DEP/DUA/1/21/29 (Normalised version)

James Anderson

(1779-1780)

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James Anderson

What consider as principle part of his disease an obvious affection.

Swelling viz of glands on left side of face immediately under jaw.

These indeed occurred at period of life rather late for commencement of Scrofula

Yet both from situation, appearance, & state of discharge where had termination in suppuration strong reason to imagine that of this kind.

But besides what consider as manifest scrofula affection several other symptoms also.

Particularly unease in abdomen ascending to thorax.

These disposed to consider as totally unconnected with other complaints.

As arising from peculiar disposition of alimentary canal to inordinate action.

And of this state, consider both headache & affection of vision as merely symptoms.

Shall not be surprised to find that this part of affection as well as other proves both tedious & obstinate.

Yet was with view chiefly to trial of remedies in Scrofula affection, the obstinacy of which well known, that took this patient under care.

Here will observe that ever since commencement of treatment patient has been uniformly kept on one medicine.

Powder viz composite of Cicuta & Valerian.

While latter article chiefly intended for giving proper form imagine also that might have some good effect on symptoms originating from alimentary canal.

And as already have had occasion to observe, have no doubt that influence as affecting nervous energy both powerful & peculiar.

But here medicine on which put chief reliance was the Cicuta.

This again intended with view to scrofula affection.

Need to say nothing respecting character with which some years ago Cicuta recommended to us from Vienna.

Nor need I take notice of [different] [illegible] entertained with regard to real efficacy, in this country

Greater part of practitioners so far disappointed in expectations, that hold it to be totally useless.

Yet some, & must acknowledge myself one of number, who look upon it as very powerful article.

Am not therefore surprised to hear that among practitioners at Vienna still supports high respect.

At least this account lately written of it to Edinburgh, by an ingenious Gentleman Dr Logan who lately took degree at this place and who in course of studies at present visits Vienna.

According to his account at Vienna many cures performed by it.

This I am readily disposed to believe

Yet cannot agree with Vienna Physician that our want of success to be ascribed to improper preparation.

Can be no doubt that in powder of Cicuta activity fully retained

And that this more certain form for exhibiting than any extract.

Besides at this place extract as prepared at Vienna by apothecary employed by Dr Stork himself has often been used with no better success than other

And may farther add that in extract of seeds, a preparation frequently employed here but which has not yet made way to Vienna a preparation more active than any extract which can be made from leaves.

Whatever representation may be given have no doubt that at Vienna as well as here, both in scirrhous & Cancer often fails

Everyone who has examined state of these diseased parts well knows that in many cases organ structure totally destroyed.

And that bulk of diseased part reduced to [confused] & impervious mass.

When this case an abundance in [illegible] that any article capable of renewing circulation through the part.

For vessels not merely obstructed but obliterated.

And wherever cicuta or any other medicine successful can only be, where [vessels] still remain such, that possibility of obstruction being removed & circulation renewed.

As long as this the case hold Cicuta to be powerful article.

And accordingly in many instances where appearance highly unfavourable from apparent scirrhous, or tendency to Cancer, have seen it I think attended with manifest advantage.

On same principle on which removes these glandular affections am inclined also to think that may be beneficial in [illegible] of scrofula nature

And where no affection of bones have in some instances I think seen it of manifest use.

Am in hopes that by proper continuation such may yet be experienced in present case

And upon whole since began use of it glandular affection rather diminished as otherwise.

If matter continues in same train, shall not think of altering course or of soon desisting from trial.

But if any change will merely be increase of quantity.

If after fair trial unsuccessful [measures] then to be adopted must be accommodated to state of complaint at the time