DEP/DUA/1/18/16 (Normalised version)

Walter McFarlane

(1778-1779)

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Walter McFarlane.

Since last spoke of this case very little has occurred claiming notice

Have had no reason to alter either opinion of nature of disease or plan of cure.

Then pronounced this case to belong to that genus which in system of Mr Sauvages distinguished by title of Dysphagia.

Of various species of this genus thought that might be referred to Dysphagia dolerifica.

And that depended rather on purulent sensibility than on local affection as tumour.

No circumstance has since occurred to induce me to alter this opinion.

Nor have been disappointed with respect to hopes entertained of being able to remove affection.

Imagined that this to be brought about by restoring proper condition of sensibility to diseased parts.

And for this purpose put patient on daily use of electricity.

Hold electricity to be no less effective in counteracting depraved sensibility than in restoration of [last].

And when last spoke of case took opportunity of stating to you at considerable length sentiments, with respect to principle on which operates, & effects of different modes of exhibiting it.

Then considered cure as being considerably advanced.

After that time regularly [persisted] in use for some weeks longer.

And at end of that period patient so far freed from complaint that [resolved] farther attendance unnecessary.

With respect to this case then am upon whole inclined to consider it as affording second example of cure of Dysphagia by electricity.

And with me at least tends to confirm an opinion which have long held, that electricity may in some instances be employed with success to counteract depraved sensibility as well as to restore it when lost.