Thomas Beddoes to Thomas Wedgwood, 19 February 1795
Dear Sir
The first letter you ever favoured me with contains some acct of the effect of charcoal in relieving an affection of your stomach. I wish to add this observation to the new Ed. of my Considerations now in the press. It will contain two important communications on the medical & surgical virtues of charcoal, but neither notices your application of it. Experience in your own person may since have taught you something further concerning its efficacy or inefficacy – mature observations are most highly valuable in medicine.
Qu. Was yours a common case of dyspepsia with heartburn, flatulence &c? How much charcoal did you reckon for a dose?
Did it operate at all as an aperient?
Did it prevent (As I think it may) the generation of wind?
You know charcoal (a burned cork) is given to horses for the colic, but it is given in ale; & this makes the effect uncertain.
Can you answer the above in a fortnight from this date?
I beg pardon for intruding at this season but I wished to throw out your hint, as likely to be very useful. I flatter myself you will be pleased with the additions to my new Edition – The Pnc Institution has not been advertised in the London papers for reasons assigned by Mr James Watt – I have more respectable names – I think they must be advertised in March.
I am DrSir
Yours with sincere regard
Thos Beddoes
19 Feby 1795
Clifton Bristol
Address: Thomas Wedgwood Esq / Basford / Leek / Staffordshire
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes / 1795
MS: WE/WM/1/1/1/WM35.10