[Page 1]

[Page 2]

I had an opportunity two days ago to see your patient Miss Fraser.
She would not remain with us but I had enough of time, to observe her ailments &
judge of the nature of them. They seem to be very singular & in nothing more than this
that tho' they have now subsisted for so long a time, they have neither changed her looks,
nor wasted her flesh or strength. I will not enter into any Theory of them; but tell you shortly,
that I have had several such cases to treat; & have found that ye only means of preventing the
recurrence of such affections, is to apply some shock to the patient when the fits come on. The
first I would try in this case, is the dashing the face, breast or back with cold water. The water
must be as cold as can be got & must be thrown with some little force from a Bowl or Bason. At
first one dash may be enough but if it has no effect in discussing the fit or preventing a recurrence
you must next day, try to throw on the water two or three times. As soon as it is done you must
immediately get her dried & put into dry cloaths. It would take a great deal of writing & is not
necessary to enter into the detail of this operation, your ingenuity will supply it all. You must
practise on a morning fit & keep her undressed till the fit is over. When it happens she must
be taken out of bed &c &c. –– If this operation cannot be easily managed, or does not succeed
as you wish, you must try to give an Electrical shock at the coming on of fits. A portable
machine must be kept in the House & some body instructed to give the shock to the arm or leg,
which must be rendered stronger or weaker or repeated oftener, as you shall see cause. We have
portable machines here of sufficient force & I daresay, you have such in Aberdeen, & when I
consider the greater ease & conveniency of executing this remedy. I must say that if you have any
difficulty in applying the water, you may proceed immediately to the Electricity. I am so