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I am favored with yours inclosing Dr Watsons
full and accurate account of Mr Thompson which I have
studied with great attention.

So far as I can perceive Mr Thompson does not labour
under any particular or topical affection but is now dis¬
tressed with a general loss of tone in the whole system
owing to a profusion of blood which might have been
necessary to relieve his frequent returns of Plethora and
the symptoms depending upon it, and under such symptoms
it was not easy to give a due measure to the evacuation
indicated; but it has so happened that they were too much for
his Constitution. I agree with you that the threatening of
Hydropic symptoms in the circumstance at present chiefly
alarming and that the obviating of these should be our chief
attention.

A great many proper medecines seem to have been
already employed. but I observe that they have been chiefly
diuretic and purgative; but I am of opinion that that the
Hydragogue Purgative cannot be safely employed and that
to draw off the collected water and prevent its further
growth we must chiefly operate by the more slow
[and?] gentle evacuation by Urine. If you have found any
diuretic more powerful than the rest I leave you to
insist in the use of it; but I must observe to you that
I have the greatest favour for the Syrupus Colchici, when
employed in due quantity, much greater than that
Dose prescribed by {illeg} or commonly employed in the (↑this↑) Country
by any body but myself. I have a Lady just now taking it to
the quantity of two ounces every twenty four hours with a

While this or other diuretics are employed I think it
will be necessary to try to restore the tone of the System by
Chalybeates and Bark and for that purpose I have
inclosed a formula. I have proposed only five grams
of Limature to begin with, but you may carry it as he bears
it to one Scruple.

With these medecines I would advise a middle diet,
not full either in quantity or quality nor on the other hand
of Vegetables alone. I should think that Milk and farinacea
should make the principal part of it.

Exercise is likely to be of great service to him but the
best is that taking in the open air and there it should be
daily or as constantly as the weather will any ways per¬
mit and always to the length that he can easily bear.
Frictions also employed only in the mornings and always
from below upwards will contribute their part.
Laced Stockings may also be usefull. These however not of
flannel but of a strong {illeg} and exactly adjusted to as
always to press more below than above.