DEP/DUA/1/37/02 (Normalised version)

William Torrence

(1785)

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William Torrence. February

This patient has attended us but very little at the Dispensary.

Although therefore inclined to look upon affection as important perhaps as peculiar yet do not reckon it necessary to say much with regard to it.

Greater part of disease according to account in our register¹ consists in flatulence

But besides this had at different times also been affected with a complaint of much more serious nature.

For little doubt I think that fits he mentions of the epileptic kind.

Are not indeed we are told attended either with convulsive agitation or foaming at mouth.

But these by no means essential to epileptic affections.

That disease much more distinctly marked by total abolition of sense which here occurs.

And presumption I think not a little favoured by attacks being most frequent during night

At least with greater majority of those epileptics who have fallen under my care this has been case.

Some even who affected during night only.

If necessary, might mention also as another corroborating circumstance, the cause to which disease assigned.

This affection attributed to influence of passions of mind.

Particularly to sudden fright conjoined with anxiety.

By these Epilepsy even in most dreadful form has often been induced

And here may readily suppose that would operate more powerfully from state of system at time.

For when thus subjected to influence of passions of mind had recently recovered from a fever.

From all circumstances taken together then, could have but little doubt that this most material affection.

And when consider obstinacy of Epilepsy in general should probably have found it baffling utmost efforts.

Might however have at least tried different [methods] of combating.

But here no opportunity of directing practice to this affection.

For in short time patient gave up attending

And during that time view [directed] to what at least most constant & immediately urgent affection the flatulence.

Was with this intention that directed for him the Pill Foetid cum Aloe.

From these pills which consist of equal parts of Aloes Assafoetida & Soap have often in such instances seen best affect.

For not only have effect of expelling flatus but in such cases operate also as gentle laxative.

Here however purgative power greater than could have wished

Hence then found it necessary to diminish quantity of pills.

But what has been affect since this diminishment we have not learned.

While at same time his desertion has prevented us from trial of any practice with view to Epilepsy.

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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.