1808

Thomas Beddoes to T. G. Estcourt, 3 June 1808

My dear Sir

I think it right to keep the system of children likely to be seized by the measles cool & temperate – For my part, I am quite surprised to hear of the ravages occasioned by the measles – I have had several lots of children lately to attend much feebler than your little fellow & with a little management, adapted to circumstances, they have (each individual has) gone through it almost without suffering – I hold the measles a disorder very little formidable when I can start with the first symptoms – I have long wished to write a tract on the hooping cough & measles But though I cannot reckon myself peculiarly timid in face of the public, I dare not at present I sh^d not be believed by the faculty though I c^d get numbers to swear to the success of the methods; & a few w^d half adopt them, spoil the result & say that I has misled them –

When it is decided whether Mast^r Edmund is to have the measles or not, if he is relaxed, a little change sh^d be made in his medicine &c & I dare say he will grow quite stout –

I am much obliged by y^r attention in telling me what you observed about Mrs Beddoes – neither she nor the little girl have had the measles; & I am frightened lest they sh^d get it from home – With my compt^s to y^r ladies I remain

My dear Sir
yr^s truly

Thomas Beddoes

3 June 1808

Endorsement: Dr Beddoes relating to the measles – June 5: 1808
MS: Gloucestershire Archives D1571 F227