1796

Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, 27 January 1796

Dear Sir

In compliance with the unceasing solicitations of Sir W^m & Lady Wolseley, poor Mrs Kerr went on Thursday for London to be shewn to a worm doctor. I accompanied the party as far as the Devises, & though the stage was 19 miles from Bath, Mrs K bore the journey very well. She is indeed always better in a carriage. As soon as I know their address, I will forward Dr W’s prescription. R. W. did not experience any benefit from digitalis, but on the contrary the swelling increased much under its use. He took the infusion for 6 days – & was affected by it in all ways from reduction of the frequency of the pulse to so much nausea, as rendered me fearful of persisting in its use. I never saw an apparently similar case, in which this medicine did not answer the intended purpose – Reasoning with myself, I concluded to give punch – which with respect to the patient’s habits was a medicine to all intents & purposes – I ordered further so much cream of tartar as would keep the bowels open. In a week after laying aside the foxglove, the swellings began to subside a little: & now the patient is so much better in all respects that recovery seems at hand. There has been no considerable diuresis – This for Dr Withering – I have written again to Dyer & also requested a friend to speak to him. He has indolence enough for a stage character.

We are printing a 3^rd ed. of Consid^ns at the rate of 3½ sheets a week. Will you add the direction for lighting the fire & making the hydrocarbonate without refrigy or hydr^c bellows? May I mention your intended publication?

I hope to sell Lord Daer’s app^s forthwith.

If Mr Barr judges it right to add anything concerning the scrophulous-ulcer-patient, he should send it directly. I defer to his judgment but wish he might think the state of the case authorized a continuation – Mr Hare, I am informed, has derived great benefit from ox. this winter.

I am

Dear Sir

y^rs truly

T.B.

27 Jan.

You have heard, I dare say, that Mr Atwood’s constitution still continues firm & that six months experience has justified his expression that it was renovated –

Address: Mr Watt / Heathfield / Birmingham
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes / Jan^y 27 1796 // Mrs Kerr, RW^s case / Dropsy
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/029/01