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

John Duncan

(1779-1780)

---

John Duncan.

Disease consists entirely in local affection of left leg.

In some measure consists of scaly eruption there

But still more constituted by irregular ulcer from which a thin & watery discharge.

Into any critical inquiry as to name or nature of this affection cannot now propose to enter.

And perhaps better idea formed of nature from styling it ulcus mali moris than from employment of technical terms of Noma, Phagedena or any other.

From continuation of this affection for space of two years before this patient came under our care no reason to hope for very speedy termination.

And not even impossible that may baffle utmost efforts.

Yet must think that greater reason to hope for temporary if not for complete cure.

With this intention since patient came under our care have had recourse to two different medicines.

To the Vitriol acid taken internally and to an external application active basis of which is the Vitriol [Album].

First have already oftener than once had occasion to observe not many years ago introduced against Psora.

And use has I think with success been extended to eruptions both of Leprous & Herpetic kinds.

The white vitriol in form of ointment have not often employed.

Consider action of it as in some measure dependent on acid but still more on Zinc brought to saline state.

Any may I think expect more from it, than either from Unguent [illegible] [illegible] where Ore of Zinc employed than from Ointment with flowers or Calx.

For these reasons wish here to give it fair trial.

But apprehend that for cure, other measures will be necessary particularly issue in legs.