DEP/DUA/1/24/13 (Normalised version)

Betty Auchinlech

(1780-1781)

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Betty Auchinlech.

After last little of present.

Not indeed same complications.

But more distinctly marked instance of one [part]

Affection viz of alimentary canal.

Here also chiefly under form of flatulence.

And perhaps with greater propriety Flatuentia than Dyspepsia.

But whatever name no doubt that is affection of alimentary canal.

Consists evidently in debilitated & depressed [action]

And here as in former instance manifest cause

For little doubt in attributing to Haemorrhage

With this told to great degree affected about eight years ago.

Since that almost constantly liable to [illegible]

At least though for some time [suspected] again returned as before.

This consider as sole affection.

For all complaints either evidently symptoms of this or what frequently arise from it.

In this light even view affection of menstrual.

According to account irregular & scanty.

And has not are told appeared for 12 months

Well known however often consequence of other diseases

And when consider affection from former complaint no doubt in referring it to these.

Serves however to show how far has already affected system.

And leads to more unfavourable prognosis.

But at same time nothing very alarming

And no apprehension but [presumption] that patient victim to affection.

But complaint in nature obstinate.

And long continuation against speedy recovery.

Hope however for obtaining such [remedy] as has had on former occasions.

And this perhaps utmost to be here expected.

To obtain this ultimate aim restoration of due tone to alimentary canal.

But besides measures for that purpose necessary also to obviate symptoms.

Particularly flatulence & acidity.

With this intention different measures employed.

First recourse to Infusion Amarum [with] [Ag.] [Men [P]

In this conjoined vegetable bitter & [illegible].

Former powerful tonic.

At same time as well as absorbing [destroys] acid

Latter remarkable influence as expelling wind.

Hoped therefore both alleviation of symptoms & tendency to cure of affection.

Accordingly from continuation considerable relief.

This even during first week.

Particularly case with stomach complaint.

But at report of December 2^d still distressed with affection from wind.

And in such formerly as indicated present low down in alimentary canal.

For this the peppermint water less fitted.

As operation depends on essential oil must be wholly exerted on stomach.

Led therefore to prescription of Pill [Gum]

Of these basis Assafoetida conjoined with other Gums Galbanum Myrrh etc.

Hoped that would act as carminative & antispasmodic at lower parts of alimentary canal

And farther that would keep belly [gently] open

For although aggravated by looseness yet constipation more to be dreaded.

Seemed at first to have effect of relieving borborygmi.

And from continuation expected that considerably obviated.

But from supervening looseness led to intermit use.

And at present continue on Rubus infusion alone.

If belly however returns to natural or bound state shall probably again return to use

And on this course unless in case of new occurrences shall continue patient to fair trial.

And must own as much expectation as from any measures which can employ

If however ineffective may have recourse to some others.

May employ with view to radical cure tonic in substance.

Such for example as powder of Peruvian Bark or Colombo.

May employ as [constant] [accidental] absorbent powder or lime water.

And with view to flatulence different vegetables conjoin aromatic & antispasmodic powers.

But in all this must be [regulated] by circumstances.

And even in hopes that nothing farther necessary than continuation of present course