LETTER IV.—FROM DR. H. N. PRESTON.[1]
Plymouth, Mass., March 26, 1835.
Dear Sir,—When I observed your questions in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, of the 11th of March, I determined to give you personal experience, in reply to your valuable queries.
In the spring of 1832, while engaged in more than usual professional labor, I began to suffer from indigestion, which gradually increased, unabated by any medicinal or dietetic course, until I was reduced to the very confines of the grave. The disease became complicated, for a time, with chronic bronchitis. I would remark, that, at the time of my commencing a severe course of diet, I was able to attend to my practice daily.
In answer to your inquiries, I would say to the 1st—very much diminished, and rapidly.
2. Rather less; distinct local uneasiness—less disposition to drowsiness; but decidedly more troubled with cardialgia, and eructations.
3. I think not.
4. My disease was decidedly increased; as cough, headache, and emaciation; and being of a scrofulous diathesis, was lessening my prospect of eventual recovery.
5. My febrile attacks increased with my increased debility.
6. Almost four months; when I became convinced death would be the result, unless I altered my course.