Plano-pnigmos, or, A gag for Johnson that published animadversions upon Galen-pale and, a scourge for that pitiful fellow Mr. Galen that dictated to him a scurrillous Greek title / by Geo. Thomson. Thomson, George, fl. 1648-1679. 1665 Approx. 71 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 33 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A62440 Wing T1030 ESTC R24128 07952204 ocm 07952204 40704 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A62440) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 40704) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1216:1) Plano-pnigmos, or, A gag for Johnson that published animadversions upon Galen-pale and, a scourge for that pitiful fellow Mr. Galen that dictated to him a scurrillous Greek title / by Geo. Thomson. Thomson, George, fl. 1648-1679. Starkey, George, 1627-1665. Epistolar discourse to the learned and deserving author of Galeno-pale. 63 p. Printed by R. Wood for Edward Thomas, London : 1665. An epistolar discourse to the learned and deserving author of Galeno-pale / George Starkey: p. [33]-63. Reproduction of original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Medicine -- Early works to 1800 2004-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-03 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-04 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2004-04 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion ΠΛΑΝΟΠΝΙΓΜΟΣ , OR , A GAG FOR JOHNSON That Published ANIMADVERSIONS UPON Galeno-pale . AND A SCOURGE For that pitiful Fellow Mr. GALEN , That Dictated to him a Scurrillous Greek Title . By GEO. THOMSON , Doctor of Physick . London , Printed by R. Wood , for Edward Thomas , at the Adam and Eve in Little Brittain , 1665. ΠΛΑΝΟΠΝΙΓΜΟΣ OR , A GAG for Johnson that published Animadversions upon Galeno-pale , &c. O Brave Galenists ! are ye upon that lock● and I doubt not but I shall meet with you there . Is this your coming to a fair Trial by matter of Fact , to let loose your Ban-dog at me , clapping him on the back , and spitting in his mouth , while ye in the mean time lie lurking in a den , peeping through a cranny , in hope to see him worry me . Have I touched you so to the quick , that being conscious to your selves what facinorous Actions ye have committed , none of you dare appear in person to plead directly , whether Guilty or no , for the satisfaction of the world ; but are forced to suborn a sneaking reproachful Fellow to rail at us , one of those that are Spons● Penelopes Nebulones Alctnoique , who ( if he had his desart ) ought to be branded on the Front for abusing honest men : A most illiterate bruit as I found him in Discourse , when he came on purpose to affront me , instigated no doubt by some of you , who forsooth Own him for your Chymist ; and indeed fitting for such Galeno-Chymists , that the common Proverb may be verified , Patella dignum Operculum ; like Priest , like Clark , good enough for Amen . Well Mr. Galen , you and the rest of your Gang ( for all this ) are mistaken in your subtil plot ; it will not hold I assure you : for I would have you know , that if ye had fetched the tricipital Dog Cerberus out of Hell to have flown at me , it had been all one , I should not have startled at it , or gone back an inch ; for by power of that unconquerable Truth in my Art , I am able to stop the mouth of that old Grandfather of Lies , and all his Imps. Obsequium amicos , veritas odium parit . It is no wonder therefore if ye take me for your Enemy , and conspire against me by under-hand dealing ; sith I have told you downright Truth , sine Fuco , Palpo , vel Offaciis , without mincing and tenderly touching your pernicious Practice in Physick , and your intollerable obstinacy , in still persisting in the same . Could I have run with the Hare and held with the Hound , and undertaken to have been an Instrument to have betrayed a Just , Profitable , and Noble Design , set upon by some learned Chymists , I might have been reputed an Able Doctor , one of the Honorarii if I pleased . Could I have blown Ho● and Cold ( odious to a candid Satyrist ) out of the same mouth , then had I been qualified fit for your Temperaments and Humours . Had I like a half-codled Chymist declaimed against the extravagant Theories of Paracelsus and Helmont ; had I called you alone the Rational Chymists ( as one doth in his Letter ) and all the rest Pretenders , esteeming Mountebanks and Chymists Synonima's , making the world believe that ye are as much conversant in Chymical Authors as any besides , and best able to judge of them ; had I say against Conscience and real Proofs thus flattered you , I had got into your Favour , but damnified my own Soul. Now forasmuch I charge you home , and offer to make it appear by Optical Practice , to any man that is not partial or byassed by sinister respects , or wilfully blinde through Ignorance and Covetousness , that Galen never had the Gift of Healing , nor none of his Disciples at this day ; that they take a quite contrary way and indirect method to cure Infirmities , by Bleeding , Issues , Vesicatories , Cupping-glasses ; uncorrected Purgatives ; by their languid and ineffectual Cordials , Juleps , Apozems , Electuaries of the Shops , and Diet-drinks ; that tyrannical usurpation over the Patients course of life , by sending ●hem to the Wells to be cured , because they know not what to do more . Because I extol Helmont as he deserves , in that he hated to palliate your Deformities , and would not go behinde the door to call Fatuum , Fatuum , Nebulonem , Nebulonem , as they are really so , without any grudge or rancour to their persons . Because I heartily congratulate him for pulling down the old ruinous structure of the Galenical Doctrine , built upon a rotten foundation , and for giving us a Model of a new . Because I reprove you sharply for your insolent aspiring Ambition of Domineering over the most Ingenious , Industrious , Honest , and Pious Chymical Labourers in the Nation , under a specious Pretence of Reforming that noble Art , which ye principally ( as is obvious to any man that hath the least inspection into things of this nature ) have defaced and deformed by your Lazie Recipes ? Forasmuch I check you for keeping your Patients to a tedious course of Physick , without any sensible Amendment , meerly for your private Gain , not resolving them what will be the Event of the Disease ; or whether or no ye are able to cure them in any reasonable space of time . Because I take notice of your 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vain Curiosity and Ostentation in Anatomy , without any notable Improvement of the Sanative part , and your remarkable Ignorance in Chyrurgery : The plausible shews of being Chymists , and yet practice a quite contrary way , as is daily evident by your actions ; so that your Damnation must needs be the greater , if ye know what ye ought and do it not . That I dare appear upon the Stage of the World with other worthy Philosophers , and challenge to make good by Ocular Demonstration of five several Experimental Essayes , that those Theorems in Physick to which ye constantly adhere in the Therapeutick Intention ( though ye can sometimes Dispute for recreation and exercise of your Dialectick faculty otherwise ) are false ; that your Phlebotomy is plainly destructive to mankinde ; and your Officinal Solutives extreamly injurious to the Body ; and that Chymical Remedies without equivocation ( unless abused by Galeno-Chymists and Pseudo-Chymists ) are no more dangerous then the best Canary wine as I offer to indicate by frequent sumption into my own stomack . Having thus thrown you flat on your back in Galeno-pale , ye rage , fret , storm , and in your mad mood run to the Kennel , and take up filthy durt and cast it in the face of most deserving men ; animating and putting reviling Terms into the black mouth of a sordid Fellow , an Operator fit for those Physicians that may very well be his Masters , or rather a Master for such Disciples , ( some having hired him to reach them Chymistry , himself being ignorant enough ) who doth alike ludere cum Chymicis , as the Galenists do cum Corio Humano ; one , that if he were served aright , ought to be Catamidiatus in Amphitheatro , publickly disgraced according to the Roman Law , for squandring away his Time , and neglect of the discharge of his Function . Such a Coprologos , a Dung-hill-like Fellow , fitting for a Barretor , Informer , and Promoter ; one that we may suspect will in his necessity hazard his soul to get money , who hath so little of Conscience ( like some of the Galenists ) that ( if he could do it impune , and undiscovered ) would for some small gain sell Mercurius sublimatus Corrosivus for Dulcis . One of Demetrius brats , who more properly may be called Demophonos , that is , a destroyer of poor Mortals ; who cares not though millions perish , if he and his Complices can carry on a gainful trade ; crying down whatsoever is Salutary and Preservative , if it bring not in notable lucre . This lewd person whom I scorn to touch with my Chymical Tongs , unless to take him by the Nose as St. Danstan did the Devil , or rather by that his slanderous Tongue to pull it out , hath our crafty Sophisters the Galenists chosen to patronize , and divulge what they have prompted to him . I think it very much below my self to expostulate with such a Triobolar Sycophant , and I am certain all that know me aright would blame me to foul my fingers about him : I shall onely reflect a little upon Mr. Galen , who I am confident abetted , instructed , and disciplin'd him in most of his scurrillous and false Expressions . In Limine these contumelious Galenists call those that are of known Candor , Integrity , and Learning , through the hollow trunk of this Halophant , or Liar for a Whetstone ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , Circulatores , Juglers that go about from place to place , gathering people together to deceive them , or Nebulones , Knaves , Villains , Praestigiatores , Couzeners . How far I for my own part am guilty of this opprobrious language , all that know me can sufficiently testifie ; and I shall defie the proudest Galenist in England that dares speak any such thing to my face ; yea , I doubt not but other learned Chymists will take my part , and vindicate themselves , who are as much concern'd to assert their own Innocence against these Maligners as my self . Some of the persons thus abused I presume to nominate ; to wit , Doctor Jos. Dey , Will. Currer , Geo. Starkey , John Fryer , Ever . Maynwaring , Tho. Norton , Tho. Troutbeck , P. Massonet , Thornley , Tho. Williams , Febure , and several others . Are these such men as your Amanuensis , or Scribe , deciphers them by the Title and the whole tenour of his Pamphlet ? What unhandsom things can you lay to their charge in the Practice of Physick ? Did any of them ever Bleed their Patients that had the Small Pox ready to appear , and thereby sent them packing into the Grave , to the great grief of the Nation ? Did any of them ever keep a Lady sick of an Acute Feaver one and twenty dayes before they gave a Prognostick whether she would live or dye ? Have any of us got Riches unjustly by the ruine of others ? If any of the forenamed have done these , or the like ugly actions , then speak aloud , and proclaim us at the Cross for Knaves and Villains . For we do not desire , nor can we expect any favour from you , but without any more ado , Indict , Arraign , and Hang us if ye can lawfully . Yea , I will go farther with you to clear my self and these worthy Gentlemen , I shall ( and I doubt not but they will all joyn with me in order to this useful Discovery ) if his Majesty be pleased to appoint any perspicacious judicious persons , men that are moderate and no way preoccupated or seduced to this or that Opinion , through favour , affection , or any secular Interest , such as look upon Truth with a sincere single eye ) be obliged to demonstrate by practical Instances , that Phlebotomy is no proper Remedy for any Feaver whatsoever ; and that Bleeding in the Small Pox , Spotted Feaver , and all other malignant Diseases , is a ready way to destroy the Patient , unless Nature be extraordinary vigorous : wherein if I fail , and give not good sound Philosophical Reasons thereof , for the satisfaction and conviction of those intelligent Enquirers ; let his Majesty ( according to their Report ) forthwith punish me for an Impostor and a Villain ; and I hope I shall be so ingenuous to say I deserve it . Moreover , after that I have made it appear what great mischief this Galenical Bleeding causes in the World , I shall proceed in the same manner to manifest and certifie to the Eye , what detriment and inconvenience happens to Mans body through uncorrected Purgatives ; and likewise maintain certain other Positions and Verities set down in Galeno-pale , to the confutation of those capital Errours in Physick that have these many Centuries of years been allowed , to the slaughter of Mankinde . So much for the freeing us from your scurrillous abusive Title ; as to the Contents of the Animadversions upon Galeno-pale , of this base pretended Author ( on whom I hope the Magistrate will make an Animadversion for an example to others , for their own and the Nations welfare ) I shall take no notice as to make him any Reply , they being as he that sets them down not Tant● : for the greatest part of them is made up of notorious Lies , Scurrility , Obloquies , Slanders , Detraction , Sophistry , perversion of the proper sense , Misinterpretation , and Misapplication ; so that any ingenious well-meaning Reader may easily understand the fallacious Design of this Hyperbolical Impostor , and them that set him on work , without any Comment or Exposition : Yet I could not but set an Asterisk , or small mark , where the Galenists by him call me and other Euchymists , in their right wits ( if all the world be not in a dream ) Fanaticks ; taxing us that we intend to bring in Confusion and Disorder into the Nation . The words are these : 'T is no wonder at all to hear you inveigh bitterly against Rule and Method in Physick , when out of your Anarchical Principle you are as ready to renounce all Order and Government in the State. Were I not ascertained that some of his Masters ( who upon all occasions can seldom afford us any better term then Fanaticks ) read him this lesson , and that their principal drift is to bring an Odium upon Truth , and the Defenders of it , by fastning this filthy deformed mark of Fanatick upon the Kings loyal Subjects , that they may thereby disappoint us of our just ends : Had not these words I say , or at least the sense of them , proceeded from the mouth of those Galenical Fellows , who ( whatsoever they pretend to the contrary ) are the most notable Misochymici , haters of Medicinal Truths , next the common illiterate Rabble , I should lightly have passed them over without reflection , being content to hear a Fool rail without retorting . Now sith my own Loyalty , Fidelity to the Crown of England , and a hearty desire to promote the Peace , Unity , Order , and Conformity of Church and State are engaged , I cannot be satisfied till I wipe off these muddy Galenical Reproaches , and taking two or three bright Chymical Stones out of my Scrip , fasten them in the impudent Forehead of these railing Goliahs . Where have I in Galeno-pale , or any Discourse whatsoever , directly and absolutely inveighed against Rule and Method , unless your contrary Rules of Healing , and your tedious irregular Methodus medendi , or rather Periodus , and Sathans 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which I hope you will not openly stand up for . This is one of your old Fallacies to argue , à dicto secundum quid ad dictum simpliciter . All that I reprove is your indirect and exorbitant way of attaining that principal and most desired scope Mans sanity . It were equally as absurd in me to cry down all Rule and Method , as for a Traveller to finde fault with , and condemn the Ground he treadeth upon , because he deviating through his incogitance or obstinacy , made choice of a long and dangerous way full of Thieves and Robbers ; whereas had he steered a right course , and been governed by sound advice , he might have taken a short and safe Way to his intended journeys end . Sub judice lis sit . If our Method , Rules , Canons , or Directions do not enable us to perform the Business in order to the Preservation of Mans Life better every way then yours , we will straight yield and take yours up for the best . But we assure you it must not be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a curious fine texture of empty words that will confute us , but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 something done , and by this we 'l stand or fall . And we hope the World will not be so rash to to judge us Irregular , Fanatick , and Immethodical in Physick , because you barely affirm it by the mouth of this any thing that is vile . Well , all this will not serve our turns to be discharged of Fanaticism in Physick , unless we be likewise acquitted from the same in the State ; for these subtil Argumentators make use of mens personal Crimes and Vices to maintain their exitious false Hypotheses , which plainly shews what they are . For had it not been more for fear then any civil respect ( as appeared by making void a great part of the first Impress . ) M. N. ( that wrote Medela Med. an ingenious Treatise full of verity , which Mr. Sprackling and all the learned Coadjutors of that Society , if all their Brains were comprehended in one Skull , were never able to Answer to any purpose by way of refutation ) had been soundly lashed by them for what he did amiss in Olivers dayes , and all this to justifie their Ignorantia Medelae , of which they are resolved never to be cured , and that 's a sad thing . Aegrotare malum est sed pejus nolle sanari . This Obiter . Let 's now plead to that Bill of Treason they bring in against us by this Prevaricator , who saith , that we have in us an Anarchical Principle , and that we are ready to renounce all Order and Government in the State. How now , is 't possible ? then assuredly I have been in a Dream all this while , and beside my self indeed , and am verily and truly a Fanatick : if this be so , that I have an Anarchical Principle within me , yet would not comply with Oliver , and other Anarchists , and accept of that Lucriferous and commodious way which many Galenists in their right wits ( as they suppose ) never refused , getting thereby that which they esteem the Summum Bonum of Physick . Have you Doctor Dey , with other Chymical Gentlemen , been so infatuated too , then without controversie ye are no such wise men as I took you for ; and they may very well call us all Fools and Fanaticks , to see us a company of beggarly Cin●flo's , Puffcoals , standing upon a punctilio of Honesty and Loyalty , to have taken pains to be poor ; and they without wetting or burning their fingers ( for these learned Clarks , like the Ape , know how to take Nuts out of the fire with the paw of the Cat ) have per fas aut nef as made themselves ( counting all other Fanaticks and witless that are not so ) Rich and Honourable . Gentlemen who would be thus troubled with a Medical Mendical Conscience . Had I foreseen this it had been enough to have made me a very Knave , to have plaid my Game as well as any Galenist ; to have made Hay while the Sun shined ; to have laid up against a rainy day , and never to have suffered what I did for King Charles the First , being persecuted and imprisoned for his sake almost to death upon a Monarchical Principle , though now very unseasonably it is become ( as my Enemies will have it ) Anarchical : I could but at worst have been called Fanatick . O tempora , ô mores ! hósne mihi fructus ? Am I thus rewarded for my Loyalty ? O misera virtus ego te rem existimabam , sed tu nil nisi verba eras . I thought Vertue would have given a man a better reward . Well , who can help it ? Contra Sycophantae morsum non est remedium . I am forced to put it up , what cannot be cured must be endured . Adeone res rediit ? I am brought to a fine pass . What ? A Bad Physician , and a Worse Subject . Parit indignatio versum : methinks I could now condescend insanire , and be willingly a Fanatick for some short time that I might be revenged upon these Calumniating Galenists , that thus accuse Loyal Subjects of Rebellion , when they have been and still are in their hearts . Were it not for the Act of Oblivion how would I claw them away : but I must be silent because my Sovereign commands me . Onely thus much I shall insert into my Letany , From Scribes , Pharisees , Sadduces , and Galenists the worst of all , Good Lord deliver me and all Honest men . Thus have I sufficiently made it appear what notorious Pseudologists the Galenical fellows are ; and how they stick not to disgrace any , be he never so upright , by falsly aspersing and representing him to the world the worst of men : so that they may thereby bring into disrepute the noble Profession of Chymistry , of which they are either grosly ignorant , and deserve to be term'd no better then fools in the Science of Physick ; else if knowing and expert therein , cannot be imagined any other then — forasmuch as their Actions , and Chymical Knowledge to which they make pretence , stand as it were Diametrically opposite , being very inconsistent and different one from the other . Now sith it is so that we know not how to judge of any man , but by his operations ( God being the onely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Heart-searcher ) we have all the reason in the world to censure and conclude according to these mens fruits , that they are far from being such Persons that this hired Halophant proclaims them to be ; that is , such lovers of Chymistry these twenty years last past . That its improvement hath been their great care and constant study ; and that pitch that this noble Art is advanced , is owed to them ; and if it ascend higher , the same Hands must lend their assistance . All which is most false as I can make evident . Would these fellows if they were Improvers and Advancers of this noble Art thus malign and revile approved Artists ? calling Honest men Knaves ; those that have been Loyal Subjects and Sufferers for his Majesty , Fanaticks ; those that are Philomathêis and Polymathêis , imbued with Learning as well as themselves , Amatheis , illiterate Ideots . Had they any cordial kindeness for Helmont , would they still obstinately maintain those Essential Capital Errours in Physick , which the noble Author in express positive terms condemns , and by undeniable Arguments demonstrates to tend to the ruine of mankinde . Surely if they did not commend him onely teeth outwards , hating him in their hearts , they would not still retain that Periodical long old beaten Method , which he doth directly cry down as destructive ; they would quite lay aside Bleeding and colloquating Purgatives , which he is utterly against : Is it possible that these should have real friendship for Helmont , or any Sons of Art , that are absolutely opposite to his Theorems . Away with these jugling and hypocritical Delusions , and let them not think thus to impose upon our Senses ; for they may endeavour as easily to perswade men out of their Proper Names , as ever to convince them that have aright conformed eyes without defect , whose Judgements are not perverted or distorted , that they are Philo-Chymists , advancers of Chymistry , and will ever lend their assisting hand to lay one Chymical Stone in order to the erecting of such an Elaboratory , that may edifie the tottering fabrick of their frail diseased Brother , unless they may cement it with the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the babble or confused noise of their Galenical garrulity and multiloquacity , which puffs them up with pride and self-conceit of their own empty worth , so that like so many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , they wage war against all those that sincerely stand up for the Defence of Verity and Charity in the Profession of Physick ; in so much , that what these men cannot now compass by real worth and lawful means , they think to attain by their policy , subtil wiles , and deceit : Flectere si nequeant superos Acheronta movebunt . Rather then fail in their unrighteous Projects , they will seek to Pluto ; and rather then they will be accounted ignorant in Pyrotechnie , they will procure him to be their Tutor , who is well versed in Igne Gehennae , being well acquainted with all degrees of that Fire , and knows how to distribute to every one a just proportion . He can accommodate them with false Fire , and an Ignis fatuus sufficient to seduce and deceive the world that is best pleased with Shadows rather then Substances . 'T was that old Salamander that moved some of them to send their Spy to supplant and trappan me , and to return gross Lies in reference to those Chymical Utensils I possess , the twentieth part of which the Forger never saw : with the third part of which I dare challenge any Galenist in England to do more for the Use and Benefit of man , then they ( destitute of the dextrous mysterious Encheresis ) with numerous and pompous Furnaces . O how it pleased his Masters to hear this their lately repaired and new vamped Servant to jear at a crackt Furnace , tyed together with a Rope , which I confess would have done better about his neck , to have prevented such a leaking fellow for the future , ab hac atque illac diffluendo , from being imployed any more by the Galenists to tell such abominable Falsities for their advantage , to make their Imposture the more plausible . Certainly now Mr. Galen I see you are put to hard shifts to uphold the Credit of your Polyarchy , and being ready to sink , are forced to catch at any twig to buoy you up . These are Naeniae , lamentable Stories to upbraid me with such a ridiculous thing as a crackt Furnace , when ye are non-plust , and are not able to answer me to the main . Do ye think this kinde of Drollery will satisfie any diligent Indagators of truth . Desist ye Pharisaical Hypocrites from thus trifling and deluding our eyes with glittering Apparitions , and be more serious and substantial in such weighty matters concerning mans life : shew your Art if ye have any , and prove that ye are in the right way or method of Curing . I have offered you reasonable and equal Propositions , and am resolved ( if I live ) to keep close to them , desiring onely indifferent Arbiters to determine our Controversies according to the facts of each of us . Doubtless , as one said of the dead Body that would not stand being set upon its legs , Aliquid deest intus ; so may a man conclude that ye are deficient , and all is not sound within , sith ye dare not stand upon the Justification of your Principles by your works . Heu quam difficile crimen non prodere ! Ye may set a good face upon it , but I assure you ye have lost much of your reputation among the wiser sort , for this very reason that ye would not endure a Test. None hereafter but mad men ( whom some that are little better affirm ye have an excellent faculty to cure above others ) will ever trust such counterfeit ignorant Galeno-Chymists , that dare not give a taste or trial of their skill . Wherefore our faithful advice is , that ye would utterly abdicate your former vanities and fooleries in Physick , and openly make a recantation thereof , declaring a hearty sense of your gross Errours , and a full resolution to exercise the duties of your Profession more sincerely , candidly , and conscientiously , labouring with your own hands as other laudable Chymists have done , to acquire those Arcana's that compleat a Philosopher , and enable him to minister relief to a languid wretch . Upon these conditions ye shall finde us ready to instruct you , and teach you how to handle a Retort and Cucurbite , informing you of the grand mistakes in preparation and appropriation of Spagyrick Remedies ; to the right knowledge of which your dull Servant Iohnson and Books are never able to direct you Yea , we shall honour you so far , as to make you Members of our Society , so that we be throughly perswaded that ye are become hearty Converts , and will never prove false to us , betray , and blab abroad the Secrets of our Art to Apothecaries Boyes , Good wives , Nurses , and such like profane persons , as ye have formerly done , to the great dammage and dishonour of Physick . This favour we shall out of commiseration to your low condition vouchsafe to afford you , upon this pinch and strait , to which we plainly perceive ( by those mean beggarly evasions and subterfuges ye seek ) ye are now reduced , being stormed on every side by several powerful Veridici and Eupractici in Physick . It s confessed we have little reason to be so courteous and kinde to you , considering how ye have disobliged us every way , and how wilfully accessary ye have been to your own overthow : However , we shall give a testimony to the Nation , that a true Chymist is of a most Heroick Sublime Spirit , ready to forgive injuries , and pass by abuses without retaliation . A Mantissa , or Advantage , cast into the Scale , to make the Galenical Animadverter and Remarker appear down-right a N. in Grano , for the Credit of his Worshipful Masters . THese Pharisaical Galenists out of a supercilious Haughtiness and Philauty presumptuously censure all belonging to the Iatrical Faculty , that are not of their Sect , Publicans or Fools , not fitting to hold correspondence with , or to be touched with their sanctified Lady-like hands , lest they should be polluted by such Carbonarii , Colliers in their Art , as the Chymists : wherefore these proud self-conceited Criticks have passed a rigid ( but unjust ) Sentence of Condemnation upon me ; and have sent out their wicked Commentariensis to suffocate and smother my reputation , because I met with and associated my self with an impudent Crew ( as they style them ) of such , that are uttter enemies to Learning in general , alledging that I am one of the most considerable Champions and Ring-leaders of this Faction , having been an intimate friend and associate of Odowd's , best knowing him ; so bold and dull an Ignoramus that he shames the Gallows , a wretch that is a disgrace to his most Disgraceful Party , and withal an Atheist . 'T is well the Galenists have found out a Mercenary Fellow , that will take upon him to personate what they invent , and for some small reward excuse them , and suffer the Lash himself ; being we believe so fit for their Humours and Complexions , that if they say aestuat , it is hot weather , ( though quite contrary ) he will forthwith protest , sudat , he is all in a sweat : Otherwise I would have remitted their venemous Arrows , and directly have aimed at the Authors that first drew the Bowe at me , and have neglected this durty Fellow whom they make use of for a sleight Bulwark to shelter themselves and their untruths ; however I make no question to penetrate them through his side . Mendacium servile vitium . To hire and to be hired to derogate from any by Slanders , Calumny , and Pseudologies , argues a base slavish Spirit unworthy any man , but especially a Physician . Are these Dogmatical Candidates ? if so , nigro carbone cos posthaec annotabo , I le mark them hereafter for black sheep . Have ye no other way to evade the trial of Essential Physical Truths ( which if I maintain not demonstratively let me perish ) but by countenancing your Servant wrongfully , and publickly to disgrace and represent me to be companion and copes-mate of those , who ( if they were as they are set down by you ) ought not to have a being in this Nation ; accusing me as Ring-leader and Champion of them in those wicked Designs you tax them with . Whether those you call ignorant persons , especially Mr. Odowd , ( whom 't is confessed I did sometime meet with upon a very reasonable and justifiable account ) be guilty of those Crimes that are laid to their charge , ( maliciously as I conceive in great part , and upon false grounds ) I shall not undertake to ventilate or discuss , let them plead and vindicate themselves . However , grant them and my self never so bad as you say . Yet Truth is Truth , and will stand firm in despite of all your undermining , cryptick , and subterranean workings , to blow up the Propugnators and Defenders of it . I desire to appeal to all sober , discreet , honest , and impartial men that know me intus & in cute , whether I ever proposed or joyned with any to carry on any base unworthy thing in this Chymical Enterprise , above the Glory of God , the increase of Vertuous Actions , the Honour of his Majesty , the benefit of the Nation , the promotion of Learning ) as I have sufficiently explained my self in the 20. Chapter of Galeno-pale ) the melioration and reformation of the state of Physick . If this ought to be reputed Factious , I desire to be the Ring-leader and Champion of such a Faction . As for that intimate friendship between me and Mr. Odowd ( which your Halophant divulges ) it is as arrant a Truth as that you are real friends to Chymistry , unless it be per Antiphrasin . Indeed I alwayes looked upon the Gentleman as a queint Courtier endued with good natural parts , and might deserve well of his King and Countrey , according to his station , without justifying his Illiterature , supposing withal that were true ( which I formerly much suspected ) that he had acquired so potent and active an Arcanum as he relates , and some do now testifie , above any Weak and sluggish Preparation in your Dispensatory : To your grand shame be it spoken , that such an Illiterate person , ( for which Defect I have heard him sometimes ingenuously condole himself in the presence of several knowing men ) should outvie your learned Ignorance in that which is principally desired by every Sick man ; but I never had that favour for him that we could set our Horses so together , as to be intimate and throughly to know each other , but alwayes kept a loof to avoid scandal . But now methinks I begin to have a little more then ordinary respect , and to draw a little nigher him , since this remarkable Diabolos ( belonging improperly to those of Amen , who ought to make good the Etymon of the word , with which some I think are resolved never to associate themselves intimately ) traduced , slandered , maliciously and falsly accused him for an unparallel'd Knave , Villain , and Atheist . From that time there came to me a Testimonial Note of Mr. Rawlinsons Cure , signed with his own hand , I began to think better of him then before , and conceited the Devil was not so black as some that painted him . The satisfaction I received in that particular was this . Whereas Mr. Will. Johnson hath in Print reported ill of Doctor Odowde's Relation , touching a CURE performed upon me : I do by these presents attest , That the Relation published by Doctor Odowde is in every Circumstance , and in the whole most true . Witness my Hand the 7 th . of June , 1665. Richard Rawlinson . Signed in the presence of us , Will. Goddard . Mar. Nedham . Edw. Coke . If this Fellow ( notwithstanding his Masters Protection ) deserve not to be Whipped about the Pig-Market , and every Chymist in England to have a Lash at him , let any judge that is truly sensible of the loss of a good Name . I hope no man will be so mad to credit him for the future ; for , qui semel est semper praesumitur esse malus . FINIS . An Epistolar DISCOURSE TO THE Learned and Deserving AUTHOR OF Galeno-pale . By George Starkey , M. D. and Philosopher by Fire . London , Printed by R. Wood , for Edward Thomas , at the Adam and Eve in Little Brittain , 1665. An Epistolar Discourse to the Learned and Deserving Author of Galeno-pale . AFter my most real and hearty thanks , for that great favour you were pleased to oblige me with , in bestowing upon me that Learned , Useful , and Seasonable Piece of yours , Galeno-pale , ( in acknowledgement of which obligation , be pleased to accept the tender of my utmost service , and most cordial love ) I make bold in answer of your request so me , to return you my sense of that Tractate of yours , ( which is so highly deserving , as not to need my Commendation , and so accurately learned , as not to fear any mans Censure or Animadversion ) as also of that trivial and contemptible piece of Garrulity , pretended as an Animadversory Reply to your Book , and Lash for your person ; though in my judgement he hath had the ill luck , to be so far out in the performance , that his ill cookt mess of opprobrious Obloquy , will serve onely to polish , and make more amiable the lustre of that your excellent Tractate ; and like a black foil , to set out to the greater advantage , that so every way desirable Jewel . Of my concurrence with you in opinion , my two Tractates , viz. Helmonts Vindication , and Pyrotechny Asserted , are such undeniable arguments , that I need adde nothing in this place for confirmation of a truth so beyond doubt , apparently evident . To them I referre such as either know not , or will not believe , that I am altogether concurring with you in Judgement ; being able to prove beyond rational contradiction , that our Opinions herein agree with the truth of Nature ; and can practically demonstrate , that our Antagonists , in what they differ from us , have onely idle Speculations , and unprofitable airy Notions , which they embrace instead of real practical truths ; so hugging ( as the Poet hath it ) a Cloud instead of Juno . It is not because we are strangers to the Doctrine of Humours , that we do not , with the Galenists , make up Temperaments , and vary Complexions and Constitutions , according to the divers mixtures of them , and measure all the defects in Nature , by their contest , prevalency and victory . What the received opinion herein is , we know , and learned many years since ; but afterward , being convincingly reclaimed by the unresistable force of light and truth , we learned that hard lesson , of making loss of all these imaginary attainments , and were willing to confess that we had drunk largely of muddy and unwholesom waters ; and being thus overswayed with the Dictates of a more sound Reason , we accounted it no dishonour both to sing a Palinode our selves , and sound a Retreat unto others ; desiring if it were the good will of God , that as many as are friends to Learning and pretend to ingenuity , may taste of the pure streams of truth , and solid learning ; not doubting but if once tasted , they would drink largely , and alwayes desire the same Waters , loathing those muddy and infected lakes to which they had been long accustomed . While we resolved on this course , and addressed our selves in earnest to this work of Charity , of recovering as many as we could ( all if possible ) from the paths of Errour , in which they ( following either blinde or unfaithful guids ) had long wandred : As we really did a work of pious Charity towards all , so our pains and labour was candidly interpreted , and acknowledged by some , who by the help of that small Candle which we ( according to our mean capacity ) had lighted up , and brought with us , did discover such monstrous Deformities and Defects in that Fabrick in which they were , and for want of a clear distinct Light , esteemed a sumptuous and glorious Building ; they discovered , I say , such rotten Foundations , ruinous Arches and Pillars , mouldering and tottering Walls , a leaky and almost falling Roof , that they were quickly prevailed with to quit that dangerous , and most unpleasant abode , fit onely to make a habitation for Birds of darkness . But alas ! as there is no action ( of what concernment soever ) that will universally please , so this work of ours , which by many was , and by all deserves to be attributed to pious Charity , was misinterpreted , reproached , and reviled by many , and those men of no mean rank or fame . For this old , decayed , rotten Structure , of which I speak , is challenged by some of the Antients of the Fraternity , as a Propriety belonging to the Professors of Philosophy and Physick ; of which they as Seniors are to have the mannagement and disposing . These to the younger deal out Lodgings , and Tenements , as also Honours and titular Preferments , with this caution , that they shall admit them and no other , to be their Governours , Guids , Directors , and Counsellors : and because the Building was once famous and stately , though now decayed and ruinous , they dawb over these Defects with Plaistering and Painting , and adorn the Walls and Arches with curious Hangings , but will not indure any clear Light to be brought in to discover their crazie and tottering Habitation , lest their Guests and Candidates being affrighted at the discovery , should leave them ; and so the repute they have , of being the Fathers and Dispensers of Art and Knowledge , should vanish like a shadow before the Sun. These are they that are ever learning , but never come to the Knowledge of truth ; and the reason is , because they think they have already attained it , and therefore conceive there is no need of further learning , and disdain to be taught , or reproved , but will abuse him that shall attempt it , and load him with opprobrious contumelies . On which score it was , Sir , that the late invective against your person ( and in your name all that are assertors of Pyrotechny its excellency , beyond the Art or Mystery of Medicine , professed by those who style themselves Methodists , as by a Characteristical note of Distinction ) was vomited up under colour of Animadversions upon your deservedly esteemed Tractate , with a Title befiting the Author ( appearingly at least ) of that infamous Libel ; which were I in your case I would scorn to Answer , but in such a way as might manifest deserved contempt and neglect , not of he Author ( pretended ) had he been ( which he can hardly ) more inconsiderable then he is , but of the sheets which he hath blotted , not with any design , ( if he have but the wit to survey the Lines he hath fathered with any discretion ) but to let the world know , what a pitiful Reply the Rational Chemists of Amen-Corner can make to the just Exceptions of the true Sons of Art , against their pretended 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which to English in their sense , is onely a bare subscription to Galen ; on which score they are severely culpable , but deserve pity ( to speak the most softly ) for that unlawful Marriage , which without consent of both parties , they have endeavoured to make between solid Realities and practical Verities , on the one part , and aerial Speculations , mistaken Principles of Nature , and ignorant Conclusions , and Prescriptions taken on trust from their predecessors , without examination , on the other part ; which Marriage if they can consummate , so as to produce from it a Galeno-Chemical off-spring , I hope they will reconcile lazie Ignorance , with sedulous Diligence and Industry , in searching out truth , for Bride-men ; and Light and Darkness , Truth and Error , adept Knowledge , and putaticious Uncertainty , for Bride-maids ; and let all about Town that have skill in the learned Languages , Logick , and School Philosophy , and have read Galen and Paracelsus , Avicen and Helmont , Riverius and Quercetan , the London Dispensatory , and Scroderus Pharmacopoea , &c. be Candidates of this new Society ; and let the Author of those sorry Animadversions on your Book , be Door-keeper to this new-model'd Colledge , with order that he admit of none , that is a verier Wise-man then himself , as a Member among them ; and then no doubt but the Art of Medicine will be improved , so as to silence the wonder of a Minotaure , or the Poets Pegasus , or a Syren . But , Sir , I hope as you in your Galeno-pale have begun to forbid the Banes , and to put a stop to the Enterprize of so unequal a Match , and have shown most just Causes why two Parties so disagreeing should not be joyned in Matrimony ; so you will continue a vigilant Eye that the Galenical Satyr , whose Lust of propagating ( whether in , or out of Kinde ) is insatiable , may not commit a Rape upon so delicate a Nymph as Pyrotechny ; such an unlawful mixture is by some reputed and reported the original of Apes , Monkeys , and Baboons ; if or no , truly , I shall not dispute , but surely the unequal commixture before mentioned , will in likelihood , yea for certain , produce as great , or greater Monsters in Art , then the others are in Nature , allowing the supposition of their original for true . 'T is granted , of late many rash pretenders have assumed the Title of Chemists , whom Nature not knowing , nor they her , the true Sons of Art disdain to own , and protest against ; among whose number I know none more fit to be first begun withal , then this Fugitive Renegado , who never attaining higher honour in the Chemical Army , then of a Pioneer , or Dragoon at best , hath proved an Apostate from that Profession he never was worthy of , and betrayed to the Enemy as much as he ever knew , which all that understand any thing in Art , are assured , is little enough ; by discovery of which no real Artist need fear dammage , nor was there ground of Reply to any thing that either hath dropt , or heréafter may fall from his Pen , were it not that all who know him are induced to believe , that he doth by that Scribble ( how impertinent soever it be ) as many of his minde ( in another case ) are reported to do , father Brats which they are sure are none of their own , because they either have received , or hope to receive some beneficial Courtesies from the Fathers : Therefore for sake of the real and not pretended Father of that piece , I shall say a little to some Passages I observed therein , though very briefly . First , I observe with what a magisterial supercilliousness he censures as illiterate , all that are Professors of true Pyrotechny , and maintain its Principles , both as to the Preparation and Application of Remedies , the judging , distinguishing , and curing Diseases , in opposition to those who subscribing to Galen , Avicen , and others of that gang , own the distinction of Dogmatists , and Methodists ; and have done for many ages , till of late they have wrought upon the facile Nature , or Cranium of an easie impression , of a nameless person ( of honour for ought I know ) to become their Godfather ; and now at the years of rotten ripe discretion , to give them a new Name of Rational Chemists , as a distinction ( I conceive ) between such , whom his wisdom is pleased to style Melancholly Operators , and them ; that is , between such who will admit no practical Theorems , whose Confirmation they have not practically received from the Fire ; and those more neat , Genteel Chemists , who without knowing the Names and Forms of Furnaces , the degrees , and manner of ordering Fires , the shapes and diversities of Chemical Vessels , can by depth of reading , and profound Reason , tell what are the best Chemical Remedies , and when , how , and by whom they are best made ; and the time , manner , dose , and rule , requisite for the most beneficial administration of them . This Gentleman I suppose for the honour of the Nation , and future benefit of the Cadets of the Gentry , will shortly distinguish between the Rational , and Gross mechanical Merchant , Marriner , Souldier , &c. And for the honour and profit of Generations to come , introduce and recommend Rational Pilots , Masters and Captains of Ships , Captains and Commanders of Land Forces ; Rational mannagers of Trafique by Sea and Land ; as also Dealers by Exchange of Moneys , and the like ; and if he can perswade those in Authority to listen to , and approve such a Rational Motion , we may hope ( in time ) to be provided as well in all these mentioned Cases , as we are now with Iatrochemical Galenists . 'T is as possible , and probable , to be an expert Chemist , without seriously , sedulously , indefatigably , and constantly attending the Mechanical part of Pyrotechny , making new daily , pondering also , and amending future Operations by past experience , as to be an expert Anatomist without knowing the use of the Knife , by bare Rational speculation . 'T is the Mechanist informs , instructs , and confirms the Theorical speculator , and not on the contrary : But here the Operator acknowledges the highest of his attainments , to his profound Masters of Amen-Corner ; and they owe all which they pretend to of Chemical Skill , to this Servant , ( thus one hand washeth another ) while an impartial by-stander may say , It is pity such Masters and such a Servant should be separated . But why must all that dissent from the Nil ultrà , praeter idiotas , of Pater Noster Row , be branded for Illiterate ? 'T is well the visible father of this peremptory and petulant Charge is known not to be guilty of , or overgrown with either wit or learning himself , and therefore is as fit a Judge in the Case , as Midas was of the excellency of Musick made by Apollo on his Harp , or Pan on his Pipe ; and if he were repaid as well for his Judgement as Midas was , his Masters , in case they should lose him , might finde him , though hid under the Covert of a Philosopher , by the same marks that the Farmer in Aesop found a lost Servant of his , concealed under the disguise of a Lions Skin . As to the Challenge made by you of deciding the grand Controversie by proof , and experimental Demonstration , the World will take notice , although you and we should be silent , how he seeks to evade it by scandalous and reproachful Quibbles , in which his scurrility will try the utmost of your patience , and will excuse you if you reply with Vinegar to his canker'd Lines , writ with a pen dipt in gall ; I wish that either side had forborn to discharge your selves like Cannons , roaring , and rending each other , yielding much smoke , but little light , yet must Apologize for you in the words of the Comick Poet ; that it is ( on your part ) responsum , non dictum , quia laesit prius ; He first transgrest the bounds of a fair Gamester , and plaid such Butchers play , as both the Pate and Shins , that if himself get a crackt Crown , he may thank his own indiscretion , and his blustering huffing . I have known an uncivil braving Hector so abusive to a sober Gentleman , that he hath provoked him at length to cudgel him soundly for his unmannerliness ; and I could not account it otherwise then just , that he who would not be guided by discretion , should be basted into better manners . But of this a word to the wise . But concerning the thing proposed , and that on such fair terms as cannot be refused with honour , nor accepted , without a silencing demonstration on one side or other ; if it be enough to laugh at the Proposal as impossible , upon presumption that so many will not be found , that will trust their Lives , either in your , or any other hands of your Perswasion and Principles ; or if they would , that you might easily give a certain Prognostick of them all , with a Reserve , for this ill-nurtur'd Quibble ; that you will cure them all alike , and the Earth cover your failing in so rash an attempt ; if , I say , this Answer by themselves be judged sufficient , they must account all , to whom that Scribble shall come , gross Ideots , and stupid Dunces ; for will any ( a degree beyond a Natural in capacity ) imagine , that if they did really judge that such would , or probably might prove the effect , they would not have made it their prime business , either to have rendred you , by the first ridiculous , in finding none that durst adventure to trust your skill ; or odious , by performing such Catachrestical Hangman-like Cures . This charge might with probability and justice be retorted , but I hate recrimination ; it being unlikely , that if the Contest were once begun to be thus decided , after a score of instances concerning the vast difference of the safety of true Chemical Remedies , and agreeableness of them to Nature beyond the Galenical Prescriptions , and Carbonado's of Humane Bodies , according to their Rules of Art , scarce any more would be found , that would undergo their Methodical course of Physick , ( were there no hazarding of Life , and impairing the Strength , by exhausting the fountain of Life , the Blood ) if either Prayers or Tears might move so much compassion in the Judges , as to escape their too Fatal clutches : but for peace sake I shall drive the bolt no farther , onely this I shall say , and I hope not transgress the bounds of modesty and sobriety , that my self about eight years or more since , publickly challedged them to the like Contest , at infinite more oddes , and disadvantage on my part , and will yet make good the same , upon penalty of being infamous , and so publickly proclaimed , and my self will proclaim it with as much ignominy , as to place , time , and expressions , as they shall please to prescribe unto me , and will undertake to procure the Patients without trouble to them ; and let them be divided with all equality possible , half to me , the other half to them : let me be certified of their will to accept the Contest , and if I decline what I offer'd , I shall willingly beforehand condemn my self to a future prohibition of all Practice , till I openly do what disgraceful Penance they shall think fit to put upon me , and the like , if I am baffled or worsted in the Combate ; onely let able , impartial Arbiters judge between us , the relation of Fact being first published both in our Native , and in a travelling Language , the Judges then let them give publique Sentence , according as the Demerits of each side shall appear to them . This may , and I doubt not but will be put off with a Sardonian laughter , while in the mean time Haeret lateri lethalis arundo , the arrow galls them too much for a hearty smile ; nor will very sober persons fail to laugh at , and deride them , if they can finde no other Answer then grinning merriment , for so home , and so close followed an Argument ; which if once resolved on , as the final issue of the Controversie , would quickly for ever silence one or the other party ; and if we practically get the better of them , ( as I doubt not ) if afterward we do not maintain our own Theseis , and oppose theirs , undisputably on our part , and convincingly on theirs , let us be afterwards accounted onely fortunate illiterate Empyricks . But if besides this we publiquely give a full account of their Theorems , Axiomes , Maximes , Method , and Practice , as well in the Therapeutick , as Theorical part thereof , and then with undeniable Arguments overthrow their whole Building fundamentally , yet challenge them of Ignorance ( even to pity ) in the Principles of true Pyrotechny , which we will undertake to make as plain as the Noon-day Sun , to the convincing both of themselves and friends that it is really so : What pretence soever they make to Rational Chemistry ( this Charge I would have understood of the generality of them , and as they are a Society ) and we will permit their man Johnson to lay his Head together with them ; whose Chemical Dictionary dedicated to them , will speak his ability in Pyrotechny , should we be silent . If , I say , after our practical Combat , and experimental Contest , we perform this , then let the titles of Illiterature and Empyricisme be given to them that best deserve them ; and if we do it not , we will own our selves empty vain-glorious Boasters , nec famâ nec fortunâ dignos . But 't is time to recall my self , these Rationally Chemical Gentlemen may for ought any man in the world ( or they themselves ) knows , be the sans peere Chemists of Europe , if not of the Universe ; for I call to minde , and very seasonably , that in their Book of Precautions and Remedies against the Pestilence , they crown their work with ( multum in parvo ) a Collection of the choicest Chemical Medicines attainable ; which they set down for their sakes who are onely affected with Chemical Preparations , with caution , that they be honestly and faithfully made , according to the Prescription of the best Authors ; among which , I was not a little pleased , to finde both the Philosophical Elixirs , for the White and the Red , prescribed , leaving the dose , and time of taking them , and in what Vehicle , to the discretion of the Patients ; upon which I would query , First , That seeing there is a Plague of the purse , as well as the person , to which these two Remedies should most properly be applied ? Secondly , where they are to be had faithfully and honestly prepared ? Certainly by their white fixed Sulphur , and by their red fixt incombustible Oyl of Sulphur , they meant the two tinging Elixirs of the Philosophers , or else they prescribed it at all adventures , any thing unknown to themselves , with a hard name to amuse the vulgar ; like him of their Fraternity , whom you instance in your Book , who for a long time prescribed Mercurius dulcis , upon presumption that it was a Vegetable . The other Preparations by them advised , if they did but know experimentally , how secret , hidden , and truly difficult their true Preparation is ; and how few among Artists that search after them , attain them , ( scarce one of ten thousand ) they would not so lightly prescribe them , unless withal , they could advise where , and of whom , and at what rates they might be procured ; and either added Directions for their use , or left them , who desired to have them , to be directed by the Preparers and Disposers of them ; but to give onely a bare Catalogue of a few hard what d' yee call ' ums , to be procured God knows where , and when ; and to be used God knows how , or to what end , however at all adventures , with assured success against the Pestilence , is for grave old men to turn again to boyes play , and dance a Chemical Antique , & magno conatu , specioseque sub praetextu nugas agere . The other part of that Book I shall not meddle with , being unwilling to thrust my Sickle into another mans Harvest , onely wish it might effectually answer its Title , and the Expectation of his Majesty and Council , especially the poor sick parties , whose Skins must pay for its defect , the more the pity ! For my part , I shall allow every Bird to sing its own note , and every Man to praise or dispraise a Bridge , according as it hath carried him over , or failed him . But this I may , and shall not doubt to affirm , that this hand of God , in case it continue upon us , and increase among us , will prove a signal note of distinction , between Physicians elected , and sent forth by God , and those mercenary Hirelings , who either run unsent , or were created by the Schools . The latter having compiled a wonder-doing Book , for the prevention and eradication of the Pestilence , to shew the Confidence they have in their own Prescriptions ; in the next place , get as soon , and as far off as they can out of reach of it , except a few of the most confident of them , a very inconsiderable number , considering the large Herd of them , who ( shameful to mention , more shameful to practise ) in consideration of an unreasonable summe of Money in hand demanded , and a more unconscionable Salary by the year expected , with other Conditions , arguing a mercenary distrustful minde , will take such care of the Sick , and afford them such attendance as they shall think fit ; when as eight times their number would be too few by half , to attend the Sick , in case of the increase of this calamity : for if in the most healthful times so great a number of Physicians be not supernumerary , there being ordinarily Employment sufficient for most , if not all of them ; can it be imagined , that in case the numbers of the Sick should be increased ten for one , or upwards , as in some Contagions London hath sadly found and felt , a fifth or sixth part of the Doctors in and about this City , will be sufficient to attend those whom God shall visit in so unusual a manner , as to the terror and truculency of the Disease , where multitudes are swept away with such rigorous speed , as might command pity in any breast that hath left in it the least room for charitable piety ? If the Care and Cure of the Sick be the work , office , and duty of all who conscionably pretend to the Art of Medicine , this sure is a time in which it is an incumbent duty on all its Professors , to double their vigilancy and industry ; yea , unworthy is he the name and title of a Physician , who shall then quit his work and station , when his assistance and help is most needful and required : Dulcia non meruit qui non gustavit amara . Here is a time and occasion of exercising all their care and charity with the most religious observance : If it be the work of Doctors , as beyond doubt and denial it is , how can they answer the neglect of it to God or their own Conscience ? Not but that I judge the pious care of the Magistrate highly commendable , in encouraging as many as are conscienciously diligent , at such a time when their work and care is increased , with addition of both danger and hazard to their persons ; but for any Doctors to refuse or decline this duty , without prestipulating for a large Reward , before either their Ability or Care hath been made appear to the world , will brand as many as shall be found guilty in this kinde with a black note of infamy , not to be born with Honour , nor excused by any Apology . The pretence of having other Patients , and their unwillingness to affright or endanger them , is too narrow a Fig-leaf to cover this their nakedness , and hide their shame : For , first , many ( if not most ) of considerable Fortunes leaving the City upon the first alarm of this Visitation , as it much diminisheth the ordinary employment Doctors had usually at other times when the City was free from this Contagion ; so especially the terrour of this severe Disease silenceth many others , and swallows up in its larger stream other more inconsiderable Rivelets ; so that what they propound in case of the Pestilence , might be an adequate Expedient for providing at this season against other Diseases and Maladies ; namely , that a sufficient number of Doctors might either by lot , or mutual consent , be set apart to attend such onely as were free from , and were fearful of the Plague , but others ( without admitting any excuse ) to attend their Calling on this so weighty an occasion ; and in case any through cowardly fear should neglect or decline this their undoubted duty , might they be ( for ever after ) laid aside as unfaithful Physicians of no value , fit to be marked publiquely with some note of disgrace , in case they should after the removal of this hand of God , presume to reassume their former Practice and Profession . For my part I should give my vote that none such might be admitted publiquely to Practise for the future , that should now desert their station , and unworthily decline this so great duty , till first he had stood publiquely in some eminent place of great Concourse , with a Collar of broken Urinals about his Neck , with a Note of his Fault , Name , and place of abode , that men might know where to finde , and how to beware of such an unfaithful , unworthy Quacksalver . Afterwards when every mans demerits shall be understood , ( and in so common a Calamity , as in all eminent actions of publique Concernment , remarkable Deserts cannot go undiscovered ) the Magistrate , as his prudence shall direct him , may encourage the Diligent , that others may be stirred up to follow their example : But a cowardly Physician ( like a cowardly Captain ) is unworthy of fame , fortune , or life . As for their Families , undeserving are they the name of Christians , who doing their duty , shall be afraid to trust God in such a matter : But in case any of them be afraid , let them remove where they judge themselves more secure , yet I dare say , seldom will such an obstacle lie in the way of a consciencious Physician ? That God who can ( and if it stand with his pleasure , and be for his glory will ) secure the persons , rules and governs the hearts and spirits of all related to such , whom he shall employ in so pious and charitable a work ; let me do my duty , and I will trust God with the rest : this is my judgement , this is , and God willing shall be my practice , and will be of as many as God hath elected and made Physicians . The rest that are otherwise minded , I beseech God to convince them of their fault and folly . And , Sir , give me leave to tell you , that I was heartily glad for your sake , to finde in you the same spirit ; nor can I think of any in this respect culpable , without regret of minde . If a man be consciencious in this particular , self-preservation as well as a desire to be serviceable in his calling , will make him very studious in his search , and earnest at the throne of Grace , that he may be master of real and true , not imaginary , false , and unfaithful Remedies , against so truculent and terrible an enemy . And those that ask , seek , and knock out of a pure design of pious serving God , in doing their duty faithfully and effectually , and charitable serving their Neighbour , to the comfort of the Patients , and credit of themselves , the merciful God will hear . Blessed be the Almighty who hath fortified us with such resolution , and hath furnished us with such Remedies , as may be the clear Diplomata and evident tokens of our Mission ; and being sent out by the Lord himself among such great numbers of languishing and distressed objects of Charity , beseeching him , that he would take away , or lighten his hand , as may stand with his infinite good pleasure , and most blessed will. Sir , you see how these thoughts and discourses with you have drawn me beyond my first propounded limits , yea , rather beyond the bounds of an Epistle ; for which I crave and hope easily to finde your pardon , since matters of no light importance have thus insensibly enticed me , and drawn me out to so unexpected Enlargement ; I return now to that Pitiful Thing , that hath endeavoured to throw durt upon your umblemisht Reputation , and to eclipse your bright lustre ; which he hath as unsuccessfully prosecuted , as he did foolishly attempt it . The last thing that I shall take notice of in his Scribble , is the Contempt he would throw on your Ability by the despicable relation he makes of your Laboratory , as to which you give me a most satisfactory account : First , that where you at present reside , you are onely a sojourner , and unsettled : Secondly , that he neither saw ( nor desired to see ) a third part of those Conveniencies which you there have , being admitted but into your first , and most obvious room . But let me adde this as an information to him , and as many as it concerns , That a true Son of Art makes his Furnaces , not they him . I will do that in a small contemptible Earthen Furnace , which he shall not in any , or all of those which he hath set up in his pompous Laboratory , an Engine more for shew and ostentation , then real use ; and a true Philosopher needs not the half , nay , nor third part of those specious Fooleries which he hath erected , of which , some there are , which if he were then ( and not till then ) to be happy , when he could give any , but a most ridiculous account of the use of them , and his intent in erecting them , he would certainly be for ever ( in this world ) miserable . For my own part , although I have ( as you know ) Furnaces , for conveniency , usefulness , and neatness , so many , and fit , that I dare compare with any Laboratory in , or about the City ; yet for a need I could furnish my self and many others in City and Countrey , as I do and have done , for a very ample practice , with half as many , and nothing so sightly , Furnaces : Therefore in my judgement , that part of his Animadversions betrayes in him as arrant wisdom , as can be expected from such a heap of idle garrulity , and dung-hill of opprobrious contumely . Perhaps he accounts none furnished with a Laboratory as he ought to be , unless like himself , he lay out upon this outside of Chemistry , so much of other mens Moneys as he can possibly get credit for ; and having erected it , do nothing of remark in it , unless to draw the Quintessence of a few Spiders , which ( as those who know the constitution of Citizens affirm ) that one of thos● Animalcula , is for them a dangerous and hazzardous bit to swallow , as they are in their simplicity ; how much more being so subtillized , may they give an Essence , after the tasting of which it is an extream hazzard if ever he recover and do well . Truly I pity this mans folly and simplicity , and wonder at his unadvised audacity , that knowing in what relation he stands to a Gentleman , a great honourer of true Pyrotechny , and as great a defier of the Galenists ( as they stand in opposition thereto ) a very judicious , sober person , and stout defender of true natural Helmontian Principles , against any , or all their contemners and opposers ; that I say he ( of all men ) should suffer his Name to be put to so unworthy a Piece , full of Reproaches against that Art , and such Artists , for whom this Gentleman ( to whom he stands so related ) hath a very great , and more then ordinary kindeness ; certainly this verifies the Proverb , Perdere quos vult Jupiter , hos prius dementat . And if I might without consulting the Stars , foresee from what Corner a Storm may arise , that may shake the four Corners of his Laboratory , and bring it down tumbling about his ears . For my part , I know not what to make of him , except a Gudgeon , and as such , I shall at present take leave of him ; and for his further and future instruction and edification , deliver him over into the hands of a worthy friend of mine , a noble heroick spirited Cook , to make of him , if not what he pleaseth , yet what he can ; whether Fish , or Flesh , or red Herring . Thus , Sir , having done with your Scribbling Animadverter , I take leave of you , wishing you all possible Happiness , present and future , here and hereaftet ; and subscribe my self , Broadstreet , second dwelling-House from Winchester-street June 21. 1665. Your most faithful Servant , and Fellow-labourer for the Advancement of true Pyrotechny , and Fellow-contender for the Truth of Nature , against all Opposers whatsoever , George Starkey . FINIS .