DEP/DUA/1/47/25 (Normalised version)

George Gibson

(1789)

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George Gibson at 38. N^o17.

In case of this patient as well as in those of David Sheriff & Alexander Napier already treated of, an evident example of Taenia.

After what already said therefore respecting these cases necessary to add but little respecting it.

Here was intent, to make trial of the specific powder of Madame Nouffer.

The root of Polypodium Fillix Mas or male fern.

This used in worms cases as early as days of Dioscorides.

And particularly against Taenia.

According to him, Lumbricum latum quam Taeniam vocant excitit.

But had fallen almost entirely into disuse till revived by Husband of Madame Nouffer.

By him however his mode of treatment kept secret.

But after his death purchased by French government & published for good of the public.

Into all minutia of her treatment need not here propose to enter.

May refer those who wish for full account of it, to treatise which had former occasion to mention published in France & translated by Dr Simmons¹.

Sufficient to observe that first case to empty intestinal canal.

And after this, to give at early hour in morning, before any victual taken the Fern powder, to quantity of one two or three drams.

About two hours after while animal probably in that state of sickness which it occasions a strong purgative employed.

And by operation of this, at times when from diminishment of vital power, unable to retain place, is alleged to be completely expelled.

Sometimes however comes away even from Fern powder alone before purgative taken

And from experiments out of body, evidently appears that this article to a certain degree operates as a poison to the worm.

Or at least diminishes vital powers for certain length of time.

But found also, after influence over, that the animal again revives.

Hence when not discharged from Fern powder, great part of cure must depend on employment of expelling force of cathartic at proper time.

And in general found to succeed best at end of two or three hours after Fern taken

This practice I have formerly found successful in some cases, where previously fair trial of Tin powder & other practices without affect.

But on other hand by no means successful in every instance.

And have been for my own part oftener disappointed in discharging larger fragments by this than Tin.

Fern often fails from what exhibited not being of good quality.

Very liable to suffer much from keeping.

And root by no means equally active when taken up at all seasons.

Whether to be explained from these or any other circumstances, had not in present case the desired affect.

For even after repeated trials no large fragments brought away.

During use of purgative indeed according to account of patient, a quantity of matter resembling grease brought away.

But in this respect his account perhaps hardly to be depended on.

For as before observed either originally of weak understanding, or had been weakened by presence of worm.

But whether here any very peculiar appearance or not certain that the animal still remained as before.

For at end of some weeks during which employed stomachic pills & mixture with view of strengthening bowels, found him still discharging joints as before.

Next resolved therefore on trial of Tin powder.

Of this, took you will observe, two different courses in same manner as had been employed with Sheriff & Napier.

And although in both their cases, brought away large fragments, in this instance was as well as Fern powder without any effect.

That is no considerable portion observed to be discharged.

But for some weeks afterwards observed no more joints.

And at his own desire dismissed.

With regard to this patient may observe, that [exclusive] of irregular attendance seemed not very capable of understanding directions given him.

And notwithstanding his reports is yet with me doubtful whether medicine regularly employed.

Hence do not consider his case as affording grounds for concluding against either practice

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Explanatory notes:

1) Joseph-Marie-François de Lassone, Traitement contre le ténia ou ver solitaire, pratique, à Morat en Suisse [by Mme Nouffer], examiné & éprouvé à Paris (1775). Translation by Samuel Foart Simmons is titled An Account of the tenia, and method of treating it (1778).