DEP/DUA/1/43/32 (Normalised version)

Ann Craig

(1787-1788)

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N^o27^th Ann Craig at 24.

Formerly pronounced disease of this patient to be an example of Hysteria occurring not under form of proper Hysteria fits resembling those of Epilepsy but of what may be called anomalous Hysteria symptoms.

And since came under care no reason to alter opinion respecting complaint.

Have even seen what very common in such instances of Hysteria a succession of [act]

One no sooner yielding to practice [employed] than another succeeds.

In this way perhaps hardly any disease of which Hysteria may not feign the appearance.

And often can with certainty determine only that not affection which it imitates from such succession.

In these cases hysteria more difficult to combat than any other.

For from severity of particular symptoms when they occur, particular practices must be directed to these.

And thus proper course with view to radical cure can hardly be followed out.

This you will accordingly observe has been very much case in present instance.

Began here by attempting radical cure from use of Valerian & Zinc.

Articles both of which have already had occasion to mention.

And from both of which think I have seen benefits.

The one useful as allaying morbid actions when they occur.

The other as removing tendency to return.

And am upon whole inclined to think that more advantage from employing together than separately.

In this state however must be allowed that sometimes excite sickness at stomach.

For both some tendency this way which probably increases from conjunction.

Accordingly with our patient when first begun this effect in some degree took place.

Not however to such extent as to excite vomiting.

Consider it therefore as no objection to continuation of use.

And imagined that by short habit would be completely overcome.

After use for space of week [complaint] continued nearly in same state as before

Now however informed of another occurrence to which subjected

viz. Profuse sweats during night This however considered as no objection to continuation of medicine.

On contrary seemed ready means of [restraining] it.

Such however [complaint] of patient of uneasiness from it that thought it necessary to do something farther.

And accordingly had at this time recourse to another article.

Use viz of Camphor.

A substance which while possesses very considerable & at same time very peculiar active powers often used with advantage in Hysteria.

Especially when appears in anomalous forms.

Accordingly with continuation of Valerian & Zinc directed small dose of Camphor every morning & evening

On these medicines continued for week longer.

And at end of that time, thought all symptoms particularly sweatings in [night] much diminished.

But very soon after were informed that became affected with very violent vomiting.

This she herself attributed to medicine. And that it may have been so would not deny

But at same time, that would have been more probable, if had occurred [sooner] than at late period.

Did not at this late period happen on any augmentation of dose.

Am for my own part therefore rather disposed to refer it to some accidental cause

But whether this or conjecture of patient best founded led to intermit of use.

And with view of settling, as well as of strengthening stomach, had recourse to mixture with Aromatic tincture.

Under this vomiting soon subsided. But now another symptom supervened.

Sense viz of burning heat in stomach & bowels attended with excessive thirst.

For this as means of allaying thirst & mitigating heat directed solution of Cream of Tartar.

And imagined that in both ways had soon considerable effect.

Finding however that still continued thought that might be supported by aromatic.

And accordingly directed use of mixture to be intermitted.

But notwithstanding this at succeeding report still continued to be much affected with it.

And accordingly in conjunction with solution of Cream Tartar ordered at succeeding report a mixture with diluted vitriolic acid

From this expected some effect both in alleviating these symptoms & in strengthening tone of system in general.

And accordingly some presumption at least of having influence in first way.

For at succeeding report both heat & thirst much diminished.

Now however complained of another new occurrence.

Very great uneasiness viz from flatulence.

From this led to add to mixture a gentle carminative.

And as such had recourse to distilled Peppermint water.

With this medicine has now continued for space of some weeks.

And while for some time patient has been little affected with heat & thirst thinks other symptoms also somewhat easier.

In particular sleeps better during night.

But notwithstanding this cannot look upon patient as having obtained any material benefit.

And have little doubt that in short time will be subjected either to return of former or succession of new symptoms.

Utmost I expect to accomplish is to alleviate those which occur.

If anything [materially] serviceable to her, will in my opinion be course of cold bathing.

And this accordingly is intention to recommend [when] season will admit