Cary T. Grayson to Ray Stannard Baker
Title
Cary T. Grayson to Ray Stannard Baker
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP16705
Date
1931 November 24
Description
Cary Grayson prescribes rest and Metaphyllin to Ray Stannard Baker to address the pain around his heart, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Dear Friend
Absence from home is the reason I have not answered your letter sooner.
In reply to your question as to the amount of mental work you can do, there are three things that you can guide your activities, mentally and physically: (1) Pain around the region of the heart; (2) Shortness of breath; and (3) Fatigue. When you find any one or all of these three symptoms present, slow up or stop altogether for the time being.
I think a rest would be beneficial in your case. Perhaps it is not absolutely necessary, but it certainly would be helpful in any event. I am enclosing the prescription for Metaphyllin. This is in tablet form, as you know, and comes in tubes, and as previously suggested, take a tablet morning and evening. These have no injurious effects and one can take them for an indefinite period. Should you go off to Arizona or some out-of-the-way place, I would suggest that you lay in a supply of several tubes.
I am sure you will find that you will be feeling better and will continue to improve. I dont mean to be alarming, but you have been under a long and hard strain and your heart has paid toll for it. I want you to be more cautious from now on. You can be the doctor and the judge by observing the three signs before mentioned: Pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
I hope you will drop me a line once in awhile and let me know how you are getting along. This letter is not meant to be pessimistic in tone but perfectly frank, and perhaps - a little over-cautious, annimated by a warm feeling of friendship, along with whatever my professional judgment is worth.
It was fine to have the little visit with you, and I hope they will occur more often and not so far apart in the future.
Sincerely yours,
Cary T. Grayson
Absence from home is the reason I have not answered your letter sooner.
In reply to your question as to the amount of mental work you can do, there are three things that you can guide your activities, mentally and physically: (1) Pain around the region of the heart; (2) Shortness of breath; and (3) Fatigue. When you find any one or all of these three symptoms present, slow up or stop altogether for the time being.
I think a rest would be beneficial in your case. Perhaps it is not absolutely necessary, but it certainly would be helpful in any event. I am enclosing the prescription for Metaphyllin. This is in tablet form, as you know, and comes in tubes, and as previously suggested, take a tablet morning and evening. These have no injurious effects and one can take them for an indefinite period. Should you go off to Arizona or some out-of-the-way place, I would suggest that you lay in a supply of several tubes.
I am sure you will find that you will be feeling better and will continue to improve. I dont mean to be alarming, but you have been under a long and hard strain and your heart has paid toll for it. I want you to be more cautious from now on. You can be the doctor and the judge by observing the three signs before mentioned: Pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
I hope you will drop me a line once in awhile and let me know how you are getting along. This letter is not meant to be pessimistic in tone but perfectly frank, and perhaps - a little over-cautious, annimated by a warm feeling of friendship, along with whatever my professional judgment is worth.
It was fine to have the little visit with you, and I hope they will occur more often and not so far apart in the future.
Sincerely yours,
Cary T. Grayson
Original Format
Letter
To
Baker, Ray Stannard, 1870-1946
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson to Ray Stannard Baker,” 1931 November 24, WWP16705, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.