86 
In August, 1682, 49 only were touched, but in April 2471. Of 
these there are two cases recorded from Somerset. Mr. Edwards, 
of Curry Rivel, was so sorely afflicted that both sides of his face 
were ulcerated, he was blind, could scarce see the sun or moon, and 
was altogether a most sad spectacle to view. He went to London, 
was touched, and within six weeks was seen whole, his eyes 
perfect, his face covered with new flesh like that of a young child, 
and so he lived without relapse. 
Again, Marmaduke Ling, of North Petherton, had a large 
swelling in his face, very hard, and “ monstrously extended,” was 
touched for it, and within fourteen days the swelling grew soft, 
and in six weeks it was gone. 
The next case has been mentioned shortly in the general 
history of the time, and is that relating to the Duke of Monmouth 
during his progress or visit to Somerset in 1680. Elizabeth 
Parcet, about twenty years of age, had languished for ten or 
eleven years under this joint evil. In her right hand she had 
four running wounds; two more on the same arm, and between 
the arm-pit she had a “bunch” which the doctors said fed the 
other wounds ; her left eye also suffered so that she was nearly 
blind. The surgeons had “ tampered” with her but did no good ; 
she had gone also ten or eleven miles to a seventh son, but all in 
vain. Being miserably poor she could not get to London, but on 
learning that Monmouth was at Mr. Speke’s at Whitelackington, 
“God, the Great Physician, dictated to her” that if she could 
but touch the Duke she should be well. Hearing that Sir John 
Sydenham intended to entertain him at White Lodge, Hinton 
Park, she went off there with many neighbours, waited and 
watched, and seeing her chance she pressed in and caught the 
Duke by the hand, but alas both were gloved, she to cover her 
sores, and so she was not satisfied. Watching again, another 
chance offered when she tore off her glove, which had clung to 
the sores, and the Duke’s glove as chance would have it hanging 
down, thus leaving the wrist bare, she caught him there with her 
