1S37-38. OVERWORK TO BE DREADED. 153 



present is with me a season of labour, whether or not to purpose 

 has yet to appear ; I mention so much to excuse the matter-of- 

 fact tone of this epistle." 



To his brother he says : " I have been very much shocked to 

 hear that Dr. A. B. is dying of consumption. Poor fellow ! he 

 seemed to be going on so prosperously, and now to be stopped 

 by that cruel disorder. Daniel, be warned ; remember you are 

 drawing on your capital of health hoping afterwards to refund 

 it but remember you have no means of ascertaining the capital 

 you possess, and may find yourself in irretrievable bankruptcy. 

 You will say, 'What can I do?' Well, I can say nothing, 

 only don't let ambition conceal herself under other titles and 

 mislead you. Both you and I are in perfect health, but we 

 have nothing above present wellbeing in the least to look to, 

 and I fear you are not sufficiently alive to the risks you run in 

 working so hard. I beseech you, for the sake of yourself, and of 

 every one who has an interest in your welfare, if possible, walk 

 at least two hours every day, an hour morning and afternoon, 

 and see that your room is as well ventilated as possible, and as 

 little confined as may be that at least you can do. I assure 

 you, the tears come to my eyes when I think of you working at 

 that rate, and I dread the consequences. I don't consider you 

 an invalid ; I only fear the results of the life you lead. If you 

 have thought my previous remonstrances unnecessary, take a 

 warning by poor B., who has suffered from working too hard. If 

 in all this I have done nothing but awaken useless fears, forgive 

 the imprudence of a brother's love, who has learned from the 

 sad records of his family and his patients, that it is more easy 

 to prevent than to cure. 



" I said I did not know when I should be up at London, but 

 since I wrote circumstances have occurred to change my inten- 

 tions, and I think I shall be able to spend the month of Octo 

 ber with you. I don't think I can get away sooner ; perhaps I 

 may, in the end of September. However, meanwhile believe 

 me, your affectionate loving brother, GEORGE. 



" P.S. Now, Daniel, my head 's hazy, or I would write more, 

 but my heart opens up at the idea of seeing you again. I have not 



