28 MEM< 111 OF DR WRIGHT. 



circumstances which led to the external application of 

 water, as a remedy in fever and other diseases. 



Neither, however, did the laborious and exhausting 

 duties of his profession, nor his undiminished zeal 

 for the interests of science, engross so much of Dr 

 Wright's attention as to make him unmindful of 

 those dearer ties which connected him with home. 

 In a letter to his brother, dated in July 1769, Dr 

 Wright says, " I am fighting hard for a little inde- 

 pendence, and hope in a few years, with God's bless- 

 ing, to secure it. I have already set bounds to my 

 ambition : When I arrive at that, I shall quietly get 

 home, and spend the remainder of my days with you 

 in my native land. It gives me the greatest satisfac- 

 tion to observe, that the harmony and good under- 

 standing between you and our parents, too seldom 

 seen in families, should continue to subsist in so emi- 

 nent a degree. The supplies which my sister is kind- 

 ly preparing for me will be very acceptable. I beg 

 that, in the mean time, she may continue to think 

 well of me, and give me a place in her affection and 

 esteem." 



In the month of March 1770 Dr Wright was 

 seized with one of those intermittent fevers which, in 

 warm climates, arc so peculiarly dangerous. He had 

 caught the infection from a patient ; but the tem- 

 perance of his habits, and the natural soundness of his 

 constitution, joined to the assiduity and attention of 

 his partner, and his own medical skill, enabled him, in 

 a short time, to conquer the disease. In the follow- 

 ing June he says, " Our practice continues as usual, 



