswa∣ded of his honesty and ability, whom he imploys) will not be guilty of doing his work by halves; and being experimental∣ly convinced that many who undertake to be Operators, are either defective or falla∣cious, will not lie at stake for anothers miscarriages which he so easily may pre∣vent by preparing what Chymical Prepa∣rations his Patients take: but if we com∣pare the Physicians practice of Chymi∣stry with the pretences of our Pseudochy∣mists, according to the old Axiom, Con∣traria juxta se posita magis elucescunt, The ignorance of the latter will serve as a foil to set out the eminency of the former: Chy∣mistry it seems hath not escaped the com∣mon fate of other Sciences, and, although by it other things are brought to the test, yet very many illiterate persons, not fear∣ing the subtle exploration of the Fire, dare call themselves Filios Artis hermeticae,

Hermetick Philosophers, and because they erect Furnaces, spend Charcoal, and break Glasses, do fancy and would per∣swade the World, that they are prime Spagyrists, these observe that Physicians in some cases do succesfully administer Chymical Preparations, and hence they take liberty by strange Artifices to com∣mend their absurdities to the People, inven∣ting quintessential lyes to carry on their horrid designs, as if they could delude the World by their zeal for the good cause of Chymistry, on the behalf of which they express a ready submission to undergo all manner of persecution, and even martyr∣dom it self, they mean (I suppose) by their own Furnaces: what ever is produ∣ced to justifie or advance the usefulness of Chymistry; these Pseudochymists strive to interest themselves in it, as if they were the only qualified persons to renovate the Science of Physick, and intrust Physicians in their Profession: because our Pseudo∣chymists have dared to sollicite His MA∣IESTY to Incorporate them, fondly con∣ceiting that they could have deluded Au∣thority with the same Arguments where∣with they daily cheat their Patients: I shall more particularly examine their Abilites, answer their Pleas, and

present the ill Consequence to the Fa∣culty of Physick, and the whole Nation if they should obtain a Patent or lawful set∣tlement: I shall consider these Pseudo-chymists either as University-men or Me∣chanicks, the abilities of the first seem questionable, because they shun tryal, whereby (if they be found worthy) they may not only obtain a License to practise physick, but an opportunity of improvement wil be offered them by the friendly assistance of the whole Society: And when these pro∣caim most impudently their unjust censures of the learnedst Colledg of Physicians in the World, I cannot but assent to the Co∣maedians Character of insufficiency; Ho∣mine imperito nunquam quicquam injusti∣us, qui nisi quod ipse fecerit, nil rectum putat. No person is so censorious as he who is ignorant, thinking nothing well but what he does himself. Their association also with illiterate men, shews what may be expected from them, according to our Proverb, Birds of a feather will flock to∣gether: the truth is, these have so mixed with the mass of Quacksalvers, that I cannot know one from another, whereup∣on I am apt to believe that these dealt Chymically with the Universities when they took Degrees, and deluded them

with false assurances of their highly volati∣liz'd Abilities, soon evaporating and ta∣king flight into the Land of forgetfulness, where I leave these, and return to the Pseudochymists who were educated in se∣veral Trades suitable to their Ingenuity; can we imagine that he who leaps out of a Shop into a Laboratory, is fit to mend both Philosophy and Medicine? Indeed the Chymists who are Shoomakers may be kind to the Peripateticks, and prevent their being gravel'd, and the Taylors may patch a mystical Garment together taking pity of Truths nakedness: But to be se∣rious,* 1.24 what Paracelsus said of their Pre∣decessors, I may affirm of these; Dolen∣dum graviter tantam artem a tam inscitis, levibusque hominibus tractari, & eo cor∣ruptelae agi ut ne ipsi quidem veritati dein∣ceps fides addicatur: h. e. 'Tis pity that such an excellent Art should be practised by such ignorant and unworthy persons, upon whose account Truth it self can scarcely be credited. I cannot guess by what means these unlearned Pseudochymists should ac∣quire that knowledg they pretend to? these din in our ears the purity and efficacy of their Preparations, but gross conceptions of the Phaenomena of Nature and Medi∣cinal truths, are of worse consequence in

the practice of Physick then Feculencies and excrementitious parts to hinder the full energy of any Medicine in the cure of Diseases; should I undertake to discourse of the Abilities of these Chymists, I should imitate him who attempted to treat de nihilo, for my part I cannot allow them capable of being Spagyrical Apothe∣caries, because he ought to be both well read & exercised too in Chymistry, who is a good Operator & prepares fit Medicaments for the Physician, a good Author alledges, Qui in legendis libris deses extiterit, in praeparandis rebus promptus esse non poterit, liber namque librum aperit, & sermo ser∣monem explicat, quia quod in uno est dimi∣nutum, in alio est completum non enim in practica bene assuescere potest, cujus mens in Theorica renuit desudare, quoniam pro∣cedit ad practicam non secus ac Asinus ad coenam ignorans quomodo & ad quid porri∣gat rostrum & os: h. e. He who is not well vers'd in Books cannot be an expert Opera∣tor, one Book Comments on another, and one saying interprets anothers obscurity, so that the mysteriousness and abruptness of one is illustrated and compleated by the per∣spicacity and fulness of another, neither can he excel in the practical part, who hath not by indefatigable industry and pains ac∣quainted

himself with the Theory, for o∣therwise he comes to practise, as the Ass to his supper, not knowing what choice to make of the things set before him: Let me note that by Books, Arnoldus did not intend Shop-books, as if any one skil'd in them, might thereby be enabled to operate in Chymistry: If then these Pseudochy∣mists are not fit to be allowed the prepa∣rations of Spagyrical Medicines, what qualifications have they to practice Phy∣sick, the artificial Collying of their hands every morning will no longer serve their turn to shadow their Ignorance, for Ex∣perience shews that they are rather nigro carbone notandi; To be known from black sheep, Methinks the blackness of their hands seems a proper Emblem or Hiero∣glyphick of Death to all who unhappily come under them:* 1.25 let a Jew inform us Christians concerning these Pseudochy∣mists,* 1.26 saith he, Multum de Arte pollicen∣tur qui eam vix a limine salutarunt un∣quam, quid mehercle magna remedia au∣rumque potabile in votis habere, & mini∣mis morbis ne tantillum opis adferre, Ar∣tis magistros convellere, & inscitiae & su∣pinae ignorantiae incusare, nonne est audax & temerarium facinus? quorum in polli∣citationibus nulla veritas, non modo calum∣niatores

verum insignes mendaces & gar∣ruli impostores apud probos merito cense∣buntur: h. e. These promise much in an Art in which they are scarcely initiated, but what do they tell us of noble Remedies and pota∣ble Gold, who cannot rationally cure the most inconsiderable Disease? are not they very impudent and unadvised, who dare boldly censure the ablest Professors, accusing either their ignorance or laziness? there is no truth in their promises, wherefore all good men will account them slanderers, no∣torious lyars, and pratling impostors; Al∣though the just repulse which these Pseu∣dochymists lately suffered when they pe∣titioned for a Charter, hath as effectually answered all their Arguments as Wisdom and Prudence can determine for the wel∣fare of the Publick, yet because they cease not to make continual addresses both in Print and Discourse to the People, seek∣ing to elude Authority, and to perswade the Nation that the design set a foot by them will yet be countenanced; I shall examine the strength of their Arguments which are grounded on the uselesness and imperfe∣ction of vulgar Methods and Medicaments in the curation of Diseases, the most cer∣tain improvement of Physick in all its parts by Chymistry, and that there is not any

expedient so proper to renovate the Art of Physick, and to rescue Mankind from the tyranny of Diseases, as that a Society of Chymical Physicians be founded, who will be obliged to spend their time and pains in promoting this most necessary work altogether unregarded and slighted by the Scholasticks or Academical Physici∣ans: In the next Chapter I shall endea∣vour to shew how far the old Methods and Medicaments are useful and sufficient, and what rational Physicians may expect from them, as also the ignorance of these Pseu∣dochymists who undertake to censure them; As for their commendation of Chy∣mistry, the true Physicians think them as much unable to express its worth and ex∣cellency, as to practice it with credit; if these Pseudochymists by any means can mis-represent the lawful Professors of Phy∣sick to the World, describing them to be mean and dangerous Practitioners, they imagine that the common voice will be for them and their Preparations, but the Col∣ledg did no less heretofore take care to * 1.27 prevent such injuries, then are still vigi∣lant to secure themselves from their as∣saults.

When these plead a necessity that a Corporation of Chymical Physicians should

be instituted, because no particular Socie∣ty takes care to advance the Spagyrical Art, I must plainly tell them, that their information is notoriously false; for all Academical Physicians, especially Colle∣giates (as said before) have ever ac∣counted Chymistry part of their Professi∣on, and if this should be taken from them and committed to the management of o∣thers, by the same rule more Pretenders may request the like Priviledges of exer∣cising distinctly all those Offices which joyntly appertain to the accomplishment of a Physician, and then one Corporation might undertake to feel Patients pulses, another to view the Water, and a third vi∣sit the sick, no more entrenching on the Physicians proper business, then these in their presumption to claim the sole use and authority of Chymical preparations: but it seems these Pseudochymists conceit that their challenge, or appeal to the Magistra∣cy is an unanswerable argument, imitating herein their vain-glorious Leader, Van Helmont, to whom his Contemporary Henricus ab Heer affords no better a chara∣cter then to call him,* 1.28 Semi-virumque Asinum, semi-Asinumque virum, quo Arca∣dia non peperit Asiniorem;* 1.29 And in another place rails against his Preparation of Eu∣phorbium,

nay, 'tis well known that when he was in England (where he learned most of his notions) he generally failed in his Cures: but yet his Disciples like those of Jacob Bhemen will presume to understand more then the Author, and ad∣mire what is not intelligible: The rea∣sons which prevailed with the learned Physicians in that Age, not to answer him in his folly, hinder us from such unworthy encounters, since that by other ways the impostures of these Pseudochymists may be discovered then by tolerating their despe∣rate practice to experiment their unskil∣fulness; their strange promises of curing cer∣tainly sixteen Patiens in twenty laboring of Feavers, are intelligible evidences of their deceitful proceedings, seeking only to gain employment by such presumptuous en∣gagements; if not by chance, but accord∣ing to a sober expectation two or three more die then they allot, nay, all the twenty, as these cannot make satisfaction for one life, much less for so many, so will not they abate their confidence which stands them in such stead, recommending them to the credulous multitude.

Furthermore, that no manner of crafty insinuation may be omitted, no stone left unturn'd, these Pseudochymists print lists

of their pretended Cures; it is not worth any ones pains to examine the truth of them, their expressions and language do sufficiently discover how little they un∣derstood the Diseases which they treat of, and did not they conceal their Preparati∣ons, there is no doubt but that the mean∣est capacity might censure their worthles∣ness or danger. I having accidentally met with some of their performances, con∣tent my self to judg of the rest thereby; One of this select Society of Pseudochymists found a Patient entred on a course of Sa∣livation, to whom (it seems) by a Chy∣rurgeon without acquainting either the Patient or his friend, an apposite Mercurial Medicine had been given; This simple Quack looking into the Patients mouth and taking notice that his Gums were ve∣ry much tumified, forthwith pronounced that the Disease was the Scurvy, which was arrived at the height; and in order to the Cure he sends an Antimonial Medicine which (not without much hazard) both vomiting and purging the Patient, inhibi∣ted the Flux by a speedy evacuation & re∣vulsion of the serous humor whereby it was maintained, and this is reckon'd a wonderful Cure: Another being called to see a large Tumour, which by able Physicians and

Chyrurgeons was known to be an Aneu∣risme, and accordingly dealt with by them, most readily undertakes the Pati∣ent, and promises present help; then he falls to work, and foments the parts affe∣cted with hot Chymical Spirits and oyls, till the Tumour blushed at his ignorance: Another when his Patient complained that his Cough hindred him from sleep, gave a Narcotick; but alas! expectora∣tion being thereby suppress'd, the Patient was suffocated and slept quietly. These few Examples may suffice to warn others that they intrust not their lives in the hands of such unskilful Practitioners who are altogether ignorant of the Causes and Symptoms of Diseases, right methods of curation, and proper remedies.

The ill consequences are so many which would be manifest, if such a Charter should be granted, that they cannot be easily reckoned up, for not only Physicians would be debarred the exercise of a consi∣derable part (as hath been shewed already) of their Profession, or two distinct Char∣ters grant the same Priviledges; but the Apothecaries Company will be prejudiced, who are authorized to provide as well Chymical as other Preparations, and can more skilfully execute both, then these

pretended Operators, some of them ha∣ving spent only three or four weeks with Mr. Johnson Operator to the Colledg; o∣thers professing Chymistry by the assistance of a small Crucible or a Bal. Mariae, and not a few being such titularly, knowing as little in the Spagyrical Art as in other qualifications necessary to the practice of Physick: It was a laudable custom (ex∣pressing the honorable esteem heretofore had of the Profession of Medicine) that Spurius ad Medicinam non erat admitten∣dus; No bastard might be a Physician: If this deserved observation, then certainly no spurious brood of Pseudochymists ought to be admitted to practice being neither legi∣timate Physicians or Apothecaries: But the Universities will mostly suffer if such a Corporation should be established, for who will spend their time and pains in those places, when a Society calling themselves Chymists shall not only scorn and vilifie their Book-learning, but be impowred to take in an allotted number of Members as they shall think fit, by which means in a few years the most excellent Science of Medicine will necessarily fall into the hands of ignorant and illiterate Practisers; and as the University will then be deprived of one Faculty, so the People ere long would

be sensible of their loss, when they must rely on such Assistants as Gun-smiths, Heel-makers, Taylors, and the rest, &c. He who pretends not to the Spirit of Pro∣phecy may foresee what will be the e∣vent, for these already slight Anatomy, which all true Physicians account a most useful and necessary Introduction to the knowledg of Medicine informing them concerning the admirable fabrick of Mans body, its structure, confo••mation and con∣sent of parts, the various liquors and juy∣ces contained in several vessels, their chan∣ges and alterations, as also the causes and symptomes of Diseases, and the right use and application of Medicaments: We as much approve the Anatomy of Bodies by Pyrotechny as they, but judg him an in∣compleat Practitioner who knows not what or where the defect is in the noble Engine of Mans body, and what Remedies whe∣ther Chymical or others are most conveni∣ent to rectifie what is amiss; and there∣fore true Physicians take especial care to conform their Medicaments to this exqui∣site Machine, and when they observe as Bausnerus elegantly expresses, In corpore humano nihil sine lege, nihil sine ordine, ni∣hil sine pondere, mensura & numero, nihil deficit, nihil redundat, nihil otiosum aut

superfluum omnia summe utilia, semperque operantia: h. e. There is nothing in mans body without Law, Order, and Concord, no∣thing without proportion, measure and num∣ber, there is no defect nor redundancy, no∣thing idle and unnecessary, but all parts are primarily useful and continually operative: So in like manner, nothing ought to be prepared for, and given to the body without rule and method, without a due correspon∣dency with it, no imperfect or empyreu∣matical preparation, nothing must be in∣effectual or superfluous, but all act vigo∣rously and effectually to set to rights all dis∣ord••rs in the body: But these Pseudochy∣mists rightly apprehending their deficien∣cy in Anatomy to conceal their ignorance, disallow it, at least judg it not of such importance as Physicians commonly af∣firm in the curation of diseasees.

Also Phlebotomy and Purgation are by them condemned, the first stiled impi∣ous, and the other reputed destructive; I am sure that Botallus was of another mind in relation to Phlebotomy,* 1.30 saith he, Nos non o∣pinamur, sed cognoscimus & certo scimus in missione sanguinis plus esse opis ad curandā maxmā morbo••ū partem (si rite usurpetur) quam in quoquam alio artis auxilio, immo dicere ausim quam in caeteris aliis omnibus

simul junctis; Non propterea nos caetera praesidia à medicina excludenda esse cense∣mus, sed omnia suo tempore & modo usur∣panda: h. e. I do not guess, but experi∣mentally know that letting of blood (if regularly ordered) is more efficacious in the cure of most Diseases then any other di∣rection; nay, I may add then all other Remedies put together, and yet I exclude not the use of other helps, which in their season may be beneficial; because in the next Chapter I shall particularly discuss these Opinions about Phlebotomy and Pur∣gation, I shall at present dismiss them.

If these Pseudochymists shall still pro∣secute their design and yet dream that a Patent may be obtained, I doubt not but that the Colledg (when they shall be cal∣led to deliver in their Objections against the settlement of such a Society) will of∣fer such weighty reasons, that the expe∣ctation of these Pretenders will be frustra∣ted. This I thought fit to insert least any one should imagine that my Argu∣ments do conclude the Colledg, what is observed by me may possibly inform the People concerning the most dangerous pro∣ject of these Pseudochymists; if I have discharged the duty of a faithful Scout in descrying the common enemies of Man∣kind,

I return into my rank again, being not engaged to oppose my self to their body drawn up in Battalia, my work is done if the intelligence I bring of our Ad∣versaries approach alarums every one to arm himself against their publick and pri∣vate assaults.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Zacut. lus. p. 14.
• * 1.2

  Tract. de sal•• Dom. de Neus.
• * 1.3

  Riol. in epist. dedic.
• * 1.4

  Pharmac.
• * 1.5

  Spargyr. p. 2.
• * 1.6

  Fab. propugn alchym. p. 8.
• * 1.7

  Ut turpe es∣set in Senatu Patres dum de salute rei∣publicae deli∣beratur à vo∣tis ad convitia descendere, ita pudend••m est eos qui scrip∣tis editis rem literariam au∣ctam & ampli∣ficatam cupi∣unt rebus mis∣sis convitiis certare. Sen. p. 844.
• * 1.8

  Angel. Sal. de error. Pseu∣dochym. p. 7.
• * 1.9

  Corrum∣punt mixtum perduntque, non autem di∣vidunt in sua simplicia.
• * 1.10

  Accidit iis qui se igne oblectant & exhilarant quod ad extre∣mum omne in luctum verti∣tur, ignis enim multò subtili∣ora venena contra eos e∣vomit quam minerae, Para∣cels. cap. 4. tract. 2. de morb. metall.
• * 1.11

  Dec. 2. para∣dox. 10. p. 523.
• * 1.12

  Sen. de brev. vitae, p. 559.
• * 1.13

  Pharmac. Spagyr. p. 3.
• * 1.14

  Medici qui∣dam adulando in pharmacis administran∣dis aegros in∣terficiunt Pa∣narol. p. 135.
• * 1.15

  De difficult. alchym. p. 6.
• * 1.16

  Hippocrat. de dec. hab.
• * 1.17

  Ubi desinit philosophus ibi incipit medi∣cus.
• * 1.18

  Geb. cap. 7.
• * 1.19

  De quaes. per epist. p. 434.
• * 1.20

  Debet chy∣micus errori subvenire in∣puncto.
• * 1.21

  Sanch. p. 89.
• * 1.22

  Mor. de me∣tall. meta∣morph.
• * 1.23

  Sennert. de natura, chym. p. 755.
• * 1.24

  Paracels. p. 289.
• * 1.25

  Abrah. è port.
• * 1.26

  Leon. mant. p. 126.
• * 1.27

  Quò vide ant pseudochy∣mici & me∣tito nomine medici cele∣berrimum hoc nostrum Lon∣dinens. Colle∣gium singulis praeceptis sin∣gulis{que} instru∣mentis utrius∣que philoso∣phiae affluere & abundare in arenam de∣scendo, &c. Tho. Rawlins in praefat. al∣phabet: ceu admon. pseu∣dochymic.
• * 1.28

  Observat. medic. in Spa. cap. 7.
• * 1.29

  Cap. xxv.
• * 1.30

  Leonard. Bo∣tall. de curat per miss. san∣guinis, p. 155.