DEP/DUA/1/21/21 (Transcript version)

John Duncan

(1779-1780)

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John Duncan.

Disease consists entirely in local affect of left leg.

In some meas. consist of scaly erup there

But still more constit by irregul ulcer from which a thin & watery disch.

Into any critic inquiry as to name or nature of this affect cannot now prop to enter.

And perhaps better idea formd of natur from stiling it ulcus mali moris than from employm of technic terms of Noma, Phagedena or any other.

From contin of this affect for space of two years before this patient came under our care no reason to hope for very speedy termin.

And not even impossib that may baffl utmost efforts.

Yet must think that greater reason to hope for temporary if not for complete cure.

With this intent since patient came under our care have had recourse to two diff med.

To the Vitriol acid taken internally and to an external applicat active basis of which is the Vitriol Alb.

First have already oftener than once had occas to observe not many years ago introd against Psora.

And use has I think with success been extended to erupt. both of Leprous & Herpetic kind.

The white vitriol in form of ointment have not often employd.

Consider action of it as in some meas depend on acid but still more on Zinc brought to saline state.

Any may I think expect more from it, than either from Ungt [illegible] [illegible] where Ore of Zinc empl. than from Ointm with flowers or Calx.

For these reasons wish here to give it fair trial.

But appreh. that for cure, other meas will be necess. partic issue in legs.