DEP/DUA/1/43/06 (Normalised version)

Janet Fazer

(1787-1788)

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N^o14. Janet Frazer at 44.

Formerly pronounced disease of this patient to be example of Diarrhoea.

And that rather in chronic than in acute state.

That is not immediately arising from any matter to be thrown off but depends on weak & irritated state of intestinal canal.

And this accompanied with disposition to increased secretion.

This opinion have seen no reason to alter.

On contrary what have farther seen of affection tends to confirm it.

Nor have I any more reason to alter opinion of prognosis.

For in this respect medication given has been fulfilled.

Disease in no long time after last spoke of case having terminated in recovery.

This I am inclined to think was if not altogether in considerable degree at least affect of treatment here employed

On idea given of disease what seemed chiefly necessary was a gentle astringent.

For by this reason to hope that tone of intestines would be restored & increased secretion diminished.

Here however an astringent united with a mucilaginous quality seemed particularly necessary.

And as such had recourse to Succus Japonica.

An article which though long supposed to be an earth now known to be a vegetable extract from a species of Mimosoideae.

And which in cases where weak & irritated state occurs in alimentary canal, am inclined to think one of best astringents with which am acquainted.

And at present few perhaps in more common use.

Employed under different forms.

Of these what am inclined to consider as most elegant is Infusion Japonica.

Made by simple solution in [boiled] Water

And to quantity of I or II ℥ [illegible] dissolved in Aqua ℥ VI or VIII

To this aromatic or opiates may occasionally be added.

While by allowing it to settle readily freed from all earthy impurities.

For this preparation however some length of time is required.

And have at least a more immediate extemporaneous prescription in diffusion of Confection or Electuary Japonica in Water

In this indeed Succus Japonica not only astringent

For [contains] also considerable proportion of Gum Kino.

An article, also of late frequently employed in cases of Diarrhoea.

And differs chiefly from succus japonica in being of more resinous & stimulating nature.

These combined with a proportion of most agreeable aromatics Cinnamon & Nutmeg

And to all these joined a small proportion of an opiate.

By which more immediate tendency to restrain inordinate action.

Upon whole therefore an article well adapted for such affections.

Often with intention of giving immediate ease on diffusion in water an additional quantity of opiate added.

But here did not think circumstances so urgent as to require it.

And thought it merely sufficient to increase aromatic impregnation by diffusing not entirely in common water but with mixture of distilled water of Cassia.

From time that this medicine begun looseness much alleviated.

And from no long continuation entirely ceased.

But when this case thought it improper to persist longer in use

As might have induced opposite state of belly no less distressing.

And indeed obstinacy after Diarrhoea always to be [found].

Was from some apprehension of this, that on giving up mixture, directed for patient such a quantity of Magnesium & Rhubarb as thought would be sufficient to keep belly open.

And would at same time have tendency still farther to strengthen tone of intestines.

Under this medicine belly kept regular.

And while no return of looseness free from all other symptoms.

Hence consider farther attendance as unnecessary.

And in treatment of case have I think evident example of good effects of Confection Japonica in combatting Diarrhoea when verging to chronic state