The medical side of Benjamin Franklin / by William Pepper.

  • William Pepper
Date:
1911
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The medical side of Benjamin Franklin / by William Pepper. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    159/202 page 95
    few other papers, in 1848 by Karl von Schreiber, son-in-law of Jacquin. Since 1852 this mysterious volume has been in the possession of the family of Von Mitis, and although it has been frequently examined, no information has been obtained concerning its origin. It corresponds with no known writing of Igenhousz or Franklin. It is identical with no other manuscript. And yet the testimony of Jacquin is precise and reverent, and the document has never departed from the descendants of Igenhousz.” . . . Other references to Blackrie are as follows: Passy, May 19, 1785. To Jonathan Williams. My Disorder has its bad and good Days. At present I am tolerably affected by it; but sometimes the Pain is hard to bear. I wish you to buy and send me Blackrie’s Disquisition on Medicines that dissolve the Stone. You will find it at Wilkie’s No. 71, Paul’s Churchyard. I am ever, your Affectionate Uncle B. Franklin. To Caleb Whitefoord. Passy, May 19, 1785. My dear old Friend: I have desired my Nephew Mr. Williams to buy a Book for me, Blackrie’s Disquisitions upon Medicines for dissolving the Stone. It treats I understand of the Sope-Lye, which is recommended in the Pamphlet you were so kind as to send me. . . . In a very long letter Franklin discusses many things, some humor¬ ously, others seriously. His own ailments he makes fun about. The account of the Foundling Hospital at Paris shows us that he was a strong opponent of race suicide. He favored large families and he urged the proper care of children after they were born. Then in another part of this same interesting letter there is the description of one of Franklin’s inventions—bifocal lenses—as they are now called. This invention entitles him to a high rank among ophthalmologists. Passy, May 23, 1785. To George Whatley. . . . I must agree with you, that the Gout is bad, and that the Stone is worse. I am happy in not having them both together, and I join in your Prayer, that you may live till you die without either. . . .
    No text description is available for this image
    No text description is available for this image
    No text description is available for this image