History of the Johnstones, 1191-1909, with ... - Electric Scotland

CHAPTER XXIV.
Dr Carmichael Smyth, and John Johnstone's Defence of His Father—Wilberforce's
Letter—John's Second Pamphlet—Sir W. Pulteney's Letter—House
in foregate street—belsham's letter—edward's second marriage—the
Pearsons—Dr Withering—Visit to Portugal—Johnstones of Westerhall—
John's Marriage — Edgbaston Hall — The Monument — Visitors — Edward
Irving — Thomas Carlyle — The Children of Edgbaston Hall — Letters—
The Adult School—The Rent Dinner—Eminent Artists.
IN
1795 one of the King's physicians, Dr Carmichael Smyth, a scion of the
old Border family of Carmichael, described in a pamphlet how he had
purified the Winchester Barracks, filled with Spanish prisoners during an
epidemic in 1780, with what he believed was a new discovery of his own—the
use of vapour raised by acid mixed with salt. Johnstone read the pamphlet,
and makes this comment in his diary upon the claim Dr Smyth put forward as
to priority of invention : " I hope I may be excused in presenting to posterity
my claim to an early use of marine acid to destroy contagion in putrid fevers.
[He gives the dates of the publication of his book on the subject in London
(1758), and of his son's (1779).] Ever since that time it has been constantly
directed by me to be used in workhouses, gaols, and in private practice, with a
success which has recommended it in this country. I do not mean to deprive
M. Morveau and the French chemists and physicians, nor Dr C. Smyth of the
honour due to them for applying and extending this invention. But I also
have a claim to assert invention ; and perhaps the spark struck by me may have
kindled a more splendid blaze. What I recommended in the obscurity of my
retired situation may gradually have made its way to the attention and experi-
ence of these learned men, aided by a more extensive and correct knowledge of
chemistry. Nevertheless, I also am an inventor."
In Feb. 1802 Dr Smyth petitioned the House of Commons for remunera-
tion for purifying the Winchester Barracks in 1780 and the Union Battleship
with what he called his own discovery—the use of vapour raised by acid mixed
with salt. Johnstone was too ill and occupied to exert himself in the matter,
but his son John, anxious that his father should have the credit due to him,
wrote a paragraph in the Morning Chronicle, March 12, 1802, pointing out that
his father had used that mixture for the same purpose during the prevalence of