1796

Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, 31 August 1796

31 Aug^t

Dear Sir

I received yours & shall be glad to know the issue of your paralytic case – The breast ulcer case c^d never contain the air – the bladder always emptied.

Mrs Leppincot’s leg was nothing amended or injured by fixed or hydrocarbonate airs. Accident brought me acquainted with a practice which I think will be the most generally useful improvement ever made in surgery, as you will believe if it cures Mrs L’s leg, which I trust it will – The negotiation I was obliged to enter into with the patient & the surgeon who had applied the means in other cases w^d be amusing – The one positively refused to act & the other to suffer – After a day’s meditation I offered to take the responsibility on myself; & then the surgeon consented, premising there was not even a hope the plan c^d be of any use. The lady was extremely reluctant – but in 24 hours the high edges were half reduced & the countenance of the sore changed & then the surgeon was ready to jump out of his skin & the old lady I c^d hardly prevent from kissing me –

The method shall immediately be published – but I cannot communicate it with^t permission from my partner, whose permission however I will ask & obtain of you do not choose to wait – I am sure any sore leg may speedily & easily be cured by it.

Miss Coutts seemed getting better, i.e. she c^d walk up hill better & was getting fat but the late change of weather gave her so severe a cold as obliged me to give up oxygene & employ means which I fear will occasion the return of her cursed hysterics.

Excellent cases flock in – I beg you will thank Mr Barr – & Dr Carmichael for their letters. Could you get me anonymously the fact of the old woman stupefied into sound sleep by <hydrocarb^te given for> oxygen – six sheets are printed – including y^r supp^t – the compositor is ill –

My comp^ts to Mrs Watt – y^rs truly

Thomas Beddoes

Address: Mr Watt / Heathfield / Birmingham
Endorsement: R. Udney / Aug^t 31^st 1796
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/29/08