DEP/DUA/1/44/11 (Normalised version)

Janet Calder

(1788)

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N^o11. Janet Calder at 35.

Disease of this patient consists almost entirely in affection of vision.

And that [too] without any obvious disease in eye.

Can therefore have no doubt in considering it as an example Amaurosis or Gutta Serena.

That is diminishment of vision from affection of nerves.

Or in other words, partial paralysis of this organ of sense.

With this, pains of head, such as described in case of our patient very frequently are connected.

While may readily suppose, that depression of spirits will result as consequence of loss of sight.

And from this depression loss of appetite & general debility, very nature ensues.

To this reason indeed, may be [objection] that depression of spirits, so far from being common consequence of blindness, that blind people, more remarkably cheerful than most others.

This however as far at least as my observation goes, holds only with those either born blind, or losing sight at early period of life.

But not with those who have so long enjoyed sight, that can do nothing without it

At least with them, long time requisite to be reconciled to want of it.

Hence may supposed that still contrary to operation with present patient.

According to account of our patient, present disease effects of sudden action of cold, when much heated.

And this by no means an improbable supposition.

But whether well grounded or not can have no hesitation in considering disease when induced as obstinate.

And much doubt whether any remedy we can employ will be of service to her.

As one however of what I think most probable of cures, have had recourse to electricity.

[From] which, am much deceived, if in different affections of paralytic kind & among others in some instances of Amaurosis, have not seen very considerable benefit.

Here however extremely doubtful [whether] patient will give it fair trial.

But if does & if in end fails may at least make trial, of Camphor of Arnica, or of Mercury.

To all which has at least been said that in some instances amaurosis has yielded.