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I intended doing myself the honour of calling
on you the Evening before I left Edinburgh, but happening that day
to dine with some of my friends, who by their great kindness and
attention detained me much later than I wished, and by that means
I was, to my loss and regrete, prevented from waiting on you. -

I know not what apology to make for troubling you so often
with my affairs; But the great value and consequence, that the
life and health of a good wife & mother is of, to me, and her
Children; And the high opinion I entertain of your Abilities, Skill,
and experience, with a more perfect confidence in your Judgment,
and friendship than I have in any other's will, I hope, plead my
Excuse for stating a few particulars to you concerning her,
which state alarms me. -

Mrs Aird has recovered exceedingly of late; Indeed, was it not
that she is still weaker than formerly, and that her Extremities con¬
tinue to swell, her general State of health seems much better, than
it has been for some years past. About two weeks ago, She had
the Catamenia at the regular time, tho' in smaller quantity, than
usual; her appetite is exceedingly good, her Colour is much
mended; and on the whole She is considerably Stronger. But
the Swelling of her Legs, which I told you of, still continues &
is both very troublesome & painfull. Her hands are likewise a
little swelled, but this extends only to her wrists or a little above, as
that of her Legs, does to her Knees. Indeed, I cannot help thinking

The above are the principal Symptoms Attending this (to me) in¬
tricate Case. In my little experience, I have not met with any thing
like it; and am therefore totaly at a loss what to do first, or with
a prospect of success, and I am particularly anxious at this time, that
something should be done while we have the benefit of the Summer, when
several plans might be adopted, which at a more unfavourable season would
be impracticable. If, therefore from my Imperfect description of the
Case, you can comprehend, or from An Idea of it; and will be so
good, when you are at leasure, as give me your opinion and advice,
it will be gratefully received and punctually attended to. -

I have been thinking ↑of↑ getting her to try the tight laced Stockings, &
she is about getting a Pair made - When you can spare as much

Doctor William Cullen
Professor of the Practice of Physic
in the
University
Edinburgh