Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, 24 October 1797
Dear Sir
Respecting the propriety of a winter’s residence in Cornwall for Gregory, there cannot certainly be the smallest objection to it. No doubt a young man can learn a number of excellent things in Germany; but the present state of the continent seems to me (as I observe it does to you) a strong objection. For my part, I should not be surprised, if the French confer upon Francis II the honour of being the last of all the Caesars this very winter – Two conditions only seem wanting – that he do not accept their terms & that the winter be mild. Then all Germany wd be republicanized – I do not think we have seen above ½ the 1st act of the troubles of Europe
All your care shd be directed to robustify Gregory & keep him robust. It appears to me that there is a great advantage in eating animal food at breakfast, even if less be eaten at dinner – I have no other advice to suggest of a positive kind – & all further that is necessary is that G would avoid the direct & indirect causes of debility –
For which purpose before he goes to winter, if he had not already attended anatomy, he may stop at the Hotwells & attend Messrs Bowles & Smith as per inclosed. Though <I mean them to make young men prudent – & in this view> I hope their course will be more useful than any course of anatomy ever delivered. I see they they will be superbly attended.
I attend to your expt on yourself & your list of untrieds – which with your former hints shall be tried before this time next year – in at the Institution – After so many applications, I am disappointed in not hearing of an operator – I expect a young man lately come from Edinh who wd make a good one – if he be willing & able-bodied – which last I doubt.
The young woman you saw had a mere haemorrhage & went on improving – Her father informed me that the air-apparatus had been a month in getting to Scarborough – during which time she had grown worse – If Dr Alexander called on you he wd give you some satisfactory information – but as you do not mention it, I fear he did not. He thinks himself sure of having cured phthisis & of having calmed pulmonary irritations by fixed air – & I believe him accurate to an uncommon degree.
My other frank will surprise you – My servant shuffled Johnson’s letter into your frank – no matter – I saw the mistake in time not to send him any advice respecting Gregory – You need not trouble yourself to execute the order – I mean the sermons & blank verse for soporifics, to invalids.
I received the box of iron shavings – & expect to serve my patient by them or other similar means –
I am Dr Sir Yours truly
Thomas Beddoes
James has much less headache
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes / Octr 24 1797 / Gregory – Anatomical Lectures
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/029/23