DEP/DUA/1/47/09 (Normalised version)

Alison Wallace

(1789)

---

No22 Alison Wallace at 14

Disease of this patient consists entirely in a cutaneous affection.

And from white scaly appearance perhaps better entitled to name of Lepra than any other appellation

At the same time are not to consider it as that loathsome & inveterate disease so common among ancient nations.

And among them particularly among the Jews so much dreaded.

May also however observe that once very common & very much dreaded in this country.

In so much that in neighbourhood of this city many hospitals for reception of those labouring under this complaint.

And to these confined by strictest [illegible ] laws.

But now the disease at least under a highly infectious form totally obliterated.

Probably from change of mode of life especially from greater attention to cleanliness.

And particularly from more common use, & more frequent changes, both of bed & body linen.

Still however this affection to some degree appears.

And in case of present patient an evident example of it extended over almost whole body to considerable degree.

Is however an affection which as have now opportunity of observing it neither dangerous nor infectious.

Yet when appears in general of considerable obstinacy

This in present case the rather to be dreaded from extent of affection.

And perhaps also from quick progress.

For although only six months from first commencement yet already to be met with in almost every different part.

But at same time must be allowed that short continuation at least somewhat in favour of patient.

And according to information given us has not hitherto resisted any powerful medicines.

These then may at least be considered as stronger inducement to proper trials.

And perhaps may even add with more hopes of success.

In cases of this [kind] according to [different] morbid conditions, different objectives in view.

But in general necessary where affection much extend, to restore due circulation & natural state of discharge by surface.

And to counteract morbid local state of action in vessels morbidly affected.

Is with first of these intentions, that have here had recourse to crude antimony taken internally.

And with last that have employed the Unguent Citrine [inol] as [wee] still it.

That is mercury brought to saline state by means of Nitric acid & diffused in axunge.

But to render medicine more gentle as well as for more easy application here greater proportion than in Pharmacopoeia¹.

But observation on practice afterwards.

---

Explanatory notes:

1) An official publication containing a list of medicinal drugs with their effects and directions for their use. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh's Pharmacopoeia was first published in 1699.