As to the opposition of physicians, the Inventor, indeed, that the prophecy with which he set out might be fulfilled[83], complains, that all laws human and divine, have been trampled upon in opposing him; that he has been persecuted with _malice, rancour, virulence, detraction and unprovoked revenge_, and that his enemies have not only sacrificed _candour, honour, truth and reputation_, but even the _lives_ committed to their care, in order to discredit his boasted arcanum[84]. Were we not witnesses of his triumph, we should naturally conclude that he had suffered as a martyr in the cause of truth and humanity. Yet we find, in his Dissertation, many cases in which the powder was given under the sanction of eminent physicians, and these, too, produced by the author, in proof of its efficacy; though by his own account of the medicine, it is of all others the most improper to be used without an accurate knowledge of its composition, and cannot therefore be prescribed by physicians on any justifiable principles; although they may, from facility or complaisance, yield to the importunity and prejudice of the sick or their relations, and assent, even against their better judgement, to its administration. _When the fever-powder is given_, says the Inventor, _no other medicine should be taken either with it, or during the course of it. For want of this caution many have perished. For it may be depended upon, that in the state of credit in which it has at present the honour of standing amongst many of the medicinal worthies, nothing is meant by any addition, but to counteract or discredit the powder at the expence of the patient’s life. It is usual for them to say, that they are acquainted with the preparation of the medicine, or that they cannot use a medicine that they do not know, just as either favours the present intention and purpose. Now let us suppose they do not know it, which is very true; by what conjuration, magic, or inspiration are they taught a method of improving, by adding something to a medicine, of which they are so totally ignorant, that they choose to suffer their friends to perish rather than employ it_[85]. It may be left to the Author to explain how those physicians, who do not use the powder, _kill_ their friends, by adding something to counteract or discredit it, while from his own declaration, we may fairly conclude that those who _do use it_, must, in _his_ opinion, be destitute either of judgment or integrity. _For supposing them_, says he, _perfectly well skilled in the preparation and uses of it, their behaviour is, for this very reason, abundantly more infamous. For the same knowledge would inform them, that no addition can be made to it that will not diminish its virtues_[86].