DEP/DUA/1/17/21 (Normalised version)

Thomas Morton

(1778)

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Last patient Thomas Morton.

Of case of this patient must own have not been able to form any decisive opinion or even what can reckon probable conjecture.

According to patients own supposition the disease of a complicated nature.

And while one set of symptoms the affect of intermittent fever another originates from calculus.

To these suppositions must be allowed that countenance given by symptoms.

For while languor lassitude & [illegible] are symptoms of intermittent, pain of [loin] & affection of urine give at least suspicion of calculus in kidney.

Yet of both affections many symptoms [wanting]

Cold fits for example neither succeeded by heat nor sweating.

Pain of side & loins without stupor of thigh

And with affection of urine no discharge of sand

May farther be observed that all [symptoms] may here originate from one cause.

And not infrequent to see such a train totally depending on an affection of the Nervous system.

Particularly as occurring under form of Hypochondria

To this supposition distinctly marked melancholy temperament of patient gives some countenance.

And farther favoured by sensation of ball rising to his throat with which now frequently affected.

Has been on this supposition that treatment hitherto followed has principally proceeded.

And have indeed rather aimed at mitigation of symptoms than radical removal of disease

Considering [yawning] shivering etc as depending on affection of alimentary canal have employed aromatic Tincture.

And with view of mitigation pain of [back] & [illegible] have directed friction with Camphor oil.

During use of these disease has already been somewhat mitigated.

And if affection be not removed by continuation will at least afford us opportunity of attending to such circumstances as may [serve] to illustrate nature of the affection.

What future plans of cure may be however must entirely depend on opinion then formed.

And in state of present uncertainty can here say nothing farther either respecting Prognosis or Practice