De podagra et podagricorum curatione doctrina

ON GOUT

1. Gout is a swelling of the particles surrounding and moving the joints of the feet.
2. It is truly called Gout if such an affection is present within the very recesses of the joints.
3. All commentaries on this disease concern either the knowledge of its causes and symptoms or its appropriate cure.
4. Causes are either antecedent or containing.
5. Antecedent causes depend either on one's very origin and nature, or on the will of the afflicted person.
6. Natural causes are the gouty disposition, as well as an innate weakness of the feet and the gouty constitution of one's ancestors.
7. Indeed, a defect that was corrupted in the parents is often transmitted to the offspring.
8. Voluntary causes, which can be better prevented, injure the joints either suddenly or gradually.
9. Those that injure suddenly or immediately are falls, blows, strikes, or dislocations.
10. One is affected gradually by erroneous exercise or nutrition of the body.
11. By the term exercise, one understands any and all labors, whether entirely neglected or performed at the wrong time.
12. Those entirely neglected collect superfluous humors, either gathering new ones or retaining those already collected.
13. For retained evacuations often create this disease, such as dysentery that has been suppressed too quickly, or likewise colic.
14. This category includes the imperfect cure of French disease original: "morbi gallici" — likely referring to syphilis in gluttonous youths, and the retention of menses in women.
15. Untimely or excessive labors include vehement walking or frequent horseback riding.
16. And primarily, the excessive use of Venus sexual activity, because of the resulting weakness and tension of the nerves.
17. Under the name of erroneous nutrition comes an excessive repletion of