126 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



gout, but living on low diet, and free from intemperance, they 

 are not affected with the disease." 



Whether there be any other means of radically curing the 

 gout, I am not ready to determine. There are histories of cases 

 of the gout, in which it is said, that by great emotions of mind, 

 by wounds, and by other accidents, the symptoms have been 

 suddenly relieved, and never again returned ; but how far these 

 accidental cures might be imitated by art, or would succeed in 

 other cases, is at least extremely uncertain. 



DXLI. The practices proper and necessary in the treatment 

 of the gout, are to be considered under two heads : first, As 

 they are to be employed in the intervals of paroxysms ; or, 

 secondly. As during the time of these. 



DXLI I. In the intervals of paroxysms, the indications are, 

 to prevent the return of paroxysms, or at least to render them 

 less frequent and more moderate. During the time of par- 

 oxysms, the indications are, to moderate their violence, and 

 shorten the duration of them as much as can be done with safety 

 to the patient. 



DXLI 1 1. It has been already observed, that the gout may 

 be entirely prevented by constant bodily exercise, and by a low 

 diet ; and I am of opinion, that this prevention may take place 

 even in persons who have a hereditary disposition to the dis- 

 ease. I must add here, that, even when the disposition has dis- 

 covered itself by several paroxysms of inflammatory gout, I am 

 persuaded that labour and abstinence will absolutely prevent 

 any returns of it for the rest of life. These, therefore, are the 

 means of answering the first indication to be pursued in the in- 

 tervals of paroxysms ; and I must here offer some remarks upon 

 the proper use of these remedies. 



DXLIV. Exercise in persons disposed to the gout is di- 

 rected to two purposes : One of these is the strengthening of the 

 tone of the extreme vessels ; and the other, the guarding against 

 a plethoric state. For the former, if exercise be employed early 

 in life, and before intemperance has weakened the body, a very 

 moderate degree of it will answer the purpose ; and for the lat- 

 ter, if abstinence be at the same time observed, little exercise 

 will be necessary. 



