Many of them are brought up under masters who live by the profession of physic; but these are seldom capable of teaching them much; and, to conceal their own ignorance the more effectually, they commonly pretend to a number of secrets not to be disclosed: so that such of them as know any thing, must obtain it by their own reading and observation. But to the latter they are seldom much indebted, as they look upon whatever they find in any book as an established fact, and not to be by them contradicted, however opposite it may appear to their own experience. The books they have amongst them are some of the _Arabian_ writers; _Ebensina_ in particular, whose authority is indisputable with them. They have likewise some translations of _Hippocrates_, _Galen_, _Dioscorides_, and a few other ancient _Greek_ writers. But their copies are in general miserably incorrect. Hence it may easily be seen, that the state of physic among the natives in this country, as well as every other science, is at a very low ebb, and that it is far from being in a way of improvement. But, ignorant as they are in regard to physic, they are great matters in temporising, and know how to suit a plausible theory to the patient’s way of thinking; in doing which they scruple not to quote the authority of _Hippocrates_, _Galen_, and _Ebensina_, in support of opinions the most ridiculous and absurd. It is from the pulse alone that they pretend, and are expected to discover all diseases, and also pregnancy: from their confidence in which last they are daily the death of numbers of infants, by persuading the women that their complaints are from obstructions, and giving them medicines accordingly; while many others, under real diseases, are amused with the hopes of pregnancy till past recovery. Their practice is very trifling in most cases, and commonly adapted rather to suit the opinion of the sick, and those about them, than the cure of the disease. While they apprehend the sick to be in no danger, they attend close, and give quantities of medicines; but, as soon as they think they are in danger, they do not go near them unless sent for, and then give no medicines, but advise the relations to use some trifling things; for which indeed they have some reason, for commonly the last medicine taken is held to be the cause of the patient’s death. What has been said with regard to practitioners in physic, relates solely to the natives; for the _Europeans_, of whom there are several, practise in their own way, and are greatly respected by the inhabitants; though, partly to save their money, and partly from a notion of their giving violent medicines, they seldom apply to them, till they have tried their own doctors to no purpose. Though their bards are the last mentioned, yet they are far from being the least worthy of notice; for at times a poetical genius shows himself among them, and produces some things which they greatly esteem. [Illustration: Pla. XV. _facᵍ. p. 100._