Praxis medicorum antiqua & nova the ancient and modern practice of physick examined, stated, and compared, the preparation and custody of medicines as it was the primitive custom with the princes and great patrons of physick asserted and proved to be the proper charge and grand duty and every physician successively, the new mode of prescribing and filing recipe's with apothecaries manifested an imprudent invention and pernicious innovation, demonstrated from the treble damage and disadvantages that arise thence to physician, patient and the medical science : with enforcing arguments for a return and general conformity to the primitive practice ... / by E. Maynwaring.

Secondly, The different interests and aims of the two Persons (reputation in the Physician, profit in the Apothecary) argues their prime intentions to be excentric, and of a different bias; must there∣fore take several ways, and go by different medi∣ums to arrive thither. The first runs parallel and even with the Patients safe and speedy recovery; the latter moves sinisterly, is biassed and swayed towards the present advantage of the Purse. If it be a mans interest and advantage to be honest in any undertaking; we may easily believe that man to be honest, because there is no profit to temp•• him to be otherwise: it is just so with the Physician

in point of medicines: 'tis not the price of a me∣dicine, that is his gain; but the fame and reputa∣tion of a medicine, which is excellent in perform∣ing great and good effects, that is his great advan∣tage and profit: So that profit comes in to him consecutivè, and emerging as the result of the for∣mer; honorably not mechanically: and this profit does not, cannot tempt him to unjust actions, but puts him upon virtuous and most laudable endea∣vours to acquire it: and although a Physician in other matters were a very dishonest man and used no conscience; yet in this where his reputation, his advancement and profit lies, there he will be up∣right, because his interest leads him to it, and there is no temptation to be dishonest and falsifie his me∣dicines; nothing but perfect folly, and acting a∣gainst himself, can make a Physician be unfaithful or careless in medicines. Is not he a mad man, that to get a crown or ten shillings more, by abusing and sophisticating three or four medicines, shall thereby lose the advantage of a Cure, lose his reputation, lose the good opinion of his Patient, his relations and acquaintance, that would have brought pounds to him: so that instead of gaining by the cheat, he is a great loser; and no man (I think) in his wits will cheat for loss, though many do for gain.

The case is not thus with the Tradesman in Phy∣sick: it is with him as it is with other Shop men: a Tradesman reckons his profit, by what his Ware cost, and what he sells it for; so much more as he gets in the selling, so much profit he accounts to his Purse: and therefore Tradesmen when they buy, chuse such Commodities as they can get most by in

retailing: and do you think it is not so in the Medi∣cine trade? of necessity it must be so, if you consider, that all the Drugs imported into England, sooner or later, they are sold and made into medicine, although they have lain by years, with the Merchant, Druggist and Apothecary, before they are used: now look upon the Drugs, and you shall see two or three sorts and degrees of each of them in point of good∣ness: one sort is fine ware and choice; another sort is course and degenerate, perhaps of the growth of another Country not so good; a third is damnified and decayed by transportation or long keeping. Now for these several sorts of the same species or kind; as they differ in goodness, so you have several prices set you: and you shall have one, for 20 s. the pound, the other for 30 s. the best 40 s. or perhaps 50. Now if there be such difference (as certain∣ly there is) in Drugs both for price and goodness; then we may conclude, that there is as much diffe∣rence in the goodness of medicines.

But what becomes of these three sorts of Drugs? first or last, they are all sold, good and bad, all is turned into Medicine. The Pharmacopoeian Do∣ctor that prepares Medicines for his own Practice; he is so nice and curious in the choice of his Drugs, that none but the very best will go down with him, he defies the degenerate and decayed sort, he stands not upon the price, that shall not make him refuse the Commodity; and it is his interest and best policy so to do, because he lives and thrives by Cures, not by selling of Medicines. And I have heard some Druggists say, if all their Customers were so curious to pick out the choicest of their

ware and leave the other, they knew not how to manage their Trade, and live by it. What then becomes of the trash and courser sort? there are Chapmen for that too; there are those that drive a Trade in Physick; and Tradesmen will not give forty shillings, if they can buy for twenty; especial∣ly when a Commodity may be sold again without discovery of its badness. And such is the case of Drugs, when they are compounded and converted into medicine, they are not discernable, but pass currant. Now ask your own reason, if it be not more safe, and may you not have more confidence in medicines from the Physicians hand, than from another, that makes a Trade of Physick; especially in this Age, when there is so much fraud and deceit in buying and selling.

That Shop Medicines are commonly thus abused and falsified, see what a Practiser with Apothecaries for 30 years in this City saith; Doctor Merret be∣fore named, one likely to give a true account of their medicine making: you will find there a Ca∣talogue of great abuses, and counterfeiting of me∣dicines: and such safe medicines, the sick are plen∣tifully plyed with.

To this we may add the thoughts and averment of an Anonymus Author of a late Tract, wherein touching this point in hand, he saith; At the Drug∣gists there being two sorts of all Drugs, the one good sound and dear; the other, though of the same kind, course, almost rotten, and very cheap; we may be jea∣lous, that those who aim at an Aldermanship by a quick step, do for the most part make use of the latter sort of Drugs in all their Compositions, and in the

Preparations of the Prescripts of Physicians; whose bills its most certain are by some Apothecaries unfaith∣fully dispensed, by adding a less quantity of the in∣gredients, or such as will prove ineffectual, on design either to protract the course of Physick, or to defame the Physician.

And to this purpose the forementioned Doctor Goddard saith, Let a Physician write the same Bill to several Shops, the Medicine shall be very different in the sensible qualities, scent, taste, colour, strength, pleasantness, &c. according to the goodness of the in∣gredients, or the cleanly and accurate making.

I cannot let pass another testimony, which strikes home, and deeply wounds the repute of Shop Me∣dicines; and it is from an intelligent person of this Faculty; who in the current of his discourse, saith, This will be of high advantage to Physicians, and those Patients of theirs that live in the Country, where multitudes miscarry (and many even among the Gen∣try) either under bad or for want of good Physick: For the Country Apothecaries not having certain vent for their Medicines, and few among them being well skilled in their Composition, to avoid charge and trouble, buy such things as they most frequently have occasion for, of London Apothecaries, who sell me∣dicines cheaper than the others can make them; and well they may; they being either the refuse of their Shops, or fraudulently compounded; I mean, made either with old or perished Drugs, or else they leave out the most costly, which are often the most effectual and active ingredients. Now Physicians in the Coun∣try comporting with the common way of sending Pre∣scripts to the Apothecary, especially those that concern

persons of quality; which Physick what effects it is like to have, I leave to others to conjecture; for my own part I will not affirm, that any are dispatched by it (though we have little reason to believe bad Physick can have good effects) but of this I am most certain, that it lets many dye (which is little better) whom pro∣balby it would have restored, had it been such as the Physician presumes the Apothecary is furnished with. And but that it is contrary to my nature, and the de∣sign of this Discourse, to divulge any thing that might be a reproach to particular persons; I could name se∣veral gallant Gentlemen, exceedingly beloved in their Countrys, wherein they were very useful; who mis∣carried, as is verily thought (by those that are compe∣tent judges) between the neglect and baseness of the Country and City Apothecaries.

What do you think now of the Medicine Trade? and where is your reason for that confidence you have had in the supposed safety between a Doctor and an Apothecary: do you think you are not bet∣ter secured from common hazards, from the frauds, casualties, and abuses attending Medicines, under the charge of a Physician acting alone, than be∣tween two persons acting distinctly, whose diffe∣rent interests sway them two several ways? the Apothecary is no gainer by short and speedy Cures, wonder-working Medicines are nothing to him; that's the Doctors same and profit: but the Apothe∣caries advantage lies in variety of sluggish dull me∣dicines, a tedious Cure, and a long Bill at the end of it: what is the Apothecary concerned for effica∣cious, brisk, generous medicines? they do him no good: fair and softly from spring to fall, and

from fall to spring again, that's best for him; a Cor∣dial is a Cordial, and a Bolus is a Bolus, good or bad, you must pay a good price: then what is the Apothecary concerned for Cures? Oh, let the Do∣ctor look to that, that's his business; and if the Do∣ctors were not a little infatuated, they would take a better course to effect their business. But in the mean time perhaps the Doctor goes under an ill name, and there is melancholly looks and grumb∣lings for these slow doings: but the Apothecary comes innocently and briskly in, chears up the drooping Patient, tells him all will be well, but he must have patience; the Doctor takes a great deal of pains, comes often, and prescribes often; and for the me∣dicines they are, I marry are they: and now the Patient is cheered up, and pretty well satisfied; he is resolved to go on again, and try farther what can be done: so they jog on, and let them go.

If Patients rightly and fully understood their own interest; they would force all Physicians to this duty of preparing their own medicines; from whom they might (for the reasons before mention∣ed) rest assured that their medicines were the best and most efficacious that Art, Care, and Money could procure and provide for them.

But in the close of this Argument, I must clear off an objection that I have met with, framed by one of our own Faculty, and laid hold of by the Apothecaries in their Plea; urging it as a good Ar∣gument for their continuation; which is this: [Object.] Phy∣sicians are mortal men and may (and ost have) in a debauched humour prescribe improper medicines, and most improportionate Doses, which an Apothecary by

the experience of his Trade may discover, and repair for a rectification to the Physician next morning, when the Cloud is over with him.

[Answer] In former days there were two Collegiate Censors to overlook the Apothecaries, and view their me∣dicines; yet all that could not prevent abuses: but aliares est, now the scene is changed and Apothe∣caries will have it necessary, that they supervise the Doctors medicines, pass their judgment, and be monitors over them and their prescripts. Where are you now Doctor? have you not brought your Hogs to a fair Market? by this pretension no Phy∣sicians Bill will be authentick, and of credit with the Patient, until it hath passed the Apothecaries ap∣probation: and indeed the reliance on Apothecaries is arrived thus far already, that the Patient com∣monly asks the Apothecary's opinion concerning the Doctors abilities; whether he prescribes well or not: if he says well, 'tis well: if otherwise, turn out. The objection seems fair at first sight, and pro∣miseth weight; but being put into the ballance with the casualties, sophistications, and daily ha∣zards that attend the dispensing and distributing Shop Medicines, will be found much too light, and these to preponderate, as being of greater mo∣ment, and more frequently occurring. To come close to the point then, I grant you the objection thus far, that it is possible a Physician may be over∣seen in drink, and commit such an error as is alledg∣ed: but what then? this is not enough to cashiere all Physicians from the management and charge of medicines: you must prove also, that the Apothe∣caries and their Servants are never debauched, never

overseen, nor mistaken, never abuse a Physicians Pre∣script; but are always exact, sober, careful, and ho∣nest; when you have proved this, your objection is good, and carries force with it. But look back upon what is already said and proved, and you find little of this: and farther to counterpoise this objection, turn to the same Author that was pleased to dally with you, and see what he says in another place: (but take notice, it was this Gentleman that whipt some of your Apothecaries (the Authors of that scurrilons Libel, Lex Talionis) for their sau∣ciness towards Physicians, their quondam Masters; and admonished the rest pretty smartly) his words are these: The humour of a Tradesman to play the Gentleman is too visible in many Apothecaries, who pass their time either Physician like in visiting Pati∣ents, or rendring themselves to the recreations of the times, wherein they are plentifully supported by the revenue of their Shop, which their men manage, ac∣cording to the idleness and negligence Servants are all addicted to in the absence of their Masters: whence supposing a prescription to be erroneously or dangerously prepared, and the Patient upon the taking of it sur∣prised with urgent symptoms, or yield to his last fate; it shall not be divulged to you, the man that made up the medicine was a raw apprentice, or had been drink∣ing drunk, whilst the Master was breathing his Nag in Hide Park; in all which transaction, its the Phy∣sician that must father the ill success. Now the ob∣jection is enervated and made invalid by him that offered it: and since there are such Apothecaries and such Servants; may not a sober Physician be affraid of trusting his prescripts in such hands, and

venture the life of his Patient at these hazards? and may not the Patient be afraid, although he have an able and careful Physician, that the Apothecary may be negligent? and if he be a careful man when he is in his Shop; yet his Servants may be negligent, heedless, and mistake when he is abroad. How then must the Patient be secured, from the dangers and hazards that commonly attend medicines? I know no better, nor other way, but by making choice of such a Physician that is not addicted to intempe∣rance and debauchery, that is not a Tipler and Jo∣vial Companion, one that diligently follows his business, that seriously and soberly performs the whole duty of his employment, that trusts none in the choice of his ingredients, in dispensing, weigh∣ing, preparing, and compounding, but all done un∣der his eye, and in some nice things by his own hand: and then I think in all reason he is as likely to avoid all miscarriages and mistakes in medicines, as it is possible for man to do; and much more like∣ly than Tradesmen and their Servants, in a perfun∣ctory way of managing a Shop Trade; that con∣trive how business may soonest and easiest be di∣spatcht, and turn to the best account for present gain. And so I dismiss the Patients interest in point of safety, and come to his other concern and ad∣vantage in the matter of profit.

This thing called profit is the general concern of the world, that all people hearken after, and design for; and some to save their purse will ven∣ture their life: this profit perhaps may prove the strongest argument in the Book to perswade. Secu∣rity is not comparable to profit with a great many;

they had rather hazard their lives with a Chymical Empirick, a quacking Apothecary, or any illiterate fellow that pretends to Physick; hoping thereby to save charges, and cozen the Doctor of his Fees: and thus they cheat themselves, and are cheated by others. But to prevent such imprudent hazar∣dous courses, and to lessen the charge of Physick; the following discourse will inform you.

That a course of Physick or fit of sickness will be less chargeable to the Patient, when both ad∣vice and Physick depend upon the Physician; than when divided, and the charge distinct between two persons, appears plainly, if we consider,

[Argument. 1] First, That the lessening of charge in all affairs is, by substracting and abating the number of per∣sons that are to be employed and maintained in that business: If one can manage it well and sufficiently, in vain is the expence to keep two upon such an em∣ploy; especially if two Families must be maintain∣ed out of it, and depend thereon; the charge then must needs be doubled and advanced high. For, admit both be honest, yet both must live upon it, gain sufficiently, and raise an estate for their Chil∣dren: if they be not honest, but covetously griping, and plotting how to gain most; such that make a prey of Patients, and are Purse-suckers: you may easily imagine then, that it is cheaper to be defraud∣ed by one than by two; and it is better to satisfie the thirst of lucre in one, than in two persons: hence we may affirm as an undoubted truth, that it is much cheaper, and more saving for the Purse, to retain a Physician alone; than a Physician and an Apothecary together, whether honest, or dishonest.

That this is a more chargeable and costly way, of taking Physick from two persons; appears in that Patients fall often into such a Physician and Apo∣thecaries hands, as combine together to promote each others interest. The Apothecary then makes it his business to commend and procure Patients to this able Doctor: This excellent Doctor to re∣taliate, makes him amends, by plying the Patient with good store, or rather much store of Physick: Who if he come three or four times a day, writes new Bills for the Apothecary; compound Glisters, rich cor∣dial Juleps, Bolus's, Pearl, Bezoar, and Gold; words that signifie very much in augmenting the sum, at the foot of the account in an Apothecaries Bill, &c. And Physicians that thus incline to gratifie and please Apothecaries, are called by them good Apotheca∣ries Physicians; and if they be not so, then they shall not be good Doctors in their mouths; but the Apothecary will give him a lift if he can; at least, he will never cause him to be sent for again to this, nor any other Patient he can perswade; but some good Apothecaries Physician, or his own Covenant Physician must be the man. Now this good Apothe∣caries Physician, they describe by his frequent though needless visits; but especially the multitude of his Bills; by his visiting twice a day or oftner (a very careful and painful Doctor) and by still writing new medicines, when half the former or perhaps none of them have been taken; making an Apothecaries Shop in the Patients house, planting the Cupboard and Win∣dow with Glasses and Gally-pots, and not a quarter of the whole made use of; he prescribes a medicine for every slight complaint, and never goes away from

the Patient, or the Patient from him without a Bill, for fear of the Apothecaries grumbling. If it be so (as these Authors affirm) may we not justly suspect, when Physicians have a great voice and commenda∣tion amongst Apothecaries, that they are Apotheca∣ries good Physicians, not Patients good Physicians; and may we not well suspect that the great estates, and great names gotten by some Physicians did a∣rise from hence, such artifices and combinations: and to confirm this rational belief, turn over their file of Bills, you will find there nothing great, but here and there great ignorance; you will there see such pitiful Recipe's and repetitions of them; that he which hath waded out of the mire of this com∣mon delusion, may bless himself; stand and admire that a learned profound Art and honourable Professi∣on should so strangely be abused; and the people doat so much to their great disadvantage and loss, and flock after (like silly Sheep) such grand Im∣postors: but the people have been, and are deceiv∣ed after this manner: What Doctor shall I have? says the sick man; ask the Apothecary, says another, he is most likely to tell you, who is an able Physician, and who you had best to send for: then comes the Apothecary and adviseth to his Covenant Physician, or if he be not approved of; then some one else, as good as he, that knows how the game must be plaid, to get the Apothecaries good word and ap∣plause, and that will be gainful to him both now and hereafter; and by this Compass the Physician steers his course. Hence it is, that the most indu∣strious and expert Physician practising with most ex∣cellent Medicines prepared by himself, is cryed

down by all Apothecaries, and shall never be call∣ed to a Patient if they can keep him out; sug∣gesting (very basely) that he is this or that; though he be a man of far greater merit and worth, in this Profession; able to out reason and out do a score of such Apothecary Doctors.

This frequent jugling between Physicians and Apothecaries to promote the craft of Physick, I find confirmed by a late Writer before mentioned. Physicians all, or most, being tyed to particular Apo∣thecaries, prescribe their Bills in terms so obscure, that they force all chance Patients to repair to their own Apothecaries, pretending a particular secret, which only they have the Key to unlock; whereas in effect its no other than the commonest of Medicines, disguised under an unusual name, on design to direct you to an Apothecary, between whom and the Physician there is a private compact of going snips, out of the most unreasonable rates of the said Medicines, where∣in if you seek a redress by shewing the Bill to the Do∣ctor, he shall most religiously aver, its the cheapest he ever read. You see here what great regard is had to the Patient all this while; what inventions found out and care taken to milk his Purse: O these are industrious men in Physick! such as the people put great confidence in! and to leave these men is as much as their lives are worth: A Doctor and Apothecary! can Physick be put into an honester and cheaper way? well go on then, per me licet; why should not every one have their Phansie, if they pay for it. What I have here written is not the design of my brain to asperse, but I give you the testimony (besides my sentiment) of learned

Doctors, well reputed in this Faculty, now alive and practising in this City, that have been conver∣sant with Apothecaries much longer than my self, and know very well the intrigues of this Practice. For my own part I was a Prescriber of Medicines to the Shops, for the first 8 or 9 years of my Practice, and did understand something in that time which made me desert them: but for this ten years or upwards I have used the Medicines of my own Preparation; so that having tryed both ways of Practice, I may give in my verdict too, what I know of them both, and let every one make choice of which they please.

But to proceed, if you come to an Apotheca∣ries Shop, for an ounce of Mithridate, Diascordi∣um, or London Treacle, you may have it perhaps too cheap, but not too good; for the former old price is beaten down by underselling one another, to gain custom to the Shop: but you must know the medicine is according to the price; so that nothing is got by your cheap penny-worth. (Diascordium was found by the Censors in their search, made only of Honey and Bolearmeniac.) Yet this cheap sophisti∣cate Medicine, when you come to pay for it in a Physicians Prescript, it will then cost you six times so much, perhaps ten times so much, mixt in Bo∣lus's and Potions: O the Recipe's are very gainful, and when the Apothecary parts with these, the best stake in the hedge is gone: no body can tell the price of a Recipe; the quintessence of the Doctors learning is there, and the Apothecary will scorn to undervalue it now, when it is epitomized and re∣duced into a Recipe (though at another time

Mr. Doctor is but so and so with him) I but Dias∣cordium now is Diascordium indeed; you shall not buy it now for three pence an ounce, as you fetcht it the other day at the Shop: when a Dram or two is mixt with as much Conserve of Roses or White Lillies secundum Artem, it is a dormitive Bolus then; a thing which you do not understand; 'tis above the sphere of vulgar capacities: Here is Art, and here is the mystery of the Trade; this is our gain, and we are necessary Appendants to Physick; opi∣serque per orbem dicor, says Mr. Apothecary; idest, the Doctor can do nothing without us. Now sup∣pose (excepting the Doctors Fee) the price of this Bolus be but half a Crown: you'l say that is not much for a good Medicine by advice: I'le reckon it to you, then judge if you be not used kindly: two pence for the Diascordium and Conserve, and se∣ven groats for mixing secundum Artem, that's just half a Crown; cheap enough! but I find a Colledge Doctor complaining of the chargeableness of Phy∣sick, in this Apothecary way of Practice, and says; The charge of it is often insupportable, as well as un∣conscionable and uncharitable; we many times pre∣scribe a dram of Treacle worth two pence to a poor neighbour out of charity; the Apothecary makes him pay half a Crown for a Cordial Bolus. There are of us, have retrieved some of our Prescriptions, and the Apothecaries Bills upon them, you will perhaps be amazed when I tell you; that where a Physician hath without a Fee prescribed something worth six pence; because it was made into twenty four Pills, there was so many shillings paid to the Apothecary upon his Bill for it; but I will give you no more accounts of this

kind now, you may in good time see store of them, upon proofs beyond denial. I perceive now by these ugly hints, there is Rods in piss; and 'tis like there may come a day of reckoning for such faults. However in the mean time, we vulgar will not be∣lieve, but this Apothecary way is the cheapest and best way of Physicking.

Another Doctor of the Colledge, a Practiser for 30 years with Apothecaries, complains after the same rate: Suppose a Physician hath prescribed a pint of Julep, &c. to be taken at four several times; some Apothecaries carry not the whole pint at once; but divide it into four parts, and carry but one at a time, and so of other Medicines; and then will charge his Bill for every single potion or draught, as he ought the whole pint; so that by this art he gains four times as much for the whole medicine, as in con∣science he ought; and a Julep which cost him six pence, will be rated at ten, twelve or more shillings, &c, so he goes on setting forth their unreasona∣ble prices and profit by Physicians Prescripts. I find now that this Apothecary Trade is a very thriv∣ing, gainful Trade; and the Patients Trade is a ve∣ry doleful losing Trade, and very liable to Cheats. It is much better to be an Apothecary than a Patient; and it is much cheaper to take Physick from a Doctors hand, than from his hand-writing. These Recipe's I see are costly things: sure they were intended only for Ladies and great persons; that must be at∣tended with Physicians and Apothecaries both; that must dye in state. I cannot see how other people can well bear this charge: but we are all grown so proud now, that if it be the fashion for

the great ones to have a Recipe Doctor, we vulgar will have a Recipe Doctor too, what ever it cost us. We will have all the Formalities of Physick though we dye for it (and like enough, all casualties and deceits considered which attend that Practice.) But let us examine these high priced Recipe's a little, and see the great worth of them; because there is great talk, and a great bustle about them: but now you talk of worth, they must be valued by what they cost, as for intrinsic worth let that pass, meddle not there: Now imagine we were at a file of Bills.

This Recipe cost the Patient ten shillings Fee, be∣cause he was but a Doctor of little practice, not cryed up, and that was fair for him. As for the Apothecary you may imagine (by what goes before) that he will be no loser by it; though he gets (if you will believe it) but a small inconsiderable pro∣fit. Here's another cost a Guiny (besides the mans life) this was a great Doctor's, one of the eminentest in the Town, a man of very great Practice, that you must wait two hours before you can speak with him, except you give his man a couple of shillings; this must needs be an able man, that the people croud after, much spoken of, and much approved by his Apothecary, who gets four or five hundred pounds per annum by this Doctor's Practice: an excellent Apothecary Doctor! he deserved a piece very gallantly. But here is a Recipe cost 3 Guy∣nies; this was the result of a consultation, for a person of quality, a beloved Child, Wife, or Hus∣band, or some rich fellow that would dye more ••onourably than ever he had lived: Here's another

golden Recipe of the same price, for the same Pati∣ent that evening, a Cordial dormitive Bolus: Tru∣ly this was very cordial Physick (to the Physicians) there was so much Gold about it: Here is three or four more Recipe's for the same Patient, that smells of extracted Gold very precious: but the last of them was the highest Shop Cordial that could be made: So that you may imagine what condition the Patient was in when the Physicians took their leave: Surely, these Recipe's are very fine things, they are so costly: but who pays the Apothecary all this while? O! the Executor pays him, that is to be done after the Funeral conclusion: there's a lump of money indeed to be received! perhaps this man gets more after the Patients death, than three Do∣ctors in his life time; it often falls out so (without jesting.) Give me leave to quote an Author now, something pertinent to our purpose (without re∣flection upon the persons named) not as a parallel example to our Discourse in the particulars; but only to let you know upon proof, that the medicine trade goes beyond the medical Art, in extracting Gold and Silver very wonderfully.

It is some years since, when Doctor Pursean, Do∣ctor Bates, and my self, for three or four weeks at∣tendance on a person of quality, received in Fees three or four and thirty pounds; they being consulters some∣times only; and I ordinary Physician had more than half of that sum: I believe my self, the person was well, and well satisfied, until the Apothecaries Bill was brought in; but then I was called to the ungrate∣ful work of judging upon the prices of it; I was a little started to find the sum total five and fifty pounds;

and I do assure you I speak moderately, when I say, if he were paid it, his gain was as much as the three Physicians received; but it was an Apothecary of the Patients own choice, and I had nothing to answer for it. This is not fair play, Mr. Apothecary, that you should get more than three Doctors: yours is a cunning Trade indeed; and I do not so much wonder now, that so many Apothecaries set up, since it is such a gainful Trade and honest income, of eighty and ninety per Cent.

You see how cheap the taking of Physick is with a Physician and Apothecary together: let us now en∣quire farther, if any money can be saved by ap∣plying to a Practising Apothecary, one that will Physick you by his own advice, and save you the charge of Fees (if you think good to believe it.) To wave their inability to practice, and the dan∣gerous consequences that attend their bold quack∣ing ( as many fatal actions do testifie, and some mentioned by a late Writer) I shall speak only as to the Patients profit, chiefly aimed at by them that apply to these Tradesmen in Physick for their assi∣stance. Some think it a notable convenience to have recourse to an Apothecaries Shop, upon small occasions for medicines, without the charge of a Physicians advice and Prescript. To this I say, the convenience is not what people imagine, and no charge saved thereby; if we suppose instead there∣of, Physicians to be furnished with necessary com∣pleat Medicines for all occasions, as I have urged that duty upon them: is it not then as convenient? will it not then be as cheap? will not your medi∣cines be far better? will it not be more safe and

expeditious for your help and relief, to come or send to the Physician for his Medicines, who for his own reputation and special interest (as is fully proved pag. 53.) will give you the best medicine or medicines faithfully and effectually prepared for your purpose, and also advise you how to use them for the best advantage, at as cheap a rate, as at the Apothecaries; yes much cheaper and more advantagious, if you consider the ability of the Phy∣sician above the Apothecary; and the rational pro∣bability of his medicines, to be much better and more efficacious; both which, facilitate and expe∣dite a cure, or check an emergent grievance, which are to be reckoned in the account of Costs, as a great advantage above the Shop Medicines and Shop Master: So that the Physicians Repository, or Closet accommodation, is as ready, as cheap or cheaper, and as commodious to repair to, as the Apo∣thecaries Shop, only the one stands in view, the other private, yet easie enough to be known, when the custom shall be made general: and it is as rea∣dy a way, and easie for the Physician, to bid his man give the Patient such a Medicine, as to write a Recipe to the Apothecary. That people are much deluded, in thinking they save charges, by applying to a practising Apothecary, is set forth by the foregoing Author from pag. 65. to 73. and it is but reason they should pay notably for their folly. Dr. Merret does caution the same: but po∣pulus vult decipi: and if people will not be admo∣nished, let them fall into the cheat without pity. And at how easie rates they practise, many of their Bills brought and complained of to our Colledge witness,

wherein upon a slight disease five pounds have been demanded for four days Practice. And I have heard one of them brag, that he commonly had from 20 to an hundred pounds, besides presents, for cure of a Clap (as they call it) which might have been more speedily and securely performed for a manifold lesser sum. If you come as a Customer to the Shop, and ask for an ordinary known Shop Medicine; you shall have it for an ordinary price: but when you come as a Patient, take his advice, and such me∣dicines from him that you know not; then you shall pay roundly for both; Counsel as well as Phy∣sick.

I might inlarge here upon this point, but I will pass over much, to finish this Paragraph briefly. I appeal now to all that are unbiassed and impartial; and let every one of common reason judge, whe∣ther it be not a much cheaper and a more frugal way, to apply to a Physician alone, furnished with honest good medicines (as it is his interest) than to a Physician and Apothecary, or to an Apothecary alone: if you say we cannot be assured that a Phy∣sician acting alone, deals honestly and consciona∣bly with us: then I reply to you again; nor can you be assured that a Physician and his Apothecary deals honestly with you: 'tis the same uncertainty here as there, and rather the more hazardous for the reasons aforesaid. And since honesty is so hard to find, and dishonesty so difficult to discover, (but you must venture:) then I think it is more prudent, and cheaper to venture upon one Knave, (supposing so) than two: since both must be gainers; one at a time is enough to cozen you. And if you

compare a practising Apothecary alone, with a Physician alone: have you not more reason to con∣side in and believe the latter (legally called there∣to, and well qualified) that he will be honester and more reasonable in his dealing than the former, whose very undertaking is a dishonest and an un∣just way of living: his presumptuous usurped Practice is a constant cheating of Physicians, who gave him his Trade: then in all reasonable pro∣bability he will not stick to cheat Patients, from whom there is no such obligation. He that will be so perfidious and ungrateful (manifestly in the sight of the world) to him that set him up; will not boggle to cheat a silly Patient, that cannot detect him: and therefore let none be so vain and foolish to say of a practising Apothecary that he is an honest man; for, to be honest and Practice, are incompe∣tible and a contradiction. If you would know more of this Practising Apothecary, you will find him described in a Tract of mine (amongst the number of other Practisers) put forth about three years since; where he stands in his colours, from pag. 50. to 64.

[Argument. 2] Secondly, Charge and Cost is abated, by contract∣ing and lessening the number or quantity of mate∣rials, to be employed and used in the performance of any work; and so è contra: and thus it is in the different Practices and Controversie in hand. The multiplying of medicines in the Prescribing Practice to Apothecaries, does much increase the charge of Physick, above that of the Physician alone with his Medicines: First, in regard the Prescriber is urged and tempted to this unnecessary accumu∣lation,

by the Apothecary for his profit, and to please him (as appears plainly in pag. 63) Secondly, the Shop Medicines are slugglish, inefficacious, and unfaith∣fully made (as appears p. 55, 56) therefore in reason, you must allow them more in number, and more often to be repeated (although the Physician be honest to his Patient) before they can effect any thing to the purpose aimed at.

But the Physician that is Pharmacopoeian to him∣self, that prepares Medicines faithfully and exqui∣sitely; does not use half that number of Medicines: he delights not in the superfluous variety and num∣ber of slight medicines; but he aims at a few choice and efficacious ones, to perform such operations that nature requires for her assistance; and those are not many: and knowing that nature must be relieved by such and such an operation; and hav∣ing well tryed medicines to perform those intenti∣ons, he prosecutes them with his approved certain medicines; and is not varying at every turn, nor coyning new medicines every day, to cheat the Pa∣tient into a belief, that here is not able contrivances, and extraordinary Art used; but sticks close to two or three good medicines that the case requires; and plys his Patient with them in due order and rational method, until nature be relieved, or that he be well satisfied of the contumacy of the disease resisting and contemning those medicines, or a difficult he∣teroclital propriety of body, enforcing him to change his medicines; which is not presently to be done, but after some considerable time of tryal; remem∣bring herein that Aphorism of Hippocrates, where he cautions you not to be fickle and lightly to change

medicines; if upon good grounds and a well in∣formed judgment, you have instituted your course. So that a Physician by this fixt rational way of proceeding, with well experienced medi∣cines of his own elaborate preparation, that he can confide in and rely on; he waits with patience, expecting the full tryal of their operations and suc∣cess; having no sinister dishonest ends to tempt him aside (as appears pag. 52, 53) to make a bustle with variety of medicines, thereby to cause fre∣quent visits, for multiplying his own Fees, and to advantage an Apothecary by accumulating medi∣cines unnecessarily: but he labours to get same to his own medicines (wherein lies his profit and de∣light) and therefore puts them upon the full tryal and extent of their power; which cannot be, if he whiffle to and fro, chop and change; but keeps a steady course, if no accident fall out to disturb him; and it is his great concern, that no medicine be baffied or defamed, in the operation or intended ef∣fect; but if that will perform the work, let it have the deserved credit; and then not to change or al∣ter, will redound highly to the Physicians advan∣tage, and praise of such medicines; frustra fit per plura, quod fieri potest per pauciora.

[Argument. 3] Thirdly, Much attendance in any affair, aug∣ments the charge: So is it in the Prescribing Practice; daily and often visits, requires frequent rewards: and lest the Patient should think the Doctor does not deserve his Fee, for only looking on him; he sel∣dom takes his leave but he puts the Patient to the cost of another Recipe (though needless) in ex∣change for his Accipe; and then the Apothecary

is pleased too, into the bargain; and by this he shall merit the Title of a very careful Doctor, and have his good word to back him, and help him at a dead lift, if suddenly or unexpectedly the Pati∣ent makes his exit into terra incognita. And truly it is something necessary that this Doctor who often deals with excogitated new minted medicines pro re nata; such as he never tryed, but are recommend∣ed to him by this or that Author, in parallel cases; or are the product of his own Pha••sie and proba∣bility, adapted to the present syndrom of indica∣tions; all which is but a probable adventure, doubt∣ful, and no certainty or confidence, until tryal puts you out of fear. It is necessary then the Doctor should attend the event of these uncertain medi∣cines, which often proves unexpected; and there∣fore he must be ready, he must be at hand, to cor∣rect what happens amiss, and to cast about for ano∣ther invention, if this fails: but put the case this Doctor does use a certain medicine, that he hath often tryed; yet if he have not a certain, honest, skilful Apothecary, his medicine may fail him: and if he chance to have such a certain Apothecary; yet if he have not a certain, understanding, careful Apo∣thecaries Boy, his tryed good medicine, may very likely Deceive him: therefore he must always be at the heels of his medicine, to know what opera∣tion and what success; and therefore this Doctor knocks at the door, with doubtful and timorous thoughts (as there is reason for it) except he be as bold as blind Bayard: and for this his daily care, he must have daily Fees, which makes a course of Physick too chargeable for some Patients: and not

only so; but the Apothecary must be paid for his kind visits too, but those are commonly crouded into the price of medicines; that although you take no notice of it, yet your Purse feels it; and now you may account your self as at the charge of two Doctors. But è contra, that Physician which practiseth with the medicines of his own prepara∣tion; made choice of the ingredients, saw their due ordering and managing of them into medicine; that hath often proved, meliorated, & knows well the certainty of their operation; dares trust his medi∣cines, and appoint them confidently with great safety (in chronick diseases) although he be an hun∣dred miles distant: and this I have done frequently with good success; and in such cases, when the Physicians of their Country, that have had the ad∣vantage of daily visiting and observing all circum∣stances attending the Disease, and the operations of their medicines, could effect nothing: as letters of intercourse, that lye by me, can testifie. And I doubt not but other Physicians, who use their own medicines can say the like; that they can trust their medicines in their absence from the Patient; and practice with such a freedom and safety, without a constant attendance: and therefore I must affirm, it is much better and safer, that the Physician constant∣ly and severely attend the medicine, rather than the Patient, if he cannot attend both.

[Argument. 4] Fourthly, Expedition and a quick performance of any work, is reckoned and accounted in the pro∣fit; by how much sooner the business is effected, so much charge is abated. And thus it is in our case in hand: a Pharmacopoeian Physician acting

alone, as he is more able and expert in curing above the Apothecary Doctor; so also his medicines are more efficacious and more certain in their opera∣tions, than the Shop Medicines (proved pag. 51, 52, 53.) from whence in all reason, cures will be effected more expeditiously and sooner. Besides his interest puts him on to a speedy relief of the Pati∣ent: but the Apothecaries interest does not spur him on to such hasty and expeditious performances (proved pag. 57. 58.) therefore the business of curing in all probability and reason, moves much slower in the hands of two persons than in one; al∣though it be against the Proverb; that many hands make light work; but in this case we may fear slight work, and slow work.

Now by what hath been said, you may easily imagine how the great charge of Physick may be abated; and which is the cheapest course and most frugal way; and not inferior to any other; but excelling also any other in safety, and in what may be accounted excellent in Physick. And so I pass on to the next considerable inforcement of this duty of preparing Medicines by Physicians; and that ariseth from the benefits that accrue to them∣selves.

[Advan∣tage. 1] The advantages that redound to the Professors from their industry in the preparation of various medicines are: First, a familiar acquaintance with, and knowledge of the materia medica: that all the ingredients of Medicines, Drugs, or what else appertains to, or enters their composition, may not be strangers to them; but prima facie upon sight thereof, and with a discerning eye, they

may distinguish rightly one kind from another; as also accurately the various differences of the same species in point of goodness: whereby they may be able to make a true election and choice, of the good and finest; from the degenerate mean sort, ungar∣bled, decayed by long keeping or otherwise dam∣maged; which is a very considerable matter, and of great importance in order to curing: for, if the ingredients of a medicine be not thus judiciously and honestly chosen, there cannot reasonably be ex∣pected a good success from medicines otherwise made; since every thing operates quantum in se, & pro viribus, according to the degree of its goodness or pravity. And father, it derogates much from the skill and compleatness of any Artist, not to know upon sight and appearance, all the in∣struments and materials that belong to his Art: and therefore it must needs be a great deficiency in a Physician, and it is very absurd, that he should ap∣point such things for his Patient, to which he is a stranger, and knows them not when he sees them.

[Advan∣tage. 2] Secondly, Hereby not only the face and external characters of the ingredients of medicines are known, but also by their several preparations and union this with that, diversiy varied; many secret properties are discovered, simply as in themselves and genuine nature; and relatively or respectively as they are yoked and compounded variously with one another: which most requisite and necessary knowledge is lost, if the Physician be not an opera∣tor in Medicines. For all the Philosophical artifi∣cial knowledge we have of Medicines, comes in this way, (that which meerly results from proba∣tion

in diseases, is empyrical) and this is the ground∣work and foundation upon which medicines are de∣signed and neatly framed. And that Physician who spends some time in Pharmacy, shall find more sa∣tisfaction in seeing a medicine duly prepared and compounded once, than in reading of it a twelve month: nor can the true proportion and quantity of each ingredient exactly be known, suting with the design and form of the medicine, by study and guessing, but by proofs and tryals in making. From hence the particular properties and differing qua∣lities of each ingredient will more plainly and ful∣ly be discovered in their several preparations, cor∣rections, defaecations, extractions, analytical resolu∣tions, &c. here you may learn and know the va∣rious results from different commixtures: the con∣fict and discrepancy of some, the amity and em∣braces of others; the rejection and incoibility of some; but reducible into composition by fit medi∣ums and artificial conjunction. And without this experimental knowledge, the forming and adapt∣ing medicines pro re nata for several cases, is so blind an adventure, that a Physician may well blush at his ignorance, and always fear his misfortunes, in running amongst dangers without a guide. For by the preparation of medicinal ingredients various ways, and by divers Commixtures of this with that, observing their several results and effects upon dif∣ferent associations and preparations; we then esta∣blish a certain compleat knowledge upon such ex∣periments; which surely guides us in the same for the future, as also directs us in collateral tryals, and processes of affinity. Then ought we not to trust

fallacious tradition and the uncertain reports of Au∣thors (which deceives many and often) but by viewing, handling, tasting, smelling, and such like examinations throughout the process of the more exquisite and Chymical preparations; a sensible and full satisfaction in the different properties of the ma∣teria medica is gained: which great advantages and opportunities of knowledge, a traditional pre∣scribing Physician or Apothecary Doctor, gives away to his operator or Apothecary; who being not ca∣pable, and to whom it does not belong as his busi∣ness to make such nice observations, but hoc agere, according to his prescript: much knowledge there∣by perisheth, and great opportunities of improve∣ment are lost; and such a Physician always sticks in the mire of doubts and uncertainties: and out of 40 or 50 years Practice he shall raise but a small stock of a compleat certain knowledge. If it be so, as true it is: then why Physicians should neg∣lect these great offers of improvement, and ad∣vancement of their knowledge in the most intricate and weightiest part of this Science; deserting the ancient constitution and true Practice of Physick, the most safe and rational, upon which this Art is founded and built, exchanging for the pre∣sent fashion of prescribing and filing Bills with Apo∣thecaries; a late unhappy innovation, unwarily and unreasonably introduced, of pernicious conse∣quents to this Science, the Professors, and the Sick; is to me, and may be to all others a wonder.

[Advan∣tage. 3] Thirdly, that he may render a more rational and better account of diseases, and their true manner of curing; enabling him thereby to design and adapt

medicines more knowingly and certainly to the na∣ture of any Disease, than it is possible for any o∣ther to do. A Physicians knowledge is not only improved in Pharmacy, by Pharmaceutick Experi∣ments, and this Art of medicinal preparations (Chymical chiefly) restrained only to the artificial making of medicines, and the advantages limited here; but is very extensive and assistant through the whole Science of Physick; becomes very use∣ful and auxiliary to a Physician, in facilitating his disquisition, and improving his knowledge in the nature of diseases; discovering their several pro∣perties and differences (as is set forth in pag. 9, 10, 11, 12.) and confirming his judgment in their man∣ner of curing. For example, if a man be griped in his stomack or belly, provoking a flux, and this is quieted and checkt by exhibiting of oculi can∣crorum, corallium, or such like: it is concluded rationally, that a luxuriant acidity did cause those punctures and laxitive motions, because these con∣cretes do satiate and drink up all acidities by vir∣tue of their Alkaly: now here was a right adapta∣tion of medicine to the morbific cause, proved by the genuine property of the remedy; and this alka∣lisate property was first discovered by preparation and tryals; mixing alkalies with acids, the acidity is destroyed, that punging quality extinct, and the liquor becomes blunt and insipid as water; and as it is thus in this particular, so likewise in many other medicines; the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of their virtues and ope∣rations are not truly known and fathomed, but by tryals in the laboratory, which discovers many of their single properties, their result in mixture, and

their manner of opposing and allaying Diseases. It is not sufficient praise that a Physician does cure (one that is no Physician, does that by chance and sometimes) but that he be able to give a good ra∣tional account how he cures; which he cannot do if he have not a perspective compleat knowledge of the medicine, collated with the nature of the Disease, (gained as aforesaid) else he is like an Empirick, and he derogates from his Title of Do∣ctor, and the dignity of this Profession.

[Advan∣tage. 4] Fourthly, That he may improve his knowledge by Practice, in making certain observations upon medicines after operation, whether successful, fru∣straneous, or of ill consequence: he may then upon good grounds commend, excuse, or condemn any medicines (which a Prescriber cannot) being privy to all things appertaining thereto, the making as well as the designment: so that all things being naked before him, nothing hinders or is doubtful, but he may give a true account of the failure or success, and where it ought to be imputed. But he that practiseth with unknown Shop Medicines, may be glad of his fortunate success, yet knows not what to praise, except God Almighty: and if the contrary happen he shall not be satisfied where the fault was; whether in the medicine that was ill made, or in himself that designed it; or idiosyn∣cratical propriety of the Patient; contumacy of the disease, or intervening accidents; nor can he note that an observation for the future: So that he which practiseth thus at hap hazard, who cannot make a true observation to direct or warn him for the future; is always a young Practiser, and a new beginner af∣ter

30 or 40 years blundering in Physick; nor can he be relyed on, or truly accounted as an able, expe∣rienced, old Physician: but this character of an old Practiser goes far in the opinion of most people, as a safe man to trust their lives with; when in∣deed most commonly he is but such a Tyro or No∣vice as I have described; and an industrious Phar∣macopoeian Physician rightly principled, of seven years practice, is well able to be his Master.

[Advan∣tage. 5] Fifthly, That he may acquire and purchase to himself, far better and more excellent medicines than those of the Shops, or other common tradi∣tional medicines; which will most deservedly raise his fame and reputation, and render him more ser∣viceable and more acceptable to his Patients, than all his learning besides: what does the Physicians great notional learning signifie to the Patient, if the medicine be not improved and bettered by it? 'tis medicine that cures; and he that gains the best medicines shall do the greatest cures, and out do all other learning whatsoever: and therefore a fore-named Author, very discreetly incouraging Physicians to the preparation of their Medicines, saith; When judicious Physicians come to be more fa∣miliarly acquainted with the materials of medica∣ments, and also to experiment and observe operations and processes upon them; especially the more accurate and artificial, as in Chymical Preparations; they will discover the most advantagious ways of prepara∣tion, and the most rational proporations in order to composition; and come to contrive and invent new medicaments, exceeding others in their kinds, and improve, beyond what they can imagine of them∣selves,

before they have entred this way, and what they can ever otherwise attain; as some learned and ingenious Physicians have done. Nor can it be denyed, that in this course, some Empiricks have stumbled up∣on very considerable and effectual medicaments, wherewith in some particular cases they have out∣done learned Physicians; and by the advantage of making their own medicaments, they bear up and will do, till they be out done in the same kind by such Physician. Now if Empiricks sometimes can out∣do learned Physicians, by a rude tractation of in∣gredients, wanting Philosophical helps to guide and lead them in their invention and facture of me∣dicines; what then may not a learned Physician com∣pleatly qualified do, when he comes to operate, assisted by the best rules of Art? and what great improvements may we not expect in medicines, when all the learned Professors shall set upon this work? till then the Practice of Physick (generally) will be but mean and common; Physicians too often and shamefully baffled with Diseases, and great cures very scarce.

[Advan∣tage. 6] Sixthly, That he may preserve the Arcana's of his Art from being prophaned; and be absolute Ma∣ster of his own labours and secrets, secure from any pilfering or undermining person. The Professors then will be in a good capacity to oblige and gra∣tifie each other in the communication of secrets: or after death to bequeath to some next Relation, that in duty he is bound to provide for; and perhaps may stand in need of such a help: So that having thus the free disposal, the compleat and full benefit of his labour, that no pains can be lost or alienated

from him; this cannot but be a great incourage∣ment and spur to industry, and every ingenious Professor will then exert his power strenuously, and be very diligent in operations, to make himself Mister of something that's rare and egregiously ex∣cellent. What incouragement is there? and who will labour hard to find out an excellent secret, that upon the use thereof, another shall rob him of it? I think there are few so good natur'd, that will take any extraordinary pains, to furnish an Apothecary with such medicines; and therefore it may be a wonder, when any but common medi∣cines come to their files: and this is one main rea∣son why Physicians do not take pains to improve medicines as they might and could do, but content themselves with common traditional medicines, and jog on daily in the same beaten road.

[Advan∣tage. 7] Seventhly, That he may secure his own reputati∣on, and not expose it to the mercy of others; who either for saving cost, sparing pains, want of skill, care, and diligence, in making his Prescripts exact∣ly (as one of these too often falls out) may render him unfortunate, and defeat him in success: and therefore says a Doctor before mentioned, as yet intangled in the prescribing mode, but very pro∣bably upon deserting it, says; Our Patients lives and our credits, are too often in the power of an ig∣norant confident Fool, or an idle careless Boy. Since then the reputation of a Physician is daily hazarded, and lies lyable to pay for the miscarriages of me∣dicines (although the fault be anothers) it behoves him then to have an especial care and regard to the medicine, and manage this business himself;

which puts him out of fear and doubt of any such casualties or abuse of medicines, and then he will practice with great confidence and boldness; hoping his success will be answerable to his labour and en∣deavours, and the excellency of his medicines.

[Advan∣tage. 8] Eightly, Physicians being compleatly furnished with medicines for all emergent occasions, and free for all to resort thither; they will be reward∣ed for this laudable and industrious undertaking, by a full employment: for such people of the lower rank, who apply now to Apothecaries, and Quacks for cheapness (as they suppose) will then more willingly resort to able Physitians for their good medicines, when they may have them at a reaso∣nable price, and therewith the Doctors advice with∣out a fee. Which a Phisician may well do, and with as much ease to himself, as talk over an urinall for a groat. None then (I think) that have Com∣mon reason, will decline an able Physicians coun∣sel, with the choicest medicines he can provide for his own Practice; to go to a Shop, or any Empi∣rick for their common sale medicines; when they may have the one as cheap as the other; and much cheaper, if they compare the goodness of the one with the other, and what is likely to be the result of each: for if you trifle every day with a twelve penny sophisticate medicine, or not well designed, and effect little or nothing (perhaps mischief) and you linger on under your infirmities; you cannot say this is a cheap saving course, but expensive in time and money. When people shall be made sen∣sible of this, they will not be so fond of an Apothe∣caries Shop, nor foolishly hearken after every

cheating Empirick, that pretends to Physick; but apply generally to the honest and able Physician: whose reputation is an ingagement sufficient to as∣sure them of faithful and just dealing, at a cheaper rate than any of these can really perform, what ever they may promise or pretend, to draw you in.

[Advan∣tage. 9] Ninthly, This full employment will beget a full increase of knowledge, in all kinds of diseases; and then the Physician shall have plentiful satis∣faction in the frequent and full tryals of his medi∣cines: and his daily observations of them in their operations and successes upon several bodies will enable him thereby to replenish his store succes∣sively, with medicines of the same design, but of greater improvement, and meliorated to a higher gradation: whereby (and the only way) Physick in a short time will rise to a high pitch of perfe∣ction, to the great satisfaction and applause of all people: but as yet, and 'tis the unhappiness of this Age, that many ingenious and hopeful Physicians are stopt in their improvements; and their parts likely to decay and wither, for want of incourage∣ment, and a good employment to exercise and increase their endowments, and shew their abili∣ties of acquirement: But alas, what for practising Apothecaries, and all sorts of Quacks that are shame∣fully permitted every where; the legitimate Physi∣cian is sadly rob'd of his Practice, that which should improve and incourage him: and this is not only an injury to the Professors, but much redounds to the prejudice of all people, if they rightly knew their own interest; which is to maintain and in∣courage the learned industrious Physician, who on∣ly

is in a true capacity, and able to serve them.

[Advan∣tage. 10] Tenthly, Physicians practising with their own shall have good opportunities, and be in a better capacity to be charitable: First, to such as are very indigent, and have no money to bestow for their relief: Secondly, to such who can go no higher than barely to satisfie what their medicines cost: and this a Physician may freely and cordially do, being accommodated with good medicines, and animated to good works, by an incouraging full employment that may enable him to be generous and bountiful, doing good to all conditions of peo∣ple, for God's sake, as well as for his own.

Having now given you a fair prospect of the an∣cient industrious practice of Physicians; and exhi∣bited plainly to your view, the benefits and advan∣tages arising thence, and pressing forwards the ad∣vance and promotion of this Science; as also that the interest of Patient and Physician rests there, as most secure: I come now to present you with the new mode of prescribing to Apothecaries: and here take notice, that what hath been said of the good old Practice, to justifie and commend that; does also by reflection condemn and disapprove this lat∣ter; and that manifestly upon the syncrisis and com∣parison with each other: So that I need not say ve∣ry much more, to set forth the unavoidable injuries that result from this deputing of Tradesmen, as Physicians substitutes, to over-see and prepare me∣dicines according to their prescripts: Yet to make the discovery more compleat and perspicuous, and to shew you the manifest imprudency of this latter in∣vention, and how insufferable it is in the continua∣tion;

observe with me strictly, what this new Pra∣ctice is, and you will see the fraudulent garb that is put upon it to render it specious, as also the empti∣ness and deceit that is couched under it.

This new mode of Practice is, to draw and frame medicines upon a piece of Paper; modelling them into several forms, and contriving them for seve∣ral purposes; varying pro re nata, for every tem∣perament and case, by substracting and adding this and that variously, as the Prescriber fansies, or an Author shall dictate to him, if he have time to con∣sult his Books. And here the Doctor ends his work, and resigns it up into other hands to be per∣fected: this draught or scheme of medicine, is to be transmitted to some Apothecary to be made ac∣cording to that platform and invention. And this is thought (by those who are blinded with the fal∣lacy) that it is a learned designing of medicines; an artificial contrivement; an exact appropriation to person and case; a regular and rational method; a good invention to satisfie the people; a safe way to trust their lives in; practised by men of eminent fame and learning; to whom the greatest persons apply for help and relief; and therefore it is con∣cluded by all, that this must needs be the best and most excellent way of practice.

But to counter this general & erroneous approbation, and oppose this fond opinion of unwary trapt people; I shall give you my judgment in a direct Antithesis and contradictory determination. This novel pra∣ctice though generally applauded and approved, is not truly bottomed and founded upon the right learning: for the basis of Pharmacy is experimental

Philosophy, a certain guide; not fallacious Book learning and deceitful probability. Secondly, the designment of such medicines are not artificial, ac∣cording to the latest and best inventions, from cer∣tain tryals of experienced operators in Pharmacy, witness their Bills upon the Files. Thirdly, Their adaptations pro re nata, are imaginary, uncertain, and a shooting at random, instead of aiming at a mark; since no individual propriety of body, nor no new conjunction and association of medicinal in∣gredients are fore-known, but tryal makes the dis∣covery, and begets a post knowledge; and there∣fore established tryals, well proved, repeated and meliorated medicines, far exceed these conjectu∣ral new coin'd medicines. Fourthly, This pre∣scribing mode is an irrational course to fathom Na∣ture, a very unlikely way to improve a natural Philosopher, and impossible that hereby he should be knowing and skilful in the various proprieties of medicinal ingredients. Fifthly, 'Tis an excellent invention to satisfie and indulge a Physician, that is content to live in ease and ignorance. Sixthly, A hazardous way to trust peoples lives in. Seventh∣ly, Practised by men as apparently erroneous in cu∣ring; as eminent in fame and learning: whose Pa∣tients although the greatest, may not be the wisest and most judicious; I am sure, not the most critical and discerning in this matter, nor such as have en∣deavoured to be rightly informed herein.

To back these assertions (though much hereof is proved in the preceding discourse) and that I may not be thought a traducer of this famed pra∣ctice, and men of great repute exercising therein;

I shall offer farther, to illustrate these truths, and vindicate them from all suspition of calumny: and this I shall do by bringing the prescribing Doctor to the touch-stone, whereby you may clearly judge of this mans abilities, in designing and appointing me∣dicines for the sick (let his parts and learning other∣wise be ever so good) and whether he be such an able safe man in curing, as the world hath vainly supposed: the tryal is this. He that is knowing and skilful in the forming, adapting, and appoint∣ment of medicines; that is able to direct and correct medicinal preparations judiciously, as a Master in this Art; is well acquainted with the materia me∣dica; in their genuine, and simple, artificial and compound state; and hath ascended these four gra∣dations of Pharmaceutic knowledge. The first step he takes, is only a superficial acquaintance with the materia medica; to know the face and figure of all natural bodies, especially the more usual in medi∣cines, rightly to distinguish them by name one from another; and not to know them thus, is as absurd an ignorance, as for a Carpenter not to know Oak from Elm, and Beech from Firwood. Can that Phy∣sician be said to be a natural Philosopher, that does not so much as know the outside of nature? His second degree and progress in knowledge, is to un∣derstand the various differences in point of goodness, that he may make a good election of every ingredi∣ent he appoints for medicine, which is of great im∣portance in curing: and not to know good from bad, is a deficiency next the not knowing one kind from another. The third gradation, is to know the distinct times for storing, and different ways of

keeping, proper, and befitting these several con∣cretes; as also to correct and prepare every thing duely in order to compound medicines; and with∣out such provision, and previous observations in Pharmacy (gained by practice and experience) a good medicine cannot be made. The fourth gra∣dation and compleatment of a Physician in Phar∣macy, consists of many parts: as first, To make sutable associations of ingredients, with their faces looking one way, and conspiring to the same in∣tention. Secondly, To know the due proportions of each ingredient, suting with the form and consi∣stence of every medicine, as also for a due qualifica∣tion of odors, sapors, &c. or what else may commend and make a medicine more grateful to the Patient. Thirdly, To be dextrous and skilful in the different artificial ways of extracting or separating the vir∣tues or virtuous parts of several bodies, to elect this, and reject that, to serve such a purpose. Fourthly, To be expert in the various ways of com∣position and union by fit mediums; for as much as, some bodies refuse the intimate society and embra∣ces of others, unless by artificial conjunction they be reconciled. Fifthly, To know the variety of menstruums proper to act upon several bodies, for extraction and dissolution; for that penetration and retexture are not wrought promiscuously, but by this or that specially. Sixthly, To discern what will yield to and comply with such a preparation and form of medicine, and what not. Seventhly, To know what are hostile and do destroy each other, if they be compounded together, and what does ex∣alt or depress each other, within their sphere of action. Eighthly, To know the various results of

different mixtures, which oftentimes are not to be imagined, nor can ever be thought of, but are found out by tryals and experiments of associating and commixing this with that; and no man can certainly tell the effects of any composition before the tryal, but by guess and at a venture, which oft proves not so as intended, but much otherwise: and this the Pharmacopoeian Physician and experi∣mental Philosopher will fully attest. I might have given some instances and examples in these parti∣culars, but I must contract my self to bring this discourse within the compass of these sheets.

Now if you examine the prescribing Doctor (that trusts wholly to Apothecaries for the making of his medicines) and search into his abilities and com∣pleatness in these four gradations of requisite know∣ledge, you will find him very deficient herein: and I think there is none (quatenus Prescriber) will have the face to own himself Master of such a stock of knowledge; but if any such there be, reason will tell you, he is endowed with more absurd ir∣rational confidence, than truth in that assumption: for as much as these four gradations of knowledge are acquired by a practical experience and ac∣quaintance with all the ingredients and their seve∣ral preparations in the Pharmaceutic Art, by in∣spection, tractation, and operation, and not other∣wise. Therefore a meer notional man, a Pre∣scriber, a Book Physician, that draws all his skill out of his Library, is much estranged from this certain compleat knowledge: and at best, in what he seems to know from tradition, he is but an ad∣venturer thereon, a man of fortune and chance; he takes all upon trust; and he may as likely (and

very often he does, witness his Bills upon the file) depend upon an error, and embrace falshood in∣stead of truth; nor shall he ever be informed by prescribing to Apothecaries, but persist in his false imaginations and presumptions; for operating and experimenting in the Laboratory, is that which in∣forms, proves, and settles a true judgment in medi∣cines, which poring in the library, shall never do, although he be a studious man all his life time. Let none then think to justifie himself, because of his great learning otherwise; for admit that, yet be∣ing deficient and inexpert in this most requisite part of learning; he is (assuredly) very insufficient and an unsafe Practiser. Whoever therefore in∣vented prescribing, as a mode and custom for Phy∣sicians to follow, seducing them from the first esta∣blishment, and most rational endeavours in the preparation of medicines; were the greatest ene∣mies to the progress of this Science, to the improve∣ment and advance of the Professors, and hath proved most pernicious to the Sick. The consideration whereof made Chr. Langius complain; Sed hoc sal∣tem silentio non transmittendum existimamus; pessi∣mè illos de bono publico meritos, qui primi hanc sum∣me arduam arma medica conficiendi disciplinam a medicina avulserunt, & servis suis unice commise∣runt, &c. Notwithstanding our just complaints of the great abuses daily offered to our Profession, by men unreasonably introduced as appertainers to this Science; their invading our rights, and boldly usurping the medical Practice; prostituting the se∣crets of this Art for gain, and many other insuffe∣rable inconveniencies relating both to Patient and

Physician; yet this unhappy invention of prescrib∣ing, or the ridiculous custom of Physicians making medicines with Pen and Ink, is most injuriously promoted and continued; and few there are that seriously consider the mischief they have done, by complying with, and upholding this male-practice, I shall therefore search farther into this imprudent innovation, and let you see the vanity and empti∣ness of this prescribing Practice, so fondly esteem∣ed by the people, and unworthily kept up by the Professors; and that I shall do by examining the basis thereof, if it be firm and solid; whether the Practice of Physick may rest upon it, as secure, ra∣tional, and justifiable; or whether it be not an un∣certain, ignorant, and dangerous Practice; not be∣coming a Philosopher, nor answering that trust re∣posited in the Professors, being of such weight and moment, wherein the lives of all people are most neerly concerned.

First then, either this prescribing or the Prescripts of an Apothecary Doctor, are founded upon tra∣dition, and taken up upon trust from Authors; or secondly, they are grounded upon some former pe∣riclitations and successful adventures of their own in parallel cases. Or thirdly, they are designed and composed theorically and conjecturally contriv∣ed, upon probability and reason, drawn from the common reputed single nature of the ingredients, selected and appropriated to a special case, and re∣duced into such a form of medicine, most sutable to that purpose. Now in all these three prescripts variously and severally bottomed (and I think the enumeration compriseth the generical latitude) the

prescribing Physician is justly to be taxed, and may be reputed an uncertain, unsafe Practiser, or a hazardous Undertaker of the Sick, let him be ever so learned and well accomplisht otherwise; as plainly appears upon the particular examina∣tions of these three prescripts differently grounded and presumed.

For the first, if your judgment depends upon the supposed skill and credit of an Author, or a Book-guide in the election and composition of medi∣cines; then 'tis not you (if it take effect) that cures, but your Author and monitor, and your good fortune to consult him and not another; you practice by his repute, by his supposed ability and experience, not by your own; not by your own reason grounded upon experience and practical knowledge in medicinal preparations and tryals: but depending upon this and that learned man, you appoint this and that medicine of his commendati∣on, and so the good women practice by their re∣ceipt Book. That this is warrantable and safe, is most reasonably denyed: First, because Authors do often transcribe from one another, and take up upon trust, as you Prescribers do: and 'tis very un∣certain who proved and tryed this or that medicine sufficiently, and made true observations thereon: some perhaps never made them otherwise than a fair draught upon a piece of Paper, as you your selves use to do. Secondly, because medicines in former times were not so well contrived, safe, artificial, and compleat, in their first and rough inventions, as now in these later days; and the Ancients knew not those excellent ways of correcting and preparing,

as by long and often experience is discovered gra∣dually to diligent and inquisitive Operators of this later industrious Age: therefore those are not ex∣emplars for any to imitate and transcribe; but to prove, operate upon, and meliorate in the Laboratory. Thirdly, because many frivolous, inefficacious, and bad medicines, are scattered frequently here and there in Authors of great learning and fame, and commended to posterity (with many other great errors) which deserve and ought to be rased out; and not to stand as Copies for other men to write after: which patterns have shamed great Physicians their followers (who else had been good Physicians) and frustrated their expectations, with the loss of their Patients lives, and the vilifying of this ex∣cellent Art: and of such sort, I can point you out enough for proof. Fourthly, because Prescribers have not that discerning judgment in the choice of medicines (proved pag. 14, 15, 16, 17. being un∣practised and unskilful in their preparations) but chop upon medicines from their high commenda∣tions; and are biassed by the false eulogies commonly attending them, not directed and determined to this or that by a judicious election. Wherefore the reliance that these men have upon Authors in the choice of medicines is deceitful, and their Practice hazardous.

As for the second, that is just the Empirick's Practice; and his confidence in the use of medi∣cines, does arise after the same manner, from some fortunate blind experiments, and good luck in curing: not from the true reasons of the medicine, collated with the nature of the disease: not from

any just and full account he is able to give of the a∣micable congruity of the associated ingredients, or their conspiring natures to the same intention; their due proportions, the exquisitness and fitness of each particular previous preparation; nor from the rational and artificial designment and adapta∣tion of the whole by a certain knowledge and true observations in Pharmaceutic experiments (this only an expert Pharmacopoeian Doctor is able to do, proved pag. 14, 15, 16, 17. also 81, 82,) but relying upon some former good success super∣vening the medicine in like case, gives him incou∣ragement to repeat the same.

Now the third, that seems to be a grave learned Plot, and a secure design in curing, is the most hazardous adventure, and most dangerous of the three: for here you set upon the Sick with an un∣known, untryed, new medicine, which what it will prove, a more skilful man than you cannot tell; for those expert Physicians that prepare medicines for their own practice, that are very conversant and well experienced in various medicinal preparations (far beyond your notional conjectural knowledge in pre∣scribing) I must summon them in for their testimony and confirmation; that they are not satisfied in, nor have tryed any new medicine sufficiently to esta∣blish it in their number of well approved medicines, under six months time or longer, by frequent pre∣parations, alterations, and several tryals in use and curative probation. For my own part I have been revising and meliorating some medicines for many years, by various alterations and tryals, and yet I am not so fully satisfied as to acquiesce and sit

down with what I have acquired. But you (Mr. Prescriber) can contrive and hatch a new composi∣tion in a quarter of an hour, and give it with as much confidence, as if you had been frequently an elaborator of this medicine for seven years. How come you to be such an even guesser at medicines, that never made any? if you hit it right, you are the luckiest man in the world: but common reason tells me, and your practice does declare, that you are more bold than fortunate herein. No wise man goes to fight, but he first examines and trys his wea∣pons, that they may not deceive him; so likewise a prudent and careful Physician, proves his medi∣cines very well before he comes to use them in good earnest; especially in acute Diseases, that allow no time to delay or dally in: here one error, or one bad medicine, is enough to march off the Patient: this is not a time to practice with hap hazard medi∣cines, by new appropriations as you may fancy; but you must rely upon standing medicines, well ex∣perimented and reformed by several tryals; and in these are the greatest safety of the Patients life, and the Physicians reputation: these will not boggle and play jadish tricks with you, as the new untry'd medicines, that most commonly shame their Ma∣ster: and therefore the person and case ought to be deliberately chosen for such new experiments, and the medicine well inspected in the preparation; else no true observation can be remarked thence. To press home the absurdness and uncertainty of this practice; he that is not practically and experimen∣tally acquainted by tractation and tryals in the La∣boratory, with every single ingredient, he adds to

his medicine, puts he knows not what together: and he that is well acquainted with the nature of each single, does not yet certainly know what the result will be in the compound until the tryal: as the ingredients of Gunpowder or Aurum fulminans, have no such furious effects in their single natures; but being so prepared and compounded, they have a strange force and power: and likewise many other compounds and mixtures that might be instanced, far different in their result, from each single nature. A Prescriber or Speculator in medicines, does not consider, nor can he find it in his study, how the ingredients of medicines are varied and changed, by the diversity of preparation and conjunction; how their properties are intended or remitted, ex∣tinct, or advanced, by adding of this or substract∣ing that; having similar or dissimilar and opposite qualities, emaning from their different forms and seminalities, or from artificial modifications and transmutations in preparation: for these secrets are known and discovered only to an expert operator by due observations upon various tryals and processes in the preparation of medicines, and not otherwise: So that from hence, we may very rationally and undoubtedly conclude; that the designing and compounding of medicines are very nice things; not to be contrived in the study only, and so de∣pended on; but to be proved also in the Labora∣tory and warily approved by use; and consequent∣ly also, that those ex tempore medicines and sud∣den inventions of Prescribers, pro re nata, are very uncertain, casual, and hazardous.

I affirm therefore from these reasons deposited;

to practice with or appoint medicines, as Prescri∣bers do, without a firm well grounded experience in them, and certain knowledge gained by their frequent preparation and melioration; is a slight, de∣ceitful Practice: either to relye upon fallacious tradition, or their own blind casual successes and repetitions; or to presume and adventure upon new invented conjectural medicines, for the first en∣counters and onsets, before tryals with secure ap∣proved standing medicines, is not warrantable nor safe: and besides all this uncertainty, to refer the management and preparation of these dubious chance∣medicines, to the care, skill, and honesty of Tra∣ders in Physick, and their servants; is such an ac∣cumulation of egregious failings, and a multiplying of imprudent irrational adventures; as he that would be counted a true experimental Philosopher, an able, steddy, well grounded Practiser, and a safe undertaker of the Sick, must disown and ut∣terly reject: but he that diligently betakes himself to the ancient industrious Practice; not trusting to tradition, speculative notions, and substitutes in Pharmacy; but personally acting, inspecting, and remarking all Pharmaceutic and other Philosophical experiments; may thereby gain a stock of certain knowledge to relye on, and acquire sound and real abilities in curing; he may then settle true observations as guides and monitors in the whole Practice of Pharmacy; and being sedulously di∣sposed in this capacity, he may confidently and de∣servingly hope to obtain the great Arcana's of this Art, which will enable him to perform true service

and administer great assistance to the Sick; and hereby to purchase most worthy fame and credit to himself and his Profession: such a man as this, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he only deserves the character and Title, of an able, careful, and compleat Physician: but he that seeks after, or pretends to great know∣ledge and abilities in Curing, not thus qualified and expert in medicinal preparations, but puft up with traditional notions and Book experience; he is an Impostor to himself and others: and this is the unhappy case of prescribing, or the strange cu∣stom of Physicians making medicines with Pen and Ink. And here I must take notice (lest I be thought a stranger to the matter, and give incouragement of advantage) that there is a sort of men (but a few) who although they practice with Shop Medicines and common culpable Recipe's, like other Prescri∣bers; yet do operate privately to ga•••• more know∣ledge than the rest, and pretend to higher things; thinking hereby they can make a handsome Plea, & evade much of the guilt charged in this Discourse. To such as these I have given a fair check in a for∣mer Tract, appendant to that Treatise entituled, Vita sana & longa, whither I must refer the Reader, not having room to insert it here: and more I have to say against this jugling device and pretext (used as a foil to set off and commend, or patronise a spu∣rious illegitimate Practice) when any such Profes∣sor shall stand forth in justification of his integrity, and the warrantable discharge of his Function: I doubt not then, but to extort this confession from him: Video meliora proboque, deteriora sequor; if he

be not very obstinate to the convictions of reason, and perverse against the truth.

I might have enlarged my self upon several heads, and in divers parts of this Discourse to illustrate and press home the verity of our asser∣tions: but what hath been delivered is sufficient at this time, until some party concerned does ap∣pear in their defence, by a sober ratiocination and solid argumentative answer, not an invective taunt, not a reviling contumelious return; which notably insinuates and suggests the cause to be bad on that side: to desert the matter in contest, and fall upon the person, squibbing and flirting with a little frothy wit to no purpose; strongly argues that business to be naught, and will not abide a fair debate: but if you will answer me directly and fully to the particulars charged, without evasions and shifts; laying aside animosity and self interest; contending only for the truth, the prosperous im∣provement of this Science, the welfare of the Pro∣fessors, and safety of the Sick; your ingenuity herein will mitigate à tanto many failings, and re∣dound to your advantage. I desire no more of you, than such an ingenuous management of this disceptation; that the world may be satisfied, wherein their interest of life and health consists and rests most secure; and that the provision wherewith nature is plentifully stored, for the preservation and relief of infirm man, may most successfully and happily be dispensed: expecting this candor and clear dealing from you (if your cause will admit of fair play, and an honest sin∣cere,

argumentation) I shall wait your Answer: until then I know not where I am weak or de∣ficient, in this undertaking; or where the ad∣verse party will take advantage: but when I come to view their strength, and find how they will oppose, or where they will press upon me; and what objections more can be started, than I have here anticipated: I shall then exactly know the scope and main points of this difference; the Adversary's utmost power, and what more I have to prove: This contest then will be contracted, and drawn into some small compass. Upon Reply (which you may be sure of) I shall then re∣inforce such arguments as may be thought (upon new sug∣gestions) not so clearly convincing; and apply so close to any new matter of opposition, as I doubt not but to stifle the validity of any Plea, argument, or objection, that shall be offered to our conside∣ration, as a bar to the design and intention of this Discourse.

If I be thought too sharp and severe (at first sight) in some parts of this Discourse; (if well consider∣ed) I am not culpable therein, but to be excused; the urgency of the Cause prompts me to it, and will bear me out; since I plead not my particular inte∣rest or private quarrel; but a publick safety, and concern of great importance, which very grosly hath been abused: and therefore not to be repre∣hended with too tender and soft language, which is unlikely to make impression upon some sort of men, being obdurate, fixed, and habituated in a gainful easie confederate Custom, and combined

interest. What seeming deficiencies have attend∣ed this undertaking; I doubt not but the unbiassed and impartial Reader, will favourably interpret; for the sincerity of the Authors intention, and the necessity of this work to be promoted.

London From my house in Fetter-Lane.

FINIS.

Notes

• D^r Merrets View of the frauds and abuses com∣mitted by Apotheca∣ries, &c. p 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
• The Ac∣complisht Physician, &c. pag. 8.
• D^r Jonath. Goddards discourse, &c. pag. 37.
• D^r Dan Cox his discourse of the Pati∣ents inte∣rest, &c. pag. 246.
• A Lash for Le•• Talia∣nis.
• The Ac∣complisht Physician, &c. p. 82.
• 1. Argument.
• D^r C. T. in his An∣swer to a Letter con∣cerning the practice of Physick in England.
• D^r Merrets View of the frauds and abuses com∣mitted by Apotheca∣ries, &c. pag. 15.
• The Ac∣complisht Physician, &c. p. 74
• D^r Merrets View of the frauds and abuses com∣mitted by Apotheca∣ries, &c. pag. 9.
• D^r C. T. his Answer to a Letter &c. p. 18.
• D^r Merret in his view &c p. 16.
• D^r C. T. in his An∣swer to a Letter con∣cerning the practice of Physick in England. pag 46.
• Accom∣plisht Phys. pag. 45, 46 47, 48.
• Accomp. Physician.
• D^r Merrets view, &c. pag. 49.
• Medicus Absolutus.
• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Aph. 52. Sect. 2.
• 4. Argument.
• 3. Enforce∣ment.
• Second ad∣vantage.
• 3. Advan∣tage.
• D^r Jonath. Goddards discourse, &c. pag. 35.
• D^r C. T. his Answer to a Letter &c. p. 18.
• Chr. Lang. curios. med. pag. 146.
• The An∣cient Pra∣ctice of Physick re∣vived, &c. p. 106. to p. 114.
• Non meam sed medici∣nae, medico∣rum 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉∣〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, & aegro∣rum cau∣sam ago.