BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 
gout, yet many other things may contribute to bring on the disorder 
in those who are not, and to induce a paroxysm in those who are — 
subject to it ; as intense study ; excess of venery; too free a use of © 
-acidulated liquor; night watching; grief or uneasiness of mind; an © 
‘obstruction or defect of any of the customary discharges, as the 
enses, sweating of the feet, perspiration, &c. ee 
-Symproms.—A fit of the gout is generally preceded by indigestion, 
drowsiness, eructation, a slight head-ach, sickness and sometimes 
_-—-- ¥omiting. The patient complains of weariness and dejection of — 
spirits, and has often a pain in the limbs, with a sensation as if wind — 
or cold water were passing down the thigh. ‘The appetite is often 
remarkably keen a day or too before the fits, and there is a slight pam 
in passing the urine, and frequently an involuntary shedding of tears. 
Sometimes these symptoms are much more violent, especially upom 
the approach of the fit; and it has been observed, that as is the fever 
which ushers in the gout, so will the fit be ; if the fever be shortand — 
sharp, the fit will be so likewise ; if it be feeble, long and lingering, — 
e fit will be such also. But this observation can hold only with 
ect to very regular fits of the gout. i 
The reguiar gout generally makes its attack in the spring, or begin- 
hing of winter, in the following manner: About two or three in — 
the morning, the patient is seized with a pain in his great toe, some- 
in the heel, and at other times inthe calf of the leg. This pain is” 
nied with shivering and some degree of fever. Afterwards 
nereases, and fixing among the small bones of the foot, the- — 
tient feels all the different kinds of torture, as if the part were 
tched, burnt, squeezed, gnawed, or torn in pieces. The part at 
gth becomes exquisitely sensible, that the patient cannot bear to 
ied, or even suffer any person to walk across the room. 
atient generally is in exquisite torture for twenty-four hours, 
from the time of the coming on of the fit, (unless relieved) ; he then 
becomes easier, the part begins to swell, appears red, and is covered 
ha little moisture. Towards morning he drops asleep, and gene 
‘falls into a gentle breathing sweat. This terminates the-first 
roxysm, a number of which constitutes a fit of the gout ; whieh 
is re shorter, according to the patient’s age, strength, the sea- 
__ Son of the year, and the disposition of the body to the disease. — 
eee + score is always worse towards night, and easier in the morn- 
e paroxysm owever, generally grow milder every day, 
the « $ carried off by perspiration, urine, am 
some patients this happens ina few dayS> 
gout have greatly debi 
approach of summer, ane 
12%: 
ed, by pursuing 2 
removal of man 
