The Letters from Matthew Bramble to Dr. Lewis

When we think of doctors today, various images from society and the media pervade our imaginations.  However, doctors of the eighteenth century conjure a different picture in our heads, possibly one similar to the apothecary pictured below.  However, like the doctors we use today, Matthew Bramble solicited his Dr. Dick Lewis, also known as "dear Lewis," "Dick," and "dear Doctor."  Though Matthew Bramble clearly has a personal relationship with the Doctor, he consistently is reminded of his friend's profession.  "Prithee send me another prescription," he begs.  (Smollett 33).  They continue their discussions of medicine throughout their correspondence, saying "there are mysteries in physic, as well as in religion" and "the sum of all your medical discoveries amounts to this, that the more you study the less you know" (Smollett 52).  Dr. Dick Lewis's knowledge of medicine is also autobiographical, since Tobias Smollett was a doctor himself.  Matthew Bramble trusts Dr. Lewis with his personal health and his physical property, and "dear Dick" is "the only man upon earth to whom I would presume to send such a long-winded epistle" (Smollett 337).