DEP/DUA/1/44/15 (Normalised version)

James Sutherland

(1788)

---

N^o15 James Sutherland at 44.

In symptoms enumerated in history of this have not distinct characteristics of any one particular affection.

And am I own at a loss what judgment to form of nature of disease.

Can however be no doubt that at least a considerable part of symptoms are of what may be called nervous kind.

As such may consider not only tremors & vertigo but even lassitude & debility.

And perhaps still more than any of them depression of spirits to which subjected.

In these though cannot be said to have characteristics of Hypochondria have yet some of most common symptoms.

And is a disease which well known to appear under very various forms.

And often attended with very great number of different symptoms.

Of these however chief are affection of alimentary canal & of mental faculty.

Latter particularly apparent under form of great dejection of spirits.

And of uncommon & indeed unreasonable apprehension of danger.

While at same time besides indigestion eructation, flatulence & like, pain & oppression at [ paeric.] vertigo, tremors, oppression & debility among most common symptoms.

Upon whole then disposed to view this as a case of incipient Hypochondria.

And not improbable that during [course] of attendance shall soon find many other symptoms.

Must however be allowed that at present not decidedly marked.

And that even at present some symptoms occur which can hardly be considered as part of hypochondria.

Such for example as cough dyspnoea & expectoration

This it is not improbable may be a slight catarrhal affection.

And with hypochondria other complaints may readily be [complicated].

Among others those of catarrhal kind very frequently are.

Hence this not to be considered as any objection to supposition.

With view of disease now given cannot look for speedy cure.

For well known that hypochondria though not a dangerous yet a very obstinate disease.

And indeed great part of disease a belief of distress which much more difficult to overcome than real ailment.

Here therefore expect to do little more than alleviate.

And this chiefly to be accomplished by obviating urgent symptoms.

Sometimes however practices may also be employed to restore due mobility to system.

And always of advantage as far as can be done to counteract occasional causes.

On these grounds then mean to attempt cure in present instance.

And is chiefly with first intention that have had recourse to foetid Pill with Aloe

An article often used with great advantage.

With second may employ Camphor or Valerian which perhaps to be ranked among most powerful of tribe of Nervous medicines.

And in obviating causes must be directed by occurrence.

But of these or any other practices which may employ shall afterwards speak of at [illegible] [time]