DEP/DUA/1/37/31 (Normalised version)

David Henry

(1785)

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David Henry March. 12^th.

In history of this patients case not many symptoms are enumerated.

These however in my opinion sufficiently distinct, to characterise affection, to which subjected.

Have here the ordinary symptoms of what known by common title of stomach complaint.

And in pain of stomach, borborygmi, flatus, eructation & vomiting, have what may be considered as great constitution of Dyspepsia.

Into definition of that disease indeed, as given by Dr Cullen, other symptoms also enter.

But these, such for example as bound state of belly, not to be considered as necessarily constituting.

For not unfrequently as is the case with our patient, attended even with looseness.

And indeed may perhaps be alleged, that in this affection, belly rather irregular, than either loose or bound.

Often even sudden transition, from one state to other.

And by both, when occurring to any great degree, affection aggravated.

Hence in treatment, few particulars more difficult, than to preserve regular state of discharge.

While make this remark, with regard to state of belly, may also observe, that other symptoms likewise, admit of considerable variety.

In so much that in different cases, have very different sets of symptoms.

With some anorexia, nausea, cardialgia acidity at stomach & the like.

But although in present case, none of these can be said to occur, yet here sufficient combination, to characterise the affection.

While however disease distinctly marked, yet no symptoms, from which could infer, that exist to great degree.

Nothing, which could by any means be considered, as alarming.

Pain indeed at times acute

But this, from transitory nature, had reason to believe arose merely from flatulence.

And when that the case, always much more distressing than dangerous.

Even however slightest instance of dyspepsia, often turns out to be very obstinate.

Could not therefore with great confidence look for speedy cure.

At same time, had comparatively speaking been but of short continuation.

For six months, not any long period, for stomach affection.

And had not during that time resisted any powerful means of cure

Hoped therefore that should soon at least be able to alleviate his affection.

This to be expected from such remedies as would strengthen tone of stomach.

While at same time, had tendency both to prevent inordinate action, & to support regular discharge by belly.

Was with these views, that directed for patient the Elixir ex Aloe & Rheo.

This while an excellent stomachic is also in general gentle laxative.

Here however wished to prevent effect of immediate action on stomach.

As means therefore of counteracting vomiting, or even looseness, which might arise from it, added to it a proportion of Tincture Thebaic.

In this state [stayed] upon stomach without any inconvenience.

And so far from operating as purgative, that during use belly rather bound

But at same time stomach complaint very much diminished.

Had therefore reason to hope, that by persisting in use, might obtain complete removal.

Directed therefore, continuation of employment.

But since that, have seen nothing of patient.

And what has been cause of desertion cannot positively pretend to say

Am inclined however to hope, that has arisen from having no farther occasion for assistance

But from whatever cause may have proceeded, renders any farther observations on case unnecessary.