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I have taken this Spring, two or three Botles of the Solution
of Guajacum, but I can't say, I find it operate in the
manner exspectede of keeping theBelly open, and regular.
It heats me, and occasionsal drowth. Indeed, I have had
and still have, the Gout flying up, and down every part of
my body, and some of my fingers, and toes, I have very litle use
off having become Bent, Stiff, and Rigid, by the gouty matter
fixt in the Joints, and will continue so, as long as I live where
the Gout is passing through the Body in such a manner, I am
generally hot, and feverish, and I apprehend it is then improper
to take the Solution. I have by me some ounces of Guajacum
which I have kept upwards of twenty years, when I sometimes
took the solution in spirits. I beg to know if it be the worse
for being kept so long. I should think not, being a Gum or Resin
and has the look of Copperas, If I continue taking it, I intend to
cause my housekeeper prepare the solution, as I find it inconvenient
to have it from Haddington, the Botles being sometimes broke by the

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carelessness of servants? Will it keep if made in a larger quantity
according to your Recipe, with cinnamon water, equaly well as with
spirits, which I doubt of. If it should, I would make a Chopin Botle at
a time which I suppose might at two spoonfull ↑a day↑ last about two
month. I make no doubt but it may strengthen the stomack, and pro¬
mote perspiration, which I am convinced is the safest way of assisting
to throw out the Gouty matter. The most terrible part of this Distem¬
per is, the certainty of every year, you grow older being more and
more Rackt (I do not mean by Pain) but what I think worse
is, Nature being nearly Exhausted, is not able to free itself from its load.
Instead of your Medical Signs, in answer to this, Write out your
Recipe in English, that my Housekeeper may understand it, and
make the solution, Mention the Proportional parts of the Ingre¬
dients to make a Chopin at a time, provided you think it will
keep so long good as two months. ↑or to last the Chopin↑ The Botles made by last [Receipts?]
did not last above ten or twelve days. I have sent this by Mr Hay
of Hopps, who goes to town to morrow upon my business, and will be
in town probably for a day or two, If you send an answer to Mr Thomas
Tod's house George's Square Mr Hay will get it. I am Sir your

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Marquiss of Tweeddale
June 1778
VIII. 114.