to commend the Medicines as necessary for the sick person, and
singular in themselves, whereas in truth this great farcy proves
ungrateful to the tast and stomach; inconvenient to health, by curing
one disease, but creating more; and by this means keeping them
continually in a way of Physic.

A third abuse of the Apothecaries relates to the prices of their
Medicines; first they put what rates they please on their Simples,
Compounds, and Receipts, and none are judges of them, but those of
their own Trade; insomuch that they gain a 11 d. in the Shilling, if
they say true of themselves. Whereas the Colleges of Physicians beyond
Sea, yearly set a tax upon the Simples, and Compounds of the Shops. So
that the Customer can tell the price of what he hath occasion to use,
and not stand at the mercy of the Apothecary to rate them as he lists,
and to this purpose they put in print the prices of them every year.

Secondly, Suppose a Physician hath prescribed a Pint of Juleb, &c. to
be taken at four several times, some Apothecaries carry not the whole
pint at once, but divide it into four parts, and carry but one at a
time, and so of other Medicines, and then will charge their Bill for
every single Potion, or Draught, as they ought the whole Pint; so that
by this Art they gain four times as much for the whole Medicine as in
Conscience they ought; and a Juleb, which cost them six pence, will be
rated at 10, 12, or more Shillings. But perhaps 'tis fit they should
be paid for their created Visits; and for this unnecessary
officiousness, persons of great estates may be contented to pay
roundly, if they please.

Thirdly, When a Physician hath prescribed 20 Pills, some of the
Apothecaries will make 30 of them, under pretence the Patient cannot