Letter 1713

James Keill to Hans Sloane – January 1, 1710/11


Item info

Date: January 1, 1710/11
Author: James Keill
Recipient: Hans Sloane

Library: British Library, London
Manuscript: Sloane MS 4042
Folio: f. 217



Original Page



Transcription

Keill did not formally attend medical school, but through the patronage of Sloane he obtained the degree of MD from Cambridge. Sloane helped Keill enter into medical practice in Northampton (Anita Guerrini, Keill, James (16731719), Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, Jan 2008 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/15255, accessed 2 June 2011]).




Patient Details

  • Patient info
    Name: Lord Lempster
    Gender:
    Age:
  • Description

    Lempster has a quick pulse, 'difficulty of breathing, and Delirium in reasoning'. His blood is 'fizy'; legs are swollen when not lying down. 'His water is generally of an amber colour'.

  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
    Previous Treatment:

    Keill 'took about 12 ounces of blood from him at three several times'. He took another 5 ounces of blood afterwards, but Lempster's pulse remained quick.


    Ongoing Treatment:

    Keill continued to administer 'the Bark' and some 'Sal Prunolla' at four hour intervals. 'Once or twice a day he takes H: Lum: and Spora: Col:'. Lempster has a 'stool everyday'.


    Response:

    Lempster's condition improved when his blood was let, resulting in a good night's rest. He awoke the next day in a state of confusion.

  • More information
  • Medical problem reference
    Confusion, Lungs, Inflammations, Blood, Headache