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"The descent |
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Newspapers & Media:Mandrake Definition
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Imprisoned:The Doctor's Notes:Dr. William Carter- The Order Dr. Frederick Wexford- |
Victoria's Poetry: |
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December 6, 1812 Dear Mr. Hollins, Due to her uncertain ailment and your position in the community the greatest precaution you can take is to strictly guard your daughter. You must quarantine Victoria Hollins if you wish her to remain at Hollins Estate. She might be overtaken by a wild beast if she goes wandering through the forest or someone might see her and start harmful rumors. Please consider my suggestion. It is a drastic action, however, your daughter is suffering from drastic circumstances. -Dr. William Carter |
January 9, 1813 My first visit to the Hollins estate, on December 4, 1812, was to physically examined Victoria Hollins. I was able to give her a clean bill of health, yet she has not responded to any treatments given. This visit was to evaluate her condition. I spent five hours with Victoria in the family's courtyard, however accomplished little. The Hollins family seems to be a secure and fine group of relatives. I could not find any social or mental oddities whatsoever with the other relatives. I interviewed them all and was careful to watch their physical behaviors as well as their verbal responses. There were no signs of instability. This is a peculiar situation for me. In all these years of practicing medicine, I have yet to stumble upon a situation that didn't arise from some tragedy. There have been no deaths or losses that would encourage such a withdrawal from Victoria. At the start of discussion, Victoria seemed almost normal. She had difficulty making eye contact, however answered my questions promptly and without mentally straying from our conversation. As the first hour passed, she started to change. She became withdrawn and lowered her head. There was no further eye contact. I don't want to see this beautiful girl in an asylum. A new doctor, Frederick Wexford, has just started practicing medicine in the area. The Wexford family has been attending the Hollins family picnic for years. I am hoping he might provide some insight to both the family and Victoria. He should have much information I can't obtain just by monthly visits and interviews. The family appears to be fully cooperating with my advice. They placed Victoria in a room off of the attic. They have three servants assigned to assisting her with her daily life. I hope this might prevent any harm or loss for Victoria and those around her. It is not safe for a young lady to be traveling through our forests alone.
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January 5, 1815 Frustration: This is the tenth visit I have made to the Hollins residence and I have noticed a steady decline in the mental state of Victoria. The eldest daughter of Augustus and Vivian Hollins began suffering a strange dementia two years ago. I am unable to locate any reason why this occurred or what, if any, event sent her spiraling into this world she is in. Frustration confounded me as I watched her. She has no symptoms of insanity as I have observed previously. There are no deviant or malevolent behaviors. She does not exhibit any particularly dangerous potential for herself or others. She does, however, suffer periods of lethargy and an inability to move. She talks to herself at times and seems oblivious to others around her. There are episodes where she weeps uncontrollably and no amount of solace appears to influence her emotions. |
February 9, 1815 The Last Visit: I am still unable to reach Victoria. At this point, I see no further need to continue my monthly visits unless a real break-though occurs. My routine consists of wasting an hour to simply get a one-syllable answer here and there. Frederick Wexford has agreed to undertake this case and continue the visits. Frederick is a close family friend to the Hollins and seems to have a keen interest in Miss Hollins. Frederick knew Victoria long before her episode and has since struggled with understanding mental disorders and diseases of the mind. I think this will keep Dr. Wexford occupied while I attend to matters of urgency. I am impatient with these younger physicians and, since they believe they are so much more learned, feel Dr. Wexford needs this experience. Not all patients are from the rooms of Bedlam. Victoria is a beautiful girl who had much potential in life. There is simply no reason for her behavior that I've found. There is no family history of dementia or other mental ailment. I can't possibly explain to them why this is happening. I hate to continue as the bearer of bad tidings to the Hollins. I am relieved that it will not be my duty any longer. I have noticed some disturbing behaviors on Wexford's behalf. He seems to be getting much too fond of his patient. He denies any passionate personal feelings towards Victoria, however due to his position, isn't likely to admit them to me. He has been following up with the family two weeks after my usual visit. He has spent much more time with her, but has not made progress. I wish Dr. Wexford the best with this case. I have ran out of patience, myself. I can't continue pushing so hard when so many other people need help and will respond to my doctoring.
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"Mandrake: (man‘-drake) n. This plant has yellow-green leaves and a root which resembles a human body. It is mainly used for its medicinal purposes, although scrutinized for its poisonous qualities. Several pain-killer medications rely on the root for their potency. The chemical hysoyamine, found in the root, is a highly poisonous alkaloid. A member of the Nightshade family, mandrake is a European plant, often associated with witches and magic in folklore.” “Legend proclaims that witches covered their bodies, or consumed compounds where the main ingredient was mandrake. While this organic amalgam is reputed to magically induce, 'flight' evidence claims otherwise. When taken orally, a strong dose of mandrake, such as in a tea made thereof, will induce visions of the imagination. Modern scholars would refer to it as, 'hallucinations.' This plant should be handled with respect and with caution. It will cause death in strong doses."
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The Truth I have known Victoria for years. I am unable to diagnosis her condition. What kind of doctor am I? Victoria and I used to walk in the woods together. We didn't have a chaperone so no one can ever know of those times. Nothing remotely inappropriate ever happened, however, our reputations would still be soiled. I suspect Dr. Carter knows how I feel. I asked Victoria to marry me shortly before she was stricken with this treacherous disease. She accepted, however we knew it would be years before a formal announcement could be made. I was barely out of medical school at the time. We would stroll through the forest when I came home. This hateful disease took her from me. She still responds somewhat to my visitations. I just can't see any difference. She used to be so vibrant and vivacious, I can't understand what happened. It was as if something possessed her. I know modern science would label that as primitive and ignorant. Somehow, in recent years, such notions have become ignored by the medical communities, but I'm not so sure. As antiquated as the idea is, what other explanation could there be? Victoria seems the same. Aside from a slightly paler tint to her complexion, I can't figure it out. She is as beautiful as ever. Perhaps even more so. My heart aches for the person she used to be. I remember well those long talks we used to have. I fell in love with her determination and vitality. Unlike many females our age, she wasn't helpless or fearful. She loved to laugh.
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The Experimentation I had a visit with Victoria on this day. I had hoped, since it is her parents' anniversary, it might stir some memories of our plans for the future. There was no apparent revelation. I am confident that time and patience will persevere. I am determined to see her through no matter how far this illness takes us. March 19, 1815 Victoria seemed much stranger today. I fear she is deteriorating. At first, she was withdrawn and passive, she barely spoke to me. Then a flood of words poured forth from her delicate mouth that shocked me. She began discussing the healing powers of the mandrake root and how much it soothed her mind. Perhaps I should attempt and elixir. I will see if I can create a medicine containing this root. Maybe she knows something about the plant that I don't. March 25, 1815 The first elixir I created seemed to have an energizing effect on Victoria. An hour after consuming a spoonful, she was more alert than I have seen her in a long time. I was also surprised that Emory Scott had visited. News travels quickly. Emory has always been my rival, even though he opted for law school. I don't think he likes Victoria because of her. I think it's to spite me. April 8, 1815 My original formula seems to have worn off. It no longer has an effect on her. I need to create a stronger solution. I can't find precisely what is helping, is it the mandrake or another element? I will continue. May 4, 1815 The stronger dose was not the answer. It simply made her more lethargic than she already is. I've began having strong headaches and I can't see when I get them. Dr. Carter is infuriated that I've been pushing so hard with this case. I can't help it. I can't imagine how I'd feel if she were institutionalized. It's obscene to think of her in such a horrible place.
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October 16, 1815 "First, I wish to clarify that this is the worst measure we have needed to take. My beloved patient is not responding to any treatment. I feel we have reached the end of this tragedy, not with a joyous recovery, but with yet another sadness. The trial was held and Victoria was found guilty of the murder of thirty people. I am completely unable to locate the source of her melancholy, it drives me mad that a solution will not manifest. No drug, no therapy known and practiced in the field of medicine will sway this cursed sorrow. Due to her illness and status in our community, she is preparing to carry out her sentence. She will spend the rest of her life in the First Hope Asylum. These past two years have proved, not only sorrowful for the families of the deceased, but for the beautiful girl involved. Her crimes were heinous and vile, her involvement with them is indicative of her insanity. We all mourn during this time, for the deceased, and I, for my bride. Be it a conflict of interest or not, I feel responsible for not listening sooner. Perhaps, we could have saved many tears..." Dr. Frederick Wexford
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November 9, 1815 She is gone. My beloved has gone to a place that I can't follow. If only I'd known what to do, I could have stopped it. She shouldn't be there. Why do these things happen? I have no further words, no further reasoning or logic. What else is there?
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March 25, 1815 "Am I becoming enamored with the night? |
Publication Unknown "Our community was met with another strange tragedy yesterday morning. After waking up, the Donald family discovered Mr. Henry Donald was missing. The lock on the door had been opened and a search was launched. Heartache stunned us all. One mile past the residence the man was found. His condition is indescribable. I was a member of the search team. I feel compelled to say the sight before me was horrid and terrible. The poor man was barely recognizable.” “Suspicions are raising and many are starting to become angered by the situation. The sale of muskets and gun powder has tripled and we are adding stronger locks to our doors and windows. This is the work of a devil, and one which must be dealt with knowledge and precaution..."
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