DEP/DUA/1/25/19 (Normalised version)

Betty Bell

(1780-1781)

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Betty Bell

Affection of this patient consists of severe pains at different parts of body.

Now however particularly seated in head & leg

And in these parts an obvious cause from which arises

Exostosis viz of bone.

This, patient herself ascribes, & probably with justice, to venereal affection

And although inclined to think, that by some practitioners, latent pox much more frequently considered as cause of disease than ought to be done, yet have no doubt in considering present as of that nature.

When admit this however would still be understood to say that consider it rather as consequence of Leucorrhoea than depending immediately on Syphilis [varies]

And in this view cure more tedious.

For cannot as when latter the case depend on cure by means of Mercury.

On contrary has in some such instances been observed that mercurial course has increased severity of pains.

From this reason then with present patient resolved to try other medicines.

And hope at least to see what may be done by these without use of Mercury.

For this purpose have at present put patient on course of Mezereon.

And that may more certainly obtain effects given in [substance]

Taken at first to quantity of [six] grains in day at two different doses

But such stimulating power on alimentary canal that obliged to reduce it to single [dose]

And even to reduce that to grain ii

In this quantity borne without unease

And seemed for some time to have effect of giving very considerable mitigation

But at last report found that pain considerably aggravated.

And since that patient has had still more severe returns

More doubtful therefore how far shall by this be able to accomplish cure.

At same time such returns, no reason why should drop trial.

And although progress to recovery not uniform may yet in end prove successful

Is still therefore intention under present or some other form to continue use.

And hope, shall yet afford us instance of good effects of it.

At same time in present situation of patient do not mean to employ Mezereon alone

Is now intention to continue it in conjunction with medicine just spoken of Hyoscyamus

And from this combination hope that shall be able if not entirely to remove affection, at least to render it more tolerable.

If this also unsuccessful shall have recourse to topical measures

Besides patient already spoken of still several others on list.

Remarks on cases of these however, as course now draws to conclusion [cannot] propose to overtake, during winter session

Some of them may perhaps transfer to register for summer course when will be begun about first week in May

And shall conclude case lectures for present winter session, with some [remarks] on few of cases which have terminated under care since last spoke of them