DEP/DUA/1/27/16 (Normalised version)

Angus Cameron

(1781-1782)

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Angus Cameron.

Affection for which this patient applied for assistance consists but of few symptoms

Here also disease as well as in case of Gibson of which last lecture in organs & in function of vision.

But of very different kind from last mentioned.

And although less obvious disease & less pain, yet an affection reducing patient to much more distressing situation.

Here though eyes to appearance sound yet patient almost entirely deprived of sight.

In so much that capable of very little more than distinguishing light, from darkness

This affection by no means an infrequent occurrence.

Long known & accurately described, under titles of Amaurosis Gutta Serena etc.

This disease with great propriety defined by Dr Cullen Visus imminutus vel morsus abolitus sine vilio oculi evidente

To this definition disease of our patient has very exact correspondence.

In so much that while applies to this no resemblance to any other affection.

Must be admitted indeed that besides these particulars, Dr Cullen has also mentioned, as a very frequent occurrence, in this affection, dilation & immobility of pupils.

These appearances will necessarily take place where either total paralysis of fibres contracting pupils or total insensibility of [illegible].

But although neither one [nor] other of these has taken place, to highest degree disease may still well be entitled to name of Amaurosis.

And is merely from circumstances of their not being perfectly insensible that would account for want of these appearances as well as for patients still retaining some degree of vision.

But if in this case some symptoms commonly attendant on disease wanting others occur which not always present.

This particularly the case with respect to frequent convulsive motions of Eyes.

In many instances of Amaurosis muscles moving eyes as little affected as those moving either feet or hands.

But in present case power of will over eye, if not lost, at least very much impaired.

And on many occasions, nay almost [constantly], without any effort of will, subjected to very sudden & involuntary motions.

Such contractions however well known to be very frequent attendants of incipient paralytic state.

Especially when partial with respect to degree as well as extent.

That is when no total abolition either of sense or motion.

Here then consider it merely, as extension of affection to Nerves [distributed] to muscles [when] moving eye, as well as to Optic Nerves.

That is to third as well as to second pair coming directly from brain.

Although therefore appearance not common yet cannot be considered as in its nature singular.

Besides this another particular also to be mentioned as occurring in present case

Patient having viz very much of fatuity appearance.

State of mental faculties much impeded, well known also to be a very frequent occurrence in paralytic affections.

Although therefore not marked as common symptom in Amaurosis yet considered also as intimately connected with the affection.

And as indicating that disease does not merely depend on compression of nerves in course, but on affection at origin Brain itself.

This then idea as to present complaint of patient.

And from view given will readily suppose that expectation of cure could not be great.

But besides circumstances mentioned many others also against patient.

Affection well known to be one of those in its nature in general incurable.

With our patient had already continued for very long time.

From early infancy to age of 20.

Arose also from a cause often producing very obstinate affections of this kind viz fever.

[All] these circumstances so very unfavourable, that must own had very little hope.

As applied for assistance however, was willing to make some trials.

And the rather as wished for opportunity of employing in this affection a remedy which have never used in it, from which neither danger nor inconvenience to be apprehended.

The remedy to which I allude is Cicuta.

On what principle may be supposed to act in this affection must own at a loss to say.

But informed of one case by a very accurate observer Dr Crawford of London in which employment in Amaurosis attended with best effects.

This therefore without any regard to theory, reckon sufficient inducement to trial in other cases.

And was from this reason that prescribed for present patient.

But as [has] never returned since first medicine given, have been deprived of that trial which wished.

This however less to be regretted as in his case very little prospect of cure by any means.

And although had failed in present instance, may succeed in others.

Therefore take this opportunity of mentioning it as a remedy which from having been once used with success, deserves future trial.