DEP/DUA/1/19/12 (Normalised version)

Mathew Oliphant

(1778-1779)

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Of Mathew Oliphant next patient in order perhaps hardly necessary to say any thing.

The want of attendance on his own part has frustrated objective which had in view by taking him under our care.

A trial viz how far disease could be alleviated or removed by proper & regular perseverance in use of Electricity.

With regard to nature of affection here no room any doubt.

And in attacking symptoms & progression of the case nothing which could be considered as singular.

That affection to be considered as paralysis sufficiently evinced by impaired state of motion which here occurred.

And by general affection of sensibility of one side of body as well as particular affection of some of external senses.

Affection had even gone to such length as to induce wasting of parts.

A necessary consequence indeed of diminishment of impetus of circulation which had here manifestly taken place

Sudden attack of affection by no means rare.

Happens perhaps even more frequently in this way than in gradual manner.

And when thus occurring oftener during the night than in day time.

Although sometimes from obvious cause yet in many instances can be traced to no particular accident.

In these different circumstances then have not only sufficient characteristics of disease, but also of extent to which gone.

And here may be observed that symptoms by no means such as to give any foundation for entertaining hopes of speedy recovery.

Well known that many instances [incurable]

And this particularly the case when occurs at late period of life.

Present patient however at least past vigour of life.

And before he came under our care affection had subsisted for six months

A period longer than that for which those instances in general continue which capable of being removed.

To this may be added that diminution of impetus of circulation & wasting of flesh always ranked among worst symptoms.

In all these particulars then case rather unfavourable.

Yet neither to be ranked beyond period of natural nor artificial cure.

Consider it therefore as not unworthy of patients attention to give himself at least chance of fair trial.

And with this view imagined that no remedy better calculated than Electricity.

Influence which has as exciting nervous energy established beyond doubt.

Hence then generally calculated for cases depending on collapse.

And even when disease depends on [complaint] may have effect as rendering its influence less considerable

On these accounts therefore recommended it to patient to give fair trial.

And as has not followed this advice [reckon] any farther observation unnecessary.