DEP/DUA/1/37/41 (Normalised version)

Cath Forbes

1785

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Cath. Forbes. April. 2^d. 1785

When this patient came under our care, was apparently subjected to two affections. Cephalgia viz & Ophthalmia.

These may unquestionably occur at same time when yet unconnected.

Here however considered them as constituting but part as it were of same affection.

Of this presumption both as frequently found to be connected, & as here of same standing.

While at same time patient free from every other affection.

For absence of catamenia may here consider as consequence of patients age.

Had already arrived at 50^th year a period before which this discharge often ceases.

Ophthalmia as well as other active inflammations am inclined to attribute to increased action of vessels in eye.

And here consider augmented impetus in head as being cause both of this symptom & of headache.

As neither symptom of long continuation nor to any great degree, was in hopes that might soon be removed.

And this I imagined would be most readily accomplished by [illegible] from [circulatory] symptom & by determination from head.

For answering both intentions brisk cathartic seemed to be well suited.

Had therefore recourse to [conjoined] powder of Jalap, from which can in general obtain a copious & free evacuation.

From this therefore expected both sufficient degree of depletion & likewise determination to intestinal canal.

And thus imagined that should obtain diminishment of impetus in head.

While this medicine however directed internally thought it also advisable to have recourse to an external application to eyes themselves.

And for this purpose directed use of a solution of Sal. Plumbi.

From saturn applications in general best effects often obtained as allaying action of vessels.

And in ophthalmia in particular, saturn solution, especially when conjoined with proper evacuation, used with greatest advantage.

In effect of these medicines were not disappointed.

From first dose indeed of the Jalap sickness & vomiting were excited.

But second brisk & free operation.

And under use, together with trial of saturn solution, headache much relieved Ophthalmia almost totally removed

And at succeeding report, almost only complaint sickness & unease at stomach.

Probably in some degree at least effect of purgative employed.

In this situation continuation of former medicine seemed now unnecessary.

And as gentle cordial ordered merely a proportion of aromatic tincture diffused in peppermint water.

Since this directed however have neither seen nor heard anything farther of patient.

And I own am inclined to attribute her desertion to having no farther occasion for assistance.

A circumstance often happening to us in Dispensary practice.

But whether that case or not had here example of good effects of this Cathartic as [countering] both Ophthalmia & Headache