1796

Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, January 1796

I hardly need add a recipe for the mineral solution. It is ℞ kali preparat: arsonici albi aā gr xvi Aq: distillat: ℥ iv – Decoquo donec perfecte solvatur arsonicum, addendo Aq. distillat: ut ft. ℥iv, solutioni peraita^a

If any thing on personal examination sh^d appear in clear opposition to the above opinion, on being advised of such circumstance, I will reconsider it –

I do not doubt the utility of oxygene in case it c^d be used so as not to irritate the pulm^y ulcers. Indeed, in the next case, like Mrs Kerr’s oxygene ought to be tried – & fully – Poor Mrs K is so bent on going that I believe it is a duty of humanity to indulge her – She w^d die in sorrow here – hope may prolong her life & make it vary while it lasts: but to go north is a fearful undertaking at this season – If she does not go she shall have some oxygene a< little diluted as prudence shall warrant>. At present she is trying ether according to an improved plan, of which Dr Pearson speaks highly – & on which he means to publish –

The wheel over the bed has thrice the diameter of the other – & this smaller is 8 or 9 inches to the eye –. I am inclined to think the mineral differs from the atm^c oxygene – but I know no distinguishing quality; perhaps you do – We Mr Clayfield & I find a fact belonging to a new order in the exp^t with sulphur 3 parts copper 1 part heated. A great deal of elastic fluid, neither hydrogen nor ox <nor carb^c acid> is given out without inflammation the mixture glows red, after the extrication – It is a curious appearance – & seems to depend on a decomposition of y^e metal or inflammable TB

Address: Mr Watt / Heathfield / Birmingham
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes / Jan^y 1796 / Miss Campbell & Mrs Kerr –
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/28/24