e the Cheaters with the Cheatees, most insist on the objection
of Poyson; I add to what hath been formerly said; that Poysons are not
necessarily to be given in Medicines alone, but may be given in
Broaths, Beer, or any other thing taken into the Body, and that
without the consultation or knowledg of any Physician, and surely if
any one had a mind to Poyson his Relations (an Action abominable to
the English Nation) he would rather Act privately himself, having many
opportunities offered to him, rather then by communicating it to
others, make himself obnoxious to their discovery. But if he should
communicate to others, 'tis more probable he would communicate it to
meaner, and more Mercenary persons, as Apothecaries and Nurses, at a
smaller rate and with more security, then reveal such secrets to
Physicians, Men of Honour, and Honesty. Furthermore, if any mans life
be suspected to be taken away with Poyson, and by opening the body it
should appear so (and without which it cannot well appear) the
Physician is doubtless as lyable to the Law as any other person
whatsoever. So that the Patient hath as much moral security from this
mischief, as possibly can be had, or wished in humane affairs. Nay
suppose the Physician might be so corrupted (as to take away his
Patients life) he might effect it without the least suspition; either
by neglecting, or omitting what was necessary, or by giving him
unproper Medicines, for which he could be accused of ignorance or
errour only; besides, if he had a mind to poyson, he as well as
others, assistants of Visitors, might do it securely enough, by
conveying into a singular Cordial, or any Medicine made by the Shops,
and often taken by the Patient before with good success, a mortal dose
without any knowledg or surmise of any such horrid practice. Add
hereunto what an able Chirurgeon suggested, that Apothecaries taking
upon them the wrapping up, and Embalming of Bodies (whereby they gain
more money then by several years practice upon them; for their
embalming amounts to very great sums) may upon better reason be
suspected of poysoning then any other persons whatsoever conversant
among the sick, since both a particular interest and convenience of
concealing may induce them to it. Lastly, did this Objection carry any
weight in it, then neither Physicians, Chirurgeons, Apothecaries,
Nurses, nor Friends, might administer to the sick; because all these,
as well as Physicians, may clandestinely poyso