From Thomas Beddoes to Robert Allen   April 1801

Dear Sir,

I have received your very correct statement, and cannot see on what principle you have been refused the use of digitalis. To enter into the pro’s and con’s would far exceed the limits of a letter; I hope however you will give mine sufficient confidence, to make a cautious trial of it. Suppose you begin with five drops of the tincture thrice a day, increasing the dose, so as to guard against its depressing effects; if in the course of ten days you derive no benefit from this plan, I would advise the following: ℞. Tinct. colomb. ʒiij. cin. comp. ʒij. opii ʒiss. M. To a teaspoon full of this compound tincture, which is to be taken thrice a day, add a single drop of digitalis, and three of squill, increasing the dose of digitalis, so as not to exceed half the quantity you found unavailing. I shall be glad to hear from you in the course of a fortnight, and believe me to be, with best wishes for your recovery,

Your’s,
T. B.