The appointment letters of John Durancé George, Dental Surgeon
Writer: Lord Carnarvon
Date: January 18th, 1848
Address: The Lake
Dear Sir
I understand that
chloroform is now made use of in
almost all operations and in
dental operations among others.
Though I have never allowed my
children to shrink from the endurance
of necessary pain I think it equally
unwise to reject any of the resources
of art which have the effect of
preventing suffering if no inconven-
ient results are likely to follow.
My younger Boy about 10 years old
will probably soon require
the extraction of a tooth. If I
brought him to town for that
purpose do you see any objection?
I rem Yours sincerely
Carnarvon
The Lake
January 18 1848
I hope Mr Cartwright is quite well
Notes:
Henry John George Herbert, 3rd Earl of Carnarvon FRS (1800 – 1849) was a British writer, traveller and politician.
The Lake was a house in the grounds of Highclere Castle, which was being rebuilt under the supervision of Charles Barry (later knighted, in 1852).
The son referred to in the letter was Auberon Herbert (1838-1906), Carnarvon's 3rd son and born at Downton Abbey Highclere Castle.
He became "a true anarchist in everything but name" and is known as the founder of Voluntaryism.
Further reading about Auberon Herbert's interesting life on Wikipedia