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from the idea of the awful disease he was afflicted with. I availed myself of the opportunity to tell him that some relief might be expected from medical treatment, and urged him, strongly, not to despair of considerable alleviation of his symptoms, although I would not venture to encourage the idea of their complete removal. He had fourteen leeches applied between the shoulders, and a bitter infusion ordered to be taken in the state of effervescence, with five grains of the extract of hyoscyamus in each dose. I also ordered a very powerful stimulating anodyne liniment to be rubbed freely on the affected side night and morning.* From this plan of treatment he experienced considerable relief; the leeches relieved the oppressive load he felt at his back, and the mixture removed the dyspeptic symptoms, consequently, the mental irritability caused by them, so as to allow him to resume his usual employment. He is, however, often subject to the palpitation of the heart, with a singing beat in the head, but, as these have not increased for two years, he is become reconciled to his disease, and, although he is convinced that he never shall be free from it, he finds, by constant employment, simple diet, and attention to his bowels, that he is not only enabled to prevent mental agitation, but to pursue his business for the support of his numerous family.
March 22nd, 1830. — He called upon me this day, not having seen me for full two years, and I now find his pulse 80, but regular, and the palpitation
- For the formula of this liniment I am indebted to my friend. Dr.
Bardsley, pf Manchester. It will be found in the able practical Medical Reports of that gentleman, published in 1807, page 14.
K
