TWo days since, there came to my hands, a Book entituled, Lex Talionis, &c. 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 non-sence in the for­mer part of it, and not one proof made in the later; inquiring 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 my Self; 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, [Page 2] both as to matter and language. I cannot say whether the Apothecaries 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 answer'd, 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 non-sence, railing, &c. 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 shewing 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 revilings against the College.

[Page 3]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 Collegues, were a great cause of my departing from them; besides, their railings 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 Shoe-makers, as Censors, to be Judges of the Apothe­caries Medicines; Those Censors for the most part not understanding the tithe of the Medicines and Drugs in the Apothecaries 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 enjoyned, 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 [Page 4] 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 (no 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 then other mens) and this I know, with others that have tryed when they had formerly a public Laboratory in Amen Corner, with Chymists of their own providing; there was as base Medicines, and Preparations, put off by them, as any other Chymists 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 then 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 meer Chimaeras, and resolutions to the contrary; and a meer 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 railings, 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 compleat; but a Physician cannot so easily attain to Pharmacy, be­ing a mystery. M. Which in vulgar acceptation is the [Page 5] 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 Doctors 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, then 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, &c. 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 penny-worth 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 Chymistry will go a great way with them, and ex­periments. p. 17. I could tell a way to Commence Doctor, and easier learned then 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 popt 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. [Page 6] Pray take heed of that) A. Ib. The Doctors were ne­ver so eminent, and encouraged as of late times, there being more Knighted then hath been known in so short a time. Their Worships Greatness, p. 19. Apothe­caries are as capable of Philosophy, Arts, Anatomy, and the practic part as themselves, and many of them under­derstand them better then 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, &c. (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 sute with their grandeur) wear blew 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 practise. 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 Chymical remedies, which they may do as well as they can trust the Physicians. p. 24. Doubtless Apothecaries are better acquainted with Materia medica, then 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 sence of it if you can) A. And pray you why may they not be Masters of this as well as your self, 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 [Page 7] 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 dy'd 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 alledged of their railings, and private back-bitings, 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 mens judgments, 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 [Page 8] Apothecaries they heretofore did against the Chirur­geons, 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 publick to greater profit and contentment.

A's Revilings against us are, p. 1. By opprobrious, and unhandsome Billings-gate Language, p. 2. Discourse alias Railing. He shamefully insinuates ridiculous stories. Pose his Worship, Eight-ly, Tenth-ly, &c. This lyes 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. Ʋnchristian and false Pamphlet, Closet Doctors, his Stories, notorious Falsities, and elsewhere sordid Allegories, e. g. to abuse Apothecaries, a pittiful shift, meer Chimaeras. Abusers, and Traducers of the whole Company, Oppro­brious language, Ʋnreasonable and base designs, As en­vicus as Diabolus. Strange uncouth expressions, Doctors Calumnies, Frothy Discourse, a Saint Doctor, Dis-ingenious, and absurd practice, as ridiculous as the Author; Old quacking shifts, gingling discourse, Ca­lumniators, [Page 9] a most severe and uncharitable Censure. The Doctor is so deficient in Physiologie, 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, revilings, 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. Limons and Citrons, for Syrup of Limons and Citrons. A. Inventing matter and designs, and discover them himself, Dr. M. a good Apothecaries Physician. Apothecaries used in the small Pox. M. p. 3. He omits Privet Beryes, and there asks, what is got by selling Dog Beryes, 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 [Page 10] Garrulus medicus laboranti morbus. M. This Pro­verb is not in Erasmus Chiliads. A. Sp. of CC. cryed up by me, contracting with Apothecaries forgot by me; vid. View. p. 18. A. You promised Chirurgeons 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, &c. One of your selves, Dr. Goddard with his Drops. M. Whom you might have distinguished from my learn­ed Collegue, Dr. Jonathan Goddard, had you not a mind to have asperst him, as well as elsewhere you do the Judicious Dr. Thomas Cox, from Dr. Daniel Cox, whom you there grosly 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 our selves. Apothecaries 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. replyes, The Apothecaries, p. 17. out­did them in supplyes, 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 past, without being ever questioned for it, as I have said elsewhere; besides, their revi­lings of us, as hath been proved, but if our discove­ries in print of the former, and also of their Cheats, [Page 11] 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 judg, but lay that accusation upon themselves, because of their first assaulting us in our imployments and Credits.

Nonsence. Some whereof happily may be for his want of Grammar (I cannot better excuse him) which he hath sufficiently shewed in false improper Greek, and Latin, which he useth, though but little, and whereby he must needs shew 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 then his new Inventions, as Hippo­crates 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 al­ledged against them. A. As the failings of some few. He might have passed over other Apothecaries failings. These discoveries might have unadvisedly slipt 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 [Page 12] 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 perswades 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 dependance on Physicians; 'tis true of practising Apothecaries, but to say others have not, is nonsence; and through all his Book, he thus rea­sons. A. Possibly, Doubtless, Questionless, Perhaps, Likely, I suppose, I hear, it is more then probable, it may be, 'tis feared, I believe, without doubt, or I do not believe; much may be said, &c. 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 then shewing 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 [Page 13] think, that the practising Apothecaries who sold Myrtle leaves for Sena, &c. to those they call their own Pati­ents, did give good Sena, but to the Doctors 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 Apothecaries Physician, that in setting down in their Bills Pearl, and Bezoar, he answereth, that some Physicians have plyed their Patient with Sp. CC. Elixir Proprietatis. Whereof I think no man can give one Patient half an Ounce in a weeks time, which at his rate will cost but 2s. 6d. though a Chymist 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 lyeth 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 Apothecaries Bill to be sharp. One whereof he saith, is the Apothecaries 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 Apothecaries freeness to the Physician. The second reason, as he saith, is forgot by me. M. 'Tis [Page 14] 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 then 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 sawcy for calling the sick their Patients. M. But I demonstrated it to be non-sence, which is not so of the Attorney and his Clyent, 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 then 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 trebble his charge. [Page 15] 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 4d. 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, &c. 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, &c. 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 [Page 16] 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 administred, for which he quotes Hip­pocrates in his false Greek [...]. ibid. he calls filii Artis, a new Sect; which he prophecies, may be as bad or worse then the Apothecaries; but for that we may take his advice, given p. 13. where he adviseth us to keep them to our selves, as he saith, 'tis best so to do. p. 16. You say I cajole the Chirurgeons, and put the Apothecaries and them together by the Ears; Why then you resolve to fly in the faces of the Chi­rurgeons, 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 Worships 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 acknowlegeth 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 [Page 17] detections to be as sound and solid in all the rest, as A. doth this, p. 20. A. confesseth, That Chimistry is part of the Apothecaries Trade, and denies not but they will fall upon the Trade of Druggists, 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 justifie the Apothecary that practiseth on him; and can anothers mistake disanul the Law, forbidding Apothecaries, &c. to practise? And by this reasoning of his, any man may be a Divine, Lawyer, Chirurgeon, Apotheca­ry, &c. (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'le 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. Butlers Case in Crokes Report, part 1. you con­clude this with your good Latin, somewhat better then your Magna in parvâ, and call it a Maxim in Law; Quod quis (que) norit, in eodem exerceat. This Maxime is against all reason, and therefore Law in your sence. I never heard of it, surely you mi­stake [Page 18] stake it for that common Maxime of theirs; Quis (que) 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 then to write to a whole-sale Apothe­cary in your City, out of which he hath Christned 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 Brethrens 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 prais'd for your Lex Ta­lionis, a meer 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 Pye, witness in late times, In Nomine Do­mini, &c.

[Page 19]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 grosly 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 publick 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 then examination, are there many other ingredients in this pompous Composition. Which passage is much more severe then what I said of them in my View, p. 38. where I say briefly, that they consist of confused and contrary ingredients, [Page 20] 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 falsly this ignorant A. speaks (for you are to believe saith he, this infalli­ble Doctors, ipse dixit) and that 'tis but one Doctors 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 chargable, 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 livelyhood. 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 Certe, in your own word, you will not judg this Noble Person to have written (as you say of us) out of malice, or design, nor railingly, though more sharply then our selves.

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 Collegues, and an Apothe­cary, and several other persons of quality, that [Page 21] 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 judg, whether our Medi­cines are not more safe, more pleasant, more du­rable, and of greater efficacy, and less charge by far, and less fulsom, then yours of the Shops, and by this means we shall all be Friends.