Rob (Kentucky) on 10/01/2024

From the Book - Dr. Chase’s New Receipt Book and Medical Advisor or Information for Everbody by A.W. Chase M.D., 1920

Take hot vinegar and put into it all the table salt which it will dissolve, and bathe the parts affected with a soft piece of flannel. Rub it with the hand and dry the foot, etc., by the fire. Repeat this operation four times in the 24 hours, 15 minutes each time, for four days; then twice a day for the same period; then once, and follow this rule whenever the symptoms show themselves at any future time.

The philosophy of the above formula is as follows: Chronic gout proceeds from the obstruction of the free circulation of the blood (in the parts affected ) by the deposit of a chalky substance, which is generally understood to be a carbonate and phosphate of lime. Vinegar and salt dissolve these; and the old chronic compound is broken up. The carbonate of lime, etc., become acetate and muriate, and these being soluble, are taken up by the circulating system and discharged by secretion. This fact will be seen by the gouty joints becoming less and less in bulk until they assume their natural size. During this process the stomach and bowels should be occasionally regulated by a gentle purgative. Abstinence from spirituous libations ; exercise in the open air, and especially in the morning; freely bathing the whole surface ; eating only the plainest food, and occupying the time by study or useful employment are very desirable assistants.