DEP/DUA/1/45/50 (Normalised version)

John Murray

(1789)

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Jim Murray. at 34. N^o33.

When formerly spoke of case of this patient expressed great doubts respecting it

And acknowledge that could not with confidence form any decided opinion either as to name or nature.

Must now add that what have since seen of case has by no means served to remedy this state of uncertainty.

At same time what has occurred during treatment, has served rather to confirm former conjecture than otherwise.

That viz, both headache & diminishment of vision from same cause.

And that rather to be referred to some cause within brain, than to any morbid condition of integumentary.

But that probably rather affection of condition of nervous power than of any cause giving fixed [compression].

On this footing, began treatment of this case by ordering for this patient the use of Camphor.

An article which from action on nerves of stomach, has often very wonderful effect on nervous system.

And not unfrequently product of very great benefit in what called nervous headache.

In these indeed can hardly perhaps be said to be a very common practice.

But by some [much] & successfully employed in such affections.

Was particularly a favourite remedy with late Dr Hope.

And after first employed it on his recommendation, have repeatedly had recourse to it in own practice with great benefit.

In present instance soon after use begun had at least, some relief of pain.

With this however no material change on state of vision

As means therefore of restoring sensibility of optic nerve, had recourse to one of most powerful & penetrating stimulants yet discovered viz electricity.

This, as [safest] & most [effective] mode of here employing directed under form of sparks.

And although at first no remarkable [influence] yet in no long time had some relief of affection.

During employment however of these medicines patient complained of another [action]

viz severe pain of back.

From this directed friction of pained part, with Unguent Terebinth cum Opio.

An article which has for [active] [been] the Oleum Terebinth diffused in Hogs lard & combined with a proportion of opium

And which have often directed with success in alleviation of pains.

Accordingly on account of cheapness frequently in Dispensary practice give it preference to Anodyne Balsam.

Under these medicines cannot say that complaints of patient are as yet by any means removed.

But so far diminished as to give grounds to hope for recovery from continuation