COLLEGE of physicians

COLLEGE of physicians, a corporation of physicians in London, whose number, by charter, is not to exceed eighty. The chief of them are called fellows, and the next candidates, who fill up the places of fellows as they become vacant by death, or otherwise. Next to these are the honorary fellows; and lastly, the licentiates, that is, such as being found capable, upon examination, are allowed to practise physic.

This college has several great privileges granted by charter and acts of parliament. No man can practise physic in, or within seven miles of London, without license of the college, under the penalty of 5l. Also, persons practising physic in other parts of England are to have letters testimonial from the president and three elects, unless they be graduate physicians of Oxford or Cambridge. Every member of the college is authorized to practise surgery in London or elsewhere; and that they may be able at all times to attend their patients, they are freed from all parish-offices.

The college is governed by a president, four censors, and twelve electors. The censors have, by charter, power to survey, govern, and arrest all physicians, or others, practising physic in or within seven miles of London; to fine, amerce, and imprison them at discretion; to search apothecaries shops, &c. in and about London; to see if their drugs, &c. be wholesome, and the compositions according to the form prescribed by the college in their dispensaries; and to burn, or otherwise destroy, those that are defective or decayed, and not fit for use.

In 1696, forty-two members of the college made a subscription, to set on foot a dispensary for the relief of the sick poor, who are advised gratis every day but Sunday.

Sunday, and medicines sold at the intrinsic value: since this they have erected two other dispensaries.