the little Tradesmen conspire against them, and endeavour to stop the Springs from whence they themselves receive Nourishment: The common Titles with which they are wont to be defam'd, are those of Cheats and Projectors. I cannot deny but many such do often mingle themselves in the noble Throng of great Inquirers: as of old there were some that imitated Philosophers only in Beard and Austerity: So I grant at this time there may false Experimenters and Inventors arise, who will strive to make themselves admir'd by the loud talking of Mathematical Engines, and Glasses, and Tools, and by sounding in every Place such goodly Words as Chymistry, and Agriculture, and Mechanics. But though the Folly of such Pretenders cannot be avoided, we must not therefore reject the sober and the judicious Observers. It is better sometimes to indure Vanities, than out of too much Niceness to lose any real Invention. We ought to do with Philosophical Works, as Ministers of State with Intelligence. It is the wisest Course to give Incouragement to all, least by shewing ourselves too scrupulous of being impos'd on by Falshoods, we chance to be depriv'd of the Knowledge of some important Truths.
The next Particular which I resolv'd to handle, is the Advantage of Experiments in respect of Physic. On this I intended to dilate in many Words, both because of the great weight of the Subject which concerns the very Welfare and Health of our Lives, and also because it would afford me abundant matter for Discourse; for certainly it were easy to prove that there may still a vast Progress be made in the true Art of Medicine, if either we consider the imperfection of the Method of the ancient 'Physicians; or if we observe the Nature of Diseases, which alter and
