Because the morbid Matter rests chiefly about the Tendons and nervous
Membranes, especially in the mucilaginous Glands, and cannot suddenly
and at one Push be driven out of such narrow Vessels and Cells; it
is necessary to continue the Diet for a good while, till the Body
be thoroughly purged of vicious Humours, and begins as it were to
renew its Youth. Lenient and laxative Purgers are sometimes to be
used, because the Stomach and Bowels in gouty Persons are weak; so
that it often happens that Milk, by reason of the slow Progress of
Chylification, by its intestine Motion, is vehemently agitated and
precipitated, so as to occasion a Slime in the first Passages; but in
a little Time this Evil is prevented by such Medicines as strengthen
the Stomach, and prevent Coagulations in the Milk; the most lenient
Purgatives are the best, and Rhubarb to be preferred for at the same
Time that it evacuates, it gives a fresh Tone to the Fibres of the
Bowels.