The Consultation Letters of Dr William Cullen (1710-1790) at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
[ID:3848] From: Dr William Cullen (Professor Cullen) / To: Dr John Gilchrist (of Speddoch) / Regarding: Mr Alexander Spalding Gordon (Spalding, of The Holme & Shirmers) (Patient) / 28 June 1776 / (Outgoing)
Reply to Dr John Gilchrist headed 'For Mr Spalding Gordon' in which Cullen offers ongoing advice on blistering, ointments and laxatives.
- Facsimile
- Normalized Text
- Diplomatic Text
- Metadata
- Case
- People
- Places
Facsimile
There are 3 images for this document.
[Page 1]
[Page 2]
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Metadata
| Field | Data |
|---|---|
| DOC ID | 3848 |
| RCPE Catalogue Number | CUL/1/1/7/69 |
| Main Language | English |
| Document Direction | Outgoing |
| Date | 28 June 1776 |
| Annotation | None |
| Type | Scribal copy ( includes Casebook Entry) |
| Enclosure(s) | No enclosure(s) |
| Autopsy | No |
| Recipe | Yes |
| Regimen | No |
| Letter of Introduction | No |
| Case Note | No |
| Summary | Reply to Dr John Gilchrist headed 'For Mr Spalding Gordon' in which Cullen offers ongoing advice on blistering, ointments and laxatives. |
| Manuscript Incomplete? | No |
| Evidence of Commercial Posting | No |
Case
Cases that this document belongs to:
| Case ID | Description | Num Docs |
|---|---|---|
| [Case ID:4] |
Case of Mr Alexander Spalding Gordon who has a venereal infection in 1775; in 1776 he has a swollen ankle and toe assumed to be gouty; and in 1784 he is suffering from the after-effects of an accidental pistol wound. |
18 |
People linked to this document
| Person ID | Role in document | Person |
|---|---|---|
| [PERS ID:1] | Author | Dr William Cullen (Professor Cullen) |
| [PERS ID:115] | Addressee | Dr John Gilchrist (of Speddoch) |
| [PERS ID:629] | Patient | Mr Alexander Spalding Gordon (Spalding, of The Holme & Shirmers) |
| [PERS ID:1] | Patient's Physician / Surgeon / Apothecary | Dr William Cullen (Professor Cullen) |
| [PERS ID:115] | Patient's Physician / Surgeon / Apothecary | Dr John Gilchrist (of Speddoch) |
Places linked to this document
| Role in document | Specific Place | Settlements / Areas | Region | Country | Global Region | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place of Writing | Cullen's House / Mint Close | Edinburgh | Edinburgh and East | Scotland | Europe | certain |
| Destination of Letter | Dumfries | Borders | Scotland | Europe | inferred |
Normalized Text
For Mr. Spalding Gordon
From the Journal of this last week I perceive that tho'
the administration of the Dovers Powder seems to have
been very properly managed it has done no service to his
Headack, but I think however, that all his other Symptoms
continue to be mended, and unless there should be some
considerable return of flying pains I would not advise
a repetition of the Dovers powder --
I am disappointed in his finding no more relief
[Page 2]
from the Blister on the crown of his head, but as it was
only taken off on the day before last Journal came away
and had the night before interrupted his sleep, I cannot
certainly conclude that may not still be of service. In
the mean time I have sent a medicine, the Balsamum
Saponaceum which I hope may be of service. It is
to be anointed especially on the hind head and
along the muscles of his neck, covering them after
wards with a piece of flannel ----
To mend matters still futher, I observe that
Mr. Spalding is much disposed to be costive and requires
frequent Glysters which generally bring away indurated
fæces. I think he may be relieved from the trouble
of the frequent Glysters and get some benefit by a
medicine taken by the mouth. The Laxative I
would employ is the oleum Ricini or as it is called,
the Castor Oil, if his stomach will bear it. The
best way of giveing it is by putting two ounces of it
into a Phial a little larger than to hold it, then add
to the oil, two tea spoonfulls of strong Brandy
or good double Rum. They are to be well shaken
together, and immediately the dose is to be poured
out and swallowed. The dose at first may be a
Table spoonfull but to be diminished or increased
afterwards as the first trial shall determine. --
The dose is to be taken in the morning and may
be repeated every second or third day as occasion
may seem to require, and I believe that keeping
his Belly regular and rather open will be of service.
If it shall happen that Mr. Spalding cannot take
oil there will be no harm in the quantity sent as his sur¬
geon may soon find use for it with his other patients.
If Mr Spalding requires another Laxative I would
[Page 3]
recommend Cream of tartar with a little addition of the
Pulv e jalap. compt., The first trial may be Cream tart ʒi
Pulv. e jalap. compt: ʒſs. The first trial may and this dose may be
increased or diminished as trials shall determine. I would have
his belly kept regular & rather open, but would not have him
purged; and upon this plan the doses of this or tother medicine are
to be regulated. If the last mentioned medicine is employed, I must
observe the P. e j. compt must be prepared by long and diligent
triture, which renders it both more effectual and milder. The
best way of giving the medicine proposed is by rendering it
semiliquid with simple syrup & then giving it in teaspoonfulls
in the morning.
Nothing further to add but to repeat what I hinted in
my last that Mr Spalding should if possible be taken
out of bed as often as he can conveniently bear it & I think
a push should be made to get him as soon as possible
into the fresh air. I wish to know what he can bear in this way.
Take 4 ounces of Saponaceous Balsam. Label: Discutient Balsam. for anointing the head & neck covering the part with flannel
Take 4 ounces of Castor Oil. Label: Castor Oil.
Diplomatic Text
For Mr. Spalding Gordon
From the Journal of this last week I perceive that tho'
the administration of the Dovers Powder seems to have
been very properly managed it has done no service to his
Headack, but I think however, that all his other Symptoms
continue to be mended, and unless there should be some
considerable return of flying pains I would not advise
a repetition of the Dovers powder --
I am disappointed in his finding no more relief
[Page 2]
from the Blister on the crown of his head, but as it was
only taken off on the day before last Journal came away
and had the night before interrupted his sleep, I cannot
certainly conclude that may not still be of service. In
the mean time I have sent a medicine, the Balsamum
Saponaceum which I hope may be of service. It is
to be anointed especially on the hind head and
along the muscles of his neck, covering them after
wards with a piece of flannel ----
To mend matters still futher, I observe that
Mr. Spalding is much disposed to be costive and requires
frequent Glysters which generally bring away indurated
fæces. I think he may be relieved from the trouble
of the frequent Glysters and get some benefit by a
medicine taken by the mouth. The Laxative I
would employ is the oleum Ricini or as it is called,
the Castor Oil, if his stomach will bear it. The
best way of giveing it is by putting two ounces of it
into a Phial a little larger than to hold it, then add
to the oil, two tea spoonfulls of strong Brandy
or good double Rum. They are to be well shaken
together, and immediately the dose is to be poured
out and swallowed. The dose at first may be a
Table spoonfull but to be diminished or increased
afterwards as the first trial shall determine. --
The dose is to be taken in the morning and may
be repeated every second or third day as occasion
may seem to require, and I believe that keeping
his Belly regular and rather open will be of service.
If it shall happen that Mr. Spalding cannot take
oil there will be no harm in the quantity sent as his sur¬
geon may soon find use for it with his other patients.
If Mr Spalding requires another Laxative I would
[Page 3]
recommend Cream of tartar with a little addition of the
Pulv e jalap. compt., The first trial may be Cream tart ʒi
Pulv. e jalap. compt: ʒſs. The first trial may and this dose may be
increased or diminished as trials shall determine. I would have
his belly kept regular & rather open, but would not have him
purged; and upon this plan the doses of this or tother med: are
to be regulated. If the last mentioned med. is employed, I must
observe the P. e j. compt must be prepared by long and diligent
triture, which renders it both more effectual and milder. The
best way of giving the med. proposed is by rendering it
semiliquid with simple syrup & then giving it in teasp.fulls
in the morning.
Nothing further to add but to repeat what I hinted in
my last that Mr Spalding should if possible be taken
out of bed as often as he can conveniently bear it & I think
a push should be made to get him as soon as possible
into the fresh air. I wish to know what he can bear in this way.
℞ Balsam. Saponac. ℥iv
S. Discutient Balsam. for anointing the head ↑& neck↑ covering the
part with flannel
℞ Ol. ricini ℥iv.
S. Castor Oil.
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