DEP/DUA/1/44/01 (Normalised version)

Kath Hastie

(1788)

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N^o1. Kath Hastie at 60.

Disease of this patient may be said to consist entirely in affection of vision.

But not altogether simple or uncomplicated.

Left eye subjected to considerable & obvious inflammation.

And this as usual attended with intolerance of light.

But on inspection of affected eye pupil not found to [contract] freely.

And has also deep seated pain in left temple.

Hence suspicion that lesion of vision not merely from obvious inflammation but also from affection of nerve.

But whether this conjecture well founded or not, can I think be little doubt that present disease to be considered as sequela of a fever.

And is matter of considerable importance to observe in practice consequences which fever often produces.

In some cases removes in others induces diseases.

Of this however reserve farther observations till treat of case at more length.

At present may only observe that first objective has been to endeavour to combat inflammation.

And after this removed [shall] be better able to judge, whether conjecture as to nervous affection has foundation or not.

In combating inflammation many practices might be had recourse to.

And among most successful may mention topical bleeding, & blisters.

But in preference to these have [here] attempted cure, for reasons [which] shall afterwards [assign] by gentler means.

By a solution of Sal Saturn topically applied as sedative & refrigerant.

And by cooling purgative taken by mouth.

As such first employed Cream of Tartar. But have since had recourse to Soda Phosphorus.

A new purgative for introduction of which are indebted to Dr Pearson of London

An article, which among practitioners of first eminence has already obtained considerable reputation.

By these means hope to be able to combat inflammation.

And if after this [affected], still diminishment of vision, may probably [have] recourse to electricity.