Dr. William Hawes.

Date:
[1800]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Dr. William Hawes. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

    3/20 (page 423)
    proper administration of a popular medicine, without the knowledge or consent of his medical attendants, Dr. Hawes and Dr. Turton. In this work Dr. Hawes cautions persons against using powerful medicines, without due medical ad- vice, as the injury once done cannot be recalled, and often, as in the instance above, terminates fatally ; urging patience, at the commencement of a disease, rather than an hasty application of potent medicines, which, in unskilful hands, rather stand a chance of doing irreparable mischief than of restoring health’: for (says Dr. H.) it is an indisputable maxim, that whenever powerful means arc administered, if the consequences are not beneficial, they must be ex- ceedingly pernicious and perhaps fatal. Sir Joshua Reynolds and Mr. Burke deputed Dr. Hawes, after this melancholy event, to the manage- ment of Dr. Goldsmith’s affairs, until the arrival of hi§ brother. This work, printed at the express de- sire of those celebrated characters, With their permis- sion was dedicated to them.* In * See an account of the late Dr. Goldsmith's illness, &c. 8vo. The dedication concludes tlnis : “ I am, however, willing to take this opportunity of expressing, the great respect which I have for you, Gentlemen, to whom,'with your permission, 1 have taken the liberty of addressing this publication. I am happy in having my condupt approved by two of Dr. Goldsmith’s most Intimate and respectable friends; both of whom have deservedly attained to a very high degree, of reputation.”—How the profits of this work were to be applied we learn from page 21. “ As my late respected and ingenious friend Dr. Goldsmith was pleased to ho- nour Dr, C ogan and myself with his patronage and assistance in D e 1 the