From the Diversity of Pains and other Symptoms in the Gout, it appears
that these saline Particles are sometimes salt and pungent, sometimes
more volatile, sharp and burning. That the mucilaginous Humour is
frequently acid and corrosive in the Gout, appears from hence, that
this Liquor is neither so easily coagulated, nor acquires so great a
Degree of Viscidity by any other Mixture as with austere Acids, and
from the Obstinacy and Duration of the Pain. It is frequently observed,
that upon the Approach of a Fit, People complain of sowre Belchings,
Wind, and vomit acid Humours, so that hypochondriac People, and such
as are subject to the Gravel, are most apt to be seized with this
Distemper; this may afford a good Reason why not only the drinking of
acid Wines bring on a Fit in gouty Persons, but originally occasion the
Gout in such Persons as frequently drink them. The Mixture of Wine with
the Mucilage plainly evinces, that the acid Particles of the Wine give
a Disposition to the Distemper, for it caused a greater Coagulation of
the Mucilage than Oyl of Vitriol, whence easily appears what Mischief
it may do to gouty Persons.