Friday, October 12
Dinner Caught
From the Surgeon's Personal Log 22
An answer from the Doctor to his arrogant elder brother.
SIR,
I Received the favour of your letter of the 12th. There was a time when if any one would have told me that I should ever have written to you such a letter as I am now writing, I would as soon have believed that the earth would have burst asunder, or that I would see stars falling to the ground, or trees and mountains rising to the heavens. But there is nothing too strange to happen. One thing would have appeared yet more impossible than my writing it, which is, that you should have given me the cause to have written it, and yet that has happened.
Do not presume to preach to me of virtue or reputation, brother. Those years ago when you had the opportunity to stand by my side as a brother ought, you lacked the intestinal fortitude to do so. Where were these qualities in yourself when you chose to stand with those that conspired to do me ill? And now, these years later I hear from you only so you can spout your useless platitudes and to make a request upon my pocketbook?
Your letter insults me, to think that you can play upon my sense of family, duty or pity in an attempt to manipulate me into granting your request for money. While I have it at my disposal to aid you in your request, I will not be doing so. Had it been our mother or father who had made the request, I should have been inclined to assist. As the request comes from you, I can only imagine that you have spent the allowance from our Father in the card houses and on women of ill-repute. I should sooner throw fifty guineas into the ocean then give them to you.
I had often been told of your cowardice, but refused to listen to it. I supposed your heart no more capable of deceit than my own : but I can not disbelieve the evidence confirmed by my own eyes. Sir, I take my leave of you and beg you will forget there ever was such a man as
SIR,
I Received the favour of your letter of the 12th. There was a time when if any one would have told me that I should ever have written to you such a letter as I am now writing, I would as soon have believed that the earth would have burst asunder, or that I would see stars falling to the ground, or trees and mountains rising to the heavens. But there is nothing too strange to happen. One thing would have appeared yet more impossible than my writing it, which is, that you should have given me the cause to have written it, and yet that has happened.Do not presume to preach to me of virtue or reputation, brother. Those years ago when you had the opportunity to stand by my side as a brother ought, you lacked the intestinal fortitude to do so. Where were these qualities in yourself when you chose to stand with those that conspired to do me ill? And now, these years later I hear from you only so you can spout your useless platitudes and to make a request upon my pocketbook?
Your letter insults me, to think that you can play upon my sense of family, duty or pity in an attempt to manipulate me into granting your request for money. While I have it at my disposal to aid you in your request, I will not be doing so. Had it been our mother or father who had made the request, I should have been inclined to assist. As the request comes from you, I can only imagine that you have spent the allowance from our Father in the card houses and on women of ill-repute. I should sooner throw fifty guineas into the ocean then give them to you.I had often been told of your cowardice, but refused to listen to it. I supposed your heart no more capable of deceit than my own : but I can not disbelieve the evidence confirmed by my own eyes. Sir, I take my leave of you and beg you will forget there ever was such a man as
Doctor A. Roberts
Ship's Surgeon
HMS Acasta at Sea
North American Station
Thursday, October 11
From the Surgeon's Personal Log 21
Post from an elder brother to a younger.
To: Dr. A. Roberts
Surgeon aboard
H.M.S. Acasta
Halifax, Nova Scotia
in the North American Station
Dear Albert,
AS you have been gone from home for some time, and are long since arrived at years of some discretion, I thought it not amiss to put you in mind that your childish affairs ought now to be entirely laid aside, and instead of them more serious thoughts, and things of more consequence, should take place; whereby we may add to the reputation of our family, and gain to ourselves the good esteem of being virtuous and diligent in life, which is of great value, and ought to be studied beyond any trifling amusements whatsoever: for it will be an ornament in youth, and a comfort in old age.
If you have fifty guineas, which you can, without any inconveniency, spare for about six months, I shall be greatly obliged to you to lend them to me for so long. I have been disappointed, and pressed for money at the same time. It is an unlucky, but not an uncommon, circumstance. You will believe me, that I would not ask this of you, if I were not certain to give it you back.
You have too much good nature to be offended at my advice, or at my request, especially when I assure you, that I as sincerely wish your happiness and advancement in life as I do my own. We are all, thank God, very well, and desire to be remembered to you, Pray, write as often as opportunity and leisure will permit; and be assured a letter from you will always give great pleasure to all your friends here, but to none more than
AS you have been gone from home for some time, and are long since arrived at years of some discretion, I thought it not amiss to put you in mind that your childish affairs ought now to be entirely laid aside, and instead of them more serious thoughts, and things of more consequence, should take place; whereby we may add to the reputation of our family, and gain to ourselves the good esteem of being virtuous and diligent in life, which is of great value, and ought to be studied beyond any trifling amusements whatsoever: for it will be an ornament in youth, and a comfort in old age.If you have fifty guineas, which you can, without any inconveniency, spare for about six months, I shall be greatly obliged to you to lend them to me for so long. I have been disappointed, and pressed for money at the same time. It is an unlucky, but not an uncommon, circumstance. You will believe me, that I would not ask this of you, if I were not certain to give it you back.
You have too much good nature to be offended at my advice, or at my request, especially when I assure you, that I as sincerely wish your happiness and advancement in life as I do my own. We are all, thank God, very well, and desire to be remembered to you, Pray, write as often as opportunity and leisure will permit; and be assured a letter from you will always give great pleasure to all your friends here, but to none more than
Your most affectionate brother,
and sincere humble servant,
N-----
and sincere humble servant,
N-----
at The George
On High Street
On High Street
Alford, Lincolnshire
Wednesday, October 10
The Western Lakes Station
Wanted to share with you another group of His Majesty's Navy, the Western Lakes Station.
Met some of these fine fellows this summer past when we went to Navy Hall in Niagara on the Lake.
You may notice that their site bears some similarities to the Acasta's, it was designed that way on purpose, as the Acasta's Surgeon (who designed both sites) thought it might be prudent to have some continuity between His Majesty's Naval sites.
Monday, October 8
Trafalgar Battle Surgeon
60’ drama-documentary, broadcast 29th August 2005.
Winner Royal Television Society Best History Film 2005
An alternative, below-decks, take on the battle of Trafalgar, starring Roger Daltrey and Francis Magee and featuring a Gulf War veteran as Admiral Nelson.
 |
| www.hardypictures.com |
Set on the Orlop deck of HMS Victory, this one hour historical drama follows the course of the battle from the point of view of William Beatty, ship’s surgeon, his surgical team, and the ordinary sailors they tried to save.
Written and filmed in the style of a popular medical drama, Trafalgar Battle Surgeon is a gritty, witty snapshot of one of the most iconic days in British history.
To watch the promo video, go to the Hardy Pictures website here.
Wednesday, October 3
New Recruits
Tuesday, October 2
From the Medical Journal 8
Jonathan Williams
Aged 24
Seaman
Disease or Hurt: Fits
Taken Ill 9 January 1806 At Sea.
This young man has been subject to fitts ever since he was twelve years old in consequence as he says of being frightened by his sister coming suddenly into a dark Room where he was sitting with his father, dressed in a white sheet thro' a frolick. I have twice before today seen him affected and I think they were as severe and lasted as long as Fever witnessed by any one person. this lad is a perfect picture of health and I am informed diligent, and friendly in his disposition. From the great muscular strength that he possesses it required a great number of people to keep him from injuring himself while in a fitt. He tells me that he has no previous notice of the attack, only as he thinks he hears a rattling noise like falling waters in his ears, his consciousness then leaves him. The muscles of the neck, breast and abdomen become strongly convulsed, the eyes are turned upwards, and the agitation of the whole frame becomes excessive. The Tunica adnata of the eyes by this time are highly inflamed, the face becomes red, the jaws, unless something is got between them in Time, get fast locked for a short period, and in the height of the paroxysm if the precaution of putting a spoon into his mouth has not been attended to he is apt to lacerate his tongue very severely. By a profuse sweat breaking out on his face these violent symptoms subside, and he opens his eyes and generally stares wildly round him for a few minutes and sometimes will take a drink if it is offered to him, but if spoken to he very often falls into the same state again. He has now been nearly as I have been describing for these last eight hours. I have carefully watched over him and never could perceive that the pulse was materially altered nor the heat of the skin unless about the head. but always after the convulsions subsided, and when his consciousness was returning the heart throbbed most violently until he became quite recollected. I have endeavoured to be as particular as I can about his case on account of the genuine sympathy excited in the breasts of all who have ever witnessed his malady. --
As the Pathology of this disease as well as our general knowledge of the laws of animal aeconomy are involved in much mystery, I am fearfull about hazarding a conjecture on the best mode of treating this case, yet as I will be obliged to do something, I will just say, that it appears from the time he first received the fright, he has been more or less subject to this disease; from the symptoms, which I have detailed it appears also probable, that some preternatural determination of blood to the head then took place, which by compression on the brain might have induced these violent, convulsive motions, and these may have since continued to recur by means of what some late eminent Physiologists have termed 'morbid association', even altho' the primary cause may have long ceased to act. I confess this reasoning is not very satisfactory, however it is the Best I have to offer. During the height of the Paroxysm, I tried to compress the internal Carotid by pressure with my thumbs, agreeable to the recommendation of the ingenious (Dr. Parry of Bath) but from the strong resistance of the muscles of the neck. I suppose I succeeded very partially, altho' he soon got quiet after I had begun and with an idea that they had entirely ceased I left him.
I confess this might be more owing to the natural termination of the paroxysm than to any benefit devined from the imperfect compression I was enabled to use, but as it was agreeable to the theory I have detailed above I was resolved to try is as often as I could. The excessive violence of the subsequent attacks however totally put it out of my power to persevere in the compression of the carotids; with a view however to induce a new action (if I may be allowed so old a phrase) and set aside the morbid association, I tried by very strong compression with my hands on the spinous processes of the ilia (these parts being violently agitated by the contraction of the gluteal Muscles) and sticking in thumb nails on the ridge of the bones to excite pain there. Here I also thought I did some good. Because it appeared to me that a speedier termination of the paroxysms took place. The usual remedies of slapping the hands and the soles of the feet and bending back the nails of the fingers which are used by the vulgar on these occasions, and which were diligently persevered in here justified as I thought these conjectures of mine. As soon however as he is quite freed from the fitts I purpose bleeding him plentifully and then to administer half a grain of the argent: Nitrat. and daily increase it as I see it has lately been strongly recommended in cases of this description. I will notice the effects as I proceed.
Seaman
Disease or Hurt: Fits
Taken Ill 9 January 1806 At Sea.
This young man has been subject to fitts ever since he was twelve years old in consequence as he says of being frightened by his sister coming suddenly into a dark Room where he was sitting with his father, dressed in a white sheet thro' a frolick. I have twice before today seen him affected and I think they were as severe and lasted as long as Fever witnessed by any one person. this lad is a perfect picture of health and I am informed diligent, and friendly in his disposition. From the great muscular strength that he possesses it required a great number of people to keep him from injuring himself while in a fitt. He tells me that he has no previous notice of the attack, only as he thinks he hears a rattling noise like falling waters in his ears, his consciousness then leaves him. The muscles of the neck, breast and abdomen become strongly convulsed, the eyes are turned upwards, and the agitation of the whole frame becomes excessive. The Tunica adnata of the eyes by this time are highly inflamed, the face becomes red, the jaws, unless something is got between them in Time, get fast locked for a short period, and in the height of the paroxysm if the precaution of putting a spoon into his mouth has not been attended to he is apt to lacerate his tongue very severely. By a profuse sweat breaking out on his face these violent symptoms subside, and he opens his eyes and generally stares wildly round him for a few minutes and sometimes will take a drink if it is offered to him, but if spoken to he very often falls into the same state again. He has now been nearly as I have been describing for these last eight hours. I have carefully watched over him and never could perceive that the pulse was materially altered nor the heat of the skin unless about the head. but always after the convulsions subsided, and when his consciousness was returning the heart throbbed most violently until he became quite recollected. I have endeavoured to be as particular as I can about his case on account of the genuine sympathy excited in the breasts of all who have ever witnessed his malady. --  |
| Part of the original handwritten report. |
As the Pathology of this disease as well as our general knowledge of the laws of animal aeconomy are involved in much mystery, I am fearfull about hazarding a conjecture on the best mode of treating this case, yet as I will be obliged to do something, I will just say, that it appears from the time he first received the fright, he has been more or less subject to this disease; from the symptoms, which I have detailed it appears also probable, that some preternatural determination of blood to the head then took place, which by compression on the brain might have induced these violent, convulsive motions, and these may have since continued to recur by means of what some late eminent Physiologists have termed 'morbid association', even altho' the primary cause may have long ceased to act. I confess this reasoning is not very satisfactory, however it is the Best I have to offer. During the height of the Paroxysm, I tried to compress the internal Carotid by pressure with my thumbs, agreeable to the recommendation of the ingenious (Dr. Parry of Bath) but from the strong resistance of the muscles of the neck. I suppose I succeeded very partially, altho' he soon got quiet after I had begun and with an idea that they had entirely ceased I left him. |
| part of the second page |
I confess this might be more owing to the natural termination of the paroxysm than to any benefit devined from the imperfect compression I was enabled to use, but as it was agreeable to the theory I have detailed above I was resolved to try is as often as I could. The excessive violence of the subsequent attacks however totally put it out of my power to persevere in the compression of the carotids; with a view however to induce a new action (if I may be allowed so old a phrase) and set aside the morbid association, I tried by very strong compression with my hands on the spinous processes of the ilia (these parts being violently agitated by the contraction of the gluteal Muscles) and sticking in thumb nails on the ridge of the bones to excite pain there. Here I also thought I did some good. Because it appeared to me that a speedier termination of the paroxysms took place. The usual remedies of slapping the hands and the soles of the feet and bending back the nails of the fingers which are used by the vulgar on these occasions, and which were diligently persevered in here justified as I thought these conjectures of mine. As soon however as he is quite freed from the fitts I purpose bleeding him plentifully and then to administer half a grain of the argent: Nitrat. and daily increase it as I see it has lately been strongly recommended in cases of this description. I will notice the effects as I proceed.
Originally Recorded by: Mr. Thomas Simpson, Surgeon, HMS Arethusa, 1805-1806
Transcribed by Albert Roberts with spellings from the original text found at: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Medical Instrument Illustrations from Copperplate engraving from the First Edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, or Dictionary of the Arts and Sciences, founded in 1768 and printed in 1771.
Transcribed by Albert Roberts with spellings from the original text found at: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Medical Instrument Illustrations from Copperplate engraving from the First Edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, or Dictionary of the Arts and Sciences, founded in 1768 and printed in 1771.
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