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I have considered the case with all possible attention and
have also every other particular that Mr Reid could give me

Upon the whole I am happy to think that Mrs Reid is in
a way of recovery but we are at present well acquainted with {illeg}
recoveries. Mrs Reids fever may have been very much of the inflam¬
matory kind but there has been a nervous fever in the family and
I have no doubt that Mrs. Reids also has had something of that kind
for this especially accounts for the slow recovery & the affections of
the stomach that have distressed her so much.

I am clear that she must take some bark first in Infusion
that is clear but afterwards it may be turbid & if it sits well on the
stomach it may be given in substance. In a person recovering I
pay little regard to frequency of pulse even incidentally great
but on that account I choose to give the bark only in the morning
and forenoon least none after two afternoon.

I am clear also that she may get a little animal food not only
broth but also a little solid of the lighter kinds especially if her ap¬
petite bends to it and that no heat arises from it. I would also give
a little claret upon the same conditions her liking it and its not
heating. By this regimen I hope her recovery will I hope
proceed & let her every day be lifted out of bed but only to ly on the
top of it and by degrees to a chair and to have her apartment changed
that what she is to ly in ↑may↑ be well aired. It will be a great point to

bring her to bear the Air and a little motion for then I would
get her aboard a ship & set her mind at rest by bringing her here
But observe that I give you my plan I mean that it should
be executed cautiously and by slow degrees only.

I believe there is nothing will contribute more to Mrs Reids
recovery than a proper means of relieving her costiveness. The
practitioner at Peterhead had reason for employing the aloetic
pill as she had been so accustomed to it but I think at present it
is too heating and I understand it is not certainly effectual. I would
therefore have Cream of tartar or Rochelle salts salt employed or
perhaps a mixture of both which with a little sugar can be made
very agreeable. Try at first a moderate dose as a dram of cream of
tartar dissolved in four ounces of boiling water and adding to it
when cool two drams of Rochelle salt and as much Sugar candy.
This to be given in two prises ¹ at the interval of half an hour. If
this proves too weak let it be supplied by an Injection and afterwards
the quantity of Rochelle salts may be increased.

I am told by Mr Reid that Mrs Reids sleep is often very bad
and that he found Laudanum necessary. When you have found a
laxative that you can depend upon I would have no objection to
giving her a good nights rest by Laudanum

The management of her diet as mentioned in the case I
think very proper and would no other change but what is hinted
above.

The odematous foot & ankle and also the pained parts
above should be frequently but gently rubbed with a warm flannel
If the pains should be at any time considerable the part may be
anointed with volatile camphorated Oil, taking care that you em¬
ploy a good caustic spirit.