The case of Anthony Chamier, (1725-1780), demonstrates how the linking together of related documents physically scattered across the archive enables a Case to be read sequentially as an unfolding personal narrative; in this instance a journey in search of health. The patient was a well-connected London financier, government official and member of parliament. He was a founder member of the Literary Club, and Samuel Johnson and Sir Joshua Reynolds were frequent visitors to his house at Epsom in Surrey.

When Chamier consults Cullen in person at Edinburgh in August 1780 his main symptom is severe stomach pain. Acting on Cullen's instructions he then travels south to Buxton and Matlock in Derbyshire to take the waters, before reaching London (his usual place of residence), but with a view to then spending the early winter with his wife at Brighthelmstone (Brighton) where, on Cullen's recommendation, he planned to consult Dr Pepys (though he considered himself Cullen's patient). Cullen had planned the route to enable Charmier to be in the vicinity of Tamworth at the time of what proved his re-election to Parliament.

From Matlock on 27 September Charmier writes to Cullen that 'my looks are said to be much improved; my sleep is quieter, and before I rise it seems that I have alacrity and vivacity; but I have no sooner been put to the task of bearing my own weight, than all is gloom, languor, and sloth.' But as reported by his travelling companion, one Andrew Harrison, the very next day Charmier suffered severe pains for which he sought advice from the eminent Litchfield physician and poet Erasmus Darwin. But all was in vain: Chamier died in Savile Row, London, on 12 October 1780. An autopsy was immediately performed on the body and the results forwarded, in a letter dated the very next day, to Cullen by Chamier's nephew John Deschamps (1754-1831). Chamier was then buried at St James's, Piccadilly.

Documents in this case

8 document(s) found in this case.

People involved in this case

8 found.

Unique Places linked to this Case

9 found.

Places and role of place

16 found.