Thomas Beddoes to T.G. Estcourt, 5 November 1807
My dear Sir
I think you do perfectly right not to be content without getting rid of the catch in the breath which seems to me a symptom not at all depending on any organic affection of the lungs, but belonging to the nerves of the diaphragm – in proof of my opinion I think I can promise to put an end to it – for this I propose a couple of <three> pills as directed below – to be taken before it comes on & a liniment – After all signs of cold have disappeared, I do not think that this catch ought to suspend the cold applications – But neither wd I desire nor you consent to do anything rash – so perhaps in a few posts you will tell if I have stopped the catch –
Camphor-julep wd be a good thing to wash down the midday pill but if you dislike it much, it is not so essential –
Mr Edmund’s cough grew better – but I expect Mrs Estcourt will pull my cap for not foreseeing what a dreadful day Monday was to be – at least the latter end
I think it wd be well if you cd eat a small piece of mutton chop, boiled ham &c at breakfast – I trouble you to direct the enclosed to
Rd Phillips Esq
Bridge St London
T. G. Estcourt Esq –
5th Novr – 1807
℞ Spirit vini camphorat ℥v
Tinct cantharidis ℥ii
– – cinn: c. ℥ss Ft linimentum cujus illinatus pauxillum bis die thoraci – – –
℞ Quassiae in pulveram triti gr v
Pilul: Aloes c myrrhâ gr ii
Ol. Pimento gtt ii
Pilul: Styrac. compos: gr ii ss
M ft pilulae s. a. iii ante meridiem quotidie sumendae, superbibendo cyanthum parvum misturae campheratae – – TB
Address: T. G. Estcourt Esq MP / New Park / Devizes
MS: Gloucestershire Archives D1571/F227