Note 327 — No. 103. [Addison and Steele.[324]

"In King Street, Westminster, liveth Thomas Smith, who, by experience and ingenuity, has learnt the art of taking out and curing all manner of corns, without pain or drawing blood. He likewise takes out all manner of nails which cause any disaster, trouble, or pain, which no man in England can do the like. He can, on several occasions, help persons afflicted, as killing the scurvy in the gums; though they be eaten away never so much, he can raise them up again. He cures the toothache in half-an hour, let the pain be never so great, and cleanses and preserves the teeth. He can, with God's assistance, perform the same in a little time. I wear a silver badge, with three verses, the first in English, the second in Dutch, the third in French, with the States of Holland's crownet on the top, which was given me as a present by the States-General of Holland, for the many cures, &c. My name on the badge underwritten, Thomas Smith, who will not fail, God willing, to make out every particular in this bill, &c., &c.

"The famousest ware in England, which never fails to cure the toothache in half-an-hour, price 1s. the bottle. Likewise a powder for cleansing the teeth, which makes them as ivory, without wearing them, and without prejudice to the gums, 1s. the box. Also two sorts of water for curing the scurvy in the gums; though they are eaten away to the bottom, it will heal them, and cause them to grow as firm as ever; very safe, without mercury, or any unwholesome spirit. To avoid counterfeits, they are only sold at his own house, &c.; price of each bottle half a crown, or more, according to the bigness, with directions." Smith seems in the course of the week to have made his appearance, at fixed times, in every coffee-house then in London. (Harl. MSS., 5931.) See No. 187.