From — Santoux
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Bordeaux, February 3, 1778, in French: I have seen in our
journals that you recommend tobacco ash against dropsy. Please
tell me for what sort of dropsy, how the ash is prepared and
administered, what kind of tobacco is used, and whether it is
burned in the open or in a closed container. The region in
which I practice has a large incidence of dropsy, both anasarcous
and acid; can the ash be expected to work on one or
both? Can it be prescribed for dropsies of the chest? In our art
we should not act without precise instructions, and who can
give them better than you?
I should like your judgement on my treatment of venereal
disease, but you are doubtless too busy. If you can spare a few
moments, however, let me put before you my view of the different
degrees of degeneration, and the reasoning behind my
unique way of preparing the mercury. If you do not applaud
my work, I am convinced, you will honor my zeal.>
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