Page:New observations on inoculation - Angelo Gatti.djvu/120

106 The earl of Breadalbane has done me the honour of informing me, that, in the middle of the severe winter 1739-40, one Thomas Smith, a servant belonging to his lordship, had the natural small-pox in vast numbers during the frosty weather. The delirium continued after the eruption was far advanced. The servant was put to a nurse near Conduit-street in Swallow-street; but his lordship lived then in Henrietta-street near Cavendish-square. During this delirium, and when the pustules were near maturation, while the nurse was asleep, this man, about two o'clock in the morning, got out of bed, went down flairs, and walked naked except his shirt, to his lordship's house in Henrietta-street, whither he was followed by the watchman, who supposed him lunatic, on account of his walking in the condition he saw him, through the frozen streets. He knocked loud at the door and raised the family, who were not a little alarmed at his coming there in so unexpected and unseasoable a manner. In some time after he had been in the house, his delirium abated; and he told the people about him, that he really thought, when at the nurse's, he had heard his lady's bell ring. By his lord's orders Mr. Leyson the apothecary, now living in Marylebone-street, was sent for; and by his direction he was wrapped in a blanket, and conveyed in a chair back into Swallow-street.

Besides walking through the streets, he was a considerable time knocking at lord Breadalbane's door before he was admitted; and when admitted, was obliged to wait in the hall, till his lord was awaked, and his directions Rh