From Thomas Beddoes to Matthew Boulton   27 March 1802

27 March

Dear Sir

I think that your exp^t with nitrous acid, though so far unsuccessful, is not unpromising. It is probable that the quantity you have taken has stimulated the kidneys & bladder too much – Indeed I need not tell you that the dose of a medicine is of as much importance as its qualities – And I believe in physicians as often fail in the one respect as in the other – It is astonishing what a trifling quantity of some agents will affect parts rendered highly susceptible by a cruel disease like that from which you have suffered – I have now a patient, a very accurate self-observer, whose liver has been injured by college-sotting & now half a glass of port wine or even a mouthful of strong tea constantly produces pain in the liver –

But I have made much use of a new compound acid more agreeable, & which in some calculous cases, & many liver-cases has proved superior to the nitrous or any simple acid – & also is a great exhilarant –

I will make some before you – & some of the stomachic medicine I spoke of –

I intend to have the pleasure of seeing you on Tuesday by your dinner-time & in the mean time am with the highest regard Dear Sir

Yours

Thomas Beddoes