DEP/DUA/1/22/01 (Normalised version)

Janet Allan

(1779-1780)

---

Janet Allan

Disease singular & important.

Yet few [observations] as little subject of practice.

Affections when under our care solely headache & vertigo.

Symptoms in all probability connected.

And as conjoined frequently arising from different causes.

From none however oftener than from affection of Brain itself.

Sometimes indeed both from stomach.

Yet less frequently than from Brain.

And here stronger presumption of latter from symptoms which had before occurred.

Had proceeded even to total blindness.

And this accompanied with uncommon discharge from eyes

From nature probably from Lacrimal glands.

And may conject consequence of peculiar irritation to these.

Farther presumption from continuation of disease

And from no stomach complaint ever observed

With headache & vertigo want of menstrual.

Had occurred however only at late period.

After other disease viz of two years continuation.

May conclude therefore that symptom.

And Amenorrhea probably oftener so than an idiopathic affection.

Consider disease therefore as without complication

Yet viewed it as by no means without danger

Brain indeed will at times suffer great [deal]

And that even when local affection

Yet of all organs affection perhaps most dangerous.

And although not unfrequently without [local] disease yet from long continuation [suspected].

In present instance however was in hopes that had not occurred.

Particularly as no fixed pain to any one spot

Dreaded therefore rather obstinate than dangerous affection

And after three years could not look for very speedy recovery.

Here respecting plan of cure was very much at loss.

Though referred to brain yet without [knowledge] of nature of affection.

Began treatment therefore rather on random & empirical footing than on rational principles.

Was intention to have watched progress.

And to have formed judgement from [illegible] & [illegible]

On this footing here first directed electricity.

A mode of cure from which nothing I imagine to be apprehended.

And on several grounds expectation of good effects

Well known that few articles more powerful.

Particularly exemplified in paralytic affections

There no doubt that operates as affecting nervous energy.

And probably influential in this way in consequence of affection of brain.

Chiefly employed indeed as means of restoring sensibility.

And thus most manifestly useful.

Have often however employed it with different intention.

For counteracting viz influence of morbid sensibility.

And in this way also inclined to consider affects as referred to action on brain.

Was thus chiefly that here expected benefits.

But independent of all principles employed on [far.] [Exp].

For in several cases of obstinate headache have known it used with advantage.

Here then wished at least to be able to judge of effects from trial.

And if should even aggravate complaint yet [with] caution no hazard.

If alleviates hoped cure from continuation.

If not yet opportunity of observing affects.

And thus led to more effective means.

Failing this other [measures]

Particularly Extract of Hyoscyamus.

But since first ordered have seen nothing of patient – And farther remarks unnecessary.