DEP/DUA/1/32/35 (Transcript version)

John Sommevile

(1783)

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Have already treated at consid length of 14 first cases in list.

Besides these however six others in Regist, which although lect now to be termin, may yet cont. for some time subj of pract. here.

Shall therfore empl. this last lect of course in briefly stating to you my opin & views with resp. to these

John Sommevile, as well as pat last treatd of applied for assist for an affect of eyes.

And as in case of Jo. Chalmers here also no obv. disease in eye itself.

But in this case pupil still contin to have free motion.

An evid proof that dimin of [sensib] at least not very consid.

At same time do not see to what othr cause imp. vision can here be attrib.

In this view however though still to slight degree only can hardly consid it as a triffling affect.

Shall not be surp. to find that all our efforts to cure prove ineffect.

And that notwith these disease even encr. in viol.

At same time affect not attended with headach or any other alarm sympt.

Reason therefore to hope that may soon take turn for better.

And this the rather as since he came under care affect has at least been stat.

Whereas before had been obs grad encreas in severity

Since came under our care, have had recourse you will obs. to two diff. pract.

Use viz of Electr. & of Camphor.

Of first of these as a remedy in paraly affect have already had occas to state sentim when treat of case of R. [Tookie].

Can be no doubt that as [restr] nervous energy both with respect to sensib & motion few remed more powerful.

And accord in some inst of amaur. which have fallen under my own care, much more unfav. than pres. case have seen best affects.

Was intent therefore to have given fair trial to this remed alone.

But from state of weather & some defects in machine could not be regul contin.

Conj. therefore the use of Camph under form of pills.

Both that might not app [inact] & likewise with some view of advant.

For in some inst of paralyt affect. have I think seen Camph attended with best affects.

Since this course began cannot pretend to affirm that pat. has derivd much advant from it.

But compl. have at least, not encr. in severity

And from contin still hope for good affects.

If fails must own will have less expect. from any other.

But still others which may at least be tried.

And have partic in view Cicuta & the Peruv. Bark.