DEP/DUA/1/44/17 (Normalised version)

James Sinclair

(1788)

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N^o17. James Sinclair. at 20.

Disease of this patient but of short standing & symptoms not numerous.

In these however common characteristics of two different affections, Catarrh & Phthisis.

And in present situation of patient difficult to say to which to be referred.

If Phthisis is yet at utmost but in incipient state.

If on contrary catarrh is attended with some symptoms rather alarming

Particularly profuse night sweats.

And what may be considered as a singular at that time cough most severe.

Is however upon whole a symptom rather indicating Phthisis than Catarrh.

For in latter affection with [the] circulation at surface cough commonly mitigated

While in former, always increased where circulation accelerated.

Cough itself also that occurring in Phthisis.

For while little expectoration is rather tussic than tussis.

This however cough attendant on very worst modification of Phthisis, the tuberculous.

To this disease also both appearance & age of patient gives countenance.

From these considerations then suspicious of Phthisis & that patient will at last fall victim to it.

Here as in Mary Thorborn, mean to try Gum Myrrh.

And if not product of benefit shall at least continue it till disease distinctly marked.

In [that] case some thought of trying an empirical Nostrum Godbold Vegetable Balsam.

An article of composition of which ignorant.

But in a disease so fatal not only allowable but proper to make trial of any article said used with success.