Wet disagreeable weather.
Wrote to my Uncle at London congratulating him on his marriage.
Wrote Mr McNaughton at the same time.
The Dr Lucas Diaries
Entries from the Georgian diaries of Dr Thomas Lucas of Stirling, 1808-1821.
Wet disagreeable weather.
Wrote to my Uncle at London congratulating him on his marriage.
Wrote Mr McNaughton at the same time.
The Dr Lucas Diaries 
My Dear Lucas,
I have been sorely plagued by the seasonal ague these past few days, which has left me somewhat dull of mind, sour in mood and much reduced in bodily vigour.
Water-gruel and chicken broth have sustained me, and 20-25 drops of laudanum in a little wine – after which in particular my spirits seem to rise somewhat. At least, Lucas, the days of believing that the touch of a hanged man’s hand could cure goitre are gone.
Some news, however, has given me good cheer. Do you recall, Lucas, a travelling-man by the name of Livingstone we met near Blantyre, hawking tea, Christian tracts and excellent conversation? Many a lively discourse we held with him on the road, and a true friendship forged! I now hear on good authority his wife, Agnes, has been safely delivered of a boy on the 19th of this month. I believe he is to be named in honour of her father – David. One wishes the child well, and wonder what path he will choose to travel through life. Perhaps he will inherit a taste for adventure, take to the road, and explore new horizons like his father, or perhaps be content with a simple life labouring in the cotton-mills of Blantyre.
The latter, I presume.
Yours, etc.,
Nathaniel Blyss.
Dear Blyss,
I am sorry to hear that you have been troubled with a winter complaint. This weather can hardly be helping your recovery. Go easy on the laudanum mind, many a strong man has been reduced to an idiot through over use of that cure-all. I was pleased to hear of the infant Livingstone’s safe arrival. We an only hope that he thrives in this time of economic uncertainty and lives to manhood in a country no longer at war.
May your health continue to improve.
Stirling Council Archives