To promote perspiration, the patient may use the decoction of seneka-root, as directed above; or he may take two table-spoonfuls of Mindererus’s spirit in a cup of wine-whey three or four times a-day. To promote a discharge of urine, the following infusion of the London hospitals will likewise be beneficial: Take of zedoary-root two drachms; dried squills, rhubarb, and juniper-berries bruised, of each a drachm; cinnamon in powder, three drachms; salt of wormwood, a drachm and a half; infuse in an English pint and a half of old hock-wine, and when fit for use, filter the liquor. A wine-glass of it may be taken three or four times a-day. In the _anasarca_ it is usual to scarify the feet and legs. By this means the water is often discharged; but the operator must be cautious not to make the incisions too deep; they ought barely to pierce through the skin, and especial care must be taken, by spirituous fomentations and proper digestives, to prevent a gangrene. In an _ascites_, when the disease does not evidently and speedily give way to purgative and diuretic medicines, the water ought to be let off by tapping. This is a very simple and safe operation, and would often succeed, if it were performed in due time; but if it be delayed till the humours are vitiated, or the bowels spoiled, by long soaking in water, it can hardly be expected that any permanent relief will be procured[138]. After the evacuation of the water, the patient is to be put on a course of strengthening medicines; as the Peruvian bark; the elixir of vitriol; warm aromatics, with a due proportion of rhubarb, infused in wine, and such like. His diet ought to be dry and nourishing, such as is recommended in the beginning of the Chapter; and he should take as much exercise as he can bear without fatigue. He should wear flannel next his skin, and make daily use of the flesh-brush. CHAP. XXXVIII. OF THE GOUT. There is no disease which shews the imperfection of medicine, or sets the advantages of temperance and exercise in a stronger light, than the gout. Excess and idleness are the true sources from whence it originally sprung, and all who would avoid it must be _active_ and _temperate_. Though idleness and intemperance are the principal causes of the gout, yet many other things may contribute to bring on the disorder in those who are not, and to induce a paroxysm in those who are subject to it; as intense study; too free an use of acidulated liquors; night-watching; grief or uneasiness of mind; an obstruction or defect of any of the customary discharges, as the _menses_, sweating of the feet, perspiration, &c.