INTRODUCTION. 55 
gariton, composed of pearls dissolved, and the pecu- 
niary value was supposed to enhance their virtue 
and efficacy. There are many digressions, in which 
the author takes the opportunity of expatiating 
freely upon other subjects, but mostly relating to 
the medical profession, and they are the best parts 
of the poem ; of which the following are the prin- 
cipal ; 
In book the Jirst, upon medicines which cure so 
quickly, ‘that they deprive the physician of due 
honour and fees 79, 
In the second book, under the head of Diamar- 
gariton, he proves that though the poor are unable 
‘9 afford such expensive compositions, they have the 
consolation that poverty is the best medicine, and 
Preserver of health, Under Diasatyrion is a discus- 
sion upon love®!, Another against the use of honey, 
and fraudulent apothecaries ®. 
In book the third, are contained observations upon 
the utility of the pains of labour®, The praises 
and description of Salerno“. Advice that young 
and inexperienced physicians are to be avoided, and 
™ Lib. i, ver. 698, p- 531. 
* Lib. ii, ver, 68, p- 540, and lib. iii. ver, 235. p. 583. 
*' Lib. ii, ver, 218, p. 546, 8 Ver. 894, p, 572. 
* Lib. iii, ver, 101. p. 577. * Ver, 469. p. 593, 
