A dissertation on the gout, and all chronic diseases, jointly considered

London: J. Dodsley, 1771. Cadogan, William (1711-1797). A dissertation on the gout, and all chronic diseases, jointly considered . . . 8vo. [iii]-viii, 88pp.; lacking half-title (A1). London: J. Dodsley, 1771. 202 x 127 mm. 20th-century half morocco, gilt-lettered spine, cloth boards. Last leaf somewhat soiled and frayed, but very good. Partially trimmed early inscription [ “. . . Bagot”] on title. From the library of Haskell F. Norman, with his bookplate. First Edition. Cadogan was one of the first to publicly blame the occurrence of gout upon its victims’ immoderate habits, identifying the causes of the disease as “Indolence, Intemperance and Vexation.” (truncated) He rejected the traditional drastic treatments for gout, which included bleeding, purging and dosing with antimony, in favor of temperance, a moderate diet and regular exercise. These sensible recommendations did much to dispel the fashionable aura surrounding the disease and promoted a more rational and systematic approach to its alleviation. A Dissertation on the Gout was a sensation upon publication, going through eight editions in one year, but it was also severely criticized and lampooned by those unwilling to accept its tenets; Dr. Johnson, himself a sufferer, called it “a good book in general. . . but a foolish one as to particulars.” Copeman, A Short History of the Gout and the Rheumatic Diseases, pp. 16-17; 85-87. Garrison-Morton.com 4498. Norman 384 (this copy). . (Inventory #: 43713)