plurima mortis imago_. The general image of death."

It has been said of the ancients, that they began by attempting to make
physic a science, and failed; of the moderns, that they began by
attempting to make it a trade, and succeeded. This company are moderns
to a man, and, if we may judge of their capacities by their
countenances, are indeed a most sapient society. Their practice is very
extensive, and they go about, taking guineas,

Far as the weekly bills can reach around,
From Kent-street end, to fam'd St. Giles's pound.

Many of them are unquestionably portraits, but as these grave and sage
descendants of Galen are long since gone to that place where they before
sent their patients, we are unable to ascertain any of them, except the
three who are, for distinction, placed in the chief, or most honourable
part of the escutcheon. Those who, from their exalted situation, we may
naturally conclude the most distinguished and sagacious leeches of
their day, have marks too obtrusive to be mistaken. He towards the
dexter side of the escutcheon, is determined by an eye in the head of
his cane to be the all-accomplished Chevalier Taylor, in whose
marvellous and surprising history, written by his own hand, and
published in 1761, is recorded such events relative to himself and
others, as have excited more astonishment than that incomparable
romance, Don Belianis of Greece, the Arabian Nights, or Sir John
Mandeville's Travels.

The centre figure, arrayed in a harlequin jacket, with a bone, or what
the painter denominates a baton, in the right hand, is generally
considered designed for Mrs. Mapp, a masculine woman, daughter to one
Wallin, a bone-setter at Hindon, in Wiltshire. This female Thalestris,
incompatible as it may seem with her sex, adopted her father's
profession, travelled about the country, calling herself Crazy Sally;
and, like another Hercules, did wonders by strength of arm.

On the sinister side is Dr. Ward, generally called Spot Ward, from his
left cheek being marked with a claret colour. This gentleman was of a
respectable family, and though not highly educated, had talents very
superior to either of his coadjutors.

For the chief, this must suffice; as for the twelve quack heads, and
twelve cane heads, or, consultant, united with the cross bones at the
corners, they have a most mortuary appearance, and do indeed convey a
general image of death.

In the time of Lucian, a philosopher was distingu