DEP/DUA/1/31/22 (Normalised version)

George Robb

(1782-1783)

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George Robb.

Of patient whose case has now been read reckon it necessary to say very little

Was but short time under our care at this place

And since that has been admitted a patient into Royal Infirmary¹ where has been subject both of practice & lecture.

Shall only observe that from account which gave of his disease, when came under our care my opinion was that laboured under two different affections.

And these probably unconnected with each other.

One of these consisted in painful contraction of fingers & toes appearing principally under form of Cramp.

This however although distressing to him considered as least material part of affection.

What to me seemed much more alarming was that sense of aura, ascending from toe to head.

This symptom well known to be almost if not altogether peculiar to Symptomatica Epilepsy.

And that it was so in present case corroborated by affection of mental faculties which succeeded.

For upon reaching head, there ensued we are told, not only distortion of features but state of insensibility.

And although had not proceeded to what could be called formal epileptic fits yet considered these as sufficiently characteristic of the disease.

While therefore in former case, had an example of idiopathic Epilepsy or Epilepsia cerebralis, considered this as a case of Epilepsy sympathetica.

In affections of this kind even where appearance slightest cannot be confident of cure.

But in present case many circumstances at least favourable.

Besides that only symptom was but of recent date & had not resisted any active remedies.

Was in hopes therefore that might be able to remove affection.

And for this purpose put him on use of Cuprum Ammoniala.

While continued attendance here taking that remedy had never any returns of the Aura.

But for increase of other affection went as patient to the Infirmary.

And in consequence of benefit received is again dismissed from thence.

What may hereafter be condition with regard to Epilepsy [appearance] is indeed uncertain.

But must own should not be surprised to find that this patient hereafter subjected to formal epileptic fits.

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Explanatory notes:

1) The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, established in 1729.