Page:Merret - A short view of the frauds and abuses committed by apothecaries.pdf/59

 received from a Jew the shining of Moses Face; nay I have heard a Pseudochymist blasphemously brag, he saw in the making of a grand Elixir, the Quintessence of the Trinity in Unity, and infinite other pitiful captivations of silly people, to be seen on every Gate and Post of this City; such as are the Spirit of the Salt of the World, Panchymagogon, and other ten-footed Greek names, and some other Mongrel non-sensical ones compounded of several Languages; promising certain, speedy, and concealed Cure of incurable Diseases.

And no less ridiculous and absurd to considering persons are, their cantings of themselves, wherewith they no less befool, amuse, and beguile the people; as that by long prayer, and seeking of God, they have had many secrets revealed to them from Heaven. Another by long Travels through Hungary, Poland, &c. hath attained great secrets from Kings and Emperours. Another a Gentleman lately come from Oxford, or Cambridg, Cures the Pox, Running of the Reins, &c. in Capital Letters, at all which what sober man cannot but laugh? Yet such as these are inducements to many to resort to them; moreover some of them are Astrologers, Physiognomers, Fortune-tellers, Professors of Palmistry and such other vain Arts, much applauded by the weaker sort of people.

Besides, the former they have their Emissaries, Scouts, and Setters up and down, to cry up the skill and feigned Cures done by them, Nurses, Good-fellows, Midwives, &c. to make up the cry and full noise.

Now it being natural to most people to admire what Rh