2g6 OBSTACLES TO THE 
driving out thefe eruptions though we 
may be allured of their vertues by un- 
doubted experiments long fince made. 
3 - 
The negledl of fpecifying diftempers . Hence 
remedies, which are excellent for fome difeafes 
in one man ; nay even thofe very remedies 
that get the name of lpecifics on account of 
fome very remarkable vertue, when admini- 
ftered to another, are either of no fervice, or 
even do mifchief ; whereas they would perhaps 
never fail of a good effect, if the fpecies of 
the diftemper were the fame. Therefore till 
phyficians regulate the dodtrine of difeafes in 
the fame manner, that botanifts have done that 
of plants, medicines mult be neceffarily pre- 
carious *. 
Were any one to fet about curing the hamor* 
rhoidal colic in a plethoritic conftitution by 
fpirituous and hot carminatives , which are 
proper for the flatulent colic in a cold, and 
phlegmatic conftitution , he would foon find 
molt fatal proofs of his error. Of this a 
very remarkable inltance may be feen in 
* As well as i remember this obfervation is taken from 
Sydenham. But whoever is author of it, moil certainly 
phyfic mu ft ever be very imperfeft, jyll this grand defidera- 
tum be performed. 
diff. 
