DEP/DUA/1/26/03 (Normalised version)

Unnamed Unnamed

(1780)

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While at same time, had other patients under our care, in more convenient situation at least for attendance, subjected to same disease.

Case however so far in point, on present occasion, that may not be improper to read it. + here read history.

From this history whatever cause no doubt that was a distinctly marked instance of a paralytic affection.

Appearing principally indeed under form of hemiplegia.

But besides affection of left side had so far lost power of tongue that incapable of distinctly articulating a single word.

In so much that could hardly understand one word said, & obliged entirely to take history of complaint from mother.

Had thus therefore not only certain evidence of disease but appeared also that had taken place to very considerable degree.

And when consider that had before resisted some powerful modes of cure had here but little grounds to hope for success.

Among other very proper measures, recourse had been had, before came under our care to electricity.

And circumstance of this having been already used without effect, as well as of patients living in the country led me to use of Camphor.

Directed it, in form of pills, to extent of 14 grains in day.

These taken without any inconvenience.

And had not continued them for week before complaint much relieved.

Since that have gone on in same course.

To which indeed not a little encouragement by successful progress of cure.

For at every succeeding report found that affection uniformly continued to diminish

In so much that on Saturday last found that had so far recovered use of speech as to be able distinctly to articulate every word

And had so much power of leg as to walk with tolerable ease without use of any crutch.

Here then at least [certain] fact that since began use of electricity, complaint very much diminished

And very little reason to doubt that from this medicine relief proceeded.

And now I own entertain sanguine hopes that by continuation cure will be completed.

From this case indeed would be very far from inferring that shall find it product of benefit in every or even in greatest part of instances of Paralysis

Yet at least sufficient to encourage to trial in other cases.

And that too after electricity & different powerful modes of cure used without effect

And accordingly as already observed have had recourse to it in conjunction with electricity in present case

In this course if no particular occurrence takes place which may alter intention mean to continue for some time.

But if affection rather continues to augment and particularly if observed to be aggravated after the electricity, shall drop that practice, & give trial to Camphor alone

Is at present taking it to same extent as other patient Culbertson.

But before desert use, if product of no inconvenience, is intention to employ it both in larger doses, & more frequent repetition.

If after all unsuccessful, must own that hopes of recovery in this case will be very much diminished.

At same time many other practices to which may have yet recourse

In particular if can procure the arnica montana, seems to me very proper case for trial.

But if that not to be had, may here make attempts to cure, & with some prospect of success, both by heat & cold.

Though latter of these accused of being cause of affection, yet does not follow that by prudent administration may not look for recovery

In my own practice, have not indeed been in habit, of employing it, in this affection

But informed by one very eminent practitioner Sir John Pringle now residing in this place, that in recent cases of paralysis thinks has seen more from it, than from any other.

And on his authority, must own, shall be disposed to try it.

Of warm baths, in this affection, have frequently had experience.

And have directed it, I think with considerable advantage.

Where even that unsuccessful, still benefit to be expected from warm vapour impregnated with aromatics.

And accordingly in letter lately published by Dr Hunter of York on subject of vapour baths, Paralytic affection the very first disease, for which directed it.

To these different measures then, if nothing occurs to prevent it, may have [illegible] in success.

And hope that by one or other cure may be effected.

At same time, very doubtful how far opportunity will be afforded, even for trials already proposed.

Hence unnecessary to mention any others.