DEP/DUA/1/42/01 (Normalised version)

Isabel Henderson

(1787-1788)

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N^o1 Isabel Henderson at 25.

In case of Isabel Henderson, first patient in list, a distinctly marked case of Epilepsy.

Not indeed without peculiarity.

And particularly with respect to mode of attack.

But disease sufficiently characterised both by appearance of fits & by total abolition of sense.

A circumstance perhaps more than any other distinguishing Epilepsy, from Hysteria where appearance in other respects most similar.

In some respects this case a favourable one.

For neither of long continuation nor has it resisted use of any powerful remedies.

But even in slightest cases of this disease chance of recovery not great.

For very considerable majority of instances will not I am afraid be found to yield to any remedy.

At least to any with which I am yet acquainted.

Yet by no means to be considered as never admitting of cure.

Have known not a few instances when even from progression of life a spontaneous recovery.

Others [where] at least strong reason to presume that yielded to remedy employed.

And in particular have met with instances where cures effected both by Calx of Zinc, & by remedy here employed Cuprum Ammoniala.

Consider both therefore as in every instance deserving trial.

And in some instances where fails at one time will succeed at another

Hence encouragement to trial at different periods.

Of two remedies am inclined to consider Cuprum as most powerful.

That is am acquainted with greater number of cases which have yielded to it.

Have at present another Dispensary patient under my care to whom has been of great service.

Obtaining under use a long intermittence from disease, though fits before very frequent.

In this case indeed has not produced complete cure.

For not ten days ago after medicine intermitted for some months had return of fit.

But this fit not attended with many [appearances] with which formerly used to be affected.

Particularly frequent threatening of fits & almost constant convulsive agitation of muscles of face.

Hence greater reason to hope that from [recourse] to use cure may be completed.

Encouraged by this & similar cases in instance before us have had recourse to Pill e Cupro.

And is intention to give it full & fair trial.

Augmented dose however with such caution, as not to be disappointed in [effect] by its exciting vomiting.

A consequence not unfrequently arising from employment particularly when large morning dose.

If this fails may have recourse to trial of Zinc either under form of Calx or of white Vitriol.

Or may combine Cuprum with Calx of Zinc.

But of these & other practices shall afterwards speak more fully when consider case at greater length.