Autograph Letter to John Levett

Autograph Letter Signed to John Levett, East Hinton, Christ Church, Hampshire. 24 May 1801; Bedford.

The first two pages are in response to Levett's 'observations on the morbid melancholy & hallucination of mind incident to the human frame'. Gives his opinion of the 'best mode of treatment' in the case (recounted in Darwin's 'Zoonomia') of the clergyman who became insane after swallowing the seal of a letter and being told by a friend that 'It will seall your bowels up'. 'And with respect to diseases being hereditary - if by that term is meant that we are subject to the diseases of our forefathers, I believe that the bodies of the children are heirs to all the diseases of their parents'. Discusses his 'Mother's claims on Government'. 'I run the gauntlet of good or bad fortune - '. References to the Rev. Mr. Tonyn and Lady John Russell. 'We are shortly to have a county Infirmary built here - I am seeking interest to become Physician to it - Should I be fortunate enough to be appointed - it will make me better known & give me good opportunities of encreasing medical experience'.