DEP/DUA/1/41/08 (Normalised version)

George Brickford

1787

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George Brickford. February 17 1787.

Formerly great uncertainty.

And observed that if fairly represented [peculiar]

Now however think that this not so much case.

And that affection in great measure founded in imagination of patient.

At least in as far respects peculiar feeling in abdomen.

In account given of this do not believe that patient intended to deceive us.

For could see no objective to be [achieved] by it.

But had once you will observe discharged a worm from description of lumbricus kind.

Continued still to be affected with appetite rather [voracious]

A symptom very frequently arising from worms.

From this led to firm [belief] that other worms still exist.

And to this belief am inclined to think, that sensation he described very much to be referred.

For in such cases feelings easily created by imagination.

And that sense of gnawing & creeping here described of this [kind] had afterwards much reason to believe from account gave

And while continues under our care, not affected with other symptoms mentioned in case vertigo deliquium or like.

When first came under care thought supposition of worms not [improper].

And imagined that best ascertained by trial of anthelmintic from which nothing at least to be feared.

Had therefore at first recourse to Semen santonica.

And afterwards to a gentle Mercurial

But from neither one nor other though followed by brisk cathartic did any worms appear.

Concluded therefore with some confidence that none existed.

And as far as had uncommon appearance or peculiar sensation in abdomen considered it as effect of uncommon sensibility in intestines.

Imagined that this might in some degree be removed by strengthening tone of alimentary canal.

An affect often obtained from use of vegetable bitters & aromatics.

And with this view had recourse to one which have often employed with advantage.

A mixture viz of Tincture Aromatic & Amarum.

In preparation of these need hardly observe that a spirit menstruum is employed.

And from this according to account given us a very peculiar effect produced.

Is you will observe mentioned in history of case, that from use even of small quantity of spirits remarkable affect of urinary discharge.

Particularly that of blackish appearance & observed to contain calcareous bodies.

This I own an affect which had never before seen or heard of as resulting from such a cause

And accordingly formerly mentioned it as a circumstance which totally at loss to explain.

And as improper subject of speculation till truth ascertained.

To this complaint not in any degree subjected from time that came under care.

Was not to be imagined that unless induced from some other cause would bring it on by use of Spirits.

And while avoided these had remained entirely free.

Hardly I own imagine that would have recurrence from small quantity of spirits in mixture.

But had no sooner begun use than told that scarcity of urine was consequence.

And in this I own hardly then could be deceived.

To me I acknowledge [appeared] very [extraordinary] occurrence.

Yet impossible to say what effect peculiar impression on alimentary canal may have.

Well ascertained that with some secretion of urine even affected by impression arising from certain sounds.

And in this case, some such peculiar sympathy as may be called may have taken place.

Here however in whatever way be explained cured obviously by giving up spirits

And while ordered mixture to be omitted, directed use of small quantity of Magnesium & Rhubarb rather by way of Placebo than anything else.

During use of this urine continued perfectly free.

And all other symptoms soon so far relieved that thought farther attendance unnecessary.

Upon whole consider principle part of complaint while under our care as affect of imagination.

But in effect of urine one of those peculiar [idiosyncrasies] sometimes to be met with