DEP/DUA/1/47/10 (Normalised version)

Jean McKenzie

(1789)

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No23. Jean McKenzie at 80

A distinctly marked case of jaundice.

From obvious yellowness unquestionable evidence of presence of bile in blood

And from whiteness & want of faetor in stools as certain proof of absence in alimentary canal.

And to want of usual action of that part of system are to ascribe sickness at stomach, swelling & hardness of abdomen & other symptoms.

While however thus unquestionable evidence of jaundice may also add that case in many respects very unfavourable.

Among other circumstances may mention age of patient.

For has already arrived at 80^th year

And perhaps may even add as another unfavourable circumstance that till present period never subjected to jaundice.

This at least am disposed to consider as giving presumption that [now] rather effect of scirrhous than of calculus.

Is however still more a proof of this that disease has gradually increased.

And that accompanied with but little pain.

While former however rarely fatal from latter rarely recovers.

But notwithstanding these presumptions is from hopes that calculus may [partly] exist that have had recourse to repeated Emetics.

Which of all modes of expelling [illegible ] calculus the most powerful.

Here however dare not venture to push them to any great extent

And endeavour probably much more employed in attempts to alleviate symptoms than to [remove] effect.

Is with this intention that have had recourse to aloetic pills.

But of present as well as future practices observations hereafter.