The Consultation Letters of Dr William Cullen (1710-1790) at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
[Case ID:1473]: Case of Colonel George Clerk [Clark, Clarke, Clerke] who becomes excessively weak and feeble from chronic costiveness, breathlessness, and other chronic complaints. In New York he has a perpetual fever and stomach complaint and mentions consulting Cullen before but no firm evidence traced unless he is the same patient as Case 283 in 1768.
Documents in this case
24 document(s) found in this case.
| DOC ID | Summary | Date | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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[DOC ID:1632] |
Copy of a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Clerk, in New York, concerning his own case. This copy of the Colonel's original letter is in the hand of his brother, Robert Clerk of Mavisbank. He is being attended by Dr Blagden who studied at Edinburgh. Undated, but probably from February 1779. | February? 1779? | |||
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[DOC ID:4383] |
Reply, 'For Colonel Clarke' in New York,. The letter is probably to the Colonel's brother, Robert Clerk of Mavisbank, who had transcribed letter 1632, to which this is the response. | 24 February 1779 | |||
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[DOC ID:4626] |
Reply 'For Colonel Clarke'; Cullen mentions a letter written by the Colonel to his brother, describing his case. | 7 May 1783 | |||
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[DOC ID:2302] |
Letter from Colonel George Clerk, giving details of his own case on the advice of his brother, Mr Clerk of Mavisbank. He is in his 53rd year. His obstinate costiveness and breathing problems continue, now accompanied by nephritic pains, and he is emaciated. He explains why he has not gone to Buxton this season, but is at home in Surrey. He describes his diet, clothing, and other treatments. While he has difficulty walking, he is now 'able to sit on horseback an hour – and to drive my Phaeton'. | 11 August 1783 | |||
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[DOC ID:2304] |
Letter from Colonel George Clerk, concerning his own case. As Mons. Bouvart at Paris inquired as to whether Colonel Clerk had suffered venereal affections in his youth, Colonel Clerk now wonders whether his present complaints have any foundation in a lingering venereal taint. | 13 August 1783 | |||
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[DOC ID:4702] |
Reply, for 'Col. Clerk'. Cullen supplies a full dietary and exercise regimen for Colonel Clerk. Cullen also apologises for his delay in replying to letters 2302 and 2304, as he had been away attending to a 'person of consequence'. He advises in detail on diet, since 'few medicines' will be of service, other than the (laxative) oil already prescribed (in letter 4626). He advises warm bathing, regretting that the Colonel has been unable to go to Buxton, and recommends wintering on the Mediterranean coast, rather than inland in Southern France. He does not believe there is any 'Venereal taint' in his ailment. | 30 August 1783 | |||
|
[DOC ID:2332] |
'Memorandum from Col Clerk to Dr Cullen', concerning his own case. The Colonel is still suffering much from costiveness, which he attributes to 'a weakness in the Rectum', urinary problems, general weakness, and respiratory problems. He seeks Cullen's advice on whether he should spend the winter in Bath. The markings on the third image may be simply a print from wet ink on the other side making contact. | 6 October 1783 | |||
|
[DOC ID:4736] |
Reply, 'Col. Clarke'. For the Colonel's obstinate costiveness, Cullen recommends the sacred tincture. For his difficulty in making water, Cullen advises the use of bougees, if the Colonel is familiar with them. For his headaches and feverishness, Cullen prescribes a salt of wormwood draught with a little added lemon juice. Cullen also recommends the Colonel remove to a warmer climate and that if he chooses to remain in Britain, Bath is the safest place. | 4 November 1783 | |||
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[DOC ID:2384] |
Letter from Colonel George Clerk, concerning his own case. He describes how he has fared since coming to Bath to take the waters. He is still suffering from breathlessness and flatulent oppression of his stomach and bowels, and is being attended by a local apothecary, Mr Anderdon. | 11 December 1783 | |||
|
[DOC ID:4760] |
Reply, 'Col[onel] Clarke'. Cullen diagnoses the Colonel's complaint as a spasm at the mouth of his stomach and diaphragm, which would be exacerbated by particular bodily movements and the wind that plagues him. Cullen does not recommend the Colonel leave Bath. He does consent to him seeking a warmer climate, though believes one is hardly to be got in Britain. | 19 December 1783 | |||
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[DOC ID:2219] |
Transcription by Robert Clerk of an extract from a letter to him from his brother, Colonel Clerk, concerning the Colonel's own case. Enclosed in letter 2221 along with letter 2220. Colonel Clerk reports on his taking of wine and exercise and the medicines he has used to combat his excessive weakness. | 25 April 1784 | |||
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[DOC ID:2220] |
Transcription by Robert Clerk of an extract from a second letter to him from his brother, Colonel Clerk, concerning the Colonel's own case. Enclosed with letter 2219 in letter 2221. Colonel Clerk reports on the continuation and worsening of his symptoms. | 16 May 1784 | |||
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[DOC ID:2221] |
Letter from Robert Clark of Mavisbank. Covering letter for transcribed extracts of letters written to him by his brother, Colonel George Clerk (letters 2219 and 2220), and apparently delivered to Cullen in person. Year is certainly 1784 because 28 May is a Friday. | 28 May 1784 | |||
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[DOC ID:4839] |
Reply, for 'Col Clarke'. This letter is addressed to Robert Clerk of Mavisbank, concerning his brother, Colonel George Clerk, in response to the extracts from the Colonel's letters which Robert had sent to him. Cullen remarks on the Colonel's treatment and gives some advice on diet and bleeding, to be forwarded. He recommends taking the waters in Buxton. | 29 May 1784 | |||
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[DOC ID:4880] |
Reply, for 'Col: Clarke'. This letter is addressed to Colonel George Clerk, concerning his own case, in response to letters from his brother, Robert Clerk, and his nephew, Colonel Maxwell. Cullen believes the patient's current symptoms may be attributed to a Gouty effort which his constitution is not well able to render effectual. The recipe is in Cullen's own hand. | 19 July 1784 | |||
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[DOC ID:2505] |
This letter contains a brief dietary regimen, including chicken broth glyster, and recipes for Colonel Clerk, signed L. P. (Lucas Pepys), Brighton. Mentioned in letter 2515 as having been sent by the patient to his nephew, William Maxwell, who probably delivered it to Cullen in person. | 3 September 1784 | |||
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[DOC ID:4907] |
Reply, for 'Col. Clarke'. This letter concerns the case of Colonel Clerk and was written after his nephew, Colonel Maxwell, had visited Cullen with an account of his progress. Cullen gives advice on diet and exercise. | 6 September 1784 | |||
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[DOC ID:2515] |
Letter from Colonel George Clerk, concerning his own case. The Colonel describes his continuing symptoms, and describes having been in Brighton, where he was treated by Lucas Pepys, who believes the Colonel's ailment is in his colon. He refers to a regimen prescribed by Pepys, which he has sent to his nephew, William Maxwell. | 14 September 1784 | |||
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[DOC ID:2542] |
A scribal copy of an extract of a letter from Colonel Clerk, concerning his own case, probably sent originally to his nephew Colonel Maxwell (referred to in letter 4952). He is still suffering from insomnia, flatulence, oppressed breathing, urinary and digestive problems, and wishes he had gone to the Continent, which he will do if Cullen approves. Addressed specifically to 'Mint Close', with no commercial post-stamp, which suggests it had been delivered locally in the Edinburgh area. | 17 November 1784 | |||
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[DOC ID:4952] |
Reply for 'Col. Clarke'. Cullen's letter concerns the case of Colonel George Clerke and is addressed to him in response to notes sent by his nephew, Colonel Maxwell. Cullen reiterates previous advice and says it is now too late in the season for the Colonel to go abroad for the winter. | 9 December 1784 | |||
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[DOC ID:4992] |
Reply, 'Col. Clarke'. Cullen states the advice of gentlemen on the spot would be more beneficial to the Colonel, but due to the esteem in which the Colonel holds him, offers a few words of his own. Cullen recommends opiates to alleviate the Colonel's more painful complaints, though only if costiveness can be avoided. If costiveness persists, Cullen recommends extract of hyosciamus as an alternative anodyne. | 26 February 1785 | |||
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[DOC ID:5051] |
Reply, 'Col. Clarke'. In response to a letter from Mrs Clarke, Cullen provides advice on going abroad, on taking the waters, regimen, and laxative medicines. | 14 May 1785 | |||
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[DOC ID:2853] |
Letter from Col. William Maxwell, concerning the case of Colonel Clerk (his uncle), whom he visited at Rook's Nest. It consists of a covering letter and a brief memorandum. He will pay him when he is next in Edinburgh. (He is currently staying at Lees, the home of the Marjoribanks family). | 17 July 1786 | |||
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[DOC ID:5310] |
Reply, for 'Col. Clerk'. Addressed to the Colonel, concerning his own case and in response to queries forwarded by his nephew, Colonel Maxwell. Cullen repeats previous advice and recommends Buxton and Bath for his 'Gouty constitution'. | 18 July 1786 | |||
People involved in this case
15 found.
| PERS ID | Full Name |
|---|---|
| [PERS ID: 5682] | Mr |
| [PERS ID: 5686] | Dr |
| [PERS ID: 5676] | Mr John Adair |
| [PERS ID: 5681] | Mr William or Edmund? Anderdon |
| [PERS ID: 5684] | Sir George Baker (Bt.; of Loventor, 1st Bart.) |
| [PERS ID: 421] | Dr Charles Blagden |
| [PERS ID: 3462] | Dr Michel Philippe Bouvart (Monsieur; Bumart (misspelling by Cullen or scribe)) |
| [PERS ID: 2507] | Colonel George Clerk (Clarke, Clark) |
| [PERS ID: 3181] | Mr Robert Clerk (Clarke; Clerke; of Mavisbank) |
| [PERS ID: 3217] | Mrs Clerk (Clarke, Clark) |
| [PERS ID: 5302] | Dr Charles Congalton |
| [PERS ID: 1] | Dr William Cullen (Professor Cullen) |
| [PERS ID: 137] | Sir Richard Jebb |
| [PERS ID: 3190] | Colonel William Maxwell (General Sir William Maxwell of Calderwood, 7th Bt (after 1829)) |
| [PERS ID: 845] | Dr Lucas Pepys (Baron, Sir Lucas Pepys. ) |
Unique Places linked to this Case
28 found.
| Type | Specific Place | Village/Town/City (aka) | Region | Country | Continent | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Brighton (Brighthelmstone) | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain | |
| Specific | Rooks Nest | Godstone | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain |
| Specific | Mavisbank House | Loanhead | Edinburgh and East | Scotland | Europe | certain |
| Specific | The Lees | Coldstream | Borders | Scotland | Europe | certain |
| Specific | Cullen's House / Mint Close | Edinburgh | Edinburgh and East | Scotland | Europe | certain |
| Place | Edinburgh | Edinburgh and East | Scotland | Europe | certain | |
| Place | New York | New York | USA | North America | certain | |
| Place | Bath | South-West | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Buxton | Midlands | England | Europe | certain | |
| Region | South of France | France | Europe | certain | ||
| Place | Hampshire | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Isle of Wight | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Mediterranean coast | South of France | France | Europe | certain | |
| Place | London | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain | |
| Country | Italy | Europe | certain | |||
| Country | France | Europe | certain | |||
| Country | Scotland | Europe | certain | |||
| Country | England | Europe | certain | |||
| Continent | Europe | certain | ||||
| Place | Spa | Belgium | Belgium | Europe | certain | |
| Country | Britain | Europe | certain | |||
| Place | Paris | France | France | Europe | certain | |
| Continent | North America | certain | ||||
| Place | Weymouth | South-West | England | Europe | certain | |
| Specific | Queen's Parade | Bath | South-West | England | Europe | certain |
| Place | Dorset | South-West | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Berwick-upon-Tweed (Berwick) | North-East | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Godstone | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain |
Places and role of place
42 found.
| Type | Role | Specific Place | Village/Town/City (aka) | Region | Country | Continent | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific | Place of Writing | Cullen's House / Mint Close | Edinburgh | Edinburgh and East | Scotland | Europe | certain |
| Place | Place of Writing | Bath | South-West | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Place of Writing | New York | New York | USA | North America | inferred | |
| Place | Place of Writing | Brighton (Brighthelmstone) | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain | |
| Specific | Place of Writing | Rooks Nest | Godstone | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain |
| Specific | Place of Writing | Mavisbank House | Loanhead | Edinburgh and East | Scotland | Europe | certain |
| Specific | Place of Writing | The Lees | Coldstream | Borders | Scotland | Europe | certain |
| Specific | Destination of Letter | Cullen's House / Mint Close | Edinburgh | Edinburgh and East | Scotland | Europe | certain |
| Place | Destination of Letter | Edinburgh | Edinburgh and East | Scotland | Europe | inferred | |
| Place | Destination of Letter | Bath | South-West | England | Europe | inferred | |
| Place | Destination of Letter | New York | New York | USA | North America | certain | |
| Place | Destination of Letter | Godstone | London and South-East | England | Europe | inferred | |
| Specific | Destination of Letter | Rooks Nest | Godstone | London and South-East | England | Europe | inferred |
| Specific | Destination of Letter | Mavisbank House | Loanhead | Edinburgh and East | Scotland | Europe | certain |
| Place | Therapeutic Recommendation | Bath | South-West | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Therapeutic Recommendation | Buxton | Midlands | England | Europe | certain | |
| Region | Therapeutic Recommendation | South of France | France | Europe | certain | ||
| Continent | Therapeutic Recommendation | Europe | certain | ||||
| Place | Therapeutic Recommendation | Hampshire | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Therapeutic Recommendation | Isle of Wight | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Therapeutic Recommendation | Weymouth | South-West | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Therapeutic Recommendation | Mediterranean coast | South of France | France | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Mentioned / Other | Edinburgh | Edinburgh and East | Scotland | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Mentioned / Other | Bath | South-West | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Mentioned / Other | London | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain | |
| Country | Mentioned / Other | Italy | Europe | certain | |||
| Country | Mentioned / Other | France | Europe | certain | |||
| Country | Mentioned / Other | Scotland | Europe | certain | |||
| Country | Mentioned / Other | England | Europe | certain | |||
| Place | Mentioned / Other | Brighton (Brighthelmstone) | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain | |
| Continent | Mentioned / Other | Europe | certain | ||||
| Place | Mentioned / Other | Spa | Belgium | Belgium | Europe | certain | |
| Country | Mentioned / Other | Britain | Europe | certain | |||
| Place | Mentioned / Other | Paris | France | France | Europe | certain | |
| Continent | Mentioned / Other | North America | certain | ||||
| Place | Mentioned / Other | Weymouth | South-West | England | Europe | certain | |
| Specific | Mentioned / Other | Rooks Nest | Godstone | London and South-East | England | Europe | inferred |
| Specific | Mentioned / Other | Mavisbank House | Loanhead | Edinburgh and East | Scotland | Europe | certain |
| Specific | Mentioned / Other | Queen's Parade | Bath | South-West | England | Europe | certain |
| Place | Mentioned / Other | Dorset | South-West | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Place of Handstamp | Berwick-upon-Tweed (Berwick) | North-East | England | Europe | certain | |
| Place | Place of Handstamp | Godstone | London and South-East | England | Europe | certain |
