[Julius Althaus, German physician and neurologist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Julius Althaus') to 'Dr Spencer', giving his diagnosis of 'Master Armytage', with instructions for the use of 'galvanism' in treating his infantile paralysis.

4pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and worn, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the reverse of the second leaf. He begins by thanking Spencer for giving him the opportunity of 'seeing such an interesting case as that of Master Armytage, whose mother came yesterday with him from Bristol to consult me'. The 'nature of the case' appears to Althaus 'very clear. It is one of so-called infantile paralysis, or inflammation of the anterior grey matter of the spinal cord.' He regrets that there is 'considerable wasting of muscles, and it seems to me doubtful whether the child will ever entirely recover the use of the right arm'. He comments further on muscle damage, before suggesting a change of medicines, the present medicine doing 'little good later on, although it is extremely useful in the attack'. Althaus now gives detailed instructions on the application of electric treatment, a subject in which he was a pioneer. The instructions end: 'Mrs A. told me that she wished to apply the galvanism herself after a time, and perhaps you will therefore be kind enough to get her in the way of doing it.' He concludes by stating that he is sending Spencer his 'lecture on Paralysis from Brain disease, which may be of some interest to you'. From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library. Hunter and his mother Ida Macalpine had a particular interest in the illness of King George III, and their book 'George III and the Mad Business' (1969) suggested the diagnosis of porphyria popularised by Alan Bennett in his play 'The Madness of George III'.