DEP/DUA/1/29/40 (Transcript version)

Helen Brooks

(1782)

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Helen Brooks.

Princip. compl. of this patien cough, dyspnoea, & viscid gross [expec]

These as have often already had occas to obs, may either by catarh or phthisis.

And here not altogeth without doubt

But at same time from quickness of pulse, from freq shivering fits, & still more from copious night sweats, reason to susp. Phthis.

In this case even suppos affect to be catarrh phthis, prognos. cannot be fav.

For although more recov. than in any other case, yet here even, in 19 or 20 inst. has fatal termin.

And must own am very appreh that this will be event of case with pres. patient.

Since she came under our care nothing to incline us to form more fav. opin.

For compl. evid worse.

And has at least derivd no benef. from any of those meas. which have hitherto be taken.

When first came under our care put her upon use of Gum Myrrh.

An artic of effects of which in [Phthise] cases have already oftener than once had occas to make some observat.

This as already obs; always I think exhib with greatest advant, when comb. with a refrig.

And here thought some benef. might result from gently opening belly

As refrig therfore has recourse to crem of Tartar.

Contin this med, for course of week, without being prod of any inconven.

Compl. however still remaind nearly in same state.

Was directed therfore to persist in employm. for some time longer.

But at succeeding report found that powders in general vomited, not long after being taken.

This thought it not impossib might have proceeded from Gum Myrrh.

At same time to be obs. that with occurr of this sympt. there had also taken place, encreased severity of cough.

And well known that from this alone vomiting readily induced.

Especialy when any thing taken into stomach in least degre disagr.

On this acct therefore thought it best to omit myrrh.

As thus at least most cert test would be afforded, whether had any share as induc. the vomiting.

Still however contin employm of Crem of Tart as gentle refrig & cathart.

And also that might not seem to our patient to be inact.

But from this [alterat] no change for better.

And vomiting as well as other affect still in same state as formerly.

At last report therefore ordered this also to be omitted.

Princip that might see in what state she contin, from using no med.

If at next report no alterat of compl. have thoughts of making trial of Cicut.

Espec. if find that vomiting subsides.

But if this cont severe, may have recourse to some med with view of allaying it.

At same time from none do I expect much advant.