DEP/DUA/1/45/44 (Normalised version)

William Stuart

(1789)

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William Stuart at 30^th. N^o30

When formerly spoke of case of this patient, observed that at loss to say what name with propriety to be given.

Evidently however consisted chiefly in diminishment of muscular action.

And although not properly corresponding to definition of Paralysis, yet to be considered at least as a paralytic affection.

Here as indeed is not unfrequently case disease was consequence of fever.

For this while [causes] some, well known to induce other affections of that kind.

And indeed a matter of doubt whether most frequently observed influence in one way or other.

In general however paralytic affections result from fever not obstinacy.

For every commonly not effect of any fixed cause, giving compression nor even of Torpor in nervous energy, but merely of peculiar weak state in muscular fibres themselves.

Hence do not less require tonics than medicine of nervous kind

This accordingly led me to direct for present patient a powder consisting of Valerian & Peruvian bark.

And to these the rather led as imagine that might here also be useful as alleviating pains.

For these consider as being effect of depraved sensibility.

This powder however were informed did not agree with patients stomach.

For after every dose affected not only with sickness at stomach but with vomiting.

While this the case however could not reasonably expect any benefit from use.

And at same time product of not a little distress.

This then naturally led us to omit use

And had recourse to another medicine, which as acting on nervous system has unquestionably very powerful effects.

viz Camphor.

Impression which this gives to nerves to which applied unquestionably very powerful & very peculiar.

And by this means from influence communicated to brain affects whole nervous system.

Is thus at least that [should] explain benefit which have observed derived from it in different nervous affections.

And in some even [obstructive] instances of Paralysis have I think seen great benefits

From this medicine, patient had none at least of those inconvenient results from former.

And while excited no vomiting or other unease at stomach thought the tremor of his hands somewhat diminished

From this therefore entertained hopes that by due continuation good effects might be obtained.

And although could not look for uniform yet expected gradual recovery.

But as patient in short time gave up attending no opportunity afforded of giving it fair trial.