DEP/DUA/1/35/11 (Normalised version)

Alexander Stuart

1784

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N^o6^th May 14^th 1784

Alexander Stuart at 20, is troubled with sudden & frequent starts of his forearm on the right side beginning on the inside where the os humeris is united to the bones of the forearm & extending down to the tips of the fingers. The part affected is, he says, both stiff & so weak that he is incapable to lift or carry anything. On the outside from the elbow to the wrist the muscles appear to be in perpetual agitation.

Heat & Pulse natural nor does that of the affected arm appear to be in any respect different from the other, excepting that from the constant agitation it can be less distinctly felt. Appetite good, belly regular & he sleeps well.

The feeling of the affected arm is neither impaired, nor more exquisite than formerly.

This affection first appeared on Sunday last, but without any other manifest cause than what might arise from his employment as a Baker, in which occupation he is frequently oppressed with heavy [burdens] & he had been carrying on Saturday last very heavy baskets of bread & biscuit. during that time the affected hand was always most employed in supporting the [bad]. He has used no medicine excepting a few of the Pill Thebaic from which however he received no benefit.