DEP/DUA/1/21/33 (Normalised version)

Alexander Ross

(1779-1780)

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Alexander Ross.

As well as two next patients has hardly ever attended us in this place.

Hence can hardly with propriety be subject of observations.

Shall content myself therefore with saying very few words with regard to them.

And with stating in very general way opinion as to nature of disease.

Symptoms of this case such as might give some suspicion of water in breast

And not improbable that might here be some effusion.

But both from cough & state of expectoration little doubt that chiefly from mucus in bronchia.

And that principal disease chronic catarrh.

To which in patient advanced to period of life at which this man had arrived might with sufficient propriety give name of Catarrhal Senilis.

An affection in no case without danger.

And particularly so with a man advanced in life, in indigent circumstances & in severely cold season.

From this latter circumstance this affection has proved fatal to number during present year.

And if this be not already case with our patient has probably derived more from keeping house than from any measures which we could have suggested.

At least with patients of better rank nothing of more consequence in this affection than enjoying during winter temperature of a comfortable chamber or changing this climate for a warmer one.

While again every exposure to cold from giving constriction of surface augments both cough & dyspnoea.

From different remedies however even in this situation derive relief.

Particularly from Emetics. Blisters – Expectorants & Diuretics - And these probably would have been measures here employed had patient continued attendance