DEP/DUA/1/47/55 (Normalised version)

Peggy Hog

(1790)

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N^o32. Peggy Hog.

When formerly spoke of case of this patient stated sentiments with respect to it at considerable length.

And particularly expressed doubt whether these fits which may be said to constitute whole of complaint were to be considered as Hysteria or Epilepsy.

These fits had never here any opportunity of seeing.

Could therefore judge only from description given us.

From all particulars taken together, but especially from these never being attended, according to account given us, with total abolition of sense, was inclined to adopt opinion of being Hysteria.

But from what have since learned am now led to different opinion.

For with frequent & severe fits a total abolition of sense has we are told in most of them taken place.

But whether Hysteria or Epilepsy, as far as have hitherto proceeded in practice, here no material difference.

For remedy used equally calculated for both.

Began practice here by directing for patient the use of Pill e Cupro.

An article which need hardly observe has now been for good many years at this place at least in common use, both in cases of Hysteria & Epilepsy.

And in both probably from influence as allaying tendency to inordinate action at times product of good effects.

At same time must be confessed that in neither, particularly latter, are we yet acquainted with any remedy generally or even frequently successful.

From pills had here as much obvious operation as could have wished for.

That is slight sickness at stomach without vomiting.

For in administering objective is to obtain tonic without stimulating powers.

And not only vomiting but even sickness adverse to intent in view.

After use thought herself however in some respects easier.

But for about space of fortnight no change in fits, which still continue nearly in same state as before.

At end of that time however as will observe from report of 27 March fits became both much more frequent & more severe.

This however was inclined entirely to attribute to occurrence of menstrual evacuation at that time.

For can I think be little doubt that during menstrual there occurs peculiar irritability of habit.

And perhaps may also add a peculiar irritating cause.

Hence very commonly observed that diseases depending on inordinate action Hysteria, Epilepsy etc are then augmented.

Might therefore have naturally expected some mitigation of affection, after evacuation gone even independent of any medicine.

And from continuing medicine already directed, which could not hitherto be considered as having had fair trial might perhaps expect as much as from any other.

Found however that had now some aversion to use.

And this perhaps not to be wondered at, when consider sickness which excites & that not hitherto attended, with any mitigation of affection.

In this situation then reason to doubt whether would have been employed by patient although ordered.

Thought it therefore more advisable to substitute to it another medicine.

And here as in former instance had recourse to Zincum praecipitate combined with Valerian.

From this as well of former, not only sickness at stomach, but even vomiting.

Fits however during the course of the week less frequent.

But this attributed to cause of [former] frequency, the menstrual evacuation viz, being now entirely terminated.

And I own did not consider it as effects of powders.

If however patient hereafter continues attending shall wish to give it fair trial.

And if [illegible] similar termination shall take place as in last case, will be additional evidence of power of medicine