Another argument in favour of the powder is, if it had not been attended with general success, it could not, amidst the opposition of Physicians, have grown into reputation. But transitions, from the highest approbation of antimony, to the absolute condemnation of it, have been so frequent, and are so familiar to those acquainted with its history, that no conclusion can be drawn from its casual reputation, or transitory condemnation; and since, in the course of our enquiry, no advantage has been taken of the penal laws enacted against its use, nor of the public edicts by which it has been prohibited, neither can any concession be made on account of the transient applause, artfully, obtained to some of its preparations.
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].
But so far is this heinous charge of committing murder to discredit the powder from being supported by any shadow of proof, that physicians, on the contrary, have been complaisant to excess, or culpably indolent, in suffering the many misrepresentations concerning this medicine to pass uncensured and unexposed; and those who, from the most laudable principles, have refused to adopt it, are wanting to themselves, to their profession, and to the public, in neglecting to explain the honourable principles on which they have acted; while others from different motives, which they can best justify to themselves, have acquired fame and fortune by a studied compliance with the popular prejudices in favour of this fashionable remedy.
In the course of more than twenty years practice, though I have never prescribed this medicine, yet, I have not, after fairly declaring my opinion, opposed its being given, when desired by the sick or their relations; and as the cure, where I have been concerned, has been wholly committed to it, without the addition of any medicine, or even regimen, excepting what is prescribed in the printed directions, or what the Inventor himself has ordered, some fair opportunities have occurred of observing its effects, to which, and to every other information that could be obtained, with a mind open to conviction, I have carefully attended. But in this, as in all our former researches, the evidence has been unfavourable to the fame of the powder.
In some instances it has occasioned fainting, convulsions, and other violent symptoms, which terrified those who gave it. In all which I have seen, it has proved unsuccessful, though, in some cases the cure has afterwards been accomplished by safer methods; and in those where it was too late to use other remedies, the sick have died, although it was probable they might have recovered by a different management, which has succeeded in similar instances, but from an abused and misplaced confidence, has too often been set aside to make way for this favourite medicine.
An argument still remains in favour of the powder drawn from the credit due to its Inventor. If that is impeached by what has already been advanced, it is only by the force of the evidence, since all personal application has been avoided. But as the reputation of the medicine is chiefly supported by an implicit confidence in the Inventor, it is necessary, however unpleasing, that this should also be considered.
When our assent is demanded, on the credibility of the relator, to any fact which we are not permitted to examine, we can only judge of its probability from his known accuracy and ability. Several specimens of these have occurred in the course of our enquiry. Quotations have been misrepresented[87]. Authorities misapplied[88]. Evidence produced which establishes facts, directly opposite to those in support of which it is perverted[89]. Palpable contradictions have been pointed out[90]; and an air of mystery and devotion detected, the tendency of which, when joined to a train of suspicious circumstances, cannot be mistaken[91].