From Thomas Beddoes to Thomas Wedgwood   19 February 1795

Dear Sir

The first letter you ever favoured me with contains some acc^t of the effect of charcoal in relieving an affection of your stomach. I wish to add this observation to the new Ed. of my Considerations now in the press. It will contain two important communications on the medical & surgical virtues of charcoal, but neither notices your application of it. Experience in your own person may since have taught you something further concerning its efficacy or inefficacy – mature observations are most highly valuable in medicine.

Qu. Was yours a common case of dyspepsia with heartburn, flatulence &c? How much charcoal did you reckon for a dose?

Did it operate at all as an aperient?

Did it prevent (As I think it may) the generation of wind?

You know charcoal (a burned cork) is given to horses for the colic, but it is given in ale; & this makes the effect uncertain.

Can you answer the above in a fortnight from this date?

I beg pardon for intruding at this season but I wished to throw out your hint, as likely to be very useful. I flatter myself you will be pleased with the additions to my new Edition – The Pn^c Institution has not been advertised in the London papers for reasons assigned by Mr James Watt – I have more respectable names – I think they must be advertised in March.

I am D^rSir
Yours with sincere regard

Tho^s Beddoes

19 Feb^y 1795
Clifton Bristol