Page:Of the Gout - Stukeley - 1734.djvu/98

Rh alleviates the pain, invigorates the spirits, the better to support the conflict.

As for internal things to be prescrib'd during a fitt, if Dr. Havers&#39;s judgment be just, of giving mucilaginous and oyly pectorals usefully in a. rheumatism, it must doubtless be good now. His intention in it, is to impress a balsamic character upon the blood, to supply nature with that mucilaginous oyly juice which is proper to extinguish the fiery salts that cause the distemper. Therefore milk, flummery, creams of barley, rice and the like, must be very appropriate to this intention. Nor need we be afraid of a little mild, soft ale.

The presence of a Physician is useful in a severe fitt. The victory tho' with this powerful remedy is a matter of care. The patient then has no stomach for some few days, and is feverish; he must have some cordial to support his spirits. And if the pain be violent, some opiate must be administred at night when going to bed. This will soon be render'd unecessary; but they that refuse the use of poppy juice in pain; reject one of the greatest gifts of Providence; that divine relief from pain, which gives strength as well as ease, which promotes a gentle perspiration, which is as appropriate, and as absolutely necessary then, as food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty. After the cure, a gentle purge or