Chapter V: Introduction

I Remember a remarkable Passage in some _Observations_ upon the _Bermudus_ Berries, by a Doctor of Physic in the Country, addressed to the Hon. _Robert Boyle_, Esq; who professeth he had been for 50 Years an exact Observer of the _Methodus Medendi_; yet saith the Doctor for my part I firmly believe, that (_Universal Evacuations_ being premised) the greatest Cures wrought in the World, are by the use of _Specifical Medicines_. The higher the Attainments of any have been in Understanding, the more freely have they acknowledged that the greatest part of those _things_ they _did know_, was the least of those _things_ they _did not know_; such Men account it not shameful to renounce an Errour, tho’ ever so ancient, when persuaded thereunto by Truth and plain Demonstration: There are other narrow Spirits (abundantly satisfied in their own Knowledge) who believe the _Art_ of _Physic_ hath been taught by our Ancestors, in such an absolutely perfect manner, as that nothing remains to the Industry and Diligence of Posterity; it being too much their Humour to undervalue every Medicine that they themselves are not Masters of, because they prefer their private Interest to the public Good: But in the mean time where is that cordial Love to Mankind, which is one of the Badges of true Christianity? Nay, where is the Exercise of Reason? For how can a Man give his Opinion against a thing that he never _heard of_ before, or at least never _experienced_? I am sure, this unjustifiable Practice is the way to put a stop to all useful Knowledge and Improvements: It is therefore expected from the Ingenious and Candid Reader, that he should adhere to the Cause of Truth, by whomsoever it is pleaded, weigh every Invention, not in the deceitful _Balance_ of _Custom_, but in the just and even _Scales_ of _Reason_; approve what is agreeable, and reject what is contrary to it.

That I who am by Profession a Surgeon, should in such a polite and inquisitive Age, venture my Thoughts in public concerning a _Physical Case_, may be to some matter of Admiration, and to others of severe Censure; especially such as may think I have invaded their Province. As for the latter, I am persuaded nothing that I can say will remove their Prejudices; and for the former, I shall only tell them, that being alarmed by some of the _Symptoms_ mentioned in the following Discourse, whereby I plainly perceived the Constitution of my own Body inclined to a _Consumptive State_, I strenuously applied my Mind to study the Nature of this _Disease_, and to find out, if possible, some noble Specific Medicines, which might indeed deserve that Name, and be able to oppose the growth of so fatal a Distemper, which hath insensibly flattered so many into the Chambers of Death. What I then laboured for, and searched after, I have since (by the Blessing of God) found, and with great Advantage experimented on my self and many others, and now think fit to disclose for the good of All, not doubting but if a more excellent Method and Medicine than hath hitherto been generally administered, or prescribed, be treasured up in the Hands of any Person whatsoever, he doth more faithfully perform the part of a just Steward, by a due Improvement, than a close Concealment of it. And on the same Account, I judge it more my Duty to serve my Native Country, than mind the Clamours of censorious Critics; not at all questioning but in a little time, the Efficacy of _these Medicines_ will at once bring Health to the Patient, and Reputation to their Author: And the World will be convinced of the _Power_ of these _Remedies_, by their Effects; tho’ ignorant Persons may be apt to contemn and neglect, till their Opinions be altered by _Experience_, and their Prejudices removed by _Demonstration_.

_Of the Nature, Causes, and Symptoms of Consumptions._