[ HS ] 
dedudlions to approach towards truth, as near as the 
abdrufe nature of the fubjed will permit; And as I ' 
think I have aftually found fome variation from the 
common pradtice in rheumatifms, built upon the 
eftabliihed fadt of great irritability in the mufcul r 
fibres, fucceed, to the relief of fuffering patients, I 
cannot difmifs this fubjedl, without relating, that only 
with gentle and continued fridions on the pained 
rheumatic parts with common falad oil, two poor pa- 
tients, who lately applied for my advice in obftinate 
rheumatifms, were, by thus relaxing the crifpation of- 
the folids, furprifingly relieved, without any farther 
medicine. So that after bleeding, where it is indi- 
cated, which above all things 1 find abates irritabi- 
lity, it may deferve to tried, how far animal oils, ap- 
plied by fridtion long continued to the aggrieved 
parts, both in the gout, rheumatifm, and other pain- 
ful difeafes, will eafe the tortures, without repelling 
or obftrudting the matter, which nature is labouring 
“o throw off. But I forbear to enlarge, as the expe- 
riments I have hitherto made upon the fubjedl of 
irritability, are fcarce fufhcient to obtain what Lord 
Bacon calls the Vindemiatio prima in this fcience. 
When I receive fufficient information to be convinced 
within myfelf, I fhall not be wanting to, communi- 
cate what may tend to advance this branch of na- 
tural knowlege, and to promote a true theory of 
difeafes, upon which all rational pradlice mult be efta- 
blifhed. I have now obeyed your friendly commands ; 
and that the gentlemen and you may not think me 
tedious, I conclude with affuring you, that I am. Sir, 
Your molt obedient humble fervant. 
New Broad-ftreet, 
June 19, 1755. 
Richard Brocklefbyo 
XXXIX. 
