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188 BRITISH PHYSICIANS, miasma sui generis, introduced into the habit by contagion ; principally by means of the breath of the person affected. This virus, or contagious matter, produces effects more or less pernicious according to the quantity and nature of the infec- tion, and as the subject is disposed to receive or suffer by it. Putrefactive and malignant diseases, in common, admit of the most sensible and secure relief from discharges of the peccant matter, either upon the skin in general, or on particular parts of the body. The redness, and cutaneous efflorescence, in the present case, may be considered as an erup- tion of the like nature, and therefore to be pro- moted by such methods as have proved successful in similar diseases. A cordial, alexipharmic, warm regimen has been found by experience to be of the most use in such cases." Called in on this occasion by many of the first families in the me- tropolis, he improved the opportunity so well, that he soon acquired a large income. The generality of medical men usually entertain a particular affection for some one or more branches of their professional studies, and the public has gained considerably by this occasional preference, which, while it does not necessarily diminish the attention of the individual to the ultimate object of his sci- ence, is sometimes the source of discoveries or institutions important to the community at large. Chemistry and botany were the favourite objects of his hours of relaxation or retirement. At Upton, near Stratford in Essex, he purchased an extensive estate, and furnished a noble garden, whose walls enclosed five acres, with a profusion of exotics which he spared no pains in collecting. "At an