The main document for this case is a very substantial set of 'Directions' for Mr Davidson of Ravelrig, on how he is to manage his gout in which Cullen goes to unusual lengths to explain the nature of the condition and how it is to be addressed through diet and other changes in lifestyle. Next to consumption and various types of fever, gout was one of the most common ailments reported to Cullen. It is now understood as being caused by abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood provoking deposits of sodium urate in the joints causing painful inflammation. Cullen's advice was always aimed at ensuring that the gout was driven outwards to the extremities, rather then inwards where traditionally it was thought to prove fatal. This document is a retained draft that Cullen has carefully marked-up for polishing and revision. Davidson was the brother-in-law of the Scottish novelist Henry Mackenzie. For a definitive and entertaining account of the gout as a fashionable, high-status disease in the Georgian era see:

Roy Porter and G. S. Rousseau, Gout: The Patrician Malady (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1998)

Documents in this case

2 document(s) found in this case.

DOC ID	Summary	Date
[DOC ID:1330]	Reply 'For Mr Davidson of Ravelrigg'. Substantial working draft of guidance on how to manage his gout in Cullen's hand with his detailed editorial marks indicating revisions to the paragraphing.	1776?
[DOC ID:1363]	Covering letter from John Davidson of Ravelrigg to arrange a meeting with Cullen, regarding the case of his brother-in-law Robert Sanderson, and mentioning his own symptoms of 'an irregular Gout' and anxiety. He is staying at Mr Graham's house in Milne's Square.	8? February 1777

People involved in this case

4 found.

Unique Places linked to this Case

3 found.

Places and role of place

4 found.