John Evelyn to Hans Sloane – July 28, 1703
Item info
Date: July 28, 1703 Author: John Evelyn Recipient: Hans SloaneLibrary: British Library Manuscript: Sloane MS 4075 Folio: f. 94
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Language
English
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Library
British Library
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Categories
Medical, Social, Travel
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Subjects
Post
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Date (as written)
July 28, 1703
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Standardised date
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Origin (as written)
Wotton
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Others mentioned
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Patients mentioned
John Evelyn
Original Page
Transcription
Discussed home that his son-in-law and daughter were having built near Croydon. The trip there was rather difficult, but did not hurt his piles. Also discussed how specifically letters needed to be addressed to him, as they often miscarried. John Evelyn was a diarist and writer who demonstrated a remarkable knowledge of horticulture. He was one of the founding members of the Royal Society (Douglas D. C. Chambers, Evelyn, John (16201706), Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, Jan 2008 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/8996, accessed 9 July 2013]).
Patient Details
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Patient info
Name: N/A John Evelyn
Gender:
Age:Described himself as a 'weary Octogenarius'. He was 83 at the time (b. 1620, d. 1706. [Douglas D.C. Chambers, "Evelyn, John (16201706)", DNB Online.] -
Description
Defluxion had fallen upon his a leg injury, drawn by a surgeon's plaster. Once it healed, he became 'miserably afflicted by the piles', which were extremely large and irritated by 'fretting against my linnen', when standing or walking. He was hardly able to walk in the garden. Noted that he tended to be costive, but has a good appetite and urine looks 'laudable' (and he has no nephritic pain). In last three weeks, he had also had a shivering fit and was unable to hold his pen. He ended up taking to the bed, being very weak and fearing another fit would have 'carried me off'. Had various other issues, as well, including skin problems.
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Diagnosis
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Treatment
Previous Treatment:
Ongoing Treatment:His visiting neighbours had given him extensive advice, ranging from ointments to lozenges. Also used lenitive electuary for his costiveness and followed a regimen, which he detailed.
Response:None of the remedies stay the periodic descent of the piles upon any motion. Asks if Sloane has anything to keep them from falling out and provide 'soulagement'. Lenitive electuary helps.
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More information
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Medical problem reference
Haemorrhoids, Skin ailments, Eyes, Colds, Age