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 poyson their Relations.  And therefore that an Objection should be raised by such persons that have more opportunities and advantage (in a thing never proved to be done, because ’tis possible only) to hinder so manifest and publick a profit as hath been proved; appears to be very weak and absurd.

And having done with the Objections made to others, and to my self also by some of the Company, with whom I have conversed, who huff’d exceedingly at my first discourse with them, but departed (seemingly at least) well satisfied, I am sure fully and without reply answered, and with addition of many other Cheats besides, which I shall not here mention for the reasons above specified:  I shall here transcribe one gratulatory Letter amongst many sent me by a Divine well known in Physic, being very comprehensive of most I have said, to the end the Universities and all learned men may see what is like to become of one of the three of their noble professions:  The words of the Letter are these.