_Couns. for the Pris._ Mr. President, and gentlemen of the jury, we shall now produce a witness, whose successful practice in the particular branch of inoculation is universally known to have been equal to that of the Prisoner at the bar; and whose evidence (if of the Prisoner’s innocence there yet remain _a loop to hang a doubt on_) will certainly put the matter beyond all dispute. Dr. DIMSDALE sworn. _C. for the Pris._ Hertford, I think, Doctor, is the place of your residence? _Dr. Dimsdale._ It is. _Couns. for the Pris._ Pray, Dr. Dimsdale, have you been long in the practice of inoculation? _Dr. Dimsdale._ Upwards of twenty years. _Couns. for the Pris._ Has your practice in that branch of your profession been extensive? _Dr. Dimsdale._ Very extensive. _Couns. for the Pris._ Have you lost many patients under inoculation? _Dr. Dimsdale._ About fourteen years ago I had one patient, who, after the eruption of a few distinct pustules, died of a fever, which I esteemed wholly independent of the small-pox. _Couns. for the Pris._ Did you then, in upwards of twenty years, never lose a patient, whose death could be justly ascribed to inoculation? _Dr. Dimsdale._ Not one. _Couns. for the Pris._ Perhaps, Doctor, you have been particularly careful in the choice of your subjects? _Dr. Dimsdale._ Not in the least: I have inoculated persons of all ages, all constitutions, and at all seasons of the year. _Couns. for the Pris._ In what manner do you prepare your patients? Do you confine them to any particular regimen? _Dr. Dimsdale._ In directing the preparatory regimen, I principally aim at these four points: to reduce the patient, if in high health, to a low and more secure state; to strengthen the constitution, if too low; to correct what appears vitiated; and to clear the stomach and bowels, as much as may be, from all crudities and their effects. With these intentions, therefore, I order them to abstain from animal food, spirituous liquors, and spices, for ten days before the operation; during which time, I give three doses of a powder composed of eight grains of calomel, the same quantity of the compound powder of crabs claws, and one-eighth of a grain of emetic tartar: this powder is taken over-night, and a dose of Glauber’s salts in the morning. On the days of purging I allow broths. _Couns. for the Pris._ In what manner do you usually communicate the infection? _Dr. Dimsdale._ With a lancet, dipped in the variolous matter, I make an incision as short as possible, and so slight as to pass only just through the scarf-skin. I then stretch the little wound with my finger and thumb, and moisten it with the matter on the point of my lancet. This operation I generally perform on both arms, to prevent disappointment. _Couns. for the Pris._ Do you take the matter from the natural small-pox, or do you prefer that taken from a person inoculated?