Note 97 — 1. OF THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS.

It does not appear to have been made out in evidence that the constant use and practice had been with the Apothecary, on the contrary, they did not commence practice (except indeed the occasional sale of some simple lozenge or electuary which was never objected to) till after the great fire, when the known residences of the Physicians having been destroyed, their patients were unable to find them, and consequently resorted to the Apothecaries, whose open shops were a sufficient guide to those who needed medical assistance. It is probable also that some laxity arose during the preceding years in which the Plague raged in London, for in times of emergency it would be unreasonable to insist on restrictions which it might be impossible and inhuman to enforce. (Merett’s Short view of Frauds & Abuses, A.D. 1699).