Thomas Beddoes to the Editor of The Monthly Magazine, 1 November 1797
Sir
There is reason to think, that the public takes a lively interest in the enquiry, now on foot, concerning the anti-venereal virtues of nitrous acid, and some other mildly operating substances. I beg leave, therefore, to make it known, through the channel of your much-esteemed Magazine, that the first part of a new collection of cases is actually about to be delivered to the printer. I flatter myself, that the direct and indirect effects of the printed reports of my circular letter, of September 5th, will be advantageous to surgery.
The first communications appear to me to augur well. They consist of a series of striking facts, accompanied by reflections, well calculated to prevent a hasty decision either way. I do not purpose to send out less than a hundred respectably attested cases at a time.
By the information which I at present possess, I am led to believe, that there exists a numerous class of venereal cases (for which a regular mercurial course has been universally deemed necessary) curable by nitrous acid and analogous substances. Whether there is also another class of venereal affections, not removable but by mercury, can, I think, only be ascertained by a very extensive investigation.
The measure of a circular letter, exhorting surgeons to make a careful trial of the new substances, has been lately adopted by a surgeon, or set of surgeons, in London. I rejoice that a controversy is likely to arise. Young practitioners will have an opportunity of signalizing their accuracy; and the interest of the public requires that the evidence should be rigorously scrutinized. I am
Sir, yours
Thomas Beddoes
Nov 1
1797
P.S. I have already adverted to the probable advantage from nitrous acid in some disorders of languor. I now particularly recommend it to the notice of the faculty, in dyspepsia, hypochondriasis &c. T.B.
Published: The Monthly Magazine, 4 (1797), 331