CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 373 



known it made use of to this purpose, and with what 

 success. 



An ingenious friend of mine frequently troubled with 

 the gout, has sometimes found ease by applying Bardana 

 \Arctmm Lajipa, Linn.] to the part affected. Being 

 lately afflicted with this distemper in his foot, he was 

 desirous to make use of the same remedy ; but by a 

 mistake he applied a leaf oiPetasites \Tussilago Petasites, 

 Linn.] instead of Bardana, and being somewhat short- 

 sighted, did not presently perceive the mistake, until 

 morning, he was surprised with a speedier cure than he 

 expected. For whereas the Bardana was wont to give 

 him ease in three or fom* days' time, the Petasites had in 

 one night wonderfully reheved him, insomuch that the 

 pain and inflammation were wholly gone, and the tumour 

 in a great measure abated. Since that time he has been 

 very free from this distemper, but does almost long for 

 another fit, that he might have the opportunity of repeat- 

 ing this experiment. I have not since he gave me this 

 account had an opportunity of making use of this plant in 

 this case, but question not I soon shall, the gout being of 

 late years become very common in this country ; and if I 

 find it any way successful, you may expect to hear 

 from me. 



Mr. Ray to Dr. Hans Sloane. 



Black Notley, Aug. li, 1700. 



Sir, — You are pleased still to lay fresh obligations upon 

 me, and load me with kindnesses. I may justly be 

 ashamed to receive so many favom's from you, and to re- 

 tm-n nothing but empty thanks, and yet that is all I am 

 capable of doing, and therefore all you are to expect from 

 me ; who yet retain a will of making amends, if either you 

 needed or desired it, or my condition and circumstances 



