1798

Thomas Beddoes to Samuel Whitbread, 17 October 1798

Clifton Oct. 17 / 98

Sir

You will be surprized to receive a letter from me; & more especially a begging letter. But from what I know of your public character & <f^m> other circumstances, I think you will at least pardon the liberty of the application –

You may know that I have been some time nursing a project for the improvement of medicine by the introduction of factitious airs. I am, after much reflection, of opinion that it is the only means (which can at present be proposed) for rescuing our art from its present deplorable state of helplessness & that there is a chance of doing considerable service to mankind by prosecuting the investigation – Some private cases afford encouragement to proceed; but I believe without an appropriate establishment the utmost powers of the gasses never can be ascertained – Different individuals have contributed about £2000 – & I have met with a young man qualified beyond my most sanguine hopes to act as Superintendant . I propose that it sh^d be under his management & my own occasional inspection. I think to set it on foot immediately. In another cover I enclose a paper more fully detailing my views –

The two principal subscribers are Thos Wedgwood & the late Mr Lambton – the first £500 – the second £350 – The rest are from £50 to £1 –

Another £1000 will be wanted to do full justice to the plan – & if you think well of it, perhaps you will assist by your purse & influence in supplying the deficiency –

At least I do not think you will dismiss the application that the times render such a scheme impossible – If mankind suffer from other causes, that is no reason why he sh^d be left to suffer under incurable diseases – I am

Sir, with much esteem
your obed^t Serv^t

Thomas Beddoes

MS: Bedfordshire Archives and Record Service MS W/1/4620