[Page 1]
Dr Beridge Query Mrs Beridge

I am happy to find you remember me, & am proud of the
honour you do in sending me (↑your↑) sister to me for advice.

I should be happy to be of sevice to her, but I find it difficult
to change a constitution which has been for a long time in a
bad [train.?] Her system of nerves has been originally
moveable & the congestion in the [brain?] produced by cold
bathing has left a considerable disorder in her nervous
system & rendered it liable to be irritated by slight cause

To remedy all this is not possible by Medicines & some
that might be thought as Bark & bitters continued for
any length of time would certainly do harm and the only
Tonics she could safely employ are Chalybeates & even
these must be employed with moderation. The most that
can be done for her will be by a proper regimen
for supporting the tone of the system & for avoiding
all irritation. She is just now engaged in one of the
most proper measures that could be thought of, that
is a long journey which presents objects of the variety &
novelty. This should be repeated once a year, at a
proper season & at other times she should be often
in the open air & gentle exercise , Avoiding at all
times Cold & fatigue. Within Doors she should
avoid chambers made very warm, either by
fires or company. As she sleeps ill she should
never be long abed & should quit it easlie in the morning
rather then try by broken sleeps to make amends
for a bad night. Her having bad sleeps will probably
dispose her to sit up late at night, & to lye long

---

[Page 2]

in the morning, ↑but↑ both are exceeding bad farther measures
for her constitution: In diet I would advise her
to be pretty sparing taking very moderately of animal
food & as much of vegetable as she can easily digest.
I need not caution a Lady against strong drink
but I must say that even a little in this case may do harm
she is liable to Costiveness. It is necessary to obviate
this by diet, if she can find what answers the purpose
or to remove by a medicine as often as seems necessary

With this regimen I would advise her to gaurd
against all Emotion flurry or surprise. But I cant
give particular directions as the conduct of this must
depend upon her own good sense & direction.

This is all I can well say with respect to Mrs Beridge
but I am going to give you what you do not expect, an
advice for yourself. I have accidentally learned from
her that you are subject to the gout & have had a great
deal of distress. The particulars of this I do not know,
but understand that you have been told to take
entirely to animal food & I cant help telling you
that I take this to be very pernicious to Gouty persons.
Certain circumstances may require it for some time
but I am persuaded the continuance of it must be
hurtful in every Gouty Diathesis. Excuse this
freedom & I hope you will consider it as proceeding
from real regard. If you shall be pleased to favour
me with a letter either to your sister or yourself, you
shall by my attention that I am very desirous
to shew you how much I am