DEP/DUA/1/21/34 (Normalised version)

Janet Thomas

(1779-1780)

---

Janet Thomas.

Case of this patient I consider as not without singularity.

And by no means positive or decided in opinion with regard to disease.

From affection of teeth, several of which much decayed, some grounds for suspicion that all complaints may have originated from that cause.

That teeth a cause of many different diseases cannot be denied.

And there are practitioners who to this source are disposed to refer every affection where least shadow of probability.

Not unfrequently however teeth manifest diseases where either consequence of other affections or totally [unconnected] with it.

And this I suppose to have been the case in present instance.

+ Might however have tried application common in Rheumatism.

As such had recourse to blister & to extract of Hyoscyamus.

Of former need here say nothing.

And with regard to latter may observe that from anodyne power well calculated to alleviate pain.

With this effect opens Belly.

Contrary remarked with this patient

Led to Aloetic Pill – Relief – [illegible] trial of [illegible]

Pains of head by nosologists¹ referred to several different genera.

Is however of much more consequence to determine cause from which proceed.

And among others none perhaps more frequent than a Rheumatic affection of integumentary.

This take to have been case in present instance.

And consider affection being confined first to one side of head then to other as affording no objection to this doctrine.

After long continuation of disease before came under our care could not here look for speedy cure.

And not improbable that in end might have been entirely disappointed.

Particularly Rhododendron. Electricity & Mercurial friction on pained part.

Practice the efficacy of which in this country at least still to be determined by farther experiments.

But of all which am I own disposed to entertain a favourable opinion.

---

Explanatory notes:

1) Nosology is the branch of medical science dealing with the classification of diseases. Individuals referred to in the case notes as nosologists were commonly those who had published nosological, or classificatory, medical texts.