[Sir Charles Scudamore, celebrated physician.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Chas Scudamore') to Sir Thomas Gery Cullum of Hardwick House, discussing his writing and dire financial situation, and making a 'humiliating' appeal for the deferment of a debt.

Sir Charles Scudamore (1779-1849), celebrated physician and medical author [Sir Thomas Gery Cullum (1777-1855) of Hardwick House]

Published by 28 December ; Wimpole Street London, 1833

About this Item

Scudamore's entry in the Oxford DNB does not refer to the financial difficulties which he describes in this interesting letter, surprising in the light of his royal patronage and success as an author. 3pp, 4to. Bifolium, addressed on reverse of second leaf, with postmark and seal in black wax, to 'The | Revd. Sir Thomas Cullum | Bart | Hardwick House | Bury St Edmunds'. Forwarded, in another hand, to 'Sir T G C | No 3 | Porto del Popolo | Rome'. In good condition, lightly aged, with minor trace of mount adhering. Folded four times. Scudamore begins, somewhat portentously: 'My dear Sir Thomas, | I am too well aware of the disadvantageous circumstances under which I take up my pen to address you; and, equally as on the last occasion, must throw myself on your indulgence & kind friendship.' He explains his financial situation: 'This year has severely disappointed me as to the amount of my income from professional practice and I have no other. - I am making a new effort to present myself favorably to the public, in publishing a 2d ed of my book on the treatment of consumption by inhalation in wch I have I have [sic] obtain'd a far greater degree of success than I could ever have expected. I have dedicated the work by permission to the King.' He will be happy to send Cullum a copy of the book, which he not only flatters himself will 'be further useful to this sad class of invalids', but also hopes will be 'the means of increasing my own prosperity'. He 'gain'd very sufficient credit as an Author & Physn.' by his 'work on Gout &c but in no measure the lucrative benefits to which, from its success, I was entitled.' He complains that 'persons, professional and non-professional', have admitted his 'principles & practice without reference to me; or that being as it were called a Gout-Doctor, without having the practice in proportion, has often been injurious to me.' In consequence, despite good health, he leads 'a life of exceeding anxiety': 'my courage is not destroyed and I hope earnestly for better things.' Having done with 'these preliminary observations', he takes 'the liberty of soliciting that you will have the kindness to allow the liquidation of my debt by instalments of 25£'. The circumstances are 'sufficiently humiliating' to Scudamore's 'pride & feelings to make this request', but 'necessity, not choice, forces me to the appeal'. He ends in the hope that Lady Cullum enjoys good health.

Seller Inventory # 22386

Bibliographic Details

• Title: [Sir Charles Scudamore, celebrated physician.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Chas Scudamore') to Sir Thomas Gery Cullum of Hardwick House, discussing his writing and dire financial situation, and making a 'humiliating' appeal for the deferment of a debt.
• Publisher: 28 December ; Wimpole Street London
• Publication Date: 1833