DEP/DUA/1/19/17 (Transcript version)

Thomas Bannister

(1778-1779)

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Thos Bannister, attended us so little here that reckond it almost unnecss to say anything much with regard to his case

His affect consisted of severe pains

And these at same time without being fixd to any partic part or attend with any manif local affect.

These pains repres as being deep seated and as cheifly affect. the bones

Well known that pains of this kind induced from various causes.

But partic may proceed either from a Rheum or Vener. affect.

And in case before us some circum giving presumpt of each.

Affect according to acct given us had been of no long duration.

And had not begun with those febrile appearances which occurr as necess. constit of acute Rheum

Is however at least very generally in this form that chron Rheum has its commen.

But while this somewhat against Rheum is also in fav of suppos of Syphil that affected with viol pain in middle of bones.

But on other hand to be observd that in as far as can put depend on acct of patient did not arise from vener cause

And, with us, while could have little inducem to conceal his affect, must at same time have supp. that had best chance of recov. from telling the truth.

Farther while pains seatd in middle of bones were also very severe in joint

These pains as is common with Rheum, rarely the case with those of Syphil, aggrav by heat of bed.

And lastly not here attended with [nodes] [exort.] or any other local affect of bones indic Syphil. or indeed with any other Vener sympt.

From all these circum then taken togeth must own am rathr disp to consid compl. as being Rheum as otherw

Yet do not imagine that such depend to be put on acct of patient as to entit us to form cert. conclus.

On this acct then must be rather more doubtful with respect to prognos.

Yet whether Rheum or Vener. certainly [not] in case which could alarm us.

On either suppos might have concluded that in no long time would have been overcome.

This however partic to be expected on suppos. which have here adopted.

And indeed reckon it probab. that that patients having so soon discont. attend was conseq. of getting rid of affect

And that probab. even without any assist. from meas. here directed for him

Suppos disease to be Rheum but yet not altog without doubts respect Lues thought most advis to have [recourse] to cure in some meas [advant] to both.

And was with this intent that here had recourse to use of Mercury.

Of effic of Mercury in Syphil need say nothing.

However much pract may differ as to prin of operat. yet univ allowed that in almost all its diff states is a very effic cure for that malady.

This indeed where Syphil affects bones can only be expected in conseq. of entering system.

And some who alledge that this not case with Calom. which consider in no other light than as a purgat.

This suppos. however cannot help consid as being a very extraord. one

Since they admit that both milder prepar. as those by [trit.] & more [acrid] of saline [tribe] do enter syst.

But besides that suppos is improbab. may add that contrary to fact.

For can be no doubt that as entering syst shews even specif effects of Merc from excit saliv

And some even who in const habit of employing it even as ordin cure for syphil.

Are even disp to think that besides dispos to run off by other excret. will even sooner affect saliv glands than mildr [prep]

From every view of effects then must hold it as being an useful mercur in cases of Syphil.

Of use of Mercur in gener & of [Calam] in partic in Rheum cases have latly had occas to speak.

And shall not now repeat observat then offered

May only add that lookd upon it as well suited for the disease in pres state

For although consid Mercury as having greatest effic in paralyt stage, yet look upon it also as well adapted to what would term irrit.

For unquest comb. both evac & stim power then wanted.

Was then on these grounds that here directed

But what affect of exhib or indeed whether taken or not have not been able to learn