DEP/DUA/1/23/22 (Normalised version)

George Graham

(1780)

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George Graham.

Affection entirely confined to one arm

And there although symptoms few yet such as with sufficient certainty mark of nature of affection.

Though here there does not occur loss of motion, yet so far diminished with any local affection, as to leave no doubt that complaint of paralytic kind.

And from remarkable diminution of heat must even conclude, that far from being a slight affection.

Notwithstanding this circumstance however there does not occur a corresponding diminution of sensibility.

This however not uncommon even in very severe instances.

For in some instances total loss of motion while sensibility entire.

And in other total loss of sense while sensibility continues.

Yet always to be considered as more obstinate cases where these symptoms conjoined than where separate.

In present case other circumstances also, somewhat in favour of patient.

Affection beginning without any obvious cause, increased by an accident.

That however of such nature, that no reason to apprehend an [incurable] disease.

When came under our care, had not been of long continuation.

And although some medicines tried, yet from all that could learn, several of most active to which recourse had, never been had.

From these circumstances then, was by no means without hopes of recovery.

And these hopes, at least nothing diminished from manifest progress to recovery which case has had since came under care

Here imagined that success most readily to be looked for, from employment of stimulants.

And as one of most powerful with which am in such cases acquainted, had recourse to Electricity.

This employed under form of electric sparks drawn from affected arm.

By this means a powerful stimulant applied, to extremities of diseased nerves.

And thus may expect benefit, not only from immediate action on these, but from impression in as far as are capable of conveying it, being communicated to origin.

By this means nervous energy in there comes to be increased.

Into full account of operation however cannot here propose to enter.

And must indeed admit that with regard to mode of action still in many respects very great doubts

But whatever principle on which operates, seems in present case, to have had remarkably good affects.

For from commencement of use felt [illegible] benefit.

In short time, could move arm with much greater facility

And what to be considered as no less favourable circumstance, this accompanied with recovery of natural heat.

Here indeed must be observed, that sometimes very favourable appearance from electricity where yet in end disappointed.

Cannot therefore with absolute confidence promise cure.

And besides this to be observed, that after going certain length in some instances, can be made to go no farther.

Yet at least most probable, that in present instance by proper continuation may obtain complete & permanent cure