From Thomas Beddoes to James Watt   29 June 1804

29 June
1804

Dear Sir

I have often turned over in my mind what I have seen & what I have learned from you about Gregory’s symptoms –

There seems to me no indication of extensive disorganization or lymphatic effusion in the lungs – His lying in all positions without inconvenience is a very strong argument agt either supposition

It is very improbable that an imposthume of long continuance sh^d have produced no pain in such a state of debility though at first it were indolent. There is not quite so much force in this consideration – Bark & some other drugs, used as they were, sh^d have produced inconvenience, given as they were – But as we have not & for a thousand years shall not have anything like an accurate symptomatology, great exceptions to the best general rules must for so long continue to harass medical men – and therefore with us nothing ought to be styled impossible

If the cause be an invisible dynamic change or the injury of a distant part, acting by association the seton is one of the best measures I know –

Tincture of cantharides rubbed on the chest, & also taken internally suggested itself – also small doses of ipecacuanha – as 1/3 ½ or a whole grain with camphor & opium – You have used something analogous But no 2 drugs are identical in their effect – and ipecacuanha often eases dyspnea with^t injuring the stomach in a small dose –

The wheezing is caused I suppose by increasing weakness & if this sh^d unhappily <go on to increase effusion> from any of the secreting exhalant vessels in the thorax or elsewhere it is to be dreaded –

Mrs Beddoes desires to give in compt^s to your ladies & in best wishes to Gregory, about whom I must add that Mr T Wedgwood has always enquired with the deepest interest

I am Dear Sir yr^s most truly

Thomas Beddoes