ack, but it went off easier than
before, and I soon recovered sufficiently to go to Buxton, which you
advised me to, and from which I reaped great benefit; nevertheless on
the 29th of December I had a slight attack in comparison of some that I
had before experienced, and from that time I was free from gout, and
enjoyed my health perfectly well till the fourth week in October 1791;
from that till the third week in October 1792; from that till the third
week in October 1793; and from that till June 1794. From what happened
for the last three years I dreaded the month of October; but I escaped
then, and have enjoyed my health most perfectly ever since till within
the last week, that I have had a slight attack in one knee, which is
nearly gone, without any symptom to lead me to suppose that it will go
further.

"I adhered to your advice most scrupulously for the first year; and in
regard to the not drinking malt liquor, and taking only the two glasses
of wine with water, I have never deviated but two days; and then the
first day I only drank one glass of ale and one glass of Champaigne; on
the second only one glass of Champaigne. With regard to the warm bath,
I only use it now when I have gouty symptoms upon me, and in such
situations I find it of infinite service; and in other respects I
continue to live according to your direction.

"Many persons have laughed at the idea of my perseverance in a system,
which has not been able to _cure_ the gout after five years trial; but
such persons are either ignorant of what I before suffered, or totally
unacquainted with the nature of the disorder. Under the blessing of
Providence, by an adherence to your advice, I am reaping all the
benefit you flattered me I might expect from it, viz. my attacks less
frequent, my sufferings less acute, and an improvement in the general
state of my health.

"I have been particular in this account of myself at your request, and
am, Sir, &c.

MORLEY, near DERBY,
February 10th, 1795.
ROBERT WILMOT."

There are situations nevertheless in which a paroxysm of gout has been
believed to be desirable, as relieving the patient from other disagreeable
diseases, or debilities, or sensations. Thus when the liver is torpid, a
perpetual uneasiness and depression of spirits occur; which a fit of gout
is supposed to cure by