Page:Merret - A short view of the frauds and abuses committed by apothecaries.pdf/64

 spend their whole lives, and are never diverted by studies, and ingenuity from their proposed way of gain, by all which means they get into a fixed familiarity and good opinion with their Neighbours, and a large acquaintance in the World. Now for their skill, besides what hath been before-mentioned, and common to them with the Mountebank viz. Vapouring and braging of their skill, and decrying Physicians, by talking above the Capacity of those they converse with, who therefore take all they say to be authentick, though never so absurd, and trivial, and many times to set off themselves they will venture to speak Latine commonly as false as the matter, although some of them at Coffee-Houses, and in other mixt Companies, by venturing so boldly have been met with and baffled, and made to depart thence with shame and discredit enough, which their friends and acquaintance take little notice of. Add hereunto their exposing to view their Compositions of Treacle, Mithridate, Diascordium and Alkermes, which all their friends, and neighbours onetime or another must see; (being set off by some very curiously) and seeing cannot but admire the great charge, art, and labour of the Apothecary, and perhaps hear his learned Lecture upon them, whereby they imply their great skill, knowledg in the virtues of these ingredients, and consequently an ability to practise with them; all which are below the dignity of a Physician; and therefore a long time is necessary for him to gain acquaintance, wanting the fore-mentioned opportunities the Apothecaries enjoy. Lastly, Their painted Pots and Glasses, with false Rh