ΠΛΑΝΟΠΝΙΓΜΟΣ, OR, A GAG FOR JOHNSON That Published ANIMADVERSIONS UPON Galeno-pale. AND A SCOURGE For that pitiful Fellow Mr. GALEN, That Dictated to him a Scurrilous Greek Title. By GEO. THOMSON, Doctor of Physic.  
London, Printed by R. Wood, for Edward Thomas, at the Adam and Eve in Little Britain, 1665.   

ΠΛΑΝΟΠΝΙΓΜΟΣ OR, A GAG for Johnson that published Animadversions upon Galeno-pale, etc.  
O Brave Galenists! are ye upon that lock● and I doubt not but I shall meet with you there. Is this your coming to a fair Trial by matter of Fact, to let loose your Bandog at me, clapping him on the back, and spitting in his mouth, while ye in the mean time lie lurking in a den, peeping through a cranny, in hope to see him worry me. Have I touched you so to the quick, that being conscious to yourselves what facinorous Actions ye have committed, none of you dare appear in person to plead directly, whether Guilty or no, for the satisfaction of the world; but are forced to suborn a sneaking reproachful Fellow to rail at us, one of those that are Spons● Penelope's Nebulones Alctnoique, who (if he had his desert) ought to be branded on the Front for abusing honest men: A most illiterate bruit as I found him in Discourse, when he came on purpose to affront me, instigated no doubt by some of you, who forsooth Own him for your Chemist; and indeed fitting for such Galeno-Chymists, that the common Proverb may be verified, Patella dignum Operculum; like Priest, like Clerk, good enough for Amen. Well Mr. Galen, you and the rest of your Gang (for all this) are mistaken in your subtle plot; it will not hold I assure you: for I would have you know, that if ye had fetched the tricipital Dog Cerberus out of Hell to have flown at me, it had been all one, I should not have startled at it, or gone back an inch; for by power of that unconquerable Truth in my Art, I am able to stop the mouth of that old Grandfather of Lies, and all his Imps.  Obsequium amicos, veritas odium parit. 
It is no wonder therefore if ye take me for your Enemy, and conspire against me by underhand dealing; sith I have told you downright Truth, sine Fuco, Palpo, vel Offaciis, without mincing and tenderly touching your pernicious Practice in Physic, and your intolerable obstinacy, in still persisting in the same. Could I have run with the Hare and held with the Hound, and undertaken to have been an Instrument to have betrayed a Just, Profitable, and Noble Design, set upon by some learned Chemists, I might have been reputed an Able Doctor, one of the Honorarii if I pleased. Could I have blown Ho● and Cold (odious to a candid Satirist) out of the same mouth, than had I been qualified fit for your Temperaments and Humours. Had I like a half-codled Chemist declaimed against the extravagant Theories of Paracelsus and Helmont; had I called you alone the Rational Chemists (as one doth in his Letter) and all the rest Pretenders, esteeming Mountebanks and Chemists Synonima's, making the world believe that ye are as much conversant in Chemical Authors as any besides, and best able to judge of them; had I say against Conscience and real Proofs thus flattered you, I had got into your Favour, but damnified my own Soul. Now forasmuch I charge you home, and offer to make it appear by Optical Practice, to any man that is not partial or biased by sinister respects, or wilfully blind through Ignorance and Covetousness, that Galen never had the Gift of Healing, nor none of his Disciples at this day; that they take a quite contrary way and indirect method to cure Infirmities, by Bleeding, Issues, Vesicatories, Cupping-glasses; uncorrected Purgatives; by their languid and ineffectual Cordials, Juleps, Apozems, Electuaries of the Shops, and Diet-drinks; that tyrannical usurpation over the Patient's course of life, by sending ●hem to the Wells to be cured, because they know not what to do more. Because I extol Helmont as he deserves, in that he hated to palliate your Deformities, and would not go behind the door to call Fatuum, Fatuum, Nebulonem, Nebulonem, as they are really so, without any grudge or rancour to their persons. Because I heartily congratulate him for pulling down the old ruinous structure of the Galenical Doctrine, built upon a rotten foundation, and for giving us a Model of a new. Because I reprove you sharply for your insolent aspiring Ambition of Domineering over the most Ingenious, Industrious, Honest, and Pious Chemical Labourers in the Nation, under a specious Pretence of Reforming that noble Art, which ye principally (as is obvious to any man that hath the least inspection into things of this nature) have defaced and deformed by your Lazy Recipes?  
Forasmuch I check you for keeping your Patients to a tedious course of Physic, without any sensible Amendment, merely for your private Gain, not resolving them what will be the Event of the Disease; or whether or no ye are able to cure them in any reasonable space of time. Because I take notice of your 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, vain Curiosity and Ostentation in Anatomy, without any notable Improvement of the Sanative part, and your remarkable Ignorance in Chirurgery: The plausible shows of being Chemists, and yet practise a quite contrary way, as is daily evident by your actions; so that your Damnation must needs be the greater, if ye know what ye ought and do it not.  
That I dare appear upon the Stage of the World with other worthy Philosophers, and challenge to make good by Ocular Demonstration of five several Experimental Essays, that those Theorems in Physic to which ye constantly adhere in the Therapeutic Intention (though ye can sometimes Dispute for recreation and exercise of your Dialectic faculty otherwise) are false; that your Phlebotomy is plainly destructive to mankind; and your Officinal Solutives extremely injurious to the Body; and that Chemical Remedies without equivocation (unless abused by Galeno-Chymists and Pseudo-Chymists) are no more dangerous than the best Canary wine as I offer to indicate by frequent sumption into my own stomach.  
Having thus thrown you flat on your back in Galeno-pale, ye rage, fret, storm, and in your mad mood run to the Kennel, and take up filthy dirt and cast it in the face of most deserving men; animating and putting reviling Terms into the black mouth of a sordid Fellow, an Operator fit for those Physicians that may very well be his Masters, or rather a Master for such Disciples, (some having hired him to reach them Chemistry, himself being ignorant enough) who doth alike ludere cum Chymicis, as the Galenists do cum Corio Humano; one, that if he were served aright, aught to be Catamidiatus in Amphitheatro, publicly disgraced according to the Roman Law, for squandring away his Time, and neglect of the discharge of his Function. Such a Coprologos, a Dung-hill-like Fellow, fitting for a Barretor, Informer, and Promoter; one that we may suspect will in his necessity hazard his soul to get money, who hath so little of Conscience (like some of the Galenists) that (if he could do it impune, and undiscovered) would for some small gain sell Mercurius sublimatus Corrosivus for Dulcis. One of Demetrius brats, who more properly may be called Demophonos, that is, a destroyer of poor Mortals; who cares not though millions perish, if he and his Complices can carry on a gainful trade; crying down whatsoever is Salutary and Preservative, if it bring not in notable lucre.  
This lewd person whom I scorn to touch with my Chemical Tongues, unless to take him by the Nose as St. Danstan did the Devil, or rather by that his slanderous Tongue to pull it out, hath our crafty Sophisters the Galenists chosen to patronise, and divulge what they have prompted to him. I think it very much below myself to expostulate with such a Triobolar Sycophant, and I am certain all that know me aright would blame me to foul my fingers about him: I shall only reflect a little upon Mr. Galen, who I am confident abetted, instructed, and disciplined him in most of his scurrilous and false Expressions.  
In Limine these contumelious Galenists call those that are of known Candour, Integrity, and Learning, through the hollow trunk of this Halophant, or Liar for a Whetstone; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Circulatores, Jugglers that go about from place to place, gathering people together to deceive them, or Nebulones, Knaves, Villains, Praestigiatores, Couzeners.  
How far I for my own part am guilty of this opprobrious language, all that know me can sufficiently testify; and I shall defy the proudest Galenist in England that dares speak any such thing to my face; yea, I doubt not but other learned Chemists will take my part, and vindicate themselves, who are as much concerned to assert their own Innocence against these Maligners as myself. Some of the persons thus abused I presume to nominate; to wit, Doctor Jos. Dey, Will. Currer, Geo. Starkey, John Friar, Ever. Maynwaring, Tho. Norton, Tho. Troutbeck, P. Massonet, Thornley, Tho. Williams, Febure, and several others.  
Are these such men as your Amanuensis, or Scribe, deciphers them by the Title and the whole tenor of his Pamphlet? What unhandsome things can you lay to their charge in the Practice of Physic? Did any of them ever Bleed their Patients that had the Small Pox ready to appear, and thereby sent them packing into the Grave, to the great grief of the Nation? Did any of them ever keep a Lady sick of an Acute Fever one and twenty days before they gave a Prognostic whether she would live or die? Have any of us got Riches unjustly by the ruin of others? If any of the forenamed have done these, or the like ugly actions, then speak aloud, and proclaim us at the Cross for Knaves and Villains. For we do not desire, nor can we expect any favour from you, but without any more ado, Indict, Arraign, and Hang us if ye can lawfully.  
Yea, I will go farther with you to clear myself and these worthy Gentlemen, I shall (and I doubt not but they will all join with me in order to this useful Discovery) if his Majesty be pleased to appoint any perspicacious judicious persons, men that are moderate and no way preoccupated or seduced to this or that Opinion, through favour, affection, or any secular Interest, such as look upon Truth with a sincere single eye) be obliged to demonstrate by practical Instances, that Phlebotomy is no proper Remedy for any Fever whatsoever; and that Bleeding in the Small Pox, Spotted Fever, and all other malignant Diseases, is a ready way to destroy the Patient, unless Nature be extraordinary vigorous: wherein if I fail, and give not good sound Philosophical Reasons thereof, for the satisfaction and conviction of those intelligent Enquirers; let his Majesty (according to their Report) forthwith punish me for an Impostor and a Villain; and I hope I shall be so ingenuous to say I deserve it.  
Moreover, after that I have made it appear what great mischief this Galenical Bleeding causes in the World, I shall proceed in the same manner to manifest and certify to the Eye, what detriment and inconvenience happens to Man's body through uncorrected Purgatives; and likewise maintain certain other Positions and Verities set down in Galeno-pale, to the confutation of those capital Errors in Physic that have these many Centuries of years been allowed, to the slaughter of Mankind.  
So much for the freeing us from your scurrilous abusive Title; as to the Contents of the Animadversions upon Galeno-pale, of this base pretended Author (on whom I hope the Magistrate will make an Animadversion for an example to others, for their own and the Nations welfare) I shall take no notice as to make him any Reply, they being as he that sets them down not Tant●: for the greatest part of them is made up of notorious Lies, Scurrility, Obloquys, Slanders, Detraction, Sophistry, perversion of the proper sense, Misinterpretation, and Misapplication; so that any ingenious well-meaning Reader may easily understand the fallacious Design of this Hyperbolical Impostor, and them that set him on work, without any Comment or Exposition: Yet I could not but set an Asterisk, or small mark, where the Galenists by him call me and other Euchymists, in their right wits (if all the world be not in a dream) fanatics; taxing us that we intent to bring in Confusion and Disorder into the Nation. The words are these: 'Tis no wonder at all to hear you inveigh bitterly against Rule and Method in Physic, when out of your Anarchical Principle you are as ready to renounce all Order and Government in the State.  
Were I not ascertained that some of his Masters (who upon all occasions can seldom afford us any better term than fanatics) read him this lesson, and that their principal drift is to bring an Odium upon Truth, and the Defenders of it, by fastening this filthy deformed mark of Fanatic upon the King's loyal Subjects, that they may thereby disappoint us of our just ends: Had not these words I say, or at least the sense of them, proceeded from the mouth of those Galenical Fellows, who (whatsoever they pretend to the contrary) are the most notable Misochymici, haters of Medicinal Truths, next the common illiterate Rabble, I should lightly have passed them over without reflection, being content to hear a Fool rail without retorting. Now sith my own Loyalty, Fidelity to the Crown of England, and a hearty desire to promote the Peace, Unity, Order, and Conformity of Church and State are engaged, I cannot be satisfied till I wipe off these muddy Galenical Reproaches, and taking two or three bright Chemical Stones out of my Scrip, fasten them in the impudent Forehead of these railing Goliahs.  
Where have I in Galeno-pale, or any Discourse whatsoever, directly and absolutely inveighed against Rule and Method, unless your contrary Rules of Healing, and your tedious irregular Methodus medendi, or rather Periodus, and Satan's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which I hope you will not openly stand up for. This is one of your old Fallacies to argue, à dicto secundum quid ad dictum simpliciter. All that I reprove is your indirect and exorbitant way of attaining that principal and most desired scope Man's sanity. It were equally as absurd in me to cry down all Rule and Method, as for a Traveller to find fault with, and condemn the Ground he treadeth upon, because he deviating through his incogitance or obstinacy, made choice of a long and dangerous way full of Thiefs and Robbers; whereas had he steered a right course, and been governed by sound advice, he might have taken a short and safe Way to his intended journeys end. Sub judice lis sit. If our Method, Rules, Canons, or Directions do not enable us to perform the Business in order to the Preservation of Man's Life better every way then yours, we will strait yield and take yours up for the best. But we assure you it must not be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a curious fine texture of empty words that will confute us, but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 something done, and by this we'll stand or fall. And we hope the World will not be so rash to to judge us Irregular, Fanatic, and Immethodical in Physic, because you barely affirm it by the mouth of this any thing that is vile. Well, all this will not serve our turns to be discharged of Fanaticism in Physic, unless we be likewise acquitted from the same in the State; for these subtle Argumentators make use of men's personal Crimes and Vices to maintain their exitious false Hypotheses, which plainly shows what they are. For had it not been more for fear then any civil respect (as appeared by making void a great part of the first Impress.) M. N. (that wrote Medela Med. an ingenious Treatise full of verity, which Mr. Sprackling and all the learned Coadjutors of that Society, if all their Brains were comprehended in one Skull, were never able to Answer to any purpose by way of refutation) had been sound lashed by them for what he did amiss in oliver's days, and all this to justify their Ignorantia Medelae, of which they are resolved never to be cured, and that's a sad thing.  Aegrotare malum est sed pejus nolle sanari. 
This Obiter. Let's now plead to that Bill of Treason they bring in against us by this Prevaricator, who saith, that we have in us an Anarchical Principle, and that we are ready to renounce all Order and Government in the State. How now, is't possible? then assuredly I have been in a Dream all this while, and beside myself indeed, and am verily and truly a Fanatic: if this be so, that I have an Anarchical Principle within me, yet would not comply with Oliver, and other Anarchists, and accept of that Lucriferous and commodious way which many Galenists in their right wits (as they suppose) never refused, getting thereby that which they esteem the Summum Bonum of Physic. Have you Doctor Dey, with other Chemical Gentlemen, been so infatuated too, then without controversy ye are no such wise men as I took you for; and they may very well call us all Fools and fanatics, to see us a company of beggarly Cin●flo's, Puffcoals, standing upon a punctilio of Honesty and Loyalty, to have taken pains to be poor; and they without wetting or burning their fingers (for these learned Clarks, like the Ape, know how to take Nuts out of the fire with the paw of the Cat) have per fas aut nef as made themselves (counting all other fanatics and witless that are not so) Rich and Honourable. Gentlemen who would be thus troubled with a Medical Mendical Conscience. Had I foreseen this it had been enough to have made me a very Knave, to have played my Game as well as any Galenist; to have made Hay while the Sun shined; to have laid up against a rainy day, and never to have suffered what I did for King Charles the First, being persecuted and imprisoned for his sake almost to death upon a Monarchical Principle, though now very unseasonably it is become (as my Enemies will have it) Anarchical: I could but at worst have been called Fanatic.  
O tempora, o mores! hósne mihi fructus? Am I thus rewarded for my Loyalty? O misera virtus ego te rem existimabam, sed tu nil nisi verba eras. I thought Virtue would have given a man a better reward. Well, who can help it? Contra Sycophantae morsum non est remedium. I am forced to put it up, what cannot be cured must be endured. Adeone res rediit? I am brought to a fine pass. What? A Bad Physician, and a Worse Subject. Parit indignatio versum: methinks I could now condescend insanire, and be willingly a Fanatic for some short time that I might be revenged upon these Calumniating Galenists, that thus accuse Loyal Subjects of Rebellion, when they have been and still are in their hearts.  
Were it not for the Act of Oblivion how would I claw them away: but I must be silent because my Sovereign commands me. Only thus much I shall insert into my Litany, From Scribes, Pharisees, Sadduces, and Galenists the worst of all, Good Lord deliver me and all Honest men.  
Thus have I sufficiently made it appear what notorious Pseudologists the Galenical fellows are; and how they stick not to disgrace any, be he never so upright, by falsely aspersing and representing him to the world the worst of men: so that they may thereby bring into disrepute the noble Profession of Chemistry, of which they are either grossly ignorant, and deserve to be termed no better than fools in the Science of Physic; else if knowing and expert therein, cannot be imagined any other then— forasmuch as their Actions, and Chemical Knowledge to which they make pretence, stand as it were Diametrically opposite, being very inconsistent and different one from the other. Now sith it is so that we know not how to judge of any man, but by his operations (God being the only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Heart-searcher) we have all the reason in the world to censure and conclude according to these men's fruits, that they are far from being such Persons that this hired Halophant proclaims them to be; that is, such lovers of Chemistry these twenty years last passed. That its improvement hath been their great care and constant study; and that pitch that this noble Art is advanced, is owed to them; and if it ascend higher, the same Hands must lend their assistance.  
All which is most false as I can make evident. Would these fellows if they were Improvers and Advancers of this noble Art thus malign and revile approved Artists? calling Honest men Knaves; those that have been Loyal Subjects and Sufferers for his Majesty, fanatics; those that are Philomathêis and Polymathêis, imbued with Learning as well as themselves, Amatheis, illiterate Idiots. Had they any cordial kindness for Helmont, would they still obstinately maintain those Essential Capital Errors in Physic, which the noble Author in express positive terms condemns, and by undeniable Arguments demonstrates to tend to the ruin of mankind. Surely if they did not commend him only teeth outwards, hating him in their hearts, they would not still retain that Periodical long old beaten Method, which he doth directly cry down as destructive; they would quite lay aside Bleeding and colloquating Purgatives, which he is utterly against: Is it possible that these should have real friendship for Helmont, or any Sons of Art, that are absolutely opposite to his Theorems.  
Away with these juggling and hypocritical Delusions, and let them not think thus to impose upon our Senses; for they may endeavour as easily to persuade men out of their Proper Names, as ever to convince them that have aright conformed eyes without defect, whose Judgements are not perverted or distorted, that they are Philo-Chymists, advancers of Chemistry, and will ever lend their assisting hand to lay one Chemical Stone in order to the erecting of such an Elaboratory, that may edify the tottering fabric of their frail diseased Brother, unless they may cement it with the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the babble or confused noise of their Galenical garrulity and multiloquacity, which puffs them up with pride and self-conceit of their own empty worth, so that like so many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, they wage war against all those that sincerely stand up for the Defence of Verity and Charity in the Profession of Physic; in so much, that what these men cannot now compass by real worth and lawful means, they think to attain by their policy, subtle wiles, and deceit: Flectere si nequeant superos Acheronta movebunt. Rather than fail in their unrighteous Projects, they will seek to Pluto; and rather than they will be accounted ignorant in Pyrotechnie, they will procure him to be their Tutor, who is well versed in Igne Gehennae, being well acquainted with all degrees of that Fire, and knows how to distribute to every one a just proportion. He can accommodate them with false Fire, and an Ignis fatuus sufficient to seduce and deceive the world that is best pleased with Shadows rather than Substances.  
'Twas that old Salamander that moved some of them to send their Spy to supplant and trappan me, and to return gross Lies in reference to those Chemical Utensils I possess, the twentieth part of which the Forger never saw: with the third part of which I dare challenge any Galenist in England to do more for the Use and Benefit of man, than they (destitute of the dextrous mysterious Encheresis) with numerous and pompous Furnaces.  
O how it pleased his Masters to hear this their lately repaired and new vamped Servant to jeer at a cracked Furnace, tied together with a Rope, which I confess would have done better about his neck, to have prevented such a leaking fellow for the future, ab hac atque illac diffluendo, from being employed any more by the Galenists to tell such abominable Falsities for their advantage, to make their Imposture the more plausible. Certainly now Mr. Galen I see you are put to hard shifts to uphold the Credit of your Polyarchy, and being ready to sink, are forced to catch at any twig to buoy you up. These are Naeniae, lamentable Stories to upbraid me with such a ridiculous thing as a cracked Furnace, when ye are nonplussed, and are not able to answer me to the main. Do ye think this kind of Drollery will satisfy any diligent Indagators of truth. Desist ye Pharisaical Hypocrites from thus trifling and deluding our eyes with glittering Apparitions, and be more serious and substantial in such weighty matters concerning man's life: show your Art if ye have any, and prove that ye are in the right way or method of Curing. I have offered you reasonable and equal Propositions, and am resolved (if I live) to keep close to them, desiring only indifferent Arbiters to determine our Controversies according to the facts of each of us. Doubtless, as one said of the dead Body that would not stand being set upon its legs, Aliquid deest intus; so may a man conclude that ye are deficient, and all is not sound within, sith ye dare not stand upon the Justification of your Principles by your works.  Heu quam difficile crimen non prodere! 
Ye may set a good face upon it, but I assure you ye have lost much of your reputation among the wiser sort, for this very reason that ye would not endure a Test. None hereafter but mad men (whom some that are little better affirm ye have an excellent faculty to cure above others) will ever trust such counterfeit ignorant Galeno-Chymists, that dare not give a taste or trial of their skill. Wherefore our faithful advice is, that ye would utterly abdicate your former vanities and fooleries in Physic, and openly make a recantation thereof, declaring a hearty sense of your gross Errors, and a full resolution to exercise the duties of your Profession more sincerely, candidly, and conscientiously, labouring with your own hands as other laudable Chemists have done, to acquire those Arcana's that complete a Philosopher, and enable him to minister relief to a languid wretch. Upon these conditions ye shall find us ready to instruct you, and teach you how to handle a Retort and Cucurbite, informing you of the grand mistakes in preparation and appropriation of Spagyric Remedies; to the right knowledge of which your dull Servant johnson and Books are never able to direct you Yea, we shall honour you so far, as to make you Members of our Society, so that we be throughly persuaded that ye are become hearty Converts, and will never prove false to us, betray, and blab abroad the Secrets of our Art to Apothecary's Boys, Good wives, Nurses, and such like profane persons, as ye have formerly done, to the great damage and dishonour of Physic. This favour we shall out of commiseration to your low condition vouchsafe to afford you, upon this pinch and straight, to which we plainly perceive (by those mean beggarly evasions and subterfuges ye seek) ye are now reduced, being stormed on every side by several powerful Veridici and Eupractici in Physic. It's confessed we have little reason to be so courteous and kind to you, considering how ye have disobliged us every way, and how wilfully accessary ye have been to your own overthrow: However, we shall give a testimony to the Nation, that a true Chemist is of a most Heroic Sublime Spirit, ready to forgive injuries, and pass by abuses without retaliation.   

A Mantissa, or Advantage, cast into the Scale, to make the Galenical Animadverter and Remarker appear downright a N. in Grano, for the Credit of his Worshipful Masters.  
THese Pharisaical Galenists out of a supercilious Haughtiness and Philauty presumptuously censure all belonging to the jatrical Faculty, that are not of their Sect, Publicans or Fools, not fitting to hold correspondence with, or to be touched with their sanctified Ladylike hands, lest they should be polluted by such Carbonarii, Colliers in their Art, as the Chemists: wherefore these proud selfconceited Critics have passed a rigid (but unjust) Sentence of Condemnation upon me; and have sent out their wicked Commentariensis to suffocate and smother my reputation, because I met with and associated myself with an impudent Crew (as they style them) of such, that are utter enemy to Learning in general, alleging that I am one of the most considerable Champions and Ringleaders of this Faction, having been an intimate friend and associate of Odowds, best knowing him; so bold and dull an Ignoramus that he shames the Gallows, a wretch that is a disgrace to his most Disgraceful Party, and withal an Atheist. 'Tis well the Galenists have found out a Mercenary Fellow, that will take upon him to personate what they invent, and for some small reward excuse them, and suffer the Lash himself; being we believe so fit for their Humours and Complexions, that if they say aestuat, it is hot weather, (though quite contrary) he will forthwith protest, sudat, he is all in a sweat: Otherwise I would have remitted their venomous Arrows, and directly have aimed at the Authors that first drew the Bow at me, and have neglected this dirty Fellow whom they make use of for a sleight Bulwark to shelter themselves and their untruths; however I make no question to penetrate them through his side. Mendacium servile vitium. To hire and to be hired to derogate from any by Slanders, Calumny, and Pseudologies, argues a base slavish Spirit unworthy any man, but especially a Physician. Are these Dogmatical Candidates? if so, nigro carbone eos posthaec annotabo, I'll mark them hereafter for black sheep.  
Have ye no other way to evade the trial of Essential Physical Truths (which if I maintain not demonstratively let me perish) but by countenancing your Servant wrongfully, and publicly to disgrace and represent me to be companion and copesmate of those, who (if they were as they are set down by you) ought not to have a being in this Nation; accusing me as Ringleader and Champion of them in those wicked Designs you tax them with. Whether those you call ignorant persons, especially Mr. Odowd, (whom 'tis confessed I did sometime meet with upon a very reasonable and justifiable account) be guilty of those Crimes that are laid to their charge, (maliciously as I conceive in great part, and upon false grounds) I shall not undertake to ventilate or discuss, let them plead and vindicate themselves. However, grant them and myself never so bad as you say. Yet Truth is Truth, and will stand firm in despite of all your undermining, cryptick, and subterranean workings, to blow up the Propugnators and Defenders of it. I desire to appeal to all sober, discreet, honest, and impartial men that know me intus & in cute, whether I ever proposed or joined with any to carry on any base unworthy thing in this Chemical Enterprise, above the Glory of God, the increase of Virtuous Actions, the Honour of his Majesty, the benefit of the Nation, the promotion of Learning) as I have sufficiently explained myself in the 20. Chapter of Galeno-pale) the melioration and reformation of the state of Physic. If this aught to be reputed Factious, I desire to be the Ringleader and Champion of such a Faction.  
As for that intimate friendship between me and Mr. Odowd (which your Halophant divulges) it is as arrant a Truth as that you are real friends to Chemistry, unless it be per Antiphrasin. Indeed I always looked upon the Gentleman as a quaint Courtier endued with good natural parts, and might deserve well of his King and Country, according to his station, without justifying his Illiterature, supposing withal that were true (which I formerly much suspected) that he had acquired so potent and active an Arcanum as he relates, and some do now testify, above any Weak and sluggish Preparation in your Dispensatory: To your grand shame be it spoken, that such an Illiterate person, (for which Defect I have heard him sometimes ingenuously condole himself in the presence of several knowing men) should outvie your learned Ignorance in that which is principally desired by every Sick man; but I never had that favour for him that we could set our Horses so together, as to be intimate and throughly to know each other, but always kept a loof to avoid scandal.  
But now methinks I begin to have a little more than ordinary respect, and to draw a little nigher him, since this remarkable Diabolos (belonging improperly to those of Amen, who ought to make good the Etymon of the word, with which some I think are resolved never to associate themselves intimately) traduced, slandered, maliciously and falsely accused him for an unparallelled Knave, Villain, and Atheist. From that time there came to me a Testimonial Note of Mr. Rawlinsons' Cure, signed with his own hand, I began to think better of him then before, and conceited the Devil was not so black as some that painted him. The satisfaction I received in that particular was this.  
Whereas Mr. Will. Johnson hath in Print reported ill of Doctor Odowde's Relation, touching a CURE performed upon me: I do by these presents attest, That the Relation published by Doctor Odowde is in every Circumstance, and in the whole most true. Witness my Hand the 7 th'. of June, 1665.  
Richard Rawlinson. Signed in the presence of us, 

Will. Goddard.  
Mar. Nedham.  
Edw. Coke.    
If this Fellow (notwithstanding his Master's Protection) deserve not to be Whipped about the Pig-Market, and every Chemist in England to have a Lash at him, let any judge that is truly sensible of the loss of a good Name. I hope no man will be so mad to credit him for the future; for, qui semel est semper praesumitur esse malus.  
FINIS.   

An Epistolar DISCOURSE TO THE Learned and Deserving AUTHOR OF Galeno-pale. By George Starkey, M. D. and Philosopher by Fire.  
London, Printed by R. Wood, for Edward Thomas, at the Adam and Eve in Little Britain, 1665.   

An Epistolar Discourse to the Learned and Deserving Author of Galeno-pale.  
AFter my most real and hearty thanks, for that great favour you were pleased to oblige me with, in bestowing upon me that Learned, Useful, and Seasonable Piece of yours, Galeno-pale, (in acknowledgement of which obligation, be pleased to accept the tender of my utmost service, and most cordial love) I make bold in answer of your request so me, to return you my sense of that Tractate of yours, (which is so highly deserving, as not to need my Commendation, and so accurately learned, as not to fear any man's Censure or Animadversion) as also of that trivial and contemptible piece of Garrulity, pretended as an Animadversory Reply to your Book, and Lash for your person; though in my judgement he hath had the ill luck, to be so far out in the performance, that his ill cooked mess of opprobrious Obloquy, will serve only to polish, and make more amiable the lustre of that your excellent Tractate; and like a black foil, to set out to the greater advantage, that so every way desirable Jewel.  
Of my concurrence with you in opinion, my two Tractates, viz. helmont's Vindication, and Pyrotechny Asserted, are such undeniable arguments, that I need add nothing in this place for confirmation of a truth so beyond doubt, apparently evident. To them I refer such as either know not, or will not believe, that I am altogether concurring with you in Judgement; being able to prove beyond rational contradiction, that our Opinions herein agree with the truth of Nature; and can practically demonstrate, that our Antagonists, in what they differ from us, have only idle Speculations, and unprofitable airy Notions, which they embrace instead of real practical truths; so hugging (as the Poet hath it) a Cloud instead of Juno.  
It is not because we are strangers to the Doctrine of Humours, that we do not, with the Galenists, make up Temperaments, and vary Complexions and Constitutions, according to the divers mixtures of them, and measure all the defects in Nature, by their contest, prevalency and victory. What the received opinion herein is, we know, and learned many years since; but afterward, being convincingly reclaimed by the unresistable force of light and truth, we learned that hard lesson, of making loss of all these imaginary attainments, and were willing to confess that we had drunk largely of muddy and unwholesome waters; and being thus overswayed with the Dictates of a more sound Reason, we accounted it no dishonour both to sing a Palinode ourselves, and sound a Retreat unto others; desiring if it were the good will of God, that as many as are friends to Learning and pretend to ingenuity, may taste of the pure streams of truth, and solid learning; not doubting but if once tasted, they would drink largely, and always desire the same Waters, loathing those muddy and infected lakes to which they had been long accustomed.  
While we resolved on this course, and addressed ourselves in earnest to this work of Charity, of recovering as many as we could (all if possible) from the paths of Error, in which they (following either blind or unfaithful guides) had long wandered: As we really did a work of pious Charity towards all, so our pains and labour was candidly interpreted, and acknowledged by some, who by the help of that small Candle which we (according to our mean capacity) had lighted up, and brought with us, did discover such monstrous Deformities and Defects in that Fabric in which they were, and for want of a clear distinct Light, esteemed a sumptuous and glorious Building; they discovered, I say, such rotten Foundations, ruinous Arches and Pillars, mouldering and tottering Walls, a leaky and almost falling Roof, that they were quickly prevailed with to quit that dangerous, and most unpleasant abode, fit only to make a habitation for Birds of darkness.  
But alas! as there is no action (of what concernment soever) that will universally please, so this work of ours, which by many was, and by all deserves to be attributed to pious Charity, was misinterpreted, reproached, and reviled by many, and those men of no mean rank or fame. For this old, decayed, rotten Structure, of which I speak, is challenged by some of the Ancients of the Fraternity, as a Propriety belonging to the Professors of Philosophy and Physic; of which they as Seniors are to have the mannagement and disposing. These to the younger deal out Lodgings, and Tenements, as also Honours and titular Preferments, with this caution, that they shall admit them and no other, to be their Governors, Guides, Directors, and Counsellors: and because the Building was once famous and stately, though now decayed and ruinous, they dawb over these Defects with Plastering and Painting, and adorn the Walls and Arches with curious Hangings, but will not endure any clear Light to be brought in to discover their crazy and tottering Habitation, lest their Guests and Candidates being affrighted at the discovery, should leave them; and so the repute they have, of being the Fathers and Dispenser's of Art and Knowledge, should vanish like a shadow before the Sun.  
These are they that are ever learning, but never come to the Knowledge of truth; and the reason is, because they think they have already attained it, and therefore conceive there is no need of further learning, and disdain to be taught, or reproved, but will abuse him that shall attempt it, and load him with opprobrious contumelies.  
On which score it was, Sir, that the late invective against your person (and in your name all that are assertors of Pyrotechny its excellency, beyond the Art or Mystery of Medicine, professed by those who style themselves Methodists, as by a Characteristical note of Distinction) was vomited up under colour of Animadversions upon your deservedly esteemed Tractate, with a Title befiting the Author (appearingly at least) of that infamous Libel; which were I in your case I would scorn to Answer, but in such a way as might manifest deserved contempt and neglect, not of he Author (pretended) had he been (which he can hardly) more inconsiderable than he is, but of the sheets which he hath blotted, not with any design, (if he have but the wit to survey the Lines he hath fathered with any discretion) but to let the world know, what a pitiful Reply the Rational Chemists of Amen-Corner can make to the just Exceptions of the true Sons of Art, against their pretended 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which to English in their sense, is only a bare subscription to Galen; on which score they are severely culpable, but deserve pity (to speak the most softly) for that unlawful Marriage, which without consent of both parties, they have endeavoured to make between solid Realities and practical Verities, on the one part, and aerial Speculations, mistaken Principles of Nature, and ignorant Conclusions, and Prescriptions taken on trust from their predecessors, without examination, on the other part; which Marriage if they can consummate, so as to produce from it a Galeno-Chemical offspring, I hope they will reconcile lazy Ignorance, with sedulous Diligence and Industry, in searching out truth, for Bridemen; and Light and Darkness, Truth and Error, adept Knowledge, and putaticious Uncertainty, for Bridemaids; and let all about Town that have skill in the learned Languages, Logic, and School Philosophy, and have read Galen and Paracelsus, Avicen and Helmont, Riverius and Quercetan, the London Dispensatory, and Scroderus Pharmacopoea, etc. be Candidates of this new Society; and let the Author of those sorry Animadversions on your Book, be Doorkeeper to this new-modeled College, with order that he admit of none, that is a verier Wiseman than himself, as a Member among them; and then no doubt but the Art of Medicine will be improved, so as to silence the wonder of a Minotaur, or the Poets Pegasus, or a Siren.  
But, Sir, I hope as you in your Galeno-pale have begun to forbid the Banes, and to put a stop to the Enterprise of so unequal a Match, and have shown most just Causes why two Parties so disagreeing should not be joined in Matrimony; so you will continue a vigilant Eye that the Galenical satire, whose Lust of propagating (whether in, or out of Kind) is insatiable, may not commit a Rape upon so delicate a Nymph as Pyrotechny; such an unlawful mixture is by some reputed and reported the original of Apes, Monkeys, and Baboons; if or no, truly, I shall not dispute, but surely the unequal commixture before mentioned, will in likelihood, yea for certain, produce as great, or greater Monsters in Art, than the others are in Nature, allowing the supposition of their original for true.  
'Tis granted, of late many rash pretenders have assumed the Title of Chemists, whom Nature not knowing, nor they her, the true Sons of Art disdain to own, and protest against; among whose number I know none more fit to be first begun withal, than this Fugitive Renegado, who never attaining higher honour in the Chemical Army, then of a Pioneer, or Dragoon at best, hath proved an Apostate from that Profession he never was worthy of, and betrayed to the Enemy as much as he ever knew, which all that understand any thing in Art, are assured, is little enough; by discovery of which no real Artist need fear damage, nor was there ground of Reply to any thing that either hath dropped, or heréafter may fall from his Pen, were it not that all who know him are induced to believe, that he doth by that Scribble (how impertinent soever it be) as many of his mind (in another case) are reported to do, father Brats which they are sure are none of their own, because they either have received, or hope to receive some beneficial Courtesies from the Fathers: Therefore for sake of the real and not pretended Father of that piece, I shall say a little to some Passages I observed therein, though very briefly.  
First, I observe with what a magisterial supercilliousness he censures as illiterate, all that are Professors of true Pyrotechny, and maintain its Principles, both as to the Preparation and Application of Remedies, the judging, distinguishing, and curing Diseases, in opposition to those who subscribing to Galen, Avicen, and others of that gang, own the distinction of Dogmatists, and Methodists; and have done for many ages, till of late they have wrought upon the facile Nature, or Cranium of an easy impression, of a nameless person (of honour for aught I know) to become their Godfather; and now at the years of rotten ripe discretion, to give them a new Name of Rational Chemists, as a distinction (I conceive) between such, whom his wisdom is pleased to style Melancholy Operators, and them; that is, between such who will admit no practical Theorems, whose Confirmation they have not practically received from the Fire; and those more neat, Genteel Chemists, who without knowing the Names and Forms of Furnaces, the degrees, and manner of ordering Fires, the shapes and diversities of Chemical Vessels, can by depth of reading, and profound Reason, tell what are the best Chemical Remedies, and when, how, and by whom they are best made; and the time, manner, dose, and rule, requisite for the most beneficial administration of them. This Gentleman I suppose for the honour of the Nation, and future benefit of the Cadets of the Gentry, will shortly distinguish between the Rational, and Gross mechanical Merchant, Marriner, Soldier, etc. And for the honour and profit of Generations to come, introduce and recommend Rational Pilots, Masters and Captains of Ships, Captains and Commanders of Land Forces; Rational managers of Traffic by Sea and Land; as also Dealers by Exchange of Moneys, and the like; and if he can persuade those in Authority to listen to, and approve such a Rational Motion, we may hope (in time) to be provided as well in all these mentioned Cases, as we are now with jatrochemical Galenists.  
'Tis as possible, and probable, to be an expert Chemist, without seriously, sedulously, indefatigably, and constantly attending the Mechanical part of Pyrotechny, making new daily, pondering also, and amending future Operations by past experience, as to be an expert Anatomist without knowing the use of the Knife, by bare Rational speculation. 'Tis the Mechanist informs, instructs, and confirms the Theorical speculator, and not on the contrary: But here the Operator acknowledges the highest of his attainments, to his profound Masters of Amen-Corner; and they owe all which they pretend to of Chemical Skill, to this Servant, (thus one hand washeth another) while an impartial by-stander may say, It is pity such Masters and such a Servant should be separated.  
But why must all that descent from the Nil ultrà, praeter idiotas, of Pater Noster Row, be branded for Illiterate? 'Tis well the visible father of this peremptory and petulant Charge is known not to be guilty of, or overgrown with either wit or learning himself, and therefore is as fit a Judge in the Case, as Midas was of the excellency of Music made by Apollo on his Harp, or Pan on his Pipe; and if he were repaid as well for his Judgement as Midas was, his Masters, in case they should lose him, might find him, though hid under the Covert of a Philosopher, by the same marks that the Farmer in Aesop found a lost Servant of his, concealed under the disguise of a Lion's Skin.  
As to the Challenge made by you of deciding the grand Controversy by proof, and experimental Demonstration, the World will take notice, although you and we should be silent, how he seeks to evade it by scandalous and reproachful Quibbles, in which his scurrility will try the utmost of your patience, and will excuse you if you reply with Vinegar to his cankered Lines, writ with a pen dipped in gall; I wish that either side had forborn to discharge yourselves like Cannons, roaring, and rending each other, yielding much smoke, but little light, yet must Apologise for you in the words of the Comic Poet; that it is (on your part) responsum, non dictum, quia laesit prius; He first transgressed the bounds of a fair Gamester, and played such Butcher's play, as both the Pate and Shins, that if himself get a cracked Crown, he may thank his own indiscretion, and his blustering huffing. I have known an uncivil braving Hector so abusive to a sober Gentleman, that he hath provoked him at length to cudgel him sound for his unmannerliness; and I could not account it otherwise then just, that he who would not be guided by discretion, should be basted into better manners. But of this a word to the wise.  
But concerning the thing proposed, and that on such fair terms as cannot be refused with honour, nor accepted, without a silencing demonstration on one side or other; if it be enough to laugh at the Proposal as impossible, upon presumption that so many will not be found, that will trust their Lives, either in your, or any other hands of your Persuasion and Principles; or if they would, that you might easily give a certain Prognostic of them all, with a Reserve, for this ill-nurtured Quibble; that you will cure them all alike, and the Earth cover your failing in so rash an attempt; if, I say, this Answer by themselves be judged sufficient, they must account all, to whom that Scribble shall come, gross Idiots, and stupid Dunces; for will any (a degree beyond a Natural in capacity) imagine, that if they did really judge that such would, or probably might prove the effect, they would not have made it their prime business, either to have rendered you, by the first ridiculous, in finding none that durst adventure to trust your skill; or odious, by performing such Catachrestical Hangman-like Cures. This charge might with probability and justice be retorted, but I hate recrimination; it being unlikely, that if the Contest were once begun to be thus decided, after a score of instances concerning the vast difference of the safety of true Chemical Remedies, and agreeableness of them to Nature beyond the Galenical Prescriptions, and Carbonado's of Humane Bodies, according to their Rules of Art, scarce any more would be found, that would undergo their Methodical course of Physic, (were there no hazarding of Life, and impairing the Strength, by exhausting the fountain of Life, the Blood) if either Prayers or Tears might move so much compassion in the Judges, as to escape their too Fatal clutches: but for peace sake I shall drive the bolt no farther, only this I shall say, and I hope not transgress the bounds of modesty and sobriety, that myself about eight years or more since, publicly challedged them to the like Contest, at infinite more odds, and disadvantage on my part, and will yet make good the same, upon penalty of being infamous, and so publicly proclaimed, and myself will proclaim it with as much ignominy, as to place, time, and expressions, as they shall please to prescribe unto me, and will undertake to procure the Patients without trouble to them; and let them be divided with all equality possible, half to me, the other half to them: let me be certified of their will to accept the Contest, and if I decline what I offered, I shall willingly beforehand condemn myself to a future prohibition of all Practice, till I openly do what disgraceful Penance they shall think fit to put upon me, and the like, if I am baffled or worsted in the Combat; only let able, impartial Arbiters judge between us, the relation of Fact being first published both in our Native, and in a travelling Language, the Judges than let them give public Sentence, according as the Demerits of each side shall appear to them.  
This may, and I doubt not but will be put off with a Sardonian laughter, while in the mean time Haeret lateri lethalis arundo, the arrow galls them too much for a hearty smile; nor will very sober persons fail to laugh at, and deride them, if they can find no other Answer then grinning merriment, for so home, and so close followed an Argument; which if once resolved on, as the final issue of the Controversy, would quickly for ever silence one or the other party; and if we practically get the better of them, (as I doubt not) if afterward we do not maintain our own Theseiss, and oppose theirs, undisputably on our part, and convincingly on theirs, let us be afterwards accounted only fortunate illiterate Empyricks. But if besides this we publicly give a full account of their Theorems, Axioms, Maxims, Method, and Practice, as well in the Therapeutic, as Theorical part thereof, and then with undeniable Arguments overthrow their whole Building fundamentally, yet challenge them of Ignorance (even to pity) in the Principles of true Pyrotechny, which we will undertake to make as plain as the Noonday Sun, to the convincing both of themselves and friends that it is really so: What pretence soever they make to Rational Chemistry (this Charge I would have understood of the generality of them, and as they are a Society) and we will permit their man Johnson to lay his Head together with them; whose Chemical Dictionary dedicated to them, will speak his ability in Pyrotechny, should we be silent. If, I say, after our practical Combat, and experimental Contest, we perform this, then let the titles of Illiterature and Empyricisme be given to them that best deserve them; and if we do it not, we will own ourselves empty vainglorious Boasters, nec famâ nec fortunâ dignos.  
But 'tis time to recall myself, these Rationally Chemical Gentlemen may for aught any man in the world (or they themselves) knows, be the sans peer Chemists of Europe, if not of the Universe; for I call to mind, and very seasonably, that in their Book of Precautions and Remedies against the Pestilence, they crown their work with (multum in parvo) a Collection of the choicest Chemical Medicines attainable; which they set down for their sakes who are only affected with Chemical Preparations, with caution, that they be honestly and faithfully made, according to the Prescription of the best Authors; among which, I was not a little pleased, to find both the Philosophical Elixirs, for the White and the Red, prescribed, leaving the dose, and time of taking them, and in what Vehicle, to the discretion of the Patients; upon which I would query, First, That seeing there is a Plague of the purse, as well as the person, to which these two Remedies should most properly be applied? Secondly, where they are to be had faithfully and honestly prepared? Certainly by their white fixed Sulphur, and by their red fixed incombustible Oil of Sulphur, they meant the two ting Elixirs of the Philosophers, or else they prescribed it at all adventures, any thing unknown to themselves, with a hard name to amuse the vulgar; like him of their Fraternity, whom you instance in your Book, who for a long time prescribed Mercurius dulcis, upon presumption that it was a Vegetable.  
The other Preparations by them advised, if they did but know experimentally, how secret, hidden, and truly difficult their true Preparation is; and how few among Artists that search after them, attain them, (scarce one of ten thousand) they would not so lightly prescribe them, unless withal, they could advise where, and of whom, and at what rates they might be procured; and either added Directions for their use, or left them, who desired to have them, to be directed by the Preparers and Disposers of them; but to give only a bare Catalogue of a few hard what d'ye call'ums, to be procured God knows where, and when; and to be used God knows how, or to what end, however at all adventures, with assured success against the Pestilence, is for grave old men to turn again to boys play, and dance a Chemical Antique, & magno conatu, specioseque sub praetextu nugas agere.  
The other part of that Book I shall not meddle with, being unwilling to thrust my Sickle into another man's Harvest, only wish it might effectually answer its Title, and the Expectation of his Majesty and Council, especially the poor sick parties, whose Skins must pay for its defect, the more the pity!  
For my part, I shall allow every Bird to sing its own note, and every Man to praise or dispraise a Bridge, according as it hath carried him over, or failed him. But this I may, and shall not doubt to affirm, that this hand of God, in case it continue upon us, and increase among us, will prove a signal note of distinction, between Physicians elected, and sent forth by God, and those mercenary Hirelings, who either run unsent, or were created by the Schools. The latter having compiled a wonder-doing Book, for the prevention and eradication of the Pestilence, to show the Confidence they have in their own Prescriptions; in the next place, get as soon, and as far off as they can out of reach of it, except a few of the most confident of them, a very inconsiderable number, considering the large Herd of them, who (shameful to mention, more shameful to practise) in consideration of an unreasonable sum of Money in hand demanded, and a more unconscionable Salary by the year expected, with other Conditions, arguing a mercenary distrustful mind, will take such care of the Sick, and afford them such attendance as they shall think fit; when as eight times their number would be too few by half, to attend the Sick, in case of the increase of this calamity: for if in the most healthful times so great a number of Physicians be not supernumerary, there being ordinarily Employment sufficient for most, if not all of them; can it be imagined, that in case the numbers of the Sick should be increased ten for one, or upwards, as in some Contagions London hath sadly found and felt, a fifth or sixth part of the Doctors in and about this City, will be sufficient to attend those whom God shall visit in so unusual a manner, as to the terror and truculency of the Disease, where multitudes are swept away with such rigorous speed, as might command pity in any breast that hath left in it the least room for charitable piety?  
If the Care and Cure of the Sick be the work, office, and duty of all who conscionably pretend to the Art of Medicine, this sure is a time in which it is an incumbent duty on all its Professors, to double their vigilancy and industry; yea, unworthy is he the name and title of a Physician, who shall then quit his work and station, when his assistance and help is most needful and required: Dulcia non meruit qui non gustavit amara. Here is a time and occasion of exercising all their care and charity with the most religious observance: If it be the work of Doctors, as beyond doubt and denial it is, how can they answer the neglect of it to God or their own Conscience?  
Not but that I judge the pious care of the Magistrate highly commendable, in encouraging as many as are conscientiously diligent, at such a time when their work and care is increased, with addition of both danger and hazard to their persons; but for any Doctors to refuse or decline this duty, without prestipulating for a large Reward, before either their Ability or Care hath been made appear to the world, will brand as many as shall be found guilty in this kind with a black note of infamy, not to be born with Honour, nor excused by any Apology.  
The pretence of having other Patients, and their unwillingness to affright or endanger them, is too narrow a Fig-leaf to cover this their nakedness, and hide their shame: For, first, many (if not most) of considerable Fortunes leaving the City upon the first alarm of this Visitation, as it much diminisheth the ordinary employment Doctors had usually at other times when the City was free from this Contagion; so especially the terror of this severe Disease silenceth many others, and swallows up in its larger stream other more inconsiderable Rivulets; so that what they propound in case of the Pestilence, might be an adequate Expedient for providing at this season against other Diseases and Maladies; namely, that a sufficient number of Doctors might either by lot, or mutual consent, be set apart to attend such only as were free from, and were fearful of the Plague, but others (without admitting any excuse) to attend their Calling on this so weighty an occasion; and in case any through cowardly fear should neglect or decline this their undoubted duty, might they be (for ever after) laid aside as unfaithful Physicians of no value, fit to be marked publicly with some note of disgrace, in case they should after the removal of this hand of God, presume to reassume their former Practice and Profession.  
For my part I should give my vote that none such might be admitted publicly to Practise for the future, that should now desert their station, and unworthily decline this so great duty, till first he had stood publicly in some eminent place of great Concourse, with a Collar of broken Urinals about his Neck, with a Note of his Fault, Name, and place of abode, that men might know where to find, and how to beware of such an unfaithful, unworthy Quacksalver. Afterwards when every man's demerits shall be understood, (and in so common a Calamity, as in all eminent actions of public Concernment, remarkable Deserts cannot go undiscovered) the Magistrate, as his prudence shall direct him, may encourage the Diligent, that others may be stirred up to follow their example: But a cowardly Physician (like a cowardly Captain) is unworthy of fame, fortune, or life.  
As for their Families, undeserving are they the name of Christians, who doing their duty, shall be afraid to trust God in such a matter: But in case any of them be afraid, let them remove where they judge themselves more secure, yet I dare say, seldom will such an obstacle lie in the way of a conscientious Physician? That God who can (and if it stand with his pleasure, and be for his glory will) secure the persons, rules and governs the hearts and spirits of all related to such, whom he shall employ in so pious and charitable a work; let me do my duty, and I will trust God with the rest: this is my judgement, this is, and God willing shall be my practice, and will be of as many as God hath elected and made Physicians. The rest that are otherwise minded, I beseech God to convince them of their fault and folly. And, Sir, give me leave to tell you, that I was heartily glad for your sake, to find in you the same spirit; nor can I think of any in this respect culpable, without regret of mind.  
If a man be conscientious in this particular, self-preservation as well as a desire to be serviceable in his calling, will make him very studious in his search, and earnest at the throne of Grace, that he may be master of real and true, not imaginary, false, and unfaithful Remedies, against so truculent and terrible an enemy. And those that ask, seek, and knock out of a pure design of pious serving God, in doing their duty faithfully and effectually, and charitable serving their Neighbour, to the comfort of the Patients, and credit of themselves, the merciful God will hear.  
Blessed be the Almighty who hath fortified us with such resolution, and hath furnished us with such Remedies, as may be the clear Diplomata and evident tokens of our Mission; and being sent out by the Lord himself among such great numbers of languishing and distressed objects of Charity, beseeching him, that he would take away, or lighten his hand, as may stand with his infinite good pleasure, and most blessed will.  
Sir, you see how these thoughts and discourses with you have drawn me beyond my first propounded limits, yea, rather beyond the bounds of an Epistle; for which I crave and hope easily to find your pardon, since matters of no light importance have thus insensibly enticed me, and drawn me out to so unexpected Enlargement; I return now to that Pitiful Thing, that hath endeavoured to throw dirt upon your umblemisht Reputation, and to eclipse your bright lustre; which he hath as unsuccessfully prosecuted, as he did foolishly attempt it.  
The last thing that I shall take notice of in his Scribble, is the Contempt he would throw on your Ability by the despicable relation he makes of your Laboratory, as to which you give me a most satisfactory account: First, that where you at present reside, you are only a sojourner, and unsettled: Secondly, that he neither saw (nor desired to see) a third part of those Conveniencies which you there have, being admitted but into your first, and most obvious room. But let me add this as an information to him, and as many as it concerns, That a true Son of Art makes his Furnaces, not they him. I will do that in a small contemptible Earthen Furnace, which he shall not in any, or all of those which he hath set up in his pompous Laboratory, an Engine more for show and ostentation, then real use; and a true Philosopher needs not the half, nay, nor third part of those specious Fooleries which he hath erected, of which, some there are, which if he were then (and not till then) to be happy, when he could give any, but a most ridiculous account of the use of them, and his intent in erecting them, he would certainly be for ever (in this world) miserable.  
For my own part, although I have (as you know) Furnaces, for conveniency, usefulness, and neatness, so many, and fit, that I dare compare with any Laboratory in, or about the City; yet for a need I could furnish myself and many others in City and Country, as I do and have done, for a very ample practice, with half as many, and nothing so sightly, Furnaces: Therefore in my judgement, that part of his Animadversions betrays in him as arrant wisdom, as can be expected from such a heap of idle garrulity, and dunghill of opprobrious contumely. Perhaps he accounts none furnished with a Laboratory as he ought to be, unless like himself, he lay out upon this outside of Chemistry, so much of other men's Moneys as he can possibly get credit for; and having erected it, do nothing of remark in it, unless to draw the Quintessence of a few Spiders, which (as those who know the constitution of Citizens affirm) that one of thos● Animalcula, is for them a dangerous and hazardous bit to swallow, as they are in their simplicity; how much more being so subtillized, may they give an Essence, after the tasting of which it is an extreme hazard if ever he recover and do well.  
Truly I pity this man's folly and simplicity, and wonder at his unadvised audacity, that knowing in what relation he stands to a Gentleman, a great honourer of true Pyrotechny, and as great a defier of the Galenists (as they stand in opposition thereto) a very judicious, sober person, and stout defender of true natural Helmontian Principles, against any, or all their contemners and opposers; that I say he (of all men) should suffer his Name to be put to so unworthy a Piece, full of Reproaches against that Art, and such Artists, for whom this Gentleman (to whom he stands so related) hath a very great, and more than ordinary kindness; certainly this verifies the Proverb, Perdere quos vult Jupiter, hos prius dementat. And if I might without consulting the Stars, foresee from what Corner a Storm may arise, that may shake the four Corners of his Laboratory, and bring it down tumbling about his ears. For my part, I know not what to make of him, except a Gudgeon, and as such, I shall at present take leave of him; and for his further and future instruction and edification, deliver him over into the hands of a worthy friend of mine, a noble heroic spirited Cook, to make of him, if not what he pleaseth, yet what he can; whether Fish, or Flesh, or red Herring.  
Thus, Sir, having done with your Scribbling Animadverter, I take leave of you, wishing you all possible Happiness, present and future, here and hereaftet; and subscribe myself,  
Broadstreet, second dwellinghouse from Winchester-street June 21. 1665. Your most faithful Servant, and Fellow-labourer for the Advancement of true Pyrotechny, and Fellow-contender for the Truth of Nature, against all Opposers whatsoever, George Starkey.  
FINIS.