mined (though it is highly
probable, alas! that it will be fatal) I shall relate only a few
particulars of it. Master D. a boy of about twelve years of age, endowed
with an uncommon capacity, and with the most amiable dispositions, has
laboured many months under a hectic fever, the consequence of several
tumours in different parts of his body. Two of these tumours were laid
open by Mr. White, and a large quantity of purulent matter was
discharged from them. The wounds were very properly treated by this
skilful surgeon, and every suitable remedy, which my best judgment could
suggest, was assiduously administered. But the matter became sanious, of
a brown colour, and highly putrid. A _Diarrhoea_ succeeded; the
patient's stools were intolerably offensive, and voided without his
knowledge. A black fur collected about his teeth; his tongue was covered
with _Aphthae_; and his breath was so foetid, as scarcely to be
endured. His strength was almost exhausted; a _subsultus tendinum_ came
on; and the final period of his sufferings seemed to be rapidly
approaching. As a last, but almost hopeless, effort, I advised the
injection of clysters of mephitic air. These soon corrected the foetor
of the patient's stools; restrained his _Diarrhoea_; and seemed to
recruit his strength and spirits. Within the space of twenty-four hours
his wounds assumed a more favourable appearance; the matter discharged
from them became of a better colour and consistence; and was no longer
so offensive to the smell. The use of this remedy has been continued
several days, but is now laid aside. A large tumour is suddenly formed
under the right ear; swallowing is rendered difficult and painful; and
the patient refuses all food and medicine. Nourishing clysters are
directed; but it is to be feared that these will renew the looseness,
and that this amiable youth will quickly sink under his disorder[22].

The use of _wort_ from its saccharine quality, and disposition to
ferment, has lately been proposed as a remedy for the SEA SCURVY. Water
or other liquors, already abounding with fixed air in a separate state,
should seem to be better adapted to this purpose; as they will more
quickly correct the putrid disposition of the fluids, and at the same
time, by their gentle stimulus[23] increase the powers of digestion, and
give new strength to the whole system.

Dr. Priestley, who suggested both the idea and the means of executing
it, has under the sanction of the