DEP/DUA/1/32/41 (Normalised version)

James McLeod

(1783)

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James McLeod N^o20.

This as well as former cases also not altogether without doubts.

Not so much however with regard to anything uncommon in nature of affection, as to which of two diseases to refer it.

Many of symptoms of his [case] such as well known to occur in Phthisis.

And when due attention paid to insidious nature of that disease cannot be without apprehension.

At same time from age of patient, from period for which has already continued, from former remission during summer, & from want of symptoms of hectic fever & other [most] frequent in Phthisis, probable grounds for concluding that merely catarrhal.

On this supposition treatment you will observe has principally proceeded.

At first indeed had recourse to repeated Emetics.

A measure equally applicable to [the] disease whether Phthisis or Catarrh.

With these directed also the use of Squills.

And hoped that while former unloaded breast, latter would prevent future stagnation.

In this however expectations have not yet at least been answered.

For at last report, cough & expectoration continued much as before.

Yet expected that by continuation of medicine & increase of dose, good effects might be obtained

Ordered therefore that squills should be continued & dose augmented

But with this as belly bound conjoined also Electuary of Sulphur & Cream Tartar.

Under these remedies conjoined with favourable [weather] which has lately taken place, hoped that at next report shall find affection considerable alleviated.

And that soon may be entirely removed.

But if this not case, may be obliged to have recourse to repetition of Emetics or to Blisters converted into issues.

And unless disease really Phthisis, probable that in no long time, will yield to this measure.

But if degenerates into that condition or already partakes of that nature reason to fear that all our endeavours will be in vain.