DEP/DUA/1/11/05 (Normalised version)

Mary Morison

(1776-1777)

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Mary Morison.

Disease as introduced into register¹ distinctly marked

Hitherto however have had little opportunity of observing anything farther respecting it.

As has attended at one report only.

Hence judgement to be rested solely on first account.

And if this accurate little hesitation in concluding that labours under Dyspepsia.

Without, at same time which frequently happens, complication of any other affection.

May farther remark that disease not to excessive degree.

That is has nothing of one of most distressing symptoms, pain viz in stomach & bowels.

Notwithstanding these particulars however prognosis cannot be very favourable.

Affection indeed not one of itself proving fatal.

And see no reason for apprehension that will be so even by second consequence in present case.

Yet many circumstances which would lead to be doubtful of cure even if patient were to give regular attendance & to take medicines with utmost accuracy.

Disease in its nature one of those usually very stubborn.

With this patient, already of considerable duration.

Is farther at advanced period of life when habitual affections in general removed with greater difficulty.

And patient both from age & other circumstances in condition that will not probably induce to use most effective remedy.

That is regular exercise in open air & to considerable extent.

Utmost therefore that here expect is to palliate symptoms

But even this may probably find difficult especially if patient does not on her part do justice by proper attention.

Of plan of cure here begun or afterwards to be followed can say little

As judgement at present entirely rested on first history given of her disease.

And has not been confirmed to us by after observation

From view however which have of case should consider cure to be principally expected from strengthening tone & promoting due action of alimentary canal.

For apprehend that in these this morbid affection has origin.

In affecting these ends however particular care necessary to avoid all causes augmenting affection.

And apprehend that in proper regimen more than one half of cure consists.

With this view particularly necessary to avoid whatever tends to relaxation as warm liquid or generation of acid as vegetables, food even of farinaceous kind.

While at same time diet should be such as of easy digestion.

And stomach never to be overloaded with greater quantity at once than weak action properly fitted to expel in due time.

With one in rank of our patient however regulations respecting diet in great measure unnecessary.

As must be more accommodated to circumstances than disease.

Even injunction respecting free exercise therefore which of all other particulars reckon most essential of this affection in great measure unnecessary.

And aid which any reason to expect must chiefly be obtained from medicine.

With this view wished first to try efficacy of gentle stimulation to stomach.

And that too by a medicine tending to relieve inordinate affection

In this, meaning was to see how far disease could be overcome, by restoring due action of alimentary canal.

Was on this account that prescribed the pill Gummosa.

In which chief article Assafoetida Myrrh & Galbanum.

And was I own to first of these that here chiefly trusted.

This prescription however rather by way of trial than anything else.

And has not produced that alleviation of symptoms which expected from it.

In case of continuation of disease shall then attempt cure by bitters aromatics & tonics.

And own that consider this to be case in which think that fashionable remedy of Columbo root has chance of being service

Intend therefore to give it trial.

And if shall not produce desired affect mean next to have recourse to Gentian & Peruvian Bark.

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Explanatory notes:

1) References are made throughout the case notes to a dispensary patient register. However, no evidence has been found that this register survives.