DEP/DUA/1/29/40 (Normalised version)

Helen Brooks

(1782)

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Helen Brooks.

Principle complaints of this patient cough, dyspnoea, & viscid gross [expectoration]

These as have often already had occasion to observe, may either be catarrh or phthisis.

And here not altogether without doubt

But at same time from quickness of pulse, from frequent shivering fits, & still more from copious night sweats, reason to suspect Phthisis.

In this case even supposing affection to be catarrhal phthisis, prognosis cannot be favourable.

For although more recoveries than in any other case, yet here even, in 19 or 20 instances has fatal termination.

And must own am very apprehensive that this will be event of case with present patient.

Since she came under our care nothing to incline us to form more favourable opinion.

For complaint evidently worse.

And has at least derived no benefit from any of those measures which have hitherto be taken.

When first came under our care put her upon use of Gum Myrrh.

An article of effects of which in Phthisis cases have already oftener than once had occasion to make some observations.

This as already observed; always I think exhibited with greatest advantage, when combined with a refrigerant.

And here thought some benefit might result from gently opening belly

As refrigerant therefore has recourse to Cream of Tartar.

Continued this medicine, for course of week, without being product of any inconvenience.

Complaint however still remained nearly in same state.

Was directed therefore to persist in employment for some time longer.

But at succeeding report found that powders in general vomited, not long after being taken.

This thought it not impossible might have proceeded from Gum Myrrh.

At same time to be observed that with occurrence of this symptom there had also taken place, increased severity of cough.

And well known that from this alone vomiting readily induced.

Especially when anything taken into stomach in least degree disagreeable.

On this account therefore thought it best to omit myrrh.

As thus at least most certain test would be afforded, whether had any share as inducing the vomiting.

Still however continued employment of Cream of Tartar as gentle refrigerant & cathartic.

And also that might not seem to our patient to be inactive.

But from this [alteration] no change for better.

And vomiting as well as other affections still in same state as formerly.

At last report therefore ordered this also to be omitted.

Principally that might see in what state she continues, from using no medicine.

If at next report no alteration of complaint have thoughts of making trial of Cicuta.

Especially if find that vomiting subsides.

But if this continues severe, may have recourse to some medicines with view of allaying it.

At same time from none do I expect much advantage.