(42)
tients charge the greater must needs be the Apothecaries gain; whereas on the contrary 'tis the Physicians Interest to cure the Patient with the greatest ease.
He may proceed on safely and securely in his well experienced Medicines, having before him not only what he hath prescribed for the same Patient, but for all others in the like Case, and thereby keep in memory what he would have forgot, if his Bill had remained on the Apothecaries File; viz. the Medicines and their success. By means whereof Physicians do not advance their knowledg so far as they might; for how is it possible they should remember the particulars of their Bills writ some days before? and therefore know not how to proceed so well. But the Apothecaries having before them the whole series of Medicines, brag they can do more then the Physicians, and by this means insinuate the same opinion into people.
The Physician will be consulted in the beginning of Diseases, to the safety and little expence of the Patient, who will not go first to the Apothecary, who practiseth on him till the Case is desperate, and then calls in a Physician when 'tis too late; and if he dyes, the Physician must carry away the disgrace alone; but if he recover, the Apothecary, if he be so minded., by some trick will share with him in the honour: and by this resort of people to the Apothecaries beginning of Diseases, we meet with few Cases of eafie Cure., but are chiefly made use of in dangerous Diseases., or those of short period, or such as are accompanyed with great pains and torments, to our great and continual anxiety.
