Letter 3251

Posted on August 2, 2016 by -

James Yonge to Hans Sloane – February 17, 1725/26


Item info

Date: February 17, 1725/26
Author: James Yonge
Recipient: Hans Sloane

Library: British Library, London
Manuscript: Sloane MS 4048
Folio: ff. 131-132


Original Page


Transcription

Yonge’s father presented a similar medical case to the Royal Society in 1702. James Yonge was a surgeon and physician of Plymouth with experience as a ship’s surgeon. He was a prominent citizen in his native Plymouth and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and member of the Royal College of Physicians in 1702 (Ian Lyle, Yonge, James (16471721), Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/30225, accessed 20 May 2011]).



Patient Details

  • Patient info
    Name: N/A Unnamed
    Gender:
    Age:47 years old.
  • Description

    The man had a strong consitution only 7 or 8 months ago, but due to his heavy drinking of cider he has been suffering from jaundice. After he was cured he returned to heavy drinking and developed anasarca.

  • Diagnosis

    Jaundice; anasarca.

  • Treatment
    Previous Treatment:

    He was initially prescribed 'chalybates'. After developing anasarca Yonge prescribed 'sal. Cathart. [drachms] ill in vin: Alb. [drachms] vi potash. junip. gutt. 20' and had him purged.


    Ongoing Treatment:

    Yonge is going to try 'canthandes with Camphire in hopes to clear away ye urinary passages'. This idea came from his father's experience as a physician. He solicits Sloane's advice.


    Response:

    The 'chalybates' cured him. After the relapse to drink and development of anasarca the man had diarrhea and Yonge could 'by no common diureticks get him to piss clearly'.

  • More information
  • Medical problem reference
    Jaundice, Diarrhea, Alcoholism, Inflammations, Anasarca