DEP/DUA/1/30/18 (Normalised version)

Betty Smart

1783

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Betty Smart. January 18 1783

Another patient dismissed from attendance since had last occasion to mention case Betty Smart.

When treated of her affection also observed that should perhaps afterwards take opportunity of saying something farther with respect to it.

Formerly observed that consider Amenorrhea to be primary & originating disease

And looked upon this as foundation & support both of Hysteria & Haemoptysis.

Since last spoke of this patients case no circumstance has occurred to alter sentiments with respect to it.

And indeed have had no opportunity of having recourse to any of those practices which then suggested.

Had this been the case would probably have been inclined to [illegible] to them virtues to which in no degree entitled.

For as you will observe by last report what may be called natural cure has taken place.

Or at least free return of menstrual discharge has, suspended, perhaps even completely removed all her symptoms.

This event cannot I think be attributed to any medicine which was using.

For at time when discharge returned was employing only a mixture with Tincture Fuliginis & Peppermint Water.

This as formerly observed intended principally for counteracting hysteria symptoms

Particularly severe palpitations to which subjected.

If indeed as was intended Rubia had been employed which intended soon as thought danger of Haemoptysis over might have been deceived in effects

But to the Tincture Fuliginis could attribute nothing.

Although however do not consider cure as proceeding from medicines employed yet cannot say that was either unexpected or not foretold.

For you may remember that when spoke of this case formerly observed, that even in most unfavourable circumstances menstrual discharge will often spontaneously return when entirely at loss from what cause proceeds

And was therefore not altogether without expectation that in this manner complete removal of all symptoms might suddenly take place.

This prediction if account of patient to be credited the event has now confirmed.

And if case does not demonstrate power of any particular Emmenagogue at least furnishes example of spontaneous cure of Amenorrhea.