From these general principles, it is easy to see what diet is in this case to be recommended. The use of butcher-meat, and indeed of animal food in general, of wine, and of spirits of all kinds, are, from their stimulant quality, if not to be totally forbid, at least to be used sparingly. Food of every kind much salted, or highly seasoned, is to be discharged. And all such substances as would act upon the mercury, while yet in the stomach, are particularly to be avoided. The diet should be of the mildest and blandest nature, consisting chiefly of farinaceous, and mucilaginous vegetables, and of milk. The drink should be such as will quench thirst and dilute, if at the same time the patient will take what will act likewise as a demulcent, it is often preferable to such fluids as will answer only the two first intentions. For these purposes, water with toast, milk and water, barley-water, mucilaginous emulsions, or the like, may be employed with advantage. The diet here pointed out as most suited to the nature of the medicine, is likewise best adapted to that of the complaint. As the venereal disease depends upon the introduction of a peculiar virulent matter into the system, it will scarce be imagined, that any species of diet can have great influence in the cure. But, when it is considered, that the manner in which this matter acts, is, in the first instance, by exciting inflammation, it may readily be conceived, that, from a particular diet, its action may be rendered less violent than it would be otherwise. As, for this purpose, the antiphlogistic regimen is unquestionably the most proper, it is only necessary to add to what has already been observed, that the diet above recommended should be used sparingly. It has very universally been esteemed necessary, that those who use mercury should be kept in a warm temperature. And it is an undoubted fact, that no medicine renders the body more susceptible of injury from cold than mercury. In consequence of a sudden exposure to cold during the use of this medicine, the most fatal accidents have been observed to arise. He therefore who has taken mercury cannot be too cautious in guarding against this extreme. But, to avoid the inconvenience which may be produced by cold, there is no necessity for running into the opposite extreme. Confinement to a very warm chamber, and the use of a number of flannels, produce a temperature which, although not so dangerous as cold, is equally improper. The cure of _lues venerea_, if not frustrated by the discharges thus promoted, is often retarded, and less easily obtained than it would otherwise be. After a patient has for some time been kept warm, a sudden exposure to cold is hurtful, because the parts are unable to bear the stimulus which it occasions. The same effect does not follow upon a change from a cold to a hot temperature, not only because this is seldom so sudden, but because it likewise promotes many different evacuations.