DEP/DUA/1/40/26 (Normalised version)

Peggy Petrie

(1786-1787)

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No 26 Peggy Petrie at 16.

In case of this patient affection rather singular.

And perhaps difficult to say what appellation most proper.

Evidently however consists in involuntary & inordinate action of muscles naturally subjected to influence of will.

And that too, without abolition or indeed any affect whatever of internal senses.

Hence falls under extension of genus of convulsion.

Here however this inordinate action partial only.

And would seem entirely confined to few muscles.

Principle depressor anguli one & labii superior.

For is from contraction of these that distortion of mouth, mentioned in history of case must principally arise.

But besides this other peculiarities also

Particularly, aggravation from cold weather

These however more properly mentioned when speak of case at length.

Here sufficient to observe that such [particular] inordinate actions often of very [obstinate] kind.

That with present patient there would seem to have been remarkable tendency to it.

For now affected with second attack

Hence shall not be surprised if baffles attempts to remove.

At same time has not at present been of long continuation.

Nor has it resisted power of remedy.

While at same time on former [attacks] ceased as it were spontaneously.

Am therefore in hopes that by aid of proper remedy may again obtain similar removal.

Or at least temporary suspension for some length of time.

Here cure to be expected from Antispasmodic

And as such have had recourse to a combination of Valerian with Zinc.

An Medicine from which in similar instances of inordinate action have I think derived considerable advantage.

If this fails may try some topical application acting more immediately on seat of affection.

Such for example as Electricity or Aether.

But in these directed by situation in which shall then find patient.