Medicine: Prime Minister's Gout

A still-smarting convalescent from the occupational disease of British Prime Ministers was Britain's Prime Minister last week. Hobbling gingerly after his first bout of gout (podagra) in 18 months, Neville Chamberlain presided over a Cabinet meeting, his left foot swathed in an enormous flannel boot. Outside, London was whistling the newest hit tune: God Bless You, Mr. Chamberlain. What consolation he could the Prime Minister took from echoes of this ditty and from the list of his distinguished gouty predecessors: Derby, Disraeli, Palmerston, Melbourne, Canning, the Pitts.-Several of these statesmen courted gout by stuffing themselves with mutton chops and port. But...

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