1794

Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, 4 October 1794

Dear Sir

I passed 2 or 3 hours yesterday with Dr Ewart alone. His publication & its degree of forwardness he mentioned, but not the circumstance you speak of. It being as you say unpleasant to repeat the same things in two publications, I shall immediately do as you desire & send Dr Ewart your printed sheet & all that is set of y^e 2^nd. Upon this I leave you & him to do as you please, only adding (in case you wish to know my sentiments) that I cannot have the slightest repugnance to your permitting him to publish the abstract you speak of. What I have to say of Capper is more favourable as to his immediate feelings. He got over the feverishness, clearly produced by spice, in a few days with some decrease of strength. It seems clearly also proved by his experience that the dyspnea (which harassed him once) is completely relieved by modified air.

Tomorrow I will send you 2 sheets of my matter. An unskilful compositor – not he who printed your sheet – altered my last proof upon his own authority, & made such compleat nonsense that I must cancel a leaf. I shall be ready in time. I almost fear your engraver is more behind than he owns. If not, I w^d rather have the 1^st & 2^nd <plate immediately> or either if finished & the 3^rd 2 or 3 days afterwards; for the careful impression of the plates some time will be requisite: I shall correct any thing that appears to require it in your final communication, & must now perforce obey the adjuration to the priestess. I like the hints as to a totally artificial atmosphere & shall use them in the little I say upon that subject –

Yrs with much esteem

Tho^s Beddoes

Oct^r 4

Address: James Watt Esq / Heathfield / Birmingham
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes / Oc^r 4^th 1794
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/28/20