“Since when he hath affirmed that he only intended the proverb used in the west country, nor do we believe he intended otherwise.
“[Signed] WILLIAM THOMAS.
“THOMAS MILWARD.”
“March 12th 1651, All which I acknowledge, and am sorry I did not expresse my intent, or that I was so weak as to use so foolish a proverb.
“[Signed] GULIELMUS SNELLING.”
Notwithstanding this confession and apology, the record tells us that “William Snelling in his presentment for cursing is fined ten shillings and the fees of court.”
I will mention one other name among those of the Fathers of the medical profession in New England. The “apostle” Eliot says, writing in 1647, “We never had but one anatomy in the country, which Mr. Giles Firman, now in England, did make and read upon very well.”