(as they call it) which might have been more speedily and
securely performed for a manifold lesser sum.

I now come to answer some slight 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, Trochiscs, 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 lessening 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 found 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
from their conversation, few pretenders to Physic would appear more
unskillful then they, neither knowing how to deal with a new Simple,
nor a new disease. And for all their pretences of skill in Drugs, 'tis
most certain that the State makes Physicians not Apothecaries, Judges
of them; and the Statute of Henry the VIII. appoints the College
Censors upon Oath, not the Apothecaries to judg, and condemn false and
sophisticated Medicines.

A second objection wherewith they flatter themselves, is, that the
great expence of time in preparing Medicines will keep Physicians from
this course. I answer, that the Physician needs not spend much more
then half an hour in a day, one with another, on this work, and may
faster dispense them then the Apothecaries to Hospitals, who in an
afternoon can provide for 100, nay sometimes 200 sick men, and carry
them to the Hospital, and dispose them to each single person, which
takes up much time, which the Physicians Servants need not be put to.

A third objection is, that this c