DEP/DUA/1/32/35 (Normalised version)

John Sommevile

(1783)

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Have already treated at considerable length of 14 first cases in list.

Besides these however six others in Register¹, which although lectures now to be terminated, may yet continue for some time subject of practice here.

Shall therefore employ this last lecture of course in briefly stating to you my opinion & views with respect to these

John Sommevile, as well as patient last treated of applied for assistance for an affection of eyes.

And as in case of John Chalmers here also no obvious disease in eye itself.

But in this case pupil still continues to have free motion.

An evident proof that diminishment of [sensibility] at least not very considerable.

At same time do not see to what other cause impaired vision can here be attributed.

In this view however though still to slight degree only can hardly consider it as a trifling affection.

Shall not be surprised to find that all our efforts to cure prove ineffectual.

And that notwithstanding these disease even increases in violence.

At same time affection not attended with headache or any other alarming symptoms.

Reason therefore to hope that may soon take turn for better.

And this the rather as since he came under care affection has at least been static.

Whereas before had been observed gradually increasing in severity

Since came under our care, have had recourse you will observe to two different practices.

Use viz of Electricity & of Camphor.

Of first of these as a remedy in paralytic affections have already had occasion to state sentiments when treat of case of Richard [Tookie].

Can be no doubt that as [restoring] nervous energy both with respect to sensibility & motion few remedies more powerful.

And accordingly in some instances of amaurosis which have fallen under my own care, much more unfavourable than present case have seen best affects.

Was intention therefore to have given fair trial to this remedy alone.

But from state of weather & some defects in machine could not be regularly continued.

Conjoined therefore the use of Camphor under form of pills.

Both that might not appear [inactive] & likewise with some view of advantage.

For in some instances of paralytic affections have I think seen Camphor attended with best affects.

Since this course began cannot pretend to affirm that patient has derived much advantage from it.

But complaints have at least, not increased in severity

And from continuation still hope for good affects.

If fails must own will have less expectations from any other.

But still others which may at least be tried.

And have particularly in view Cicuta & the Peruvian Bark.

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Explanatory notes:

1) References are made throughout the case notes to a dispensary patient register. However, no evidence has been found that this register survives.