DEP/DUA/1/37/12 (Normalised version)

Janet Walker

1785

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Janet Walker. February. 16^th 1785.

Of case of this patient reckon it necessary to say very little.

For after first prescription have seen nothing more of her in this place

And as have heard nothing [respecting] her am ignorant of condition of disease & have had no opportunity of judging of it from acquaintance with progression.

As far however as could form judgement from history now read, was disposed to look upon it as of very alarming nature

And indeed to consider it as being an instance of Phthisis.

Of this, some presumption at least, from severe cough, attended with violent pain of side, affecting breathing to very considerable degree.

This presumption not a little strengthened by constant quickness of pulse

But still more by feverish exacerbation every afternoon, & by sweating fits in the morning.

In this conjunction of symptoms have common attendants of Phthisis even after has made alarming progress.

And may at least venture to assert that Phthisis often occurs where less distinctly marked.

Viewing the affection in this light no particular mentioned in the case, which can, I think, be considered as singular.

At same time some occurrence not to be met with in every instance of Phthisis.

As such may mention delivery of dead child about a month after commencement of affection.

Here however much to be doubted whether this in any degree connected with disease

From period at which happened, cannot suppose that operated as cause inducing the affection.

And although not impossible that abortion as well as death of child, may have been consequence of violent agitation from coughing, yet this at least but a rare occurrence.

Often instances of patients subjected to Phthisis during pregnant state, yet carry child to full time.

And indeed remarked that during course of pregnancy symptoms apparently alleviated.

Or at least very considerable increase [alleviated]

Upon whole then look on this circumstance as having been unconnected with disease.

And from anything we can learn does not seem to have had any material effect on progress.

For has at least subsisted several months since that time

And in history of case are not informed at least, of any material alteration which then occurred.

But from all circumstances of case when patient came under our care had very unfavourable opinion

Am inclined to suppose, desertion has proceeded from her being unable to attend us.

And if attendance had even been regularly continued entertain no great hopes of being of much service to her.

In this case however, was intention to have made trial of Gum Myrrh.

An article which will find highly extolled by Dr Simmons in his treatise on consumption¹.

And of which, from my own experience, in certain cases at least, am disposed to form favourable opinion.

But as here no opportunity of trial need add nothing farther on the subject.

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Explanatory notes:

1) Samuel Foart Simmons, Practical observations on the treatment of consumptions (1780).