DEP/DUA/1/17/20 (Normalised version)

Agnes Blakie

(1778)

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Agnes Blakie

That the disease to which this patient subjected is Rheumatic can admit of no doubt

And here affection seems to exist [without] complication of any other disease.

For only symptoms with which now affected pains in some of large joints.

menses indeed have been absent for space of about 15 years.

But when consider that patient in 63rd year of her age this no more than natural state.

And may view Rheumatism as only disease

Here also seems to have arisen from common cause inducing it viz action of cold.

And probably at commencement was in acute state.

But after having continued for so long a period as has subsisted with our patient need hardly add that now in chronic state.

And may also observe that from circumstances of continuation grounds to conclude that will prove an obstinate affection.

And this the rather to be suspected from having already resisted many different remedies.

In such a state of this complaint to be viewed as depending on atonia of parts the consequence of preceding inflammation.

And this atonia even with tendency to Paralysis.

Hence then removal chiefly to be [expected] by means increasing tone & augmenting nervous [power]

Is on these principles that in such a state recourse often had with advantage to cold bathing & electricity.

To latter of these have had recourse with present patient.

And although cannot entertain any very sanguine hopes yet by proper continuation may at least be means of alleviating affection.

With view of obtaining these advantages have here ordered it in two ways

By shocks intended to act on brain & nervous system in general.

And by sparks intended more especially to act on nerves & moving [fibres] of affected parts.

In both ways can be no doubt that electricity has often very considerable effects.

But is chiefly from latter that can expect much advantage in diseases [more] local.

To this therefore chiefly trusted in case before us.

But although am hopeful that from continuation patient may derive advantage yet in case so obstinate do not think that cure to be trusted to electricity alone.

And accordingly have put patient on another medicine also.

Use viz of a mixture with Spirit Saline Aromatic

This need not observe in the Menstruum by which volatile elixir of Guaiacum a remedy lately much celebrated against Rheumatism is [found].

And cannot help entertaining doubts whether menstruum be not more powerful than the medicine itself.

Resolved therefore to give trial in present case

And from effects already derived from it are flattered at least with prospect of some advantage.

But of neither medicine has such trial yet been made as can enable us to judge with any confidence.