_January_ 11th. Captain V----, AEt. 42. Had suffered much from residing
in hot climates, and drinking very freely, particularly rum in large
quantity. He had tried many physicians before I saw him, but nothing
relieved him. I found him greatly emaciated, his countenance of a
brownish yellow; no appetite, extremely low, distressing fulness
across his stomach; legs and thighs greatly swollen; pulse quick, and
very feeble; urine in small quantity. As he had evidently only a few
days to live, I ordered him nothing but a solution of sal diureticus
in cinnamon water, slightly acidulated with syrup of lemons. This
medicine effecting no change, and his symptoms becoming daily more
distressing, I directed an infusion of Digitalis. A few doses
occasioned a copious flow of urine, without sickness or any other
disturbance. The medicine was discontinued; and the next day the urine
continuing to be secreted very plentifully, he lost his most
distressing complaints, was in great spirits, and ate a pretty good
dinner. In the evening, as he was conversing chearfully with some
friends, he stooped forwards, fell from his chair, and died instantly.
Had he been in bed, I think there is reason to believe this fatal
syncope, if such it was, would not have happened.