Observations, with cases illustrative of a new, simple, and expeditious mode, of curing gout / By William Balfour.

  • Balfour, William, 1780-
Date:
1816
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations, with cases illustrative of a new, simple, and expeditious mode, of curing gout / By William Balfour. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    to be attributed solely, or even chiefly, to their remov- ing morbid secretions from the stomach and bowels; but to the excitation they occasion in the whole system, and particularly in the absorbents. Any person that has witnessed the effects of a drastic purgative in ana- sarca, will be at no loss to explain the modus operandi of such medicines, in any disease whose proximate cause is atony, either general or topical. Many of the more acrid cathartics are heating, and powerfully stimulant; and to its stimulant powers alone, I am convinced, does the eau medicinale owe its success in the cure of Gout. Many are in the habit of taking this medicine in small quantity as a preventive, and with success, when appre- hensive of a paroxysm, Now, in such cases its success cannot be attributed to its evacuant powers; for it is not taken in quantity sufficient to produce any sensible evacuation. It therefore follows, that it produces its beneficial effects by increasing the action of the whole system—thereby preventing the atony and consequent inflammation of any particular part. Dr. Sydenham thinks, that in proportion as the in- flammation and pain are violent, the paroxysms are shorter, and the interval betwixt them longer. Dr. Cullen also, though much inclined to attempt allevia- tion of symptoms when pain is pressingly acute, ulti- mately decides, ‘* that the common practice of commit- ting the person to patience and flannel alone, is esta- blished upon the best foundation.” If, however, some of the leading circumstances con- nected with a regular paroxysm of Gout are duly con- sidered; the danger of retrocession, from attempts to moderate or remove inflammation and pain from the extremities by topical applications, will not appear ¢