Dr. Bright was a prolific writer and the names of his works are given in
a footnote.[16] Some of his books passed through several editions.
Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy" is said to have been suggested by his
"Treatise of Melancholy," and Shakespere was evidently acquainted with
his book, "Characterie, an Arte of shorte, swifte and secrete Writing by
Character."
"This is not my writing,
Though, I confess, much like the character"
Twelfth Night. Act V, Sc. 1.
"All my engagements I will construe to thee,
All the characterie of my sad brows."
Julius Caesar. Act ii, Sc. 1.
Hargrove appears also to be the earliest to assert that Bright was the
first writer on Harrogate. In his "History of Knaresborough" it is
merely stated "soon after its discovery Dr. Bright wrote on its virtues
and uses."[17] There is no authority for that assertion in any of the
works of Dr. Bright mentioned in the footnote, and the only evidence in
support of Hargrove is that given by Wheater,[18] who writes:--
"Dr. Bright was first to rush into description and he acquits
himself with true Elizabethan flavour. He observes regarding the
water that 'It occasions the retention of nothing that should be
evacuated and by relaxation evacuates nothing that should be
retained.
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