CHAPTER XVI. 



RHEUMATISM. 



EXCEPTING gout, there is perhaps no other disease the 

 hereditary character of which is more generally re- 

 cognised by the multitude than rheumatism. This 

 disease, like gout, appears to depend upon the exist- 

 ence in the system of certain poisonous matters, but 

 exactly how this poison is produced, or why it should 

 be retained in the system in one individual and not in 

 another, medical science is not yet able to explain. 

 It is suspected that some interference with the natural 

 excretive action of the skin, probably having a nervous 

 origin, may have much to do with the presence of the 

 poisonous material within the system ; but as to this 

 there is no absolute proof. It has been noticed for 

 ages that in some persons checking the cutaneous 

 action by severe or repeated chills favours the appear- 

 ance of this disease, and also that indulgence in 

 certain foods and drinks acts in a similar manner. 

 Some believe that these interference with the action 

 of the skin and indulgence in improper food per- 

 sisted in, aid largely in building up in the healthy the 

 constitutional condition necessary for the development 



