DEP/DUA/1/12/12 (Normalised version)

David Christie

(1776-1777)

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David Christie.

A child with regard to cause of whose complaint was I own very doubtful.

Mother however seemed to be one of those people disposed to have many advice & to follow none

After first prescription therefore have seen little farther of her at this place.

And therefore less opportunity of judging of the child’s disease

When came under our care seemingly principal part of complaint a catarrhal affection.

Had subsisted however for one of his age for so long time, & complicated with such symptoms as to give doubt respecting cause.

Previous to any other appearance are informed that had discharged a worm.

And from bound state of abdomen together with picking of nose, presumption that others still remained.

Well known however that among various other symptoms induced by worms cough also to be enumerated.

And must own here disposed to conjecture that might be ascribed to this cause

At same time such a supposition very far from being certainly established.

Disease may have been consequence even of local affection of lungs.

For at such early periods that state will sometimes occur.

Still more probable that affect of increased secretion & accumulated mucus.

For at such an early age infant cannot discharge mucus

And can be no doubt that although cough may have originated from different cause this some concern in augmenting the affection.

But whatever nature of this disease appearance of patient when applied for relief, by no means very favourable.

Far from being rare to see children cut off by suffocation from accumulated mucus.

While at same time presumption of some obstinate cause supporting uneasy symptoms.

What however has been fate of this child have not learned.

And highly probable that complaint by no means in same situation as when came under our care.

If be not already recovered probable that by this time has either already terminated fatally or at least considerably worse.

When patient came under care was I own somewhat at loss with regard to what measures ought to follow

Imagined that might reap benefits both from emetics & from blisters.

But wished first to try what effect could obtain from emptying bowels.

And at same time to see how far any appearance of worms.

Was with these intentions that directed he should employ as a purgative Calomel with Rhubarb

How far had desired affect had not afterwards any opportunity of learning.

For although mother came to give account on the following Saturday yet too impatient to stay till name called.

In this situation needless to speak of future measures

As probable that shall now hear nothing farther of this patient.

And indeed were he to return would now probably as have already said be in situation requiring different treatment from what formerly necessary.