DEP/DUA/1/19/03 (Normalised version)

Catherine Meris

(1778-1779)

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Of case of next patient Cath [Meris] shall say very little

Sole complaint tumours about face & neck one of which has now landed in state of Suppuration.

Has not however yielded proper purulent matter, but thin watery fluid.

Can have little doubt that both swelling & ulceration here of Scrofula kind.

From this therefore although [appearance] hitherto but slight cannot give very favourable judgement as to conclusion.

Since came under care indeed appearances have rather diminished as otherwise.

And not improbable that may be soon so far gone as shall render it unnecessary for patient any longer to continue attendance.

But still, no security from thence that disease eradicated.

And will be no more than every day happens if shall again return either affecting same parts or others, in different form

Still however in as far as judgement can be favourable in any manifest case of Scrofula may be so in present.

And while many which prove fatal many others from which after certain age complete recovery.

This more frequently from progress of life & from constitution gaining vigour than from any other circumstance

From this circumstance among various modes of cure would naturally be led to imagine that some promise greater success than Tonics

And accordingly several measures of this kind employed in some cases with apparent advantage.

Thus for example no practice on such greater dependence in general put than on Sea Bathing.

This however, or even cold bathing within doors, during winter season, could hardly venture to direct, to one before unaccustomed to it.

From these considerations then led to [make] case of this patient subject of trial of tonic of different kind one viz from Mineral Kingdom.

And as such here made choice of Zinc.

But in place of using it in state of calx directed it in saline state that viz of White Vitriol.

The white vitriol when employed in certain doses from stimulatory or rather from nauseating powers excites vomiting.

But in inferior [doses] a powerful astringent & tonic both to system in general & to part to which more particularly applied.

Is then with this intention that have administered it in present case.

And to obtain as far as can, full [efficacy] from it, have employed it both externally & internally at same time.

On this course patient has now continued for about two months.

And although appearance not altogether gone yet ulceration in particular much diminished.

Do not therefore reckon it necessary to have recourse to any other measures.

Or to suggest practices which may be tried if present ineffective

For is intention if appearance be not [illegible] for worse, to dismiss this patient in short time.

And shall be inclined to consider her as having been benefited by course [illegible]

But although may induce to farther trials of white Vitriol am far from expecting that in this or any other medicine an affective cure ever found for Scrofula.