DEP/DUA/1/37/57 (Normalised version)

John McPherson

1785

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N^o49 April 2^d 1785

John McPherson at 26 Is troubled with severe cough attended with constant pain of his breast situated particularly between his shoulders & under the sternum

Upon coughing the pain is always much aggravated which becomes worse during the nights, & towards morning. At this time the cough is particularly violent & is generally accompanied with all the symptoms of hectic fever. Towards the morning he is troubled with excessive thirst & then sometimes he spits blood. Appetite irregular. Belly natural.

The present affection has continued with him in some degree for these nine years past becoming always worse during the winter. He has also observed some of the bloody expectoration for nine years past.

He attributes his complaints to cold after the smallpox. He has been several times in the Infirmary¹ with temporary relief

Rx. [Accli] Vini ℥ i

Pulv. Ipecac Ji. M

cap. pro. Emet. or. m. nec non

Rx. Pulv. G. Myrrh.

Crem Tart. aa ℥p.

M cap. coch parv. ter de die

9. The vomit operated well & was not followed by any looseness

He has taken the powders as directed but his cough still continues to be very severe. He has however been free from bloody expectoration. Other symptoms much as before.

Rx. [Acct]. distillat ℥iii

Pulv. Ipecac Ji. M cap

er. m. Repet. Pulv. G. Myrrh

m. a.

16 About half an hour after taking the Ipecacuanha with the acctum distillatum, he had some vomiting & it then produced two or three loose stools. He has continued the Pulveris Gum Myrrh & thinks his cough somewhat easier particularly during the night. But he still sleeps ill & often sweats.

Pulse 68 Belly regular.

Cont. Pulv. G. Myrrh. u. a. &

Rx. Mucil. G. Arab. ℥ii

Spt. Vitriol Ten

Tinct. Theb. aa ℥ii

Ag. Font. ℥IV M

cap. ℥i. om m [h.] [romi]

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Explanatory notes:

1) The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, established in 1729.