DEP/DUA/1/40/19 (Normalised version)

Bell McKay

(1786-1787)

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Bell McKay at 40

Many of chief symptoms of Hysteria

And if to give name to disease would employ that appellation.

For from symptoms alone that disease to be named.

But from history little doubt in [attributing] to want of menstrual discharge.

Hence for view of nature rather to be considered as case of Amenorrhea.

And example diversity of symptoms from this cause.

Even as amenorrhea however not without singularity.

As such may even mention occurrence at late period of life.

For patient age of 40.

A period by which often entirely ceased.

Still more continuation of symptoms after three years absence.

And especially in advanced age.

But these and other particulars more proper to be mentioned when treat of case at more length.

May here only observe that render prognosis somewhat unfavourable.

And [return] perhaps hardly to be expected.

But even with this view practices may be employed.

If these however should fail, [more] reason to hope that will of themselves cease.

For this may be expected when period, at which would have spontaneously disappeared shall arrive.

And may in mean time expect to give some relief from obviating symptoms

Is with this intention that have here had recourse to Magnesium with Rhubarb.

But with view to restoring discharge mean to try Rubia.

An article of which must own cannot say much from own experience

Yet which profess such sensible qualities as to deserve trial.

If these [unsuccessful] future practices either with view to restoration of discharge or relief of symptoms to be accommodated entirely to circumstances of case at time.