DEP/DUA/1/43/44 (Normalised version)

Christian Murray

(1787-1788)

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Christian Murray at 40 N^o33.

When formerly spoke of case of this patient observed that considered her as subjected to complication of affections.

Was in some degree affected both with catarrh & dyspeptic symptoms.

But these seemed less considerable & less important than symptoms either of Rheumatism or of Febrile kind.

Febrile appearance seemed to put on much form of intermittent of quotidian type.

Imagine however that this modification of fever might be merely concomitant of Rheumatism.

And accordingly thought it first advisable to direct measures to that affection.

With this intention had recourse to Guaiacum under form of complex powder

That is combined with equal quantity of Cream of Tartar.

An article by which solution in stomach readily affected.

And accordingly in this state while little less active, much less expensive than volatile tincture.

To this the rather led as thought might alleviate cough.

For this often consequence of determination either to intestinal canal or to surface.

Operation in present instance was in first of these ways.

But while with this other symptoms rather easier, no mitigation of pain.

And was particularly severe in back. On this account directed first with Unguent Terebinth cum Opio, an article of which have already oftener than once had occasion to speak

And from which have I think in many instances seen good effects

Here however cannot say that this was case

For after use for week, pain continued as severe as before

And at same time daily returns of cold fits gave now stronger suspicion of intermittent.

Began therefore to suspect that in place of pains being cause of fever they were consequence of it.

Determined therefore on having [recourse] to Bark after previous use of an Emetic.

In operation of Emetic not disappointed.

And after use of Bark to extent of ounce became free from returns of cold fit.

While at same time pains [considerably] easier.

A circumstance tending at least to strengthen supposition now adopted.

Hoped therefore that affection might now be overcome.

But as complained of unease at stomach seemed advisable to do something to strengthen tone & to continue advantage obtained from bark.

Had recourse therefore to mixture of aromatic Tincture & Peppermint water.

And under this continued for some time tolerably [easy].

But from some accident, probably exposure to cold had return of pains.

And these now more than before markedly of Rheumatic kind.

For principally seated in shoulders. In this situation had again recourse to ointment formerly used.

And at first at least seemed product of good effects.

But upon accidental aggravation found it necessary to have recourse to an opiate internally.

Particularly with view to obtaining rest during night.

This product of desired effect

And in that time, patient so well that reckoned farther attendance unnecessary