DEP/DUA/1/21/16 (Normalised version)

Peggy Reid

(1779-1780)

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Peggy Reid.

Can hardly consider disease of this patient as being of complicated nature

Yet with sufficient propriety seems to be referable to two different genera.

In state of menstrual discharge both with respect to extent to which occurs & length of time for which continues, have what may be reckoned characteristic marks of Menorrhagia.

While at same time in state of succeeding discharge of white or yellow colour have as distinctly the symptoms of Leucorrhoea.

And this discharge accompanied too with debility, pain of back & all those other marks which serve to distinguish Leucorrhoea

But although each disease thus characterised can have little doubt that both arose from same cause

Or at least of this high presumption from account given us, of which no reason to doubt truth while at same time by no means uncommon.

Are informed that both commenced soon after delivery somewhat more than four years ago.

And then ascribed to speedy & violent extract of placenta.

That this may be product of many morbid affections of uterus can admit of no doubt.

Yet if any evils were to result from it, should necessarily expect these as immediate consequences.

While in present case occurred only after interval of four weeks.

But if from this circumstance some improbability in that conjecture may at same time be observed that both Menorrhagia & Leucorrhoea from morbid affection of same organ.

And that this organ during pregnancy in several [respects] subjected to very considerable changes.

To changes then induced by state of pregnancy should here be disposed to refer both affections.

And great reason to apprehend that alteration in system of uterus such as not to be easily remedied.

But if from this view of nature of affection reason to apprehend obstinacy this equally to be dreaded from continuation which has already had.

After now subsisted for four years may conclude that morbid state in great measure [rivetted].

And from stoppage of this as well as of other habitual discharge reason even to apprehend worst consequences.

Particularly if such should happen to be suddenly induced.

From this then deterred from those measures which should have considered as most effective in combatting present disease.

And that either as restoring discharge [when] under form of bloody or serous matter.

From these circumstances here determined to trial of a remedy which for my own part have not frequently employed.

On what principle can here suppose it to operate must own am at loss to say.

This indeed & other absorbents justly considered as possessing some degree of restoring power.

And that have affect as binding belly in some cases of looseness confirmed by undoubted observations.

This however generally ascribed merely to destruction of acid on which looseness depends

And whether influence in this respect any farther extended in system may I think be very justly questioned.

But here led to this practice, not so much on knowledge of principle, as on authority of others.

This article taken to very great extent at present a very fashionable remedy in Holland where disease much more common than in Britain.

Wished therefore to determine by experience as far at least as such afforded by present case, whether accounts to be credited.

And with view both of giving somewhat more of astringent power & of keeping belly open ordered [conjunction] of few grains of Rhubarb.

Cannot say that hitherto product of any remarkable benefits.

Yet is intention to persist in use for some time longer