to the practising physic, within the meaning of the act of Parliament; and gave judgment accordingly.
Hereupon, a writ of error in Parliament, was brought to reverse this judgment; and on behalf of the Plaintiff in error, it was argued, that the consequences of it would not only ruin him, but all other apothecaries; as, in case of the affirmance of this judgment, they could not exercise their profession, without the licence of a physician. That the constant usage and practice, which had always been with the apothecary, was conceived to be the best expounder of this charter; and, that therefore, the selling a few lozenges, or a small electuary, to any person asking a remedy for a cold, or in other ordinary or common cases, where the medicines had a known and certain effect, could not be deemed unlawful; or practising as a physician, when no fee was taken or demanded for the same. That the physicians by straining an act made so long ago, endeavoured to monopolize all manner of physic solely to themselves; and if they should succeed in this attempt, it would be attended with many mischievous consequences: For, in the first place, it would be laying a heavy tax on the nobility and gentry, who, in the slightest cases, and even for their common servants, could not have any kind of medicine, without consulting and giving a fee, to a member of the college: It would also be a great oppression upon poor families, who, not being able to bear the charge of a fee, would be deprived of all kind of assistance in their necessities: And, it would prove extremely prejudicial to all sick persons, who, in case of sudden accidents, or new symptoms, happening in the night-time, generally send for the apothecary; but who should not dare to apply the least remedy, without running the hazard of being ruined.
On the other side, it was contended, that by several orders of the college, its members were enjoined to give their advice to the poor gratis; and that not only to such as could come to them for it; but every physician, in his neighbourhood, was obliged to visit the sick poor, at their
