Letter 0083

Posted on August 2, 2016 by -

Browne Langrish to Hans Sloane – November 29, 1732


Item info

Date: November 29, 1732
Author: Browne Langrish
Recipient: Hans Sloane

Library: British Library, London
Manuscript: Sloane MS 4075
Folio: f. 372


Original Page


Transcription

Payment of fee mentioned. Browne Langrish (d. 1759) was a physician and medical author. In 1734 he became an extra licentiate of the College of Physicians and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. Langrish published works on general physic, stones, and smallpox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browne_Langrish).



Patient Details

  • Patient info
    Name: Mrs. Cole
    Gender:
    Age:30
  • Description

    Married, with "a very thin habit of body, of an exceeding tender constitution, and of very eager spirits." Long menstrual periods, but quantity rarely excessive (and on those occasions, she craved various foods, with no reason to suspect pregnancy). Had whites at end of menstrual periods. When flow greater than usual, had pain in face, head and neck. Hysterical convulsions.

  • Diagnosis

    "nervous Rheumatick Pain" and "Hysterick Convulsions"

  • Treatment
    Previous Treatment:

    Two years ago Dr. Ashenhurst (deceased at the time of the letter) prescribed her astringent medicines, which she continued. Langrish believed it was aggravating her condition. She had also been bled, though it is unclear who did it. Mrs. Cole later consulted Dr. Combe of Winchester who gave her a rhubarb purge.


    Ongoing Treatment:

    Langrish prescribed laudanum and various other remedies (details given) for the fits, as well as a special diet.


    Response:

    Neither the treatments of Dr. Ashenhurst or Dr. Combe gave her relief. His seemed to be working, but he feared a relapse and consulted Sloane.

  • More information
  • Medical problem reference
    Venereal complaints, Whites, Rheumatism, Pain, Menstrual, Hysteria, Pica