1795

Thomas Beddoes to Thomas Wedgwood, 1 April [1795]

Dear Sir

I think for the reasons mentioned in your letter it will be better to drop the ornaments which were proposed. A vignette representing Mr. Watt’s apparatus at work w^d be nothing improper. But if it be expensive, it is not worth while to have it executed. I think a little manual, neatly printed, w^d have its effect in the fashionable world; & in this there w^d be nothing liable to objection or ridicule. The jet of the argument sh^d be ‘since undeniable success has attended trials, made in an imperfect manner, it is worth while to exert ourselves in improving our means’. I have said something on this head in my preface & sh^d be glad to have your opinion of that statement before I see about this new prospectus.

I will do as you direct respecting the letter on the effects of charcoal taken into the stomach. I have quoted a striking observation of yours on the propriety of trying airs fully & with your name – it is that it be worth while the sum specified to know certainly that airs w^d not be useful as medicine. – But if I conceive the reason of your scruples about the former observation, you will not feel any repugnance at the introduction of your name along with the latter remark. I sh^d be sorry if you did & I suppose I w^d not have quoted you in the preface, if you had not been to appear in the body of the work –

I am [xxxx] dissatisfied at the delay of advertising in the London papers – However every week brings in some respectable name & with the better sanction we start, the more shall we be likely to succeed – I will however write to Mr Grant, the only trustee who will take any pains – & I doubt not but we shall soon try the public.

I hear there is great gloom over the commercial world; if however we fail in the main object, we shall gain some collateral advantages. The advertisements & the names of so many men of science & information will dispose individuals to adopt the practice & I do not doubt but all the good it is capable of doing will be done, with^t a public establishment but not near so soon –

The widow & children of John Brown are in distress. An edition of his Elements is about to be published (not by subscription) for their relief. The scheme I did not approve, as not likely to be beneficial, but I c^d not refuse to prefix a short acc^t of the author and some obs^ns on his system – I mention this, because I dare say you will take every opportunity of recommending the book*

Yrs with greatest esteem

Thomas Beddoes

1 April

* my part it is fair to warn you is full of medical heresy –

Address: Thomas Wedgwood Esq / Etruria / Staffordshire
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes
MS: WE/WM/1/1/1/WM35.14