Couns. for the Cr. We are perfectly satisfied, Mr. Houlton, with your accurate account of the number of people inoculated by the Prisoner. Now, Sir, let me ask you a few questions relative to the Prisoner’s peculiar method of communicating the infection. How is this performed?
Houlton. By means of a puncture so slight, that it is scarce felt by the patient, and which in a minute afterwards is scarce visible.
Couns. for the Cr. What do you know of his medicines?
Houlton. I know that they are most powerful. If he perceives a symptom in patients of a great fever, or a probability of their having more pustules than they would chuse, he quickly prevents both by virtue of his medicines.
Couns. for the Cr. Do you recollect any particular instance of this extraordinary virtue of his medicines?
Houlton. I do. A child belonging to Mr. Barnard, of Waltham in Essex, was seized with the natural small pox. As soon as it was discovered, by the pustules making a plentiful appearance, the child was conveyed to one of Mr. Sutton’s houses. The next morning, the face and body being extremely full, Mr. Sutton marked with a pen a great number of pustules, and administered the medicine I allude to: some hours afterwards, hundreds of the pustules disappeared; and among them several of those marked leaving the little dot on the plain surface of the skin. The child did extremely well.
Couns. for the Cr. Sir, you may retire.
Dr. George Baker sworn.
Couns. for the Cr. Pray, Dr. Baker, inform the Court what you know concerning the Prisoner’s practice of inoculation.
Dr. Baker. I can give the Court but little information from my own knowledge; but what I have to say, I received from a gentleman, whose accuracy in observing, as well as veracity in relating what he observed, may be relied on. All persons are obliged to go through a strict preparatory regimen for a fortnight before the operation. During this course, all fermented liquors and animal food, except milk, are forbid. Fruit is generally allowed, except on the days of purging. A powder is given three several times, and a dose of purging salt on the following morning. The composition of this powder is a secret. But that it contains mercury is evident, from its having salivated some patients.