DEP/DUA/1/40/17 (Normalised version)

Agnes Mitchell

(1786-1787)

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No 17. Agnes Mitchell at 23.

Symptoms in this case such as arise from many different causes.

And cannot be considered as characterising any particular disease.

Often are consequences of obstructed menstrual.

And if account of patient to be relied upon little doubt in referring to this cause

And from restoration of discharge may expect removal.

This in different situations to be effected on different principles.

But in circumstances of present [case] should expect more from electricity than any other remedy.

To this therefore should naturally [think] of having recourse

But at present one circumstance objection to employment.

Uncertainty viz whether want of menstrual may not be effect of pregnancy

Often pretended by those wishing to procure abortion that obstruction from other causes.

Hence in use of active remedy caution.

Indeed independent of assertion of patient if account given of affection to be credited can have little suspicion in present case.

For by sixth month other marks of pregnancy should have appeared.

And must own here disposed to give credit to patient.

But upon whole thought it better to attend to symptoms for week or two.

And if no fresh grounds for suspicion shall then probably have recourse to electricity.