A Short View of the Frauds and Abuses Committed by Apothecaries | Page 9

interest, if we make not use of the remedy in our own hands, performing our Art in all its members, whereof making of Medicines is a chief one.
Thirdly, The common practice, and constant usage of all former and antient Physicians in all other Nations, and in England also (for 'tis easie to say when there was not one Apothecary in this Kingdom) the Laws of our Nation, nay even the Apothecaries Charter allow it, the Language of all Physicians, our College voting it honourable so to do, nay Apothecaries themselves commending it in such Physicians as buy their Medicines of them.
Fourthly, The Kings Physicians have formerly made the Kings Medicines, as 'tis manifest by my Lord Coke, in his 4th. Book of the Institutes, part 4. pag. 251. where he comments on Rot. Pat. 32 H 6. m. 17. He there first recites the Roll it self, wherein are appointed (the King being then sick) 3 Physicians and 2 Chirurgeons, to freely minister and execute Physic about the Kings Person, and there are also recited in general, Medicines external, and internal. And on this Roll Coke among other things infers, that the Physicians may use the aid of those Chirurgeons named in the Warrant, but of no Apothecary, but to prepare and do all things themselves, &c. And the reason of all this is, the precious regard had of the health and safety of the King, who is the head of the Common-wealth. And I am told by one of his present Majesties Physicians, that the King himself affirmed heretofore we are unwise in neglecting our duty herein, and lately of these papers, that 'twas the publick interest so to do.
Fifthly, Chirurgeons (as before) will not trust them to make external Remedies; and the King, and East-India Company commit the making of their Chests for their Fleets to the Chirurgeons.
Sixthly, Have not Ladies and Charitable Gentlewomen their Closets well furnished with various Medicines for the Poors use, and for their own also, when Physicians are called to their houses in the Country? Distillers of Strong-waters, Makers of Plaisters, Confectioners make Medicines bought by the Apothecaries, Ale-Houses sell purging Drinks, and Book-sellers sell Chymical Medicines, and all this without much regret of the Apothecaries. But if a Physician intermix a Medicine with theirs, though the Patients life be saved thereby, what noise, and murmuring, and proclaiming of it the next Market-day to the rest of their Company? to what purpose any one may judg.
Seventhly, Why should not Physicians, being lawfully authorized thereunto, practise with their own Medicines, as well as the Apothecaries with theirs, though against Law, and incurring thereby the penalty of 5l. per Month, which the College never troubled them for, or exacted of them?
Eighthly, Physicians will be necessitated to it for their subsistence and honour, and to preserve their Art from being prostituted to illiterate persons, the Apothecaries becoming now their Competitors.
Ninthly, By this means Physicians will avoid multitudes of inconveniencies, proceeding from writing of Bills, and the Apothecaries Visits.
First The mistakes, and frauds in the Ingredients, especially committed by the great practising Apothecaries, who may, as appears by the following story, be suspected to send, instead of what was prescribed, the remains of his own practice, or else some cast-by Medicines; for else how could it be when a Medicine was prescribed to stand in Infusion or steep a whole night, that it should be brought two hours after the Bill was written, even the very same Evening? Which by accident the Patient confessed, wanting the expected success.
Secondly By this course Physicians avoid the many opprobrious terms cast upon them by Apothecaries:
As First, In saying that if he had not omitted or added something, the Patient might have miscarried; which he may say at pleasure without any contradiction, though doubtless many have been killed by this means.
Secondly, By saying the Bill could never have been made without some alteration of the Apothecary, thereby insinuating the Doctors ignorance in compounding.
Thirdly, In saying the Doctor is not versed in Medicines, because forsooth he varieth not at every Visit, and multiplieth not new Bills for the Apothecaries profit.
Fourthly, In saying they teach Physicians, and help them to, and in their practice. The first and last are vile and foolish Scandals; as to the Second, 'tis true indeed, that younger Apothecaries recommend Physicians to their acquaintance; but 'tis no longer then they have learned enough (as they think) to set up for themselves.
Fifthly, In saying, they knew before-hand what such a Doctor would prescribe, and hence it is they have nick-named some Physicians of no mean practice, by the Medicines they frequently use, which names in respect to the persons, I shall conceal; and of such Physicians, they brag they can prescribe as well as they. But if a Physician advise