Sec. 184. The hot Baths of _Bourbon_, _Plombiers_, _Aix-la-Chapelle_ and many others are often very efficacious in these chronical Pains: notwithstanding I really think, there is no rheumatic Pain that may not be cured without them. The common People substitute to these a Bath made of the Husk of Grapes, after their Juice is expressed, which cures some by making them sweat abundantly. Cold Baths however are the best to keep off this Disease; but then they cannot always be safely ventured on. Many Circumstances render the Use of them impracticable to particular Persons. Such as are subject to this chronical Rheumatism, would do very well to rub their whole Bodies every Morning, if they could, but especially the afflicted Parts, with Flanel. This Habit keeps up Perspiration beyond any other Assistance; and indeed sometimes even increases it too much. It would be serviceable too, if such Subjects of this cruel Disease wore Flanel all over their Skin, during the Winter. After a violent Rheumatism, People should long be careful to avoid that cold and moist Air, which disposes them to relapse. Sec. 185. Rheumatic People have too frequent a Recourse to very improper and hurtful Medicines, in this Distemper, which daily produce very bad Consequences. Such are spirituous Medicines, Brandy, and Arquebusade Water. They either render the Pain more obstinate and fixed, by hardening the Skin; or they repell the Humour to some inward Part. And Instances are not wanting of Persons who have died suddenly, from the Application of Spirit of Wine upon the Parts, that were violently afflicted with the Rheumatism. It also happens sometimes that the Humour, having no Outlet through the Skin, is thrown internally on the Bone and affects it. A very singular Fact occurred in this Respect, an Account of which may be serviceable to some Persons afflicted with the Disease. A Woman at Night was chaffing the Arm of her Husband, who had the Rheumatism there, with Spirit of Wine; when a very lucky Accident prevented the Mischief she might have occasioned by it. The Spirit of Wine took Fire from the Flame of the Candle she made use of, and burned the diseased Part. It was drest of Course, and the Suppuration that attended it, entirely cured the Rheumatism.