DEP/DUA/1/47/14 (Normalised version)

Edward Crane

(1789)

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No26. Edward Crane at 45.

In case of this patient a distinctly marked & a severe instance of dyspnoea.

And little doubt that patient right in conjecture as to cause to which attributed abuse viz of Spirit Liquor.

For except sedentary life no cause perhaps more frequently gives rise to that affection.

And when produced by long continuous & frequent action of spirits on stomach, is perhaps more obstinate & dangerous than from any other cause.

Indeed rarely curable as cause producing it very commonly still continues to act.

For after being once habitual to use of spirits, very difficult to lay it aside

And if patient as he alleged has relinquished use, is at least, rare instance of forbearance.

But although thus [decided] in opinion both with regard to disease & cause inducing it, yet not altogether without [doubt] as to morbid affection induced.

And here I think a question of some difficulty whether are to consider it, as chiefly arising from morbid affection of muscle fibres of stomach or of secretion [there].

For am inclined to think that dyspnoea may arise from either [illegible] or from both conjoined.

In this case pain flatulence & vomiting give presumption of loss of tone & irritation of muscular fibres of stomach.

While at the same time from viscid & acrid fluid discharged by vomiting have presumption of morbid secretion.

Whether however suppose it chiefly consequence of one or other have reason to fear that will prove an obstinate disease.

And this the rather, as ground for apprehension that both conjoined to considerable degree.

But on any view of pathology is chiefly by restoring tone that can look for [cure]

For thus alone that can expect to induce alteration on state of secretion

Is with this intention that have here had recourse to a medicine which from sensible qualities at least promises to be an [excellent] stomachicus.

viz Cortex Angusturae

But of this reserve observations till again speak of case