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Sends thanks for the gift of books. His wife has not answered their letter on account of their children taking ill, with one struck with bilious fits. Medicine, diet, and exercise have failed to subdue his heart disease, “so that I have not been able to walk twenty paces without stopping from a sense of suffocation attended with palpitation and pain in the side and arm.” Met with Dr. Jones and Dr. Pelton locally and with Dr. Buckler and Dr. Hale in Washington, D.C. Discusses symptoms, doctors’ explanations of them, and attempted remedies for nosebleeds. Comments on the effect of climate on his health. Remarks on the Chesapeake & Ohio canal, the New York & Erie Railroad, politics, and nativism.

Comments on Iowa. Believes himself to be the "No 1" physician in the area, "though there were seven or eight Physicians here when I came now there are but six and two of these are Herb Drs." Asks after Charlotte Fisher's health, as he has an obstetrics patient with similar symptoms which he cured when he "removed the foetus by an operation." Details of the house he is constructing and the possibility of building a "business house" as well. Believes there are more opportunities for business in Iowa than in Flushing, Ohio.

Farnsworth, a man who is "engaged in dispensing & vending medicine" criticizes doctors for causing more harm than good and for practicing without training. The city of Memphis is growing and agricultural and manufacturing prospects are good.

Surprised that Gov. Seward based his defense of his client, Wyatt, on the grounds of moral insanity. Believes such a case shows the depravity of the times, corruption of the judicial system, and threatens to absolve criminals of guilt. Wonders if Seward will defend William Freeman on the same grounds. The temperance cause is doing well in his area. Invites Walsworth to visit and attend his Sabbath service.

Regarding an order and shipment of fruit trees. Not able to fill the entire order and trees are of differing sizes, due to low stock. Notes prices and includes a bill.

Declining invitation to address the Franklin Agricultural and Horticultural Society due to a previous engagement with the "Magnetical department of the coast survey of the United States." Can only speak for pay, having depleted his funds setting up a laboratory at the Medical College of Ohio and in promoting science. Recalls his personal history of working on a farm, and expresses sympathy and connection to agriculture. Endorses the combination of agricultural and scientific labors, and wishes scientists would "make themselves more worthy of the confidence of practical farmers and mechanics."

Gives details on the Primula elatior, a flower, and tells how to differentiate the elatior from the jacquin types. Tried sending a copy of his manual to the University college but had the wrong address.

Theory and specifications for a steam jet engine for ocean going vessels. Detailed description of how the mechanism would function.

Letter to Shanks, of the Memphis Medical College. Boling is flattered that he has been appointed Chair of the Theory and Practice of Surgery in the Medical Department of the University of Tennessee, but at present, he is unable to accept or decline. Two medical schools are currently being established in Memphis. Boling believes that only one will succeed and worries that he will attach himself to a school which will soon close. Boling would prefer the Chair of Obstetrics. [Note: Original located in the Harvey L. Sherwood Collection]

Sending a copy of his book.