1802

Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, [8 August 1802]

Dear Sir

I catched your letter just on entering the carriage for Bath – The following circumstances seem to me to indicate that the most prudent plan w^d be to take up the case as commencing phthisical –

1. the short cough –
2. the pain of side
3. The debility – nothing being so nervous-seeming – as many young people at this period
4. Gregory’s age – complexion hair & eyes –
5. his sister’s case

I remember some time back to have remarked circumstances which indicated the necessity of great care of Gregory’s lungs –

I certainly should recommend digitalis in such quantity as w^d not debilitate, viz. from 4 to 10 drops of the tincture in infusion of columba & or quassia – & calomel ¼ or ½ a grain twice a day – (with opium ½ or 1 grain at night <if needed>) as an alternative to be omitted where it affects the bowels or thocatins y^e mouth –

I never scarce see a failure in incipient phthisis on this plan – & if it be not phthisical it can do no harm if religiously adapted to the strength –

I most sincerely sympathize with you on the case of this interesting young man & am in haste

D^r Sir
Yr^s truly

Thomas Beddoes

The inclosure arrived Sunday safe Mrs B thin child fat & always happy

Unluckily ignorant of the nature of the post from Bath to you, I took your letter to consider in the carriage & to answer there – I have nothing to add but that the silence respecting rigors heats sweats & a quick pulse w^d afford a favourable presumption if we c^d infer the non-existence of these symptoms from the silence –

Will you tell Dr Carmichael that the nostrum for calculus has no operative effect as far as I c^d discover

Monday

Address: Mr Watt / Heathfield / Birmingham
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes / Augt 8^th 1802 / Gregory’s case
MS: LoB MS 3219/7/51/37