PEDIATRICS Vol. 41 No. 5 May 1968, pp. 954
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A PHYSICIAN'S LETTER WRITTEN IN 1772 SUGGESTING TREATMENT FOR HIS AILING INFANT NEPHEW

Jonathan Binns and T. E. C. Jr. M.D.

Few letters written by either English or American eighteenth century physicians about the treatment of sick infants have come down to us. Most of our information about the care of such infants comes from the handful of pediatric texts published in that century. The letter below, written by Dr. Jonathan Binns in 1772 to the parents of his ailing 11-month-old nephew, starkly points out the therapeutic limitations of pediatric practice two centuries ago. The infant about whom this letter was written had a high fever and was lethargic.

So far as I can judge from little Tommy's case, I think it proper that he continues sucking. If he would take any other sustenance I would advise you to give him a little red or white wine every day. He may, at different times, take about one Glass; but be very cautious of it if his eyes be somewhat sore and inflamed. Red port is preferable to white, provided he is sufficiently open in his belly. You might also try him to take once a day a few spoonfuls of weak broth made of the lean part of beef or mutton.1