1804

Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, 22 July 1804

Dear Sir

The improbability of any vomica or effusion increases with the length of time, in which the specific symptom appears – As yet there has been no such symptom – As to cough, dyspnea & emaciation with some fever they are much too ambiguous symptoms to fix any opinion as to their cause – I w^d rather it were not a vomica For this, though it be the most favourable cause of pulmonary suppuration when the strength is unimpaired, w^d I fear prove fatal here at its very bursting –

I sh^d think columbo in substance from XV to XL grams twice or thrice a day likely to do more good than a feebler dose –

The rubbing the stomach with as hard a brush as the skin will bear? Or with camphorated or ammoniacal liniment?

In case of dry heat, sponging the trunk with tepid vinegar & water?

To remove the seton & produce eruptions in the chest by ointment of tartarized antimony?

To wear a waistcoat quilted with bark

The almost unexampled concourse of invalids here has kept me in a fever of hurry & heat – Otherwise as two or three people have wished me to come to Bath, I sh^d have seen you ere this – Tomorrow an invalid from Bath comes to me & it will depend on circumstances whether I shall come thither a few days afterwards –

A Mr Green came from Bath as a sort of deputy from a number of persons in & near that place to enquire after the Institution – which goes on well – I am reprinting the little book for the poor & wish I c^d have Mrs Watts remedy for insertion –

Is any thing practicable for a balneaum mariae for the poor? Is it worth while to recommend one vessel within another? They cannot cook any thick broth half so nicely in a single vessel –

Mrs Beddoes joins me in all good wishes
I am
Dear Sir
yr^s truly

Thomas Beddoes

22 July 1804

Address: James Watt Esq / Bath
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/115/19
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes / July 22^d 1804