Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/229

 they cannot be dispelled by milder Methods. The Use of Mercury in Venereal Distempers, is so great, and so certain, that if there be such a Thing as a Specifical Remedy in Nature, it may justly deserve that Title. The Unskilfulness of those who have prepared and administred Antimonial Medicines, has made them infamous with many Persons, though many admirable Cures have been, and are wrought by them, skilfully corrected, every Day. And it is well known, that the inward Use of Steel has been so successful, that in many Diseases, where the nicest Remedies seem requisite, whether the Constitution of the Patients, or the Nature of the Distempers, be considered, it is, without Fear, made use of; tho' its Medicinal Virtues, in these Cases, have been found out by Chymical Methods.

Upon the whole Matter, it is certain, that here is a new and gainful Acquisition made: The old Galenical Materia Medica is almost as well known, in all probability, as ever it was; since there are so great Numbers of Receipts preserved in the Writings of the old Physicians. The Industry of Modern Naturalists has, in most, at least, in all material Cases, clearly discovered what those Individual