To narrow our field, we should, in the first place, exclude _gonococcal_ infection, and failing this, influenza, syphilis, or any of the zymotic or other disorders prone to be followed by or associated with _joint_ affections. If none of such be forthcoming, we should search for _local foci of infection_. The mouth and its accessory cavities first claim attention. It should be closely scanned for the presence of oral sepsis, the most fruitful source of which is _pyorrhœa alveolaris_. If _dentures_ are worn it is wise not to take the subject’s word that all his teeth have been extracted. Like others, I have in such found the broken-off stumps still _in situ_. The condition of “bridges” should be noted, fruitful sources of sepsis as they are. Clinical examination of the mouth may prove inadequate, as _buried roots_, _cysts_, or _abscesses_, not to mention _alveolar rarefaction_, etc., demand for their detection _radiographs_. The _pharynx_ and _tonsils_ should be thoroughly investigated, for disorders of these same are by no means uncommon in “gouty” subjects. Any history of _aural_ or _nasal_ discharges demands the same careful local examination; and, needless to say, the same course must be pursued in regard of any _local infections_ of the _genito-urinary passages_. In short, in _gouty_, as in _non-gouty_, forms of _arthritis_, thorough and routine examination of every patient by modern _bacteriological_ methods is imperative. Ignorant of the precise _etiology_ of _gouty_ arthritis, we can ill afford to overlook any associated _infective_ foci which may prejudice the well-being of the victim, as, for aught we know to the contrary, we may be overlooking the very _fons et origo mali_. Compare our attitude towards other arthritides of cryptic origin, how systematic our search for _infective_ foci, and what a light has thereby been shed on their intimate etiology! Here may we lodge a plea for routine examination of the blood in all cases of _gout_? For, as shown, the findings, _leucocytosis_, etc., have doubtless some profound significance. Apart from this, the routine employment of _complement-fixation_ tests for the organisms responsible for local infections might illumine the obscurity that overhangs this complex problem of their relationship to remote pathological lesions. If up to now our search for local foci prove futile, it remains for us to note the presence or absence of _functional derangements_ of the _alimentary tract_, or its _accessory glands_. We must not, because we think perhaps that the patient “looks gouty,” assume that his _dyspeptic_ symptoms are of like origin. It is our duty to ascertain, if possible, the precise nature and origin of the dyspepsia.