SELF-CONVICTION: OR AN ENUMERATION OF THE Absurdities, Rail, against the College, and Physicians in general; (but more especially, the Writers against the Apothecaries) Nonsense, Irrational Conclusions, Falsities in matters of Fact, and in Quotations, Concessions, etc. of a nameless Person.  
AND ALSO An Answer to the rest of Lex Talionis.  
Collected and made by CHRISTOPHER MERRETT, Dr. in Physic, Fellow of the College of Physicians, etc.  
LONDON, Printed for James Allestry, at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Churchyard, 1670.   

SELF-CONVICTION; OR AN ENUMERATION OF THE Absurdities, Rail against the College of Physicians, etc.  
Courteous Reader,  
TWo days since, there came to my hands, a Book entitled, Lex Talionis, etc. and also a pretended discovery of the frauds of the Doctors professing, and practising Pharmacy. I soon ran it over, and found little but railing and nonsense in the former part of it, and not one proof made in the later; enquiring into the Author of it, I was informed that the Apothecaries gave out, Mr: Stubbs was so; though common Fame long since said, that he intended something to that purpose against Dr. Goddard, and myself; and though the former report was strong, yet it could never enter into my thoughts, that he had the least finger in a piece so illogical, and absurd, both as to matter and language. I cannot say whether the Apothecary's Company, or any single person of them did compose it, from whom I might expect an answer, which they promised at our College about a Month since; but this I shall say, that if they are the Authors of it, they have done most imprudently, in publishing a paper at such a time, when they make overtures to the College. From the bold daring at Latin and Greek, and misusing the College, together with the rest of the Errors recited in my View, p. 60. which this nameless Writer is guilty of, any one may conjecture rightly of what Company he is. And although this Book appear in the form of a Libel, without name or Licence to it, so that in reason it concerns me not to take public notice of it at all; but more especially, since I could find nothing in it, worthy of a reply; yet since 'tis the fashion of the ignorant part of the World, to think every Book answered, if there come forth another with that Title, though it contain nothing at all of that nature, I thought fit to resolve it into its parts, finding I had little else to do, then by collecting together the nonsense, railing, etc. as the only way to reply, hating with all my Soul all personal abuses, and therefore shall not take up the common way of retaliation, by reviling again my adversary, but by showing openly the man in his own words and expressions, sufficient to convince any one of his unworthiness and folly, and shall follow the method proposed in the Title.  
Observe, That A. signifies the Anonymus, or nameless person, and M. Dr. Merrett.  
I shall begin first with his revile against the College.  
Because A. every where complains, that the Physicians, out of malice write against them, and forsake their Shops; I leave it to the Reader, whether the reason given by M. p. 32. Where I say that the odious and daily comparisons and intrusions, daily complained of by my Colleagues, were a great cause of my departing from them; besides, their rail at the College in general, and bespattering them with notorious untruths; their Cheats (which I often say was an ungrateful task for me to discover) be not cause sufficient for Physicians to make all their own Medicines; which A. hath fully made out in these words, p. 4. A. The Law might as well have set 2 Shoemakers, as Censors, to be Judges of the Apothecary's Medicines; Those Censors for the most part not understanding the tithe of the Medicines and Drugs in the Apothecary's Shops: M. which, lest his ignorant Reader (to whom he saith he writes) should forget, repeats, p. 8. Most of the Doctors not understanding the tithe of what is commonly used; M. and in answer to what I object, they bring not their Servants to be examined according to their Charter; A. saith, The Master and Wardens are best able to pose by examination, and try whether their Servants be well instructed or not. M. Pray A. ask Mr. Littler, whether when Warden, 5 of their Servants examined by me together, could answer to one Question was asked them? nay whether they did not all of them commit 6 Errors, in making the most vulgar Medicine, the Lenitive Electuary, where 'tis enjoined, that the decoction of the ingredients should be made S. A. But as to this part, when occasion serves, more shall be said and to many other things: and whether also the Masters and Wardens had not approved them, before they came to this examination. A. p. 15. There is too much of Self in the College; p. 20. nothing must be left out of the Physicians Medicines, though never so impertinent, as you may observe in their Dispensatory corrected by Culpeper, and he saith elsewhere, witness the Pharmacopaea Lond. corrected by Culpeper; the Medicines in the Dispensatory (not thanks to them) were in print in several Authors long before theirs, p. 23. on the Faith of the College. (I think that is no better than other men's) and this I know, with others that have tried when they had formerly a public Laboratory in Amen Corner, with Chemists of their own providing; there was as base Medicines, and Preparations, put off by them, as any other Chemists in London, p. 24. Here you have the Colleges profound proposals, for an Agreement. M. This is not so, 'tis far below the College, (and is no truer than what some of them gave out, they were desired by the College, not to give an answer to our Books,) to make any proposals to Apothecaries. A. Being mere Chimeras, and resolutions to the contrary; and a mere imposing, not only on the Apothecary, but the rest of the people; therefore most absurd. Ibid. After all their proposed method for agreement, being so unreasonable and base.  
M. The next thing shall be his rail, and odious comparisons. A. For doubtless the discreet Apothecary being learned, may make a far abler Physician, than the Physician an Apothecary; for it is but joining the Theory to his Practice, and he may be complete; but a Physician cannot so easily attain to Pharmacy, being a mystery. M. Which in vulgar acceptation is the knavish part of a Trade. A. For the parts of Physic may be attained by the one as well as the other, p. 9 'Tis true that some Doctor's Bills could not be made without some alteration of the Apothecary, the same I affirm, p. 30. and p. 11. Seriously, I will sooner make use of an experienced, learned Apothecary, than some Physicians. Ib. There is nothing that the greatest Arcana-monger can attain, but the learned and ingenious Apothecary may attain to the same or better. When the Doctors have taught Ladies, etc. to make Clysters, they had best give them too. (M. I think Apothecaries themselves do not give Ladies Clysters.) A. The people in England, have received as much good by the taking of a pennyworth of Mithridate or Treacle, as others who have given 10 s. to a Doctor for a Fee. Supposeth Apothecaries, understanding, intelligent persons, fit for the practice in Physic, p. 16. A little Chemistry will go a great way with them, and experiments. p. 17. I could tell a way to Commence Doctor, and easier learned than an Apothecary will take an Apprentice. M. Pray A. Teach us the way. A. I believe some of them have come in that way, and Equipage. For now there must be the little Coach and 2 Horses, which in these days are very usual appendices to them. So that to say a Doctor goes to see a Patient, is too pedantic for our Age, and being thus attended, half a piece for a Fee is but ill taken, and popped perhaps into their left Pocket, and possible may cause the Patient to send to his Worship (before he will come again) to the hazard of another Angel. M. To which A. adds, p. the 3d. A Velvet Jump, a pair of silk Stockings, and a Cane with a silver Head, p. 17. M. And from this handsome support of Physicians (A. Pray take heed of that) A. Ib. The Doctors were never so eminent, and encouraged as of late times, there being more Knighted than hath been known in so short a time. Their Worship's Greatness, p. 19 Apothecaries are as capable of Philosophy, Arts, Anatomy, and the practic part as themselves, and many of them underderstand them better than some licentiate Doctors. M. A Name often used, but never tells what he means by them. A. Ib. The Ladies having learned to make Electuaries, Plasters, Ointments, Conserves, etc. (that is, those only they know how to make up) M. And sure no Apothecary can do more. A. And by that time Physicians have taught them to make Clysters, and Decoctions, they may be as famous as the Doctors. p. 20. If the Doctors should set upon making their own Medicines, and (which will not suit with their grandeur) wear blue Aprons. M. Which the Masters now scorn to do. A. Apothecaries may with much ease understand, and make themselves as able Physicians as any that practice. p. 23. In acute pains it will be best to let the Doctor alone, and use the next honest Apothecary. Because we cannot trust the Apothecaries for Chemical remedies, which they may do as well as they can trust the Physicians. p. 24. Doubtless Apothecaries are better acquainted with Materia medica, than most Physicians, and learned as to the Descriptions, and Qualities of Plants. p. 25. That Apothecaries are able to practise Physic, was proved from the nature of Diseases, and the several ways they admit of Cure (M. Make sense of it if you can) A. And pray you why may they not be Masters of this as well as yourself, some of them? ib. Let but a rational, learned Apothecary (M. Titles never given to them by any but by A.) add but the Theory to his former Observations, he may be better fitted for practice, and I will sooner engage him then many Physicians. An Apothecary by industry and Observation, may be a Master of as great Arcanums, as any whatsoever practising. The ingenious Apothecary being well read in Physic, viz. in Frambesarius, Riverius; who till of late days was the only approved Author. M. (Absurd) for he died not long since. And in Enchiridion medicum, which costs but 1s. 6d. may be as fit and capable of the practice of Physic, as any person whatsoever.  
M. By all which, he hath manifestly proved, and the first impudently in print too (much like his Brother Cocket, mentioned in the short View) p. 24. what I have alleged of their rail, and private backbitings, to which he answereth nothing. But now to my use of terror, as he calls it.  
Now this being apparently so, what learned and ingenious Physician can brook such unworthy and unsufferable affronts, as I have elsewhere said? And I leave it to all men's judgements, whether it be not high time for the College, and all Physicians to vindicate their honour, which cannot be done by any other way then what hath been proposed by my Book; and to wipe off all those imputations of ignorance in Materia Medica, and Pharmacy, which will necessarily follow upon making their own Medicines, and for the which this A. hath railed upon me and others my Fellow Writers against them, as will appear in the next Paragraph. And whether the College will not be judged by the present and after Ages, negligent of their own concerns in not so doing. And that they do not act the same against the Apothecaries they heretofore did against the Surgeons, for a far less crime committed by some meaner persons of that Company, to wit, for saying, the Physicians could only read upon, but not dissect bodies. Whereupon the Physicians excluded them from dissecting bodies at their College; and soon taught the World, how well they could work at it. And hence it is, that so many worthy discoveries have been made by them, since they have put their own hands to dissect. The like advance will happen to the practical part of Physic, when Physicians vouchsafe to work upon natural things themselves, and I am sure will find both greater satisfaction, and also thereby advance their own skill and profession, to their full worth and dignity, as well as the public to greater profit and contentment.  
A's Revile against us are, p. 1. By opprobrious, and unhandsome Billingsgate Language, p. 2. Discourse alias Railing. He shamefully insinuates ridiculous stories. Pose his Worship, Eightly, Tenth-ly, etc. This lies a little too wide. M. Good Sir, not so much as 8000 l. in one year for Fees. A. Frothy Objections, new Whims, and Inventions, Whims and Novelties; Quarrelsome Doctor, Worshipful Doctor, your.  and false Pamphlet, Closet Doctors, his Stories, notorious Falsities, and elsewhere sordid Allegories, e. g. to abuse Apothecaries, a pitiful shift, mere Chimeras. Abusers, and Traducers of the whole Company, Opprobrious language, Unreasonable and base designs, As envicus as Diabolus. Strange uncouth expressions, Doctors Calumnies, Frothy Discourse, a Saint Doctor, Disingenuous, and absurd practice, as ridiculous as the Author; Old quacking shifts, gingling discourse, Calumniators, a most severe and uncharitable Censure. The Doctor is so deficient in physiology, that he thinks any Apothecary honest. M. Understand it who can for me. From a debauched Doctor Apothecary and Chirurgeon, Libera me Domined M. With many more the like.  
Now because he often complains of the 〈…〉 I give them; here shall follow all I meet with my Book; Illiterate persons, Unskillful, every pitiful fellow, pitiful, ignorant, and self-ended Souls. I know no other Epithets I have given them; whereby it appears how justly he accuseth me of malice, revile, and disgracing them with truth (as will appear by and by) if by his not answering (as every man will think) he confesseth, to what A. answers not.  
Next follow his falsities in matter of Fact, and miss Quotations. A. Custos Argentorum, successful, for not unsuccessful. Cheats, for Artifices. The Censors examiners; where he leaves out the Apothecaries; besides, I am sure that the Goldsmiths, and Pewterers, have not any supervisors that are not of their own Company. A. Lemons and Citrons, for Syrup of Lemons and Citrons. A. Inventing matter and designs, and discover them himself, Dr. M. a good Apothecary's Physician. Apothecaries used in the small Pox. M. p. 3. He omits Privet Berries, and there asks, what is got by selling Dog Berries, for Spina Cervina; surely somewhat, because the one is found almost in every Ditch, the other much more rarely. He mistakes Pil. stomach. sec. gen. in the London Dispensatory, unless sec. gen. in some language invented by him signifies cum gummi. He makes a good verse of variabimus tela, for Artes. An old Proverb Garrulus medicus laboranti morbus. M. This Proverb is not in Erasmus Chiliads. A. Sp. of CC. cried up by me, contracting with Apothecaries forgot by me; vid. View. p. 18. A. You promised Surgeons should apply Blisters and Medicines to the Feet. M. Where do I say so? A. Dr. M. not excused from filling Cupboards with many Medicines, etc. One of yourselves, Dr. Goddard with his Drops. M. Whom you might have distinguished from my learned Colleague, Dr. Jonathan Goddard, had you not a mind to have aspersed him, as well as elsewhere you do the Judicious Dr. Thomas Cox, from Dr. Daniel Cox, whom you there grossly mistake; for I assure you, he is not so good a Friend to your ways as you imagine, but the other Goddard was none of ourselves. Apothecary's may be the veriest Knaves, he omits without discovery. In one place I complain of strong Pills given, he leaves out strong, though little to his advantage, and makes no difference betwixt a Vomit, and Pills. I say Physicians in the late Wars, kept up, as to learning, the honour of the Nation; A. replies, The Apothecaries, p. 17. outdid them in supplies, when the Exigence of affairs required. M. And to mention but one more amongst multitudes (which I am necessitated to omit) because I design to be brief, viz. when he often calls us Aggressors; But that Apothecaries have been the Aggressors' first, i. e. by usurping our profession (which he himself confesseth) they have done for a hundred years last passed, without being ever questioned for it, as I have said elsewhere; besides, their revile of us, as hath been proved, but if our discoveries in print of the former, and also of their Cheats, which I can prove have been as ancient as their practice; then I must confess we are the Aggressors, which I think no ingenious person will judge, but lay that accusation upon themselves, because of their first assaulting us in our employments and Credits.  
Nonsense. Some whereof happily may be for his want of Grammar (I cannot better excuse him) which he hath sufficiently showed in false improper Greek, and Latin, which he useth, though but little, and whereby he must needs show himself an Apothecary, such a one as I have described in my View. A. Dr. M. and Dr. Cox, contradict themselves, as they have done in all Ages. The old Medicines are better and more safe than his new Inventions, as Hypocrates affirms. Treacle-water so much magnified by fire. Authentic Medicines. Medicines the Apothecaries support and notions. For a Physician to give his Medicines gratis, is enough to discourage any ingenious person to follow it. M. And to say no more, but what every Reader may observe in many places, that they are unintelligible.  
Next follow his Concessions of what I have alleged against them. A. As the failings of some few. He might have passed over other Apothecary's failings. These discoveries might have unadvisedly slipped from the Apothecaries, or their Servants; Nemo omnibus horis sapit. M. But doubtless they will be closer hereafter. A. He acknowledgeth good Apothecaries Physicians. Dr. Goddard (M. He means him with the Drops) Had the knack as well as the Apothecaries. Questionless these mistakes are rare. The Closet Doctors may be mistaken as well as the Apothecaries. A little ordinary practice among some of them. Good reason Apothecaries should cry up their good Physicians. He teacheth the Company better manners in his own words, when they come next to dine at their Hall; if the Apothecary had made a Physicians Bill, the Patient would have been truly his Patient. He confesseth also, that Nostrums do undo them. M. As for his Logic, especially in that part wherein he promiseth to discover the Frauds, and Abuses, committed by Doctors professing, and practising Pharmacy; he argues all along. A. They may be Cheats, ergo they are; and therefore persuades himself, that Dr. M. who hath discovered so many Cheats and falsities doth practise them. M. I say Apothecaries were Physicians Servants; A. infers, that I say, the whole Company is so; now he there saith, Apothecaries have no dependence on Physicians; 'tis true of practising Apothecaries, but to say others have not, is nonsense; and through all his Book, he thus reasons. A. Possibly, Doubtless, Questionless, Perhaps, Likely, I suppose, I hear, it is more than probable, it may be, 'tis feared, I believe, without doubt, or I do not believe; much may be said, etc. M. And this is all the proofs he hath in what he asserts, you shall scarcely find a page in his Book, where this reasoning is not, I am sure in most pages several times. 'Tis most certain, that he hath not given one instance to prove any Frauds in Physicians▪ according to his Title Page, more than showing a possibility, that it may be so. He reasons here as well as he doth all along, that Apothecaries may be learned and able in Physic; Ergo, they are so. And that Physicians will never Cheat, I think I have given a solid reason elsewhere, that so to do is to his disadvantage. And for the same reason, I cannot but think, that the practising Apothecaries who sold Myrtle leaves for Sena, etc. to those they call their own Patients, did give good Sena, but to the Doctor's Patients, Myrtle leaves. And here I might conclude, this pitiful Writer having sufficiently confuted himself: But I shall briefly run over what he objects more in his Book; adding by the by, what he omits to answer. In the head of Cheats, he answers to the first, that other men may be Knaves as well as Apothecaries; he answers nothing to Cheat, the 2d. 3d. 4th. 5th. 6th. 7th. 8th. 9th. and 10th. to the complaints of multiplying Bills, nothing to the first, 2d. 3d. 4th. 5th. 6th. 7th. 8th. and acknowledgeth the 9th. of the good Apothecary's Physician, that in setting down in their Bills Pearl, and Bezoar, he answereth, that some Physicians have plied their Patient with Sp. CC. Elixir Proprietatis. Whereof I think no man can give one Patient half an Ounce in a week's time, which at his rate will cost but 2s. 6d. though a Chemist told me they would give him but 1s. 6d. an ounce, when they have run upon his Book, p. 5th. p. 6th. A. saith, This lieth a little too wide, to make Customers pay 11, or 12 shillings for a pint of Juleb. M. For once let it be but 10s. but he tells me I have left out the main ingredient, which causeth the Apothecary's Bill to be sharp. One whereof he saith, is the Apothecary's freedom in lending the young Physician a room and Servants to attend him, and the Mistress too, Urgente necessitate, P O for that. M. This I understand not, I hope he means no hurt to the Husband, however 'tis unjust the Patient should pay for the Apothecary's freeness to the Physician. The second reason, as he saith, is forgot by me. M. 'Tis given in my 18th. page. As to their affronts to the College, pag. 21. 22. 23. 24. he only barely saith, A. They would have introduced an unlimited power, which the wisdom of our Nation thought very unequal, and would not allow. M. 'Tis more than you know, for the Committee, as I said, never gave a report of that business to the Parliament. p. 8. A. saith, I call them saucy for calling the sick their Patients. M. But I demonstrated it to be nonsense, which is not so of the Attorney and his Client, which are as truly relatives, as Physician and Patient. p. 8. A. saith, I suppose not any eminent Practitioners in London, in former times have made their own Medicines. M. Perhaps not, because Apothecaries than used none of those mischiefs complained of in my Book, and therefore the Physician need not then put himself to that trouble and charge as now he doth. As to the benefits arising by practising Physicians, he saith nothing at all in page 28. 29. nor any thing of any moment, of the inconveniencies of sending Bills to them, p. 29. 30. to page 34. where he saith, A. The giving of Medicines by the Physicians gratis; This is a wise knack of a Doctor, just as broad as long; if you will pay for the Goose, he will give you the sauce. M. Nay, there is a great difference; for grant advice to be the Goose, and the Medicines the Sauce; and suppose the Patient, or buyer, will give 5s. for the Goose (for every one giveth the Physician as he pleaseth and is able) the Knavish Cook, to follow his simile, which in the Case proposed is the Apothecary, may make him pay as he list, even to 40s; now without doubt, every man will rather pay 5s. together for both, then dividedly treble his charge. p. 17. He stands up for the old Medicines, whereof in page 31. A. saith, The Apothecary need not be troubled, to his great charge in making, and having in readiness, so many unprofitable and uncouth Medicines. M. So that he hath here answered that Objection for me. Yet I will add to that, one more of my own, i. e. if the Opium were left out of those greater Compositions, I think no Apothecary would give 4ds. a pound for it, for any use, unless it were to put Opium to it, and make it up again; and I have to some Physicians merrily compared Mathew's Pill to those great Medicines, who have given the preeminence to the later. Besides, I never said they were bad Medicines, but that better, and at smaller charges, might be made. But I will say no more of those great Idols of the Apothecaries, and other ignorant persons that know not, nor ever consider` the reason and nature of Medicines, p. 12. As for my Objection against the so common use of Sugar, in Syrups, Conserves, etc. may not the same be confronted by his page 31. where he desires, that a new Pharmacopaea Lond. may be set forth, wherein may be spared of the Medicines in the old. M. I doubt not but when that reformation he desireth cometh, that these Conserves, Syrups, Lohocks, etc. and most of the distilled waters, which make up the bulk of the Shop, will be the: he desires to be spared; and by this your proposal, what pitiful empty Shops will you have? in the same place you would have an addition of some other laudable Medicines, which you need not doubt will be some of those you call the Whims and Novelties of the Closet Doctors. In the same page you direct also, that Medicines may be contracted, but for so doing you rail at me in your 20 page. p. 15. A. makes no difference at all in Sena, but puts the uncertainty of working only to the person to whom 'tis administered, for which he quotes Hypocrates in his false Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. ibid. he calls filii Artis, a new Sect; which he prophecies, may be as bad or worse than the Apothecaries; but for that we may take his advice, given p. 13. where he adviseth us to keep them to ourselves, as he saith, 'tis best so to do. p. 16. You say I cajole the Surgeons, and put the Apothecaries and them together by the Ears; Why then you resolve to fly in the faces of the Surgeons, for acting but what they ought; for to be sure they will not quarrel with them. p. 18. Whereas you say, In the Plague time, the Doctors with their Worship's greatness fled. M. I answer, that few Apothecaries that were able to maintain themselves abroad, stayed in London. Neither did any Physician leave the City till the College had made choice of as many of themselves, as the City thought meet to attend that service. Besides, many Seniors of our College remained, as many I dare say, as there did of the better sort of Apothecaries in proportion, and doubtless, 'twas as acceptable service to the Citizens of London (whom he here Claws) to have City Physicians in the Country with them, where they might have some employment also; as to stay in the City to the hazard of their lives, when they had scarce any Patient that remained there. p. 18. He acknowledgeth all I said, from p. 51. to the latter end of 59 viz. my digression against the Common Mountebanks to be true; and surely, there is no reason, but all indifferent persons should think, both my detections to be as sound and solid in all the rest, as A. doth this, p. 20. A. confesseth, That Chemistry is part of the Apothecary's Trade, and denies not but they will fall upon the Trade of Druggist's, and Distillers also, p. 21. M. He seems to answer to answer my argument (which he calls my greatest, because he saith nothing to any of the rest) drawn from the unlawful encroachment of one Trade upon another. His answer is nothing to the purpose; for saith A. One that hath a good opinion may make use of an Apothecary. M. 'Tis true he may, and offends not the Law but himself; But how doth this justify the Apothecary that practiseth on him; and can another's mistake disannul the Law, forbidding Apothecaries, etc. to practise? And by this reasoning of his, any man may be a Divine, Lawyer, Chirurgeon, Apothecary, etc. (I doubt his Company will not thank him for it) nay any man may set up any Trade in London (he saith, somewhere I may do so) by this Logic, if he can but get Customers. He goes on and replies to what I allege, that the Apothecaries practise against Law. A. Answers, Any one may apply outward applications, and inward Medicines, by the Statute (I'll tell him) 'tis that of 34 H. 8. and withal several Pleas made by Mountebanks, who were all overthrown upon it. Besides, some of the Judges were of opinion that this was repealed by 1 Mar. vid. Butler's Case in Croaks Report, part 1. you conclude this with your good Latin, somewhat better than your Magna in paruâ, and call it a Maxim in Law; Quod quisque norit, in eodem exerceat. This Maxim is against all reason, and therefore Law in your sense. I never heard of it, surely you mistake stake it for that common Maxim of theirs; Quisque in sua Arte credendus, or in sua Arte peritus. The former is a practical consequence from the later, and that is a supposition needful in our Law.  
To the rest of the Book and Postscript, he saith nothing, but only of the relation I had from a Clergy Man, who names no person; but A. hath made his name out of the letter thus, the silly Apothecary knows no more than to write to a wholesale Apothecary in your City, out of which he hath Christened Wright the Apothecary. I say of my Friend, he is well known in Physic, whence he infers he is a practiser too, and then quotes against his practice the decrees of the Church, and Dr. Primrose, and then tells you this story might have been better concealed for the honour of the Divines profession (just as much as it was against Physiology before for me to do the like) it being contrary to the rule of Charity, and his great Master, to divulge his brethren's faults, how then shall a Divine preach? you would like him well enough, if he had spoke, though untruths against the Physicians; and though you in many places revile me for detecting your Cheats, and proving them; yet you must be praised for your Lex Talionis, a mere Libel; A. And in truth there is as much reason for Apothecaries to change professions and preach, as they to practise Physic, though I am for neither; M. (but by his Logic, if they will practise Physic, he will preach) A. This observe, You shall seldom read or hear of any mischiefs or abuses, such as these are put in print by the Doctors, but the Parson must have a finger in the Pie, witness in late times, In Nomine Domini, etc.  
And thus Reader, you have seen how he hath abused the Physicians and Divines, and this makes it probable, that if a Lawyer should tell him how grossly he mistakes in page 21. the application of the Maxim, how he would deal with him.  
And now to confirm what I have said throughout, I desire the Reader to peruse the 2d. part of the usefulness of Natural Philosophy, Written by the Honourable Mr. Boyl, a Person who spends both time and purse for the advancement of all public good, without interest or passion; and you will find him there, not only affirm, but prove a good part of what I have said; with some quick and sharp glances against Physicians, that do not improve Medicines. I shall mention but two, page 142. he saith of the inventors of Mithridate, and Treacle, A wise Man might use a remedy which scarce any but a Fool would have invented. Add hereto, what the Learned Zwelfer, the first Physician that ever went about to reform Dispensatories (too hard a task for Apothecaries.) All others being either transcribers only, or a little alterers of the Shop Medicines saith of Treacle, and Mithridate, p. 428. What was said before and premised of Theriaca Andromachi, may be deservedly said of Mithridate, both as well to the Composition its self, as to the rule of preparing it; and a little after, I may rather laugh at, then examine some of the ingredients; and no less worthy of laughter than examination, are there many other ingredients in this pompous Composition. Which passage is much more severe than what I said of them in my View, p. 38. where I say briefly, that they consist of confused and contrary ingredients, and that they are unintelligible and unreasonable Compositions. By this passage out of a person whose Book all Physicians highly honour, besides what I allege in the same place▪ how falsely this ignorant A. speaks (for you are to believe saith he, this infallible Doctors, ipse dixit) and that 'tis but one Doctor's opinion; and is as true, as he twice affirms, these Compositions were commended by me to the Nation, because my name was to the Dispensatory. I confess my name is fixed to it, but as Candidate only, not as Fellow; and therefore I had no hand in that Book, and had I been then Fellow of the College, I should have given my suffrage and approbation to it, notwithstanding any thing I say in my View, 20 years after the publication of that Pharmacopaea. And again Mr. Boyl in p. 138. ' 'tis certain (saith he) that the Bills of Apothecaries, especially in Chronical Cases, do often prove so chargeable, that even when the remedies succeed, by that time a poor Patient is recovered, he is undone, and pays for the prolongation of his life, that which should have been his livelihood. Now Sir, if you please to add this or any other of his Books to your Library, you may find more reason in a few pages of his, then in the whole Library you have commended, and , in your own word, you will not judge this Noble Person to have written (as you say of us) out of malice, or design, nor railingly, though more sharply than ourselves.  
Add hereunto the opinion and practice of that Pious and Learned Divine Mr. Baxter, well known for his life and works, who not long▪ since told me, in the presence of one of my Colleagues, and an Apothecary, and several other persons of quality, that when he practised Physic in Kiderminster (wherein he is rationally skilled) he durst never trust an Apothecary, but practised all his own Medicines; and when he gave over, he introduced another into his practice, on this condition only, that he should dispense his own remedies.  
And so having spent a few idle hours, in reading and animadverting on your frivolous papers, I hope you and such as you will leave your railing, and follow your practice, which I did neither in my former Book, nor in this Pamphlet restrain you from, or set any Conditions, Articles, or Limitations upon you, according to all your desires, as your other Antagonists do, and therefore have reason to expect, you will without murmuring, and tricks, let the Closet Doctors peaceably enjoy their practice, and then let's try whether you, or such as you, are the abler and honester Physicians, and Apothecaries; and leave the World to judge, whether our Medicines are not more safe, more pleasant, more durable, and of greater efficacy, and less charge by far, and less fulsome, then yours of the Shops, and by this means we shall all be Friends.   

Postscript.  
COnsidering Reader, This Pamphlet should have come abroad 12 days sooner, but for some impediments, and delays it met with, being all that time out of my hands; Now in this interval, perusing again the Lex Talionis, I thought fit to add somewhat in relation to what it allegeth against Physicians in general, and also against the blue Apron, or Closet Doctor Apothecaries (as A. calls them) pretermitting wholly some passages omitted in each head, and clear inferences easily deducible from each of them, enough having been quoted to satisfy any indifferent person; But before I proceed, I shall only take notice of the disingenuity of the Apothecaries, who before all intelligent men, disclaim that Book, saying the same I have said of it, but telling unconsidering, and ignorant persons, that our Books are fully answered; so ready are they by double dealing to support their cause, since no other way can do it.  
The first thing A. allegeth against Physicians in general, is, in his Preface in these words. They abuse the Apothecaries, persuading away, and taking from them their friends, and acquaintance, employing, and sending their Bills, contrary to civility, and Equity, to whom they please, to the great prejudice of most of them, and therefore you will never blame some of them, for practising, being necessitated thereunto for a livelihood. p. 14. the Doctors began first with the Apothecaries, by invading his interest, and causing some of them to practise out of necessity, pag. 29. for it can be nothing less than incivility, to make a Gentleman, or other to forsake his friend, by employing whom he pleaseth as his Apothecary, and this is their common practice. M. An Example thereof, he there gives of a Saint Doctor. ib. p. 29. A. Another humour of the Doctor, which will necessitate the Apothecary to practise, is this, by having a prejudice against him (and this is common) so that they will not suffer his acquaintance to make use of him, nor send their Bills to him (though this be very disingenuous and absurd) but to another▪ Apothecary. M. And then another story of a practising Apothecary, and after that thus concludes. A. Here are two such plain Cases, and so common, that unless the Doctors on their parts will engage, not to deal so disingenuously against all Equity and Reason▪ the Apothecary can have no assurance of a subsistence by his profession, but in practising of Physic, and p. 31. A. proposeth, That if a Patient sendeth for a Physician, he may make use of what Apothecary he pleaseth, for to make up, and administer those things prescribed, nothing more reasonable, though nothing less practised, p. 32. A. asketh, Whether the common practice of Physicians (most of them having a particular Apothecary) to whom usually they send their Bills (though contrary to the Patients desire) and I know what they usually say as to the justifying of it, if this hath not been the very cause of the necessitating the Apothecary to practise Physic for his necessary support. M. And for this reason in several places, he maketh the Physicians the Aggressors in this quarrel.  
To answer and prevent which Objections, I have said somewhat in my View, p. 46. and I doubt not but the Reader would have been satisfied, if A. had been pleased to have published the reasons, he saith, he knoweth Physicians allege for justifying their so doing, some whereof I shall here recite. One is a just Lex Talionis, which A. by his Title approves of, which sure he likes as equal and just, viz. that I say in my View, that they commonly shuffle out those Physicians that writ only for the Patients good, to bring in their good Apothecary's Physician, to the manifold greater charge of the Patient, and nothing more ordinary then for them to brag of this.  
Secondly, All those discoveries made in their substituting, detracting, falsifying, using of unsound Drugs, their tricks of raising Bills, and most of the advantages I have mentioned, both to Physician and Patient, being well reflected on (where I show the advantages both Patient and Physician have in making their own Medicines, not needful here to be recited) will most clearly prove so many solid reasons, if not a necessity of Physicians carrying away their Patients (as they call them) to an Apothecary, whose honesty they know both for the true making, and prising the Medicines, and over whom they have some power in those particulars.  
Thirdly, Physicians do it for their own reputation. For the errors, and deceits of the Apothecary always reflect on them, as well as the life and health of the Patients are concerned thereby.  
Fourthly, 'Tis granted by all, that the Patient is wholly ignorant of the Apothecary's Medicines, and practices, which the Physician doth, or cannot but better know either upon his own experience, or by information of some others that know them, whether this or that Apothecary's Medicines be good, or honestly made, and therefore hath more reason to trust his reputation, and his Patient's life with one he knoweth, then with one he knows not, nor hath ever heard of, and for securing both, no Patient will but thank him for it.  
Fifthly, When an Apothecary hath practised of his own head, and the Physician is not called in till extremity of danger, what reason is there, that he should take upon him the discredit of the Patient's Death (if past Cure) or why should he teach that Apothecary to practise further by curing of him? And thus much and no more of the Equity, and reason of carrying away Patients from Apothecaries, though most of the pages in my View, may supply intelligent Readers with reasons why Physicians should commonly deal thus with them; and this I will here say, I never did so without sound reason, and to the good content of the Patient, accounting in this Case the success wholly to depend upon myself, being bound in all reason to make good the honesty and skill of the commended Apothecary.  
The next railing expression is, A. That 'tis incivility so to do. To this I answer, that Civility comes from Civis a Citizen (as no man that understandeth Latin doubts it doth) and consequently, if Civility signifieth the practice of Citizens (as it doth as clearly as the other) for Civility comes from Civilis, which signifieth no more than the City usage; then 'tis most plain, that this practice of Physicians is most Civil: for I appeal to each single Citizen, whether or no he thinks it not fair, and equal, to recommend his acquaintance in way of trading to other men of the same Trade his known Friends, than which I think there is nothing more commonly practised in the City. And therefore for so doing, he doth tax all the Citizens of incivility, absurdity, and dis-ingenuity, for which I presume they will thank him as much, in p. 20. where A. saith, Physicians may sell Grocer's Wares, as well as make Medicines, if they please. Neither have I heard any complaint made by any Apothecary, when a friend hath carried them from one to another; besides, why is it not uncivil for one Apothecary to carry away another's Customer?  
The next thing I shall speak to is, his great Complaint against Physicians making their own Medicines, p. 1. A. saith, That few wise men think this is for the public good, and honour of the profession, and ibid. This is the only way in the World to break Apothecaries. p. 2. There's knavery in all Trades, the Physicians not excepted, p. 10. The very naming of Physicians giving Medicines gratis, is enough to discourage any ingenious person to follow it. ibid. New inventions and experiments are dangerous. p. 13. New Models, new vampt merely out of design, and in several places whimsyes, p. 31. he proposeth somewhat as to the avoiding those many prejudices, as may arise by new inventions (as to the sanative part) not manifest. M. As to this Objection, I answer briefly, that having declared at large the great improvements may be, and are made in Physic, and that such improvement is, and hath been made, to the great help, comfort, and content of Patients, as experience hath taught them; if A. had had any prudence or well meaning to the public good, he would not condemn those things others have found good by, and which he wholly is ignorant of; which not civil or modest man will do, though in the same place he desireth an addition and publication of such laudable preparations, as shall be judged fit and suit the Therapeutic, according to the causes of Diseases, now of late more perfectly known. Where he acknowledgeth that the old preparations of the Shops, do not (at least) so well suit the Therapeutic, and that some preparations may be fitted that will, or else why doth he desire an addition of such? Now I am to tell him, that such Medicines the Closet Doctors make. But the great cry of this A. and his Brethren is, because we will not (as he saith) set them forth and make them manifest, viz. to every Apothecary and his Servant to practise by, and then to vilify and abuse the Inventors, and Founders of them, especially when they are made Masters of those things, which are better kept secret, to the Honour and livelihood of the Inventor, and good opinion of the taker; for since so it is, that the best Medicine possibly can be made, must necessarily sometimes prove unsuccessful, if it come once into a Shop, and be made common, it loseth its value, and esteem it had whilst it was in private hands, to the great disadvantage of the Patient, and hence it is that Apothecaries making use of some private receipt of a Physician, frequently gets more money by concealing it as his own, than the Inventor ever did. And this private way of getting receipts from Physicians, is the principal, if not the sole cause of setting up Mountebanks in the World. But because examples prove more with the vulgar than reason doth, I shall conclude this Objection by an instance in a Person much commended in several places by this A. viz. Dr. Willis (who was the great Practitioner I mentioned in my View, of whom an Apothecary said, that his Boy could write as good a Bill as he (some of whose Books you to no purpose quote in p. 26. 27.) hath gained that great opinion in the World by concealed Medicines made by himself, and prudently distributed in his own practice, and to his own Apothecary only, or by himself; and surely, if this A. had any thing to do in the World, he must take notice of it. Two of which, viz. his preparation of Steel, and Brimstone, he mentioneth not in one place only, are not unknown to some of the Closet Doctors, as well as many other secrets, of as good if not better effects as they, such are those you call whimsies used by those that detect your Cheats. 'Tis certain you commend not this practice in the learned Dr. Willis. Sure I am, an Apothecary told me he had seen a preparation of Steel, for the receipt whereof he would have given an 100 l. but being showed by a Closet Doctor, such a preparation which he preferred before that other, no more words were made of it. Such are the whimsies, and novelties, invented by such you so much rail at in your own defence, being able to do no otherwise. And having thus a second time absolved my Conscience in the performance of my double promise (equivalent to an Oath) to prosecute by all lawful ways, illiterate Empirics. I now now resolve to sit quiet, and leave any further defence to such, whom it concerns perhaps more than myself, and the rest, who by making their own Medicines, and by their Pens endeavour the public good, and the honour of their profession, slighting the malicious forgeries, and tricks contrived against us. I say the vindication from the slanders mentioned in Lex Talionis (the common language of most Apothecaries) reflects wholly on such as make not their own Medicines. For such as do, must be knowing in Drugs, and Simples; must know the whole process of preparing, and ordering them into Medicines, which they are willing to demonstrate (there being no other way) to any person whatsoever. And do hereby offer (without the least vainglory) to accept any proposal to be made by the Company of the Apothecaries, whereby they may clear to the World by manual operation and visible demonstration, how far some of the Closet Doctors surpass them, both in the knowledge of all natural things, and in well ordering them for Medicines, together with the ratio componendi. And all this upon whatsoever conditions the Apothecaries shall think fit to propose. Which if they do not (as I am sure they will not, though many advantages shall be allowed them) then let all the World judge, how falsely and undeservingly they slander us, and as they have done myself in special; And we doubt not to prove them in the whole▪ Empirics, in their own Trade, as I have said in my View. And now I must beg pardon of all Learned men, especially those of my own Art, that I have descended so low, as to cope with such unworthy Adversaries; hoping the zeal for our profession, will plead my excuse; and for this my expectation, the Tongues and Pens of many give me full assurance.  
FINIS.