DEP/DUA/1/31/37 (Normalised version)

Alexander Blair

(1782-1783)

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N^oXXXII

Alexander Blair at 44 has a confluent eruption of hot itchy pustules of a deep red & claret colour extending from the anterior spurious process of the os ilium on the right side to the spine of the back. There in many places run into ill conditioned ulcers & discharge a considerable quantity of purulent or ichorous matter. They are nowhere covered with a furfuraceous crust. There is a small eruption of the same kind on the breast

The cubitus of the left arm is dislocated which seems to have been the effect of deep seated ulcers of that part which at present are perfectly cicatrized but he has no use of his arm.

Appetite good, no increase of thirst he in general sleeps well, but his rest is frequently disturbed on any change of weather by pains in his joints especially in the elbow, which is dislocated. Pulse 72 of natural strength belly regular. He has an eruption of small spots on his wrists & between his fingers which are frequently very itchy. But he says they are not communicated to others by contact & are of the same date with his other complaints.

He lost the use of his arm from an abscess which was formed there about twenty years ago, after an intermittent. The affection of his side is of only a years standing & began after a fever. He never took any medicines except a dose of Glaubers salt for a short time after which the itching suffered a temporary abatement. but soon became as violent as before. He has applied Cerate to the ulcers, & lately rubbed the [pair] affected parts with Camphor oil which produces a temporary smarting on its application, but he thinks has had some effect in mitigating the pain & itching.

11 Ol. Camph. Ungt Saturn Antim Crud.

31 The affection of side much as before slight sickness from powders but no vomiting or looseness. Thinks himself weaker. Cont Ol. Camp & Ungt Saturn Intm Antim ppt. Cap [thist] Vitriol.

[February] 15 Dismissed for irregularities