DEP/DUA/1/12/28 (Normalised version)

William McNab

(1776-1777)

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Last case I shall mention is that of William McNab.

And this I take notice of merely as one with regard to which had very great difficulty.

Must farther add that although had soon fatal termination, am still as much in dark with regard to it as ever.

This patient attended us at one report only.

And must own that to disease as introduced into our register¹ could give no proper name

In history indeed many symptoms indicating a hectic affection.

Particularly shivering fits, lassitude & aversion to motion

But above all frequent & profuse sweating.

From these however could not pretend to form any decisive judgement.

But hoped that future progress of disease might throw more light upon it.

And on idea given of affection ordered bark to which preceded use of emetics.

During use of these medicines some of most threatening symptoms diminished.

Particularly profuse sweatings.

But shiverings succeeded by fever without remission.

And when visited him at his father’s house found him affected with fever to very considerable degree.

Ordered bark therefore which had taken only to extent of ʒ i every morning to be omitted.

And merely that might see tendency of affection put him of saline julep.

At same time keeping belly open by gentle laxative injections.

Under this treatment fever seemed somewhat to diminish.

And when saw him in evening of Wednesday last thought him in no danger.

On Thursday morning however was suddenly seized with a fit of great sickness.

This was informed was soon followed by vomiting of blood.

And although quantity discharged but very inconsiderable yet he expired in a few minutes.

As had no opportunity of examining body after death still as much at loss as before respecting nature of his affection.

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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.