SEeing then , as wee have said in the Preface , the number of Physicians is so Great , we must explaine in the first place , who may lawfully practise Physick properly so called : for Physitians that are created in the Universities doe practise , as also their servants , Ministers , Many sorts of Physicians . Mountibanks , Runnagate Quacksalvers , and women who are said to meddle in Surgery ; of every one of which Something is to be said in order .

Hippocrates would have a Physitian to be an honest , diligent , and ingenious man , and in his Booke de Arte , he would have him to bee instructed from his childhood in a fit and convenient place , and a lover of paines . Galen in a peculiar book saith , that he ought to be a Philosopher ; and Hippocrates saies , that a * * 〈…〉 . Physician which is a Philosopher , is God-like . Aristotle saith , that in a Geometrician , the knowledge of another Science which is diverse from Geometry is not to be desired : And so it may be said of a Physician , onely the exquisite knowledge of his owne Art is to be expected . 〈…〉 From whence a manifold Errour of the people doth arise . First , That they call him a learned Physician , and a great Scholler , who can perhaps speak Latine , or understand a little Greeke , but not him that is well experienced in his own Art ; and this is it which some thinke is sufficient to fit a man to sustaine the person of a Physician ( As of late I knew one , who in that he professed himselfe to be a Physician , ( although he was but lightly tinctured with the knowledge of Physick ) yet was accounted so for a little smattering that he had in the Latine tongue ) . But there is a great difference betwixt these ; for well said Celsus chiefe of the Latine Physicians , that Diseases are not cured with Eloquence . For although the knowledge of the Tongues ( in the compasse whereof the greater part of the Vulgar doth comprehend all Learning ) doth make way for the understanding of all the Arts , yet they are not acquired without new labour , care , and industry . Therefore let the people from henceforth , think him a learned Physician , not that knowes a little Greeke and Latine , or some other Science besides Physick , but who being well instructed in the Rules of Physick , and well read in Galen and Hippocrates , understands throughly the Diagnostick , Prognostick , and Therapeutick parts of Physick ; for he that is either wholly ignorant of these things , or understands them but meanely and in part , can scarcely be accounted a good Physician . But who is he that shall judge of these things ? For they are not a few , who having gotten some fame among the people , and become renowned with a certaine name of Learning , which never read Galen and Hippocrates , do study very little , no not when they are most at leasure , and follow some new Writers scarce worth the reading . But because there are also very many good diligent Physicians , learned , and laborious , we will adde no more . Well therefore writes Aeschylus the Poet ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He that knowes profitable things , not he that knowes many things , is wise .

GAlen makes two sorts of ignorant Physicians , one of them which are meere Empyricks , the other of them that would have a name of knowledge , and yet are but meanly furnished therewith . Of this sort are very many , who , that they may acquire to themselves a better credit , for some small matter get the honours of Universities , which they call Degrees , and yet returne home not awhit better learned than when they went up . Doctores non doctiores redeunt . Now the approbations of Universities have been wisely ordained by our Ancestours , being indeed both proper and necessary , yet concerning them diligent heed is to be taken . But now adayes great is the neglect herein ; for on many , although but of meane learning , the Degree of Doctour is conferred , insomuch as from some Universities , they returne Doctours , but little learned , fit for nothing lesse than to teach or practise Physick . And there are few Universities into which that abuse hath not crept ; Therefore in Itlay and France the degree of Doctour procures not much respect , nor is it permitted to any , although Doctour , to practise Physick in their famous Cities , who hath not been first approved by the Magistrates of the Citie , being examined by Physicians , of whom also perhaps some are not Doctours . In like manner , he that is Doctour in one Universitie , cannot practise in another , unlesse therein also he take his Degree . The same also was well and wisely ordained at London , that no Doctour of the Universitie should exercise his Art there , before that after new examination he be approved by the Colledge of Physicians . For in many Universities , although Physick be diligently taught in their publique Lectures , yet in conferring those Degrees they are too carelesse , denying them to few or none . Therefore it were an excellent thing , It is most honourable to take degrees at home . if it were permitted to no man to take those degrees and honours out of his own Country , that he might have his own Countrymen , among whom afterwards he intends to exercise his Art , to be witnesses of his learning , as they doe in France . Andreas Laurentius that famous Interpreter of Anatomie , when by the Kings royall Writ he had obtained the office of the Physick-Lecturer at Monspelier , yet could not be admitted , untill he had againe commenced , first Batchelour of Physick , then Licentiate , afterwards Doctour , and had so often kept his Acts againe in Physick , as was requisite according to the Statutes of the Universitie . In like manner at Burdeaux where I was educated , it was not permitted Iulius Caesar Scaliger a man so learned and skilfull , to reside , because he would not be examined by the Physicians of that Citie . He would not , not because he disliked that order of that Citie , which is also observed throughout all France , but because he would not expose his fame to every mean question of a young Physician ; concerning which thing there were mutuall Letters dispatched betwixt him and Manialdus , a very learned Physician of Burdeaux , which also Manialdus his sonne , the ancientest Physician of that City had lately in custody . These are the things , which because many do not take notice of , they so easily give credit to every one that professes himself to be a Doctour . To a learned man indeed these degrees doe adde honour , yet they conferre no learning . For he that to day is no Doctour , but shall be to morrow , is not wont of such a sudden to become for that cause more learned , nor if he abstain from that degree , will he be more unlearned than a a Doctour . As therefore I do not speak against the constitutions of the Universities , but rather reverence them , yet so many abuses can no man approve . For many mongrell-Physicians , ignorant of this art , or at best but meanly skilled therein , having bought the title of Doctour in forrain Universities , or perhaps but feigning that they have bought it , and so become proud of that counterfeit honour , return home that they may bee cram'd with the bloud and wealth of their Countrymen . But for the most part it is to be observed , that greater danger hangs over the sick by those practitioners in Physick , which have but little knowledg therein , then from that know nothing at all . For they become audacious , talkative , outbrave and resist their betters , and brag that they either excell them , or at least equallize them . I have observed in some , this evill custome , that whatsoever a Physician shall speak well , they contradict , that they may get to themselves some fame , out of the ruine of another mans name .

THis is an ordinary Errour , that they that have been Physicians servants , although meer ignorant fellows , Physitians servants , and Apothe caries far short of the abilities requisite to make them Physicians . after the death of their Master , or many times before , address themselves to the practise of Physick ; of whom I have known many , and they are also thought by the people to have some knowledg , because for many years they have served a Physician , have written down his prescriptions , which they call Bills and Receits , and have observed the successe .

AMong men of Ecclesiasticall order , that have dedicated themselves wholly to God , and the Churches commodity , there are many that do seriously , and greedily , and with much gain to themselves , undertake the cure not of souls only , but of bodies likewise , and strive to their utmost to get patients to themselves for the healing of their bodily diseases , even in such places where there is store of Physicians . I know this is disliked by many Physicians , especially by them that gape all for gain ; but seeing that many Physicians of lighter note do scarce patiently brook others better then themselves , it is no wonder if they approue not that order of religious men . But this is no new thing , for Marsilius Ficinus , that great interpreter of Plato , was both Physician and Priest , and proves it to be lawfull , because to the holy Priest all the offices of charity doe belong . Wherefore he that to the Priesthood joynes Physick , procures that a sound mind may be lodged in a in a sound body . But if in a Minister the knowledg not only of Theology , but of other sciences also be requisite , why shall Physick be excepted ? How many of them are there , that are full well versed in the knotty questions of the Law , why not also in Physick ? But some will object 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , who is sufficient for these things ? The study and practise of Physick requires the whole man . For the Medicinall art seems to be so cumbersome , difficult , and long , that it cannot be throughly learned of any man , but it requires and exacts the whole man . Wherefore the Divine seems to be blame worthy , who leaving and neglecting the nobler science , to which he hath given up his name , and hath gotten to himself a character never to be blotted out , doth addict himself to another , so slippery , so hard , so unconstant : for it must of necessity follow , that a sufficient knowledg of another art must be wanting to him . But they have many things to object , whereby they can defend that singular charity , forsooth , towards their neighbours . And first , the curing and preventing of diseases is not contrary nor opposite to the study of Divinity , and to the preaching of Gods Word ; for even the Apostles and promitive Christians did heale diseases , and also preach . Now , though that kinde of curing was miraculous , yet from thence we may gather , that the curing of diseases in it self , and its own nature , is not oppugnant to the Ecclesiasticall office , but doth well and friendly agree therewith . If it be lawfull therefore to atchieve the end , it is likewise lawfull to use the means that tend to that end , and such are remedies which God hath created to this use . But perhaps some will say , that curing of diseases in respect of the thing it self , doth not oppugne the office of Divines , but only because it doth suppose the knowledg of another Science , to which together with Theology , it is not easie to give diligence . But they may answer , all mens wits are not alike , and the gifts of God to every one are not the same : Some perhaps are so prompt of wit , able of memory , and such lovers of pains , that they can imploy their minds in both arts with very much profit . Yea , at this day there are but few , that to the study of Divinity have not added some other Science , to which their Genius doth most encline . Some are conversant in the study of Mathematicks , or of Astrologie , or of the Lawes , or the like , nor doth any man blame them for it . That the knowledge of both these Arts is possible , the example of some Physicians themselves doth manifest , of whom many study but little , and yet in regard that they are taken for Physicians , they desire to be preferred before any painfull Divine , but for what reason it is unknown . For if a Minister do employ that time in the study of physick , which a mongrel physician doth shamefully spend , either in doing nothing , or in ill doing , or in playnig , as many doe ; what should hinder him to become a skilfull Physician ? Nor is it a new thing that some Physicians also are delighted with the study of Theologie , and verily I see no reason , why in this our age , where abuse hath corrupted almost every thing , that some Divines may not be more learned than some Medicine mongers , seeing that many Physicians ( or at least , such as would be accounted so ) doe so little bend themselves to the study of Physick , that it is an easie thing with a light labour , to know more in Physick than they know . Volaterranus reports , that Trusianus ( who was called more than a Commentatour ) whose admirable and most ingenious Comment upon the Art of Galen , is extant , was made Monke of the order of the Carthusians . If therefore any painefull and ingenious Divine hath adquired so much knowledge of Physick , that he is able to make use of it , why shall he not practise with a good Conscience ? It is therefore to be left to their conscience , whether they doe well understand this Science or no , let them looke to that .

Benedictus Arrias Montanus , as Arceus relates , taught Surgery in Spains , but few like Arrias Montanus doth this country bring forth . Neither hitherto hath it been my hap to see any Minister ( and I have known many ) practising Physick , that understood it well , yea that knew scarce the Tithe ( that I may say no worse ) of those things which are needfull for a Physician to know . Not probable that Divines should bee able Physicians . Therefore ( although the knowledge of both these Arts is possible , yet that seldome happens ; for the practise of Physick doth wholly turne away the minde from the study of Divinitie , and the study of Divinitie ( in them that preach especially ) doth interrupt the practise of Physick ; therefore it is very probable , that Physick cannot , with a safe conscience be exercised by any Divine who hath the cure of soules . Nor doe the cited examples move me a whit . As for Marsilius Ficinus , he was a man more wittie than learned in Physick , a busie man , nor doth his bookes of Physick argue any depth of knowledge in that art , and he busies himselfe more about trifles , and dreames of the Platonists , than about serious matters . And as for Trustanus , he grew weary of practising Physick , and therefore relinquished it utterly , and put on a Monks hood . So likewise Arrias Montanus left Surgery , and medled no more with it . And the order of the Decree is cleare in this point in divers places . In generall it forbids Ecclesiasticall persons all negotiations , especially for lucre sake , which withdraw them from their sacred functions . The Decrees of the Church concerning Ministers that meddle in Physick . They that in the Church of God are preferred to the order of Clerkes , let them in no case be diverted from divine administration , nor let them be distracted with cares and Secular affaires , but let them serve day and night in heavenly and spirituall matters . And a little after it gives the reason . Because no man warring for God doth entangle himselfe also in Secular affaires . And in another place . Let the Laickes who have more leasure doe these workes one for another . But in particular concerning Physick in another place , speaking of the malice of Satan , &c. Namely thence it is , that transforming himselfe after his wonted manner into an Angell of light , under pretence of consulting for the feeble bodies of their brethren , and of managing their Church businesse more faithfully , he perswades some regular persons to read the Lawes , and to weigh out Physicall confections , and so drawes them out of their Cloysters . Therefore lest by occasion of their knowledge therein , Spirituall men be aga ne involved in mundane affaires , Wee make a decree , that no man after a Vow of Religion , and religious profession made in some place , be permitted to go forth to read Physick , or the humane Lawes : but if they shall goe forth , and returne not to their cloyster within the space of two moneths , that they be avoyded of all men as excommunicate persons , &c. Where it teacheth that religious persons under pretence of Charitie and Pietie ought not to meddle in Physick , & that it doth proceed from the Devill , the Arch enemy of Mankind , if at any time religious persons employ their studies in Physick . But more cleare is the Councell of Yours related in the same place . Cap. 10. Against religious persons going out of their cloysters to heare Law or Physick Lectures ; Alexander our Predecessour made a Decree formerly in the Councell of Tours , that except they return to their Cloyster within the space of two moneths , they should be avoyded of all men as excommunicate persons , and in no case he heard , if they would plead : And being returned , that they be the lowest of all the brethren in the Assemblies , at the Table , and in the Convocation house , and unlesse by the mercy of the Apostolicall chaire , to lose all hope of preferment . But because some of these , through the different opinions of some men , were excused , and found indulgence : We willing that for the future they doe ipso facto incurre the sentence of Excommunication , do straitly charg and command , to the end , that as well by the Diocesants , and in their Consistories , as by the Bishops in whose Diocesses they study , such excommunicate persons be publiquely pronounced lyable to the aforesayd penalties . And because we desire that the study of Divinitie may be enlarged , that the place of its Pavilion being dilated , it may be further propagated , that the Catholick Faith may be environed with an impregnable wall of warriours , which may be able to resist those that oppose it , We will and command , that this be extended to all Archdeacons , Deacons , Provosts , singing men , and others that have Ecclesiasticall livings , moreover Parish-priests ( unlesse they desist within , the time limited ) and that in the name subscribed it be firmly observed . And in the ninth Chapter it is forbidden , that any Subdeacon , Deacon , or Priest , exercise any part of Surgery , which concernes burning or incision , which notwithstanding is the easiest part of Surgery , as to let blood , &c. But if these easie things be forbidden , without doubt it much rather comprehends harder matters . But our Ministers that practise Physick more adventurously than is fitting , intruding it upon the people under covert of counterfeit Piety , will perhaps , but lightly esteem of the censure of the old Church ; wherefore I leave them to the judgement of GOD , to whom one day they must be accountable for all their words and works .