INFLAMMATIONS. 



when given in the beginning of gouty paroxysms, they occasion 

 these to return with greater violence. When, however, the 

 paroxysms shall have abated in their violence, but still continue 

 to return, so as to occasion painful and restless nights, opiates 

 may be then given with safety and advantage, especially in the 

 case of persons advanced in life, and who have been often af- 

 fected with the disease. 



" The frequent use of opium, like intemperance in drinking, 

 weakens the system ; and, therefore, while it alleviates one par- 

 oxysm, it may more certainly provide for the recurrence of the 

 next. I have known several gouty patients, instead of opium, 

 use, what is quite analogous to it, strong punch or wine ; several 

 discussed their fits more quickly, and relieved them greatly by 

 the free use of strong drink as soon as they felt the swellings 

 come on : but I am certain that they did not in the least degree 

 prevent the frequent recurrence ; they were remarkably subject 

 to gout, and frequently affected with it ; therefore I believe that 

 this remedy may give some present relief, though it is in the 

 main mischievous." 



DLXXI. When, after paroxysms have ceased, some swel- 

 ling and stiffness shall remain in the joints, these symptoms are 

 to be discussed by the diligent use of the flesh-brush. 



DLXXII. Purging, immediately after a paroxysm, will be 

 always employed with the hazard of bringing it on again. 



DLXXI 1 1. I have now finished what has occurred to be 

 said upon the means of preventing and curing the regular gout ; 

 and shall now consider its management when it has become ir- 

 regular ; of which, as I have observed above, there are three 

 different cases. 



DLXXI V. In the first case, which I have named the Atonic 

 Gout, the cure is to be accomplished by carefully avoiding all 

 debilitating causes ; and by employing, at the same time, the 

 means of strengthening the system in general, and the stomach 

 in particular. 



DLXXV. For the avoiding debilitating causes, I must refer 

 to the doctrines of the Hygieine, as in DLIV. 



DLXXV I. For strengthening the system in general, I must 

 recommend frequent exercise on horseback, and moderate walk- 



