DEP/DUA/1/43/37 (Normalised version)

Thomas Rowlie

(1787-1788)

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N^o30. Thomas Rowlie at 45

When this patient came first under care represented him as subjected to complication of affections.

And with regard to some of these very much at loss.

What then however considered as most alarming & important has at least turned out not most obstinate.

For while affection of abdomen, whether as formerly conjected of Rheumatic kind or not now entirely gone, that of neck still continues.

And from what have seen reason I think to fear that will not soon yield

Must however be confessed that to this practice much less directed than to affection of abdomen.

And even with regard to that, as a good deal in dark, did but little.

Began by directing external friction with camphor oil, & internal use of Cream Tartar.

From first expected some influence as diminishing pain & tumour.

From last expected restoration of urinary secretion to natural quantity.

And whether effect of oil or not at second report both pain & swelling diminished

On urine however no change. Probably the consequence of Cream of Tartar inducing two or three loose stools daily.

And hoped that as influence in this way diminished, diuresis would be increased

A consequence very commonly resulting from continuation.

This however did not find to be case And although tumour of belly diminished yet as urine still scanty, substituted to Cream of Tartar the vinous infusion of Tobacco.

From this some effect in way of diuresis obtained.

But occasioning such sickness that own led to intermit use, & to substitute another diuretic squills.

While from uneasiness of neck [decided] that this also as well as abdomen should be rubbed with oil.

Under use of these medicines urine in short time returned to natural standing, & affection of abdomen entirely disappeared.

Neck however gave even more uneasiness than before.

And had much changed appearance. Where formerly ichor discharged, scaly eruption & slight ulceration, had now [smooth] [slimy] surface but with uncommon degree of hardness in parts below & much pain

To camphor oil therefore directed that a proportion of Thebaic Tincture should be conjoined.  Now however while urine to full extent in place of former looseness belly rather bound.

And at same time affected with disagreeable itchy sensation over surface.

From this led to use of complex powder of Cream of Tartar.

And hope that may at least be able to remove some of these symptoms.

But am afraid cannot soon expect either from this or oil, that affection of neck completely removed.

If shall continue obstruction may try Cicuta Hyoscyamus or Electricity.

And although should in some degree continue yet hope at least that may soon be brought to state in which not product of great uneasiness.