1804

Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, 13 January 1804

13 Jan. 1804

Dear Sir

The following rationale for Mr Gregory’s case is the only one in which I can acquiesce – The prime organs of nutrition lie in the thorax & abdomen – The latter are not I presume affected. There is <probably> some obscure condition of the first, which prevents the arterial blood from receiving that change in the lungs, which makes it fit for nourishing the solids – Also there is a cough & dyspnoea to convince us that the membrane or parenchyma is out of order – We have not as yet the signs of forward or active tubercles –

Let us apply some power which we know changes the condition of the organ – If balsamics, garlic &c externally & internally do no good, I sh^d recommend mercury & calomel in particular – No substance changes the state of the viscera more effectually – nor w^d it be necessary to resort to a dose, productive of inconvenience – for ex – 1 to 1½ grains in 2 or 3 doses every day for a week – then omit for 2 or 3 days –

I have no doubt at all but hydrocarbonate can very safely be tried – but I have no idea what it will do – here

Will you ask Mr Boulton Jun^r if he knows anything of a Mr Reimarus, a spediteur or agent at Hamburgh – why I ask is this – My bookseller at Leipsic sent me books from last fair to Mr Busch as usual – Mr B wrote him word that he had failed – Reimarus then was desired by the bookseller to take them in charge – Mr Busch had used to send them to Mr Boulton’s agent in town – But I suppose Reimarus knew nothing of that channel – nor has he, as I expected he w^d, advised me of their being forwarded or not forwarded – They were at Hamburgh early enough to be forwarded by the convoy – I beg to be remembered to Mrs Watt & Mr Gregory as also to Dr Carmichael & Mr Barr – You will perhaps be surprised to hear that my preventive Instⁿ meets with abundant favour & even support – I did not expect it – I remember you once said – it w^d be difficult to get anything at Birm^m on acc^t of the times. I had no notion of applying, particularly to any subscriber to the Pneumatic – for as the 2^nd arose from the first, the subscribers to the 2^nd will support the first – I scarce had a perfect opport^y of carrying on researches with air till now. I think I have the full confidence of the great body of our poor – & I am trying to get a young man whose sole business shall be preparing & administering airs – I am

D^r Sir
Yr^s truly

Thomas Beddoes

Address: J. Watt Esq^r / Heathfield / Birmingham
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes / Jan^y 13^th 1804 // Gregory’s case, recommends calomel in small doses / His box of books from Hamburgh –
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/115/03