DEP/DUA/1/29/38 (Normalised version)

John McLean

(1782)

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Complaints of John McLean, principally consisted in pains in belly & back with borborygmi.

And when these severe was affected with giddiness & pain of head.

Could have no doubt in viewing all these symptoms as arising from wind.

And accordingly to his affection would give name of Flatulentia.

For no symptoms in case which may not I think be attributed to that cause.

Besides symptoms mentioned indeed some others enumerated in history of affection.

Such for example as difficulty in making water.

But this also can have no hesitation in attributing to flatulence.

Readily explained from compression of distended intestines on bladder & urinary [passages]

Accordingly frequently found to arise from that cause.

And among vulgar in this country such affections here commonly known by title of windy gravel.

Viewing all symptoms then as here proceeding from flatulence had no reason to form an unfavourable prognosis.

Although distressing yet unless when lands in Tympanites, seldom a dangerous disease.

And this only consequence of very great loss of tone, tending even to paralysis of intestines.

Of such however no appearance in present case.

From beginning therefore had reason to hope that would soon be alleviated.

But here any farther observations on prognosis unnecessary as case has already had favourable termination.

And this no doubt in attributing [at] to considerable degree to medicine here employed.

Had recourse here to combination of aloes & assafoetida.

Hoping from first to promote free discharge of feculent matter & from last to give free discharge of wind.

In these affects were not disappointed.

For from commencing use borborygmi much diminished.

And although headache in some degree remained yet yielded to continuation of medicine.

And in short time dismissed cured.