Gouty Collection
In the 18th century, a gouty invalid angrily rings for his manservant, presumably to fetch him some more port
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In the 18th century, a gouty invalid angrily rings for his manservant, presumably to fetch him some more port. This cartoon from that era is an enigma, depicting the struggles of those afflicted with gout. Gout, also known as "gouty lissa crab" or "Lissa chiragra, " was a painful joint inflammation that plagued many individuals during this time. One notable sufferer was Piero de Medici (1414-69), whose marble statue in 1453 portrays his agony caused by gout crystals. The depiction captures the physical and emotional toll this condition took on its victims. Fast forward to 1816, and we find another engraving titled "The Modern Job. Or John Bull And His Comforts. " by George Cruikshank. In this satirical piece, John Bull, representing the common man, is shown in tattered clothing while state physicians bleed him to death - a metaphorical representation of how society neglected those suffering from gout. Even royalty did not escape its grasp. The Prince Regent (later George IV) himself suffered from gouty episodes and was depicted plaguing John Bull in "The Blessing of New Taxes. " It seems even those in power were not immune to the pain and discomfort caused by this ailment. Gout became synonymous with suffering during World War I when soldiers experienced joint inflammation due to various factors including poor diet and stress. These brave men faced battles both on the front lines and within their own bodies as they fought against this debilitating condition. Today, medical advancements have provided relief for those affected by gout through improved understanding of its causes and effective treatments. However, it serves as a reminder of how far we have come in alleviating human suffering throughout history.