From Thomas Beddoes to James Watt   [12/13/14] March 1795

Dear Sir

A consumptive patient, who never c^d be persuaded to try any air & who is now on the eve of dissolution absolutely prevents me from quitting this place for so long a time as 2 days. I regret this disappointment exceedingly: probably I sh^d be at liberty in a week, if I sh^d find you then at Heathfield; & not more engaged than for a week past.

You will be surprised, I presume, but it has been the result of two exp^s that hydrocarbonate air makes the liver, <nerves, venous > blood & heart of animals florid – I am going to repeat this exp^t twice more with hydrocarbonate which I have just prepared with great care. The comparative animals has been strangled in one exp^t & drowned in another. Therefore if any further proof was wanting, this w^d shew that hydrocarbonate is not the negation of oxygene –

The brother of poor Capper is trying some exp^s on animals I believe, at least, he is trying to apply the double valve with advantage to the respiring part of the apparatus. I am always glad to find a new head & new pair of hands applied to this business.

I sh^d be glad if you find the plate with Dr Pearson that you w^d direct him to forward it wrapped up to Mr Rosser Printer Broad Street – If you are going from home, will you give me leave to send the sheets that have been printed which include your part? – If you are not going from home, I yet hope to bring them – for I am excessively mortified at not being able to get away; especially as I hoped you w^d explain to me at large the projects of which you have dropped hints in your late letters.

I am Dear Sir

Yours truly

Tho^s Beddoes

I received your note as I was writing this letter & am much mortified at its contents