DEP/DUA/1/25/28 (Normalised version)

Robert Watt

(1780-1781)

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Of case of Robert Watt, who still continues under care formerly offered sentiments at considerable length.

Affection then exhibited numerous complications of symptoms.

And was at loss to say whether these all to be considered as originating from one morbid affection or complication of diseases.

This particularly case with regard to dyspeptic affections & headache.

Yet upon whole inclined to think that latter depended on former.

Farther treatment of this case however in place of removing has increased doubt

And now rather inclined to consider the two complaints mentioned as separate affections than as connected.

Still however so far retained former opinion as to look both upon one & other, as exhibiting examples of affections of singular nature.

Formerly observed that expectations of cure in this case by no means sanguine.

And that should not be surprised if patient left us in no better situation than when came under care.

Of this now I think very great prospect.

And all trials made to very little purpose.

Upon whole however must think as well as patient himself, that considerable alleviation of stomach complaint, which has taken place since came under care, the affect of medicines employed.

And particularly of vegetable bitters & of aloetic purgative.

While latter effect of obviating costiveness, former seems to have had influence as [restraining] inordinate action of stomach.

And while this in some measure arose from Tincture Absinthe seemed to be still more effect of Colombo

With this alleviation however no abatement of headache.

And measures of late tried for this purpose seem to have had no influence.

Indeed since began Extract of Hyoscyamus, rather aggravated as otherwise.

This however am disposed to consider rather as an accidental circumstance than affect of medicine.

And unless still appears to have rather bad consequences as otherwise shall wish to continue it for some time longer.

If obliged to desert it however have next thoughts as formerly suggested of trial of Laudanum.

And to prevent bad effects which in general has with dyspeptic patients to conjoin it with the Ag. Pip. Jamaican which formerly spoke of.