| Description Of Item | A letter from Robert Savile in Hull in the collection of Thomas Laycock. Sent from ‘[Nafferton] Hull’ and dated ‘January 18-1841.’ Savile writes that he is caring for a farmer’s daughter with a ‘peculiar’ condition. Savile describes that the girl refuses to eat and her body fat is wasting away, but is otherwise fine. He writes that ‘medical men’ had examined the girl - including Henry Cooper. However none are able to diagnose or manage her condition. Savile comments that ‘most medical men would pronounce it histeria.’ Savile ends the letter by asking for advice on this case - he explains that he previously studied at the University of Edinburgh and attended lectures on the practice of physic taught by Thomas Laycock, so is seeking his expert opinion.
Transcription:
[Nafferton] Hull January 18-1841
Sir, I have under my care a farmer’s daughter, aged 19 years, whose case is peculiar. Other medical men have seen her with me. Sir H Cooper of Hull has seen her once. This young person lies in bed. Does not now take a fill of liquid nutriment [nourishment] in 24 hours, and the small quantity she does taken she appears to do so only when pressed upon by her friends, taking about a wine-glassful at once. The tongue is perfectly clean and natural pulse 60 in a minute when in the recumbent position; wine [illegible] a slight acid reaction; and the adipose tissue of body is gradually disappearing. The catamenia appeared in a slight degree about two months ago. Sir H Cooper says she is not suffering from organic disease. I suppose most medical men would pronounce it histeria.
I have attended this person at different times for a period of three years: but she gradually gets worse, the fat and strength going. The girls countenance is that of heath though thin; and would be somewhat plump and rosy, if well nourished.
I am a graduate of the University of of Edinburgh, where I studied three years, and during that time attended your lectures on the practice of physic.
My object in laying this case briefly before you is to ask you to favour me with your opinion respecting it, and management of it.
I am, [illegible],
yours obediently
Robert Savile |