Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, 4 October 1797

Dear Sir

Yours is the most satisfactory observation yet made on the unrespirable airs in catarrh —I hesitate to ~~exceed~~ accede to your theory; because I have been present at the subjugation of this inflammation by hydrogene, which one cannot well suppose to contain any olefiant elements suspended – You will say perhaps my hydrogen was impure – perhaps so –

A lady fainted twice I think from a pint of hydroc. diluted by a whole bag of atm^c air – The fainting took place two successive days. She did not faint before or since, for it was omitted – a delicate consumptive patient; but not extraordinarily weak.

No doubt; fire, cloathing, attendance rear many children who w^d otherwise die – But does not luxury make tender those who would otherwise be robust? Our journey was in the highest degree satisfactory – our observations coincided perfectly with those of T Wedgwood in N. Wales – I think it probable that the inhabitants of the secluded valleys & hills are little subject to phthisis, toothache or indigestion. I speak of the little farmers who indeed are the principal inhabitants – such beauty & healthy bloom I never find –

To check our conclusions I have today written simple interrogatories to 2 physicians, who must know the spot – I wrote Mrs B a distinct summary of our proceedings; & am sorry I did not think of desiring her to shew it you. Will you ask her for it? I have notes of the state of families – we saw some hundred individuals –

One of the inclosed letters will go towards satisfying some of your guesses. Please to return them by Dec^r or by some future opportunity –

I see the British Critic insinuates that some surgeons have found nitrous acid ineff^c at the Lock H. Dublin it removed the symptoms but they returned – On enquiry I find they gave but 120 drops of the dilute = 60 of the strong – I am promised a copy from the books – If nitrous acid stands, these facts will be of value as ascertaining the dose – I am persuaded we shall know the truth soon –

I am now using the muriate in a fine skin & bone case & I think it will succeed.

J. W. looks much better & has less ache – I remain with best wishes to your family yours very truly

Thomas Beddoes

Endorsement: Dr Beddoes / Octr 4^th 1797
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/029/22

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