History of Medicine
Thornton, Bonnell, M.B. The Battle of the Wigs An Additional Canto to Dr Garth's Poem of the Dispensary. Printed by J. Lister, 1768. 8vo, wrappers.
Samuel Garth's poem The Dispensary was a mock-heroic commentary on the plan to establish a free dispensary for the poor at the Royal College of Physicians. The argument against coming mainly from apothecaries, who feared a diminution of their incomes. This piece draws on a similar style and literary precedent to satirise the arguments between Fellows and Licentiates. The Physicians draw on the services of butchers to guard the College as "...what alliance more exactly suits?/Man-killers leagued with those who slaughter brutes." This does not suffice however as the Licentiates use blacksmiths to force the gates. The end comes when Pluto, in pantomimic undertaker guise comes and restores unity by reminding them all "In this one point yes never disagree,---/Ye're all unanimous---about the fee."
Along with four sermons preached before the Governors of the London-Hospital Mile End and one before those of Addenbrooke's, 1754-82. Four also including patient statistics, accounts and subscriber lists.