1802

Thomas Beddoes to Davies Giddy, 21 January 1802

Dear Giddy

I wish I c^d extract any consolation out of Mrs O’bryen’s case – Despairing of doing her any ultimate good, I long since prevailed, though with difficulty, upon her friends here to have a consultation – & another physician has seen her often – but no probable suggestion occurred – She cannot, I think, linger long –

I have transcribed your remark at the bottom opp. 76 – to reconsider it, in case a new edition sh^d ever give me opp^y – The course of my own unprompted reflections led me to say what you will find, at N^oP III p. 58 & c., not detailed, but sufficient to shew you my ideas –

What you say in reference to A. Smith deserves the most profound consideration on the part of those who think they can do any good – But I suspect, with great diffidence, that this fact, indubitable as it is under past & present circumstances, does not close the cause ag^t the human species – & I do not dream of infanticide, though – – – – – – – – –.

However, it can, I think do no good to have people linger under easily avoidable diseases – & to excite a relish for y^e study of human natures is the most likely way to find the outlet from the dire dilemma, <if one exists> – I have a very definite idea of the principle on which this outlet will be discovered, but I do not understand the moyeau d’execution – I think too it is good to hinder rich people from being <content to be> the diseased supporters of a diseased population – i.e. to soak in inactive luxury –

I have made much enquiry about great schools – & think what you say requires restriction – & that the advantage you specify is not attached to schools of any kind, though sometimes acquired at great schools – But the Lambtons <for instance> are much more efficient characters than any of their condition at Eton – I think my collected information w^d satisfy you of this – They know more of books – more of life – can act more wisely & firmly –

I stop this subject to mention a discovery, destined to make a grand aera in medicine – viz – the discovery of a specific for gout – which is quite pleasant & quite innocent – To let you see what I think of this specific, being applied to about the D. of Devonshire who was said to <be> scrupulous, but willing to attend to reasons in favour of the remedy I replied ‘I will give him my opinion in the plainest terms I can find – but I will not state arguments to any Duke, as if he were a judge of their force – I know from testimony & experience the power of the medicine – & will agree to forfeit 5000 guineas, if I do not safely & pleasantly free him from gout, provided he will give me 500 if I do’ – I wait the answer – It is no discovery of mine – & only known to 3 people in the world – I have the thing to use, but cannot disclose it –

Yrs truly

T.B.

21 Jan

P.S. My wife will be happy to hear from y^r sister – my remembrance to all y^r friends - The child, it seems, is healthy & remarkably strong & large I did not believe this at first –Your sister’s letter is just come – I do not think the second Essay will suit her at all – the third may – dispute goes on still warm about the hypocrite H. More

Address: Davies Giddy Esq / Tredrea / Cornwall
Endorsement: Doctor Beddoes / 1802 / Jan^y the 21^st
MS: Cornish Archives DG 42/8