[Page 1]

[Page 2]

[Page 3]

There can be no doubt that all Mr. Reid's ailments
depend upon a gouty disposition and therefore they cannot be
entirely eradicated; but I am persuaded that they can be very
much moderated and the irregular and troublesome symptoms
very much moderated and even avoided. This however will require
a very strict attention on his part and I hope he will consider
that the pains he has suffered and the consequences to be appre¬
hended should induce a man to observe any regimen that can
be prescribed and I propose the following.

He should abstain entirely from all kinds of animal
food and live upon milk, grain and other vegetables.
In the last there is little choice and he may take them
as soon as the Season offers them, only if he finds that any of
them are liable to prove sour or windy on his Stomach these
he should avoid and in general he ought not to live very much
on roots or greens but rather prefer the milk and grain.
He should avoid eggs, and take very little cheese.

In drink he must abstain entirely from all kinds of fermented
or Spiritous or Spirituous liquors and take to water alone.

This regimen may be entered upon at present very
safely as the Summer Season is coming on, but according to the
effects of it we shall judge how far it is to be pushed. Perhaps
it may be releived a little in Winter but I am of opinion that it
should be strictly continued for years, and let Mr. Reid attend to
this, that any incidental fit of Surfeit or intemperance will be
more dangerous than if his regimen were less strict. ––––

With this regimen he should use a great deal of exercise,
walking a good deal is very proper if it never goes so far

Whether he walks or rides he must be very carefull to avoid
cold. He should be always warmly cloathed and avoid putting off
any of his clothing in Summer. He must avoid being wet or
sitting down with any of his cloaths wet or even damp. he must
avoid every ocasion of being heated either by exercise or warm
Chambers. In taking care of cold he must especially take
care of his feet and legs by wearing thick shoes, and warm
stockings and even with these he must avoid walking in wet
ground or otherwise getting his feet wet. If at any time his
feet become cold he should immediately have them brought
to their heat. –– It would probably be of great service to
him if he could have his feet and legs rubbed with a flesh brush
every morning.

By these measures I am persuaded that Mr. Reid will be
very free from the gout and more certainly from his head¬
achs – and inflammations of his eyes that he has lately
been liable to, but for this purpose there are some remedies
that may assist. ––––

I would have the issue taken out of his back, and have a pea
issue put into each of his legs.

I would have him for a fortnight just now take a dose of a
medecine which I have prescribed on a paper apart and sent to
Mr. Kirkland. ¹ After a fortnight the constant use of this medecine
may be laid aside but it should be kept by him and taken
whenever he is threatened or liable to any degree of costiveness.

If in spite of his regimen and other precautions or from any
accident he should be affected with any severe headach, I shall
think it very safe to take some blood from him, either by leeches
set on his temples, or by the lancet from his arm, if any degree

If the inflammation of his eye becomes at any time very
troublesome, it may be proper to take some blood, by leeches set
near the eye, but avoiding the eye lids. The best method of re¬
lieving the inflammation of his eye will be by cutting some of
the vessels on the eye itself. ––

For slight inflammations of the eye he may once or twice a
day wash with the eye water – prescribed on the paper part
sent to Mr. Kirkland.

I should wish to know how Mr from time to time how Mr.
Reids health goes on – and if he will be pleased to call on me
either in the town or the country he may depend upon my
attention and most earnest desire to do him all the service in
my power – and that without any farther expence to him.