1804

Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, after 19 January 1804

Dear Sir

When Mr Barr went with me to Dr Carmichaels just before I left Birm^m we spoke of calomel & I first expressed the same opinion – It may surely be given with^t depressing – But is not this rather ag^t hydrocarbonate? To be given to any effect must it not lower –

You will communicate y^r observation of copaiba to Dr Carmichael It is certainly important – & may suggest useful consequences – for example – why sh^d not spices or ethereal medicines – as spirituous aetheris nitrosi be given when the lowness & weakness are most felt? or oil of mace a drop or half a drop

Your speedy reply in consideration of my anxiety about the books is very obliging – I had heard from your agents in town & requested the parcel might be insured –

For my part, I sh^d not think it right to expect any help from the supporters of the pneumatic to the new Instⁿ I am surprized, when there is so much else to absorb feeling, that it sh^d have attracted any attention But as it has to a very great degree indeed in proportion to its notoriety, I think it must prosper – for you know it is much more level to general apprehension than an enquiry concerning airs – Yesterday I had a conference with the Duchess of Devonshire & she feels about it just as I w^d wish – & undertakes to distribute books – L^d Lansdowne said he w^d recollect all the good people <he knew> & give them copies – so several others – I am printing a new edⁿ, to part of which I shall add my reasons why it ought not to be regarded as a mere local scheme – I shall send you some copies & if an opport^y occurs, I hope you will be so good as use them – The distribution will at least make the thing known.

I am very sorry to hear you are in danger of this public office – The appointment w^d heap upon you more than your share of the evils of the times –

I trust Mr Gregory will not resist the calomel, if Dr C sh^d like to try it – He may be assured that it can be managed so as to produce no sort of inconvenience – With my compt^s to Mrs Watt & your sons I am D^r Sir

Yr^s very truly

Thomas Beddoes

Friday

If you know or hear of an ingenious and steady med^l student, I c^d employ him – I sh^d not pay him & in fact he ought I think to contribute to the Instⁿ – Where he certainly might learn as much as he c^d take in.

Address: Mr Watt / Heathfield / Birmingham
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes / Jan^y 1804 // Gregory’s case / his new dispensary
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/115/02