Selected works of Thomas Sydenham, M.D : with a short biography and explanatory notes / by John D. Comrie.

  • Sydenham, Thomas, 1624-1689.
Date:
1922
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Selected works of Thomas Sydenham, M.D : with a short biography and explanatory notes / by John D. Comrie. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    172/178 (page 152)
    APPENDIX. The following is a transcript of the letter in Sydenham’s handwriting reproduced in facsimile at p. 130. The original is written on a small foolscap double sheet with the address on the reverse, and is to be found among the “ Hale Papers” in the British Museum (“ Hale Papers,” vol. ii, Add. MS. No. 33573, folio 158). Sydenham’s wish that the patient may have a smart fit of the gout is in accordance with the well-known fact that gouty persons, after an acute attack is over, are often left in much improved general health for a long time. For the Honoured Major Hale At Kings Walden. Leave this at ye Post house in Hitcham Hartfordshire. Sir, Though I am perfectly satisfied that your case is only that which in men we call Hypochondriacall, in women Hystericall, proceeding from an Ataxy or Shatteredness of ye Animall Spirits and accordingly that a course of steele was a very proper means for you to have bin put under, yet in regard it hath missed of yt success which with great reason might have bin expected, I thinke it will be to noe purpose to turn yt stone any longer at least after you have taken out the Pills you have allready by you. But ’twill be more adviseable for you for two or three weekes totally to abstain from medicines of all kinds for these two reasons. First for that you have eyther from Dr. Eeles or myselfe charged your body allready with many medi¬ cines soe yt a little rest from them may be very convenient for you. And then for that I have often observed that medicines have not had theire due effect whilst they have bin takeing, but upon discontinuance the benefit wch they have done hath bin manifest.