Pseudodoxia Epidemica: Or, Enquiries into Very Many Received Tenents

work of this nature is not to be performed upon one leg; and should smell of oil, if duly and deservedly handled.

Our first intentions, considering the common interest of Truth, resolved to propose it unto the Latin republic and equal judges of Europe; but owing in the first place this service unto our Country, and therein especially unto its ingenuous Gentry, we have declared ourself in a language best conceived. Although I confess the quality of the Subject will sometimes carry us into expressions beyond mere English apprehensions. And indeed, if elegance still proceedeth, and English Pens maintain that stream we have of late observed to flow from many, we shall within few years be fain to learn Latin to understand English, and a work will prove of equal facility in either. Nor have we addressed our Pen or Style unto the people (whom Books do not redress, and are this way incapable of reduction), but unto the knowing and leading part of Learning. As well understanding (at least probably hoping) that, except they be watered from higher regions and fructifying meteors of Knowledge, these weeds must lose their alimental sap and wither of themselves. Whose conserving influence, could our endeavours prevent, we should trust the rest unto the scythe of Time, and hopeful dominion of Truth.

We hope it will not be unconsidered that we find no open tract or constant manuduction in this Labyrinth, but are oft-times fain to wander in the America and untravelled parts of Truth. For though not many years past, Dr. Primrose hath made a learned and full Discourse of vulgar Errors in Physick, yet have we discussed but two or three thereof. Scipio Mercurii hath also left an excellent tract in Italian concerning popular Errors; but confining himself only unto those in Physick, he hath little conduced unto the generality of our doctrine. Laurentius Joubertus, by the same Title led our expectation into thoughts of great relief; whereby notwithstanding