SYDENHAM. 109 a fit with which he was seized in 1660, when he w^as only thirty-six, which was very violent, and continued longer than any preceding attack. He lay, continually, for two months, during the summer of that year, either in or upon a soft bed ; and then, for the first time, began to feel the symptoms of an equally painful and distressing malady, the gravel." In 1676, after the breaking up of a great frost, and having walked much, and for a long time, he suffered'a very severe paroxysm ; and the symptom which alarmed him recurred as often as he rode in a coach along the paved streets, though the horses went gently. This complication of disorders made it very ne- cessary for him to be attentive to his diet, which lie regulated, as he informs us, after this manner : — " In the morning, when I rise, I drink a dish or two of tea, and then ride in my coach till noon * ; when I return home, I moderately refresh myself with any sort of meat, of easy digestion, that I like (for moderation is necessary above all things) ; I drink somewhat more than a quarter of a pint of Canary wine, immediately after dinner, every day, to promote the digestion of the food in^my stomach, and to drive the gout from my bowels. When I have dined, I betake myself to my coach again ; and, when business will permit, I ride into the country, two or three miles, for good air. A draught of small beer is to me instead of a supper, and I take another draught when I am in bed, and about to compose myself to sleep."
- At the present time, no physician thinks of leaving his home
before the hour that Sydenham was returning from his round of morning visits to his patients.
