Page:Merret - A short view of the frauds and abuses committed by apothecaries.pdf/67

 heard one of them brag, that he commonly had from 20 to 100l. besides presents, for cure of a Clap (as they call it) which might have been more speedily and securely performed for a manifold lesser sum.

I now come to answer some flight objections; as first, that Physicians are unskillful in the Art of making Medicines; but sure those that thus object cannot deny them that ability which Ladies, and almost all ordinary women have; viz. of distilling of waters of all sorts, making of Syrups, Conserves, Preserves, Powders, Trochises, Electuaries (and what not) and as many think, more cleanly and neatly then the Apothecaries; and some of them Ointments, and Plasters, in which two lyes their main skill. Some whereof, to those that understand not the way of dissolution of bodies, and the nature of their mixture may be difficult. Yet this defect they may supply by lessenin'g the number of ingredients, and may perform more with 2, or 3 Simples, then with the larger Compositions, as 'tis manifest in the use of Galbanum alone, now used and sound better then Emplastrum Hystericum, consisting of 21 ingredients.

And though as matters now stand, Physicians have not the honour to be counted superiour to Apothecaries in their Art, yet every one knows that they alone are the prescribers and directors of the Apothecaries in what they know, and are able to puzzle them in infinite things that concern their Trade, besides in Chymical preparations, whereof most of them are totally ignorant, and should Physicians withdraw themselves Rh