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vi Maxims and Rules of Practice upon repeated Observations of the Nature and Properties of Diseases, and the Power of Remedies, has compiled so good a History of Distempers, and so prevalent a Method of Cure, by which he has improved and advanced the healing Art, much more than Dr. Willis, ''with all his curious Speculations and fanciful Hypotheses: For what can be expected but crude and unprofitable Conceptions, from Gentlemen, that imagine they have acquired great Attainments in the Art of Curing, and are accomplished Physicians, before they have had the Advantages of Experience and Observation? They may as well imagine they can learn to swim in their Parlours without going into the Water, as to become useful and able Physicians, without being verst in Business, and seeing the various Operations of various Medicines. Such Persons will rather receive great Prejudice from their Systems established only by Contemplation; for when they come from the College into the World, they will be very apt to practice in Conformity to their preconceived Opinions, and instead of erecting a Scheme of Physick upon mature Experience and long and just Observations, they will labour to compel their Experience and'' 3