The
Old Mountain Doctor: David
Thomas Jones ~
1779-1839
David Thomas
Jones lived in Hafod yr Esgob, Mynydd Llanllyfni,
with his wife Elizabeth (1781-1849) where they planted
a garden full of local and exotic herbs. Sometimes
rare plants would be found growing wild nearby decades
after the death of their youngest son in 1888.
H. Humphreys,
Caernarfon, published in Welsh 'The Old Doctor of
Mynydd Llanllyfni's Book' namely:
"FAMILY
HERBAL OF JONES LLANLLYFNI showing the medical
virtues of herbs and a guide to their collection,
and to their preservation uncorrupted throughout
the year. Including more than 100 Pictures, coloured
according to Leaf-colour. To this is added another
book MEDICAL HERBALISM by the late THOMAS PARRY,
Tre'rgarth. The price for both, bound, 4s. 6d with
the leaves coloured, or 3s. 6d without colour.
(Advertisment
of 1883)
 On the south-west
slopes of Garnedd Goch is the Doctor's Well - the
cold water is supposed to be beneficial to people
with rheumatism, shingles and other problems. The
flat stones set around it are still said to be visible
but the heather has grown over the greater part of
it. Tests were conducted on the spring-water about
20 years ago but no difference was detected between
it and the water in the lake - the reservoir for
Dyffryn Nantlle. How fortunate we are!
His son
David Thomas Jones (1824-1888) was also famous for
medicines. Some of his preparations for children
were sold throughout Europe and America.
They were
buried in the Scotch
Baptist Cemetery, Llanllyfni.
Image: The
Family Grave .
"Er
meddu ar y moddion - a wellant
Eraill o glefydon;
Angau trwch i'r llwch gell hon
Yma ddug y meddygon."
(Physician;
heal thyself!)
|
