rofit, and also the publick, by having
all Medicines good, did not oppose, but liked well of. Nay there was
nothing in the said Charter, but what was judged good by all or most
of the Judges of England, several times convened by Order of the King
and his Council, to deliver their opinions concerning some Quaeries,
which comprised the main of what was desired and petitioned for by the
College, of this present Parliament. But before the Committee could
make report to the House, the Parliament was adjourned, whereupon
Apothecaries falsly gave out, and made people believe our Charter was
taken from us. And in this transaction before the Committee, one
Cocket an Apothecary exhibited in the name of the Chymists such a
Scandalous Libel, as the Committee would not suffer to be read; drawn
as some conceive by the assistance, and countenance, if not
contrivance of his Company.

Lastly, The Company of the Apothecaries are bound by their Charter to
bring their Servants (before they make them Free) to be examined by
the Censors of our College, and to have their approbation of their
fitness to exercise their Art, and set up their Trade. Now that they
have herein neglected their duty, and consequently may be
dis-franchised and lose their Freedoms for this omission, 'tis
manifest not only by the vapours of some of them to some members of
our Body, that they never underwent this examination; but also by
comparing of our Register (wherein are recorded the names of all such
as have been examined) with theirs, if they keep any for this purpose.
Sure I am, that in two years together, when I was Censor, very few, if
any, did appear to their examination, whereas yearly a very great
number set up their Trades. Nay since the firing of London not one
Apothecaries Servant hath been examined by the Censors, for more then
these three Years last past, in which time perhaps no less then 100
have been made free by the Company.

Before our presenting this Charter to the Parliament, they would admit
no Arbitrators betwixt our Corporation, and Theirs, not contenting
themselves with their Charter lately granted in King James's Reign,
and that by the procurement of some of our College for these
unthankful persons. For they would not refer themselves (as the
Chirurgeons without many words or dispute did) to the most upright,
and most knowing Sir Orlando Bridgeman then Lord Chief Justice, and
now Lord Keeper, for a clause to be by him drawn, in order to pr