The Examination

Thirdly, when asked whether he practiced any medicine Phisicke original: "Phisicke." or surgery: he said that he practices both for consumption Tisicke original: "Tisicke," a term for wasting diseases like tuberculosis. and fevers Agues original: "Agues," periodic fevers or shaking fits often associated with malaria., and that he has practiced this medicine for the space of these five years, since his master Sir Robert of Drayton died.

Fourthly, when asked from whom he learned his medicine and surgery: he answered that he learned it from his master Sir Robert of Drayton.

Fifthly, when asked whether he does it by natural skill Arte original: "Arte," meaning technical knowledge or professional skill. or else by any other secret or private means: He answered that he uses his medicine or surgery by natural skill practiced by him (as he says) and not by any other evil or secret means. Yet, when he was asked whether he knew the natural properties original: "operation" of the herbs—such as whether they were "hot" or "cold," and to what degree they were hot or cold—he answered that he could not say. In the 16th century, formal medicine followed the Galenic system, where plants were classified by their "degrees" of heat, cold, moisture, or dryness. Walsh’s inability to answer indicates he lacked formal medical education, relying instead on folk traditions.

Sixthly, when he was asked whether he had a familiar familiar a supernatural spirit or demon, often in animal form, believed to assist a witch. or not: he answered and utterly denied that he had one.