DEP/DUA/1/36/05 (Normalised version)

William Robertson

1784

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N^o3. October. 29. 1784

William Robertson at 29. by trade a flax dresser¹, is affected with a frequent inclination to make water so that he seldom passes a quarter of an hour through the day without discharging a considerable quantity. It is discharged without any pain or uneasiness, to the extent at a medium of pound 16 in 24 hours.

The urine is of a light amber colour, very transparent when first discharged & shows no separation on standing. It has little smell but is manifestly of a sweet taste.

He is also troubled with a continual thirst which cannot be endured unless he be perpetually drinking & drink is no sooner taken than it is immediately discharged by the urinary passages. He is affected also with considerable soreness in the roof of his mouth & gums & he complains much of great weakness.

Pulse about 98 & of natural strength. Skin parched, Appetite more keen than natural. Belly very costive.

This affection first began about two months ago & the first symptom which he then remarked, was an uncommon desire for liquids which has continued ever since & is now as great as ever. The keenness of his appetite however which soon supervened was more remarkable formerly than at present.

And he thinks that this diminution has taken place, since he used a considerable quantity of garlic, which he took by the advice of some of his neighbours, on the supposition that his affection proceeded from worms.

An increase of the discharge of urine was observed at the commencement & it has been gradually augmented ever since.

He knows no cause to which this affection can be assigned. He formerly enjoyed good health & none of his relations have ever been affected with any similar complaint. He has used no medicines excepting the garlic & the only effect he has observed from it is a diminution of his appetite.

Cap. bis in 7[mana] Pulv.

Ipecac Ji pro. Emet.

November 5. Both the vomits operated well & after them he had less thirst during the night

But the quantity & appearance of his urine continues nearly as before. Repet. Emet. u. a.

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Explanatory notes:

1) A worker who separated the coarse part of flax or hemp with a hackle in preparation for the spinner.