Dolæus upon the cure of the gout by milk-diet To which is prefixed, an essay upon diet

In this compact 18th‑century treatise the author sets out a measured defence of milk as a remedy for gout, offering a clear‑sighted alternative to the more aggressive regimens of his day. Addressed to a distinguished patron, the opening pages blend courteous dedication with a candid appraisal of prevailing medical practices, inviting listeners into a conversation that feels both scholarly and personal.

The work proceeds by revisiting Dolaeus’ earlier writings, then carefully teasing apart their generic prescriptions in favour of a diet‑centred approach that respects individual constitution. Alongside historical anecdotes of cures, the author supplies practical guidance on how milk can be incorporated into daily meals, while warning against the hazards of unqualified self‑treatment. Listeners will come away with a vivid picture of early modern health debates, the earnestness of a physician striving for both efficacy and patient safety, and a surprising glimpse of how diet—still a hot topic today—was once proposed as a gentle, natural cure for painful joint disease.