Diseases > Domestic medicine

mon, Virginian snake-root, and orange peel. The
diet at this time should be light, but nourishing, and
gentle exeicise ought to be taken on horseback, or
Out of the fit, it is in the patient’s power to do
many things towards prevent ng a return of the
dismder, or rendering the fit, if it should return,
less severe. This, however, is not to be attempted
by medicine. I have frequently known the gout
kept off for several years by the Peruvian baik and
other astringent medicines ; but in all the cases where
I had occasion to see this tried, the persons died
suddenly, and, to all appearance, for want of a
regular fit of the ttout. One would be apt, from
hence, to conclude, that a fit of the gout, to some
constitutions, in the decline of life, is rather salutary
than hurtful.
Though it may be dangerous to stop a fit of tbe
gout by medicine, yet if tne constitution can be so
changed by diet and exercise, as to lessen or totally
prevent its return, there certainly can be no danger
in lollowing such a course. It is well known, that
the whole habit may be so altered by a proper regi¬
men, as quite to eradicate this disease; and those
onlv who have sufficient resolution to persist in such
The course which we would recommend for
preventing the gout, is as fellows : In the first place,
universal temperance. In the next place, sufficient
exercise. By this we do not mean sauntering about
in an indo ent manner, but labour, sweat, and toil.
These only can rendei the humours wholesome, and
keep them so. Going ea ly to bed, and rising
betimes, are also of great importance. It is likewise
pioper to avoid night studies, and all intense thought.
The supper should be light, and taken early. All