DEP/DUA/1/22/30 (Normalised version)

Robert Kerr

(1779-1780)

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With Robert Kerr after last spoke of case, employed Mercury for considerable [length] of time, & to considerable extent, with a view to cure of chronic hydrocephalus.

But without either affect of exciting that degree of salivation, which might have been expected, or of affording any relief of affection.

Would not from this by any means infer, that Mercury in no cases of hydrocephalus useful.

But serves I think to prove two circumstances.

That viz while in this affection, emetics cathartics & like operate with great difficulty, so Mercury produces its specific operation on salivatory glands, much less readily than in other cases.

And that can by no means rely upon it, as an infallible remedy in this disease.

For such cases, as that of present patient, consider cure as yet remaining to be [discovered]

And in all probability, will soon fall victim to affection if such an event, has not already taken place.