[Page 1]
Mr Hamilton Concerning Mr Alston

I am very much disappointed
in the case of Mr Alston and very much concerned for
it. I have not the least doubt of your full and exact
execution of our plan and therefore must think it not
so well founded as I formerly did and tho I do not yet per¬
ceive the ground of my mistake I cannot insist upon con¬
tinuing the same measures. But whilst I give up these
measures as a cure of the disease I must observe that the
sudden ceasing from such accustomed large evacuations
may be extreamly dangerous and therefore that they should
be withdrawn by degrees only & which I trust your discretion
will direct very properly. It will be particularly obvious
to you that whilst the evacuations are to be in any mea¬
sure omitted it will be proper to continue the abstemious
course in diet and drinking and there cannot certainly
be any harm in continuing that for a long time to come.

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[Page 2]

With respect to what medicines are now to ↑be↑ employed I
am a little at a loss as I have no clear view of the peculiarity
of the case. I must therefore a little at random try the
Antispasmodics and the one I have the best opinion of is the
Cuprum ammoniacum. Let him begin to take a single
pill that is half a grain twice a day & while that continues
to have any sensible ↑effect↑ the same dose may be continued but
if it has no such effect even at first or that afterwards by
repetition it comes to lose it let the dose be gradually in¬
creased to what you find necessary. If you still can make
any judgement of the time when a fit is to be expected I would
↑not↑ begin this medicine till within four or five days of the
period expected and after a trial at one or ↑two↑ periods I would
wish to have your remarks on every thing relating to the
disease. I am happy to hear that Mrs Arnot is some
thing better but I have nothing new to offer with respect
to her. I am with affection & regard Dear William