OPHTHALMOLOGY

An interesting item from a medical point of view, with a well-informed patient describing and discussing his condition, symptoms and treatment options. Three years after the writing of this letter the appropriately-named Boddy, who is addressed here as ‘W. Barnard Boddy Esqr / 3. Saville Row. Walworth’, published ‘Diet and Cholera’ (London, 1848). 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. Fifty-five lines of closely-written text. The signature is large and shaky, and the use of an amanuensis is understandable in the light of the content of the letter.

1p, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and creased, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf, which is addressed, with seal in red wax and postmarks, 'To | Mr Bartley | 8. Shacklewell End | Nr. Kingsland Turnpike'. The note reads: 'Sir W Adams presents his Compts to Mr Bartley & informs him that his fee for operating upon his Eyes & attendance is sixty Guineas. -' From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library.