DEP/DUA/1/43/30 (Normalised version)

Isabel Dunbar

(1787-1788)

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N^o26^th Isabel Dunbar. at 42.

When this patient came under care manifest cause of disease in ascarides in alimentary canal.

And these discharged by anus in considerable quantity.

And thought it not improbable that this origin of most if not all symptoms.

This opinion however not altogether well founded.

At least this may infer from continuation of some symptoms after ascarides almost if not altogether removed.

But from practices employed has at least derived very considerable advantage.

All these however by no means directed to ascarides.

And how far some of them have had influence in producing any share of benefit may perhaps be matter of doubt.

Must also add that in some a good deal disappointed.

This however will more particularly appear from short review of them.

As ascarides principally seated at rectum is chiefly by injection that to be combated.

And as one of most effective I have before employed had here recourse to lime water

Need hardly add that while very generally efficacious is also perfectly safe.

While directed this however with view to stomach complaint had also recourse to mixture with bitter & aromatic tincture.

An article of which have already oftener than once, had occasion to speak.

After mixture stomach complaint somewhat alleviated.

And at first some appearance of removal of ascarides by the injection.

But in short time appeared again in as great numbers as before.

Probably want of success in some degree effect of imperfect administration.

For according to her own account, injection seldom retained for above five minutes.

And during this time but little opportunity of acting.

While on these medicines a new & probably an accidental occurrence took place.

A febrile accession viz terminating in a phlegmon.

And this landing in suppuration under use however of ordinary dressing soon healed by operation of system itself.

And now almost free from stomach complaint

But still much distressed with headache

As a means both of relieving this & as remedy for ascarides had recourse to Pills with Camphor.

Cannot however say that in either very much affect.

At least while little alleviation of headache no farther influence on worms than that of discharging.

As however reason to suspect that Camphor might not reach worms with sufficient activity as taken by mouth [directed] it also in form of injection as diffused in oil.

From this much more effect than from former practice.

For from this very copious discharge of ascarides & for some time after no appearance of them.

While in every other respect much better.

Still however a good deal distressed with headache & not entirely free from appearance of ascarides.

But hope that remains of complaint may in no long time be overcome.

And case at least serves to show influence of injection of Camphor against ascarides even [where] Lime water employed without success.