The Doctors Stumble• 157tuosi were unable to follow up on his work with their microscopic range of
20 xto 50 x.^53 In the real world of plague patients, Boghurst, the ever-observ-
ant apothecary in Saint Giles in the Fields, could see only the effects of
Kircher’s animacules, though he was pretty well convinced they existed.^54 In-
side the city wall, Dr. Hodges was also edging away from Galen and toward
Kircher’s “animated matter.” Regrettably, neither he nor his “credible author-
ities” could tell “if such minute insects caused the pest.” Hodges drifted off
into speculation about a “nitrous Spirit” arising from the earth and a saline
quality of plague that caused fermentation of the blood.^55
The brightest and best of Restoration England’s medical theorists and
practitioners penetrated into some fascinating areas, reaching the outer lim-
its of contemporary scientific knowledge with the tools at their command.^56
What they attempted to understand in a variety of physiological unknowns
was impressive—especially in the case of plague, which frightened away
many a potential investigator because it was unique, mysterious, and lethal.
The depth and breadth of this contemporary exploration merit respect and
admiration.
Lacking a clinical understanding of the pest, however, medical practition-
ers were at sea as to how to conquer it. The professionals fell back on mostly
standard treatments. They knew that they could comfort the stricken and
save a few patients with the help of God, a scalpel and plaster, and nature’s
curative powers. That was something to be proud of, for what age can cure all
its diseases? Of course, these medical specialists did stumble on the pathway
of the Great Plague. The most destabilizing stumble was the warring among
proponents of rival therapies and medical groups and the lost chance to com-
bine their talents against the most fearsome disease of their time. Yet the
kindly Nathaniel Hodges, the daring Dr. Thomson, and the fearless William
Boghurst formed a common front, whether they admitted it or not; they
bent over sick and dying patients and tried to ease their suffering, without
apparent concern for their own lives, as the contagion showed no signs of let-
ting up.