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Dr. Wood Concerning Mr. Stewart

I was at a considerable distance in the Country
when your letter came here yesterday. I have since attentively
considered your full and distinct account of Mr Stewarts case, and
have given it that particular attention, that I would wish
to give any case in which you seem to take a particular concern.

I take the Case to be entirely gouty and when the
gout does not take its proper course, there is no irregularity
of the System which it does not upon occasion produce and
when the constitution has been broken as Mr. Stewarts by
his military services had been it is very difficult to put the
gout into its proper train but it is possible to obviate the
consequences of its irregularity and Mr Steuarts case does
not appear to me at all disperate. He has been threatened
with hydropic Symptoms but they are not fixed and I am
perfectly satisfied with the reasons you give for concluding
that there is no water in the chest. The Salivation
is a Singular Symptom but I would take no pains

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to [keep?] it. The movements of nature must be allowed to have their
course. But to come to the point our measures I think must be
{illeg} [stren]gthen the System {illeg} and for that purpose your pro¬
posing the bark was extremely proper and if Mr Stuart had taken it
in any quantity you would have seen the good effects of it but as he
does not seem to be easily reconciled to that I would Supply its place
{illeg} which I [trust?] to very {illeg} in such Cases. I have
given you my formula inclosed. Tho tonics must be our chief
remedies you was certainly very judiciously employed in re¬
lieving Symptoms by Pectorals and Diuretics & Some of these must
Still be continued. Inclosed I offer a formula for diuretic --
[which?] you will employ as you find occasion. If you find the
Squills answer as a pectorals I think they would answer every
purpose still better if a little Calomel was frequently added to
them When any [symptom?] is very urgent I think blistering is
{illeg} the back or [side?] is a necessary remedy. His Diet seems
to be very well ordered. It must be moderate but not too {illeg}
{illeg} drink. His daily exercise is very proper and ne¬
cessary and I am only afraid that he has [resigned?] it. The [weather?]

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was hitherto very cross being either too cold or too warm but Something
more uniform & moderate is to be expected and then I would have Mr
Stuart to have exercise in a carriage from twenty or thirty miles every
day and that very Steadily pursued. When any thing new occurrs either
in the course of the disease or in the use of remedies I shall be glad
to hear from you & Shall be ready to do further every thing in my
power. My best Compliments to Dr Farqharson and all
your concerns. Believe me to be always most Sincerely

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For Captt. Stuart.
For Captain Stuart