266 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. . 
» Out of the fit, it is in the patient’s power to do many things to- 
wards removing the cause, and of course preventing a return of the 
disorder. This may be attempted both by medicine and exercise. 
The medicine should be of a cleansing, detergent and stimulating 
quality ; as the anti-mercurial, or other cleansing syrups. To these 
may be added, alkalies and tonics, as necessary. ‘These medicines 
must be persevered in for a considerable time, to effect the necessary 
change in thesystem. At best, it is a work of time to entirely eradi- 
cate this disease ; and I believe it has been the want of perseverance 
_ In the use of the proper remedies, that has caused the generally set-— 
tled opinion that the gout is incurable. 
In addition to the medical treatment, and which is not inferior 
in consequence, two other things are very necessary to be observed, 
viz. :—In the first place, universal temperance. In the next place, — 
sufficient exercise. By this we do not mean sauntering about jn an 
indolent manner, but Jabor, sweat, and teil. These only can render 
the humors wholesome, and keep them so. Going early to bed, and 
rising betimes, are also of great importance. It is likewise proper to 
avoid night studies, and intense thinking. The supper should be 
light, and taken early. The use of milk, gradually increased fill it 
becomes the principal article of diet, is particularly recommended. 
All strong liquors, and especially astringent wines, and sour punch, 
are to be avoided. tee 
It would be well, also, to take a course of stomachic bitters every 
Spring and autumn, as tansy, colombo, camomile, burdock, prince's — 
‘ When, in a regular fit of the gout, it leaves the extremities, and — 
falls on some of the internal parts, proper applications to recal an@ 
‘fix it become absolutely necessary. When the gout affects the head, — 
the pain in the joints ceases and the swelling disappears; while e)- 
‘ther severe headach, drowsiness, trembling, giddiness, convulsions 
or delirium come on. When it seizes the lungs, great oppression, 
with cough and difficulty of breathing ensue. If it attacks the sto- 
mach, extreme sickness, vomiting, anxiety, and pain in the epigas 
tric region, and total loss of strength will succeed. ARE 
When the gout attacks the head or lungs, every method must be 
taken to fix it in the feet. They must be frequently bathed in warm 
water, and hot, acrid poultices applied to the soles; as horse-radis®, 
mustard, poke root, &c. Blisters ought likewise to be applied 10 
___ the ancles or calves of the legs- Warm stomachic purges may like~ 
‘wise be used. The most effectual means, however, which I have - 
en used for drawing the gouty matter from the body into the feet 
Spirit vapor bath, applied to the feet and legs only, the rest 
ff the body being covered so tightly as to prevent the vapor from 
_ having access to it. , 
__Afit attacks the stomach, with a sense of cold, the most warm ¢0f 
dials. ine Carminatives are necessary, as strong wine boiled up Wi? — 
ere oresbage cayenne, zanthoxylum, &c. and even brandy % 
in _ ; 
