DEP/DUA/1/43/41 (Normalised version)

Jean Bullock

(1787-1788)

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N^o32. Jean Bullock at 14.

In case of this patient had as before observed, a distinct marked instance of Epilepsy.

And that too without any appearance that could be reckoned singular, either during paroxysm itself or in preceding or consequential symptoms.

In Epilepsy have a disease for most part very obstinate.

At least of cases which have fallen under my care a very considerable majority have resisted every mode of cure which could employ.

And as far as I can learn this also case with other practices here.

At same time am far from looking upon it, as is opinion of some as being in every instance an incurable disease.

Am much mistaken if have not seen some cases yield to remedy

And in case of this patient several circumstances very favourable.

Particularly the affection being of so recent date.

Here therefore was not without hopes of recovery.

And as means of effecting this here directed trial of Cuprum Ammoniala.

An article in which copper brought to saline state by means of Volatile Alkaline.

This article formed into mass with bread [constituting] Pill e Cupro of Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia¹.

A formula which has now had place in two successive editions of Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia.

Is to me surprise have neither introduced this nor any other analogous formula in late edition of their Pharmacopoeia.

Nor indeed have they given place to the article which basis of it.

For though Ferrum Ammoniala yet no Cuprum Ammoniala.

And this I own, am for my own part inclined to look upon as a very material omission.

Is indeed an article of such activity as to require being exhibited with caution & in small doses.

But in hands of prudent practitioners nothing to be feared from use.

Even when [overdosed] only effect severe vomiting.

But where properly managed one of most powerful tonics.

And in Epilepsy in particular have seen more benefit from it than any other medicine I have tried.

Its use in case of present patient may safely venture to assert nothing against it.

For took it to extent of a grain in the day without any inconvenience.

At first indeed some sickness at stomach

But even somewhat doubtful whether this arose from pill.

For as [remarkable] in [evening] before taking it, as even after morning dose.

And while never arose to such height as to excite vomiting was but of short continuation.

While at same time from commencement of use no fit or any threatening of it, although these before frequent.

In so much that after continuation of medicine for two months & during all that perfect freedom from affection reckoned farther attendance unnecessary.

And accordingly dismissed patient.

This indeed would by no means [report] as [indubitable] instance of cure by Cupro.

Is matter of doubt whether cause of fits was not removed before Cupro begun

And suppose this not to be case is also matter of doubt whether Cupro any influence in removing it.

At same time seems to me [most] probable supposition that without use of Cupro would have had return of affection

And this article contributed to removal.

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Explanatory notes:

1) An official publication containing a list of medicinal drugs with their effects and directions for their use. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh's Pharmacopoeia was first published in 1699.