DEP/DUA/1/22/26 (Normalised version)

James Chalmers

(1779-1780)

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Of event of case of James Chalmers am sorry that have not been able to procure any information.

Affection had formerly occasion to observe in appearance peculiar & such as I had never before seen.

According to nosological¹ definitions, imagined that with greater propriety might get name of Flatulence hypochondria than any other appellation.

But most distressing part of affection consisted in peculiar eructation or singultus.

For combating this tried without affect many very active medicines.

Particularly Aether, Assafoetida, Camphor etc

All however employed without any considerable benefit

But in this situation affection suddenly stopped by a remedy prescribed by a Lady

And when last spoke of case was in hopes would have had no return.

Expected that might soon be dismissed

Soon however appeared that this judgement premature.

For in no long time returned again, with same violence as before.

In this situation, had no hesitation in again directing him to source from whence had before derived so much relief.

And if again had given even temporary relief, would have left no room for suspicion that former respite proceeded from any other cause than the medicine.

Have not however had satisfaction of learning whether such trial was made.

Nor have since heard anything of condition of patient.

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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.