DEP/DUA/1/12/27 (Transcript version)

James Laurie

(1776-1777)

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James Laurie

Of case of this patient propose to say but little for very oppos. reason from former.

Is in many respects involvd in great difficulty

And to state even probab conjects [with] all argts that could be [adduced] in [respect] of them would lead us to longr inquiry than can at pres. prop. to enter into.

Shall only then in general way observe that in this case have almost all the sympt of Dyspep.

Am however disp to consider it as a much more danger. & more obstin affect

From cont. of disease

From const & fixed seat of pain

And from uneasiness in passage of solid alim into stomach, cannot help thinking that great reason for believing that in pres. inst not mere atonia of stomach but a local affect.

And that this local affect is schirrous giving stricture.

On this idea of case must own am not disposed to entertain favour hope of recovery.

And am very appreh that although from diff. means may obt tempor relief, yet in end will prove fatal to him.

Schirros of viscera an affect. which in but few inst is to be overcome.

And when attacks stomach from affecting supply of alim cannot fail soon to [exhaus] syst. & to disorder every funct.

In these ways has already here had consid influence.

For to this have no doubt in ascribing both exhausted appear & debilit of patien

And should not be aston that even soon proves fatal to him

Do not howevr pretend to say with any great confid that this will be case.

At same time shall reckon my self very agreeable disappointed if patient [ever] again enjoys good health.

And although attend on us has now ceased may yet perhaps be able to learn future progr & termin of his affection

According to idea given of this case radic cure must have [turned] on [remov] of the schirros.

And with this view at one time [made] trial of use of cicuta.

Than which know no remed which consid capab of doing more in schirrus.

Seemd howevr to have so much affect as aggrav. patients sympt that soon obliged to discont. it.

And all othr measures taken intended [merely] with view of allev. compl.

Employd pil Gummos with view to expuls of wind.

Calcind Magnes with view to destruct of acid

And Pil. Aloet, afterwards Pil. [Colochth] with view to obviating costiveness.

By these was at diff times somewhat relieved.

As found howevr that could not even with safety make attempt to radic cure thought it unnecss for him to cont attend longer here.

Especially as resid in country [render] it very inconven for him.

Dismissd him therefore with [some] of pills with view of cont relief which had obt from belly being kept open.