Because there is a great Difference made between the fixed and
wandering Gout, I shall observe a few Things thereon. As to the
wandering Gout, it is observable that the Mucilage of the Glands is
often very differently affected from the viscid and saline Particles
of the Blood; sometimes these Particles are mixed in different
Quantities with the Mucilage, neither have the Salts at all Times the
same Degree of Volatility or Fixity; so that the Mucilage may at some
Times be only lightly infected, and the Infection be more Volatile,
and consequently it may easily move from one Joint to another, or
attack many Joints at a Time. The Points of the Salts are in a Manner
lixiviated, become more volatilized, and of Consequence are with
more ease protruded from the Blood into the Glands, and render the
mucilaginous Juices sharper; whence the nervous Membranes are irritated
and distended, and the gouty Pain generated.