DEP/DUA/1/45/11 (Normalised version)

William Stuart

(1788-1789)

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N^o30^th William Stuart at 30.

To disease of this patient cannot readily affix a name.

At least does not accurately correspond to definition of any genus in nosological¹ system.

More nearly however approaches to genus of paralysis than any other.

And greatest part of affection very evidently consists in loss of muscular power.

While attended to remarkable degree with tremors, the consequence of weak action.

Hence if not properly entitled to name of Paralysis may at least style it an affection of Paralytic kind.

According to account given us of this affection was consequence of a fever.

And well known that as fever [sometimes] [removes] so on other occasions, indicates paralytic affection.

This particularly the case, with those fevers more especially styled nervous.

And which during course attended with subsult. hem & other nervous symptoms

Not only on some occasions succeeded by affection of motion, but also of external senses

Thus frequently sequelae in Tinnitus aurium Vertigo, [ Musae] volitant etc.

But though these distressing, yet rarely dangerous or even obstinate.

And in most instances removed even by natural recovery of strength.

Although at same time this often not a little aided by employment of bark & other tonics.

And sometimes also by medicines of nervous kind, as Valerian.

On these grounds then had first recourse in present instance to mixture of these articles.

But after very short trial was [obliged] to intermit use, as according to account of patient was constantly product of vomiting

Had this medicine agreed with patient should have expected from it, not only relief of weakness & tremors, but also of pains.

For these considered as being chiefly at least consequence of [depraved] sensibility.

May therefore have again recourse to it under some other form or with some corrigens.

But in mean time have directed another very powerful new medicine viz Camphor.

And if this agrees with patient shall wish to give it fair trial.

Or may perhaps have recourse to electricity, one of most active [agents] in cases of paralysis. But of Practice after

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Explanatory notes:

1) Nosology is the branch of medical science dealing with the classification of diseases. Individuals referred to in the case notes as nosologists were commonly those who had published nosological, or classificatory, medical texts.