DEP/DUA/1/34/38 (Normalised version)

Peggy Brown

1784

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Peggy Brown. April 24.

Disease of this patient chiefly marked by severe pains.

And with regard to nature of these some doubt.

From situation of some of them in joints [reason] for presuming that of Rheumatic kind.

And this supposition somewhat corroborated by swelling & redness, sometimes observed.

But on other hand again pains principally in parts not seat of Rheumatism.

For not only in head back & breast but also in lowest part of belly.

Was upon whole then disposed to view them as depending rather on peculiar irritability than Rheumatism.

And this supposition somewhat corroborated by general sense of coldness by trembling fits & by transient heat.

But still more by affection of discharge of urine to which was subjected

And may also probably consider as a symptom of same state that degree of delirium to which are told was subjected.

Upon whole then disposed to consider, case of this patient as well as that of some others already treated of as affording example of Hysteria under form of Hysteria Symptoms.

And from this view although to be considered as free from danger yet would not be disposed to look for speedy favourable termination.

But at same time more hopes of this when consider that only of recent date.

And that chiefly appear under form of pains.

For these perhaps more easily combated than most other hysteria symptoms.

Here from idea given of disease naturally occurs as first objective to obviate pains.

And in next place to prevent [recurrence] by removal of that irritability on which they depend.

Those intentions of cure, applicable here even on idea that affection of the Rheumatic kind.

For, must in that event suppose that was in state of irritability.

Hence then, remedies employed equally suited to both affections.

As means of allaying pain had recourse to Pill Thebaic effect of which entirely to be attributed to opium they contain.

And whatever different opinions may be held as to action of opium, yet no one can deny, that is the most powerful means we possess, of allaying pain.

While from this expected mitigation of pain with view of preventing return had recourse to combination of Zinc & Valerian.

A composition which as have already oftener than once had occasion to observe have found product of best effects as removing morbid irritability.

Had here therefore reason to hope that by these medicines present patient might be [relieved]

Since prescription however have seen nothing of her.

But if returns to attendance shall wish to continue course, till fully able to judge of effects.