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The PREFACE.

cian, whose Judgment was universally relied upon as almost infallible in his Profession, used to say, as I am well informed, That when he died, he would leave behind him the whole Mystery of Physick in half a Sheet of Paper. It is true both these Doctors carried the Matter much too far, by vilifying Learning, of which they were no Masters, and perhaps for that Reason. And lest I my self should be here mistaken by my Readers, and looked upon as a Writer of Raillery and Satyr upon Learning, I crave leave to explain my self as before, by saying, that I do by no means depreciate, or expose any Kind of useful Learning in any Art or Science whatsoever, but much esteem and honour the Masters of it. And again I affirm, that notwithstanding Genius alone is far more successful, than Learning alone, which is indeed insignificant, if not mischievous as before asserted, yet when they are united in the same Persons, they become of all others the most excellent and accomplished Physicians. But the Learning required for this Profession, is not perhaps so various, extensive and difficult, as some imagine, or are willing that others should believe, and what Kinds of Learning are necessary, or at least expedient and desirable, to fit a Student for

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