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I take the liberty of inclosing to you Mrs. Fraser's
case, and ↑a Copy of↑ the opinion you gave respecting it some time ago.
I have kept the Original in case of miscarriage.

Ms Fraser was delivered in August, and for a few months,
thereafter, the tumours decreased considerably; but they are now
as large as ever, & that particularily behind the ear is rather
larger than formerly.

Permit me to flatter myself, that you will
attend to her case when convenient, and that you will be pleased
to forward your opinion, inclosed to to me, and addressed as
below.

Dr Cullen
Physician
Edinr.

Mrs Fraser was first afflicted with her disorder in her eleventh
year. It then made its appearance by a hard swelling in the neck
to which a discussing plaister was applied; but it soon afterwards
became red & inflamed, and in about three months there after the
Swelling was first observed. it broke out and continued running
for about three months and then heal'd. While it run, the only thing
applied, was a poultice either of Bread & Milk or Carrots & milk.
It is here to be observed, that the swelling was not dispelled
at the time of the healing.- At this time Mrs Fraser kept was
uncommonly tall & stout for her years, and in every other
respect, kept exceeding good health.

In two years thereafter, it broke out again a little below the
place where it first appeared, at this time, a Physician was
consulted; who prescribed a digestive Ointment; he also ordered
a Diet-Drink (which was neglected to be given) & prescribed
a Regimen. The sore in a short time healed up, but several
hard knots remained about it, with which the Doctor was made
acquainted, & he promised to give the Patient something to dispel
them, which he neglected.- Mrs Fraser however continued
pretty well, till about a year afterwards, that she caught cold in
making a pretty long journey, which occasioned a swelling & stiffness
in that side of the neck, and a knot just below the ear. this for
some time was always increasing; but for two years past, it neither
increased nor diminished, except when she {illeg} (↑is↑) exposed to cold, &
then it grows considerably bigger & much more painful.

Several outward applications have been tried, viz- Baths of hot herbs,
Leeches - Camphire o[f] British Oil, all of these seemed at first to be of
service, but soon lost their effect. Mrs Fraser also took six half-¬
guinea bottles of Nortons Maredant-Drops without effect, and took
Peruvian Bark for eight months constantly with as little.

Last Summer (1782.) Mrs. Fraser drunk the Goat-Whey, & the Waters
of a Sulphureous mineral in the north, both of which were of con¬
siderable benefit in recruiting her health & strength, but have had
no effect as to the particular complaint described above.

For about a year past she has had pea-issues in her arms. and it is
about three years since the knot below the ear began to gather.

Mrs. Fraser is now in her twentieth year, was married about two
years ago, & is now in a state of pregnancy.

NB. No hereditary taint can be traced. ---

I have carefully considered the whole history of her case, and can
freely assert, that it is not in any respect dangerous, but it may
prove tedious, as it appears that the humour in her blood has
subsided more or less for eight years past. It must therefore be
more difficult to eradicate it now, and is, especially from the con¬
dition of pregnancy in which she is now. However tho the
business may be a little difficult, as the Disease depends upon no
hereditary taint, I have no doubt but that in time it may be
entirely removed. There is even a chance that her pregnancy,
Child bearing & perhaps nursing may entirely discuss the humour
below the ear or others about her neck, but whether this shall
happen or not, I am clear that the Medicines which I would employ
for the purpose cannot be properly or safely employed, while Mrs
Fraser is in any of these conditions, nor can I just now say, what
would be proper when these conditions are over, or till I know
what is the state of her tumours or other circumstances of her health
at that time. I am therefore to give no full advice at present,
but if either her pregnancy by any accident shall be interrupted,
or that after recovering of her delivery that she is not to nurse,
or lastly if after nursing is over I shall be informed of the state
of her health I engage to give her the fullest and best advice
I possibly can and so far as any ways require for the recovery of
her health, and this without further fee or reward.

In the mean time I have only to say, that her regimen is to be
suited more to her state of pregnancy than to any consideration
of her complaints, and with respect to pregnancy the proper regi¬
men is directed by every person's particular feelings rather than
by any general rules. With a view to Mrs Fraser's complaints.
she should avoid in her Diet all kinds of Fish, that she should
avoid costiveness going to any great degree, and should obviate this
either by Diet or medicine, and when a medicine is required, there
is hardly any thing better suited to her condition, than Magnesia,
in a pretty full dose, and perhaps with the addition of a little
Rhubarb or Jalap. For the tumour in the neck I would apply
none of the Applications mentioned in the case. Let care be taken
to defend it from cold, and if upon any occasion the Swelling should
either increase or become painful, let it be bathed twice a day with

Mrs Fraser
Novr 1783
V.XV p.332