Letter 0032

Posted on August 2, 2016 by -

Mary Finch to Hans Sloane – October 28, 1730


Item info

Date: October 28, 1730
Author: Mary Finch
Recipient: Hans Sloane

Library: British Library, London
Manuscript: Sloane MS 4075
Folio: f. 133


Original Page


Transcription

Enclosed a fee. Mary Finch (d. 1742) married Edward Finch, a Church of England clergyman and musician, some time before 1707. Mary was the daughter of Nicholas Stanley, fellow of New College, Oxford (David Griffiths, ‘Finch, Edward (bap. 1663, d. 1738)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, Jan 2008 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/9429, accessed 25 June 2014]).



Patient Details

  • Patient info
    Name: Miss. Stanley (Sister)
    Gender:
    Age:
  • Description

    See f. 79 for first letter. Growing visible weakness, swollen stomach and belly, "violent itching", stitches and pains. Healthy complexion, but becoming thin.

  • Diagnosis

    Sloane had been of option that it was "fleshy substance" rather than watery, with which "eminent surgeon" agreed. Writer feared that either would be dangerous.

  • Treatment
    Previous Treatment:

    Patient tried many (unnamed) prescriptions


    Ongoing Treatment:

    Sloane's prescription at bottom of letter: "Sperm. at. ocul. camis. cum. lact. asinuo. Elect. chalbeat cum aromat and julap."


    Response:

    "I cant perceive she is ye better for so doeing". Still growing weaker. Patient was only able by force of will to go out in the coach or move about. She ate well though had no desire for drink though she has a good amount of water of a regular colour. Noticeable weight loss and “violent itching” when she in bed owing to sweating.

  • More information
  • Medical problem reference
    Skin ailments, Stomach, Hydropsy, Wasting, Pain