DEP/DUA/1/22/11 (Normalised version)

George Burril

(1779-1780)

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George Burril.

Exhibits example of a disease by no means uncommon

Universally allowed in nature obstinate

And when of long continuation in general considered as incurable.

Yet many remedies highly extolled.

And power in certain cases at least considerable.

Hence the [ascertaining] effects of these or discovering others an objective of consequence.

And with this intention here selected.

Here no hesitation in asserting that disease Epilepsy

Wanted indeed what commonly considered as characteristic marks

viz Foaming at mouth.

Must be allowed that when fits [severe] a very common symptom

And indeed as but rarely absent some foundation for opinion of being [pathognomonic]

Yet much more sentiment of vulgar than of regular practitioners

With them very generally admitted that neither peculiar to Epilepsy nor occurring in every instance.

And if wanting in case now before us other circumstances by which here characterised.

From general appearance viz falling to ground & supervening convulsions two diseases only with which could be confused.

Hysteria & Convulsis.

But from both sufficiently distinguished by state of intellectual faculties.

On recovery no recollection of what done to him during fit

And even no knowledge of having ever been affected

Evident proof of total abolition of sense.

And this with justice I think to be [considered] as great distinguishing mark of Epilepsy.

Besides this if necessary other marks might be pointed out, particularly as distinguishing present disease from Hysteria.

For to convulses very little [resemblance]

But what already mentioned sufficient.

And holding it Epilepsy prognosis can on no account be favourable.

Is indeed true that cannot be considered as an obstinate disease to which constitution long habitual

For had subsisted only for some months

And when consider how seldom fits at first attacked might be considered even as but recent instance.

Still however even in slightest form an obstinate disease.

Patient at advanced period when [recovery] from any effect more difficult.

His general appearance by no means healthy

Has full bloated habit with soft & flabby appearance.

Under these unfavourable circumstances disease [since] commencement has had rapid increase in power of severity.

And although at first interval for months yet when came under our care seldom a day without a fit.

In these circumstances then prospect of recovery had patient even continued under care could not be very great

But since first prescribed for him at this place has not again returned to us.

Hence then medicine employed could not even have that chance which necessary

Superfluous then to offer any farther observations

May only observe that [previous] to use of any other medicine reckoned it necessary to evacuate primae viae.

And with this intention had recourse to Composite powder of Jalap.

After this meant to have given full trial to calx of Zinc with Valerian.

But as have never since seen patient unnecessary to make farther remarks with regard to it or to mention what other measures might have been tried if had failed.

May only add that if returns is intention to prosecute use of Zinc.