DEP/DUA/1/42/11 (Transcript version)

John Hume

(1787-1788)

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N^o11. John Hume at 15^mon

Disease of this patient evid app from inspect of head.

Can be little doubt that its encr. size, as well as remark open of [illegible] effect of water within Cran.

And as little that this hydroceph of chron kind.

For accord to acct patient now subj to it from time of birth.

And without induc sympt anal to apoplex. has given rise to a state of idiotis.

At least this may concl. from inabil of pat. to distin obj.

For in other resp at his period of life marks of much sense not to be expected.

With regard to prognos. can have no doubt in concl that will prove fatal.

At least, have never for my own part, met with any inst, of this modif of hydroceph, where recov. either by natur, or artif means.

That event however may not be sudden.

At least have known other cases where disease subs. even for sever years.

Where head of much greater size in prop to body than that of pres. patient.

And where notwith these circum patient enjoyed senses could speak & could be amused.

In such circum hold [illegible [illegible] to cure not only justif but even commend.

Is on this ground that have selectd case of pres. pat.

Is intent to try how far absorpt can be prom & how far disch of water prod by mercur.

And if in this disap. to see how far in this modif of dropsy of head, saliv can be excited by Mercur.

Must however add that very doubtf how far opport for any such trial, will here be afforded.

For mother of pat. consider her child prob. with just as in irrecov. state.

And is averse to any thing which has least chance, of shortening life or of giving distress.

Not improb. therfore that appreh she expressed when mercur first prop. may lead her entir to desert us.

But if does cont. is intent as have already said to try effects of Merc.

And if in this disapp. may perhaps recommd trial of Electr.

But must concl. with observ. that can hardly say have from either slightest expect of recov.