Surgical reports on 88 patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 1826-7.

Manuscript volume of pp.492, in neat hand on narrow folio paper with numerous additional blanks. Item is bound in contemporary half calf, gilt bands, lettered in gilt.

The volume begins with a detailed 'Table 1st' and 'Table 2nd'. The 'Table 1st' details the age, occupation, symptoms, and state of the different physical functions (vital, natural, animal, and sexual). The 'Table 2nd' details the necessary information for the taking of daily reports, the effects of medicines, the state of former symptoms, any new symptoms, and the state of primitive functions.

The 88 surgical reports follow the comprehensive brief of the tables, recording the name, symptoms, initial treatment and daily progress or decline of patients.

One particular report records almost three months of treatment for Betty Campbell who 'suffered a most extensive burn over the back, breasts and neck and superior extremities' after her clothes had caught fire. She died 'in great agony' on 28 January 1827 'having been admitted on November 2nd, 1826'.

This manuscript journal detailing 88 case reports of patients - spine title being 'Surgical Report' - has been associated with the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh by a number of references to doctors including Sir George Ballingall, Professor of Military Surgery at Edinburgh University, and Dr. Hunter. It refers to patients treated between November 1826 and July 1827. The volume begins with a detailed 'Table 1st' and 'Table 2nd' outlining the state of the patients and the requirements for a detailed examination and the taking of daily reports.

Open to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance of visit.

Purchased October 2011. Accession no: E2011.40.

Compiled by Graeme D. Eddie, Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections.