DEP/DUA/1/40/31 (Normalised version)

Grizel Grieve

(1786-1787)

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No31 Grizel Grieve at 33.

Principle affection impaired vision

And this without any obvious disease of eye.

Hence little doubt in considering as dependent on condition of optic nerve.

And therefore an instance of Amaurosis

But occurs with some peculiar circumstances.

Particularly severe headaches fits of deliquium animi & tendency to vomiting.

From these am I own inclined to view it as arising rather from compression on optic nerve, than from condition of nervous power.

And this compression am inclined to conject probably at origin of nerves even in brain

For in vomiting & well as headache have symptoms commonly attendant of [comp] brain.

And if such a cause exists is perhaps also origin of other symptoms

Particularly, of fits of heat, flushing & sweating with which often affected.

Not however improbable that [these] & even affection of vision itself in part consequence of a medicine which this patient has taken for some time past.

Use viz of Laudanum & that too to very considerable extent.

To procure sleep is we are told in habit of taking it every night to extent of four tea spoonfuls.

If of ordinary size each may be composed from 80 to 100 drops.

Whole quantity ℥p.

A proof of influence of habit as diminishing effect.

For sufficient to prove even fatal to those not accustomed to use.

But although from gradual habit has not this effect, yet may be product of much inconvenience.

As far as disease depends on Laudanum cure will depend on being able to get rid of habit.

And this I own consider as desirable on any view.

But at same time on idea before suggested have put this patient on a Mercurial course.

For if anything capable of removing it is Mercury.

If however conjecture well founded may look for obstinate if not incurable disease.