DEP/DUA/1/16/21 (Normalised version)

John Thomson

(1777-1778)

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John Thomson came under our care at first commencement of course & has continued regular attendance during whole time.

When formerly spoke of case expressed great uncertainty with regard to it.

And that uncertainty from all that have seen of the affection still continues.

Then suspected that vomiting apparently of bloody matter to which subjected might arise from affection of spleen.

And grounds for suspicion still continues as strong as before.

Yet nothing has occurred which serves to confirm them.

During course of attendance have tried great variety of different practices.

Cannot however say that from these has ever derived material benefit.

And indeed as formerly suggested most of them intended rather with view of obviating particular symptoms than from hopes of radical cure.

Some of most urgent & alarming complaints since this patient came under our care unquestionably alleviated.

This however inclined to ascribe rather to natural change which has taken place than to artificial means of cure

Of late an eruption of itself indeed troublesome & distressing has appeared on different parts of his body.

But since this bloody vomiting in particular has been greatly mitigated.

Whatever therefore may be cause of eruption may conclude that is connected with some state of circulation by which determination of fluids to internal viscera diminished

But although may alleviate cannot expect that will cure affection.

And reason I think to apprehend that on cure of this eruption other symptoms aggravated

Yet uncertainty as to nature of complaint still leaves us very much in dark whether natural or artificial cure can be affected.