HuwG: Thank you for a useful addition to this. A necessary point, well made.

Daylia: Re the quote from Gautama, That's a basic part of the scientific method. It's part of the reason why students do the same experiments over and over.

Herbal remedies have been mentioned a couple of times. The practice is not dead. Check "ethnopharmacology". The advantage of chemically prepared drugs over herbs is that one knows exactly how much of the active ingredient is included. That, and the assurance that other, potentially dangerous substances are absent.

Daylia keeps harping on the profit motive and profiteering. It is a valid issue. And it will remain one unless society changes enough to make it impossible. That's her responsibility. And mine.