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._ I. A _Consumption_, in general, is a wasting of all the solid parts of the Body, for want of a due Distribution, or Assimilation of the Nutritious Juices.