DEP/DUA/1/43/59 (Normalised version)

Christian Murray

(1787-1788)

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N^o33. Christian Murray at 40.

Of disease of this patient must own have not yet formed any decided opinion.

Can however be little doubt that in some degree subjected to complication of affections.

But what real nature of some or which chiefly deserves notice a matter of great ambiguity.

Can have no hesitation in asserting that in some degree subjected to dyspnoea & to catarrhal symptoms.

But both one & other of these [inconsiderable] only.

Have apparently a much more distressing complaint in febrile affection with which daily attacked.

Is ushered in by periodic cold fits succeeded by heat & sweating

And is accompanied by headache [anxiety] nausea weakness & other febrile symptoms.

While at same time in part of day which precedes attack almost free from any such appearance.

In this then have so far at least the appearance of intermittent fever.

And of that modification which has name of quotidian.

Not improbable that shall find this to be case

At same time, must also be observed that same appearance takes place in hectic fever of Phthisis.

And from what have seen of insidious nature of Phthisis, should not be surprised to find this supposition verified.

But this supposition at present at least own still less inclined to adopt than former.

And think it more probable merely symptomatic fever attending of it

Fever often attendant of catarrh originating from action of cold, the cause to which affection of present patient ascribed.

Still oftener of pains of Rheumatic kind, which very commonly originate from same cause.

And of all suppositions stated this to me seemed most probable.

For here patient subjected to considerable pains in different parts which seemed to be of that kind.

And with these, concomitant fever often suffers considerable exacerbation & remission.

From this idea of affection am disposed to form rather a favourable prognosis.

At the same time, from doubts already expressed will readily believe that cannot here speak with much confidence.

And am also in some degree in same state of uncertainty with regard to plan of practice to be pursued.

But treatments hitherto employed directed on idea now stated.

And is with view to Rheumatic affection that have had recourse both to the Guaiacum, & to Unguent Terebinth cum Opio.

Of these however reserve observations till again come to speak of case.

And probable that shall ere then be able to form more decided opinion of case.