know, and the Art of making them is soon learned and without Difficulty. And as to the Knowledge of Plants, that are beneficial in Physick, their Number lies in a very narrow Compass, what Multitudes soever are the Objects of the natural Historian’s Consideration; and though Anatomy is a very curious and delightful Amusement and highly necessary for the Accomplishment of the Surgeon, yet a very minute and extensive Knowledge of it is what an able and skilful Physician may be without: But an accurate and distinguishing Knowledge of Pharmacy, the Nature of Drugs, and the Manner of preparing and mixing them in due Proportion for making of compound Medicines is what the Physician should labour to be acquainted with. Add to this a due Knowledge of experimental Philosophy, for as to the speculative and metaphysical Systems they are dark and impertinent, and this will abundantly suffice for preparatory Qualifications; the rest and the greatest part of the Doctor’s Accomplishments must arise from Practice and Observation.
The Reader will see that I have not set down a great Acquaintance with abundance of Writers, especially the Antient, as necessary or useful for a Student in this Profession;
