DEP/DUA/1/23/19 (Normalised version)

Margaret Robertson

(1780)

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Margaret Robertson.

Affection consists of sets of symptoms by no means uncommon with females.

And particularly at period of life at which has now arrived.

Time viz at which menses usually fail.

For when consider that has arrived at 40^th year would look on want of menses for four months rather as consequence of natural revolution of system than a morbid affection.

Symptoms of which here complained sighing, palpitation, & dyspnoea not what can consider as constituting proper Hysteria.

For this affection nosologists¹ have very generally defined by Hysteria fits.

In Hysteria however [considering] as a [disease] have in practical course endeavoured to establish a distinction, which think of considerable importance.

That is different states in which disease appears of Hysteria fits, & Hysteria symptoms.

While the affection in general much [more] frequent with females than males, so these states if not peculiar to certain periods of life, are then at least most common.

While hysteria fits most frequent at appearance of menses, hysteria symptoms most common and distressing at time when fail.

And this took to be nature of affection to which present patient was subjected.

Till therefore period of life fairly past can hardly look for complete recovery.

At same time expected might be obviated & that might even perhaps obtain temporary remission.

As means of obtaining relief nothing more powerful than that impression made by foetid gums.

And with view of obtaining this, [directed] for patient the use of Tincture Foetid.

Of this, the active basis is Assafoetida alone.

This of all the foetid Gums unquestionably the most powerful.

And state in which here employed one of most active forms.

For here brought to state of solution by menstruum from which all active parts completely suspended.

Menstruum also very powerfully cooperates with the medicine itself.

For Spirit Sal Ammoniac [venos] as is called here employed.

This however from proportion of volatile alkali which contains in nature so active, that must be given in but small doses.

On this account here diluted with Peppermint water.

An article, which from essential oil it contains often by itself in such cases of considerable service.

Here added, some proportion of sugar with intention both of promoting union & of covering taste.

This medicine taken by patient, without any inconvenience.

And first affects even to afford some considerable relief symptoms.

During continuation under our care, for about space of month persisted in use

And at last report so far free from affection, that thought farther attendance unnecessary.

Was therefore dismissed.

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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.