Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, 27 February 1795
Feb. 27
Clifton
Dear Sir
I hope you are returned to tranquillity without suffering from the severity of the late season. I requested in a letter to Mr J. Watt that you wd pack your <former> observations in as few words as possible; but expressed an hope that you wd not withdraw them from the N. Edition of ‘Considerations’ which in form & substance will be so superior to the first. If you can find time for this in 14 days, it will be in good time; & I request that at the same time you wd give directions to Dr Pearson to enclose your plate (plate 3) in the parcel – but if you cannot find time to write something, that you wd order the plate sent per se. I have written to him; & for the sake of the uniformity of the paper, [xxx] I think it wd be better have the impressions taken off here – I have made a few exps on animals & have ascertained a few circumstances, not uninteresting to physiologist & new to myself. I am very cautious of admitting results conformable to previous speculation & always verify them repeatedly – In other cases the distinctness & agreement of two exps satisfies me – You mentioned that oxygene had been useful in scrophula I was in hopes Dr Carmichael’s communication wd have contained an acct of this success. I regret the more the trial did not fall under his observation on acct of the great accuracy & distinctness of his reports. I have a very valuable case of a shocking ulcer of the leg cured after & (no doubt) by oxygen gas. It comes from Mr Atwood, brother to the mathematician – It had been despaired of by Carmichael. I have other good matter for the support of this grand expt in behalf of humanity; I feel indeed certain that good will ensue from it; & sooner that in a case at all analogous – I wish however if the fact is so that the successful case of scrophula cd be procured – my compts to all the members of your family & Mr Boulton’s –
I am DrSir
Yours with all good wishes
Thomas Beddoes
P.S. My pamphlet will be printed in a month – your description is finished –
Address: James Watt Esqr / Heathfield / Birmingham
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes / Feby 27 1795 // case of ulcerated leg
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/27/13