DEP/DUA/1/16/09 (Normalised version)

Daniel MacLeod

(1777-1778)

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Of Case of next Patient Daniel Macleod reckon it necessary to say very little.

When selected from other Dispensary patients was inclined to think that would have turned out more important than really did.

Principle part of his complaint a vertigo with which frequently attacked to such degree as to be in danger of falling down.

Need not observe that this very generally at least affection of involuntary motion of Eye.

Objects seem to move when really at rest from motion of eye without [corresponding]

Such motion may arise from many causes

And often even a most stubborn effect.

Was disposed to think that might have been so with present patient from continuation for space of year.

Is however especially obstinate when arises from causes situated within head.

With present patient however great [reason] for suspecting that arose from affection of abdomen.

For besides vertigo was also much affected with wind in bowels.

Uneasiness from this cause observed to precede attacks of vertigo.

And while vertigo affection of twelve months standing this had continued for several years.

To all this may add that vertigo from affection of bowels by no means uncommon.

And indeed influence of [stimulation] of distension to alimentary canal wonderful affect over whole system.

Is frequently even cause of Epilepsy itself.

Cannot then seem strange that should induce convulsions & involuntary motion of muscles intended for moving eye.

For these from being naturally subjected to very [quickness] sometimes must necessarily [come] to be affected by more slight causes

Viewing this then to be nature of affection was chief aim in cure to facilitate discharge of wind.

And with this intention directed a medicine from which hoped that action producing expulsion would be augmented & at same time resistance to expulsion diminished.

This was combination of Ol. [Amisadu] with powder of Valerian.

First reckoned [among] most powerful carminatives last very generally considered as antispasmodic.

And from experience I have had in many cases am convinced that does possess some powers.

On this medicine found it necessary to [continue] patient only for a short time.

For soon after began completely mitigated.

And at end of about three weeks dismissed free from complaint.

Do not however pretend to say that will continue so

From slight [irregularity] in diet flatulence may again return.

But in that case cure will still I [apprehend] be [completed]