An apothecary praying for a host of illnesses to descend on his customers so that he can make more money. Coloured etching by T. Rowlandson, 1801, after G.M. Woodward.

[London] (101 Strand) : R. Ackermann, 30 July 1801 (London : [E.] Spragg)

1 print : etching and letterpress, with watercolour ; border 18.7 x 23 cm

The apothecary's prayer!! ... Woodward del. ; Rowlandson scul. Lettering continues: "O mighty Esculapius! hear a poor little man overwhelm'd with misfortunes, grant I beseech thee to send a few smart fevers and some obstinate catarrahs amongst us, or thy humble supplicant must up shop - and if it should please thee to throw in a few cramps and agues it would greatly help thy miserable servant, for on the word of an apothecary I have scarcely heard the music of mortar these two months. Take notice also, I beseech thee, of the mournful situation of my neighbour Crape the undertaker, who suffers considerably by want of practice, and loses many a job of my cutting out; enable him to bear his misfortunes with philosophy, and to look forward with new hope for the tolling of the bell. Physic those, I beseech thee, that will not encourage our profession, and blister their evil intentions, viz. Such as their cursed new-invented waterproof; and may all the coats be eaten by the rats that are so made: but pour down the Balm of Gilead on the overseers of the village, and all the friends of Galen. May it please thee to look over my book of bad debts with an eye of compassion, and increase my neighbours' infirmites; give additional twinges to the rector's gout, and our worthy curate's rheumatism; but above all, I beseech thee to take under thy especial care the lady of 'Squire Handy, for should the child prove an heir, and thy humble servant so fortunate as to bring the young gentleman handsomely into the world, it may be the means of raising me to the highest pinnacle of fortune."

British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, vol. VIII, London 1947, no. 9793

Wellcome Collection 16388i