A Detection and Querimonie of the daily enormities and abuses committed in physic, Concerning the three parts thereof: that is, The Physicians part, The part of the Surgeons, and the art of Apothecaries. Dedicated unto the Two most famous universities Oxford and Cambridge. Now lately set forth by john Securis physician.  

Non ferit haec medica praestantes arte Securis,  
Nec medici officio qui bene functus erit.  
Non ferit insignes chirurgos, nec myropolas,  
Ars, quibus & pietas, sunt bene juncta simul.   
1566.   

CORDATISSIMIS, IM pendioque venerandis utriusque Acade● miaes, Oxoniinimirum & Cantabrigiae Archigr●● mateis, Rectoribus, Decanis, Praesidibus, Docta ribus & Magistris: johannes Securts Medicus Academiae quondam Oxonienus alumnus, salutem in Christo jesu.  
IAmpridem in animo me cum constitueram (viri longè clarissimi) genio nescio quo, nisi forte optimo (quatum certè mihi persuadeo) instigante permotus, de abusu ac corruptela artis nostrae Hippocraticae, commentariolum quendam in lucem edere. Hoc tamen negotii eousque, distuli ac ferè semper detrectavi, quousque, nec humanitas, nec literarum decus, nedum ipsa musarum maiestas, nec impostorum medicantium versutia, & praestigiae, amplius me tacere, eaque silentio praeterire quae adversus pestilentissimum hoc hominum genus adduci possunt, permitterent. Tanta siquidem ubique gentium sed in hoc potissimum regno viget prestigiatorum, agyrtarum, incātatorū, veneficarum, veteratorum, atque adeo carnificum me dicorum turba: qui quotidie huic sese arti vi & violentia intrudunt ac insinuant, adeoque sua, (prôh nefas) in multorum necem ac perniciem experimenta faciunt: ut mirandum multis modis sit, quin potius impensé dolendum, tantam idque impunè fieri Reginae subditorum stragem, tanta committi piacula, tancrassos, ac foedos in sancta ac christiana republica (laxatis velut hahenis effrenatae licentiae) errores persistere, nedum reperiri. Verùm quum pensiculatiùs rem totam introspicio, quum id quod res est mecum perpendo, ac arctissimè ment reuoluo: Non hoc utique usquendeo nowm esse, nec recens natum comperio. Quinimo à multis iam retro seculis, (si divino Hippocrati credimus) contigit hanc celeber rimam medicinae artem, malè tractatam fuisse, ac foedis malè feriatorum hominum technis ac delyramentis, etiam Hippocratis aevo, etiamnum Galeni aliorumque veterum medicorum fuisse aetate corruptam, conspurcatam, atque pollutam Nam ut Galeni verba ex primo lib. Therap▪ methodi iam subticeā: Hippocratem longè Galeno vestutiorem in medium proferam in libello cui lex titulus estita loquentem. Medicina (inquit) omnium artium praeclarissima est. Verùm propter ignorantiam eorum qui eam exercent, & ob vulgi ruditatem quod tales judicat & habet: eò iam res deuênit, ut omnium artium long vilissima censeatur. At vero hoc peccatum ob hanc potissimum causam mihi committi videtur: Soli namque medicinae nulla poena in rebus publices sta tuta est praeterque ignominiae. Verum baecipsa non afficit neque contingit eos qui ex composito personam ipsius induerunt. Simillimi enim huiusmodi medici sunt personis quae in tragoedijs introducuntur. Quemadmodum enim illi figuram quidem & habitum ac persona eorum quos referunt, habent: illi ipsi autem verè non sunt: Sic & medici fama quidem & nomme multi, re autem & opere valde pauci. Idem Hypocrates in lib. de decenti ornatu, sic ait: Raptores medici sunt qui fora frequentant, ruditate ac inscitia sua imponentes, & in circulis civitatum versantes. Cognoverit autem quis ex vestitu & alijs lineamentis. Quamuis enim fuerint splendidè ornati, multó magis fugiendi sunt, & à conspicientibus odio habendi. Haec ille. His itaque iam perspicuè satis superque constat, apud veteres etiam primaevae aetatis viros, fuisse in arte medica errones multos ac impostores. Vtcunque sit, hoc constanter adseverare non dubito, non tot olim medicastros, non tot ut ita nominem Theriacarios, non tam multos fucatos, personatos, atque phaleratos, idque utriusque sexus medicos fuisse, q nunc nostra aetate oppidatim, immo vicatim sunt, & videntur. Istuc proculdubio admirari nunque desino, quod leges cùm divinae tùm Cesareae in omnes si offenderint caeterarum artium homines animaduertant, in solos autem medicinae spurios gnatos, imo gnathones, & sycophantas non animaduertunt.  
Faxit precor Deus Opt. Max, aliquando, utigravissimo ac sapientissi mo augustissimi Senatusconsulti decreto: sacrosancto Episcoporum patrocinio ac consilio, atque vestro pariter (consultissimi Academiarum proceres) pio unanimique suffragio, semel velut postliminio revocetur sincera, vera & germana rerum medicinalium administratio, verus usus, & sic demum vera cum solida doctrina me thodus. In rebus quidem multis, praeci pueque quae ad religionem spectant, refor matio iampridem facta est. Cur non perinde in medicamentarijs facta sit▪ Sed ita res habentur humanae, ut quum nihil mali (hoc est nullus morbus) nos urgeat, de malo profligando tan quám nimium securi non cogitamus. Plerique ferè omnes dum sani degimus sanitatem non moramur nec magni pendimus. At ubi primum sanitas evanuerit, tum demum velut Phryges, serò sapere inchoamus, ac quid tum sanitas, & quam preciosus in tota vita thesaurus fuerit, cum nostro saepe periculo igavi ac socordes percipimus. Caeterum, ut nunc tandem colophonem his dictis imponam, hoc opusculum quod iam vernacula lingua perstrinxi, vobis (clarissimi iuxtà ac reverendiss. Doctores ac Magistri) tanquam strenuissimis ac optimis in hac causa futuris patronis, offerre nominatim, nuncupareque constitui. Munusculum sanè fateor indignum tantis viris, nihilosecius tamen, quando pio benevoloque profectum sit animo, benigno itidem animo, obnixè vos precor, suscipere ne gravemini. Obsecro nunc tandem Deum patrem Seruatoris nostri jesu Christi▪ ut semper in virtute verbi sui vos regat, protegat ac tueatur, vestra omnia dirigat opera, omnes actus, verba, negotia, literas ac studia: vestram utramque denique Academiam promoveat magis magisque in omne decus▪ virtutem & dignitatem provebat: ad honorem, laudem & gloriam sacrosancti nominis sui in sempiternum.  
Amen. Idem vobis suprà memoratus, & nunc & olim de votissimus, johannes Securis Medicus.   

This book shallbe divided in▪ to three principal parts.  
¶ The first part shall entreat of the manifold errors and abuse of false and unlearned physicians.  
¶ The second entreateth of the ignorance, presumption, and quid pro quo, of unjust Apothecaries.  
¶ The third part shall discuss of the rashness and lewd temerity of a great many Surgeons.   


¶ The first part entreateth of divers and sundry errors and abuses of the unlearned and wicked sort of Physicians.  
THAT excellent man & great clerk Aristoteles, who for his incomparable doctrine is of all learned men named the prince of philosophers hath this saying in the vii book of his ethics: Non oportet tantum verum dicere, sed etiam causam falsi assignare, that is: A man may not only tell the truth, but he must also show and declare the cause of falsehood and error. As who should say: The truth can never so well appear, as when it is compared to his contrary, which is error, lie, and falsehood. Quia opposita semper juxta se posita, magis elucescunt: Contrary things set one against an other, are always a great deal better known.  
The philosophers of ancient time as it appeareth plainly in Aristotle and Galen, ye and in the holy doctors of the church. In many of their works, had in a manner more ado to confute the false errors, sophistry & cavillations that were then used & imagined as true doctrine, them they had to write the very truth itself. The great mercy of God had never been so well known if the fall & transgression of man had not been. And as S. Paul saith in the .v. chap. to the Romans: Vbiexuberavit peccatum, ibi magis exuberavit gratia, Where sin hath exceeded there grace hath the more exceeded. And Christ in S. Luke the seven. cha. said of Mary Magdaleu: Many sins are forgiven her, because she loved much. Now therefore, before I speak of the abuses & enormities of physic, I will show and declare first, what is the part office and condition of a good Physician. Thus doing I will first allege Hippocratis jusiurandum, that is, the oath that Hipocrates would that every physician should take before he practise any physic. I will not recite the hole chapter, but the chiefest part first in latin, then in english. Caeterum quod ad aegros attinet sanandos, dietan ipsis constituam pro facultate, & iuditio meo commodam, omneque detrimentum et iniuriam ab eis prohibebo. Neque vero ullius preces apud me adeo validae fuerint, ut cuipiam venenum sum propinaturus, neque etiam ad hanc rem consilium dabo. Similiter autem neque musieri talum vulnae subdititium ad corrumpendum conceptum vel foetum dabo▪ Porro praeterea, sancte vitam & artem meam conseruabo. Nec vero calculo laborantes secabo, sed viris chirurgiae operarijs, eius rei faciendaelocum dabo. In quascunque autem domos ingrediar, ob utilitatem aegrotantium intrabo, ab omnique iniuria voluntaria inferenda, & corruption cum alia, tum praesertim operum venereorum abstinebo, sive muliebria, sive virilia, libe rorumue hominum aut servorum cor pora mihi contigerint curanda. Quaecunque vero inter curandum videro aut audivero, imo etiam ad medicandum non adhibitus in communi hominum vita cognovero, ea siquidem efferre non contulerit, tacebo, & tanquam ar cana apud me continebo. The english is this: And as concerning the curing of the sick, I will ordain and devise for them as good a diet as shall lie in my power & judgement. And I will take heed that they fall in no damage nor hurt. Nor yet any man's prayers shall so much prevail with me, that I give poison to any man, neither will I counsel any man so to do. Likewise I will give no manner of medicine to any woman with child to destroy her child. Moreover I will use my life and science godly. I will not cut those that have the stone, but I will commit that thing only to the Surgeons. In what house so ever I shall come in, my coming shallbe for the patients commodity and profit. And I will refrain willingly from doing any hurt or wrong, & from falsehood, & chief from venereous acts, what kind of bodies soever it shall chance me to have in cure: whether it be of men or women, of fire or bond servants. And whatsoever I shall see or hear among my cures (yea although I be not sought nor called to any) whatsoever I shall know among the people, if it be not lawful to be uttered, I shall keep close, and keep it as a secret unto myself: Again▪ the same Hypocrates saith in the boké or chapter called Lex. (To eschew tediousness I will leave the latin) who soever saith, he will truly get him the knowledge of physic, he must satisfy his mind, and as it were be accompanied with these guides, with nature, science, a place meet & convenient for study & learning, an institution from childhood, a labour & painful diligence with a long tune. Item in his book de me dico, he saith: The physician must be of a good colour, and comely countenance, and of a good disposition of the body: he must also be had in estimation among the common people, by comely apparel, and by sweet savours (so that he be not suspected of to much excess) for by such means the pacientes are wont to be delighted.  
In like manner the Physician must see and study, that he be of a modest and sober mind, and not only as concerning modest talk, but also in other things concerning his behaviour, he must be well disposed: for there is nothing that getteth a man better estimation and authority then to be endued with an honest life and good manners. His countenance must be like one that is given to study and sad, and yet not over much, for so he should be taken to be stubborn & scornful, & like one that disdaineth other men's company: but on the contrary, he that hath always a laughing countenance, & is given to too much gesture and mirth: is taken for a lewd person. And therefore this must needs be eschewed. Also he must be just and bear himself upright in all his business and affairs. etc.  
In his book De decenti ornatu he saith: a Physician being a Philosopher is equal in a manner unto god. Item it is decent that the physician be gentle and curteis, for rudeness and churlishness are greatly misliked, as well of the whole as of the sick. He must often visit his patient and be diligent. He may not declare all things to his patient, but some things he must keep close from him, and must comfort him with a lively & merry countenance. And sometimes to withdraw him from his fond desires, he must rebuke him, in resisting with sharp words: and sometimes again he must entreat & comfort him, with a dexterity and gentle persuasion. And yet notwithstanding he may not always tell him of his present state, nor what shall become of him.  
Thus much I have brought out of Hipocrates to testify & declare the office and condition of a Physician. Now some thing will I bring out of Galen, who in his book entitled quod optimus medicus idem e●● et Philosophus, declareth plainly by the very title of the book itself, what learning a Physician ought to have. He saith also in his book de Antidotis, That a Physician if it be possible ought to have the knowledge of all herbs, if not, at the least he ought to know those which be commonly used. Again in the commentaries upon the first book of Hypocrates de morbis vulgaribus: The Physician saith he aught in any wise to have a respect to pro fit and help his pacientes, and if he can not, then at the least wise that he hurt them not.  
Item upon the vi. book de morbis vulgaribus he saith: Albeit that the physician be gentle and curteis, sober & also merry, yet nevertheless he ought not to minish his gravity, for unless the patient have in reverence & estimation his physician as a god, he shall never follow and obey his counsel, it will be therefore very decent that the physician do not so abase himself & flatter, that he bring himself in a contempt: Nor again, as it were an other a Eallianactes, show himself hoggish and rude. And that shall he easily bring to pass, if in his countenance and talk and all his honest behaviour, he retain the gravity of a physician, and so do persuade his patient to follow and keep those things that he appointeth and ordaineth for him.  
But now lest I should be to tedious in alleging many authors: I will come to those of our time, and namely I will bring that man of high learning & famous memory master doctor Silvius, who sometimes was the public reader of physic in the university of Paris, having daily at his Lecture little lack of a M. auditors (or as they call them, scholars) of the which I being one, may plainly testify it to be true The same Silvius saith in his book De ordine legendi libros Galeni e● Hippocratis, that a good Physician must have all these properties.  
first, he must be naturally bend and given to only truth, all the days of his life, he must be circum spect, discrete, and of a good pregnant wit and memory.  
Secondly, he must have a sound and, healthy body, & must be able to abide great pain in studying.  
Thirdly, he must be endued with great richesses, or at least he must have sufficient to live by.  
Fourthly, he must have and get his learning of the best learned men of his time, who diligently, even from his childhood must instruct him with these sciences: grammar, Logic, music, Astronomy, and chiefly (as Plato counseleth) Arithmetic and geometry, and also Philosophy.  
Now to come to my chief Intent & purpose, & (as they are wont to say) to the principal: These things above rehearsed, well weighed & considered: what hope may there be conceived? what foundation & stay may be had? yea what security & safeguard is there in these sort of fellows: which now a days almost in all places so rashly, so fond and so wickedly do abuse the noble art & science of Physic. Where is their great and manifold knowledge of the tongues, of the liberal sciences, of Philosophy, of anatomy, of the simples, of the compound medicines, and of the temperatures or complerions? where have they studied? of whom have they learned their science? (if I may call it a science) what authors have they seen or red. Many standed without logic and natural philosophy. For Aristotle saith Vbi desinit Physicus, ibi incipit me dicus, A man must first peruse natural Philosophy, before he enter into physic.  
I do not deny but to have some books of physic in english specially of the Simples, well and cunningly set forth for Surgeons, Apothecaries, yea and for sober and wise men, that delight to read in such things, and know not the Latin tongue, is not unmeet nor hurtful. Although I would not wish, nor it is not decente, that either Surgeon or Apothecary, or any other man, being no physician should practise or use any inward medicine without the learned and approved physicians counsel. For as the two proverbs sayeth: Falcem ne mitt●● in messem alienam, Etne suitor vltrā crepidam, Let no man meddle with an other man's corn, but with his own. Let the shoemaker meddle with his shoes.  
But to the purpose, do you think to have in your english Books, all the perfect knowledge that is required in Physic? Yea, have you the tenth part only? We could never have it yet in Greek and Latin perfectly (not withstanding we have it no we better than ever we had afore) how then should you have it: If english Books could make men cunning Physicians, than pouchemakers, thresher's plonghmen & cobblers mought be Physicians as well as the best, if they can read.  
Then were it a great folly for us to bestow so much labour and study all our life time in the schools and universities, to break our brains in reading so many authors, to be at the lectures of so many learned men, yea and the greatest folly of all were, to proceed in any degree in the Universities with our great cost & charges, when a sir John lack latin a peddler, a weaver, and oftentimes a presumptuous woman, shall take upon them (yea and are permitted) to minister Medicine to all men, in every place, and at all times. O tempora, O mores, O Deum immortalem, To what purpose have the universities benerected & founded in times passed? To what purpose have they so many goodly privileges granted unto them of all princes successively from all ages? what doth it prevail for us that be learned to proceed (as I said) in any degree of master, of bachelor, or doctor, and so to be allowed and have authority to use our science? when every man, woman, and child that list, may practise and use physic (idque impune) aswell as we? and so, many times not only hinder and defraud us of our lawful stipend & gains: but (which is worst of all and to much to be lamented) shall put many in hazard of their life, yea & be the destruction of many. Is this tolerable? will the magistrates always wink at this? shall there never be no reformation for such abuses? God of his great mercy grant that ones they may be reformed. For if they be not, verily it will greatly discourage men of learning hereafter to apply themselves to the study of physic, whereby the help; succour and safeguard of many a sick man, woman, and child shall be hindered and secluded: yea and many shall fall in danger, and be sick which otherwise mought be preserved from all sickness by the right ministery of physic. For physic is appointed not only to expelle sickness, but also to preserve the body in health.  
But now to the third part I answer: you say that you heal many times by the gift of Nature: I pray you tell me what you mean by nature. Perhaps you understand by Nature; a natural inclination or disposition, given by the influence of stars and planets, (as I do not deny but that we may be the better moved and inclined to any art by their influence) yet is it not a mere gift, but only a disposition, and as it were a dexterity and natural towardness to heal some kind of disease: which thing notwithstanding is oftentimes done more by chance, then by any certain Method or Reason. For verily have you never so good a wit, disposition and inclination to any art: yet if you apply not that art and exercise yourself in it earnestly, and continually, and specially in this science of physic (which can never be well used without great study, & the knowledge of divers other sciences, as I have said afore) your doings shallbe but rash vain, and of small effect. For as the philosopher saith: Scientiae nobis, non innascuntur, sed acquiruntur, The sciences are not infused in us at our birth, but are gotten afterward: And science is thus defined in Logic: Science is an habit, (that is) a ready, prompt and bend disposition to do any thing, confirmed and gotten by long study, exercise and use. Therefore the natural inclination by the influence of the stars can profit but little, unless you apply yourself with great diligence and study to that kind of science or art that you intend to practise and follow.  
But if you understand (by Nature) God: I say plainly, that god doth not give the gift of healing to any wicked people, but only by a special privilege to those only that be of a most pure, sober, and holy life, as we read of the apostles, and some of the Prophets. And as saint Paul saith in the first epistle, the xii chap. to the Corinth. To some is given the gift of healing by the holy ghost. So that to he'll by this manner of means, is not commonly to use herbs, roots, or any other drouges bought at the pothecaries shop, or to take any money or other reward for the healing. For this kind of healing is the mere gift of god working in those (to whom it pleaseth God to give it) without any labour or study. We hear of none now a days that hath this gift of nature (I mean of God) saving only the kings of England, and the French kings, which as the Excellent doctor should be better and more honestly truly and justly used and ministered then it is now in these days.  
And because that I would that every man should see and know, what articles they be that I delivered, I have thought it good to take a copy of them (which notwithstanding I have somewhat altered) and rehearse them here in order.  

Seven Articles concerning the ministration and use of Physic.  

The first.  
It were very meet, expedient & necessary that no physician should practise physic in any diocese, unless he were first allowed by some university: or at the least having sufficient learning in the said science, he were allowed and licenced by the bishop or his chancellor in that diocese wherein he dwelleth.   

The second.  
It were good and necessary that no Surgeon should practise his surgery, unless he could read and write, and had knowledge and experience in the simples belonging to his art. And that he presume not to let blood or undertake any hard cure, without the physicians counsel, if he may conveniently have it.   

The third  
That no apothecary should minister of his own head, or ordain any purgation or other composition of Physic for any man: or that he should prepare and make any purgation or notable confection, without the physicians advise and counsel, unless that the Physician had first seen and viewed the Ingredientes, whereof the compositions are made, and specially the purgations.   

The fourth.  
It is not decent nor profitable for the common weal, that any ignorant lewd or ill suspected person, be he man or woman, should be suffered to make, sell or minister medicines to any body, but that such kind of persons (being duly examined and convyeted by the learned Physicians of the diocese) should have condign punishment appointed them by the Bishop or his chancellor.   

The fifth  
That no Physician do take upon him the name of any degree of School, as bachelor, master of Art, or doctor: or cause and permit any writer or printer so to term him, unless he can approve it to be so in deed by any university.   

The sixth.  
That no midwife should disdain to come ask counsel of the Physician, as often as any woman being in labour of child, is in danger. It were good also that the midwives were first sworn to the bishop, before they take upon them their office.   

The seventh.  
It were also good and expedient that (as the use of London is, granted by an act of Parliament) that the Physicians in every other diocese one or two, or more, should have licence of the bishop, to search and view the pothecaries shop once a year at the least, and see whether their stuff and medicines be good and lawful or not.    
These Articles above rehearsed I thought good here to allege, (although gora, the root of Gentian: for Hęmatites, A methystus: for Semperuiuum minus, the herb called thirst or great Stonecrope, they have taken little Stonecrope in making their Populeum,  
To the purpose, where as the act presupposeth a speculation or practice, they practise at a venture a thing which they know not, whether it be cold or hot, dry, or moist.  
Item, where as the Act giveth them licence to minister drinks for the stone, strangury, & agues: They know not the stone in the back, from the stone in the bladder: neither whether the stone may be wasted and broken by drinks and powders, or had out by incision. Moreover they know no difference between a colic and a stone: for they name them both one, where as they be two sundry diseases. They know not what Stranguria is, nor how many manner of ways it may be engendered in the body. They can scant discern a tertian ague from a quotidian. As for the mixed and complicate agues, they know not what to make of them They call them new diseases, because they can give them no other name.  
Now in good faith, if these jolly fellows had but that knowledge only, which the said act presupposeth them to have: it were not so great a danger, if they some times were permitted to give some medicines for the foresaid diseases. But I pray you, how many of them have that little knowledge? which knowledge is but little in deed in comparison of many other sciences, which be not only profitable, but also necessary to attain the noble science of physic. If the other acts which hath been made for the reformation of Physic, be well scanned & conferred together one with an other, it shall plainly appear, that the afore named act, shall not make so greatly for their purpose, who by ignorance and rashness do use to practise physic at their pleasure.  
Verily I much marvel at one thing that many which be of the higher sort, reputing themselves to be of no small gravity & wisdom will sometimes give credit to such lewd persons, counterfeiting the physicians. In deed I suppose that they be partly deceived by the vain persuasions & fair flattering speech of such fellows. Their communication is so fair, sweet, gentle, pleasant and amiable: and their promise and waranting so earnest and great, that they will go nigh to deceive the wisest man that is, if he have not the more grace, and be very ware of them. And the better to allure the simple people unto them: They will say to him whom they do take in hand: Sir, I will nun of your money no we until you be whole: I will have money only of you for the medicines, which I must occupy for your disease. They will lightly warrant every man to heal him, of what disease soever he hath: And for all diseases they have commonly but two or three sorts of medicines, and yet most commonly they be purgations or vomits.  
They purge so much and so often, that they purge many times as well the soul out of the body, as the money out of the purse.  
Moreover, these fellows will also (to have the more credit given unto them) name themselves after some great learned man's name. Somtunes they fain themselves to be of some strange country, and will counterfeit their language (As I know one in Salisbury) and look to be called by some name of dignity or worship: as Master, gentleman, domine, doctor, and all to deceive the people.  
O I would wish, that every man would take heed, and I beseech God that every man may be ware of such false Physytions, which may be likened to wolves or foxes, clothed outwardly with lambs skins, but inwardly are full of subtlety and deceit. Many perish through the year at their nands, whereby the good science of physic is brought into an obloquy and reproach.  
Many learned doctors of our time have in their works inveighed greatly against these abuses, and have wished some punishment to be established by the Magistrates, unto such as wickedly and without all reason misuse and practise this science.  
Here I could also somewhat touch some of the learned sort, which although they bear themselves never so stout, and appear to men to do all things well: yet nevertheless, they halt sometimes on both sides: They see & know many abuses in the pothecaries shops, and yet they wink at the matter, and are loath to displease the apothecary, who perchance is their friend. But the proverb saith: Amicus Socrates, amicus Plato, Amica tamen magis veritas, The truth ought to take place in all things, and above all things.  
There be also many physicians, that thinketh themselves so profoundly learned, that they believe that no man is able to match with them in learning, they be so arrogant and scornful, that although the patient himself be content to have the coum sail of two or three other physicians, to consult and confer together of his disease: yet they will not willingly grant to it, but rather disdain to confer with any other, the which perchance are sometimes a great deal better learned than they are. They remember not what Hypocrates their master saith, in his book de preceptionibus, who being in Latin translated saith thus: Nec vero indecore se illegeret medicus, quiin rei praesentis augustia circa aegrum aliquem, et imperitia tenebras offundente, alios quoque accersere iusserit, quo ex communi consideratione, res circa aegrum inquirantur ac cognoscantur, & illi cooperatores fiant ad auxilli ferendi facultate. The english is thus: That physician shall not do amiss, nor behave himself uncomely, which being as perplex in the business about his patient, and doubtful for want of perfect knowledge: do cause other physicians to be called, that by common deliberation, and confering one with an other, the pacientes affairs may be duly examined and known, so that they may be as coadjutors (that is to say, helpers one to an other) to provide for some remedy. Some there be also (lest I ween that other men should learn their cunning) that will rather scribble than write a receipt, and will make such dashes and strange abbreviations in their bills, that their writing seemeth rather to be arabic, or like the writings of the Cabalists, than Latin. I fear me that they that writ so, are ashamed of their own occupation, and fear least that if they should write plain, their errors and faults should be espied. He that is a plain man will deal▪ plainly, will speak plainly, and write plainly.  
Some there be also that be so stiff necked & heady in their opinions, that they will be of no man gainsaid in no wise, no and if you bring them never so good a reason, although you allege them never so many authorities.  
But I say, Plus vident duo oculique unus. All the wit of the world lieth not in one man's head. Therefore to confer together upon a matter, it doth oftentimes great good, and no man (be he never so well learned) ought to refuse it, as often as time, place, or any other occasion shall serve.  
Item, some physicians there be, that be so greedy and of so an unsatiable desire, that they care and pass not in what danger they cast themselves in, what shame & damage they sustain, so that they may have many cures, where sometimes one would suffice them well enough and be more perchance than they can well bring to pass. They be so covetous that they would have all, and do all themself, and they have envy many times at other honest men having cures, when they have none. This doing verily they bring themselves in great contempt, and doth as it were abate and blemish the honourable science of physic, which requireth rather to be sought earnestly with great suit, with humility, reverence and praying, then to be offered, and as it were objected undiscreetly to every man, and in every place, like a blind harper's song or a Pedlar's pack. The common proverb saith, that offered service stinketh. And I have hard oftentimes say, that physic unless it be earnestly sought and well paid for, it will never prosper nor work well with the pacientes, I mean not by this but that the Physician must be always liberal and merciful to the poor, on whom his living dependeth not but on the rich Now to conclude and finish this first part, I will leave to entreat any more of physicians, (except as occasion shall serve) and now in the next part following I will speak of pothecaries, & touch somewhat their abuse and negligence. Whosoever will read any more of the tokens and qualities of foolish and blind physicians: Let him read a little book of mine, printed about a dozen years past, which is entitled: A great Galley lately come into England òut of Terranova, laden with physicians, pothecaries & surgeons. etc. made in form of a dialogue.   

The second part entreateth of the ignorance and presumption of certain Apothecaries.  
IT is not unknown to many men, and specially to those that be truly and exactly learned in physic, that there hath been, is now, yea and shall be (if some good order be not taken) great abuses among pothecaries, in handling, keeping, choosing and dressing their drouges and medicines. In so much, that it is suspected of most part of men (and I pray god it be not so in deed) that among all other mechanic arts or occupations, the greatest & most crafty deceit that is, is or may be in pothecaries. Howbeit, I am not ignorant, but that within these few years, some pothecaries, by the help and counsel of good Physicians, have gotten and provided for better stuff & simples to make their compositions, than they were wont to have afore.  
And I believe verily, that if every apothecary would endeavour himself to buy no stuff, but that should be pure and good: there would be a great meany, that would give better credit to physicians and Apothecaries, and have a better hope in them, than they have now a days, and all because they mistrust and suspect so much the Apothecary's stuff and confections. In deed, as covetousness is the root of all evil, so many pothecaries there be, that more for lucre sake and greediness of worldly goods, do prepare their medicines, then for any care that they have, to deal truly with the poor pacientes and silly souls that be in pain. The physician many times shall ordain his counsel, and appoint certain medicines for his patient: which medicines he knoweth certainly shall do him good, being taken and used according to his counsel, yet the same medicines being taken and bought at the pothecaries, and made many times of naughty stuff, or not well prepared, shall not only do little or no good at all, but shall also sometimes put the sick body in hazard of his life, whereby shall no small trouble and shame redound unto the physician, and yet was he not the occasion thereof, nor in any fault at all. Some perchance will allege against the physician, that he may be in the fault, for as much as he ought to have seen the stuff first, whereof the compositions are made, and aught also to have been at the making and preparing of the medicines which he ordaineth.  
In deed it ought to be so, if all things went well, and specially if the apothecary be suspected to have somewhat a large conscience, or that he be of a slender learning and negligent, and passeth not what he doth, so that he may receive money. But you must understand that the physician can not always be present at the making or delivering of such medicines as he hath appointed. For sometimes he hath more pacientes to look to then one, & perchance he may be twenty or forty miles from the poticatie, when he sendeth his bill to him, and therefore can not be present. Many other occasions there be, that letteth the presence of the physician at the making and delivering of medicines.  
But if the apothecary be an honest man, of a good conscience and learned: Or that he hath such a one under him to serve the shop that is of like qualities: It is not then so greatly necessary for the phisytion to be present, so often as he ordaineth his counsel for any patient. For even as a good tree will always bring forth good fruit: So will a good poticarye make and deliver nothing at any time, but that that is lawful and good. But this question (if a man mought be so bold) I would fain ask, how many good apothecaries be there in England? how many do their duties as they ought to do? How many are learned: how many are faithful? and how many are willing and desirous that the physicians should see their drouges, and see the making of their composttions? Many there be, that disdain that the Physicians should be present at the making of their medicines, and who more than the ignorant, covetous & contentious sort of pothecaries. The ignorant thinketh (following their barbarous Nicolans) that their knowledge (which is mere ignorance) far excelleth and surmounteth the knowledge of all Physicians. The covetous are afeard, lest if the physicians should be present they should find a great deal of their stuff to be sophisticate, corrupt and nought.  
There be also an other sort of Poticaties, which be so arrogant and scornful (by reason that they de grown in great richesse God knoweth how) that they disdain the Physician, and have him in no estimation, where as in the ancient time, the pothecaries (as Galene and other witnesseth) were but as servants and ministers unto the Physician. Galen in the commentaries upon the vi book of Hypocrates, de morbis vulgaribus saith thus: The ministers of the physician, are gatherers of herbs, ointment makers, cooks, plaster makers, clyster givers, scarifiers, letters out of blood. etc. but if we (meaning of physicians after that we have learned these things, do also sometimes the like▪ we do no otherwise then even as a master or governor of a ship, which having knowledge in rowing, do row when he list, and get up to the top of the mast, and doth all other things belonging to the mariners art and office. Thus much Galene.  
I need not to allege here the xxxviii. chapter of Ecclesiasticus, where every man is exhorted to honour the physician: how much more than should the apothecary honour and reverence him, which hath chief his ●uyng by means of the physician. I speak not this because I or any physician should seek worldly honour, or vain glory▪ For above all things: Soli Deo fit honour & gloria. yet not withstanding, according to Saint Paul's doctrine, we ought to give honour, to whom honour belongeth. I remember that when I was yet in a manner but a boy in age, studying beyond the sea, after a year or two that I had studied in physic: I would sometimes (for to have the better knowledge in simples) resort to some poticaties' shop or other. But I should no rather come into the shop (specially of learned and honest men) but that immediately, The poticatie would welcome and receive me with all curtessye and humanity▪ and rise from his seat to give me room, and so would entertain me with all gentleness that he mought. This did they to me being then but a scholar▪ what would they do think you to the masters & doctors of physic? What maketh many pothecaries now a days to set so little by the physicians: This is one chief cause: They play the physicians themselves, they give and minister medicines of their own devise (god wot a mad devise) indifferently unto all men: yea and the more ignorant they are, the more bolder they be. For who is so bold as blind? Many of them will not stick to look in waters, & be not ashamed even in the physicians presence, to ordain this or that medicine for any kind of disease: If any physician do gently admonish them of their fault & specially of giving of medicines after their own brain: They will say, that they may as▪ well prescribe medicines, as Physicians sometimes do use to make them. They may play (say they) as well the Physicians, as the physicians play the pothecaries, as though a physician and a apothecary were all one. In deed a physician may be a apothecary, and have a pothecaries shop within himself in his own house or may be a Surgeon, and heal wounds or sores, or let blood himself: Sed none diverso. A Poticatie or Surgeon being only of that art may not be a physician, unless he abuse and falsely exercise against all reason and conscience, (as many do now a days) the science of physic.  
To prove that a physician may make or cause to be made in his own house, any kind of medicines: it may partly appear by the authority of Galene afore alleged, and also by divers other famous authors of our time, and specially by Manardus and Silvius. Manardus in the prologue prefixed to the annotations upon Mesue, hath these words: In time's paste saith he, the physicians themselves prepared the medicines at their own houses, and so kept them ready made, the which as often as need required, according to their discretion and the necessity of the sick, they used. But sins these five hundred years or there about, this kind of business hath been committed, or rather derived from the physicians (not without as I believe the danger of the pacientes) unto certain, which are called spicers, or Apothecaries. etc.  
jacobus Silvius in his book de medicamentorum simplicium delectu, in the beginning, whereas he speaketh of the duty of a apothecary: declareth, that as well Galen as other physicians did oftentimes prepare the medicines themselves. It is lawful then for the physician (if he list) to prepare the medicines for his patient himself: but not lawful for the apothecary, to use or practise physic for any man, of his own head.  
I would wish that the apothecary, as he is desirous of gain, so he would provide for all things necessary for his shop, and chief and first of all, for the chief guide & Instrument, that should rule all the roast, I mean the book of Bernardus Dessennius Cronenburgins, de compositione medicamentorum: The perfectest in my opinion, & most excellent book I believe, that ever was made for pothecaries, Howbeit, because that some physicians useth the compositions of other authors: I would wish also, that the apothecary mought not be without the dispensatories of Valerius Cordus, of Euchsius, or Nicolaus Mirepsus, or the ii books of Silvius, containing the choosing, keeping, and making of medicines commonly used: or Examen tam simplicium q compositorum, Antonij Musae: and not to follow still their blind Nicolaus Praepositus, which is full of errors. It were meet and convenient also, that the Apothecaries had divers fearces to searce their powders in, for some powders would be sea 〈…〉 ed very finely, as they that be diuretic powders, and most part of Electuaries: some more grossye, as the most part of laxatives, except agaric and colocinthiss.  
a pound of sugar, to an ounce of powder. And to say my fancy and opinion: it were good that the physician should determine & appoint in his bill, how much sugar he would have to be put with the powder. For sometimes it layneth that he ordaineth a purgation in losenges: sometimes he useth some bitter powder, or very hot powder, that requireth of sugar more or less: but commonly bitter or very hot powders require more sugar: and pleasant & temperate powders require less: but many pothecaries are very liberal, which spare for no sugar, when they make losenges, because they have more respect to their profit, then to the pacientes health. Again they love to make all things pleasant and sweet, so that sweet money may come in. And it is most commonly seen, that the most part of sick folk abhor sweet things. Wherefore, they should know of the physician (unless he determine it himself in his bill) how much sugar he will have to the ma king of the medicines.  
Now at the last to conclude, because that pothecaries shall know partly what their duty is, I will here recite what Silvius saith in the place afore alleged, of the pothecaries duty. And thus I have translated his preface into english.  
Although that the apothecary be endued with many things, commonly agreeing with the Physician: as with natural discretion, a perfect knowledge of the medicines, a great diligence in all such things as belong to his office, & an honest behaviour: yet nevertheless many things are in a manner peculiarly appropriated unto him, the which sometimes were also proper and belonging unto the physicians, at what time they themselves prepared the medicines, as it appeareth that Galen should have done it, in many places by his writings. Now such things as be proper to the pothecaries are these: The chosinge of medicines gotten by discretion and long experience, afterward the manner to keep them, and to know the time when they are in their power and force, or when they are destitute from all virtue and corrupt. Also, how and in what manner each of them ought to be used, either by itself alone, or else to seethe it, or to bruise or break it with other, or to prepare it after an other sort and manner. It is also convenient and necessary for a apothecary to know his grammar, because he may the better understand the compositions of the ancient writers, and also the daily writings (which commonly they call recepts or bills) of the Physicians. In the which writings, if perhaps they have written any thing more or less than need is, or more unrepentant than the apothecary conjectureth in himself, to be meet & convenient for the patient: he then may gently tell and warn the physician of it.  
Moreover we would that the apothecary knew perfectly the art and science to choose the medicines, to prepare them, and to compound them together. We would also have him to be contented with a mean apparel, to be merry and pleasant in communication after an honest sort, diligent in the pacientes business, to be no covetous, no lascivious, no drunkard nor contentious person: all which things are even in like manner to be observed of the physician as of the apothecary, as Hypocrates testifieth in his book called the office or duty of a physician.  
And if the apothecary be endued with such perfections of spirit, of the body & also of fortune: he will never give any medicine (specially being of any great operation) to any man, unless he be of the counsel of some cunning physician, nay neither will he give any thing, be it of never so little effect, knowing not the virtue of it. For oftentimes certain remedies, although they seem but weak, yet nevertheless through quantity, quality and space of time being unwholesome, or the occasion many times of great diseases, and taketh away the right and true way of curation: In so much that under such remedies, the body being in cure, will soon afterward bear greater & stronger remedies, but not convenient to the purpose. Moreover he shall not commit any crime or fault, either for love or favour, or for hatred or fear: nor he may not be seduced by money or led by ignorance. Neither shall he give at any time any poison, or things procuring abortion, any thing that is to old or out of use, things altered and sophisticate, or any quid pro quo. But he shall ask counsel, (as often as need shall require) of a well learned Physician, what simple or compound medicine is to be substituted and taken, for lack one of the other. Ne shall not augment nor fortify the quantity of any strong medicine, to the intent that by a greater evacuation ensuing, men should suppose him to have better pothecaries stuff then any other.  
Oh I would the Apothecaries of these days would frame themselves to this rule, and the Physicians likewise on their side, physic should not then be so little regarded and set by, as it is now adays: yea by opprobrious words and tantes despised of a great many. Now I beseech the almighty and living God, that ones he would make the Physicians and Apothecaries to be of that desire and mind, that each of them would rather wish to be in deed, then to seem or to be called a right, good, and honest physician, a right good and honest Apothecary.  
And if they do● neglect that goodly gift and grace, I pray God that ones some punishment may be appointed by the kings laws and statutes for them, which will enterprise to practise a science (so healthy to man's body, when it is well ministered, and again so hurtful and daungetous, when it is ignorantly and rashly handled) before they know it. Thus much Silvius. And here I will make an end of Apothecaries, now to the Surgeons. and some there be that can scant let a man blood (which is a handsome and pretty feat, and yet not so hard a thing to be done) nor well apply a ventose called otherwise a cupping glass, unless they put the man to pain and trouble. There be some that esteem themselves so well exercised and perfect in the art, that they think that no cure can come amiss to them: They will enterprise and take in hand all manner of cures, be they never so hard or incurable: for they have fear of nothing, but rashly go to work in all things. They will cut, they will lance, they will canterise (which they call searing with a hot burning iron) they will saw of a leg or an arm of the body, they will use corrosives that shall pierce even unto the hard bones, and they will make an issue almost for every trifle, and for every disease, without considering the circumstances of the whole matter, not weighing the strength, the age, and the complexion of the body, besides many other things that are greatly to be considered in such cases. And possible it is many times that the patient hath need of some inward medicine, which the surgeon can nor may well give without the Physicians counsel  
And in deed it were very meet and necessary, that the Surgeon should undertake no hard or dangerous cure, without the physicians advise. Howbeit as I see now a days, the most part of them do all things, following only their own fantasies.  
They stick not to give Electuaries, syrups, and other medicines themselves, yea and purgations all so: which thing me seemeth is very uncomely. It is not reason that he that should be but as a minister unto the physician (as I alleged before out of Galen, when I entreated of Apothecaries) should use the part of a master and philosopher, and ordain such things as he knoweth nothing the nature of. It is not unknown, that many poor pacientes perisheth under such rash and lewd surgeons.  
But to say the truth, the fault is not so much in them, as in those that give credit unto them. For as the world goeth now a days, if a physician or surgeon hath a faixe tongue, & hath also some what a comely body, and can speak (I will not say flatter) indifferently on every man's side, gratifying each man according to his quality, desire and mind: every man unless he be very wise & circumspect, will lightly give ear and credit unto him, & account him for a discreet and cunning man. Such a one shall lack nothing, he shall be welcome, he shall have much courtesy and pleasure showed him, finally he shall have his whole hearts desire, (that is money enough) For such fellows by their subtlety and fair tongue, will allure more people unto them, & get themselves more treasure in one quarter of a year, then shall an honest and good physician in the space of three years, and all by their fleringe face & flattering words.  
I would to god that all men would beware of such fellows, & remember the proverb that saith: Dulci sub melle saepe venena ●atent. Under sweet meats is many times a poison hid. And as Virgil saith: Hinc procul o pueri fugite, later anguis in herba, Take heed and flee far hence O children, for the snake lieth privily hid under the grass.  
It is written in the ancient authors of Physic, that in the old time, the physicians were wont to exercise surgery themselves. Howe beit it hath been now of a long time, that the Surgeons do only exercise this part of physic for many considerations, and chiefly for this occasion, as Hypocrates saith Vita brevis, are vero longa The life of man is short in comparison of the science of Physic which is long. Therefore because the Physicians can not well give them selves to study divers other sciences: which be necessary to physic and make medicines, and use also surgery, and go & visit their pacientes: It hath been thought good that other men called Surgeons (and yet having sufficient knowledge) should have the office and ministery to use and apply outward medicines, and not to enterprise and use all medicines for all diseases both outward and inward, as some doth, for in so doing they go beyond their bonds.  
Surgery although it be a manuel arte, yet it hath his speculation, which can not be had without reading of divers authors, and specially Hypocrates, Galen, Aetius, Paulus Aegineta, and of the latter writers, Tagaultius, Hollerius, Bologuinus and others. As for johannes de Vigo, whom the Surgeons of our days do now most follow, I would not that they should so greatly trust him, because that he is not to be followed & read without great discretion & judgement, for the obscurity & doubts, yea and errors that be in him. He bringeth in many things in his book, which belongeth rather to the physician to know & practise, then to the Surgeon: as Electuaries, potions, purgations & many other inward medicines. If the Surgeon have knowledge in Physic, I mean that he know the complerions, the nature of simples, and the effect & operation of compositions: he may use them, else not. For if he do, he shall do as the blind man shooteth at the hare, he shall work at all adventures, and many times with the danger of his patient.  
I much marvel, why the surgeon should disdain to come ask counsel of the Physician, when he hath any hard or doubtful cure, it can be no hindrance to him, and to say the truth, it is no great profit to the physician, unless it be for some rich man. The good physician will use the poor as the poor: and the rich partly for his money as well as for his love and friendship. For the physician must have his living by some kind of persons. And not only the physician, but also the apothecary and Surgeon should deal charitably with the poor, & use every man according to his capacity. But this I have spoken, Velut obiter, as by the way: Now to the purpose.  
Many perchance will say ply any thing to the swelling, without considering whether the body must be let blood or not? whether the swelling or phlegmon be yet in fluxu, that is a breeding: or in statu, that is in the worst case that it can be: or in the declination? whether or when he ought to use repercussives, resolutions, or both together? The general rule of Physic saith, that in the beginning of all inflammations, we should use repercussives, that is medicines to repel and drive back the fluxion of humours: But I put the case that the swelling be in the Emunctories, or that one hath the pestilence: The surgeon perhaps following the general rule, will lay a plaster to repel the said inflammation or swelling. Doth he well think you? he doth so well that either he putteth the patient in great jeopardy, or else he killeth him quite.  
Wherefore the surgeon must think that a great many things must be considered more them one, as often as he undertaketh any cure of weight And must think it no shame nor reproach, to counsel with a Physician in such matters. For verily I say (to conclude in few words) that no man, be he surgeon or apothecary, shall never work well without a true method and learning. For look what thing so ever he taketh in hand, what cure so ever he hath: he being destitute of learning, shall never bring it well to pass, without the aid, help and counsel of the learned Physician: for if he chance to do any notable cure, it shall be peradventure more by hap hazard, then by procurement and diligence. Here I could bring in many other abuses of surgery: as how some pretend and exercise physic (to their shame, deceiving the people) under the cloak of Surgery: some drive of and linger out the time, to have the more money. Some be so presumptuous, that will warrant every patient: when oftentimes many by their negligence (and for lack of a good diet, or some other good medicines which should be appointed by the physician) die upon their hands. Some when they have done all that they can, & see that their patient begin to go to wrack, them immediately with all speed, they will run to the physician with their pacientes water, and then to ask counsel when it is to late: and all because they will shake of the burdeyne from their own shoulders, to cast it upon the Physicians neck, and to put all the fault in him, if any thing chance otherwise then well: that so they may be clean discharged and unburdened from all manner of blame and reproach. Some from town to town, from market to market, to utter their trumpery (their ware I would have said) and to show their cunning among the homely and simple people of the country.  
But all these wily and deceitful fashions are not yet thoroughly known, nor can never well be, until such time as a reformation be made by some law or statute, which I pray God to grant shortly, to his glory, & the Queen's majesties honour, & the profit of we her subjects & common weal.  
Amen.    

To both the Universities, Oxford and Cambridge, a Peroration.  

THus much I had (right worshipful) to say,  
And to declare most plainly to you all:  
The great abuse committed every day  
In this our art, which physic men do call.  
The chiefest points I have in general  
But only touched in this my little book:  
He may know all the matter in special,  
Who so to it more narrowly will look.   

I marvel much and sore lament to see,  
That such abuse hath been suffered so long:  
And is now yet, (it will none other be.)  
You and we have (me thinks) great wrong:  
Therefore ye should no more the time prolong,  
But seek some means the learned to defend,  
With privileges, that to you do belong.  
And thus doing, you shall no man offend.   

I ever had, and have yet at this hour,  
A great despre, both in my heart and mind:  
That every good physician to his power  
Do all things well: so worship shall he find.  
But now there are physicians so unkind,  
To God and man, that they pass not a straw.  
Which of both ends go before or behind,  
They are so void of truth and fear of law.   

This sort will now inveigh with force & might,  
Strait against me, and this poor silly book,  
(Wherefore I pray, defend me and the right)  
They will lay wait for me, and always look  
What time the● may destroy me with their hook  
I mean their tongue so venomous and sharp:  
But by god's grace & your help I shall broke  
That well enough: and not come in their trap.   
Mollibus haec non est, sed duris dura Securis, Dura secat, damnum mollia nulla ferunt.  
FINIS.   

LONDINI, In aedibus Thomae Marshi.  
1566.