DEP/DUA/1/26/12 (Transcript version)

William Hamilton

(1780)

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Wm Hamilton.

In hist of this case sympt not numer.

While at same time are such as occurr in many diff. affect.

Among other causes capab of prod these compl. may obs. that such sympt often effect of worms in intest

Partic of the Lumbrici or [comm] those most resemb. earth worm.

And although here no sympt which could be consid as diagnos of worms, yet presumpt of this case from having formerly been prod of simil sympt.

And from remov of these in conseq of disch of worms.

This reckond suff reason at least, for trial of these med, by which worms in gener expelled from int.

And to this the rather induced as even suppos mist as to cause nothing in circum of case constraind.

Trial however has I think demon truth of conject.

For in conseq of meas empl. a consid quantity of worms have been disch.

And patient now free from all the sympt. to which subj.

Am in hopes therefore that diseas already to be consid as cured.

And therefore remarks on prognos superceded.

Necess also to say very little as to meas. by which this effected.

For here while pract. to which had recourse a very common one princip of operat also very obv.

For remov of sympt depend on worms two great objects to be aimd.

1 The killing the worms in the intest.

2. The expelling them from intest whether dead or alive.

Where indeed latter obj can be immd accompl. of itself suff.

But to be obs. that till killd or at least till vig dimin expuls. diffic freq. impossib.

Hence then both objects in gener. to be conjoind

Was with first of these intent that had here first recourse to Calomel bolus.

In this, as in other mercur. well known that an active pois. for worms.

Perhaps indeed less active than where mercury in saline form more solub. as in Corr. sublim.

And according this often exhib as anthelm even in form of pills after prev solut in water.

But Calomel as being less active mercur a safer med.

And at same time in gener at [leas] suffic powerful.

This found case in pres inst.

For next day after use of purgat sever worms disch.

As purgat here had recourse to very effect one viz Compound powd of [Sol]

An artic in which activ of Jallap moder & restraind by Crem of Tart.

And when dose prop accomod to constit. operates as giving powerful & free disch of contents of intest

From effect of first trial of these med was naturally to repetit for by first dose could hardly [expec] that whole would be disch.

And even suppos that the case yet still from removal of [illegible] & ova that might remain

And on this acct. as worms disch by second dose ordered two more during following week

From there being no more app howevr notwith brisk operat of med concl. that intent compl. answ.

Have ordered therefore mixt of vegetab bitter with view merely of strength bowels.

And if no farther app of worms or return of sympt. shall reckon farther attend unnecss.