Thomas Beddoes to the Editor of the Monthly Magazine, 7 March 1798
Sir
When I wrote my note of Jan. 1, 1798 (which you inserted in your number for that month) I had not indeed seen Mr Scott’s third and fourth letters; neither had your correspondent Mr Blair. For the ships, by which they were brought, had not arrived. By those ships Mr Scott sent me a copy, requesting I would reprint the letters in any publication which I might be preparing on the subject of nitrous acid. But I have since received from Mr Scott, instructions to suppress what he says about the effects of bathing, as he is not satisfied with his trials. This retraction, together with remarks on some material points, will appear in the collection now in the press; for it is too late (in consequence of what has been published here) to suppress the remarks on the nitrous bath, as the author wished.
I am afraid the collection of cases will be a few weeks longer in appearing than I gave reason to expect. A considerable number of communications are printed. But some, which were promised two months ago, are not yet come to hand—and I could wish to present the public with a respectable body of facts. I find by my correspondence in America, that they have been employing nitrous acid there – ‘with various, but, for the most part, with good success’. – I hope we shall, ere long, know how far this and the other substances newly brought into question, are useful – that we may use them so far, and no farther.
I am, Sir, with good wishes for the success of your exertions, yours
Thomas Beddoes
March 7, 1798
Published: The Monthly Magazine, 5 (1798), 160–61