Imprimatur  
February 27. 1667/ 8. ROGER L'ESTRANGE.   

Medicus Absolutus, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
The Complete Physician, Qualified and Dignified.  
The Rise and Progress of PHYSIC, Historically, Chronologically, and Philosophically Illustrated.  
Physicians of different Sects and Judgements, charactered and distinguished.  
The Abuse of Medicines; Imposture of Empirics, and illegal Practisers detected.  
Cautioning the diseased, in the use of Medicines; and informing them in the Choice of a good Physician  
By EVERARD MAYNWARING Doctor in Physic.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hypoc. 
LONDON, Printed for the Booksellers, 1668.   

Clarissimis D. Dom. DOCTORIBUS 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Scientissimis nec non in Arte Medica Nobilissima Eximiis Professoribus, omnibus Hermeticam, Hypocraticam, Helmontianam Doctrinam Candide Profitentibus ET Subtilissime dijudicantibus SALUIEM.  
NE cui vestrum sit mirum (viri perquam eruditi, summeque colendi) quod vos, quam-plurimis & gravioribus sollicitos negotiis, hisce meis interpellem. Meis dixi imo vestris: excusatum me proin habebitis; omnium quippe familiae Esculapideae res medica magni refert. Quod cum ita sit, rem totam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 concinnare & vestrae censurae subjicere decreverim: & ut specimen insequentis operis ante omnes quoscunque habeatis; officium meum duxi, hanc ichnographiam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 delineatam primo vobis offerre.  
De artis nostrae dignitate & utilitate vobis dicere, prorsus supervacaneum esse autumo, cum vis ejus admirabilis apud neminem vestri lateat; & major est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 excellentia, quam ut calamus meus sit ejus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, proinde haec Sicco (quod aiunt) pede praetereo. Verumenimvero de medicinae scelerato abusu & insignium medicorum contemptu indigno (quae doleo) dicturus sum vobis. Nil est in rerum natura tam excellens & laudabile, nil tam utile & necessarium, quod non abusu in contemptum & hominum perniciem abeat: & ita revera prae se gerit praesentis saeculi conditio, quod omnes infimae plebis homunciones paritatem cum medicis saltem jactant; & cuique se medicum profitenti statim credatur: praestigias proin horum pseudo-medicorum & imposturas, quibus credulum vulgus quotidie inescant, patescere operae-praetium duxi; magnum ut populus sciat discrimen doctum indoctumque interesse medicum. Porro autem, Empericos, Agrammatos & id genus medicastrorum, quod attinet; qui legem Hypocraticam violare & in nobilissimam hanc artem, inique irrepere non sint veriti; qui morbos judicandi juxta artis praecepta, scientiam non sint adepti, at titulum & personam medici sibi vendicant: homines istiusmodi audaces ab exercitio medico proscribere aequissimum autumo; eo quod medicina non uti sed abuti tantum norint, & temerario ausu indies experimenta per mortes agant; ut cum Langio medico illo celeberrimo dicere ausim; plures Empericorum temeritate, quam morbo aut hostis gladio interimi.  
Antiquorum ichnobatos quod spectat, quorum servilia ingenia auctoritati nimis addicta, omnia Scholae Galenicae Dogmata superstitiose colunt; nemo aegre ferat, cum redarguantur, nec odio me habeant reprehensorem, seipsos autem seductos ac errorum reos incusent; proin & à veritate, non à scriptore castigari putent: quandoquidem nihil per invidiam, aut aemulationem, nec ad aucupandum gloriam dixi; sed veritatis Zelo, Medicinae Chymiatricae & Chymiatrorum amore plenus; hostium eorum studia & traditiones Sine Theta praeterire non potui.  
Chymiatrum, solertissimum illum naturae Arcana scrutatorem quod attinet; qui medendi artem instaurat & ornat, in tantum ut Medici Absoluti titulum prae reliquis omnibus solum mereatur: non opus est hujus gloriosi Laudes prolixius Celebrare, cum opera suae famae perennis per totum terrarum orbem monumenta erexerunt.  
De Medici Officio in Pharmacia non nimium severe, nec praeter Dignitatem ejus, Statui; ut quisque scilicet more Majorum, praeparationis Medicamentorum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: accurate sit peritus, pariter ac 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pharmacopoeius valde diligens & expertus; quum in hoc praecipue, tum aegrotantis vita, tum medentis fama maxime consistat. Postremo, de Chymici apparatus praestantia & necessitate in arte medendi, pauca dixi; ut Chymiae commodum & excellentia nulli non in majus innotescant.  
Labores hosce meos qualescunque judicio eruditorum subjicio: cum omnibus autem placere & ad cujusvis gustum calamum temperare, nemini hactenus acciderit, sed diversa de suis laboribus quisque expertus fuerit judicia; eorum vero quamplurimis, saltem egregiis medicisque absolutis hoc opus non ingratum fore valde spero: in quantum non meam, at enim causam medicinae, imo vestram egi. Si quis verum alius farinae, fastuoso supercilio ex alto despiciens, qui nil nisi sua sapiat, haec parvi fecerit; vel privato quodam odio & invidiae stimulis actus, de Scriptoris fama inique detraxerit: id non multum curabo, nec me hilum commovebunt Zoilorum sibila & morsus; quippe quod hoc genus hominum conviciis tantum quae in fumum abeunt, non argumentis pugnare; & miso-Chymicos mihi nihil obesse in acutislimorum Philosophorum & illustrium Medicorum favore compertum est; nec de jure meo detrahere posse, sat scio.  
Haec sunt (viri eruditissimi, Jatro-Chymici experientissimi) quae sub examinis incudem (coram vobis) revocanda digna judicavi: vos literarum & inclitae medicinae proceres; vos aequi aestimatores Scientissimos, hac boni consulere spero: conatibusque nostris in medicine, medicorum, nec non aegrorum gratiam susceptis aspirare rogo, caeteros non moror.  
Vestri observantissimus. EVERARDUS MAYNWARING. Dat. Londini exaedibus meis, 8ᵒ Cal. Martij. 1667/8.   

TO THE Judicious Reader.  
OF all Arts, 
Hypoc.  says Hypocrates, Physic is the most Noble: but by the ignorance of some that profess the Exercise thereof, and people rashly judging them to be Physicians; it may be thought more inferior than the rest.  
The abuse of this excellent Art being grown so common; the learned and worthy Professors not so highly esteemed as heretofore, and as they ought, gives me just occasion to examine into the matter, how this should arise, and to vindicate both from Calumny and disrepute, in demonstrating and discovering to you who is the Physician quem creavit altissimus, and who they are that scandalise this ancient renowned Science, and bring disrepute upon the true legitimate professors thereof. Sunt enim Medici nomine multi, re vero perpauci.  
In these later times more than ever, practisers in Physic are multiplied; and if they were men qualified and legally inducted, it were well: but to find Mechanics and illiterate persons of all sorts, arrogantly ignorant, and impudently personating the Physician; audaciously assuming and usurping the Doctoral Title, cozening the Sick by a counterfeit Authority; proh facinus! that I cannot say whether is more mad, the people that countenance and applaud them; or these Medicasters' that delude the people.  
And since Physicians are not of one species, but different in principles and practice; pretenders also to this worthy Profession, and abusers of it, very numerous and of a different extraction I think it worth my labour to give you some brief account and Character of each; and worth your observation to know aright, and discern the one from the other.  
If the axiom be true, that opposita juxta se posita magis elucescunt; then I have not unnecessarily brought these different persons upon the Stage together, but that they may more eminently be distinguished and adjudged, which is my present purpose and design.  
Here are both learned and illiterate: the worthy legitimate Professors; and a spurious Brood of ignorant Medicasters': here are Filii Artis, and here are Magistri Fraudis; Sons of Art and Masters of Craft: here are Chemical Artists, and here are Vulcan's in Physic, they differ in their worth, so are they distinguished by their Habit: some wear the Gown, and dignified with a distinguishing Title, which Authority hath conferred on their merits; others wear a Cloak for their Knavery, and a Title of their own creation and usurpation.  
This Manual is a Touchstone whereby you may know the true Physician from the Counterfeit; to distinguish him that hath been educated from his Youth, in learning Tongues, Arts and Sciences, to fit and qualify him for this weighty Employment; from him that hath been trained up in Manufacture, Buying and Selling, or a lose idle life, no way conducing or fitting him for this grand Business.  
I have not said any thing here upon the score of Emulation or Envy to the persons of any party herein mentioned; but am a Monitor for the good and welfare of this Noble Art, and the Legitimate Professors of it.  
I honour all that wear the Gown in this Faculty, and have a tender regard to their Reputations, and wish they were all Medici Absoluti. I meddle not with men but Opinions and Abuses in the practice of Physic; I aim not to blast men, but to reform Errors; and to restore the ancient renown and dignity of this Science and the Learned Professors thereof, to that venerable respect and due acceptation in the world.  
Notwithstanding I know I shall displease many, and contract Envy by this Work, ut ut sit, jacta est alea; I shall venture that and do expect it; Veritas odium parit. But I am not discouraged in this Undertaking, Causam Medicine ago; nor will I spare the opinions or practices of men, that tend to the prejudice and  of this most excellent Art, and the Reverend Learned Professors thereof, that in this later Age are industrious discoverers of Truth and Errors, by Pyrotecknical Experiments and Trials; and are a Credit and Ornament to the Profession, by their expertness in Pharmacy.  
I have impartially given every one their due; and set forth each Party by their proper distinct Characters: let the world now judge who are Medici Absoluti Complete Physicians qualified and fitted for this great Undertaking, founded upon right Principles, laborious Searchers into the Secrets of Nature, reaching forward to advance and approve the excellency of Physic, and who they are that make no Proficiency or Progress, by a sedulous disquisition of their own; but in a sluggish acquiescencie and erroneous satisfaction, live upon the Labours of their Predecessors and Patrons, set down here as a Ne plus ultra.  
You may see by this Perspective who are graduated and dignified by Authority in this Faculty, legitimated and approved, that are to be accounted Physicians; men set apart from their Youth, designed for, and educated in all necessary Learning, to accomplish and fit them for this grand Employment: and who are the rude Invaders of this worthy Profession, fallaciously usurping the Doctoral Title, to the dishonour of our Vniversitys; illegal and illiterate Practisers, that defame this profound Science, and abuse the Bodies and Purses of those that unhappily fall into their hands.  
I have impartially and plainly in this following Work, distinguished each Party legitimately concerned in the Practice of Physic; and also such as illegally pretend thereto; that every one may be accounted and esteemed, according to their Merit: that one may not unjustly live upon the Credit of another, by counterfeit Qualifications, Appellations and Titles; but these Vizards being taken off, they may appear to be what and who they are 〈◊〉 and being thus made known to the World, they may have that acceptance and repute as their worth or demerit shall justly challenge.  
E. MAYNWARINGE. LONDON, From my House in Clerkenwell Close. Febr. 26. 1667/ 8.   

The CONTENTS.  

Tract. I. The Antiquity and Dignity of Physic.  
Tract II. The Rise and Progress of Physic.  
Tract III. The Sects and different Judgements of Physicians.  
Tract IU. The several Sorts of Chemists.  
Tract V The Chemical Empiric.  
Tract VI The Practising Apothecary.  
Tract VII. The Rigid Galenist.  
Tract VIII. The Galeno-Chymist.  
Tract IX. Medicus Absolutus; the Complete Chemical Physician.  
Tract X. Whether a Physician ought to make his own Medicines.  
Tract XI. The Excellency of Chemical Preparations; compared with Galenick Medicines.  
Tract XII. The Virtues of Catholic, Specific and Appropriate Medicines examined; and compared with each other, in their Efficacy, Safety and Certainty of Operation.    


TRACT I. THE Antiquity and Dignity OF PHYSIC.  
COncerning the time when Physic first began to be in use and practice, and who it was that first exercised this Art, is not so clearly determined by ancient Writers, who varying in their Opinions, I shall not positively assert the time when first it began, not the person using it; but this we may believe upon good grounds, that Physic was in use soon after the Creation. Medicine God created for the use of man, as Sacred Writ does testify. Altissimus creavit medicinam de terra, 
Eccles. 38.  & vir prudens non abhorrebit illam. And having so great an Author to appoint it we need not doubt, nay, who dare question the excellency of it. Artis medicae Seminaria Divina sunt & Deum ipsum autorem habent, 
Noct. Med.  says Freitagius.  
Whether Adam used. Medicine is not recorded, but that he knew the nature of all the Creatures, and therein the medicinal virtues of all things is most probable to believe, being comprehended in the perfection of his nature and exquisite knowledge; and since that Medicine was created for man's infirmities to which he was subject after the fall; we may conclude upon very good reason, that the use of Medicine was not long after, it being made known unto Adam for the relief of mankind in his infirmities, to which he was subject by his lapsed nature: and that it was in use and esteem amongst the Patriarches, the knowledge of which being propagated and delivered from Adam to his posterity: from whence some are persuaded, that Physicians were not in being before the Sick; nor the Sick before Physicians, but both Coaetaneous, had their being in the world together, having so necessary a relation and dependence one upon the other.  
Joseph when he came to be great and made Ruler over the Land of Egypt, he had his domestic Physicians: and when Jacob died, Joseph commanded his Physicians to embalm his Father, and they did so, as you may see it recorded in the 50 Chapter of Genesis. And in all ages since in the most knowing parts of the world, it hath been the Custom with Emperors, Kings and Princes, to have Physicians attending their persons, living honourably in the favour of their great Masters, respected in their Courts, and increasing in wealth.  
That Medicine and Physicians have been in esteem, and accounted a Blessing to a People, Sacred Scripture does sufficiently inform you in several places: the Prophet Ezekiel commending and setting forth the Holy Land, reckons up the Commodities of certain Trees, the Fruit whereof was appointed for Food, and the Leaves for Medicine, Ezekiel Chap. 47. so that Physic is a great Blessing, and to be accounted a necessary provision for a Country as well as food: and Physicians have been accounted so necessary, that the People had these in great esteem in all ages, as sacred and profane History do testify.  
Nay, you will find a Precept for it, and that you are commanded so to do: honour the Physician with the honour due unto him, Eccles. 38. so the Chapter gins, and verse the 12. Then give place to the Physician for the Lord hath created him: Let him not go from thee, for thou hast need of him. Profane History abundantly furnisheth us with relations and examples of the Preferments, Privileges, vast Rewards, Riches, Fame and Honourable esteem of Physicians, but I shall pass that by now.  
The study of Physic hath been of such esteem, and so worthily accounted, that Kings and Princes have delighted in it, and have been diligent searchers after Medicines, as credible Authors do testify, and some of their own works do manifest the same, recorded and preserved both for use, and patterns to imitate, for the following ages.  
King Solomon that wise and wealthy Monarch, was most excellent in the knowledge of Physic, knowing the nature of all Plants from the Cedar to the Hyssop, nor was his knowledge bounded here; but also he knew the nature of all Birds, Beasts, and Fishes, and was the greatest Philosopher after Adam: and had not the works of Solomon unhappily been burnt in Jerusalem by Nabusaradan, as Historians report, but preserved for the use of succeeding generations, our labours now had been less, and our success greater and more frequent. By such Casualties as these, mortality of famous men, and the loss of their works, all Arts and Learning have had their rise & settings; sometimes shining bright and perspicuous; in the following age under a Cloud perhaps.  
The ingeny and indefatigable labours of some industrious men promote and advance all Sciences and Arts, set up the Lights and Torches of Learning: but by the sloth and negligence of the following generations; or by ruin and depopulation of countries', these Lights are extinguished, and the darkness of Eror, Ignorance and Barbarism overspread a Land. Physic or the knowledge of Medicine, hath had its various fate in the world, as other parts of Learning have had the like; sometimes illustrious and splendid; the professors thereof sometimes men of great Worth and Learning, redeeming it out of the hands of Ignorance and Decay, and some again of mean parts, empyrical and not industrious, lessening its Worth and Value: and this I shall more properly observe in the following Chapter, noting the progress of Physic, in several ages to its present state in our own days.   

TRACT. II. The Rise and Progress of Physic.  
THE beginning and increase of the Art of Physic Rodericus à Castro sets forth thus: Concepit medicinam necessitas, solertia peperit, aluit ratio, promovit usus, 
Lib. de off, med. polit.  longaque demum experientia consummavit atque absolutum perfecit: Necessity conceived Physic, Ingenuity brought it forth, Reason nourished it, Use promoted it, & long Experience hath perfected it. But this rhetorical account he crosseth in another place, and ascribeth the Invention of Physic to God himself, having showed unto Adam the medicinal virtues of all things, that he might declare it to his posterity: Omnium Creatorem Deum Optimum Maximum plantarum & caeterarum rerum omnium facultates Adae primo Proto-plasto indicasse, 
Lib. 2. Cap. 6.  eique illarum cognitionem infudisse arbitramur.  
The excellency and necessity of Physic is such, that the original knowledge of it is not to be imputed to Chance, Invention, or Casual Experiments upon necessitous occasions or otherwise, though the improvement and progress of Physic hath been much of it acquired upon this score, and is daily increased after this manner; but the rise of it is à diviniore principio, which Hypocrates could acknowledge and does witness. Primi inventores judicaverunt artem dignam, 
Lib. de veter. medicie.  quae Deo adscriberetur, quemadmodum etiam est receptum.  
But how the Art of Healing was taught and received at first, by what Rules or Method of learning, how propagated and the primitive knowledge of it continued to their Successors, does not appear upon any Record that I can meet with: but this we may probably believe they were not so expert in using those ways and means to preserve the traditional knowledge from their Ancestors (as we in our days and the later times, whereby Learning does accumulate and increase by Revising and daily Additions from industrious men) that therefore much knowledge did perish with the persons dying in those days; so that this excellent Art was long kept in its jufancy, had many beginnings and first inventions whose general same was not spread in the world for many hundred years, until the time of Aesculapius (an. mundi 2242) the Son of Apollo, who first settled this Art, and modelled it by Precepts, which he delivered to his Sons Podalirius and Machaon: and in this I find most Writers consenting, that Aesculapius first gave the Art of Physic a great repute, and himself became famous thereby.  
Physic at first was a stranger in the world and few that understood the excellency of it; but spreading by time, and growing into knowledge, it was much admired and the practisers thereof adored: when the excellent worth and efficacy of it was discovered, all were willing to advance and set it forward; the professors thereof highly reverenced and rewarded with large stipends from Monarches and Republics, and had Statues erected for them in honour of their memory after their death. Emperors, Kings and Princes in those days were not wanting to promote the excellent knowledge of Physic, by their own study and exemplary industry; and some Medicines of their invention were called by their own names which stand now upon Record in Authors of good Credit for these many hundred years; amongst whom were Gentius King of Illyricum, Attalus King of Pergamus, Mithridates' King of Pontus, Dionysius, Constantine the fourth, Hadrian, Roman Emperors; Lysimachus King of Macedonia, Avicen è stirpe regia, who wrote in Arabic some Volumes of Physic; Evax an Arabian King. In such places, before there was any certain knowledge of Physic, the medicinal virtues of many things were found out by chance; and by observation of the brute Creatures, who by a natural instinct do avoid those things that are noxious to them, and follow the use of what is beneficial to their natures; and when Diseases and Accidents happen to them, they repair to what is helpful, and use it by natural inclination and instinct, to preserve themselves. The Heathens found out many Remedies by Divination and Sooth-saying, and invocation of Devils: and Strabo reports that among the Indians there was a Law, 
Stia●. 1.15.  that if any person had committed a Crime, and did not find out some medicinal Remedy, he was put to death; but if he did find out some such Experiment, he was rewarded and advanced by their Kings. But chief the Egyptians were eager in seeking after Physical Experiments, and improving their Skill in Medicines; and as Herodotus relates, they brought out their diseased and infirm people into the streets and public places to inquire of those that passed by concerning the nature of their Disease, and the Remedies that might be good for them: and by what means any one was recovered, it was recorded by their Priests, and reposited in their sacred places to preserve the memory of it. In like manner the Grecian Priests did keep their Physical Observations in the secret places of the Temples at Pergamus dedicated to Apollo and Aesculapius: and the Priests did communicate those Secrets to the Sick, who did receive them with great confidence, as coming from the Oracle of Aesculapius, as Galen reports. And Sabinus tells us that the Assyrians did expose their Sick in public places to passengers, that they might be informed of Remedies against their Infirmities; and this Custom was frequent also in other countries', 
Strabo lib. 16.  as Strabo notes.  
It was also a Custom in ancient times for Physicians to make Experiments upon condemned Malefactors, to try some Medicines that were dubious or dangerous, for their better information and knowledge; and the Magistrate was willing to permit it, for the good of mankind, to promote the Physicians Skill, being so necessary and useful continually. The Custom doubtless was very laudable, and we have reason to believe this Art hath gained by it, and honest men's lives less hazarded; those Experiments being recorded and brought under Rule, for the use and satisfaction of posterity, to guide us more certainly in Practice: and if that Custom were continued amongst us, Physicians might receive much advantage by it and satisfaction in doubtful Cases, of which otherwise he cannot so well be resolved, but with some hazard to his Patient, and his own Reputation.  
After Aesculapius expired, in process of time Physic began to decline and lose its repute it had formerly, by the negligence of the succeeding Professors, and by the injury and ruin of time, which swallows up the transient glory of all sublunary things.  
But Hypocrates of Cous coming into the world redeemed this Art out of Ignorance and Sloth (an. mundi 3538. according to the Computation of some) by whose excellent parts and great industry, Physic was restored again, cultivated and enlarged. This famous professor was descended from Aesculapius as some affirm; and that the knowledge of Physic was accounted so sacred that it might not be revealed and made common, but only to the Offspring of Aesculapius: as Lacuna saith, Caeutum enim erat in illa Aesculapiorum familia, nè quis rationem & industriam medendi, possessionem planè divinam à Deo ipsis tantum concessam cuiquam communicaret, qui non esse● ex eodem genere ortus. And therefore in those days, they called such as were skilful in Physic 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Sons of Physicians. 
Freitag. noct. mid. Prolegom.  And Freitagius seems to consent with this Report: Tradunt (says he) Aesculapium tantum in suos posteros medicinae rationalis Cognitionem propagasse usque ad Hypocratem, qui & ipsus ex Aesculapiorum familia fuit. They report that Aesculapius only propagated the knowledge of Physic to his own kindred even to Hypocrates, who also was of the Lineage of Aesculapius.  
Hypocrates lived in great esteem and renown, was styled Princeps Medicorum, Hypocrates divinus, Senex venerandus, and Artaxerxes King of Persia, hearing of the fame of Hypocrates, invites him to come to him, and writes to the Governor of the Hellespont thus: Hypocratis Medici Choi ab Aesculapio originem ducentis, gloria artis etiam ad me pervenit: dato igitur ipsi auri quantum voluerit & reliqua abundè quibus opus habet, & ipsum ad nos mittito; nam optimatibus Persarum aequalis erit. Hypocrates Physician of Cous proceeding from Aesculapius the glory of his Art hath come unto me; therefore give unto him as much Gold as he will have, and abundantly what ever else he hath occasion for, and send him to us; for he shall be equal with the Nobles of Persia.  
But notwithstanding this great invitation (says my Author) Hypocrates refused to go, 
Freitag.  saying, The King of Persia does not know, that Knowledge is better than Gold; and afterwards at his own Charge he sails to Abdera to visit Democritus the Philosopher; who lay sick there. Many examples there are in History of the ample Rewards, (many thousands of pounds) large stipends, honours & privileges given to Physicians for Cures, by Emperors, Kings & Princes, so greatly valued was their skill, as Pliny, Herodotus, Philippus Commineas, and others relate; so highly hath this Art been esteemed, and the professors thereof worthily treated. But I must wave the relation of particulars at this time for brevity sake.  
After Hypocrates, next flourished Diocles Caristius, Praxagorus, Chrysippus; and after them Herophilus and Erasistratus: about this time Physic began to be divided into three parts, in Diaeteticam, Pharmaceuticam & Chirurgicam; Diet, Medicines and Chirurgery: thus by degrees the Medicinal Art increased, and spread in the world; also different Sects and Judgements, amongst the professors did arise, concerning which we will inquire in the following Chapter.   

TRACT. III. Of the Sects, and differents Judgements of Physicians.  
THE several forts of Physicians, and Pactisers of Physic, may be reduced to these three heads; Empirics, Methodists, and Rational: which last may be divided into two sorts, Dogmatists or Galenists, and Chemists.  
The Empyrical Sect were of opinion that nothing was required to the knowledge of Physic but Experience: 
Emperical Sect.  now Experience may be said to be of three Ways, or of three Kind's: the first is accidental; when any thing happens by Chance, that you did not expect: the second Experience is Ex proposito, when one does purposely and designedly make a trial: the third is Experientia imitatrix; when a Physician useth or rejecteth those things, which in the like cases he has found to do good or hurt, and this is that Experience chief meant, which constituteth that Emperical Art, upon which bottom this Emperical Sect was founded and denominated.  
Those men judged Reason useless in their practice, and trusted wholly to Experience; and therefore did not trouble themselves about examining of Causes, and searching into the abstruse nature of Diseases and Bodies: but herein differ the Empirics of ancient times, and these in our days; for they profess and own nothing but Experience to be their Guide and Master, and herein they were ingenious: but our Empirics pretend not only Experience, but great Knowledge, when they are very ignorant in Philosophy and the Tongues: now the ancient Empirics, and the modern, neither make inspection into the Disease itself or the Cause, by a rational discourse and investigation (being unable so to do) but altogether fix their eyes upon the Phaenomena, the external and sensible appearances, the syndrome and concurrence of Symptoms, which historically they have noted in the like Cases, and therefore do give the same Remedies.  
This Sect in ancient times, flourished chief amongst the Egyptians, & as Herodotus reports, every Disease almost had a particular Physician, some were for the Eyes, others for the Teeth, some for the Feet, others for the Hand; and so each of them applied themselves to the Cure of some particular part of the Body. Men of note of this Sect were Serapio, Philinus, Apollonius, Glaucius, Heraclitus, Tarentinus, Menodotus, etc.  
But in process of time finding their blind Experiments to deceive them, which they wholly relied on, they began to establish themselves upon a better foundation and did inquire into Causes, and the nature of things.  
Themison Laodicaeus introduced and was Author of that Sect called the Methodists; 
Methodists.  who held that the knowledge of Causes did not conduce to the Cure; nor had they any consideration of the Sick, in respect of Temperament, Age, Custom, Sex, strength of the Patient, time of the Year, Region, or any thing else which a good Physician ought to have, but only looked upon the Disease in facto esse, as it appeared by the Dianosticks, and from thence only they took their indication for Cure.  
They made their Art very compendious and short, and asserted against Hypocrates who pronounced Vitam brevem & artem longam, 
Aphor.  that the Art of Physic was neither long not hard; and Thessalus would vainly boast and promise to teach it in six months, without the assistance of any other learning. They reduced all Diseases under these two Heads, Astriction, and Laxity: for which two general Medicines they appointed, an Astringent for Laxity; and a Laxative for Astriction; and one of these was used in all Cases: of this Sect was Saranus, Antipater, Thessalus, Trallianus and others.  
The vanity of whose Art was such, that I need not use any Argument to refute their Opinions.  
I come now to the Rational Physicians, 
Rational Physicians.  who are the considerable Party, that deserve to be insisted upon and rightly understood: they were styled Rational Physicians, because by a strict ratiotination they did search into the Causes of all things; and were not contented to trust Experience only for their Rule and Guide (as the Emperical Sect) but did join Reason with Experience, to confirm and ascertain the truth of what they did believe: they took Cognisance of the whole frame of Nature, and dived into the Secrets thereof; they brought under examination the natural action and proprieties of all things; they considered accuratly the Frame of Man's Body, in its natural and preternatural state; what was conducing to preserve him in health, and what would free him from sickness: they took an account of all the preternatural affects, that humane bodies were incident to; how procured, how differenced and discerned, and how to be remedied: and this they did establish by Rules and Precepts, to constitute and settle the Medicinal Art upon a hand some and certain foundation.  
These Rational Physicians though aiming all well, and industriously tending towards one end; yet differed much in their Progress and Medicines to attain it, and still continue so to this day.  
Of these there are two grand dissenting Parties; Dogmatists or Galenists; and Chemists or Hermetic Physicians: they were called Dogmatists from the many Opinions that did arise amongst themselves; and now called Galenists from Galen their great Patron whom they assert, and profess themselves to be his Disciples, and own his Doctrine.  
Galen lived about six hundred years after Hypocrates, 
Galen.  and practised Physic at Athens, Alexandria and Rome, where he was in great fame and splendour: he was a very learned man, and intended the honour and good of the Profession, as appears by his great labour and pains which he took in writing so many Volumes of Physic, and crushing the Emperical Sect and Methodists that defamed this excellent Art: but for all this, he was not so fortunate in his works, as to build the stately structure of Physic which he had notably framed, upon a right foundation; which caused him to accumulate errors, that his voluminous Writings are of little advantage, except to those who are wary and intelligent, and rightly principled, that know how to pick and choose; such I say may make some good use of his Works: but they that admire, and read him so as to swallow all that's presented, and become a perfect Disciple of his; such shall never be excellent in the true knowledge of Physic, if they persist. Doubtless had this great Physician been acquainted with the discoveries in Physic, which some Physicians in these days are Masters of; his parts and industry were such, he had excelled all before and after him, and Galen then would not have been a Galenist but a Chemist.  
I shall not note the failings of this great man, others have sufficiently done that already; yet many there are that think his Works most perfect, at least will have them so, Servilia quorundam recentiorum ingenia satis mirari non possum, 
Senert. Co●. ct disse●. Chym. cum Gal●●.  qui scribere ausi sunt, se cum antiquis errare malle, quam cum recentioribus verum dicere, says Sennertus. So addicted are many, jurare in verba magistri, they will maintain the Credit of their Patrous right or wrong. But Julius Scaliger notes the pertinacious defence of antique Authors, to be very injurious to truth and increase of knowledge. Equidem saepenumerò miratus sum mortalium vel audaciam vel pertinaciam, 
Lib. 3. de Caus. Ling. Lat.  qui tuentur errores, quos two qui commiserunt, si viverent, emendarent. Many there are who dotingly do so adore their Patrons that they will maintain such tenants of theirs; as they themselves, had they been alive now, would have recanted and receded from them.  
Sennertus' his Counsel in this case is very just and moderate, concerning the truth, and the repute of famous antique Authors; his words are these: Antiquorum & magnorum virorum scripta & inventa magnifaciamus & gratà ment amplectamur: 
Sen. Co●s. Et disse●. Chin. cum Galea.  iis tamen non tam quia antiqua & à magnis profecta, quam quia veritati consentanea sunt, fidem habeamus; si vero aliquando à veritate deflectant, nostrum esse putemus; non maledictis eos & convicijs incessere, sed corrigere & defectus illos supplere: amicus sit Hypocrates, amicus Galenus, imo amicus Paracelsus, sed nullius tanta sit authoritas ut veritati, quae prae omnibus nohis amica sit, praejudicare debet.  
I shall now leave Galen and his Party; and come to the other division of Rational Physicians, namely the Chemical or Hermetic Physicians: I shall not trouble you with the different opinions about Nomenclature and derivation of the word Chymia or Chemia; nor do I purpose at this time, to launch forth into the Controversy between these two great Parties, that is a large piece of work; only I shall obliquely glance at some differences in the Current of this Discourse.  
The name of Chemist sounds harsh in some men's ears, and they suppose Chemistry to be but a novel invention: as for Chemists the Artists and Professors thereof, I shall speak of them hereafter; at present we will consider the antiquity and rise of this Art; the propagation of it by whom; and thirdly the necessary use and excellency of it.  
Concerning the rise and invention of Chemistry, Authors disagree in this point; but thus much I am convinced of & may safely affirm, that Chemistry bears a very ancient date, and is of long standing in the world: some divide Chemistry into two parts, Metallurgiam & Chymiatriam; transmutation of Metals, and making of Medicines; and that the first gave occasion and detection of the later. For metallic elaboration and working upon Metals we find the antiquity of that in Sacred Writ; Tubalcain was an Artificer in Brass and Iron: now Brass and Iron is not digged out of the earth complete for use, but requires fusion and artificial separation of heterogeneous parts, to fit these metals for use: nor can we think their trials and skill extended only to these two Metals mentioned; but very probably we may believe they did operate and exercise their Art in other the more noble Metals and Minerals. Now for the Chymiatrical or Medical part of Chemistry, though I cannot positively affirm that it was in use then, yet we plainly see there was a foundation laid and beginning from hence that we may probably conclude it was not long after, but medicinal Experiments were found out; for by proving and trying of Minerals many things are found beyond the intention of the Artist.  
But for a more plain discovery of this Art, and by a more general agreement of Authors; this profound Art is ascribed to Hermes Trifmegistus (therefore called ars Hermetica) who lived in the year of the world 2440. contemporary with Moses in Egypt, where he exercised this Art: and some are of opinion that Moses was skilled in this Art, being bred up in all the learning of the Egyptians, and that by this Art he pulverised the golden Calf. But it is not antiquity that proves the excellency of Chemistry; for as Sennertus says, Licet hodiè primum Chymia inventa esset; dignitati tamen ejus id nihil detraheret. Sat enim antiquum, quod fat bonum; nihilque invenire est quod non aliquando novum fuerit; & multa pro novis habentur, quae sunt antiquissima, though Chemistry were but of a late standing that does not derogate from the excellency of the Art, the best of things had a beginning; though we could not be so well satisfied and ascertained in it, having not proved and examined it sufficiently, being a matter of time which perfectly discovers all things: but Chemistry hath been a sufficient time in the world, exercised by skilful, learned and industrious men, who have left us such infallible testimonies and undeniable demonstrations of its admirable worth, together with our own proofs and experiments, which hath put us past all doubting, that we are able to stop the mouths of all gainsayers) except the ignorant or malicious detractors, whom reason cannot rule or persuade.  
But to let pass the antiquity and rise of this Art; we will consider the progress and gradual perfection, as it hath been handed and delivered even to us in these days, successively by men of great note and worth, and the esteem they had for it, which alone without demonstration de factis, what it can perform, is sufficient to persuade reasonable men into the excellency and worth of it. Philosophers and Physicians that have treated of Chemistry in Arabic are, Geber, Markos, Avicen, Albumazar, Haly, Rhasis, etc. In Greek have written Olimpiodorus, Zosimus, Heliodorus, Dardanus, Democritus, and others.  
In Latin we have a great company that have propagated and illustrated this Art, men of great fame and worth: as Raymund Lul, Arnoldus Villanovanus, Petrus Villanovanus, Thomas Aquinas, Joannes de Rupescissa, Paracelsus, Libavius, Valensis, Maierus, Basil: Valentinus, Crollius, Quercetan, Mylius, Penotus, Sendivogius, Angelus Sala, Faber, Hartman, Schroder, Van Helmont, Glauber, and Swelfer that excellent Physician and Pharmacopaeian, (with many more which I have not named) men of great Learning and Judgement, laborious in Chemistry, by whose industry in this Art, we have admirable discoveries made to us of the mysteries in Nature, not to be unlocked but by the Key of this Art; by which we are established upon principles in Physic more consonant with Reason, and more satisfactory than the Galenick Doctrine; being enabled thereby to prove them by Sense, 
* A sensibus ●aim cognitio restra depe●det, ut jure Plato dixcrit, secsus esse sinceros mentis internantios, cosque appellaverit quasi satellites, & deuces ad veritatem comparadam.  which confirms and determines our reasonings and dubious discourses.  
I shall not give you the account and testimony of these Chemical Authors (though the best of Physicians) to establish and confirm you in the right and just opinions of Chemistry, that it is the only way to attain excelling Medicines; but you shall have the Confessions of Galenick Writers, and those men of note, approved and imitated in their practice by the Galenists of our times.  
The light of Chemistry hath so far prevailed against the darkness of error and ignorance; that the most are constrained to confess and acknowledge its excellent worth and use, though they be bottomed upon another foundation, I mean Galenick principles.  
Freitagius a Galenist, yet confesseth the goodness of Chemistry: Chymia nulli Medicorum sordere aut in vilipendio esse debet, sed potius ingeniosa Encheria & elegans praeparandorum medicamentorum ratic in summa lauda ponenda, 
Noct. Med. Cap. 19  utpote quae scitu medicis utilis, quod ejus beneficio divinae aliquot compositiones & essentiae inventae, multisque balsamis, eximiis liquoribus oleisque, ante nostram atatem pene ignoratis pharmacopolia nostra ditata sunt, quare his ●eculis nostris magno mortalium bono Chymia è tenebris revexit.  
Also Mercatus that Learned Spaniard an eminent Galenick Writer, speaks the praise of Chemical Medicines, and shows their efficacy where others cannot prevail, Chymica enim arte summa comparatur mixtis tenuitas, 
Tom. 2. de recte praesid. Isu. pag. 193.  qua dupliciter malis penitioribus facit, & quia accedit ad imum radisesque mali, & quia cum toto affecto loco conversatur & miscetur, 
Med. polit. pag. 19  ut facilè alteret & evincat.  
And Rodericus à Castro though a severe Galenist, inveighing bitterly against Paracelsus, yet confesseth that Chemistry affords them a true way of making Medicines: Nec inficias imus quorundam remediorum ritè praeparandorum cam artem rationem nobis suppeditare; & qui hoc praestat, hunc verum ac industriosum Chymistam appellamus.  
Hear what Gregory Horstius says (a worthy Physician) in commendation of Chemistry, and he joins Heurnius and Mathiolus consenting with him. Encomia Chymiae non opus est ut hic recenseam, quia verum est quod habet alicubi Heurnius: Cespitat jam profectò sine hac arte medicina; quam ab causam recte dicit, And: 
Horst. l. 10. the pharm.  Mathiolus in Epist. Ausim dicere neminem medicum absolutem esse posse, imo nec medicorum quidem, qui in hac nobilissima distillandi scientia non sit exercitatus.  
Chemistry is so necessary to a Physician that he cannot be complete without it; nay they will not allow him to be an ordinary competent Physician if he be not exercised and knowing in this Art.  
And Arnisaeus Physic Professor in the University of Julia, writing to Horstius, gives him this account: Studium enim medicum, Dei gratia, viget apud nos, ut vix ante hac: & ne quid desit, Aperui studiosis medicinae, meo sumptu, Collegium & exercitium medicum, ad quod operas suas mihi conduxit Augustus Etzlerus, homo industrius & in artis operibus diu versatus; Audio & apud vos Chymiam publicè & doceri & exerceri, To which Greg. Horstius returns him this answer: Nostri quod olim, ubi commilitones eramus in Juli● vestra Academia, praeceptores nostri, Clariss●. Dom. 
Horst. Epist.  Jacobus Horstius, patr●us meus honorandus, Clariss. Parcovius, Arnoldus, Sigfridus & Siddelius, nihil in sese desiderari paterentur, quo studiosae juventuti poterant inservire, quod corundem monumenta satis confirmant; Unica Chymia desiderabatur— Caeterum conatus tuos laudo, qui nullis sumptibus parcis, quo sarta tecta facultatis medicae existimatio nobis maneat; exercitium Chymicum Philiatris aperuisti non tantum, sed etiam ejusmodi collaborantem conduxisti, qui jamdudum sua diligentia multis innotuit: nos etiam Chymica tractare non ignoras:— this bears date 1617. you may see what esteem Chemistry hath had in some Universities, the students instructed in it and exercised; and those Physicians that were not skilled in this Art, it was accounted in them a great deficiency.  
And Belzar Chief Physician to the Elector of Saxony, writes to Horstius that eminent Professor, chief to give him this account: Caeterum quod scire gestis, nostra officina Aulica remediorum Chymicorum varietate satis instructa est, quorum Catalogum propedièm meus Dominus videbit. But that which you desire to know, our Laboratory at Court is sufficiently furnished with variety of Chemical Medicines, a Catalogue of which, forthwith shall be presented to the Duke. In Horstius his answer to this Letter he writes, Videant osores Chymiae, praeter spem ipsorum, quotidie magis utilissimam hanc artem magnatibus commendari— the haters of Chemistry may see beyond their expectation, this most profitable Art of Chemistry daily to be esteemed by Nobles.  
Chemistry and Chemical Medicines were accounted the glory of a Physician with these learned Professors; and indeed it may well be; for by this he is what he is, if he be a Physician of worth; and without it he is of little value, for he can have but little true fundamental knowledge in Physic.  
Chemistry makes a man an exact Naturalist; and this is the foundation for a Physician to stand upon; and this leads him into the Secrets and Curiosities of Nature which are hid to all those that have not this Key. Here Causes and their Effects are discovered, and their mutual relations owned: by a Chemical Analysis and unravelling of mixed Bodies, is discovered their heterogeneous parts and distinct properties; whereby they are sensibly manifest to be what they are, which before was but dubiously discoursed of at random.  
Sennertus a solid Writer, generally approved of by all the Galenists and followed in his practice, gives this account of Chemistry. Almost all that hath been said by the Chemists in the praise of Chemistry and Chemical Medinines, we freely subscribe to. 
Cons. & diss. Chym. c●m Gal. cap. 2.  Then he brings in Schenkius a Galenist confessing the admirable worth of Chemistry, and recites his own words which are these: In separandis mixtis naturis admodum ingeniosa est ars Chymica, ut digna sit admirationis, & minimè contemnenda & negligenda à Medicis.  
And Mesue of a toyal blood, a Physician who lived about 500 years ago, whose works are well esteemed; speaks thus of Chemical Physicians: They are called Chemists, who make manifest and discover the hidden properties of things; that I may confidently say, scarce any one is able to attain to the internal abstruse knowledge of things, who is not skilful in Chemical Operations; by which natural bodies are artificially disjoined and severed into parts, 
Antidotar. distiect. 21.  from whence the admirable consent and descent of things are discovered, which otherwise would remain occult.  
Sennertus in the same Tract mentioned, reckons up more Converts, eminent Physicians that began to applaud Chemistry; and became Disciples of this profound Art: Quae cum ita se habent, charissimi quique medici Chymiam, postquam superiore saeculo inclarescere coepit, & coluerunt & laudarunt; Langius, Andernatus, Gesnerus, Crato, Zuingerus, Schenkius, Horat. Augenius, Minadous, & plurimi alij. And indeed in our times we find most of the Galenists, at least the best of them, confessing and applauding Chemistry, though their practice is Galenical.  
Indeed Chemistry requires pains and diligence in making various trials and experiments, before a man can obtain a competent knowledge therein; and requires necessary accommodations for those purposes, which is both chargeable and troublesome, that many decline it upon this score, which else would willingly embrace it: some cannot spare time to prosecute it; others are ashamed to begin to learn: for such causes and impediments as these, Chemistry is laid aside; the Galenick practice is an easier life; those which would embrace Chemical truths, cannot or will not undergo the Chemical labour and exercise in this noble Art; but without manual operations, your speculations are unprofitable, and your conceptions erroneous conjectures.  
As for the state and condition of Physic in our own times, though we have very illustrious discoveries made to us, such as the former ages never enjoyed, (thanks to profound Helmont and some others) and we are in a better capacity to advance and establish this excellent Art beyond whatever it hath been before; yet by reason of the dissent amongst the Professors, and a rabble of Empirics and illiterate practisers, that destroy both Art and Artists, the hopes of accomplishing this excellent work, now languisheth before our eyes; and we may fear that Physicians of the next Generation will be Mechanics and not Academics, 
Tempestivus metus, prudens securitas est.  if timely prevention do not turn the Current, by an unanimous consent amongst the Learned Professors.  
I have now compendiously given you an account of the several Sects and different Judgements of Physicians, whereby they have and are distinguished into Parties, through the whole progress of Physic to our own days: our next business is a more particular and strict inquiry into the qualifications, and actions of Chemical Operations, and others exercising the Practice of Physic.   

TRACT. iv The several Sorts of Chemists distinguished.  
I Find the people either deceiving themselves, or being deceived with Chemists; which hath brought a disrepute upon the name, that the Chemical Physician suffers much by it; especially in the opinion of the unlearned that cannot well distinguish.  
There are four sorts of Chemical men, that go under the name of Chemist. The Shop Chemist, the Chemical Empiric, the Galeno-Chymist, the True Chemical Physician.  
The Shop Chemist, he is Operator and Venditor; a maker and seller of Chemical Medicines in his Shop: The Chemical Empiric he is Operator and Practitioner; a maker and practiser with Chemical Medicines: The Galeno-Chymist, he is Speculator and Practiser; an approver or lover of Chemical Medicines, and practiser with them, but not operator; he does not make not exercise himself in Chemical operations.  
The True Chemical Physician, he is Speculator, Operator and Practiser. It is his study, exercise and practice.  
The Shop Chemist makes and sells Chemical Medicines, as the Apothecary does the Galenick Medicines; they learn their Art by Apprenticeships and manual operation, not by Philosophical instruction and learned education. Their Trade is making and selling of Medicines, and to be directed by the Physician in the legitimate artificial preparation thereof, who alone is, at least ought to be Magister Artis; these are ministerial and subordinate to him, and are to be confined within that station; their business extends no farther in Medicines then their Shop, where their Trade is: the practice of Physic belongs not to these; and this Chemist is not a Chemical Physician, nor is he qualified for any such employment; if otherwise he does, than he falls under the Censure of a Chemical Empiric, and is to be taken for no other: but if he follows his Trade honestly, making Medicines faithfully, and with skill according to the Rules of Art, his Calling is just and useful; and may supply the wants of Chemical Physicians, in such Medicines as their own accommodations cannot furnish them with.  
But if this man be not both able and honest, his Trade is most dangerous, and the greatest Cheat of all others; and therefore this Trade ought most strictly to be looked into and examined: for from this Chemist the Apothecaries are furnished with the most of their Chemical Medicines, and they are dispersed into all parts of the Kingdom, from London into the Country Apothecary's hands, for the use of Physicians: the Physician though he be a Galenick practiser, yet ofttimes prescribes these Chemical Medicines, and takes them upon trust, as the Apothecary does, supposing them to be good and faithfully made.  
Now if these Medicines be sophisticate, and fallacious, or unskilfully, or negligently prepared, (as too many are) I need not tell you what injury they do.  
This is a general Concern and worth taking notice; every sick man may expect to take his share here, good or bad.   

TRACT. V The Chemical Empiric.  
THis man is very injurious to the Learned Chemical Physician, whom he fallaciously does personate and represent: by whose ignorance and dangerous practice, a scandal is brought upon Chemical Medicines, and the true professors of that Art, the people not well discerning the one from the other, think them all alike, and the miscarriages of these fellows defame the very name of Chemist: but I shall inform you, and let you understand the great difference between this Empiric, and the Chemical Doctor of Physic.  
The Emperical Chemist for the most part is some broken Tradesman, or other person of decayed fortunes, that takes shelter here to support himself, by deluding incautelous people not knowing how to detect this deceitful Chemist, Nullus tam stupidus Phormio est, 
F●citag.  vel Davus qui frustra omnibus vitam tuendi rationibus tentatis, demum ●on profiteatur Medicinam, says Freitaius. There is none so dull a blockhead having tried in vain other shifts to live, but at last he can practise Physic. This is the Asylum and refuge that many men betake them to in their desperate fortunes. He does not only deceive the Sick, but he defames a learned Art, and the worthy professors of it: else, Si populus vult decipi, decipiatur.  
But if this pretended Chemist be not such a man as I have described, forced by fortune to profess Physic and the Chemical Art; but comes in upon a voluntary score, and is free to live this way, or another way if he please. Yet if he be not prepared with learning, hath not laid a Philosophical foundation to fit him for this grand Business, hath not gone through the whole body of Physic, and is well versed in every part, to qualify and fit him for practice; this man is but an Empiric, a bold Intruder, a Cheat in this Profession, and a dangerous man to advise or give Physic. Hear what Hypocrates says for the qualifying and fitting a Physician, whosoever will get the true knowledge of Physic, must obtain it by these means; 
Hypocrat.  A natural Ingeny and Promptness, Learning, Conveniencies for Study, Education from his Youth, Industry and Time: But these men have scarce one of these qualifications, and yet they dare undertake the Practice of Physic, and the making of Medicines, neither of which they rightly understand, or are qualified to learn, having no foundation to stand upon, or praevious requisite disposition to initiate them. Hi Medicinam nescientes, Medicina abutuntur; & artem egregiam quam non noverunt, 
Rodericus Epist. in Speculo su● vitae humanae.  profitentur; Medicinae excellenti & illustri nomine gloriantur, & quaestus gratia pecuniam, ut finem, quaerunt. They are the words of Rodericus Bishop of Zamora, complaining of the Empirics of those times: and so goes on; Add quod multa millia hominum talium Medicorum insipientia aut inexperientia cadant, quod dum unum morbum curare satagunt, plures inducunt. Although the Chemical Empiric and the Galenick, are much alike in their qualifications to practice Physic, that what is said of the one may serve to decipher and warn you of the other, that I need not name them distinctly; yet more particularly I shall describe the Cheating Chemist, who is the more dangerous fellow of the two, and a disgrace to the most learned profound art of Chemistry. At his very first designing and entrance upon Physic, he falls to work upon the making of Medicines, and practising upon the Sick: he never thinks that seven years' study is required, and little enough to lay a foundation before practice; no, he cannot stay so long; he is for present getting of Money, not for spending of Money. And now he gins to practice, he is an expert learned Physician, the very first day he gins: he boasts of great Cures he hath done, and what is it he cannot cure? He will talk as confidently, and lie as handsomely, as if he had been at the Trade a long time; telling you what wonderful Cures he hath performed, and what Patients have gone through his hands. Nihil audacia doctius, & ignorantia audacius. 
Hypocrat.  He brags much of his Experience, for Reason he can produce little. He takes the Title of Chemical Doctor upon him, when perhaps he never saw the inside of a University; he vilifies University Learning, but loves University Honour, and thinks himself wronged if you call him not Doctor: if you speak of a Doctor of Physic that is so indeed; he slights his Title, and counts Degrees of no value; but the Doctoral Title he hath conferred on himself, that he expects you take good notice of, and reverence him for. He gains his knowledge a new way, not by University Philosophy, nor in the Schools; but amongst his Furnaces; and he is Philosophus per ignem, a Philosopher by the Fire; and they that meddle with them are sure to burn their fingers.  
This working Chemist we will consider him as Inceptor, in the beginning of his practice; or as Adeptus, by the length of time more experienced in making Medicines. At first, he is a barbarous fellow and kills desperately; and few escape (that comes in his Clutches) without a mischief, but carry about them mementoes of his Craft. He falls to work at first dash with Antimony and Mercury, and makes Medicines enough to depopulate a City. After many sad disasters in his practice, he gins to be more wary; and by doleful experience (to the Sick) is taught to make more safe and gentle Medicines: Jam melius didicit periculis vestris.  
By time, if the man be ingenious and follows his work diligently, in meliorating his Medicines and improving his experiments; is well accommodated with a Laboratory and Utensils; he will be able to make some good Medicines, and becomes a better operator then formerly; but a great many have paid dearly for his skill; but their mouths are stopped with earth that they cannot complain of his hard usage, and he proceeds on in his practice boldly and smoothly: and now (after his long Adventures and hazardous Experiments to instruct him) we will be so candid and favourable to him in our opinions, as to consider him equal with the Shop Chemist, and suppose him to understand the working part of Chemistry, that he is able to make any Medicine according to the progress laid down in any Author or Pharmacopeian.  
And now being arrived hither, if he would leave practising upon the Sick, and keep only to making of Medicines, and make them faithfully to sell, for the use of Physicians, Apothecaries, or others that desire them; or be an operator to Physicians, and Tyroes in Chemistry; this man might live more happily and free from blame. But he is loath to leave his old wont; Bonus odor lucri— though unjustly gotten: his practice brought in Money; and having usurped the Doctorship, he thinks scorn to be degraded, and take his own proper Title again; he will be a Doctor still, so long as any body will think him so, or repair to him; and rather than his Custom shall fail, he will have twenty crafty tricks to hook in Patients. Such Medicasters' as these, London now abounds with, & other parts of the Kingdom has too many such scattered here and there, to the disparagement of Physic, 
Freitag.  and the learned Professors. Imposturas horum medicastrorum emendet Magistratus & Caveat vulgus, it belongs to the Magistrate to reform these abuses, and the people to be warned of such Impostors.  
Here I shall leave this Cheating Chemist at his cunning deceits and juggling with his Patients, and show you his Capacity and Ability to practise Physic, supposing him at the best (which few of them attain to) a good operator and prepater of Chemical Medicines.  
I must confess, to make good Medicines, and be well skilled in Pharmacy, is one good part of a Physician, nay a principal part; but where is all the rest to complete him? Here is a Body but no Head; here are Medicines but where is Skill to use them: there is a great deal more required to qualify a Physician, besides Medicines. I can take a Ploughman and learn him to make Medicine in some reasonable time, but what then? I may make him a good workman, but not a good Physician: this man I may teach to work well with his hands, but he is not capable to work with his head: he has not the rudiments and groundwork of Philosophy to fit and capacitate him for such an employment.  
That man which intends the practice of Physic, must be qualified with good Literature, and lay a Philosophical foundation, that he may be able to discourse and reason with himself, the causes and effects of things, both in Nature and Art: that he may be able to judge and examine the Opinions and Doctrine of men in the same faculty, to adhere to this or that according to right reason. The Furniture required to accommodate and fit a Physician is much, and requires a good time to be gathering together: he must be instituting and fitting up from his youth, taking in Literature betimes, (Ars longa, vita brevis est) and gradually completing step by step, from one part of Learning to another, until he be throughly qualified for the Art or Science he is designed for.  
Ubi desinit Physicus, ibi incipit Medicus. A man is not to meddle with Physic until he has run through Natural Philosophy; this is the foundation he stands upon: and when he comes to the study of Physic, Ars Medendi, he has a long progress to make before he comes to the Pharmaceutick part, the contrivance of Medicines; this is the last work he hath to do, he is now come to the top of the Ladder, here he finisheth his Course, and having gained this he is complete. But this Empiric skips all the rest, and mounts to the top at first: if this man do not catch a fall, he is sure to make many one lie low for it: he gins where the true Physician ends; he falls to work upon Medicines, before he understands the nature of Humane Bodies or Diseases, the Materials he works upon, or the Rules of his Art he pretends to.  
But this man you will say has learned by long Experience to make good Medicines, now he may practise safely? No, admit he has; good Tools do not make a good Artist: he that makes Chirurgical Instruments is as unskilful in Chirurgery as another man. If you bring me the Tools and Instruments of the best Watchmaker; yet I cannot make a Watch; I cannot use them, because I have not the whole design of the work in my head: so this working Chemist, suppose he has good Medicines, yet what can he do with them, if he do not understand the whole Art of Physic, he cannot practice knowingly and safely as an honest man ought to do: you may as well kill a man with a Cordial, as with another Medicine; you may kill a man with a good Medicine as well as with a bad, if the condition of the Patient be not considered according to the indications: if you give a, good Medicine out of season, and neglect opportunity, if you give one Medicine when the case requires another; a Purge when a Cordial is required; or a Cordial, when a Purge or other Medicine is required; the opportunity perhaps is gone of doing this man good. There is a time and season to be observed, when Medicine is to be given this or that as the occasion does call for, which none but the skilful Physician understands; who knows the nature of the Disease, its progress, complications, and condition of the Patient's body.  
The making of Medicines is not sufficient to qualify you for a Physician; there is a great deal more belongs to accomplish a Physician besides that: a man may be a good workman in hewing and carving a piece of Timber, yet may be very unfit to contrive the Building of a Ship; he must have the whole Design and Frame of such a work in his head, considering every material appertaining that it be exact and proportionate according to Rule, that the whole may be complete in the several parts of it. You suppose this Chemist can make a good Medicine: what then? This does not make him a good Physician; he is only an operator, a good workman at best: but using and designing Medicines rightly is a profound Art, requires great knowledge which is not obtained but by long time, and a diligent Series of study. This Chemist gins at the wrong end, he gins with making of Medicines, and neglects all the rest that belongs to this Learned Art; but the true Physician he finisheth his study and ends with Medicines; then enters upon practice.  
The insufficiency of these men in Learning; their inability to acquire a sound, requisite, Philosophical knowledge, by this preposterous indirect course, is apparent to reasonable men, that such are deceivers of the Sick and abusers of a most learned and noble Art. And therefore it behoves all that have a regard to their safety, to beware lest they fall into the hands of such impostors, that fallaciously personate the Learned Chemical Physician, and impudently usurp the Doctoral Title; that vilify and reproach men of Learning, despise their Degrees, and scoff at Universities as a ridiculous Education, which nothing but the bold front of Ignorance, or exquisite Knavery and Envy could do the like. And now I leave them to be handled by those, which have a power, and aught to reform these grand abuses, and give due encouragement to Learning and learned men.   

TRACT. VI The practising Apothecary.  
AMongst the Encroachers upon the Faculty of Physic, we find the practising Apothecary usurping the Physician's Function, to which formerly he was ministerial; but has now broke that relation and become magisterial, a professor and practiser of Physic: how this comes about, that the Doctor should be undermined by his Servant, whom he hath entrusted with his Secrets, and put great confidence in, is worth enquiring into: Sure here was great folly in the one to lay open the Accana's of his Art, & give occasion to be supplanted and beguiled; or great knavery in the other to betray his trust, and usurp the authority of his Master. Whether of the two is more to be blamed and censured, though in a different respect, is hard to say, for both are highly guilty. But we will proceed to a farther examination of this Matter.  
How long have you been a practiser of Physic? Apoth. Almost ever since Physicians deserted the making of their Medicines: though they be so careless to neglect the weightiest part of their Profession, and resign the most difficult part of their Art into the hands of others to manage; yet I am an industrious man and had rather do more than I ought, then less: and therefore I think I am not to be blamed so much as they.  
Who taught you this trick of practising Physic? That does not belong to your Trade, you are only to make and sell, you are not to advise, and take charge of the Sick, you forget the Proverb, Ne Suitor ultra crepidam. Apoth. I learned it of my Master, he got many a fair pound by it; he gained the love of his Neighbours and Friends by saving them the expense of Fees; and got Custom to his Shop by it.  
But how dare you to practice Physic? That's a great Undertaking, a grand Business which requires much knowledge and great skill to manage, you only know how to make the Medicines. Apoth. 'Tis true, I do not solidly understand the whole body of Physic, but I understand a Medicine better than he that prescribes it; so if I be defective in the other parts of Physic, he is in Medicines, for I correct his Bill sometimes, else it would not be secundum artem; therefore I think myself not so incapable to practice, nor of the worst sort of Empirics that understand neither Diseases nor Medicines.  
But Friend, the Physician's deficiency in the pharmacopoietical part, does not countenance you to be pragmatic, nor qualify you in the other parts of Physic; and you have reason to thank him for being so, else where had been your Trade? He parted with the Secrets of his Art to set you up: now had not you better follow your Trade honestly, and not usurp the Physician's Function; whereby you will show your gratitude, and acknowledgements for this great kindness, and own what you have received from him. Apoth. Truly, the number of our Trade does much increase, and we are so many of us, and the Chemical Empirics so abound, that I cannot get enough by selling in my Shop, except I go abroad and practise: besides, the Medicines of my Shop are so many, I must find a way to vend them, or they will be spoiled before they be spent.  
Although this does not excuse you in the Injury done to Physicians, yet if it be so as you say, it mitigates your fault à tanto; but why do you not seek a Redress, by better and more careful means; by consulting the Physicians, whose Candour towards you is such, they will be ready to join and assist your Corporation, in rectifying and obviating those inconveniencies for the future, you complain of; by preventing the swelling number and great increase of Traders. By contracting and taking off the superfluous and supernumeraries of your Melicines imposed upon you; and by suppressing the Chemical Empirics and all other illegal practisers: which being done (as it is not very difficult to be effected) the Business of Physic will lie between the Physicians and yourselves; and than you will have no Cause or Plea to exceed the bounds of your Trade, nor the Physicians just Cause to complain of you, as they have at this day.  
But Mr. Apothecary, if you practice and be much abroad, visiting your Patients, who must manage your Business at home? Apoth. My Boys can do the Business in the Shop, they can make Medicines and serve Customers, and if a Physician's Bill come they can make up the Medicine well enough to serve turn.  
But what if the Boys should mistake, or for want of Care and Skill, the Medicine be ill made, will not that reflect upon you, if it do not operate well, according to the intention of the Medicine. Apoth. No, I can come off well enough, I can say the Medicine was made according to the Prescription; the Doctor cannot disprove me, let the fault lie at his door: I must look after my occasions abroad; my Servants are sufficient to do the Business at home; I cannot be always in my Shop, nor will I tie myself to wait upon his Business, but at my own conveniency: 'tis true, we were at first but Ministri Medicorum; but now we are in a fair way to be Medicorum Magistri: we can bring them into practice, and we can put them out of practice when we please: if we do but whisper in the Patient's ear, this Doctor does not prescribe well; he comes no more there, another is sent for that we like better, that useth our Shop, or pleaseth our humour: our words go far in the opinion of the Patient, and except he be very much preingaged and bend upon a Physician, we can sway him this way or that way as our interest leads us; but if he names a Chemical Physician, one that makes his own Medicines, we cry him down might and main, he spoils our Trade; we can say he is a Quack, or a man of no parts (though he be the ablest Physician in the Town) that his Medicines are mineral Physic and dangerous; we will blast his Credit if it be possible; he shall have no Reputation if our words can defame him: but he that practiseth at our own Shop, that sends his Bills hither; that is the best Physician, and him only we advise you to.  
'Tis enough; we understand now the mystery and design of your Trade; your unlawful practice of Physic, and influence upon the Sick; your encroachments upon Physicians, and secret injuries. We understand now the Apothecary's advice and kindness to the Patient in the choice of a Physician; his judgement and censure of Physicians, upon what Bias it runs.  
When Physic was in its Infancy, and after it began to increase and have good growth in Hypocrates & Galen's times, Physicians then managed the whole Business themselves, there was no Apothecaries; but the careful industrious Physician prepared his own Medicines and would not intrust so great a Concern in the hand of others: but when Physic came into a general repute and use; Physicians few, and Patients many; they began to commit the preparation of their medicines to others, whom they did instruct and train up in Pharmacy, and were wholly guided and commanded by the Physician, and were very obsequious & useful servants to him: but these having gained the knowledge of Medicines, a freedom in making and selling, and by time privileges of incorporation; the case is altered now, the Physician hath lost his faithful servant, he is now independent, an Apothecary; yes, and a Physician too, and thinks himself as well interessed and concerned in Physic as the Doctor and interferes with him in his practice. Freitagius checks the boldness of these men very sharply; 
De Abus● medicina pag. 97.  Nimis audax impudensque facin●● est Pharmacopoeos scientiae quadam frivola opinione infl●●os velle recta morbis remedia inconsulto medico, auctoramento proprio, ventosa arrogantia & confidentia plus quam Cyclopica decernere.  
'Tis strange that our predecessors had not the Prognostic of this in their heads, to obviate the mischief that might befall their successors; that they did not consult what might happen upon on the Introduction of Sub-ordinate men, and committing the Arcana's of art to their trust; that they did not as well provide against the infidelity and encroachments of these, as design their own ease and present conveniency. 'tis plain they did not, and the ill consequents are as evident: give an inch and they take an ell; Physicians gave them the profit of Medicines, but they take the benefit of practising too, and ask no leave: the propriety of Medicines they challenge as properly belonging to them; the next will be a propriety in practice (they are not satisfied with their trade) they would be equal with Physicians; and having gained that, 
●●●●es ut fi●nt aquales; aequales ut 〈◊〉 maj●res certes.  the next endeavour is to be above them: Success begets boldness, and encourageth farther attempts; winners know not how to leave off their game. Many of these Apothecaries are grown very confident in the Practice of Physic, and custom which makes all things familiar, will legitimate and approve them in the opinion of common people; such thriving leaders shall not want followers, 'tis easy to guests then what will be the issue and event of it this is a bad omen and seems to threaten the Crown; which undoubtedly will fall upon this faculty (as it comes on apace) if not timely prevented by the prudence and unanimous consent of the Professors. The only means to avert this ill fate: and although the Seniors that are well planted may think themselves secure and that the storm will not happen in their days; yet they cannot but be sensible of the great encroachments and injuries now offered to themselves; which will fall much heavier upon the Juniors, not so able to contend but must truckle.  
Dr. Thomson noting the abuses in Physic does not without cause charge many of them upon the imprudence of the Professors, in the i'll management of their own business. 'tis true, saith he, there are sad exorbitancies, 
Galius ●al●  irregularities and abuses in Physic, but who we pray have been the principal occasions of them but yourselves? who have conjured up such swarms of Quacks in every place (who like Locusts eat the bread out of honest Physicians mouths) by your profane prescripts.— If they had better practised the Pythagotical doctrine, these things had never been; or had ye delivered yourselves, as ye find fault Paraecelsus, Helmont, and other sons of art did, more enigmatically, who foresaw these mischiefs, and endeavoured to prevent them, Physic had flourished to this day in its splendour and beauty.  
Dr. 
Vindiciae medicinae & medicorum.  Hodges treats upon this Subject, of practising Apothecaries; wherein he sets forth the great abuse offered to this learned faculty by such men, and shows their insufficiency for that undertaking. I shall recite some part.  
Indeed such is the increase of the Apothecary's company, 
pag. 62.  that all of them cannot reasonably expect employment, who therefore hunt abroad after Patients, and pray one upon another's business; these inconveniencies would be remedied if the counsel of a grave w●ter was observed, who adviseth the magistrate to be very careful not to tolerate more Apothecaries than are sufficient for the discharge of that profession; implying that if they superabounded, they would most infallibly injure the public, and rather than their Medicines for want of timely use should decay and grow worthless, choose 〈◊〉 spend them by their own practice, and think it a less crime to harm the people then suffer any damage in their Shop 〈◊〉 and when these practising Apothecary have by their insinuations inveigled some to take Physic of them, as it is not improbable but that these being ignorant of the direct way of curing diseases, must necessarily hereupon spend more medicines than Physicians who exactly knowing what is to be done, will not multiply prescripts to tyre out their patients and advance their charge; so how can such Patients assure themselves that their Apothecary Physicians do not make use of that opportunity as much to rid their shop of Physic, as them of diseases; however if the whole is cast up, such Patients will find no cause to commend the cheapness of their cure in respect of what it had been, if they had consulted Physicians; not to mention that some of these do confidently take and demand fees for their visits, besides the profitable income by their Physic. I may safely affirm that most of them cannot afford to be so charitable as to wait on their Patients without some recompense for their time and trouble, which are usually accounted in the price of the medicine: So than what a delusion do they lie under who seek to these Apothecaries, hoping thereby to save Physicians fees.  
This Author in the same Chapter sets forth the office and business of an Apothecary, 
pag. 55.  circumscribing him within the bounds of his trade; and farther shows his insufficiency and inability for the practice of physic, notwithstanding the prescripts of Physicians upon the file in their keeping. 
pag. 56, 67.  He likewise shows their infidelity and breach of trust with Physicians by this their unlawful practising; 
pag. 60, 61.  and the danger that does attend their attempts upon the sick; neglecting their proper business at home in their shops and leaving that to the management of raw Apprentices; which is very injurious both to Physicians and Patients. Then he inserts two edicts published by the Magistrates of Brussels, 
pag. 67.  upon good consideration, to check the boldness of these men; and to be a pattern to other States and Princes equally concerned herein; and to manifest that it is not so much the Physicians as the people's interest that the Apothecary be not allowed to practice. But if there be not a coercive power to restrain them here; and these men persist obstinate in their unlawful practice; endeavouring to bring the Practice of Physic, within the limits of their trade, as much professing to direct Physic as to prepare or sell it; then the Counsel or remedy proposed by this Author, is the best expedient for Physicians to defend themselves, and this their sacred art from being prostitute to the rude invasion of illegal pretenders; by assuming the whole business of Physic themselves, as our Ancestors did, who prepared their own medicines, confining their secrets within their own closerts.  
If these because of their settlement as free traders shall hereupon destroy the relation between Physicians and them, 
pag. 54.  as if their interest did not much consist in the practice of Physicians, they will have no cause of complaint, if the Professors of Physic take their business again in their own hands, and imitate the most successful practice of their renowned predecessors.   

TRACT. VII. The Rigid Galenist.  
Galenick Physicians are of two sorts: the Rigid Galenist, and the Galeno-Chymist. The Rigid Galenist is so straight laced, and tied up to the principles and doctrine of his Master Galen, that all his business is to understand the sense and meaning of this grand Patron: so that if he have but ipse dixit of his side, he seeks no further; That is truth, & That he thinks is weapon and armour sufficient to oppose all Antagonists.  
This Professor he is so feeble and weak in his parts, he cannot go alone without leading: he cannot write nor prescribe, but his Master must hold his pen: he dares not trust his own reason and experience, but is always a practiser by the book; a Scholar always, never master of his art. He drudges for the credit of his Master, never goes out of the circle of his doctrine, he thinks all Physical truths to be reposited and stored up in the works of Galen. The greatest perfection he aims at is to understand these; accounting them the ne plus ultrà, the bounds and limits of knowledge, in the medicinal science; and to go beyond or beside them, is to stray from the Canonical truth.  
He assents to all he reads, not by a well grounded approbation, and probation of his own reason; but freely yields to the authority of his master, and thinks it good manners not to contradict him. He troubles not himself with controversy, being prepossessed and persuaded that the Theorems and Theses of his master are undoubted truths.  
If you quote van Helmont that profound Philosopher he laughs, as if you had named a mad man; and wanting depth of Reason to fathom his Writings; he vilifies, because he does not understand; and it makes as little impression upon him as Episcopal Authority does upon a Quaker.  
The Chemical Physicians he superciliously looks upon as so many Vulcan's: he scorns to sully himself with Furnaces, Coals and Glasses; or to keep an Operator in his house for that purpose; he is no such Mechanic Professor. Those Heretics in Physic he cannot endure; because they contradict Galen; which he accounts an absurd audacity, and blasphemy against the Truth.  
He makes Medicines with his Pen; (a very fine Invention) his Head and his Hands being unexperienced in Medicinal Experiments and Trials: but the faults and errors he commits in this new way of Pharmacy, he leaves to his Corrector to be amended according to his discretion, and gives him authority, Fiat secundum artem. Chemical Medicines he will have nothing to do with; he cries, they are dangerous; (but he knows not what they are) and this begets a Confidence in some silly Patients that he is a judicious and a wary man.  
He is known by many good women in the Town, to be an able man and a safe practiser; if he does no good, he will do no harm; they know his Medicines to be very harmless, such as they use to make themselves, Syrups, Conserves, Decoctions, Ptisans, Juleps, etc.  
He labours not to improve or bring any additional discoveries to the Art he Professeth, but plods on in the common road of Tradition: he will tell you, he tries no Experiments, he practiseth as they did 500 years ago; that if you be killed you die by Art, he can show you a Rule for it, and an Example,  
He thinks it not possible to outdo what is done already, and counts it an affected singularity and ridiculous pride to attempt any thing beyond the industry of our famous Predecessors. He dotes upon Antiquity, and relisheth nothing of a junior standing: in Consultation he asks you what Authority you can allege for your determination? Not what Reason; what Example in Practice you follow, and who is your Author? Not what Experience and what Reason to confirm and establish your Judgement. If he lose his Book, you must lose your Physician; for he practiseth not by his own Reason and Experience, but by the Reason and Experience of others; and hunts among his Books for an Example, which is his Rule, and without that he dates not proceed.  
The Medical Art he accounts long since completed, that there is no room left for Invention, and therefore he sits down and cuns his Lesson, he is resolved to be no wiser than his Masters: but the Chemical Physicians those innovators in Physic he cannot endure, because they will not be satisfied, but are always labouring for variety in Physic, and making new discoveries; examining and calling in question Opinions of 1000 years standing; exploding the Principles and Positions of the Ancients; throwing down & setting up; he cannot approve of such disturbances and wrangling controversies: for his part he loves quietness, declines vain dispute, hates new notions, and would not be disturbed in the plain way of practice he hath learned; nor startled and justled out of his Principles by a strange unheard of Philosophy, and begin to learn de novo. But is willing to live and die with the old Doctrine he is acquainted with, right or wrong.  
If you would know more of this man's abilities and excellent parts, ask his Apothecary; he will tell you he is the ablest Physician in Town, if you inquire as a Patient: but if upon another account, you be intimate and freely discoursing, he will tell you another tale.   

TRACT. VIII. The Galeno-Chymist.  
LIbavius distinguisheth Galenists thus: Galenici sunt duplices: quidam serviles, 
Epist. ded. Becarisio.  qui nihil ne latum quidem unguem à Dogmatibus Galeni sibi discedendum putant. Quidam nullius addicti jurare in verba magistri, liberalem amplectuntur disciplinam, & ingenuê in Medicina versantur, ausi vel ipsum Galenum reprehendere & Hypocratem sicubi à vero discedunt. Manent tamen intra veterum Praeceptorum Scholae Galenicae septa, candemque medendi tenent consuetudinem. The distinction is good, and therefore I shall render it to every Capacity: Galenists (says he) are of two sorts; some are servile, who think they must not descent a jot from the opinions of Galen; (this is the rigid Galenist:) others not bound to assert the Tenants of any grand Teacher, do embrace Learning and the Art of Physic freely and ingeniously, that dare to reprehend Galen himself and Hypocrates if they swerve from the Truth. But notwithstanding they retain the old Precepts of the Galenick School, and follow the same method of Curing. This suits with the Galeno-Chymist, and he goes a little farther, for he is Chemically inclined.  
To give you a description and qualifications of the Galeno-Chymist; he is a legitimate Physician, Philosophical and accomplished with Literature; and we will suppose him doctorated; an ingenious Galenist according to this description of Libavius; a practiser with Galenick and Chemical Medicines: he loves, at least he allows Chemistry to be a good and safe way of preparing Medicines; he views over the Precepts and Doctrine of this Art sometimes; he is a Speculator only, no Operator; he is not exercised in the manual operation and process of these Medicines, nor Inspector over his Servants or others, to be practically expert in Chemical trials and preparations.  
I cannot say he is a True Chemical Physician, he is only well qualified for a Tyro: he cannot direct, correct, judiciously approve or appoint a Chemical Medicine, upon his own knowledge, but depends upon the judgement of Chemical Authors, and is biased uncertainly by the Opinions and Approbations of this or that Writer, as he fancies his abilities. This Learned Physician I pity, because he is not suis numeris absolutus; he halts upon one Leg; he must lean and rest himself upon the uncertain and fallacious tradition of Authors; who oftentimes collect from one another, take up upon trust, and assert the virtues of many Medicines, of which they never tried the process or the use. I have some reason to say this; having been deceived upon this score, and my expectations frustrated in Medicines, after much trouble and pains in the process thereof, depending upon the verity of Tradition for my Guide: therefore say I, (Experto Crede) a Speculator in Chemistry, depending upon that judgement to appoint Chemical Medicines, deceives himself and wrongs the Sick; for the knowledge thereof is not gained but by manual operation and pharmacopoietical experience; else his judgement is presumed, and his Prescript hazardous: he must be conversant in making, or he shall never be able to give a good account of them; nor can he judiciously choose or reject this or that, to know which is a laudable good Medicine, and which is noxious or frivolous, but by observation in the process and trials of making, as well as in the use.  
For these Reasons which might be amplified much more at large, I wish the Learned Galeno-Chymist who is Phylochymicus and but Speculator was Chymicus practicus, an Operator in Chemical Pharmacy; he would then more closely embrace the Principles and Doctrine of this profound Art, and be eager in the exercise thereof; he would not then tie up Chemical Medicines so strictly to Galenick Rules; this Harness does not well fit them, it is too straight; they act more freely, generously and universally: not a methodically and at random to be exhibited; but rightly used, are limited and prescribed by the greatest reason; though not conformable in all points, and admitting the Galenick method.  
This Learned Galeno-Chymist is so knowing by his theorical inspection into Chemistry; that he judgeth and esteemeth Chemical Medicines to excel all others in their power and efficacy; that this way of preparing Medicines is excellent and ingenious; becoming only, and an Art for the best and most sublime Philosophers, and truly learned men, to be employed therein. Yet this ingenious Physician is entangled in the Galenick Practice, he cannot well get out: he knows the Chemical Physicians are in the best way to improve the Medical Science; to redeem the Profession out of rude profane hands; and to regain the honour and worthy esteem of the Professors: he knows they are the most laudable practisers, and their industry and labour in Medicines is most legitimate, and according to the custom of the ancient most famous Professors; treasuring up Arcana's, and repositing them in the custody of the Sons of Art, communicable only to the Aesculapian Family; hating prostitution of this divine Art: notwithstanding all this, the current of his practice runs in another Channel; and he acts not according to the integrity of his judgement and reason which informs him another Course, but biased with the sinister persuasions of the present Custom, Ease, Interest, the trouble and inconvenience of crossing the stream, and sailing with another wind; he goes on against the checks of his own reason; and he cannot but say, upon a serious consideration; Video meliora proboque, deteriora sequor.  
If the Galeno-Chymist shall say; I am a Chemical Physician as good as the best; I practice with Chemical Medicines, when I think it convenient, and where the case requires such, and when it does not I use Galenick Medicines; nor is this practice inconsistent with a true Artist, to this is answered; in that you use Chemical Medicines, and sometimes Galenick, according to the exigency of the occasion, and rightly distinguishing the Case, what is properly required, this is allowed to be rational and good: I am not so severe, to throw out all Galenick Medicines, and banish them the practice of Physic, but that some of them may be retained; yet with correction, the incongruities of Composition and insufficiencies of Preparation being altered and amended. But how can you justify the use and appointment of Chemical Medicines (judiciously, knowingly, per autopsiam, and cautiously to be used) that you neither saw, nor know who was the Operator that made them; he was a Cheat, a negligent, or an ignorant person, a Pseudochymist for aught you know (commonly it is so) and these Medicines are not to be given at such a blind adventure, but warily and knowingly.  
The uncertainty and hazard a Physician runs in this way of practice will appear plainly, if you strictly inquire into these two things: first how many good Medicines are basely made and abused, that are exposed to sale: secondly, how many Medicines that stand now recommended for use, and daily sold; which though never so exactly made according to Prescript, are erroneous bad Medicines. Let a strict search be made into these two points, and then you will conclude with me, that such a practice by unknown Medicines, is not legitimate, not rational, but hazardous: not shall you be able to discover and judge of these two points until you be a Pharmacopoeian, and then you will see clearly the insufficiencies, deceits and hurtful properties of common sale Medicines.  
How oft does the common Turbith Minerale, burn and fret in the Patient's body from the negligent preparation? but at best is not a good Medicine, and the Mercury will revive again. The Common Antimonium Diaphoreticum frequently causeth Vomitings, contrary to the intention of the Medicine and expectation of the Physician, through the negligent and unskilful preparation of it; not giving a due fixation, and expelling the impure Sulphur: and therefore the Galeno-Chymist is timorous and gives commonly under 20 grains; whereas I have given of my own preparation 50 grains with good success, and a friendly Diaphoretick Operation.  
The Cremor and Crystals of Tartar sophisticated with Alum, quite contrary to the intention of the Medicine. Sal Martis, nothing but a disguised Vitriol sometimes. The fixed Salts of Absinth, Cochlear, Fraxini, Cardui, Artemis. etc. differing only in Title commonly. The Chemical Oils most of them adulterated. Indeed what Medicine can you name that is not abused; either by the meanness and degenerate condition of the Drugs and ingredients; or leaving out something of value and price, or Subtracting its due proportions; or by inartificial preparation through want of skill, care, time and pains; or by the superaddition and commixture of some cheap Ingredient to augment the Medicine: and he that can falsify a Medicine best as not to be detected, thinks he hath attained great perfection, and is an excellent Artist. What confidence then can you have in an unknown Medicine? What true observation can you make? And what satisfactory answer can you give, if a certain account of the Medicine be demanded as upon your own knowledge you ought to give? All that you can say is; you hope well, that it was so and so: but is not this hope presumed, more than rational; for if you inquire abroad, and examine into Medicine, you will find the Sophisticate, negligent prepared and bad Medicines, to be three for one in number to the complete, honest and duly prepared Medicines.  
These things duly considered, as very worthy of serious consideration; I am not out of hopes to see this learned Physician the Galeno-Chymist, an expert Pharmacopoeian and Chemical Operator; following the example of Swelfer that excellent pattern, and others the most renowned Professors of this Faculty, both ancient and modern: the Consequence will be of great advantage to the true Professors thereof; as the only means to rescue and recover the lost repute of this most excellent Art, now prostituted and laid open to all pretenders, which ought to lie only in the bosom of the Sons of Art.   

TRACT. IX. Medicus Absolutus. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The Complete Chemical Physician.  
THis Jatro-chymist and Hermetick Philosopher, is educated from his Youth in all necessary learning to qualify and fit him for this grand business; and that he may be introduced into the Medical Art legitimately according to the Law of Hypocrates. 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Quisquis enim Medicina Scientiam sibi vere comparare volet, eum his ducibus voti sui compotem fieri oportet; natura, doctrina, loco studiis apto, institutione à puero, industria & tempore.  
And having thus gradually received Literature and improvement in the Tongues and Liberal Arts; and being well grounded in Philosophy, the Principles of Nature in general, and government of the Macrocosm; he than directs his study more particularly to the body of man, and contemplates the Microcosm, that most admirable frame of Nature; the diversity of its parts and connexion, with the variety of harmonious Functions, all subservient to the conservation of the whole, directed and managed by the Archaeus or Spirit of Life, and here he is busy for some considerable time in Physiologye, as the first step in Physic.  
After this he considers the requisite supports of this Machine, what is required by Nature to preserve this humane body in due order, and to maintain it in strength and vigour: and now he is conversant in the diaetetick part of Physic; appoints and regulates man in his Meat and Drink, in sleeping and watching, in exercise and rest, assigns him a fit place to live in, etc. most agreeing and suiting with his body, the longer to preserve it. And as Nature does not continue long in the state of integrity and health, but declensions and disorders will arise, and this exquisite Fabric tends towards a dissolution and decay: he than considers the body of man in its preternatural state, the Dyscrasy and Alaxy wherewith it is discomposed, or liable thereto; he is therefore acquainting himself with the Pathological part of Physic, taking cognizance of all the diseases incident to man's body, in their causes, with the Symptoms and Phaenomena that discover them: and being well versed and sharp fighted in the discovery of diseases and their complications; he next applies himself and consults what is fit and requisite to reduce and recover back again this lost health, and vigorous state of Nature; first qua methodo, how this must be done, and here the methodus medendi directs and regulates him: secondly, quibus auxiliis with what and by what means, and that is Chyrurgical, Diaetetical or Pharmaceutical: from which three fountains he draws proper Remedies, and applies fit means for the reduction of Nature to her pristine and integrity of Operations. And for a copious supply of Pharmaceutick means; he searcheth the Animal, the Vegetable and Mineral Family, to find out fit matter to work upon; and industriously applies himself to the Pyrotechnical or Chemical Art, being the most excellent and ingenious way of medicinal preparations: he is very studious in the Scientifical or Philosophical part of Chemistry (which distinguisheth him from the Empiric Chemist) contemplating the principles and nature of all things in their causes and effects; and to prove the verity of his speculative notions; he is very laborious in the operative and practical part of Chemistry, more particularly designing medicinal Experiments and trials which makes him a perite and most excellent pharmacopoeian, daily projecting and operating in Chemical Pharmacy; whereby he adorns the medical Art, and enricheth it with a store and treasury of efficacious and most noble Medicines; Tinctures, Spirits, Essences, Elixirs, Extracts, etc. and therefore Mathiolus well saith, 
Lib. 4. epist. ad A●driam de Blau.  neminem medicum absolutum esse posse, imo nê mediocrem quidem, qui in Chymia non sit exercitatus. No Physician can be complete, scarce an indifferent one, that is not exercised in Chemistry; and Sennertus he is of the same opinion, and adds moreover; Cum enim medicus sit ille admirabilis, 
Cons. & dis. Chym. Cum Galen cap 18.  qui quod est divinum in morbis, in medicamentis, in natura novit, actionumque fontes investigat: ista omnia praecipue Chymiae beneficio assequi potest: what ever is rare and extraordinary profound in nature, the knowledge of that is attained chief by Chemistry. And Mesue a famous Physician speaks thus of Chemists; 
Antidota. distiect 21.  they make manifest and discover the hidden properties of things; that I may confidently say, scarce any one is able to attain to the internal knowledge of things, who is not skilful in Chemical operations, etc. To good purpose than does the Hermetic Physician spend his time in Chemistry, since this is the Key of Knowledge. Wonder not then, but applaud him in the spagirical dissecting and opening the bodies of Concretes, in separating their Constituent parts; since this is the way to discover the hidden properties of each part disjoined, and to know the result of the whole in their natural composition. He makes artificial trials to find out their Similar and dissimilar natures; their conflicts and actings upon each other, by what repugnant properties they stand at distance; and by what mediums they are united. He knows how to separate the pure from the impure; rightly distinguishing between this and that Sulphurous, Saline, Mercurial, etc. and takes what is proper to serve his turn and rejects the rest. He knows how to tame or kill an exorbitant or noxious quality in a Drug or Mineral, that the amicable and excellent medicinal property, may more safely and clearly show its energy. 'tis he alone that knows how to volatise the fixed, and to fix the volatile; that it may serve his purpose pro re nata.  
In learning and knowing these and such like artificial operations; the natural Chemistry of the Microcosm is rightly understood; (this art being but an imitation of nature) which being unknown, the art of curing is obscure and dark; and he shoots at random, that hath not these helps to direct and give him aim in the prosecution of any disease. In the body of man, nature digests, transmures, separates, fixeth and volatiseth, subdues and tameth, exalts and advanceth, to make fit for her purpose the nutrimental object, to serve her several uses, in the nutrition, supply and conservation of the body: but when nature is disordered and put by, or deficient in these her daily actions, and these her wont and necessary operations; who so sit and who so knowing to restore them again, as the most expert and sagacious Chemical Physician; whose daily business it is to perform these operations, that he may the better understand the Chemistry of Nature, and be able to assist her by his art, where nature is unable of herself to perform the work.  
This learned Spagyrist or Hermetick Physician does not despise and throw aside the laborious Works of our famous Predecessors, and wholly shake off their Doctrine; but does respect, use and assert them, so far as is agreeable with the truth of later discoveries: and therefore they do him wrong, and have a false apprehension, that think he practiseth empyrically with Chemical Medicines, and without Art established by Rules and Precepts; or by new fantastic unstable notions: no, he stands and is founded upon most certain Principles, demonstrable by sense; and is able to give the most satisfactory account of Diseases according to their Radix and Seminaries; adapting Medicines and exhibiting them most rationally and methodically, that he may most deservedly be called The Rational Physician 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
He knows, and can manifest it; that the Medicinal Science requires alteration in some fundamentals, generally received; that many derivative Doctrines must fall to the ground; that the Professors in this Faculty are not to sit down & be satisfied with the Labours of our Predecessors (though worthy to be reveverenced and recorded for their great endeavours) but that there is much work yet left to be finished; and much to be unravelled, that is supposed perfect: he is therefore strict in the examination of old Tenants, and sedulous in the exploration of truths yet undiscovered: he is undaunted in the explosion of errors, though maintained and upheld by many successions of the greatest authorities and professors in this Faculty: he stands upon the foundation and principles of nature, discovered to him by the Pyrotechnical Art: he is not only a speculator of truth; but is trained up in Experimental Philosophy, and confirms his notions by Chemical practice and sensible operations.  
He is thorough-paced in the whole Theory and practice of Physic: he has a worthy esteem for Hypocrates, he makes good use of Paracelsus, and reads Galen to be acquainted with his Doctrine, because a man of great fame: but above all he magnifies and bottoms himself upon Van helmont's Principles; yet swallows not all that's presented to him by any one; but preserves himself free, and suffers not himself to be captivated and enticed away, but sticks to his own reason and experiments of art, & nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. He venerates antiquity, but is not over ruled and persuaded by a 1000 years' practice, knowing that error bears date soon after the creation: authority is no convincing argument, but persuades him to believe, where his reason cannot clearly determine, nor experiment decide the controversy, he is well read in the doctrine of the Schools, and is no stranger to the learning of former ages.  
He speaks reverently of Universities; as becomes a legitimate son of art; and the dignities they bestow he respects in all persons, being derived from those famous Nurseries of Literature, esteemed throughout the world where learning is professed. He is dignified with the Doctoral title, ex meritis obtained; and labours diligently to adorn his degree with exemplary qualifications, and to evidence to the world that this badge and signal distinction, is not vainly conferred and merely titular; but a reward of virtue, and eminency of parts.  
To conclude, this man is medicus re & opere; he is a Physician indeed, suis numeris absolutus, accomplished and complete in the encyclopaedia medica, and this is he of whom Homer speaks. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
Mener.  His greatest enemy is the Chemical Empiric, who usurping the title of Doctor, and fraudulently personating this learned Chemical Physician; the ignorance and dangerous practice of the one, redounds to the disrepute and defamation of the other; because people do not warily distinguish, and rightly understand which is the one, and which is the other: but if you view and compare the characters of both persons, you may discern with half an eye, the vast difference between them, and not be deceived for the future.   

TRACT. X. Whether a Physician ought to make his own Medicines.  
SOme there are who think it improper; a great indignity and below the title of a Doctor to intermeddle with the making of Medicines; and such that do so, are accounted by them mean Physicians, of the lowest rank; and that the eminent reputed Physicians scorn this way of Practice, as inferior to their way of prescription, and sending the Patient to their Apothecary. But this is an absurd opinion and a great mistake of the simpler sort of common people: I suppose the learned and judicious party thinks otherwise; and I hope there is no Physician either so proud as to despise a principal part of his profession; or so ignorant as to think it was not the ancient custom and general practice of former ages. Hypocrates, Galen, Paracelsus, Libavius, Helmont, etc. the most renowned Physicians we read of both ancient and modern, were Pharmacopoeians, they were very industrious, diligent and careful in the preparing of their own Medicines; they did not think it a dishonour to be conversant in making Medicines. Famous Quercetan upon this question an medicine deceat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉? affirms the same: 
Qutrcetan. rediviv. p. 218.  Hypocrates ipse eorum faciem conspuisset, qui praeparandorum suorum remediorum scientiam illi detraxissent, quorum utique veteres tam vigiles fuerunt custodes, ut ea nequaquam publica facerent omnibus, sed magna cautione sibi asseruarent, & filiis ac nepolibus seriatim tandem Committerent, ac per manus traderent. Hypocrates (says he) would have spit in their face, that should detract from him the knowledge of making Medicines, of which our ancestors have been such vigilant keepers, that in no wise they would make them public, but did preserve them with great care to themselves, and afterwards did commit them to their Sons and Nephews.  
Dr. 
Vindicia medicine, & medicor. c. 2.  Hodges in that Chapter treating of Practising Apothecaries usurping the Physician's function gins thus: That Physicians did originally provide and dispense their own Medicines, will be (I doubt not) easily granted by those who are acquainted with the writings of the ancients, wherein it is evident that Hypocrates, Galen, and the chief Physicians as part of their employment prepared what Physic they had occasion to spend in their practice: and although their strict obligation to conceal their sacred art, lest it should be prostituted to the rude invasion of persons unqualified, might be one argument inclining them (as the most likely way for its security) to confine their business to their own closerts and repositories; yet I conceive that other reasons might no less persuade their furnishing themselves with all necessary medicines both simple and compound, for these hereby very much improved their knowledge in the materia medica, so that they were not only able to distinguish all Plants, Animals and Minerals, and being abroad (if destitute of convenient help) readily find but what might satisfy the intent in the designed cure, but to prepare and compound them till they become apt medicines for their use, with all diligence observing the several alterations which happened in taste, smell or otherwise, by which means they were throughly informed, how to change, add, or diminish, as there was occasion, to advance the efficacy of the composition; their patients also shared in the benefit of their industry and care herein, who having committed themselves into the hands of those Physicians, looked upon them as the only responsible persons in that undertaking, wherefore they prudently considering that their reputation lay at stake and the lives of their Patients, durst not intrust others in a matter of such concernment to both, but managed all the business themselves to a general approbation.  
'Tis evident that this was the laudable and most rational practice of the Ancients, whereby the knowledge of Medicines was improved, and the Physician much advantaged by it, and the Patient secured. Had it not been the practice of Physicians to make their Medidicines, how had Medicines arrived to that excellency and worth? not by Prescription but by the industry and experiments of Physicians in operation. And what reason is there that this should be laid aside now? That Physicians should be Novices? That the Arcana's of the Art should be transferred and reposited in the hands of others, alienated from the Professors? This seems very strange: 
Quercet. Rediviv. pag. 223.  take notice what Quercetan says; Quam turpe est Medico, sibi Doctoris titulum arrogare, & materiam qua uti debet, modumque illius parandae ac administrandae ignorare, patique se à ministris suis superari? an ignoras, experientiam rerum esse magistram? Ergo Pharmacopoeius eam callens magister erit, tu verò bruta statua Cathedrae affigeris. You see how this great Doctor charges every Physician with the business of preparing Medicines, as a necessary duty that lies upon him; which if he neglects how unworthy he is of his Title and Profession: making of Medicines therefore is no disparagement to a Physician, but a credit; he does his duty; it is his satisfaction and security in practice, and a great help to increase his knowledge. Elevat Medici eminentiam & existimationem, 
Chym. in art. form. redact.  si & manum & mentem adhibeat, ipseque modum compenendi selectissima arcana non solum norit, sed & eadem praeparet, praeparataque ipse communicet: says Rolfinc, it raiseth the eminency and esteem of a Physician, if he applies both his mind and his hand to the composing of Medicines.  
But some may say; there is much servile work belongs to the making of Medicines, not fit for a Doctor of Physic: 'tis true, he is not required to toil in the drudgery of it, that is his servants work; but he must supervise, and see there be no neglect, mistake or abuse: he may have workmen to do the work, but in the interim he must be workmaster, to design the Medicine, to appoint, correct and overlook the whole business; and where the curiosity, and intrigue of the Art lies, that is to be done by his own hand, that is his Closet business. And truly I cannot see how a Physician can satisfy himself otherwise, if he be not present and Supervisor of the Medicine; nor is it reasonable that a Physician should venture the Life of his Patient, and his own Reputation upon the slender care of Servants and raw negligent Boys, who if you stand by them are apt to mistake and commit errors before your face, as I have too oft observed; what negligence is there, and what gross faults than are committed behind your back? I dare not trust my own Servants, I should be loath then to trust another man's. Examples we have had enough of the miscarriages and mistakes in medicines, which have cost too many their Lives; but how many such that never were known is not to be numbered. It is therefore the Physician's care and duty to have the management of the Medicine, being principally interessed therein; for he that is most concerned in a Medicine will be most careful and exact: some are concerned only in the price of a Medicine; so that if a Medicine be specious to the eye that's enough to answer his concern; but the Physicians concern is in the effects and operation of a Medicine; so that he has no way to betray his trust, but he forfeits his Reputation, and it is charged upon him. The designs of these two persons are very much different; and therefore we may reasonably judge there is much difference in their Medicines; the one aims and strives to cure, the other strives to sell: an indifferent or bad Medicine may sell, but such will not Cure.  
View the Druggist's Shop, and you shall see what great difference there is in the same species of Commodity; so that the price is double and more, in the same Commodity differing in goodness: one sort being degenerate; of the growth of a Country or Climate producing not so good; or from a bad season of the year; or decayed by age; or damaged by importation and Carriage, or the like: and another sort is excellent choice ware, and scarce: and this variety you will find in most, if not all medicinal Drugs: yet all is sold, first or last; the Shop is cleared of all, and it is turned into Medicine.  
Judge then who it is that buys the choicest and best at the double rate; and who buys the worst at a cheap and under rate. That Physician which should buy the worst to save money, is not so much a Knave as a Fool, though he is both in so doing: for he lives by his Reputation of Cures; by the operation and success of a Medicine; not by the price of a Medicine: his profit and advantage ariseth by the Cure wrought, not by the Medicine sold: and therefore he will be most exact and just, in preparing choice Medicines, according to the best of his skill, not sparing pains or cost, his own interest and design leads him to it, and I have heard the Druggist say, should all men be so curious in the choice of their Drugs, as some few Physicians that buy for their own practice, that will have none but the best; they could not tell how to manage their Trade; for above the half of their Goods would lie upon their hands: but all are not so nice in buying; they have Customers for the Trash, which they sell at low rates, and many choose to have of this sort for the price sake.  
I suppose we are now satisfied that the Physician's Medicine must needs excel all others: he that makes it his business to acquire noble Medicines; that spares neither pains nor cost (as it his interest so to do) will furnish himself with the choicest Medicaments that Art can procure. And indeed, 'tis the glory and pride of a Physician to be furnished with a stock of excellent Medicines; such as he may confide in; such as he has completed by several trials, and gradual alterations, to bring them to the perfection he aims at; and which he hath oft proved: this man practiseth boldly, rationally and securely: but he that gives an unknown Medicine, is either doubtful and timorous (as well he may) or else he adventures boldly, at hap hazard.  
There are two sorts of Physicians, differently applying themselves to Medicines. The one endeavours to get skill in Medicines by reading; the other by practice in making: the first depends upon the traditional account of Authors; the latter upon his own Experiments and Trials. And here I must positively assert; that bare reading and studying of Medicines, is but imagining of Medicines, a dubious thinking and a deceitful conjecture, but trials and experiments in making, is knowledge in medicines. A man cannot be said to be skilful and knowing in Medicines until he hath made them: you may fancy in your study by reading, to make and compose a Medicine thus and thus, of such and such Ingredients, after this manner prepared; and think you have designed an excellent Medicine, that every thing appertaining to it will fall out well, and suit with the form of the Medicine, as you intent and have imagined: but come to make this Medicine, you will find yourself very much mistaken, either in the process and manner of making, or in the proportion of the Ingredients, or their single corrections and due preparations etc. You thought you were very right until you come to making of it, and then you see your errors; so that to make this Medicine as it ought, and to answer your aims in it, you must at it again, perhaps a third or a fourth time before you hit it right, and make it every way complete for your purpose: now had it not been for these trials and repeated experiments in making, you had never known rightly this Medicine, but had persisted in an erroneous judgement. This I know to be true by often experience, both in Galenick, but especially Chemical Medicines, which are the most difficult.  
In Chemical Medicines how often shall you be frustrated of your purpose, if your own experience in the same Medicine, or collateral experiments do not guide you in the process? How many fallacious processes of Chemical Medicines are extant in Print? Very many; and many worth nothing when they are rightly made: who shall understand this? Not the reader of Medicines, but the Pharmacopoeian, the expert maker only is a competent judge. You prescribe a Medicine to be made as your Author dictates to you, who is esteemed for a learned man, and is so: what then? But perhaps this Author knows as little of the Medicine as yourself; he had it by collection from another Author; he never made it, nor perhaps used it; but takes it by tradition, as you do from him, and commends it. This is very common among Writers: do you think then our knowledge in Physic will attain to a perfection after this rate? No, this is not the way, nor does it become a legal Professor to prosecute this Course, and take up his knowledge upon trust: but put the case, Authors do faithfully and knowingly deliver the Process of Medicines; yet if you be not an Artist you cannot make it; nor can you rightly judge of a Medicine but by the making, which discovers and unfolds to you the nature of it; you will be then able to determine its use, and you will know how to improve and advance its efficacy. I never yet was satisfied in, nor pleased with a Medicine, until I had made it half a dozen, perhaps half a score times, and each time corrected and altered it, upon examination and observation in the repeated use of it: and by such trials of making, and observations in practice and use, I did meliorate and improve my Medicines: nor is it possible for any man to be knowing and skilful in Medicines, any other way but by practice in their making and use. A man may be reading of Medicines seven and seven years, and yet be unskilful in Medicines. You know Medicines, you say, by reading in your study; I wish I could do so too; it would spare both pains and cost: but I never could understand Medicines as I ought, by reading; and yet I have read over and studied as many Pharmacopoeians as you, both Galenick and Chemical: I ransacked and consulted all the Authors I could meet with that treated of Medicines and Drugs; to inform and acquaint me with variety of Medicines and the best ways of preparation: notwithstanding such a groundwork, when I came to the making of Medicines, I was but a Novice, I committed many errors, and threw away many medicines, that I had bestowed much pains about, because they did not please me, they did not answer my expectation when I had performed their operations: but this time so employed was not lost: I found by daily experience and trials, to gain knowledge; to understand the nature of Drugs by their simple and compound preparations, better than all the Books I had read, could teach me. I was satisfied then, that my Book-reading Knowledge was not comparable to this of Practice: that is but the shadow and resemblance of Knowledge; a supposing and believing things to be so; but this is a sensible, and certain satisfaction to be relied on far beyond that of Report and Tradition.  
As it is in Mechanic Arts, so it is in Pharmacy: a man may read of building Ships, stately Houses, making of Watches, or other curious Engines, many years; but if he be not exercised in the making, he will be very much to seek and very unready at his first undertaking such a work, and shall commit many errors, until he be well experienced by constant practice: 'tis so in Medicines; but you will say the building and contrivance of a great Ship, or magnificent House, is a far greater work and undertaking then the making of Medicines: I answer, no; you are mistaken, there is more study, art and pains required, in the designing and making curious Medicines, far above Ships or Houses, or any other piece of artificial workmanship. That man which designs and makes Medicines aright, skilfully and tightly, must well understand that rare Machine of nature, the fabric and contrivance of man's body; not only by the eye to know the several organical parts; their due magnitude, figure, number, situation, composition; but their offices, harmonious subserviencies, and all the internal motions and vital operations; than which there is no piece in nature more admirable: he must also know the variety of impediments, discomposure, and disorders of this excellent frame, and how to be remedied; and according to this knowledge which is very intricate, must he adapt and contrive his Medicines.  
What's a Ship or stately Palace to the Body of Man? nothing comparable in the workmanship or mystery of support: now he that makes a Medicine, and is master of his Art, hath the Idea of this Microcosm in his thoughts, and a true knowledge of all the internal operations; else he can never design his Medicines to assist nature this way or that way, and to relieve her in distress, as he ought. Besides, the Materia medica he useth, is far more numerous and various than those materials belonging to any artificial part or rare contrived workmanship whatever; the Physician searcheth both Sea and Land, what's above and what's under the earth, to make medicines of to serve his purpose, and takes from animals, vegetables and minerals: and when he hath elected proper and fit matter to work upon, his art and operations upon it are perplexedly difficult, tedious, and unsatisfactory before he hath finished and satiated his curiosity.  
He that is a true Artist in Medicines, that hath an excellent ingeny, and is laborious; will not fit down and rest contented in the common traditional knowledge of Medicines, but will be continually busing himself in experiments, reaching forward and striving to attain excelling and more noble medicines, far above the common sort: and this cannot be brought about, but with indefatigable contrivance and pains in the exercise and making of medicines, after long experience and manifold trials.  
For the Galenick Medicines, they are far more easy to make, and take up much less time; yet no Physician can prescribe these exactly, that is not versed in making, but must refer himself to the art of the Apothecary, who corrects the prescription oftentimes as he thinks fit. But gross and dangerous errors he shall commit in prescribing a Chemical Medicine, that is not a well experienced and practised Chemist. How often are ingredients appointed to be decocted, that either yield not their virtue to impregnate the menstruum; or else evaporate before the decoction be finished. How often are ingredients appointed to be distilled, nothing of which, at least their virtuous part intended, comes not into the receiver, but remains in the retort or vesica. Very often this is so, and many errors, which are committed from the insufficiency of the prescriber, a Contemplator of Medicines, no Operator.  
Nor is this all the mischief; for since Physicians left making their medicines, Apothecaries began to practise Physic; and I think the Physician is well rewarded for deserting the principal part of his profession, and giving it to another. Medicines in ancient times was only in the hands of Physicians, as the arcana's of art, now they are become a trade, and the Apothecary by this custom challengeth them as his due belonging only to him, and thinks himself wronged if he have not the whole management of Medicines.  
But this is too arrogantly and unduly challenged. The propriety of medicines is not yours; but every Physician may be his own Pharmacopaeian, and employ his own servants in that business if he please, nor have you any just cause to complain of him therein; you have your liberty to follow your trade of selling medicines to whomsoever will buy at your shops, and that is the intent of your employment.  
But this does not satisfy, you would engross the whole business of medicines to yourselves (which is a Physicians proper business) and that Physician who for his own satisfaction and security to his Patients takes upon him the charge and care of Medicines, is sure to have your badge and byword, though he be very worthy and able in the Profession.  
And this usage the Learned Chemical Physician finds; but however he is not discouraged from his industrious prosecution in medicinal experiments and trials to increase his knowledge, and advance the efficacy of medicines by his indefatigable labours.  
And truly I must affirm, that the best Physicians in the Nation, are or have been Pharmacopoeians; men exercised and practised in the making of medicines, whereby they become most expert Physicians, most knowing and most successful: (and this I can make good, if you desire the proof it) and he that is not well versed and exercised in the practice of Pharmacy, is not complete and fully accomplished, but is very uncertain in the administration and appointment of Medicines, and must give place to the Pharmacopoeian Physician, who is solidly grounded in the knowledge of medicines, which are the instruments of Cure.  
And indeed medicines is the grand business of a Physician; that he had better be defective in any part of his Art, then in this; Non verbis, sed herbis: 'tis medicine that cures, and here must be the greatest care and curiosity in the contrivance of excellent medicines, and this cannot be done so well as by the Physician's hand, or under his eye. Who so wary and careful as he whose reputation must answer for the medicine in the success or miscarriage. 
Institutu. l. 5. part 3. 2. sect. c. 1.  Nemo rectius composuerit medicamenta, quam medicus, says Sennertus, none shall compound Medicines better than the Physivan. And in the same Chapter he adds: praestantissimi medici domi suae suis manibus medicament a composuerunt, & suis nominibus insigniverunt. the most excellent Physicians have compounded their Medicines at home with their own hands, 
Galen de comp. med.  which he proves out of Galens writings. Then he brings in Valeriola, though seemingly of a contrary opinion, yet cannot deny but the best Physicians in Galens time prepared their great Antidotes themselves, 
Institut. l. 5.  and accounts it the happiness of that age. Then says Sennertus, & cur non sit summa felicitas, si ea medicamenta, in quibus vita hominum sita est, ipsi etiam medici componant, nec omnia non raro indoctis hominibus committendum; And why it is not accounted the greatest felicity, that Physicians themselves should prepare those medicines, in which the life of man is concerned, and not all things committed as commonly to unlearned men?  
A Physicians great business may be divided into these two general parts; knowledge of Diseases, and skill in medicines; and little remains but is reducible hither: the latter part is as weighty as the first; and it as much concerns a Physician, and a duty as incumbent upon him, as any part of his Science, that he ought to be as exact and knowing in this as in that: and how can this be without experience and practice in medicinal preparations? reading will not do it; 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Au. Galen. de alim. fac.  cannot make any one expert: you would be loath to sail in that Ship where the Pilot had only read of Navigation; so I should be loath to take Physic of him that had only read of Medicines. Perhaps you will say, though you do not see the making, yet you view it when made, and before it be given: this is not sufficient knowledge to satisfy you or secure the Patient; a medicine may be specious enough to the eye that you cannot blame, and yet bad enough to him that takes it: a Ship may look very fair and firm to the eye; but the builder alone is able to judge of her; he can tell where she is defective; because he knows every piece of timber, and every plank about her. So is it in Medicines, the maker alone knows whether it be good or bad, by the matter and manner of preparation. I would feign understand what true observation you can make upon the operation and effects of an unknown medicine: you appoint such a Medicine and such a Dose to be given; it works not well, it answers not your expectation: you are now at a loss in your determination; you know not whether you miss in the Dose, or whether the fault be in the Medicine; or discordant with this particular person only: you know not whom or what to accuse, yourself or the Medicine or the individual propriety of the patiented: and this difficulty is put upon you because you have no certain knowledge, nor repeated trials of the Medicine, and you cannot say whether it were a good or a bad Medicine. And consequently no observation from hence. On the contrary, were this Medicine of your own making, in your own custody, had you proved and tried it oft, meliorated and improved it by repeated preparations; you might then with much confidence and reason give judgement upon its operation, and make a certain observation, in this or that case, which otherwise cannot be done. The diversity and uncertainty of men's bodies, and peculiar natures, is adventure enough for a Physician to presume on; and this is unavoidable: but I know no reason why a Physician should wilfully presume upon uncertain and unknown Medicines; yea, 'tis great folly and hazard, when he may have an assured, well grounded, rational and experientiall knowledge, as every Physician ought.  
But you will say, your employment is great, you cannot visit your patients and look after Medicines too: then say I, take no more business upon you then you can manage as you ought: that man which hath a full practice for his own person it will be sufficient for him if he be not very covetous and is more in love with money, than the life of his Patients: but ease and good-fellowship takes up so much of some men's time, that they cannot perform the whole duty of their employment.  
Now to resolve the question; whether it be a duty incumbent vyon the Physician, as most rational, and a part of his profession, to supervise, prepare, safely to keep and have in readiness, Medicines for his own practice, as a great satisfaction to himself, and security to his Patients; judge you.  
I shall conclude with a piece of Sennertus who thought the preparation of Medicines very becoming and proper for the Physician: 
Sennert. instit. c. 1. de natura Chyosiae.  Neque etiam praeter dignitatem medici esse, componere medicamenta, antiqui illi viri prudentissimi, medicique peritissimi, satis docuerunt: qui etsi haberent unguentarios, seplasiarios, & id genus hominum, qui fucos, unguenta & similia praecipue vendebant, ornando potius quam curando corpori utilia, totam tamen medicamentorum compositionem ipsis non committebant. Ipsi●domi suae medicamenta composuerunt, neque sibi dedecori, sed laudi esse duxerunt, si rei humano generi utiilissimae operam impenderent, neque plus rationis manuum suarum quam animi haberent. Imo i●naviorum potius esse videtur, omnia ministris committere; quorum vel avaritia, vel improbitate factum est saepius, ut medicaments praestantissima quae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 antiqui appellant, vel indoctissimis empericis communicarentur, vel corrupta & vitiata a●thoritatem suam amitterent, nec vires ob quas ab antiquis praedicabantur, amitterent.   

TRACT XI. The Excellency of Chemical Preparations; compared with Galenick Medicines.  
BY the ignorance of some, and the knavery of others, Chemical Medicines are a great bugbear with many. Upon the name of a Chemical Medicine, some straight conclude it is Antimony or Mercury or some poisonous or corrosive thing, and they are as afraid of it as if it were Ratsbane. How this Cheat is put upon the people, and noble brave Medicines unjustly defamed, we shall examine: this comes to pass by these means: first it ariseth from ignorant and bold fellows (pretended Artists in Chemistry) who venture upon a small stock of knowledge and experience in the Art, to make Medicines of minerals as Antimony, Mercury, Vitriol, Nitre, etc. cautiously and judiciously to be dealt with (by those only who know very well what they do) but being unskilfully and rudely prepared; or ignorantly and improperly given are thereby very Churlish in operation, and of dangerous consequence sometimes in their effects. And this raiseth a censure and scandal upon all Chemical Medicines, concluding from hence that they are all such. But what is this to defame Chemistry, and Chemical Medicines; I easily grant that such abuses there are; but what does this reflect on? Not upon the Art but the Artist; not upon Chemical Medicines but the abusers of them: consider the person who it is, see how he is qualified, whether he be a complete Chemical Physician: you will find that such miscarriages do arise from bold Empirics, and Common sale Medicines; and if you will venture upon their Chemical Medicines, or Shop Medicines that you know not from whose preparation they were, you must take what follows patiently, and not unjustly defame a most excellent Art, and the noble Medicines that are made thereby.  
'Tis scattered abroad by vulgar mouths, and objected commonly to us, that Chemical Medicines are dangerous, which deter many from the use of them, who stand in need thereof, and is not remediable but by such Medicines: but consider who they are that give out this Report; it is either such as have been abused by cheating Medicines as aforesaid; or such that understand nothing of the matter; that speak ignorantly by hear-say and vulgar report, and through timorousness are apt to believe and credit it: or else if more knowing, are biased by profit, and interessed in the adverse, rigid Galenick party, either as Professors thereof, or appertainers to them. But pick out a knowing man not interessed in the Profession; as there are persons of honour and Gentlemen in this Kingdom that delight in the Study of Physic, and well understand what a Chemical and Galenick Medicine is: I am confident he will give the right hand and pre-eminence to Chemical Medicines; nor did I ever meet with any such yet, but did prefer the Chemical far above the Galenick preparations.  
Some there are that foolishly imagine Chemical Medicines so far to differ from the Galenick, as not to be made of the same matter with them; but of some dangerous Minerals, and venomous Drugs, that they are afraid such Medicines should come into their bodies: now herein they are much mistaken, and abused in their judgement; for Chemical and Galenick Medicines are made of the same Ingredients and Drugs, they only differ praeparationis modo, in the manner of handling and preparing them: but 'tis a hard thing to make some doting people believe this; and some the more ingenious sort, are very suspicious of a Chemical Medicine ●o nomine. Dr. Thomson was very sensible of this as he declares himself in these words: What difficulties some of us have undergone to persuade some prepossessed against us (that have imbibed the exitious Precepts of the Galenists) to admit of those Chemical Remedies (when we know they would save their lives) is well known to those that have been made sensible of their errors herein: 
Galeno●●ale  for the very name Chemical did sound so deadly in their ears, that many in those places (where we practised) did apprehend that he who dealt in such Medicines had a design to destroy them; and that he was a Necromancer, and one that busied himself in some unlawful Art. So far had prevailed the ill reports of ignorance, envy and slander, that this most laudable Art, and the true professors have suffered much, and lie low in the opinion of some people: but time will open their eyes that they may fee their error.  
You say Chemical Medicines are dangerous; so is a Sword in a mad man's hand; but when a wise man has it, it is his safety & defence, because he knows how to use it. Some Chemical medicines are more acute and vigorous in operation, and therefore are more cautiously to be dealt with, I grant you: therefore take good instructions from a Physician that knows well the medicine, being present at its operation, and well understands for what he gives it you, and then the danger is past; else any other medicine is injurious also.  
You say Chemical medicines are dangerous; I say 'tis dangerous to be without them; these are the medicines that must help in the time of need; when the nauseous loading Drenches, Apozems, Juleps, and the Languid Syrups can do no good: the Chemical medicines must step in to save the man; then a noble spirituous tincture, or rich cordial essence, or highly graduated Elixir, that operates briskly, cheerfully and friendly with nature, that expands itself in the body instantaneously; raiseth the drooping spirits, inlivens and comforts all the faculties; this is the medicine that gives speedy help to a languishing, tired Patient.  
You say Chemical medicines are dangerous; I say Galenick medicines are more dangerous; for, by trifling away the time with sluggish dull medicines; many times the opportunity of curing slips away, and is not to be recovered by the best of medicines, but the Patient must die for it. This I have often seen; and sometimes I have known the tired Patient, receive help and comfort from efficacious Chemical medicines, that could find none in the other. For Patients to desert Galenick medicines, and have recourse to the Chemical is common: but to leave the Chemical and apply to Galenick Physic, is very rare. You shall hardly meet with a Patient that hath tried both, but commends Chemical medicines above the other; as being much easier and pleasanter to take, as kindly in operation, and more effectual for their purposes intended; if a true Chemical Physician have had the managing of their sickness.  
You say Chemical medicines are dangerous; and if I ask you wherein, you presently tell me of Antimony and Mercury, as if Chemical Pharmacy was confined to these Minerals, and all Chymimical medicines were Antimonial and Mercurial, and these were the whole Materia Medica that a Chemist works upon: no, the Chemical Physician is no more bound up to Antimony and Mercury then the Galenist is to Hellebore, Elaterium and Colloquintida, churlish Drugs if not well prepared. As for Antimony and Mercury (though of good use) if these were not in nature, the Chemical Physician would be sufficiently supplied from other Minerals, and out of the family of Vegetables and Animals, to do his business. Do you think the Chemist does not make as much use, and better use of all Plants than others? I am sure he knows them better, will give you a more satisfactory account of what he useth, than any other that depends only upon the Herbal; that is a traditional account, not well examined nor corrected, but remains full of errors; not is there any firm basis assigned to ground the virtues of those Plants upon, and from which they do assurge; but praise them for this and for that (many times at random) collected from one Author to another successively: but the Chemist does anatomize the Plant, separates its parts and will make you sensibly discern the difference between this Plant and that; discovering their several proprieties in these artificial retextures; then your reason being informed by sense, may easily judge and certainly determine, for what purpose this is for, and what that; and not be beholden or rely upon the dubious reports of Authors, that never made such experiments to demonstrate the verity of their opinions. But whereas you fall upon Antimony and Mercury with a prejudicated opinion as if they deserved to be banished from medicinal employment; you must know that these Minerals are of good use in Physic, when an able Artist hath the handling of them; but being abused by Bunglers and Quacks, these Minerals lie under a reproach.  
You say Chemical medicines are dangerous, and therefore they are appointed to be taken by drops and grains; else they might be given in a larger quantity as Galenick medicines are, half a pint, or a pint at a Dose. Here is a fallacious scandal; you call that dangerous, which is only of great power and efficacy, that is acute and brisk in operation; that is reduced to a small quantity for the benefit and ease of the Patient; that a drop compriseth as much virtue, as a spoonful of another medicine: 'Tis true, these Medicines are not to be played with, as Children lick Syrup; but discreetly to be used: and therefore if a Chemical medicine be said to be dangerous, it is not so in su● natura, but in usu malo; not in its own nature, but by the imprudent use and abuse of it. 'Tis dangerous for Children to play with knives; but when Wise men use them, there is no danger: so the danger of a Chemical Medicine is in the unskilful, careless use of it: dangerous in the hands of fools, and received from the hands of such; but prudently taken from the hands of a Physician that knows the preparation of the medicine, none is more safe; none so safe, because they surpass all other in amicable operation and good effects.  
Chemical Medicines, you say, are not so mild and gentle as the Galenick, which are more familiar to Nature, and may more freely be used: But the Chemical is not to be used but upon extraordinary occasions, and desperate cases; according to the Proverb, A desperate Disease must have a desperate Remedy. I answer, You are much mistaken in your Opinion and Censure: Medicines Chemically prepared by a true Philosophical Artist and rational Physician, are as gentle and benign in their operation as any Medicines in the World; and if it happen otherwise, it does arise from the insufficiency of the Artist, or the imprudence of the Patient: And such miscarriages as these happen in the Galenick Practice, and is common to Galenick Medicines as oft as Chemical: But cast your Eye upon both sorts of Medicines, prepared according to the rules of either Art, and the best Pharmacopoeia's of both Sects; and you may pick out as churlish medicines in the one as the other. I shall not defend all Chemical Medicines that stand upon Record in Chemical Authors; and you I think will not justify all the Galenick; but have recourse to one that is Chymiatros' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a true Chemical Physician, Judicious and Expert in Chemical Pharmacy; he will produce you such Medicines of his own preparation, that you may confide in, for the grand purposes and intentions of Cure, Emetic, Cathartick, Diaphoretick, Diuretic, Cardiack, etc. as nothing can operate with more facility and amicably with Nature, in her weakest Condition, and in the tenderest age: and therefore not in desperate cases only, but in all cases the Chemical medicines are of excellent use; benign and friendly to Nature, various in their Kind's as well vegetable and Animal, as Mineral; so that the Chemical Physician hath his choice to appoint, this or that pro re nata as the case requires: Moreover, herein lies the excellency of Chemistry, that it can tame the greatest Poison, and make it good Medicament, if there be occasion for it: Herein lies the Excellency of Chemical preparation, that the feculent drossy part is separated from the pure and virtuous; the excelling parts are drawn forth and preserved, the inutile and unuseful are rejected and sequestered. Hence the noble tinctures, and reviving Elixerated Spirits and Essences are drawn: the Quintessence of all things is commanded by the skilful Chemist, and none but he searcheth the Treasury of Nature. Is there any thing good in Nature attainable, that he cannot acquire and possess? Is there any thing so bad that he cannot correct and alter? If not he, than no man.  
Dr. Primrose, 
Primrose de Vulg. Err. li. 4. ca 1.  though a Friend to the Galenick method and practice; yet in his Book of Vulgar Errors, takes notice of the unjust Censure that Common People pass upon Chemical Medicines; Additae igitur fuerunt operationes Chymicae, ad aegrorum solatium, artis decus et ornatum, non quidem absolutè, sed ut melius et commodius Medici Mederentur. Quaedam tamen deterrent plurimos aegrotantes ab horum remediorum usu: Primum est quod putent omnia Chymicorum remedia esse valentissima, Curare statim vel occidere, et esse remedia, ut vocant, desperata, citò quidem & jucunde opus suum perficere, sed minus tutò, et quandam post sese labem in visceribus relinquere, quae nunquam, aut vix postea eluatur. Satius autem esse putant, tardiùs Curari, modo tuta et secura sanitas succedat; sat citò, inquit proverbium, si sat been. Verum haec en ignorantiâ istius artis originem habent, et quorundam nebulonum audaciâ, qui solum vehementissimis utuntur, et praepostera operatione praeparatis, non enim quaelibet Chymica praeparatio cuilibet Medicamento convenit, Mercurio dulci utimur innoxiè, codem sublimato aut praecipitato, non nisi cum vitae discrimine. Plurima enim habent Chymici Medicamenta valde benign, minimumque violenta: eadem siquidem est materia medica Pharmacopoei Chymici et vulgaris, ex vegetabilibus, animalibus, mineralibus et omnibus tam benignis quam violentis, quae in usum medicum venire solent. Praeparatio ●utem Chymica in violentis quae noxia sunt, emendat, aut tollit, securiora ea gratioraque efficit: Quin etiam Cardiaca et roborantia habent Chymici quam plurima, vulgaribus saepe elegantiora.  
This Author though a Galenist in Doctrine and Method of Practice; 
Eodem Cap.  yet confesseth Chemical medicines to be the most excellent, most pleasant, and very safe; Cum igitur Medici Officium sit ut citò, tutò, jucundè curet, hand dubiè id melius faciet instructus Chymicis Medicamentis, quorum efficacia major, et praeparationis elegantia ad jucunditatem faciunt. Here he saith, for speed, safety and pleasantness of Curing, the Chemical Physician is best accommodated for that purpose.  
But the very name Chemical, is a desperate word, and imports strange things in the Opinion of some people, which affrights them from all medicines that bear that denomination: Truly if I knew any such concealed mischief under it, as you do imagine, I should be as ready to inform you, as now to convince you of your error; and to warn you of it, as now to remove that prejudice and suspicion which you unjustly conceive and harbour; were Chemical Medicines desperate Physic as you imagine, so many famous Physicians would not have used them, nor stood up for them: and although Hypocrates nor Galen was not so happy as to be acquainted with these medicines; yet their Disciples that embrace their doctrine and precepts, applaud and use Chemical Medicines.  
Crato Physician to 3. 
I● Co●sil. à Scholar Edit.  Emperors, very much commends Chemical Medicines, and professeth to use them. And Erastus though a great Anti-Paracelsian, 
In praefat. ●per. Antiparacelsitor.  confesseth he does not disapprove of the Chemical preparation of Physic, but praiseth and approves it. Greg. Horstius Fernelius, Heurnius, these Worthy Authors (approved and followed by all the Galenists) do the like. And Sennertus a moderate man, endeavouring to reconcile these two grand dissenting parties, gives the pre-eminence to Chemical Medicines; but allows of both in the practice of Physic to be of good use. And Maebius a late Writer and favourer of Galenick Doctrine, speaking of the several sects of Physicians, makes some Exceptions against Chemical Principles, but the Chemist's medicines, he cannot but extol and confesseth, 
Fundament. Medicine.  In praeparatione Medicamentorum tamen palmam veterum Medicinae praecipiunt. But in the preparation of medicines (says he) the Chemists win the Garland.  
Many such testimonies as these I might give concerning Chemical medicines of their efficacy and safety from very approved Authors of the Galenists: I suppose now you will entertain a better opinion of Chemical medicines; you will not think them dangerous, having the approbation of so many learned men and the most eminent Physicians of the Galenic party (to let pass the testimony of the most experienced Doctors and Operators in Chemistry) and indeed there is scarce any Physician of known parts now, but do freely admit of and practice with Chemical medicines; and very oft you take Chemical preparations though prescribed by a Galenic Doctor, and coming out of an Apothecary's shop; which you do not perceive, because admixed with Galenick Physic: and if you can take Chemical Physic at this rate, when the Physician hath not been privy to the preparation, nor the Apothecary; but bought of some Shop Chemist or other whose honesty and care they trust; you may with great confidence then take them from the hands of a Chemical Physician and skilful Operator; whose great business it is to prepare choice medicines for his own practice, with great care and exactness, for his reputation is engaged for every default, nor can he shift it off and throw it upon another, because he undertakes the whole work. Nor does he aim at the sale of medicines herein, but to effect difficult cures, and to be satisfied in the curiosity of medicines which puts him upon this trouble for the good of his Patients; and therefore I need say no more of his medicines; nor answer farther to clear this objection against Chemical medicines, that they are dangerous: 
Sennert. cons. & dis. Chym. cum Galen. c. 18.  only remember what Sennertus says, interest multum in Chymicis medicamentis, quis ca praeparavit, it behoves you to know well the artist that prepares them; and being given by a skilful hand you need not fear the use of them; but expect as much then as Art and Medicine can perform.  
Objection. Chemical medicines some say are a new invention, and therefore not to be esteemed equal with the old Galenick medicines.  
Ans. Antiquity or novelty is no sufficient argument to prove the goodness of one thing above another, except in Theological truths. But in Philosophical, if either invites to adhere, I should think new inventions might more persuade, upon the score of reason, to be embraced and followed then the old: but understand what I mean by new inventions; not the fancy of light roving wits, and the conceits of giddybrains affecting novelties; but the solid inventions and improvements of judicious Artists, sufficiently experimented and approved. Look back upon all arts and sciences in former ages, and you will see how rude and inartificial they were then to what they are now; how polite and exquisite now, how much completed, by revising and additions, to what they were formerly in their rough draughts: you will then be convinced that the later inventions and contrivances by learned ingenious men, do far exceed the first exemplars; and that arts and sciences are daily improved by new additions and ingenious alterations. And it were a shame to us if it were not so: shall other men in all ages have their inventions, and not we ours? why must we be tied up from invention? I do not see a perfection yet: there is a plus ultra: had there been such a restraint and check upon our Predecessors (to be derided for sick-brain novelists and fantastic Innovators) and they timorously had stood in awe of the rash Censure of foolish or envious people; where had all our knowledge been? we now should be groping in the darkness of Error and Ignorance, wanting their Labours and Lights; and we had now been but laying a foundation in Arts and Sciences, whereas (thanks to the great Endeavours and Ingenious Improvements and Additions of Learned Men in their several Ages) we are now upon Ornament, and the finishing part, in most of them; and the hardest knotty work is past.  
But I have not done with this Objection yet: You say Chemical Medicines are Novel Inventions; What then? Physic is not perfected yet; there is room enough for invention: there is a great deal to be corrected and altered, and there is much to be added before the Art be complete. Pertinent to this point we are upon, 
Sennert. Cons. et diff. Chym. cum Gal.  is that place of Sennertus, where he saith, The Antiquity alone of common medicines does not detract from the Chemical in the least, nor is the Chemical for their Novelty to be accounted inferior to the Galenical. 'Tis a foolish thing to eat Acorns, when we have gotten good Corn; And who now does not use printed Books which the Ancients wanted, and yet were learned. And they themselves, which despise Chemical medicines for their novelty do use Rhubarb, Mechoacan, Cassia, Guajacum, Sassafras, Sarsaperilla, Bezoar stone, and many more which were unknown to Hypocrates and Galen. And they which lived before Hypocrates and Galens time, lived well also: notwithstanding therefore the works of Hypocrates and Galen are not to be thrown away. How many most profitable observations of learned Physicians are now extant? also how many the best compositions of Medicines, which were unknown in the time of Hypocrates and Galen, with which now the art of Physic is much adorned? all things have their beginnings, increase, and perfection: and nothing is invented and perfected at one time. And therefore it is our parts to labour, not only to defend the inventions of the Ancients, but also as much as in us lies to prosecute those beginnings, to enlarge and bring them to perfection. And therefore Antiquity alone is not sufficient to prefer the Common Medicines above the Chemical  
You have the opinion of this learned man, a moderator between the Galenist and the Chemical Physician; and he determines very justly, that Antiquity does not give the prehemince to Galenick Physic; but rather that it should give place to later discoveries of Medicines; these being the Revises, Compleatments and mature productions of Art; much to be preferred before the antiquated Medicines; being but rude experiments, and an induction only to greater and more artificial operations and trials.  
But I have heard some Physicians say, that they prescribe no medicine but what has been tried and used 500 or a 1000 years: and except you bring the authority of so many years, a medicine is not esteemed nor hardly allowed by such: truly, I like their medicines never the better for their antiquity, but the worse: not therefore, despising antiquiquity; but therefore, because their medicines were unpolished, rude and churlish, to what they are now. Our rational way of correction and preparation of medicines, does far surpass the Ancients. They went upon experiments altogether at first; and those experiments were not to be called rational as ours now, but at a venture: for they had not Analogy to direct them. But it is not so with us now; and therefore our experiments and inventions are guided by strong reason and collateral experiments; and we are able to set a probatum est to any new medicine, to give it credit in the world after satisfaction from our own trials of use; and it is as authentic as a thousand years' practice, in the judgement and opinion of knowing men; that can compare the maturity of our knowledge in these later days, with their indigested notions of former ages.  
You say you prescribe no Medicine but of a thousand years standing: if any one should say I used any Medicine of a thousand years standing (not corrected and altered) I should take it as a disparagement: but you think it is a safe way of practice, to have the authority of a thousand years to back you, much good may it do you, per me licet; but I shall use none of your old Medicines. Truly I am so far from adhering to old medicines, that I may say, every year I practice with new medicines; that is in part; not wholly new, but altered, corrected and improved: and by such trials of preparation and alteration, medicines gradually receive their perfection, and the Artist a more exact knowledge.  
But some may object; if you are continually altering of medicines, what certainty is there in your medicines, when you are always upon experiments and changing? to this I answer; much certainty I find and satisfaction in these trials of alteration; for thereby I fully understand what my medicine is and the nature of all the ingredients are better discovered: I see how to correct, to improve, and each time to advance a medicine to a greater perfection and excellency of operation. He is no Artist that either bounds himself within the prescription of any author, or wants ingeny to improve and meliorate his first contrivance and invention of medicine.  
It is in medicines, as in all other artificial works and inventions: let an artist design any piece of work, when he has made it, and surveys the contrivance of it in all its parts; though it be well and ingeniously done, yet he sees where it might be mended; Secundae cogitationes sunt meliores; and when he comes to make it a second time, and a third; he will not make it as it was at first, but he altars and varies much; his Fancy is still working to give it greater perfection, to make it more advantageous and commodious for the purposes intended. Shall any one blame this Man, and accuse him with levity and uncertainty, for giving liberty to his Invention and rational contrivance, dictated to him by the revising of his former Labours? Will any one say, This man goes upon uncertain Experiments and Alterations? No, he works more certainly the second time, than the first; and third more certain than the second: he sees a fault and mends it the next time; he sees where his first inventions failed him; he finds by the use and daily trial of it, where and how to make it more fit, useful and exact for the purpose the next time: So that Industry and Time makes new discoveries and inventions to give every thing a greater excellency and worth, and thus have all Arts and artificial works increased and improved, by the ingenious inventions and additional Contrivances of Industrious men, successively in all Ages: But they that lazily dote upon Antiquity; foolishly or wilfully supposing their Copies to be perfect, and requires nothing but our imitation; have gotten a fair pretence to be drones, and live upon other men's labour.  
He is not so much a Doctor of Physic as a Scholar in Physic, that practiseth altogether by the Book; that dare not trust his own Abilities, but must have the precept or example of an Author to follow, and tie himself up to a Pattern, that he dare not alter: He that is a Complete Artist, that hath the Canons and Reason of the Art grounded in him by Study and Practice, he is able and sufficient to manage and contrive his business, if all Books were burnt: But do not mistake me, as if I slighted Books and Authors; they preserve Learning and Arts alive from one Generation to another, else they would die and whither away: And by these helps we have attained to what Learning and Ingenuity we now call our own; for which I honour the memorable worth of them. But, being once made masters of their works, sufficiently grounded and exercised in any Art: Such a man then is his own guide, he is swayed by nothing but Reason and Experience; that's the Basis and Principles that he is grounded on; Authority prevails not with him, he is able then to contradict the greatest reputed authority that hath gone before him.  
When first I came acquainted with Dr. Starky (an Expert Chemist) and finding him a very acute Philosopher and experienced Physician; I had a desire to see his Library, and what Authors he conversed with: In his Chamber there lay Van helmont's Works, and 2. or 3. small Books, which was all that ever I saw, or that he owned to have. Upon Conference afterwards and more intimate Friendship, we fell upon discourse of Physical Writers and Chemical Pharmacopoeia's; and as I remember, the result of his discourse was to this purpose; That to initiate and ground a Physician in the study and practice of Physic, those helps were necessary to instruct and guide him, until he had acquired such a Knowledge and Experience, as made him master of his Art: Then he is no longer under the tutorage of Authors, but relies upon his own Reason and Experiments; he is then able to correct Authors, and find out their failings.  
I question not but he had read as many Books as other men, to satisfy his Curiosity, and had sucked the marrow out of the best; had fortified his own Reason, and laid a good foundation within himself, by Practice and Experiments; did then stand upon his own legs, had not recourse to this or that Author, but was able to resolve himself in difficult cases; by the Analogy of his own Experiments, and strength of his own reason; was then a Tutor and Guide to himself; able to proceed and make a fair progress, where other men sat down, as their ne plus ultra, being the utmost extent of their Book information, and farther they cannot go: but this Artist was continually upon projection and invention of Medicinal preparations, and he had a very subtle head for that purpose: he relied not upon Authors in the process of his Medicines, but his own reason and the Analogy of former trials, lead him from one experiment to another. And thus does the Philosophical ingenious Artist, who is adeptus, is also adespotus, or he is but a dull Chemist, that can proceed no farther than his Book teacheth.  
But to my purpose, from whence discourse hath led me: You say, Chemical Medicines are Novel Inventions: That I deny, except you call Novelties of 2000 years standing, as it may be proved from the Writings of credible Authors. And what if Chemistry were a new Invention, that would not derogate from the Excellency and worth of it; 
Sennert. Cons. et diss. Chym. cum Gal.  as Sennertus says, Licet hodiè primùm Chymia inventa esset; dignitati tamen ejus id nihil detraheret: Sat enim antiquum quod sat bonum: nihilque invenire est quod non aliquando novum fuerit; et multa pro novis habentur, quae sunt antiquissima. But Chemical Medicines stand upon a very ancient foundation, and the professors thereof have been Men renowned in their Generations, and famous to all posterity. But were there not that Antiquity to plead for them; yet the Experience of later times, the proofs and trials which have been made in our own times, of these excellent Medicines, what they have done, when others have failed; (of which we are witnesses and can attest) are sufficient to give a confidence in and reliance upon them, as the most pleasant, efficacious and wholesome Medicines in the World.   

TRACT. XII. The Virtues of Catholic, Specific and Appropriate Medicines examined; and compared with each other, in their Efficacy, Safety and Certainty of Operation.  
Amongst the Writings of some Eminent Physicians and the best Philosophers, both Ancient and Modern, we find them to make mention of, and to distinguish Medicines by these Titles of Catholic, Specific and Appropriate: and therefore I think it worthy of our consideration and debate, rightly to understand the verity and reason of this distinction, and the advantages that it may afford us by a due examination. And the rather, because the Catholic Medicine hath been much abused by some Pretenders of mean abilities; is thereby defamed, and become dis-esteemed and slighted in the opinion and acceptance of the People.  
most pet here are that wholly deny any such thing in Nature or Art, as a Catholic, Universal Medicine: Others plead very high for it; and those, Men of no small account, but of great Learning and Reputation in the World. But to wave the Authorities of Famous Men on both sides, we will dive into the reason and probability of the thing, and prove it that way; as being more prevalent and more satisfactory, than the Reports and Testimonies of Authors affirming it. And first I shall lay open the terms, and show you what is meant by Catholic, Specific, and Appropriate Medicines. Catholic is Universal, and in the full latitude and extent of the word, a Medicine curing all Diseases in all persons is signified thereby, and so understood by many: A Specific Medicine is proper and peculiar for the Cure of one disease only, and in all persons. An Appropriate Medicine is narrower than that, and restrained; being adapted to one individual person, for this or that Disease or complicated Diseases, designed for his case alone, and not fit for another. But Catholic is not to be taken in the largest sense before named, when I assert the Catholic Medicine; nor is it the meaning and intent of the most solid and grave Writers; that stand up for the excellency of a Catholic Medicine: But by Catholic, is understood by them, (and it is my own sense) Medicamentum Poluchreston; a Medicine of a general use, profitable in various cases and in divers persons; so that Catholic or Universal is not meant absolutely, but secundum quid, and is restrained to some general intentions of Cure useful in divers cases and diseases; and for distinction sake, to difference this more general Medicine from the Specific and Appropriate, that are restrained and limited in their power to particular cases and persons. And further, a Medicine may be called Catholic, though it do not cure all diseases; yet may be of necessray use in all diseases: as such a Medicine that fortifies Nature radically in her principles (being well designed and curiously prepared) that gives assistance and strength to all the faculties; such a Medicine is Catholic and of general use, and may very profitably be exhibited in all declensions, and struggle of Nature contending with any disease, be it this or that: Nor does this Medicine undertake the whole Cure and exclude the use of other Medicines, though it be a Catholic Medicine. But other Medicines (and Catholic also) may come in and bear their part in the Cure, as the skilful Physician shall appoint and think fit in their due course and order. And therefore you are not to think that there is but one Catholic Medicine, but a plurality of them is allowed, and that rationally according to our present sense and meaning. In Purgation, that Medicine which cleanseth the Body of all impurity and superfluous humours, be they of this fort or that sort; that dischargeth Nature of all noxious matter that resides in those parts to be carried off this way; working so, not only in one body but divers, of various and different diseases, performing its operation with facility, ease and gentleness; this Medicine is Catholic, and may be entitled universal in this Classis of operation.  
So likewise in transpiration; such a Medicine as excites the Archaeus to a more vigorous action; that puts the blood upon fermentation and separation of any impure heterogene admixture, and invigorates the expulsive faculty; that opens the pores of the body, and penetrates through all the parts, breathing out and dis-lodging degenerate stinking humours; that is Balsamic, resists corruption, purifies and sweetens the body: and all this by a friendly Diaphoretick operation in divers Bodies, differently affected and degenerated; and yet successfully performed withal; (at least so much as can be expected in the power of Medicine; considering the capacities of the Subjects) this may deservedly be called a Universal Diaphoretick Medicine: and such Catholic or general Medicines as these, are attainable by art and diligent labour in Medicinal Preparations; and these are the most excellent, safe and certain Medicines: And to prove what I have said, That there are such Medicines as I have now deciphered, I can produce them of my own preparation, to convince the incredulous.  
You see now what is meant by a Catholic Medicine; at lest what is my meaning in the term: and a Catholic Medicine thus understood and so limited, is the Medicine I ground my Discourse on, and make comparison with the Specific and Appropriate Medicines; whether is more safe, more certain of operation, and efficacious in curing; the true Catholic Medicine, or the Specific and Appropriate, that is particularly designed and appointed for each person and different case.  
To manifest the rational designment of Catholic Medicines, and to show you upon what grounds and considerations the true Philosophical Artist does contrive and perfect them; take notice that he well knows & considers the body of Man, and all the internal operations subservient to each other in a state of sanity and health: he considers also the functions of the body disordered and depraved; the digestions vitiated and weak; (the springs of most diseases, from whence the vital streams are impure and defiled.) He determines aright concerning the Archoeus, as dominus fac totum in the oeconomy and government of the body; how to be fortified when weak and feeble, how to be pacified and calmed when furious, raging and extravagant. He considers how many ways Nature hath to help herself in the discharge of any morbific matter; per vomitum, per aluum, per ductus urinarios, per cutis poros. From such considerations as these, as general Rules and Directions, the Rational Physician proposeth certain scopes and intentions to be aimed at in the designing of his Catholic Medicines without respect to this or that individ●um, but levelling at the specific nature of man's body.  
And for a prosecution of these intentions, he electeth such and such Ingredients proper for these several operations; he corrects, prepares and fits them, operates upon them according to Art, and forms them into several distinct Medicines, answering the several purposes aforesaid. He tries them upon several persons, and different cases; (but requiring the same manner of operation, whether it be purging, sweeting, provoking Urine, Anodine, or the like.) They do not please him at first, because they work variously and uncertainly, discordantly with some bodies: he than gins to cast about in his mind, where the faults may be in such a medicine; whether in the matter, or man-of preparation: and thus by examination of each particular, how congruous, how effectual and operative, how amicable such and such Ingredients are, being so corrected and prepared; and by this projection and scrutiny; he gins to see where and how these medicines may be mended, 
Nihil est simul & inventum ac perfectum.  and altered for the better. He falls to work again, contrives a better way, and perhaps better Drugs, more fit and excellent for these purposes; as time and experience by trials will dictate to him. And now he makes them more artificially, and improves his Medicines, taking out and putting in, and variously altering as his ingenuity and reason doth prompt him. He useth and tries them again and again, in several cases; and thus continues altering and making, until by length of time and constant endeavours, he advanceth these Medicines to be radical and universal; that they shall perform their several distinct operations, in divers bodies and different diseases, with great facility and advantage to all, that require such an operation in their Cures.  
Now you see what a Catholic Medicine is, how designed and contrived, and how it gains the desired perfection of universality: Let us now compare this Medicine with the Specific and Appropriate, and then you shall judge whether is more safe, certain, and effectual in curing.  
Some stand up for Specific Medicines peculiar for every disease, and proper for that only; and these say they are the the brave Medicines: I do not deny the bounty of Nature, in affording variety of Specificks; that there may be such in Nature; but the difficulty and uncertainty is in finding them out: for those Medicines so accounted, we find them to sail and deceive our expectation oftentimes, as others do; and therefore they are either not rightly known, or not well used. Besides what every Physician finds in his own practice daily; we read in several Authors publishing their own Therapeutic Experiments; how many Specificks so accounted, they have given in several Diseases that have taken no effect: one commends one thing, another prefers another in the same disease: and the same Specific given to one with success, hath been given to another without any benefit. And this uncertainty not my own experience only urges; but also the reports and relations of credible Authors in the history of their Cures do confirm it.  
I do not speak this to lessen the bounty and goodness of Nature; or to discourage an industrious Enquirer from pursuing after the knowledge of Specificks, but until we be better satisfied in them, let us value the true Catholic Medicine as most certain to rely upon, because we expect from it what is manifest in it, and frequently proved.  
But farther; in granting your Specific Medicines for every disease, there is some difficulty in the admission according to the common acceptation of Specificks and Appropriate Medicines: for admit there be a Plant proper for every disease, which you call Specificks; yet how are these Specificks fit for every individuum, that hath such a disease? Here you must allow of their Protean nature to vary and agree with every individual Propriety: or you must deny the necessity of Appropriating Medicines to every single person: or you must acknowledge these Specificks to work congruously and generally as Universals, so as to apply fitly to every individuum, and then they are Catholic Medicines.  
Now concerning Appropriate Medicines, which are adapted pro re nata for every particular case; we will inquire into their worth and certainty of operation, what may be expected from their peculiar appointment, above what a Catholic Medicine is likely to effect. And here I must premise by way of Thesis: That the certainty of operation in any Medicine must be grounded upon the certain knowledge of the Patient, and a certain knowledge of the Medicine: both which fall short in your appropriation of Medicines; therefore no certainty in such Medicines; at least not so certain as a true Catholic Medicine. First, no certainty in your peculiar Appropriate Medicine; because this Medicine so compounded and prepared peculiarly for your Specifical case, was never experimonted and tried; therefore as likely to disagree, nay more likely then to agree: because variety of composition, this with that, so far altars every particular ingredient in its virtue and propriety, that it is not altogether the same in this, as it was before in another composition; not can the best guesser tell what will be the result of this new invented Medicine, and conjunction of ingredients; who act upon each other in their association to alter each others Proprieties and single nature, that the product Medicine is not to be known but after trial. Secondly, No certainty of knowledge in the person you design it for; in as much as no individual and idio-syncratical propriety is known (in point of agreement and operation of Medicine) farther than the Specific nature; but presumed and supposed at random, until the trial of such bodies with that particular Medicine; and then the difference appears.  
These things granted (as true they are) what certainty is there in your Appropriate Medicine, particularly appointed for this or that body, before trial and use? what confidence can you have in it? it is but conjecturally designed; you never tried it; it may as likely disgust and disagree with this particular body, as otherwise: What is your hopes? You will say this for the reason of your proceed; That you have tried all these Ingredients, you know them to be amicable and agreeable to Nature so prepared; you have found them to do good in the like cases, with others; and therefore hope that they will do well in this new composition, for this particular person. Pray what does this differ from the reasons of a Catholic Medicine that is designed to agree with the Specific nature of Man? Your hopes is grounded upon the same reasons and probability, that a Universal Medicine is; but here is the great difference; the Catholic hath been often proved and approved; yours never; because a peculiar new Medicine. Therefore, since Appropriate Medicines, never tried, have no more certainty, than a probability of agreement, drawn from the Specific nature of Man, and their general use in other persons and other compositions; than you must unavoidably allow the Catholic Medicine being tightly prepared & gradually perfected, frequently tried and approved; to be more safe, certain in operation, and efficacious for its designed purpose, than any ex tempore appropriate unknown medicine.  
And is not there greater hopes in a Catholic Medicine that is known and sufficiently tried to operate well and effectually with many in that way of operation it is designed; then in a Medicine that was never tried, and conjecturally contrived to agree with an individual Nature which is occult and unknown? Therefore say I, and it is but reason; that it is more safe to be led and ruled in the designment of Medicines, by the Specific Nature of Man, then by the individual unknown propriety: And for satisfaction herein, take a true Catholic known Medicine, and ten peculiar appropriate Medicines for the same operation, never tried in the persons for whom they are appointed; and you will find that the Catholic Medicine (if true and not counterfeit) shall better agree, have less miscarriages, and take better effect in the ten several persons, than the peculiarly appropriate Medicines for each: So that a good Catholic Medicine is as well and rationally designed for 20. or a hundred persons, as your single medicine is for one person, be as circumspect as you can, and is as likely, or more likely to do the business intended: And if you desire to see the experiment of this; prescribe and prepare you ten appropriate Medicines for ten persons in different cases or diseases; requiring one and the same manner of operation or intention of Cure at that time; whether it be purging, sweeting, strengthening, etc. and I shall produce one Catholic Medicine of single operation in the same Classis; and we will go to trial whether performs best.  
Object. I can speak by experience that a Catholic Medicine hath failed in the expected success; and therefore is not so certain a Medicine to effect a Cure as you affirm.  
Answ. I grant you, the first part of your objection; but the inference from thence, is not good. I never said that a Catholic medicine is infallibly successful in its operation: A Catholic Medicine may fail, and may frustrate your and my expectation sometimes; Perhaps one in twenty or forty, may not find the usual and expected benefit as the rest receives: but this was the most probable Medicine to do it before trial; this is more certain in operation, this seldomer fails then any other: nor is there any Medicine in the world that cures all, or never misseth its wont success. Optandum potius quam sperandum tale medicamentum, says Sennertus: such a Medicine may be desired, but we have no hopes to expect it; if such Medicines were, Providence would be resisted, Sickness would be slighted, and Mortality baffled: but there is nothing in nature or art, that always and infallibly can free mortals from their languish and infirmities.  
Non est in medico semper relevetur ut aeger;  
Interdum docta plus valet arte ma lum.  
The best medicine in the world may fail sometimes and be frustrated of its wont success: and therefore this does not defame or derogate from the Catholic Medicine; since there is no Medicine but does, will and must fail sometimes; but this as seldom as any; nay, more certain in operation then any, and more to be relied on.  
If a Catholic Medicine be the most certain, 
Qu●●.  efficacious and best Medicine; then where a Catholic Medicine can do no good, there is no hopes in any other medicine, but the Patient must languish under his disease.  
The best Medicine in the world may sail sometimes; 
Solution.  and a more inferior may do what that could not in some particular cases and bodies. I have known a true Catholic Medicine to miss in its common success and excellency of operation in some one person now and then: one in a hundred perhaps shall not receive that benefit and advantage which all the rest have: what is to be done then? Is this person to be given over for desperate? No, I have then appropriated a Medicine which I thought might better agree with such a particular body; avoiding what I thought might be disgusting or disagreeing with that peculiar nature; or something else to be added which this special case might require, as the operation of the first Medicine hath hinted and dictated to me; and then a much inferior medicine in point of art, hath done that in some bodies and complicated diseases, which a more excellent medicine could not effect. And this particular propriety of body, no man can give a sufficient reason for it; nor perhaps well understand why the one medicine failed, and why the other had success: so mysterious and hidden are the operations of nature in their causes sometimes, that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is apparent, the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 very obscure and conjectural; and there is no way to find out peculiar different proprieties of bodies in such cases, but by variation of medicines and rational trials.  
He that practiseth with Catholic medicines of his own preparation is not tied up to them, that he cannot go farther in Cures than they will carry him, nor alter if there be occasion: he that can rightly design and work medicines up to their Catholic operation; knows how to appropriate medicines (if there be occasion) for any special case and person, as well as any man whatever: and if I should say better, the assertion is rational and easy to be proved: for, his experiments are so many in his various trials of preparation and use, before his medicines be Catholic and radical; that he receives more satisfaction in the nature and virtues of all medicinal Ingredients, than any other, that is but a speculator in medicines, no operator: he sees and knows their various proprieties both genuine and artificial; their discord and concord, and Protean natures in several preparations and vatious associations this with that; which knowledge furnisheth him with variety of medicines for all occasions whatever; that he is never at a loss for medicines, and carries a better Pharmacopoeia in his head, than another hath in his Library: and he being not only a Pharmacopaeian and Operator in medicinal preparations, but also a Complete Physician; knows what to aim at in every particular and special case; he can adapt a medicine proper and peculiar (where his Catholic Medicines fail) and is as ready at this practice, for contriving and designing special and peculiar Medicines, according to such and such indications, with as much reason and facility, as any Professor in this Faculty. He is not like the Empiric, that a hath few common Medicines, and can do no more than that stock of Medicines he hath picked up can enable him: the Complete Physician is not limited or tied to any set forms of Medicines, Catholic or other; but he is an ex temporo man if need be; he can and does vary upon all occasions necessary requiring it: but otherwise, he prefers the Catholic Medicines; in whose distinct operations he placeth much confidence, as most safe and certain, to make the first onset, and progress in their due order, for the eradicating of a contumacious disease.  
Objection. You speak much in the commendation of Catholic Medicines, but it seems strange to me that one Medicine can apply fitly to several differently diseased, and of different Constitutions; some are Choleric, some Phlegmatic, some Melancholic; that which is good for one is not good for another, one must have a Medicine to purge Phlegm, another to purge Choler, etc. as the diversity of humours abound, and is the cause of this or that disease.  
Answer. I grant you there are bodies differing in their superfluous humours and degenerate matter; lodged here or there, infesting this or that part, which causeth variety of diseases or symptomatical appearances; but notwithstanding, a good radical medicine carries all this matter off, be it this or that; not respecting the diversity of its nature: (if it lie within spear of its activity; that is if it lie in such a region of the body; where this Medicine dischargeth its operation,) for, evacuating or purging Medicines do not work elective by attracting this or that humour paricularly, as you imagine, and as the world is made to believe: but purgers operate excitative, fermamentive and abstersive; by excitation and provocation of nature to expulsion; by putting nature upon fermentation and separation of the pure from the impure; and by stmulating abstersive properties: and this is the nature and effect of a true purgative Medicine; so that there is no particular purger for this or that humour; some for Phlegm, and others for Melancholy, and some for Choler; this is a great mistake; and those purgets that are so accounted and supposed peculiar attractives; as Senna, Agarick, Coloquintida, Hellebore, Rhubarb, Scammony, etc. most in use; are of a deleterious and virulent quality, that operate per modum veneni, having a laxative venom that stimulates nature to expulsion; they do not attract this or that humour particularly, nor is purgation performed after that manner. From what hath been said, you may reasonably judge that the Catholic purgative medicine is not weakened at all, nor limited in its power by this objection; but remains advantageous for variety of bodies, and divers diseases, requiring purgation.  
The Empiric is much pleased at this discourse, and thinks it makes well for him and his Panpharmacum; and that his practice is as rational as the best: but he is much mistaken; he nor his pretended Universal Medicine is not concerned here in the least; nor does this discourse favour the ignorant practice and bold pretensions of such men; we are speaking of higher things, such as the greatest Philosophers and Physicians have laboured for, and diligently sought after; nor can any man rightly design and endeavour to bring Medicines to universality of operation, but he must be a complete Physician, a solid practiser and diligent operator in Medicinal preparations and trials; and the practice by universal Medicines, is the perfection and highest pitch that a Physician can attain to: nor are such Medicines attained but by great labour, found knowledge, and much experience. Catholic Medicines are so far from derogating from the Learned Doctors; that they are the perfection and accomplishment of the Medicinal Art: And we read of such Arcana's enigmatically and darkly discovered or discoursed of in the Writings of the most Eminent Physicians Pharmacopoeians.  
I remember the Counsel of an able Physician and expert Chemist, Dr. Starky, my acquaintance and friend, who died in the last Visitation of the Plague; we discoursing how a Physician might fit himself completely with a stock of Medicines to serve his practice upon all occasions. His Judgement and Advice was thus much; That a Physician need not clog and trouble himself with a multitude of single appropriate Medicines for all occasions; but improve the quality of a few grand Medicines, distinct in operation, and work them to as great a universality and large extent of operation as is possible; and such will be applicable in divers cases.  
He was a man that had used and was acquainted with as many Medicines as most men in this profession; being a diligent labourer in Chemical Pharmacy, indefatigable in various trials and preparations: he saw the unnecessary trouble of many medicines; he had but a few in his custody, but those were excellent, and he laboured to improve them in universality, that they might serve in all cases requiring such an operation. But if occasion required, he was not tied up to these, but could vary, and specificate his Medicines for this or that purpose, at his pleasure.  
The Catholic Medicines which a Physician ought principally to labour for are these: Cathartick, Diaphoretick, Diuretic, Anodyne, Bezoardick, and Restaurative. The first cleanseth and evacuates by stool; the second by or through all the pores of the body; the third by Urine; the fourth mitigates pains, allures the Archaeus to rest, and bridles his exorbitant motions, which are many and frequent; the fifth resists malignity and venenous assaults; the sixth roborates and restores the vital principles. And these are the grand and chief Classes of Medicinal operations, wherein a complete Pharmacopoeian Physician forms his Medicines and Labours by various Experiments and gradual Improvements, that they may be adequate and answer the full intent of each Classical distinct operation in all Bodies: and such being made Catholic and Radical, are standing. Medicines as Treasuries and Stores, from whence a solid Physician may deduct and adapt peculiar Medicines (if need be) out of these; forming variety of Medicines, appropriating them for this or that special Case to answer several indications Cathartick and Anodyne; Diuretic and Diaphoretic; Diuretic and Anodine; Diaphoretic and Bezoardick; Anodine and Diaphoretick; Anodine and Bezoardick, etc. as his reason prore nata shall dictate to him.  
The Complete Physician is not tied up to his Medicines that he cannot alter or vary in his practice; but he is confined to these Classes of operation, which are proper intentions and mediums to effect a Cure by, in a thousand Diseases: Medicines may be hundreds or thousands; but the known ways by which Nature will receive help, are but few; and although your Medicines be never so many and various, yet they must all be ranked in a few Classes, they must look the same way, and have respect to the same intention and manner of operation: Now where one Medicine can satisfy the intention and scope of such a Classis of operation, 'tis needless and a perplexity to multiply many: Frustra fit per plura, quod fieri potest per pauciora.  
Nor is this practice with Catholic medicines Emperical and amethodical, as some may foolishly suppose, or others enviously scandalise; but most rationally founded upon the safest and best rules of Art, having a due regard to necessary indications, and the requisite circumstances of curing. But take notice, he that practiseth with radical medicines need not regard, must not observe so many indications as is set down in the Methodus medendi, the common Galenick Method of curing.  
The Complete Physician in designing his medicines, hath his Eye upon the Specific Nature of humane Bodies (not individual proprieties which are occult), and forms his Medicines according to the fundamental principles of our Nature in specie, and the order of design of government of each function in Man's Body: And the reason why his indications for Cure are fewer is, because his medicines are radical, and respect the vital and fundamental principles primò intentionalitèr; not humours, temperaments, qualities, and the various Phaenomena's or symptoms of Diseases from thence; save only Consequentèr: These Medicines apply to the springs of Diseases, and Cure fontalitèr; they are designed, and form with their faces towards the vital and fundamental principles of our nature, from whence as these are affected and according to the state and condition they are in, whether in fortitude, debility or declension; in rectitude or deviation; humours, temperaments and qualities vary and alter; and divers symptoms from thence appear in several parts of the body, and again disappear; being the result and products depending upon the former in generation and continuance. And therefore he that manageth these Catholic Medicines, which cure à priori et in radice; regards not the multiplicity of symptomatical and various productions in several parts of the body; farther than as Characters and marks to know where and how the principles of our Nature swerve from integrity: such fall of course, and are cut down by the stroke of a Radical Medicine, as many branches depending upon one toot.  
Now Galenick appropriate Medicines which apply à posteriori, to these products and symptomatical appearances being various, they also must be many and divers; and yet but Palliative and uncertain; they lop off, but not eradicate; they may carry off and abate something of the producted vicious matter; but the disease remains behind in the principles of nature untouched, that generates, de novo the like matter, or something worse. The Axiom is true; natura est morborum medicatrix: 'tis nature that cures; and you must apply to nature; how is that? to assist the vital principles, to set all things right there; the rest follows of course; humours and temperaments and qualities depend here, have their subsistence from hence. You must not object the diversity of Constitutions (as you call them) against Catholic medicines; that apply à priori to the fundamentals, to the springs of diseases; because Galenick, Appropriate medicines that apply à posteriori to humours and qualities are bound to observe these distinctions and many indications which the other radical medicines has no regard to. He that cures radically, does not regard humours; but the humour of the Archaeus which is dominus vitae he well observes, and takes notice what humour and mood he is in; whether brisk and cheerful, or melancholy; whether vigorous and strong, or labouring, weak and declining; whether in a state of rectitude in the government of all the functions, or extravagant and enormous.  
From what hath been said we may rationally conclude; that to contract the practice of Physic, into certain Classes of operation, with some excellent radical medicine adapted thereto is the complete practice of Physic and well becomes the greatest Doctor in this Faculty: and he that hath purchased Catholic medicines in these several Classes of operation by his own design, labour and experiments (which presupposeth and necessarily comprehends all other accomplishments of a Physician) is bottomed upon his own reason and certain experiments, is not overruled by any Authority but is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; hath the whole design and mystery of Physic in his head; is a rule to himself, a Master of this Art, and a Complete Physician.  
I might have enlarged myself much more upon this subject, but I must draw to a conclusion, and sum up the whole of this discourse in these following Corollaries.  
That since specificks are rare, 
Corollary.  obscure and difficult to know, the Catholic medicines are best to rely on, and will do a Physician the greatest service in the generality of his practice.  
By how much Medicines are more Catholic and Universal in their several Classes of operation, by so much the more noble and of excelling virtue.  
That Catholic Medicines of manifest operation, are most certain and safe: for, having undergone so many trials of preparation and use to give them their latitude and perfection; are Medicines so proved and approved, that we may confide in and expect much, from former experiences and success.  
That no conjectural appropriate medicine before trial, hath that probability of success and certainty of operation as a Catholic Medicine.  
That the probability and reason of your hopes in an Appropriate or Specific Medicine to work a good effect in this or that special Case; is drawn from the Analogy of former Experiments, and the Catholic Virtues of the Ingredients operating 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in like manner.  
That a Catholic Medicine of known Virtue and Worth, excellent in that operation it is intended and designed for; is the safest and most hopeful Medicine in any Disease where such an operation is required.  
That the variation of medicines this with that, and adapting of them to peculiar cases; is but by way of probation, not any certainty above a Catholic until trial; and may as likely disgust as agree.  
That a true Catholic and Radical Medicine is as rationally and according to the truest Rules of Medical Art, designed to operate as amicably, safely and successfully with an hundred several persons and cases (requiring such an operation) as an appropriate medicine is for one person and case.  
That humours, temperaments and first qualities, do not indicate variation of Medicines; but the different propriety of individual and fundamental principles, forceth a Physician to alteration and diversity of Medicines.  
That a Catholic Medicine not having its wont and usual operation in some particular person of difficult and dissenting propriety of body; requires some alteration to make it more congruous, or another medicine.  
That Catholic Medicines manifest more the Excellency of Art; Specificks the work of Nature.   

Postscript.  
I Intended one Tract more to be added to this Work; in answer to a pernicious Position and irrational Tenent (lately in print): namely, that it is for the good of Mankind there should be a liberty allowed in the Profession of Physic.  
And this is carried on under a specious pretence of advancing and enlarging the Art: whereas on the contrary, by such a strange Prostitution, we should have such a monstrous Brood of Illiterate Practisers spawned by this Adulteration; that in a short time, by this discountenance and discouragement to Learning; by their pragmatic Insolences and upbraiding men of the Gown; The whole Profession would fall into the Captivity of rude Mechanic Invaders.  
And this most Learned Art, whither away and perish in the hands of illiterate and unskilful men, to the dishonour of our Nation, and great prejudice to all people.  
But I am prevented at present, by intervening occasions; that I cannot discuss this matter as it ought, and lay open the evil consequents that would attend it; but must wait the next opportunity for a prosecution.  
FINIS.    

Books lately Printed for the Booksellers of London.  
MOrbus Polyrhizos & Polymorphaeus  
A Treatise of the Scurvy.  
Examining opinions and errors concerning the nature and cure of this Disease.  
Prescribing  
A due course for Prevention and Cure: The third Edition, with Practical Observations. By Dr. Mainwaringe.  
A Treatise of Consumptions 

Scorbutic Atrophies  
Tabes Anglica  
Hectic Fever's  
Physic  
Spermatick and venereous wasting.    
Radically demonstrating their Nature and Cures from vital and morbific causes. The second Edition, by the same Author.  
Tutela Sanitatis.  
The protection of long life, and detection of its brevity from diaetetick causes and customs.  
With a Discourse of Fontinell's or Issues. By the same Author.  
Solamen Aegrorum Sive  
Ternarius Medicamentorum Chymico rum, ad omnes fere morbos curandum (Galenica remedia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 eludentes) faelicissimè inventa Remedia  
Study & operà ejusdem Authoris.   

These remarkable errors of the Press the Reader is desired more especially to take notice of.  

In page 6. of the Epist. Dedicat. l. 23. Read a●; is.  
Page 6. Epist. to the Reader, l. 1. utut.  
Page 44. l. 3. Process.  
Page 35. l. 16. operators.  
Page 54. l. 2. lawful.  
Page 80. l. 14. pristine vigour.  
Page 91. from l. 4. to l. 14. should be in roman letters.  
☞ Page 114. from l. 22. the Commas down the side should be out.  
Page 138, l. 18. some other.