Kashmiri Bhatta

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Mr James Lendall Basford was a jeweler and watchmaker in Massachusetts who published two books of his own aphorisms — Sparks from the Philosopher’s Stone in 1882 and Seven Seventy Seven Sensations in 1897 — “the result of ideas which have forced themselves into expression during a period of the author’s life, extending from early youth to middle age, amidst the many cares and perplexities of a business life.”

Basford was born 1845 January 27th in Livermore Falls, Maine and passed away 1915 January 30th in Wareham, Massachusetts. He was married to Mary Wyman who died in 1883 of tuberculosis; they had two children who did not survive infancy and a son Ernest Dutton (1875–1920). James later married Florence Whitney; they had a son Ellerton Whitney (1890–1960) and a daughter who did not survive infancy.

The 1900 census reports 55-year-old Basford with an occupation of physician, but I can find no further information about a transition from jeweler, watchmaker, and watch repairer to doctor except that he had an 1891 trade-mark for Basford's Aquarian Balm, a “remedy for the respiratory organs and the blood.” If he did indeed change careers, one wonders if his interest in medicine may have stemmed from his first wife’s disease and death in her thirties. His first book was dedicated to a Boston doctor, in appreciation and admiration of his contributions to the happiness and welfare of others, so perhaps he was inspired also by that man.

J. L. Basford doesn’t seem to be quoted or bio’d anywhere on the Web, so I'm excited to provide a bit of info on his life and to revive selections from his writings on The Quote Garden. Below are some sample quotes. Please enjoy these old-timey gems from this watchmaker by trade and aphorist by leisure.

Courtesy - The Quote Garden
- James L Basford

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