DEP/DUA/1/39/44 (Normalised version)

Helen Craw

(1785-1786)

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Helen Craw April. 22^d.

In case of this patient an evidently marked instance of Epilepsy.

After what said therefore at last lecture concerning case of May Pinkerton labouring under same disease need add little of present.

Especially as have here followed same mode of cure

In every instance Epilepsy an obstinate disease.

And as far as my observation goes in majority of cases incurable by any remedy, with which I am acquainted.

Have however met with different instances where disease entirely disappeared during use of medicine.

And while reason for presuming that these conducive to removal.

Hence then some encouragement at least for trial in every instance.

And may at least be said that in present case nothing unfavourable.

Fits though severe yet not very frequent.

Hence good interval afforded for introduction of means of cure.

Had not continued for any great length of time.

And even during that period, by some of remedies used, an apparent suspension had been obtained.

Besides this neither an [original], nor hereditary affection.

But induced late in life, probably as patient herself suspected in consequence of severe shock to system.

From all these particulars [then] [making] due allowance for obstinacy of disease more ground for hope than in [opposing] circumstance

With this patient had recourse to a remedy, which have often before used, with epileptic cases. Cuprum Ammoniala.

And although in many cases, without any apparent advantage yet am much deceived if in others has not been product of good effects.

With last patient May Pinkerton whose fits used to return every three or four weeks had an interval of 9 weeks

And although as will observe from [report] of Saturday, last, has since had return of paroxysms yet consider it as manifest example of influence of that remedy in that disease.

When speaking of her case, mention another patient, William Nimmo whom treated with Cuprum about two years ago.

He, from its use I observed, had then had interval from fits for 18 months.

And was hopeful might have ranked his case among lectures of those cured by it.

But he returned yesterday to Dispensary & informed me that had severe fit on Thursday last.

Would appear therefore that his case also, cannot be reckoned complete cure

But at same time, such an interval, probably obtained from this remedy, no inconsiderable evidence of efficacy.

And have again put him on Cuprum not without hopes of benefit.

Since began use with present patient, have also I think, had proof of its influence on her disease.

With her before use of this remedy fits recurred every four or five weeks or at utmost 6

But at last report inserted in register¹, will observe that had interval for 9.

Since that however has been subjected to a fit.

And as far as can learn very nearly in usual manner.

But this has occurred only at period of ten weeks after last attack.

And therefore while shows influence of remedy on disease gives some hopes of cure from continuation.

But whether that in end affected or not, both this & other case show influence of Cuprum Ammoniala on Epilepsy

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Explanatory notes:

1) References are made throughout the case notes to a dispensary patient register. However, no evidence has been found that this register survives.