DEP/DUA/1/37/02 (Transcript version)

William Torrence

(1785)

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Wm Torrence. Febr

This patient has attended us but very little at the Disp.

Although therfore inclind to look upon affect as import. perhaps as pecul yet do not reckon it necess. to say much with regard to it.

Great part of disease accord to acct. in our regist. consist in flatul

But besides this had at diff times also been affected with a compl of much more ser. nature.

For little doubt I think that fits he mentions of the Epilep. kind.

Are not indeed we are told attendd either with convuls agitat or foam at mouth.

But these by no means essent to epilept affect.

That disease much more distinct markd by total abolit of sense which here occurrs.

And presumpt I think not a little fav. by attacks being most freq. during night

At least with great major of those epilep who have fallen under my care this has been case.

Some even who affected during night only.

If necess, might ment also as anoth corrob. circum, the cause to which disease assignd.

This affect attrib to influ of passions of mind.

Partic to sudden fright conj with anxiety.

By these epilep even in most dreadful form has often been induced

And here may readily suppose that would operate more powerfully from state of syst at time.

For when thus subj to influ of passions of mind had recently recov from a fever.

From all circum taken togeth then, could have but little doubt that this most matter affect.

And when consider obstin of epilep in gener. should probab have found it baffling utmost efforts.

Might however have at least tried diff [mends] of comb.

But here no opport. of direct pract. to this affect.

For in short time patient gave up attend

And during that time view [direct] to what at least most const & immed urgent affect the flatul.

Was with this intent that directed for him the Pil. Foetid cum Aloe.

From these pills which consist of equal parts of Aloes Assafoet & Soap have often in such inst seen best affect.

For not only have effect of expellin flatus but in such cases operate also as gentle laxative.

Here however purgat power greater than could have wishd

Hence then found it necess to dimin quant of pills.

But what has been affect since this dimin we have not learned.

While at same time his desertion has prev. us from trial of any pract. with view to Epilep.