DEP/DUA/1/42/28 (Normalised version)

James Ritchie

1787

---

N^o 2. November 6^th 1787.

James Ritchie at 8, complains of severe headache which generally attacks him every day about two o’Clock in the afternoon.

He is also affected with slight cough & is observed to grind his teeth much during his sleep. But he sleeps very little & when he does sleep it is not sound, as frequent startings are observed.

His pulse at present about 80 rather small & weak. Heat at present natural, but it is augmented in the afternoon when he is affected with the headache. Belly regular appetite much impaired & he is affected with considerable thirst.

These complaints first began about a fortnight ago, but they have gradually increased in violence. He knows no cause to which they can be assigned.

About three days ago he took a vomit which operated well. He has also used a few purgatives. But none of these medicines have had any effect in alleviating or removing his disease.

Cap. Pulv. Ipecac gr X pro Emet.

nec non Rx Magnes Alb ℥ ii

Pulv Rhei. ℥ p M

cap. coch parv. bis indies.

November 17^th

The vomit operated well & since that his headache has been considerably easier, but he is still affected with the grinding of his teeth, & with slight febrile accessions particularly during the night. The powder has no effect in moving his belly which is at present regular. Skin cool. Pulse 84.

Cont. Pulv Magnes cum Rheo u. a sed cap. coch parv. ii. om. man.