CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 267 



Mr. Ray to Dr. Hans Sloane. 



Black Notlej, November 1, — 93. 



Sir, — I received yours of October 21, and that of the 

 28th of the same month by post ; and the woods and 

 roots you were pleased to send me by carrier on Monday 

 last, for which being not able to make you any amends, 

 all that I can do at present is to return you many thanks. 

 I intend speedily to observe your directions in making 

 use of them. Lime-water I have made use of outwardly 

 to wash the sores the greatest part of last summer, and 

 have received some benefit by it, but not so much as to 

 heal and dry them up. I have lately applied a plaster 

 in form of a cerecloth, which I had from a neighbour, 

 who knew not the ingredients of it ; but, by the scent 

 and consistency of it, I plainly perceive that there is Bur- 

 gundy-pitch and rosin in it, which at first agreed marvel- 

 lous well with the ulcers (as all plasters I have used did 

 best at first), so that had the weather favoured, I was in 

 some hopes it might have healed them up ; but it hap- 

 pening lately to be cold and frosty, they fell ofi" itching 

 and spread again, and are now come to be as bad as 

 before. I observe, that let me keep them never so con- 

 stantly M'arm, yet frosty weather will affect them, and 

 cause such a pruritus as in chilblains we experience. 



I have myself lately received a letter from Mr. Smith, 

 whereby I understand that he designs not to begin to 

 print my Synopses till Christmas next ; it may be not till 

 Lady-day; and then I dare say, if committed to Mr. 

 Mott, they will be half a year in hand : howbeit I would 

 willing, now the copy is finished, rid my thoughts of it, 

 and therefore am ready and desirous to receive your con- 

 tributions so soon as may stand with your convenience. 

 I am not yet in such haste as to intrench upon your more 

 urgent occasions, or to incommode you in any kind, 

 being, you sec, at liberty to await your leisure, if it be 



