The Virginia Gazette

Published in the Gazette last week, a Letter signed Silvius, in which the Author declares he has some Knowledge of Herbs and says, That if any will inform him of the true Gallen and Nature of Cancer: that (in pure Regard to his Fellow Creatures) he will discover an Herb the Virtue of which is so great, that it will alone cure the most violent Cancer that Mortal can be afflicted with.

Since the above Publication, we have received from a Gentleman in Maryland, the following Case of a Gentlewoman who has been grievously afflicted with a Cancer which we are desired to publish, in order that Silvius may see it; and thereby have an Opportunity of administering his Assistance, to a Person, who would be very grateful for any Benefits she may receive.

SIR,

For the general Cause of Cancers, I refer you to Wiseman's Surgery, Parrey, Brown, of Preternatural Tumours, Turner's Diseases of the Skin.

The present Case: A Lady subject to Hysteric Disorders, rather inclinable to a Cholerick Habit of Body, lay-in some Years past, after which, from Retention of Milk, a common Tumour arose in her Breast, which broke, and continued Ulcerous some Time; but admitted of Cure.

In a few Years after, in the same Breast, a small Tumour shewed itself; which she apprehended to proceed from a Hurt or Contusion; and growing, she apply'd Cataplasms, Fomentations, and such other Applications, as she apprehended, or was advised, would discuss or suppurate the same, alternately.

From the first Appearance, it was judged a latent Cancer, by Persons of Knowledge; and she was advised to treat it accordingly: At length, the whole Breast became Tumefied, and to such a Bulk, that there remained no Hopes to repel the contained Matter: And, on Advice, it was thought proper to be opened; which was done by the Lancet, in the Part where Nature tended most to discharge the contained Matter. The Discharge was no other than a small Quantity of digested Matter, and a much greater of a putrid redish Humour; which kind of Humour, it continued to discharge for Months, at Times, mixt with partly digested Matter.

The Ulcer not yielding to any Applications, nor the Excreescences thereof, has raged in such Manner, that at present it spreads itself in the whole Breast, and is judg'd as an incurable Cancer.

Now, Sir, if any Simple known to you, or other Medicine, that may give Relief in the present Case, and you will communicate the same to Mr. Clark, it shall be duly acknowledged, or the Service retaliated in any Manner you shall judge proper or reasonable, by,

Sir,

Your humble Servant,

M. H.