Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, 11 August 1802
11 Aug 1802
Dear Sir
Your information on the subject of the intermittent throws a different light on Gregory’s case – Nearly all the symptoms are reconcileable to the supposition of a relapse. The cough might be excited by the same cold air that brought the ague back. It is certainly possible that the fever might have been hectic – but it is too early to expect it so regular & distinct –
The physicians on the spot cannot possibly be at a loss to make the distinction & I am rather surprised at their inaction, unless the change of weather put an end to the return of the intermittent
On this supposition I think nothing better can be done than follow Dr Carmichael’s advice – I shd prefer the sulfate with excess of nitrous acid – I once saw the sulfate alone disagree much in a hepatic case – though probably the analogy does not apply to Gregory –
If the same unfavourable supposition should be realized, I have nothing new to propose, except that two or three drams of the muriate of lime thrice a day seem to answer well in incipient phthisis & calomel – I mean the muriate made with muriatic acid & water equal parts –
This is so complicated a prescription that I do not understand which article serves or whether all are in some cases useful –
With compts to Mrs & Mr J. Watt I am
Dear Sir
Yrs truly
Thomas Beddoes
N.B. the inclosure came safe
If your mind shd be relieved from this anxiety soon I shd like to know your opinion concerning the best method of satisfying the public respecting their gout-medicine or of bringing it into use. The proprietor will not now tell me what it is – His stock is not enough to supply a demand from medical people in all or in many quarters. And he thinks if so dispersed that no man cd be sure of having enough for one case, the experience of this & next year would be lost – so he wishes that 4 or 5 people & their correspondents shd have the disposal of the whole. But this will be felt invidious & decried as monopoly –
Address: Mr Watt / Heathfield / Birmingham
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes Aug 11th / 1802 / Gregory’s case
Postmark: AUG111802
MS: LoB MS 3219/7/51/39