[Page 1]

I could have wished to have wrote you
on another subject, than that in which this letter is chiefly
intended, that is to inform you Mr. Grant your father is
by no means well at present, & I thought proper to write
you before leaving Edinburgh in order if you inclined to lay
the state of his case before any Physician or Surgeon,
which is also my own desire. ––––

Mr. Grant aged 66 years, of a thin relaxed habit of body
was about three years ago much distressed with stomach
complaints, with all the ordinary symptoms of indigestion,
particularly acidity at his stomach, these complaints were
at times mitigated by the use of strengthening bitters, Gum
Pills & Magnesia. –– From inclination he has adhered
strictly, & contrary often to advice, to a weak Diet, such as
Vegetables, slabs &c. & in drinking also too temperate for
one who did not lead an indolent life. –– He has also been
liable to Nepritic or gravelish complaints, & frequently
passed quantitys of sand; –––– he never had before the
present appearances any fixed pain in the Abdomen, or
any particular hardness to be felt, so as to indicate the
affection of any of the Viscera; about a year ago he had
a pain & swelling at his stomach which a purgative relieved.

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[Page 2]

His distress at present is evidently an Ascites, a sensible
fluctuation to be felt, no swelling of the extremities or any
other part, a scantiness of making Water, with a shortness
of breathing upon taking exercise, no Cough, or uncommon
drought, his pulse rather slow & languid, his appetite
moderate. –––– These are the particulars which occur
to me necessary to mention, indeed it is only eight days
since he sent for me, not having seen him or at least
he did not complain to me for months before & to my
surprise I found him in such a case as above represented.
The only Medicines I have tried was at first small doses
of 5 grains of Jallop, a grain of prepared Calomel, and 10 grains of Cream of Tartar these mixed
a dose taken in the Morning & repeated every hour,
three of these operate well, & keept up a gentle
Diarhœa for two days –– he thought the swelling the day after
somewhat abated. –– He has been trying the Crocus Syrup
for some days, as it produces no very sensible effect in
promoting Urin or by Stool I think of not continuing it.
Purgatives, with tonics, exercise & friction to his belly
are what suggests to me proper for removing his complaints
& you may depend whoever you consult, I shall do justice
to their advice or prescriptions. ––

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[Page 3]

To
Mr. James Grant
at Mr. Mitchelson's writer to the Sig[net]
Edinburgh

✍
Mr Grant
of Montrose
March 1781.
V. XI. p175.