Thomas Beddoes to Davies Giddy, 16 June 1795

Dear Giddy

I had hoped for the opportunity of franks to inclose L^d Stanhope’s letter but it has not yet occurred. So I write on acc^t of the face for which you wish me to suggest some application – I wish you to make trial of yeast; it sh^d be often used topically. I wish I had a more accurate idea of the appearance of the eruption –

It seems likely, that we shall soon have the whole weight of the French Republic to sustain. The capture of Luxembourg though I suppose not very difficult, is a very brilliant thing, & will decide the continental powers to make peace, to which they seemed reluctantly inclined before. –

I hope you will not grudge double postage for the bandeau which is the idea of Miss E. Edgeworth. I have not seen P. Pindar’s verses, but the legend on the bandeau is, I dare say, full as much to the purpose –

I wish I c^d put my account of John Brown into your hands. I was sadly disappointed by Mackintosh who promised the communication of materials from his life – but did not send a fact nor a line – Still, I have made it rather interesting, I believe –

You will be sorry to hear that poor W. Reynolds is desperately ill – Dr. Darwin thinks past hope – I have not been able to go to see him….. but I think from Mr Yonge’s reports that there is a chance of his recovery yet – it was an acute attack of a doubtful nature between gout & rheumatism; & I fear ill-mannaged by the physician who first saw him. I intend to go as soon as I can possibly get away; but I sh^d now be too late to be of any use –

I seem to be getting into fame. A good number of patients come here; & I have innumerable applications from distant parts – I get money enough –

Mrs Beddoes is not well – much as when your sister was here – I am going to give her oxygene at last – The pneumatic practice is spreading, & I believe some good will result – If the Institution sh^d not be established the proposal & advertising will have been beneficial –

I am

Yours always

Thomas Beddoes

June 16

Address: Davies Giddy Esq / Tredrea / Marazion / Cornwall
Endorsement: Doctor Beddoes / 1795 / June the 16^th
MS: Cornish Archives MS DG 42/26

The full versions of these letters with textual apparatus will be published by Cambridge University Press.