1803

Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, 5 December 1803

Dear Sir

Dr Carmichaels letter has relieved me from a good deal of anxiety about the fate of my first letter.

I have now hardly time to say much, as it is near post time – But there only two points to speak to.

1. Whether a journey shall be risqued – I sh^d think there c^d be no hazard in a close private carriage – the inns on the road being so good – & it seems a sort of cough such as change of air or motion often relieves –

2. If not to a journey, to what shall we recur?

I saw a great number of similar coughs immediately subsequent to the influenza – & sometimes digitalis fully tried proved of no kind of use – Balsamics sometimes did – as

℞

Balsam: canadens. ℥i
Mellis ʒii
Pulv g. arab gr. x
Aq. nucis mosch ℥i

Also to rub garlic on the spine & about the chest –
with the same intention

Aether vitriolic ℥i
Aq. ammon purae ʒi to be inhaled frequently if it do not excite coughing.

To the above dose taken twice a day Tinct. of digital: scill & opium in very moderate doses may be added.

On comparing Mr Watts & Dr C’s letters, it appears exceedingly difficult to give the rationale of the case. There are neither the usual appearances from diseased lungs nor grounds for ascribing the cough to any particular sympathy.

If you do not choose to risk the journey & wish for my opinion with the advantages of a personal examination, I will cheerfully meet Dr Carmichael at your house – You shall just simply repay the expences & exactly tender what I sh^d be out of pocket for the short time – I sh^d travel 2 nights – By this arrangement your w^d not feel the load of any pecuniary obligation & I sh^d have the satisfaction of rendering what services I can with^t offering them for the sake of profit.

I am D^r Sir
Yr^s very truly

Thomas Beddoes.

Address: James Watt Esq. / Heathfield / Birmingham
Endorsement: Doct^r Beddoes / Dec^r 5 1803 // Prescription for Gregory
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/045/08