The tractors [graphic]

An operator treating Ann Ford, a society lady, with "Perkins's tractors", for her venomous tongue

"An old maid is tied by arms and ankles to an armchair while an operator applies 'metallic tractors' to her tongue, using both hands. An iron clamp holds her head steady. She wears old-fashioned dress with a laced stomacher. From the doctor's pocket projects a paper: 'Fores [partly obliterated] Operator'. Rays of flame dart from the victim's tongue: 'Half-Hints', 'Innuendoes', 'Hypochrisy', 'Envy', 'Scandal', 'Detraction', 'Malignity'. Three young girls watch from the left: they say: "good Heavens? could you suppos my Aunt had such an envenomed Tongue"; "oh yes my dear there are many more such in our Town, if this good man cures all such Tongues he will deserve a Statue"; "Yes and all our young Friends I am sure will subscribe liberally". The room is that of the patient: on the right is a round table where spectacles have just been laid down; on it are writing materials, a large 'Bible', and a paper: 'Mem - not to forget at Miss Magpy's Tea party the hints respecting the Young Miss Tumid also the round appearance of Mrs Generous who was married last Week. Particulars Insinuate how Miss Lively lives so genteel When we cannot find out what resources she has------to take Care I do for Miss Bold who insolently said she did not believe the story of Miss Virtues Slip.' Beside it an open cupboard, with bunch of keys in the lock, shows decanters of 'Ratafia', 'Peppermint', and 'Caraway', four books: 'Duty of Man', 'Eloise', 'Sermons', 'Glass Cookery', and a large bottle of 'Nig' [gin], a flagon of 'Cherry Brandy', and a glass. A low screen with half-panels has on one leaf a flaming globe inscribed 'Observe the End'; the ray of 'Half-Hints' strikes the flames. On the screen sits a parrot. On a chair (left) a cat suckles kittens."--British Museum online catalogue