Page:Of the Gout - Stukeley - 1734.djvu/20

Rh some in a spoon over a coal, and to rub it on as warm as may be, for some time. Then wrap the part up in flannel, and the sooner this is done, the better. I have only this to add, and it seems perfectly obvious, that it is very necessary for arthritic constitutions, to use more than common temperance, if they expect relief from this or any other method. Too great a quantity of the arthritic matter may overcome this and all other methods. 'Tis apparent this cannot alter the constitution, it cures it but for the present fitt. And the method; hitherto try'd, of dieting, milk, vegetables, &c. have indeed alter'd the constitution, frequently to bring in a worse mischief; or more expeditious death. And if we suppose the whole mass of blood intirely chang'd, still the same solids remain, and will produce in time the same constitution as before; if after a long intermission you return to your former way of living. Or if you proceed in that poor way of living, 'tis doubted whether, a better constitution is obtain'd, than the first.

We may with much reason recommend to arthritics, the use of milk, and that frequent. I have known during a fitt of the gout, a milk diet immediately enter'd upon, has taken off all the pain. I believe, in a fitt where there is much gouty