DEP/DUA/1/38/24 (Normalised version)

Sarah Allan

(1785-1786)

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January 14

In case of Sarah Allan N^o25. an unmarried girl in 25 year, has as well as in that of Edward Ross, many dyspeptic symptoms.

And may justly consider it I apprehend as an example of that affection.

Not however without some peculiarities.

Among these may justly mention severe pain to which subjected when stomach empty.

For general pain of stomach greater when loaded with victuals.

And perhaps in part from this cause there occurs very generally with this disease anorexia or aversion to food.

In present case however appetite on contrary is uncommonly keen.

Presumption that both these peculiarities from same cause.

And to me apprehend by no means improbable that to be attributed to [illegible] furnished by stomach.

Now no doubt that this acts as powerful cause of digestion.

And as little that may be diseased in different ways.

Sometimes occasions morbid affection from increased sometimes from diminished energy

Here from two circumstances last mentioned some presumption that of former kind.

On this idea of disease should not be disposed to consider it either as dangerous or even obstinate.

For increased energy in system [rarely] of long continuation.

Indeed very generally even of itself soon degenerates to natural standing often below it.

Though this however may be natural progression yet where does not spontaneously occur difficult to say by what means to be promoted.

For on state of secretion have it not in our power to operate very readily.

No doubt however that secretion in general depends on condition of action in secreting organ.

And this again may be affected by causes acting on extremities of excreta.

In this manner not improbable that stomachic bitters as have been called often considerable influence.

With this intention have here had recourse to combination of bitter & aromatic Tincture

And with view to expulsion of flatulence have to these added [Agrimonia] Mentha Peppermint

If by this relieved shall naturally direct continuation of use.

But if affection either aggravated or not diminished, may here I think expect some benefit from opium

And not only as means of allaying pain but of affecting causes on which depends

For no doubt that very much affects states of other secretions into alimentary canal as evinced by influence in Diarrhoea Cholera etc.

If however here recourse to use shall afterwards state sentiments with respect to it at more length.