DEP/DUA/1/28/21 (Normalised version)

Hugh Ritchie

(1781-1782)

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Have already delivered sentiments at some length on cases of 34 patients who stand first in order of list

And period of session has now arrived at which has formerly been practice to conclude this part of business for Winter Session.

In place therefore of entering into more full consideration mean to employ present lecture in giving short view of other cases subject of practice here, of which have hitherto said nothing.

Hugh Ritchie.

Disease consisted in frequent loose stools.

Although these with slimy discharge gripes tenesmus & some degree of fever, yet no hesitation in considering it as an instance of Diarrhoea.

This determination did not merely form from absence of blood in stools.

For although such discharge had occurred would not have altered opinion of disease.

For here wanted that fever which concomitant perhaps rather great constituent of Dysentery.

No suspicion that disease received from contagion.

No reason to believe that capable of being propagated by such a cause.

These however look upon as being the circumstances essential to dysentery.

And from here viewing affection as Diarrhoea opinion of termination much more favourable.

Already even consider it as being on decline

For after having subsisted for ten days stools now less thin & copious.

Hence then though not perhaps less distressing than at first, yet still consider it, as now depending on abraded & irritated state of intestines.

In this situation no hesitation in having recourse to the use of an astringent.

By which hoped that looseness [might] be restrained & vigour of parts restored.

Imagine however that effects still more considerable, if tendency to inordinate action diminished.

And with this intention thought of conjoining it with a proportion of a sedative.

These then circumstances which here directed me, to use of Infusion Japonica, with a proportion of Laudanum Liquid.

But previous to employment directed an Emetic.

As thus from evacuation of alimentary canal action would be more considerable.

While at same time might remove sordes from stomach, which if propelled downwards would augment the disease.

What however has been effect of these medicines have not learned.

For since patient got them have seen no more of him in this place.