Page:Of the Gout - Stukeley - 1734.djvu/90

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If we can't affirm the use of the oyls will directly prevent the return of fitts, yet thus far it must be acknowledg'd, they are useful to that purpose, and will do it in great measure by their consequence. As they make a speedy cure, they remove the dire effects of inactivity, which lay a foundation for a succeeding fitt. If after a week or two, we can return to our liberty and exercise, action and business, what an inestimable benefit must it be to our constitution? I need say nothing of its advantage to people of trades and professions. Doubtless to return speedily to our common way of living, to the air, is infinitely preferable to all the milk and herb-dyets, all the vegetable and starving regimens, which have of late been at great price imported from abroad; fatally practis'd very often I believe, seldom successfully. They are but the last and desperate efforts of mankind reluctant to misery, to the tremendous evil. But in our method, the fibers are restor'd to their natural tone, before they have suffered. And the univerfal œconomy is put into its former state, so much better than before; as we have expeditiously extinguish'd that flame boyling in our veins, poysoning the fluids and preying upon the solids. In this view, doubtless the oyls are prophylactic, as well as present cure. I likewise judge they are so,