DEP/DUA/1/45/04 (Transcript version)

David Ritchie

(1788-1789)

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N^o23. David Ritchie at 24.

This also another case, which some doubt whether Phthis or Catarrh.

But here am inclind to consid app. as rathr more alarm

Has not indeed distinct markd hectic sympt.

And can by no means look upon it as decided Phthis.

In partic has not that quickness of pulse which very comm the attend of Phthis

But age of patient, contin of affect. sense of coldness in diff parts, & partic sweatings during night are all grounds for alarm.

And while inclind to hope that [illegible] [merely] Catarh, am appreh that this will termin fatally in Phthisis.

Accord on that suppos. have directed pract here empl.

Mean for some time at least to make trial of a drain under form of issue, & of intern use of Gum myrrh.

Pract from which I think have in some inst seen benef.

And of which shall afterwards more fully speak.

But if shall be found to assume form of distinct markd Phthis, am appreh. that neithr from these nor any other is much benef to be expected.

For must confess that consid cure of Phthis as yet to be discov. & that may justly be ranked among opprob. medicorum.