Deciphering patient notes

[mazzie74]

Hi,

I have received my Gt-Gt-Gt-Gt Uncles patient notes from Bridgend Lunatic Asylum (1866-1869), and have a couple of words and abbreviations that I need help on.

1). At the end of the sentence it states - H.P. Unknown.
What would H.P. stand for?

2). Another sentence ends - B.H. below par.
Later in the document it also states B.H. indifferent; also B.H. weaker; and finally B.H. failing.
What would B.H. stand for?

3). A sentence mentions that he kept his neighbours awake by praying all night, and the next night it states that he had a much better night, & is now convinced that neither ?, nor much speaking is necessary in offering up prayer.

What is the missing word? I think it may say 'loud' but can't work out if this makes sense.

4). Another sentence states that he is fond of snuff which he works well for, by ?? & mending ? &c for the ward.

What are the two missing words? Does the first say bronzing? but I don't know if this makes sense.

Thanks in advance,

Darin.

[genjen]

That word on the last line looks like "stuccoes" - (decorative plasterwork). Is that an option? Did he have a previous occupation which would fit with that?

Jen

[mazzie74]

Hi Jen,

Thanks,

Yes definitely.

He was an Italian Plaster Figure Maker!

Do you think that bronzing fits?

Thanks again,

Darin.

[Paul Caswell]

Neither loud, nor much speaking?

[genjen]

He was an Italian Plaster Figure Maker!

Do you think that bronzing fits?

Thanks again,

Darin.

It does look like it and it makes sense with the plasterwork.

Jen

[ennael]

Hanging and mending Stuccoes?

Leanne

[mazzie74]

Hi again Jen / Paul,

Thanks,

I think 'loud' is probably right.

Cheers for the plaster and bronzing suggestion.

Any ideas on 'P.H.' and 'B.H.?'

Hi Leanne,

Hanging may be right - but it could also still say bronzing.

Thanks,

Darin.

[ennael]

Is B. H the patients' initials?, it looks like they are recording a deterioation in the patient condition.

Leanne

[genjen]

I think the word we are looking at definitely has a z in the middle. If you look at the other words with g in them, I don't think it looks like hanging.

Anyone else have any opinions?

Jen