DEP/DUA/1/31/46 (Normalised version)

Mary Reid

(1782-1783)

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Mary Reid

Complaint of this patient seemed to be principally at least, dependent on state of menstrual discharge.

And that, depended not on obstruction but on being merely scanty.

Had reason therefore to hope, that from change of mode of life, or like, more to be expected than from use of remedies.

Accordingly strongly, recommended a suggestion of her own, that should leave present line, of being servant in Edinburgh, for country life.

This however could not easily do, till term of present service expired.

In mean time therefore, was but natural to try something, both with view to removal of affection, & mitigation of symptoms.

Of these the most urgent, were headaches, & stomach complaint.

On this account, had recourse to sacred Elixir.

From which, while improved [appearance], expected also some benefit as acting upon inferior part of alimentary canal.

As from stimulation there, being propagated to system of uterus, more regular & [equal] circulation, might be induced.

Was also nearly at least with same intention, that had recourse to foetid pills.

Latter medicine however, hardly begun, when menstrual discharge appeared.

And whether from these, or any other cause, was more in natural way, & with much less unease, than had formerly been the case.

Was intention therefore to persist in use, till succeeding period

During interval however, some symptoms occurred, for alleviation of which other practices seemed to be indicated.

Thus for severe headaches had recourse to use of Valerian.

And for restraining looseness to [Mixture] of Electuary Japonica with a proportion of Thebaic Tincture.

From these remedies, symptoms against which directed, were removed.

And succeeding menstrual discharge, though of long continuation, yet in no other respect unnatural.

In this situation, then reckoned it unnecessary, that attendance should be continued

And accordingly at last report dismissed.

Recovery however am disposed to attribute much more to operation of nature, than to any remedies employed.