DEP/DUA/1/42/16 (Normalised version)

Janet McDougall

(1787-1788)

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N^o16^th Janet McDougall at 38.

In history of this patients case many symptoms are mentioned

Yet hardly perhaps to be considered as distinctly characterising any one disease

Or rather in pains in different parts of body & in affection of alimentary canal have characteristics of several different diseases.

Am however inclined to look upon whole as being symptoms of Hysteria.

An affection well known to put on very great variety of appearances.

In fixed pain of jaw here have I am inclined to think a symptom analogous to that pain of head described by Sydenham under title of Clavus Hysteria.

And which he considered as so strong mark of disease

Viewing disease in this light can hardly here flatter ourselves with complete removal.

Particularly when consider that has already subsisted for upwards of fourteen years.

And that has resisted employment of many of most powerful remedies

What chiefly to be done therefore is I apprehend in way of alleviating [any] symptoms.

Particularly affection of alimentary canal.

And with this view have already tried Pill Foetid & Aromatic & bitter Tincture.

Of these however as well as other remedies to which may be led to have recourse reserve observations till again come to speak of case.