DEP/DUA/1/47/39 (Normalised version)

Isabel Campbell

(1790)

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No.24. Isabel Campbell at 40.

Formerly pronounced case of this patient to be example of Leucorrhoea.

And although in some instances distinction between Leucorrhoea & Gonorrhoea very different yet that not always case.

And here pointed out various [particulars] such for example as connection with menstrual discharge length of time for which has continued.

Cause from which originates etc, in my opinion sufficient to remove every doubt.

Since patient came under care no circumstance has occurred to lead in any degree to change opinion.

Can hardly however say same with respect to prognosis.

For then concluded that should find it a very obstinate affection.

And indeed apprehended that primary thing we could do patient would receive no material benefit.

Or at least, although temporary relief might sometimes be obtained that would yet return upon each menstrual with fresh violence.

During course of patients attendance however considerable change for better took place.

This however I must own am inclined to consider as mere effect of some change spontaneously taking place in habit than of any medicine here employed.

For in practical measures here [pursued] hardly intended with any other view than that of obviating symptoms.

And if this effect really from use is I imagine ultimate that could with propriety ascribe to them.

Began by directing for this patient mixture of bitter & aromatic tincture with proportion of mint water.

This I need hardly observe was chiefly intended as a stomach medicine.

Particularly with view to restoring impeded appetite.

And to counteract, what often arises from state of stomach fits of palpitation & even of fainting to which frequently subjected.

From time that this mixture begun sickness at stomach much relieved.

And at same time discharge from vagina also much diminished.

Whether therefore both these effect of medicine or not, this change for better at least sufficient inducement to continue.

But from some accident was for few days omitted.

During that period stomach ailment returned with former violence.

But discharge from vagina suffered still farther diminishment.

A circumstance giving reason to presume that while relief of stomach ailment to be ascribed to mixture diminishment of Leucorrhoea had arisen from some other cause.

Still however apprehensive of return at succeeding menstrual.

But till this past resolved to continue with use of mixture alone.

This however proved not to be the case.

For at next period menses returned in rather scanty state.

And neither preceded nor followed by any Leucorrhoea.

In this situation thought it both unnecessary & improper to have recourse to any other practice.

And although afterwards some slight return, ascribed to cold & fatigue in washing, yet persisted in [illegible]

And that nothing farther necessary may with confidence be concluded from Leucorrhoea at succeeding report having entirely ceased.

Though free from this affection [however] was a good deal distressed in other respects.

And particularly subjected to frequent [yawning] & sometime even to fainting fits.

Considering these as arising from state of stomach, added to mixture a small quantity of Vitriolic acid.

But since that have neither seen nor heard anything of patient.

Am however inclined to conjecture that attendance has ceased from having no farther occasion for assistance.

And as already observed consider recovery as not affect of any medicine which we employed but of some change taking place in system itself.