XXII INTRODUCTIONi 



labor, and were permitted to use tobacco, opiunTj, 

 poppy-heads, hemp, churrus, &c., which had been^ 

 prohibited. I afterwards learned, that these changes 

 had not been of much use ; and I believe the morta- 

 lity is still greater than that of the first two years. 

 Among my papers, I have met with the following 

 letter, which 1 received at Lahore, and which may 

 serve as a proof to unbelievers in the efficacy of my 

 minute doses — ■ 



Residency, 2nd December, 1847. 



Dear and respected Sir, 



I may appear seemingly to have neglected 

 your prescriptions, but I assure you, I have not. The reason 

 of my not doing myself the pleasure to call on you, has 

 been owing principally to heavy business, consequent on Col. 

 Lawrence's leaving this, and some little to the distance of 

 your present residence. The lozenges, however, last sup- 

 plied, being over, I come before you again a beggar ; but, 

 before you comply with my petition, permit me to mention 

 the effect of your medicine. The largest sore in my gums 

 is nearly filled up with fresh flesh, while the discharge 

 generally from the gums is greatly lessened. My general 

 health is improved so much, that I fear I am becoming 

 almost as stout again as I was at Simla, and when it is 

 considered that I had but lately recovered from a violer>t 

 attack of the liver, it must be confessed that my present 

 improved health is to be ascribed to your valuable medicines 

 for the last month and half. While I thus express my most 

 grateful obligations, I trust you will continue your kind 

 favors for a little longer, and therefore beg a fresh supply, 

 to be sent in an envelope, the box being at home. Allow me 

 to subscribe myself, with high respect, 



Dear Sir, 

 Your obedient humble Servant, 



Wm, Skinner^ 



