Thomas Beddoes to S. L. Mitchill, 15 June 1797
Extract of a Letter from Dr. Beddoes to Dr. Mitchill, dated Clifton, June 15, 1797
We seem to have discovered a sure remedy for diabetes. It has answered in three cases of diabetes mellitus. Abstinence from vegetables, and a few drops of hepatized ammonia, reduced the quantity of urine, in two cases, with great rapidity. In one, volatile alkali only, without absolute abstinence from vegetables, answered; but the Hot-Well water (Bristol) was taken in this case, and could not be avoided on account of the prejudice of the patient.
But I think you will find abstinence from vegetables, with volatile alkali, either unimpregnated, or impregnated with hepatic gas, subdue the most obstinate cases.
Dr Rollo, of Woolwich Hospital, is going to publish on this subject. To him the application of hepatized ammonia is due.
I have between 2 and £3000 for my Pneumatic Hospital, which I shall establish forthwith. The observations yet made in this country, are partly too few, and partly too inaccurate.
Published: The Medical Repository, 1 (1797), 247–48