Thomas Beddoes to Joseph Strutt, 10 March 1800
Dear Sir
Mr Donne died last year, & I have been looking out for a person to continue the manufacture of the box of geometrical models, which accompanies the Essay – as soon as I succeed I will let you know* Your obliging expression about my treatise on the preservation of health induces me to write on this paper. If the lectures take place they will mellow my matter – We cure palsy by the new gas – a patient ill 4 years of hemiplegia & who has had frequent returns, has recovered his feeling & motive power in 7 weeks –
The gas excites to any degree you please – & I have seen no sign of depression – Indeed I am quite persuaded that Dr Brown & Dr Darwin’s propositions on stimulation are by no means laws of nature – The facts they build upon are true but these philosophers have generalized too much – All this I hope to shew in a treatise on animal nature wch perhaps I shall incorporate with what I have to say on prophylactic medicine – You have perhaps heard of Mrs Finch receiving much benefit in confirmed <& far advanced> consumption here – I flatter myself she will finally recover as also some others whom I now have under my care –
I am Dr Sir
Yours with true esteem
Thomas Beddoes
20 March
1800
* I hear there are more on hand
Address: Mr Strutt Junr / Derby
MS: Present Location unknown; sold at Bonhams 27 March 2012