~Rules to Combat Gout.~--To successfully combat the retention of a large percentage of uric acid in the blood there are certain definite rules to be observed: (1) The general diet must be reduced not only in amount but also in purin-bearing foods; (2) All foods which are liable to cause digestional disturbances, with the attending evils of intestinal putrefaction and constipation, must be avoided. ~Alcohol in Gout.~--If the patient is accustomed to alcoholic stimulants and has been in the habit of taking them constantly for years, the amount of alcohol consumed daily must be radically reduced and only the amount prescribed by the physician taken. Alcohol without a doubt assists in the retention and increases the difficulty of uric acid elimination by the body. In view of the present knowledge of the cause and effect of uric acid in the body, the treatment of gout is directed with the object of relieving the condition (1) by facilitating the elimination of uric acid from the body, and (2) by so regulating the diet as to exclude as far as possible those purin-bearing foods which, by reason of their chemical composition, augment the general amount of uric acid formed within the organism. In gout, as in other abnormal conditions, no set rule can be laid down to cover the treatment of every case. The individual must be taken into consideration, his daily habits studied and the extent and character of the disease known before it is possible to prescribe a treatment or formulate a diet which would adequately meet his needs under the existing conditions. ~Obesity and Glycosuria.~--Gouty individuals often become obese and show evidences of glycosuria. Consequently it is important to regulate the carbohydrates as well as the purin-bearing foods in the diet. Only the simplest foods are permissible. In acute attacks it has been found that milk and alcohol cause less disturbance than meat and alcohol. While the acute symptoms exist all meat should be avoided and the daily allowance of alcohol cut down. Tea and coffee both contain purins and should be avoided while the acute stage of the disease continues. Cereal coffee, hot water tea, hot milk or buttermilk may be substituted. ~Purin-free Diet.~--A purin-free diet is advisable during the acute attack. The following is a sample menu of such a diet: Breakfast--Banana, apple, grapefruit, orange or peach, etc. Cereals: farina, hominy, or cream of wheat with cream and sugar 1 egg, soft-cooked Buttered toast Cereal, coffee with sugar and cream or hot water tea (milk and hot water) with cream and sugar Lunch or Dinner--Poached egg on toast, 1 large baked potato with butter, 1 mold of fruit jelly with cream Supper--Rice and butter, bread or toast with hot milk Apple sauce with cream