DEP/DUA/1/28/08 (Normalised version)

John Wilson

(1781-1782)

---

John Wilson

Case not altogether without ambiguity.

And certainly does not correspond to definition of Rheumatism as given by nosologists¹.

Seat of pain such as occurs in much more alarming affection viz [illegible]

While at same time also as in that complaint affection of breath.

Here however suspicion of such affection entirely removed [from] absence of fever.

While painful to touch & other circumstances led me to conclude that affection totally exterior to bones of chest.

And had little doubt in considering it to be a Rheumatic affection

From this pain of Respiration all other symptoms readily explained.

On this idea treatment entirely proceeded.

And was here intention to make trial of the Rhododendron an article of which gave account at last lecture in more early stage of disease than had before employed it.

But from affection of breathing thought it necessary also to [direct] [application] of blister.

To operation of this may I think ascribe relief of pain of back & free respiration & expectoration which afterwards [occurred].

Still however pain continued to considerable degree.

And while Rhododendron at first employed no inconvenience led to continuation.

Only obvious operation that of slight sickness & increased heat.

And former of these after a little habitual to use left him.

Under employment all pains very soon entirely left him.

Here will not deny that such termination may have occurred without use of any medicine.

But think it more probable that may attribute it to the Rhododendron.

And for my own part am disposed to rank this among other cases which tend to give me good opinion of that medicine.

In concluding case may observe that formerly Dispensary patient.

Want of power of [retention] of Urine particularly in bed.

Had laboured under it for many years & had tried many medicines by advice of different practitioners to no purpose.

Was however then completely cured by Electricity.

On return at present happy to learn that though some years now elapsed continues entirely free from [return] of that affection

---

Explanatory notes:

1) Nosology is the branch of medical science dealing with the classification of diseases. Individuals referred to in the case notes as nosologists were commonly those who had published nosological, or classificatory, medical texts.