Letter 1565

Posted on August 2, 2016 by -

Philip Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Chesterfield to Hans Sloane – July 25, 1709


Item info

Date: July 25, 1709
Author: Philip Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Chesterfield
Recipient: Hans Sloane

Library: British Library, London
Manuscript: Sloane MS 4042
Folio: f. 19


Original Page


Transcription

Stanhope was a courtier and politician. He retired to Bretby and spent part of his time in London (Stuart Handley, ‘Stanhope, Philip, second earl of Chesterfield (1633–1714)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/26253, accessed 14 June 2011]).



Patient Details

  • Patient info
    Name: N/A Philip Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Chesterfield
    Gender:
    Age:70
  • Description
  • Diagnosis

    It has been four days since Stanhope was taken with pain in the breast and shortness of breath, such that he could hardly speak. He experienced a slight fever. Given these symptoms, Stanhope presumes that he had an inflammation in the lung.

  • Treatment
    Previous Treatment:

    Stanhope was bled. He would take half an ounce of linseed oil every few hours for the first two days after each bleeding.


    Ongoing Treatment:

    Stanhope allowed himself to be bled twelve ounces on three occasions within the previous week. Stanhope is taking the bark every four hours, along with half an ounce of syrup of poppies before going to bed.


    Response:

    The first bleeding had little effect, so Stanhope was bled some more. He tells Sloane that his current regimen has him feeling a little better, but that he still suffers from pain, oppression, weakness, and faintness. He- asks Sloane for advice about whether or not he should take the Burton or spa waters.

  • More information
  • Medical problem reference
    Fevers, Lungs, Pain, Shortness of breath