DEP/DUA/1/45/47 (Normalised version)

David Sherrieff

(1789)

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David Sheriff at 29 N^o32.

When formerly spoke of this case offered sentiments respecting at considerable length.

And now hardly anything to add to what before said.

For since that have seen nothing of patient at this place.

And that in all probability consequence of having no farther occasion for assistance.

Here no doubt, that immediate [cause] of disease of patient was a worm of Taenia kind.

And whether foundation for the [distinction] made by most [natural] or not into Taenia lata or Tape worm & Taenia Cucurbitina or Gourd worm could be no doubt that [illegible] to [genus]

And that complete cure alone to be effected by complete expulsion.

With this intention, which in many cases an end very difficult to accomplish directed use of Stanni pulveris.

For account of success of that remedy in such cases refer you to paper by late Dr Alston in Edinburgh medical Essays¹.

Here sufficient to observe that represents it as in large doses as an effective remedy both for tape & gourd worms.

And although has not perhaps altogether answered character he gives of it yet has often succeeded.

In case of this patient directed it first to extent of ℥ii for dose.

And this was ordered to take for three successive nights.

As thus however without effect directed each dose to be doubled.

And after these taken, a brisk cathartic of [composite] powder of Jalap to be used.

But effect of very first dose was discharge of a fragment formerly present here, about five foot in length & terminating in filum.

Whether was the animal [complete] or not can hardly [properly] [venture] to say.

But patient himself so much convinced of it, that reckoned any farther medicine unnecessary.

When however, at succeeded visit he brought us worm, directed for him mixture of bitter & aromatic Tincture with view of strengthening stomach

But since that have seen nothing of him.

And in all probability no more fragments have yet been observed.

Is indeed true that single [remaining] joint capable in due time of generating another worm of very great length.

And that after removal of large fragment often no appearance even for several months.

Yet not without hopes that in this case Pulveris Stanni has been means of complete cure

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Explanatory notes:

1) Charles Alston, 'Powder of tin an anthelmintic medicine', Edinburgh Medical Essays (1742) 5/1: pp.89-92.