A SHORT ESSAY ON THE VIRTUES OF Dr. NORRIS's ANTIMONIAL DROPS.
THE SECOND EDITION.
TO WHICH IS ADDED, A CATALOGUE OF CURES, INCONTESTIBLY PROVING [...]EIR SOVEREIGN EFFICACY IN FEVERS.
SHORT ESSAY, &c.
THOUGH there is nothing should less plead for an apology to the public than addressing them on what so immediately and importantly concerns them, the continuance and restoration of their health; yet in a metropolis like this, — where the necessitous, the ignorant, and adventurous are every hour practising on the constitutions of their fellow-creatures;—the most distant possibility of my being classed in this number would have prevented this address, was I not at the same time so conscious, from many years absolute experience in a variety of cases, of the superior efficacy of this medicine; that, abstracted from all other considerations, I should hold myself chargeable, in point of duty, to omit making it as universal as possible.
Upon this principle, then, and the corroborating success of this medicine for many years I beg leave to recommend to the Public ‘NORRIS's ANTIMONIAL DROPS;’ which, upon a certainty of their composition and salutary effects, I pronounce a specific in the following [Page 4]disorders — Inflammatory Fevers, Putrid Bilious Fevers, Slow Latent (commonly called) Nervous Fevers, and Putrid Sore Throats, &c. insomuch that, in a vast variety of cases, where life has been often despaired of, and under some of the most respectable of the faculty, there has been no one instance (at least that has ever come to my knowledge) of their being found ineffectual.
I am however aware, that, from the title of this medicine, many may have their doubts; as Antimony, of all other physical productions, has been considered as the most violent, and dangerous in it's effects: I will not contradict this popular apprehension; on the contrary, I think it generally well founded; but this I will pledge myself to say, that from my particular manner of preparing it, it's efficacy can only be equalled by it's safety; that it is a medicine of such singular or unique quality, that it may be taken with equal safety in infancy or old age, by delicate or robust constitutions in small or large quantities; and so far from producing any of those violent operations, the usual effects of Antimony, it recovers nature in the most friendly manner imaginable, operating without any sensible difference than a degree of perspiration, &c. proportioned to the necessity of the disease.
It is to be lamented, that, upon many occasions, in fevers, physicians are obliged to wait for what they call the crisis of the disorder, and many days are often elapsed in this intermediate, doubtful state, before any thing can be pronounced in respect to an opinion on the patient; but this medicine is so immediate, yet [Page 5]innocent, in it's effects, that it waits for no crisis or particular period; it may be taken in the first, middle, or latter stages of the disorder, and in any quantities, with safety; in short, it wants but to meet the disease to give it an absolute overthrow.
From these positive declarations, I am not insen2ible what a risque I may be thought to run, both in respect to my own character and fortune; and indeed I should feel myself unworthy not only of the public patronage I have received, but of the common benefits of mankind, could I be so lost to my own honour and conscience, for the mere sake of interested views, thus to recommend a medicine, which I even remotely doubted of it's success; but the repeated proofs I have had of it's never-failing efficacy, it's immediate, powerful, and safe effects, all give me a consciousness of communicating it to the world under the most positive and certain assurances.
These drops, besides being a specific for fevers, I have often known succeed in a variety of other disorders, such as bad digestion, nervous head-aches, latent scurvies, (the source of many evils) and infallably in gouty habits, where insensible perspiration is suppressed. And indeed when the extent of their powers, as an universal deobstruent, which lead to a general strengthening and restoration of nature, are considered, the universality of their effects will cease to be wondered at.
Having thus given a summary account of the virtues of these Antimonial Drops, I am aware of the objections which will naturally arise from a comparative [Page 6]view of the general mode of medicinal administration, and that which prevails in this essay: I am likewise aware of the formidable opposition which every great discovery in medicine must unavoidably meet with, not only from it's opposition to established practice, but the uncharitable endeavours of interested men, who, under the specious pretence of it's not being in common use, have invariably reprobated all such (however beneficial to mankind) as dangerous or uncertain. Though the use of these Antimonial Drops would be a convincing answer to such insinuations; yet, as many have not experienced their effects; and as I would willingly obviate every difficulty, as well for the sake of my own reputation as the satisfaction of the Public; I shall submit the following apology for my conduct.
It is generally objected to those, who have laboured through a painful course of years, and have been at great expences in the discovery, and preparation of medicine, that to make a mystery for private emolument of what so essentially affects public benefit, is repugnant to those principles of universal charity, which should actuate the human breast:—This, at first blush, I own seems plausible, but then it should be considered, that the means of throwing this into Common Use, may destroy its effects; as the excellency of a medicine depends not so much on the subject from which it is taken, as the great care and judgement in the preparation. A common chemist, in shortening the necessary period of preparation, dispensing with accidents substituting apparently-similar bodies [Page 7]or by any of those various means, which may save his time, or increase his profits, may think himself sufficiently justified for so doing by the usage of trade: But the more careful chemist, conscious that the least accident or mismanagement is frequently sufficient to extinguish the virtues of his process, and having nothing so much at heart, as the credit of his medicine, is barred by no labour, no time, no expences, no disappointments, in bringing to perfection this his favourite object.
Permit me then to rank myself in this last class, who, from dedicating the best part of my life to Chemical processes, must necessarily be supposed to be well acquainted with the minutest preparation of medicine; and on the credit of this experience let me add; that, what from the judgment and accuracy required, together with the many accidents to which it is liable, the process of my Antimonial Drops can scarcely be compleated in the way of Common business. This consideration then alone, I flatter myself, will fully justify my conduct to the judicious and impartial part of mankind.
I have already been sufficiently explicit in enumerating the virtues of this medicine; I do not therefore mean to take up any more of the attention of the Public; otherwise, than as the PRESERVATION and RESTORATION of health form the principal and greatest blessing of life, that they strictly examine into it's merits. If it turns out to be productive of those benefits I have mentioned; surely I cannot be thought presuming to expect that a public reward should follow so public a benefit. If on the contrary I should [Page 8]be found one of those forward daring empyricks, who are heedless what sacrifices they make to their own interests; let me be branded with that infamy, which those who endeavour to deceive mankind in such important matters deserve.
And here I beg leave to request all those who have honoured me with their confidence, and who by experience or observation are vouchers of the efficacy of this medicine, to favor me with their names and address, that, by the permitted publication of such authority, to be from time to time added to this essay, I may be the better enabled to render as universal as possible so great a benefit to mankind.
CURES BY THE SOLE USE OF DR. NORRIS's ANTIMONIAL DROPS.
N. B. Those with initial letters being desirous of extending the use of this medicine for the benefit of others, yet, for some private reasons and particular connections, are unwilling to have their names made public, but may be privately referred to, on application to me at my house, Duke-street, Westminster.
— W. Esq. THIS gentleman, struck with some expressions in my directions, (viz. ‘"A Fever is produced by an extraordinary exertion of the powers of nature, to expel whatever has a tendency to be destructive or noxious to the animal oeconomy"’) was determined, after having sufficiently proved many things ineffectual, to send for me; which he did. I found him sorely afflicted with a Bilious, Putrid Fever, attended with a most violent Vomiting and Purging, and in all appearance near a dissolution; however, being convinced of the healing powers of my medicine, I gave him a smile of hope, and after administering a small dose, lest him to rest. [Page 10]The next day I found him considerably better, and in a few days, without other assistance, he was perfectly cured.
The Rev. Sidney Swinney, D. D. Fellow of the Royal and Antiquarian Societies.
THIS gentleman has experienced the superior efficacy of this medicine, in a nervous disorder with which he had been afflicted three years; and, in various cases, of others who took it by his recommendation.
I Was sorely afflicted with a lingering Fever, occasioned by a cold, which brought on a loss of appetite and weakness of stomach, that would suffer very little nourishment to stay on it. After more than six months illness, my physicians Drs. Addington and Ford. having so far given me over as to discontinue their prescriptions, thinking every possible means had been tried, at last consented that your Drops should be administered: the first dose gave manifest signs of amendment, and in a short continuance of them I was restored from the brink of the grave to perfect health. It is now upwards of five years since I experienced their happy effects; since which I have not only recommended but administered them to many in fevers, and do declare I never found them to fail in a single instance. This you have my permission to make public for the benefit of mankind.
Mrs. G.
THIS gentlewoman had been afflicted many months with a Slow, Latent, Nervous Fever, with a total loss of appetite and bad digestion; insomuch that she was reduced to a very deplorable condition. In this state, after every advice and assistance of the faculty, and when her recovery was generally despaired of, she was induced by the persuasion of Mr. Teygetmeyer to try my Antimonial Drops; which, to the astonishment of herself and all who knew her, very soon restored her to perfect health.
John White, servant to Mr. Teygetmeyer.
NOtwithstanding this man was delirious, and had every dangerous symptom that could possibly attend an Acute Inflammatory Fever; upon taking my Antimonial Drops a gentle perspiration ensued, and a very copious sweat soon followed, which carried off his Fever in a few hours; and, in a few days he was able to go about his business.
MY servant was delirious, and in all respects so bad in an Inflammatory Fever, attended with a putrid disposition, that it was generally thought she could not recover; but on taking these Drops she presently began to mend, and the continuance of one small bottle perfected her cure.
Some time after my son had a violent Inflammatory Fever, and from the almost immediate [Page 12]effects of these Drops on my servant, and the good report I had heard of them from many of my acquaintance, I trusted in them altogether, and gave him no other medicine; I gave them to him freely, which threw him into a fine perspiration and a sweet sleep; the Fever was carried off in a few hours, and he recovered health and strength in a few days. This you have my permission to publish for the good of mankind, believing your Antimonial Drops to be the most safe and effectual remedy for Fevers ever yet discovered.
To Dr. Norris, Duke-street, Westminster.
Letter from George Downing, Esq;
I HAVE read your treatise on the Antimonial Drops, and having experienced their good effects in a variety of instances in my family for above six years, I consider it as a duty to add to your catalogue my testimony of their safety and efficacy; of which, to particularize no other, there cannot be a stronger proof than the following case:
A daughter of mine, sixteen years of age, of a delicate constitution, was last autumn seized with a Putrid Fever and sore throat; so rapid was the disease in it's progress, that she was near a dissolution before your Drops were administered. We gave them in large doses, and very freely, by [Page 13]which the danger was presently overcome, and my daughter soon perfectly restored to health. You have my permission to subjoin this to your Essay, and am,
To Dr. Norris, Duke-street, Westminster.
MR. F. a respectable tradesman in the city of London. His daughter, a weakly delicate child, about five years of age, was sorely afflicted with a swelled stomach, and constipation in her bowels; together with indigestion, a Slow Fever, and a sharp corrosive humour in her blood. To the inexpressible joy of her parents, who had despaired of her recovery, she is happily restored to health, by the virtues of this invaluable medicine. Two of his servants were cured of a Putrid Fever; the one in his own house, very speedily, and went about his business in a few days; the other soon after was attacked with the same disorder: for reasons best known to his master he sent him to Islington, and put him under the care of an apothecary there, but hearing very unfavorable accounts of him daily, he went to see him, and sent for the apothecary, who told him, among other things, that his Fever was a very dangerous one, and must wait for a crisis, &c. This not appearing satisfactory to the old gentleman, he discharged the apothecary, and immediately sent for me. [Page 14]Let it suffice to say that I was under the necessity of giving this young man three times more in quantity of the Drops than is ordinarily prescribed, before the desired effect was produced; he began to take them about eight o clock in the morning, and between that and five in the evening he had taken four fifths of a half guinea bottle, without their having the least sensible effect; he then called for a large bason of tea, which he drank, and about six had a very profuse sweat, in which he continued the whole night, and slept comfortably. I made him a visit the next day, and found him equal to my wishes; and the day following pronounced him out of danger, which I reported to his master. In a week or ten days after I saw him about his business.
REMARKS.
Very few people pay that attention to the directions given with the medicine which they ought; if they did there would be very little occasion for my visits, particularly in Fevers.
The following Case you have in the gentleman's own words:
"IN the month of July, 1774, my eldest son was seized with a most violent Fever and neverceasing excessive head-ach, which defied all the various medicines that acknowledged skill and attention could prescribe for thirteen days and nights together, until he was evidently sinking under dedebilitating vomits, blisters, and four bleedings; the despairing father trembling for the fate of a [Page 15]youth who had never once swerved from the strictest rules of duty, and who but very recently lost another most promising youth, under circumstances exactly similar; and therefore as a last resource in such imminent danger, he applied for Dr. Norris's Antimonial Drops, which in one night carried off the violent head-ach, and through a soft easy sweat, that terminated in a sound sleep, every dangerous symptom was at once removed; which I dutifully attest, to allay th excruciating anguish of all other unhappy parents in the like melancholy sorrow and distress for their beloved offspring, sinking, helpless, and without any hope of further relief from fast approaching dissolution. This, Sir, you have my permission to publish for the good of mankind.
To Dr. Norris, Duke-street, Westminster.
A Letter from the Rev. Mr. Chauncy, Rector of Ayot St. Peter, in Hertfordshire.
I Was greatly afflicted with a weak stomach, frequent head-achs, a vitiated appetite, and a scorbutic habit; let it suffice to say that your Antimonial Drops, without the assistance of any other medicine, under God, have restored me to a good state of health. My wife also, by a short continuance of them, was cured of a Nervous [Page 16]Fever, frequent head-achs, and a general loathing of food. This you have my permission to subjoin to your Essay, and am,
To Dr. Norris, Duke-street, Westminster.
— H. Esq.
WAS cured by these Drops of a Slow Latent Fever, indigestion, crudities, &c. This gentleman, from a charitable motive, has had much experience of the sovereign effects of this medicine in an Endemial Fever, which prevailed in his neighbourhood. To use his own words, ‘"This Fever prevailed in my absence from home; my housekeeper administered them to the poor, as long as she had any; all who took them recovered, and two, for whom she had none left, died."’
Mrs. D'Haynes, Prince's-Court, Story's Gate, Westminster,
WAS afflicted with a violent pain in her chest, a weak stomach and bad digestion, attended with a Slow Nervous Fever; she is perfectly restored to health by the sole use of this medicine.
Mrs. May, No. 8, Buckingham-street, York-buildings,
WAS afflicted with the most distressing Miliary Fever I ever was acquainted with, which species of Fever is universally allowed to be of longer continuance [Page 17](though not so dangerous) and require more judgment in treating it, than any other kind of Fever; notwithstanding, under a course of my Antimonial Drops, taken according to directions, she was perfectly cured in seventeen days, which, in the common way of treating it, rarely happens in as many weeks. This she is ready to attest when called upon.
Mrs. Ann Wright, James-street, Golden-square,
CURED of a most violent pain in her stomach, so excruciating at times as not to be described, attended with a total loss of appitite, so that very little nourishment would stay on her stomach. In two years continuance of this malady, her strength and spirits were quite exhausted, and her skin became very yellow; insomuch that she was reduced to the most deplorable state. After proving every effort of the faculty vain, and taking various specifics to no good purpose, she was induced by the recommendation of a gentleman who had sufficiently proved their virtues, to take my Antimonial Drops, one small bottle of which restored her to perfect health.
I Caught a severe cold on the 18th of July, 1773, which terminated in a violent Inflammatory Fever that continued till the 5th day of August following, when few signs of life appearing, your Antimonial Drops were administered as the last effort to restore me, when, to the surprize of all my friends, in [Page 18]the course of three days, I was perfectly recovered, without any other sensible effect than a degree of perspiration. This you have not only my permission but my request you will make public for the good of mankind.
REMARKS.
This young man after bleeding, blistering, leeches applied to his temples, and every other means in common practice made use of to no good purpose; his brother, with whom he lives, was advised to try in this desperate case my Antimonial Drops; he made some enquiries about me at the Carolina Coffee-house in Birchin-lane, where I frequently go when in the city; satisfied with Mr. Carr's, and several gentlemens report of me there, the Drops were immediately administer'd according to directions; the next day I happened to call at the coffee-house, when Mr. Carr, who keeps it, after reciting what had past, was sorry to inform me the young man was no better, and then past all hope; that as I was so near he thought it adviseable I should call; I did; and, never did I see a human being so near death: I could feel no pulse; he lay on his back with his eyes wide open and fixed, speechless, and motionless to all appearance. Being the first instance of my Antimonial Drops failing in Fevers, at least that ever came to my knowledge, made me more particularly inquisitive about the administration of them, when, (to my great surprize) the brother of my patient assured me with much concern, they [Page 19]were administered according to directions, and he had taken of nothing else since, but the apothecary's stuffs, as he called them, every two hours, as they were directed to be given. There was no time to be lost in reproof; it was now one o'clock at noon, I immediately dispatched a messenger to Mr. Parker's, for a half guinea bottle of Drops, a table spoonful of which was poured down that instant, with directions, if he lived an hour and an half, to repeat it, and continue to give him that quantity every two hours after, till a sweat or some visible signs of amendment were discovered; and then to diminish the dose gradually; that no other medicine should be administered on any account, but, to let him have as much baum tea, or any simple diluting liquor as they could get down, by little and little, every now and then; the blunder committed before, made them now doubly diligent and punctual; I called the next day, and found the Fever was quite gone; but such a lassitude and stupidity remained as exceeds all description. The nurse informed me he lay very quiet till five o'clock; about six, he began to perspire, and continued so to do the whole night plentifully; sleeping all the time; which from his laying very still and motionless, and as she thought breathless too, made her several times conclude he was dead, till by laying on her hand every now and then she was satisfied to the contrary. I then ordered the Drops to be given very sparingly, not above twenty or thirty, every two or three hours, till I called the next day, when I pronounced him out of danger, and ordered him to be [Page 20]wrapped up in a blanket, put into a carriage, and taken somewhere to breathe a purer air as soon as possible, which was accordingly done the next day. He soon gathered strength, and in a few days was able to return to his business, and has continued ever since in good health and spirits.
CERTIFICATE.
I, Thomas Reynolds, master of the ship Mentor, belonging to the port of London, do hereby certify to whom it may concern, that upon my late voyage from St. Kitt's to Carolina, with negro slaves, several of them falling ill of Fevers, and some of them very dangerously so, I administered to them Dr. Norris's Antimonial Drops, and they all perfectly recovered, without the aid of any other medicine whatsoever.
REMARKS.
This gentleman informed me, that from Africa to St. Kitt's, he had lost upwards of seventy slaves, not being able to prevail on the surgeon to administer my Antimonial Drops to them. When he arrived at St. Kitt's the doctor quitted the ship, and the captain then had about seventy slaves left, which he was to take to Carolina: in the passage ten or twelve of them were seized with the same Fever the others died of; being then without a surgeon, he had recourse to my Antimonial Drops, which recovered them; verily believing, if [Page 21]timely administered, nine out of ten of those that were lost might have been saved. These Drops were sent, by way of experiment, at the instance of a worthy gentleman, a merchant in the city, much interested in African affairs, and under the peculiar care of Captain Reynolds, the only one, he said, he could depend upon to make a just report; before which, and since, several small boxes were sent to merchants at Liverpool, for the same purpose, and some few from the port of London also; but, strange to tell! when immediately under the care and administration of the surgeon, all their influence were gone, and they became of none effect. It would be no very easy matter to prevail upon many commanders of ships who sail without surgeons, to credit this report from their own experience. This I am very well assured of, and could venture my credit, reputation, and fortune, upon the event, that if the surgeons of ships were actuated by the same disinterested principles; my Antimonial Drops would prove a great acquisition not only to the African company in preserving their negroes, but the lives of thousands subject to putrid fevers in hot climates.
Letter from Capt. Stott, of his majesty's frigate the Juno, to Dr. Norris.
"IN justice to you, and from a desire of being serviceable to the community, particularly that part of it which I have the honour to be a member of, I send you, attested by the officers of his majesty's ship Juno, under my command, an account [Page 22]of the effects of your Antimonial Drops, in the course of my late voyage to and from Falkland's Island.
In the outward passage, by the surgeon of the ship's report to me, of the 5th of April last, it appeared, that Geo. Hunter, and Laur. Pittman, two of the seamen, were taken ill with Malignant Fevers; that having for several days been given the usual medicines without effect, he thought them past a possibility of recovery; judging this a fit opportunity to make a trial of the efficacy of your drops, (for notwithstanding the recommendations which were given me of them, and which induced me to take them with me, I had resolved to let every usual means take place before I gave them) I then therefore gave a bottle to the surgeon, and desired they might be administered; he said, it would, he believed, be of little consequence whatever was given them, as he thought they could not live to the next day, however, he would try them; the next morning, in his account to me of the sick, he told me the men were much better, and he believed they would recover, which from that time they did, and were soon after able to do their duty in the ship.
On the 27th of July following, being in the southern part of the Torrid zone, Mr. Joslin, the boatswain of the ship, was taken ill of the same Fever, with the like symptoms as the two former, and after the surgeon had represented to me, that he had used all the means in his power for his recovery, [Page 23]to no purpose, the Antimonial Drops were given, and had the desired effect, by his immediate recovery.
Sometime afterwards, in the southern ocean, Ja. Hamm, and Evan Williams, the one a boy, the other a marine, were seized with a fever, and were, by the surgeons report to me, given over for many days; the Drops were given them also, which produced a plentiful sweating, and their immediate recovery. Such repeated success gives me the highest opinion of the virtues and efficacy of your Antimonial Drops, and on these grounds I cannot too strongly recommend them.
I also enclose you the surgeon's attestation taken from the journals of his practice in the ship, and which, as well as this letter, you are at liberty to make public. Wishing you every success,
‘"We, the undermentioned officers of his majesty's said ship Juno, do also testify what is mentioned in the above letter, and are of the same opinion with regard to Dr. Norris's Antimonial Drops."’
- CHAR. C. CROOKE, 1st Lieutenant
- WM. BARROW, 2d Lieutenant.
- JA. HOLROYD, Master.
- WILL. JOSLIN, Boatswain.
- THO. TURNER, Purser.
"The surgeon's attestation, taken from his journal."
"5th of April, 1771. Geo. Hunter taken ill of a malignant fever; symptoms, a head-ach, vomiting, burning heat for many days; the medicines given had no effect; then the purging came on, with an insensibility; he continued in that state four or five days; when Dr. Norris's Antimonial Drops were given, which threw him into a perspiration, and he recovered.
Same day Laurence Pittman was taken ill; symptoms the same as Hunter, and given over; when the Antimonial Drops were administered, which, without any sensible operation, had the desired effect.
27th July, Mr. Joslin was taken ill of the same fever, as Hunter and Pittman, symptoms the same, and after medicines being given to no effect, and given over, the Antimonial Drops were given, and had the desired effect.
James Hamm and Evan Williams were both seized with the same fever; symptoms the same; and were both given over for many days; the Antimonial Drops were then given, which brought on a plentiful sweating, and both recovered.
Extract of a Letter from Robert Williams, Merchant, to Dr. Norris, Duke-street, Westminster.
THY favour, with a box of Antimonial Drops, I received by means of our Friend Eyre, about 16 last 12 mo. They have gained great reputation in these parts, and being the time of our general assembly in Newbern, and my own acquaintance being very extensive in this province, I had an opportunity of recommending them to many people; carried some to our good governor Martin. Immediately on receiving them, I gave some to my own child, about two years old, who was feverish, and much out of order. Every one in my family could observe a sudden change for the better: I have continued to give him a few at times, and the child is brave and hearty. Another child, about twelve months old, that had been long sick, had lost all appetite, I advised them, which in a few days recovered his health and appetite. A negro man in my own employ, about 23 years of age, by much wading in the water, got a severe pleurisy; it being about 20 miles from where I reside myself, they bled him, after some days sweated him; he went out before his sweat was off, and grew so bad, they sent me word they thought he would die. I immediately dispatched orders to [Page 26]give him the Antimonial drops, and he soon recovered.
Two persons, that had them of me, were cured of stubborn coughs, which, I believe, would soon have terminated in consumptions.
A married woman, not with child, catched a considerable cold, which occasioned a suppression of the m—, with fever and great pains. I advised the use of the drops, which soon abated the pains, fever, and head-ach, and in about two days time set nature to act for herself in the natural way.
I mention those few particulars, more for the conviction of others than thy own confirmation. Indeed, for my own part, I believe the drops to be the most sovereign remedy ever yet found out, for what thou recommends them, and may prove advantageous in many cases which are not mentioned in thy directions."
Mr. Thomas Carter, Attorney at Law, at Mr. Cracraft's, Philpot-lane.
WAS miserably afflicted with a depression of spirits, bad digestion, and a debility of natural strength, proceeding from a most violent scorbutic habit; but is now in perfect health, by the sole use of Dr. Norris's Antimonial Drops.
FROM extreme weakness, and a total loss of appetite, I was reduced to so deplorable a state that I had five successive miscarriages; in my sixth pregnancy your Antimonial drops were administered, which restored my appetite and digestion, and strengthened me to my full time in a happy delivery. I recovered to the astonishment of all who knew me, and, together with my child, am preserved in health, by the sole use of this invaluable medicine.
"I Had for many years a violent scorbutic humour, which at last not only grew troublesome, but occasioned my breaking out in blotches, with continual itching, attended with a heaviness and sudden heats, particularly after eating, so that I became very disagreeeble to myself. After six weeks application of these drops I felt every desired benefit, and am now in a better state of health and vigour than I ever had before. I have administered with my own hands the drops to many people in Fevers; in all I have succeeded, and in some cases where the patients have been greatly despaired of. This you have my permission to subjoin to your essay; and I am,
A Letter from William Norris, Esq; of Nonesuch, Willshire.
AS you seem desirous of communicating to the public the observations which have been made by those who have either taken themselves, or administered to others, your Antimonial preparation, (of which so formidable a notion has been entertained) I cannot but think it incumbent on me, in consequence of the good effects I have experienced from it, both in myself and family, to transmit you a short account of the result. With regard to myself, my constitution is rather valetudinary, and has been so as long as I can remember. It is now about fifteen years since it was first invaded by the gout, which I think I may call hereditary, as I cannot accuse myself of any irregularities adequate to the severity with which I have been visited by this formidable enemy.
Among many causes that combine to bring on the gout, I was always of opinion, that an obstrncted perspiration was one. To remove this, I was advised, when perspiration was suppressed, to take your Antimonial Drops frequently and plentifully; these, by promoting a good digestion, and it's consequent attendant, a brisk circulation of the fluids, kept open my pores, which before, upon any sudden change in the air from heat to cold, were generally closed.
In the fits of the gout I frequently take them in small quantities, and find them promote, assisted [Page 29]by small dilutive liquors, sensible perspiration in a high degree; and, upon any uneasy sensations in the stomach or bowels, during the fit, they seldom fail to remove the cause. In Fevers, either Putrid or Inflammatory, frequent occasions have offered to try their effects in a numerous family of my own; and, from repeated experience, I never found them fail of success, and that by removing the disease in a very few days.
Thus much I am warranted to say in their favour, and think them possessed of much greater virtues than even I have described.
"TO be silent where the health of mankind is concerned, I deem a crime; must therefore return you my sincere thanks for the great advantage I and my son experienced, within these few months, from the use of your justly esteemed Antimonial Drops, we were both attacked with a putrid fever and sore throat, he in particular so bad that he became delirious; but, on taking a proper dose, or two of the Drops, both were in a few hours much relieved, and in a short time restored to perfect health. Beside my own experience of their salutary effects, I have known several since that have been cured by them of Fevers, and in consequence I take the liberty of recommending [Page 30]them strongly to all persons labouring under such disorders, as one of the most sovereign remedies. If you think proper, you have my permission to make this letter publick, as it is but doing common justice to that heavenly medicine, and my fellow creatures also.
To Dr. Norris, Duke-street, Westminster.
I Was greatly oppressed with a bilious disorder, and severely afflicted with an hereditary gout; insomuch that for the most part of my time I was rendered incapable of doing any business, 'till by the generous effects of your Antimonial Drops my bilious complaints are removed; and each fit of the gout rendered so short, by supporting a gentle perspiration universally, when it came on, which they never yet failed to do in all my experience of them. I have used them, at times, these five years and never enjoyed a better state of health than since I have taken of them; wishing the same good effects on others that I have experienced from them,
To Dr. Norris, Duke-street, Westminster.
I Have read your late publication on the virtues of your Antimonial Drops. In justice to the medicine, and in compliance to truth, I think it my duty to give the following account of them within my own knowledge.
I had a Slow Fever upon me for several years, and could find no relief. When I heard of the efficacy of your Drops, I immediately got a bottle, and took them as directed; in a few hours I found relief, and in a short time after a perfect cure. It is now upwards of two years, and I never had the least return. I have since administered them to my spouse and niece, both in violent Fevers; a copious sweat ensued, and the Fever ceased in a few hours, without a relapse. Finding their efficacy such, I recommended them to several friends, to half a score at least, in similar cases, in all which they had the desired effect; I do not know of their failing in a single instance. This you have my permission to publish for the good of mankind.
To Dr. Norris, Duke-street, Westminster.
Letter from Mr. Anderson, Merchant, in Fenchurch-street.
I Was for some time troubled with a Slow Fever, with loss of appetite, and lowness of spirits; but by taking your Antimonial Drops I was soon perfectly relieved.
DR. NORRIS'S Antimonial Drops, by Royal Authority, are prepared and sold in bottles at 5 s. 3 d. and 10 s. 6 d. at the Doctor's house, Duke-street, Westminster, where he gives advice from nine to twelve every day, as usual, and where (only) vendors, merchants, commanders of ships, and those who take a quantity for charitable purposes, may be supplied wholesale. The Drops are also sold retale, by his appointment, at Mr. Kearsly's, N o 46, Fleet-street; Mr. Parker's, White-lioncourt, Birchin-lane; Mr. Davenhill's, N o 19, opsite the Royal-Exchange; Mess. Byfield and Hawkesworth's (late Woodfall's) Charing-cross; Mr. Shropshire, New Bond street; Mr. Cadell's, Bristol; and at Mr. Faulkner's, Dublin; at all which places this pamphlet may be had gratis.