Gout Stool; 1750-65 This mahogany adjustable seat on a tripod base was made in England around 1750-65. It is most likely that it was made as a special commission for an individual suffering from gout; a form of arthritis which results in swollen joints; particularly in the feet and legs making walking extremely painful and difficult.The construction is unusual as the curved ribs of the stool have been made from strips of mahogany which have been glued together to produce a laminate; plywood structure. In the 18th century this work would have been time consuming as each layer had to be cut and glued by hand. Objects made in this way; therefore; tended to be expensive and purchased by the gentry and wealthier patrons. Wood; Social history; Health and Medicine