John Cook to Hans Sloane – February 12, 1699/00
Item info
Date: February 12, 1699/00 Author: John Cook Recipient: Hans SloaneLibrary: British Library, London Manuscript: Sloane MS 4075 Folio: f. 29
-
Language
English
-
Library
British Library, London
-
Categories
Medical, Mental Illness
-
Subjects
-
Date (as written)
February 12, 1699/00
-
Standardised date
-
Origin (as written)
Badminton
-
Others mentioned
Dr. Baskerville Mrs Clark
-
Patients mentioned
Mary Somerset (nee Sackville), Duchess of Beaufort
Original Page
Transcription
John Cook was a physician.
Patient Details
-
Patient info
Name: N/A Mary Somerset (nee Sackville), Duchess of Beaufort
Gender:
Age:Mary Somerset was bap. 1630 and d. 1715. -
Description
The letter does not mention which Duchess in particular, but the Dukes of Beaufort had their seat at Badminton. The letter also refers to the recent Lord Duke's death; this occurred in January 1699/1700. [See: Molly McClain, "Somerset, Henry, first duke of Beaufort (1629–1700)", Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, Sept 2004; online edn, May 2007, http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/26009, accessed 14 May 2010.] The Duchess was described as "generally costive", eating little and feeling faint. Also had "rellow clouds before her Eyes".
-
Diagnosis
Depression after her husband's death leading to pains in the stomach, low spirits, diarrhoea, vapours. "I have bin sent for hither twice since my Lr Dukes death & her Grace having been out of order some months before, this Great & suddent loss has made ye greater Impression on Her."
-
Treatment
Previous Treatment:
Black cherry water and canary; liquid laudanum; tincture of Antimony; plaster of Galbanum applied to stomach.
Ongoing Treatment:Recommended pearl in liquor and tincture of antimony. Asked about asses milk with pearl or cinnabar of antimony or quinquina in pills or powder or strong infusion of canary wine. Age and diet would make bleeding and vomiting problematic. Duchess refused any medicines with taste or smell and "clarett she can't bear". Her diet: drank chocolate and canary and ate some lamb or mutton. Should have air and rising medicines.
Response: -
More information
-
Medical problem reference
Eyes, Vapours, Stomach, Fevers, Emotions, Age, Grief