DEP/DUA/1/44/47 (Normalised version)

Susan Weed

(1788)

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N^o14. Susan Wild at 3.

On case of this patient little to add to observations formerly offered with respect to it.

When came under our care had all symptoms of Venereal Gonorrhoea.

And had reason to believe that contagion of that affection communicated to her from her mother.

Hence then notwithstanding tender age consider her as subjected to gonorrhoea.

At same time then remarked, that could not consider case as free from all doubt.

During continuation under our care no circumstance occurred either to confirm or to alter former opinion with respect to it.

Unless perhaps can be considered as some confirmation, that had ordinary course common with Gonorrhoea.

And that in usual way without much aid of medicine terminated in recovery.

For here I own whether disease Gonorrhoea or not look upon recovery as much more consequence of operation of system itself, than of any practice which we employ.

But at same time hold Gonorrhoea to be one of those diseases, which, as well as catarrh or other mucus discharge has natural termination in recovery.

Have however little doubt that whatever might be nature of disease, practices here employed had at least effect of forwarding recovery.

And indeed were suited to combat it as consists, in inflammation with increased mucus discharge whether venereal or not.

In Gonorrhoea although use of strong purgative at one time recommended now entirely deserted, yet always advantageous that belly should be kept gently open.

Hence though rather loose, thought it proper still to support discharge.

And with this intention had recourse to Magnesia one of most gentle & at same time most useful purgatives with inflammation.

While however this taken internally some external application seemed also proper for excoriated & inflamed parts.

And with this intention had recourse to saturn ointment one of most cooling & gentle applications with which am acquainted.

While at the same time for washing all affected parts within reach, had recourse to saturn solution.

In effects of these medicines were not disappointed.

For while continues to have two or three loose stools daily, in short time after topical application begun both inflammation & running diminished.

While however under this course an eruption of red pustules appeared on different parts

But particularly on face & head.

These however I consider as nothing more than those transitory eruptions to which infants often subjected.

And to which I own know no proper name which can be affixed.

Did not consider this as any ground for altering practice imagining that would soon of itself cease.

And this accordingly proved to be the case.

Discharge also was now very much diminished.

And in few weeks longer had altogether ceased.

In this situation farther attendance seemed altogether unnecessary.

And accordingly dismissed.

May however conclude with observation that consider her as cured by operation on system not by medicine employed.

For topical application, in all probability, no other effect than that of mitigating symptoms.

And gentle cathartic by the mouth probably merely influential as preventing increase of them

But present & similar cases serve to show that termination as soon accomplished, by doing little as by employment of mercurial & other most powerful remedies