Page 377

380

[*for appendix*]
with the [clear definition] [defined edge] of
lichen, their colour is a slightly venous blue
or dull tallow white. It is clearly a
concomitant of a certain condition of scurvy
which now prevails, [one] accompanied by
excessive acivity of kidness and diminished
action of skin. The effort of the system to
cast off by absorption the effused fluids which
in some of our cases pervade the entire
structure, seems to be accompanied by
this erythema, in one sense therefore
it is Examthematous, more so certainly
that the critical rashes urticaria &c.
which sometimes occur in gout & rheumatism,
or complicate the true exanthema
to [blank] Query, may not this absorbing
function be the sole a nearly direct incentive
to this eruption in gout rheumatism and
other cases, and may not artificially
induced erythema or mechanical action
on skin be a valuable remedy, long before
the action commences?
[end appendix]

Friday
Apr. 6

Our little family are growing more and more uneasy
about Hans. William reported him
sick at Leiper Bay but, as the man is a
habitual liar we thought it merely a
result of fatigue from extra exposure.
Now there seems ground for serious apprehension.
My own fear is that William may
have conveyed to him some false message
or threat or reproach using my name and was in this way [by which he had] deterred
him from returning. Hans is very faithful;
but he is entirely unaware of William's desertion
[being a deserter. William might readily
return as if sent my me and ramp up
some story, either of reproof or threat [which]
would deter poor Hans from coming
back, as the boy is] and he is besides both credulous and sensitive.