DEP/DUA/1/29/30 (Normalised version)

David Grey

(1782)

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David Grey.

Case of this patient evidently of complicated nature.

And no reason to believe that different parts any connection with each other

This I think may confidently infer not only from nature & progression, but also from periods at which appeared.

Most obvious part of affection & that for which principally applied for assistance, an eruption.

When came under our care principally appeared on face.

And there under form of numerous collection of thick set, small red pimples

These also in some degree on hands & legs.

But these at time when came under our care inconsiderable only.

And of this affection what then claimed attention entirely on face.

Here could not represent the affection as being in many respects peculiar.

When came under care indeed, had been for that time, but of short [duration]

And preceded by some symptoms as vertigo, dimness of sight, increased [illegible] etc indicating febrile state.

But at same time, well known, that such symptoms as depend on stomach often both forerunners & consequences of eruption.

And when consider that affection of this patient had now subsisted for many years could have no difficulty in considering it as an eruptive disease of chronic kind.

And from appearance as little doubt in denominating it a herpetic eruption.

Of this if prognosis to be given from nature, of affects had no reason to be apprehensive of any bad consequences.

For in very rare instances only, that any dangerous consequences ever result from it.

But at same time, little reason to hope for speedy radical cure.

Especially as affection not only in general obstinate in nature, but had already subsisted for considerable length of time.

For no less than space of 12 years. A period with our patient more than one half of life time.

During that time however, very far from being constant.

For although twice or thrice in course of year, yet had seldom continued without interruption for more than [fortnight]

Had reason therefore to hope, that in present case would follow same course as had formerly done.

And when now favourable termination, somewhat doubtful how far much to be attributed to medicines employed.

But before saying anything of this necessary to take notice of other parts of affection.

Besides eruption complained also of pain seated in haunch bone.

With this we are told had been in some degree affected for space of three months.

And especially distressing when hard at work.

This complaint of still [older] date than on present occasion.

For formerly subjected to it, about three years before.

Then as on present occasion, was ascribed to much exertion in line of profession that viz of House joiner.

And probably with justice attributed to parts, being thus [overstretched].

At least much more probable in this conjecture than in that entertained with regard to cutaneous eruption.

Which attributed to drinking cold small beer when much heated.

Probably from no other reason than that eruption soon after

But when consider that has often since been renewed, without any such cause, little reason to believe that had then any concern.

Taking it for granted however, that present affection proceeded from cause alleged, did not look upon it as being very important.

And hoped that by rest & attention alone, might soon of itself cease.

In practice therefore consider cutaneous eruption, as first & principle objective claiming attention.

And from appearance as well as mode of commencement imagined that would be most readily combated by determination from surface to internal parts.

Was with this view, that thought of having recourse to gentle laxative.

To this indeed might seem to be some objection, that purgative formerly employed without advantage.

And no doubt that cathartics, now deservedly less in use than formerly in such affections.

For when in every case, recourse promiscuously had, to strong drastic purgatives frequently repeated, on supposition of evacuating morbid matter, constitution often ruined without any benefit to patient.

But while much evil from this practice no inconsiderable advantage may be obtained from gentle evacuation, from intestinal canal.

Especially when [condition] in such manner, as to give determination there without increased impetus of circulation in general.

For answering these intentions had recourse to Cream of Tartar.

Than which few of the refrigerant cathartics better suited, for moderately opening the belly.

But that might [secure] effect here added small proportion of Jalap.

From stimulating power of which when combined with refrigerant nothing to be apprehended.

From this hoped that some catharsis might be induced.

At same time not to such extent as to prevent its being employed daily.

In these effects not disappointed.

For from regular employment had daily two or three loose stools.

With this manifest operation eruption soon very much diminished.

But whether to be attributed to medicine or not, as already observed was very doubtful

For on many former occasions, had in nearly same time of itself gradually disappeared.

May however at least venture to say, that product of no bad effects.

For under use in short time symptoms entirely disappeared.

At present therefore no farther reason for continuation

Although when consider what had formerly happened, could by no means look upon affection as completely removed.

Now however in such situation that naturally thought of turning attention to other part of complaint viz pain of [haunch]

For this directed friction with Camphor Oil.

And under use this part of affection also soon left him.

Was therefore dismissed for present at least free from all complaints.