Thomas Beddoes to an Unidentified Correspondent, late May 1793
Although we have made airs, and made some experiments upon them, I am not yet in a fit condition to receive patients. The adjustment requires time; and it is important to ascertain the dose of non-respirable air, that may safely be mixed with atmospheric. The appearance of the room itself requires to be studied; for if it produce an unfavourable impression, all is over; and one rash experiment would demolish a plan, on which the hope of relieving mankind from much of their misery is founded; and which, I am certain, from trials even upon myself in the case of oxygene, will not be disappointed. I have been intensely meditating an advertisement of our scheme, or at least some way of making it known. I am pleased with none that I have yet fallen upon. I am persuaded that the summer had better be employed in curing one or two cases, than in making a number of rash and inconsiderate attempts.
Published: Stock, pp. 93–94