‘ 
181 [urr. 
the system, of an original predisposition from 
hereditary, constitutional or accidental taint, to 
lithic disorder. Accordingly we find,. that dys- 
pepsia is the proximate cause of lithia; and the 
causes of dyspepsia, whether moral, physical or 
accidental, are the remote causes of the 8ame mor- 
bid state of the system. And whatever hereditary 
predisposition may exist, to dyspepsia, as in per- 
sons deriving arthritic taint from their parents, 
that predisposition will be found especially sub- 
ject to lithia. Hence gouty persons, whose diges- 
tive process, in early life, is not so entirely impair- 
ed by the irruptions of frequent attacks of irregu- 
Jar gout: and who for that reason escape the early 
promotion of lithic disease, unless they have been 
addicted to intemperance and great irregularity of 
habits—are nevertheless, in more advanced age, 
very subject to lithic productions: because dyspep- 
sia then supervenes to the frequent arthritic par- 
oxysms which inevitably make their unwelcome 
appearance at that climacteric. The practical 
inference deduced from these facts, is, to di- 
rect our curative intention by constitutional gen- _ 
eral remedies, calculated to restore the lost, rouse 
the torpid, or reinstate the perverted functions of 
the stomach. And this we are to do, while we 
simultaneously administer antilithic remedies, on 
the principles already mentioned—suited to remove 
altogether, or suspend, the farther production of 
lithic urine, by their peculiar local determination 
to the kidnies. We are thus brought to the con- 
_ clusion, that antilithics, as prophylactic and palli- 
ating remedies, are not empirically used ; but are 
administered on principles of correct pathology, 
chemical fitness, and philosophic intention. As 
such I invite your attention to them; but do so at 
the same time that Iurge a devotion to study of 
